CA2028139C - Method and device for performing arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine - Google Patents
Method and device for performing arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine Download PDFInfo
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- CA2028139C CA2028139C CA002028139A CA2028139A CA2028139C CA 2028139 C CA2028139 C CA 2028139C CA 002028139 A CA002028139 A CA 002028139A CA 2028139 A CA2028139 A CA 2028139A CA 2028139 C CA2028139 C CA 2028139C
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- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
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- G06F15/02—Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general manually operated with input through keyboard and computation using a built-in program, e.g. pocket calculators
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- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F15/00—Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general
- G06F15/02—Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general manually operated with input through keyboard and computation using a built-in program, e.g. pocket calculators
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Abstract
The invention relates to methods and devices for perform-ing arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine, in which the digits of the figure are automatically delimited without manual command input both in the case of manual input and in the case of automated input of the digits, and which are employed both independently and also for preprocessing at a connected EDP system.
Together with the automated delimitation of digits of the figure, the operation types are assigned to the figures in simplified manner, partially by storing an order and the combination, partially automated and without pressing a key for an operation type. A movement direction during reading-in of the digits by means of a device for charac-ter recognition is assigned a particular operation type, for example the addition is assigned to the read-in direction from left to right, and the subtraction to the direction from right to left.
A reading zone of adjustable size or, in the case of fixed reading zone, methods in the processing process as well as the input of a direction for the combination of the individual figures of the set of figures serve for determining the relevant subset from a set of figures present in written form during reading-in with a device for character recognition.
A preferred embodiment includes the performance of an addition or re-addition of a column of figures by means of a device for character recognition by combining a single recording movement in vertical direction by means of a horizontally arranged reading zone with a multi-plicative assignment of the operation type of addition, fully automatically or by pressing the addition operation key once.
Together with the automated delimitation of digits of the figure, the operation types are assigned to the figures in simplified manner, partially by storing an order and the combination, partially automated and without pressing a key for an operation type. A movement direction during reading-in of the digits by means of a device for charac-ter recognition is assigned a particular operation type, for example the addition is assigned to the read-in direction from left to right, and the subtraction to the direction from right to left.
A reading zone of adjustable size or, in the case of fixed reading zone, methods in the processing process as well as the input of a direction for the combination of the individual figures of the set of figures serve for determining the relevant subset from a set of figures present in written form during reading-in with a device for character recognition.
A preferred embodiment includes the performance of an addition or re-addition of a column of figures by means of a device for character recognition by combining a single recording movement in vertical direction by means of a horizontally arranged reading zone with a multi-plicative assignment of the operation type of addition, fully automatically or by pressing the addition operation key once.
Description
zo2~~~~
Methods and devices for performing arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine The invention relates to methods and devices for perform-ing arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine.
figures can be input directly where they are generated for performing arithmetic aperations. Such figures are ZO however often also present in written form.
The trend for information input directly where it is generated is on the increase, and as a consequence efficient manual input is gaining in significance.
However, despite the further advance of electronic information processing in the office, paper as a data carrier will not disappear in the next few years since paper has very agreeable characteristics, as an informa-tion carrier particularly fox figuresa it can be used as data/information carrier without any infrastructure.
Information recorded on paper is fixed, that is to say it can only be changed with outlay for manipulation.
Information on paper suggests veracity, which is why final results will be passed on in preference on paper in the future too. Nevertheless, paper also has disagree-able characteristicsa in the phase of information processing it constitutes an information carrier which inhibits productivity.
If one considers humans and machines to be partners for the execution of information processing in the office, the common cooperation suffers from the fact that on the one hand the human individual, while having a perfect communication channel for fleeting, speech information, is dependent on very slow motor organs for the processing of visual information with respect to reproduction (output), and on the other hand that the electronic systems for the generation and processing of visual information are very efficiently equipped, but are very weak on the input side. If one views office work as a continuous cycle of input, processing and output of information where, in the case where machines are employed, human and machine cycles follow one another, it is evident that the weak point of the human individual in the reproduction of information (output) coincides directly with the weak point of the machines at the input.
Arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine on the basis of figures present in written form are performed, for example, in that the digits, figures and operation symbols are visually read by the human, the recognized digits and operation types are input manually and are automatically processed by an electronic calculating machine.
The present invention is intended to support human information reproduction (output) during the performance of arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine, and to improve the machine, the device for performing arithmetic operations, during input. The objective is to simplify substantially the performance of arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic cal-culating machine. This object is achieved according to the invention by the measures and features defined in the claims.
The starting point for the methods and devices according to the invention was the recognition that the addition or re-addition of a column of figures present in written form without operation symbols present in written form has a very large rationalization potential if the column of figures is recorded in one movement with an optical recording device and this one recording movement can be assigned multiplicatively the operation type of addition, ~o~~~~o either fully automatically or by pressing the addition operation key once.
An essential embodiment of the present invention there-fore includes the performance of an addition on a column S of figures by means of a device for character recognition by combining a single recording movement and with a multiplicative assignment of the operation type of addition fully automatically or by pressing the addition operation key once.
During the working out of the technical solution accord-ing to the invention, it was investigated how the techni-cal aids employed can open up the rationalization poten-tial; the latter also with the aim of recognizing whether the fundamental principles could not be employed also more generally in a novel synthesis of technical aids or in new automated form for improving the perfor-mance of arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine.
This is possible, to be precise both in the case of automatic recording of the digits of figures by means of a device for optical character recognition and also in the case of manual input of the digits.
The novel realization according to the invention of the addition of a column of figures by combining a single recording movement with a multiplicative assignment of the operation type contained the nucleus for further methods according to the invention for the performance of arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine.
All methods according to the invention relate to the performance of arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine, these methods not being bound explicitly to the device of a conventional calculating machine. On the contrary, they do not relate to . the mere input of f ~:gures into a fixed-programmed and fixed further processing by an EDP
program.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF-.THE DRAWINGS
The. present invention will be further understand from the following description with reference to the drawings in which:
Figures 1A and iB show a first embodiment where a series of numbers are delimited by time or space intervals;
Figures 2A and 2B show azlother embodiment where numbers are stored i.r~ memor.ies and automatically operated on sequentially;
Figures 3A and 3B show an embodiment utilizing an optical character recognition device where an addition operation is applied auto~nat.ic:~all~_,r to a serie;~ of vertically arranged numbers;
Figures 4A and 4E3 show another embodimeni~ where the direction of reading of num:bexvs automatically indicates the operation desired;
Figure 5 shows r_he method of Figure 4 applied to a sequence of horizontally arranged numbers;
Figure 6 shows an em~oodiment utilizing the storage of numbers to indicate the operations desired;
Figure 7 shows an implementation of the embodiment of Figure 6 through a seq,.xence:~ of harizontall~r arranged numbers;
Figure 8A and 8B show an embodiment where interruptions automatically cause a delimiting of digits;
Figure 9 shows an embodiment where two columns of numbers are added witr~ the arithmetic operation being automatically applied;
Figure 10 shows a device far scanning numbers and displaying the same;
Figures 11A and 11B indicate how directions of movement of the scanner determine operations;
Figure 12 shows the arrangement of numbers into relevant subsets; and -~a-Figures 13A-:13D show an indication of how direction affects the mathematical operaticaTn chosen.
According to the present invention the performance of arithmetic operations .in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine can be divided into the following steps:
1. Recognition of digits of the figures in question 2. Input of digits 3. Delimitation of digits of the figure 4. Input of operation type 5. Assignment of operation type to the figure or to the combination of two figures 6. Performance of the arithmetic operation 7. Checking of the digits of the figure and the opera-tion performed.
In the synthesis of the steps and the technical aids, the following types of rationalization are of interest:
1. All steps of the same type can be executed by a technical device in one processing step in succession or together.
2. The steps can be combined with one another by an operative connection in such a way that the execution of one step automatically effects the performance of the other step .
3. The performance of one step itself is carried out automatically by a technical device.
According to the prior art, hitherto arithmetic opera-tions have been executed as follows: -- '.rhe digits of a figure are recognized visually and input manually.
- 'The operation type is input manually between (or before) the input of the digits of the one figure and the 202~13~
input of the digits of a subsequent figure, whereby the digits of one figure are simultaneously also delimited as a figure, and the figures are combined with one another.
- The result is calculated either immediately or after a result key is pressed.
If figures are arithmetically combined in accordance with the method of reverse Polish notation, the digits of the figure are delimited also by manual pressing of an Enter key.
In the methods according to the invention, the digits of a figure are not delimited as a figure by manually pressing a key for the operation type or an Enter key, but step 3, the delimitation of the digits of the figure, is automated in itself and hence a rationalization effect in accordance with type 3 is achieved. The automation can be achieved in that a time interval (1) to be defined is exceeded between the input of digits, or in the case of figures present in written form, for example, certain criteria of spatial or spatially different arrangement (5) are detected, or in that the automatic delimitation is carried out after a defined number of digits have been input after a comma position has been detected (cf.
Figure 1). A:11 methods can be carried out both in the --°--case of manual input of the digits and in the case of automated input by means of a device for optical character recognition. In the case of manual input of the digits of a figure, it is also possible to use, for example, two spatially separate keypads, which are used alternately for the one figure and for the subsequent figure etc , for input of the digits, and the digits of the figure are delimited when the keypad changeover is made. Devices for detecting that a time interval has been exceeded can also be employed in conventional calculating machines without automated input of the digits.
The advantages of the automated delimitation of the ~02~13~
digits of the figure are evident in the following methods:
- In the case of those previous methods in which the digits are manually delimited by means of a separate S Enter key, such as for methods with the reverse Polish notation for example, the separate manual pressing of a key is dispensed with.
- During the performance of arithmetic operations on various figures with the same operation type, for example the addition of a column of figures or the multiplication of a series of figures, during the performance of arith-metic operations according to the prior art, the opera-tion type is assigned separately to each figure or each combination of two figures. A method according to the invention consists now in that the assignment of the operation type to the figure or to the combination of two figures is carried out automatically, in. that either this operation type is stored in a memory or a circuit of the arithmetic unit and, with the automatic delimitation of the digits of the figure, this stored operation type is also automatically assigned to the delimited figure or the combination of two figures via an operative connec-tion, or in that the delimited figures are previously stored in at :least one memory (6) and by pressing a key for an operation type (9) this operation type is automa-tically assigned to each stored figure (11) (cf.: '~e 2). As a consequence pressing an input key for the operation type is required either not at all or at most once, as a result of which a rationalization effect according to type 2 and 3 is achieved simultaneously, in that the step of delimitation of the digits of the figure automatically brings about the step of assignment of the operation type to the figure or to the combination (type 2), and the delimitation of the figure itself is carried out automatically {type 3). However, since now only the manual input of digits (step 2) has still to be carried out, a further rationalization potential can be realized ~4~~1. ~~
_,_ simultaneously, namely in that all steps 2 can now be performed manually in accordance with the rationalization type 1 as partial tasks of the same type one after the other and together, and consequently one of the inputting fingers no longer has to be moved to an operation key, hence the position of the inputting fingers on the digit keypad is more calm and thus better concentration on step 1, the visual recognition, and step 7, the checking of the digits, is possible.
- During the performance of arithmetic operations with different operation types, at least the assignments of an operation type can be automated, in that again at least one operation type is stored. In this case, not only one but also two operation types can be stored and can be combined with the manual input of the operation type and with various execution priorities. In a preferred method, if a key is pressed manually for an operation type, this operation type is performed with first prior-ity. If a key is not manually pressed for an operation type, the assignment of an operation type stored option-ally in an additional memory to the automatically delimi-ted figure, for example a multiplication, is automati-cally carried out with second priority. If no operation type is stored in this memory, then the assignment of the operation type of addition which is permanently stored by means of a circuit in the arithmetic unit as operation type to be executed in third priority is automatically carried out with third execution priority. If an opera-tion type is to be manually assigned with first priority, then this is to be input before inputting the first digit. Use of this method is very flexible: the degree of automation can be tailored to the respective arith-metic algorithm by corresponding manipulation.
The assignment of at least one operation type- can fur-thermore also be automated in that, during automated input of the digits by means of a device for character recognition, the movement direction during reading-in of 202~1~0 _8_ the figure is detected (cf. Figure 11) - which is pos-sible by means of mechanical or electronic aids -, in addition a particular operation type is assigned to a movement direction and the detection of this movement direction brings about the automatic assignment of the corresponding operation type to the automatically delimited figure. For example, the four movement direc-tions of upwards, downwards, to the left and to the right can be assigned to the four basic operations. The simplest application relates to the operation types of addition and subtraction, in that, for example in the case of horizontal reading-in of the digits, the reading-in direction from left to right initiates the addition (23), but from right to left the subtraction (24) (cf.
1~ Figure 4). It is clear that this is an extremely simple but efficient way of combining figures with operators, methods also being possible in which this automatic assignment of the operation type by the movement direc-tion can also be switched off, or in turn be provided with an execution priority, for example execution only if no operation type has been manually input before the recognition, or no operation type is stored in an addi-tional memory.
In the case of the performance of arithmetic operations with a plurality of memories, it is also possible to assign the feeding of the recorded figure into a par-ticular memory in a separate or additional function of the movement direction.
In the case of performance of arithmetic operations with different operation types, and preferably with automated input of the digits by means of a device for optical character recognition, a rationalization accord-ing to type 1 can be achieved in that first of all steps 2 and 3, the input of the digits, and the delimitation of 3~ the figure, are automated and are performed one after the other for all figures to be processed, the automatically delimited figures are stored in at least one memory (30) ~02~23~
_ g and according to the invention the order of storage is stored (31) so that the assignment of the various opera-tion types can in turn be carried out one after the other in the stored order, for example in such a way that the first input of the operation type brings about the assignment or the combination of the first figure (32), the second input brings about the assignment or the combination for the second figure (33) etc., so that, with manual input without use of an additional key, the stored figures can be worked through in the order of their storage by means of key pressing for one operation type (cf.__Figure 6). All the stored figures or in each case only the ~~fig'~e- to be processed currently can be displayed on a screen or a display. It is important here that the figures are not only stored in one memory, but that, as a result of the storage of the order of their storage, the order of their combination is also stored, and that the method can also be performed without a screen. The methods can also be combined with one 10 another further.
A further method according to the invention consists in permitting the figures recognized preferably by means of a device for optical character recognition to flow into a fixed-programmed and fixed EDp further processing directly after their arithmetic processing or by pressing a key provided for this purpose, without the result having to be input manually once more. With this method according to the invention, arithmetic combinations do not need to be programmed, but can be practiced spon-taneously. In this combination the idea of automated recording of figures makes it possible to record values from documents freely and automatically and as a result it is possible to calculate with them electronically immediately, and not to have to conceive, program and test a separate processing program for the evaluation or for the calculation with the electronically recorded values, and in addition not to have to assign the individual, recorded values once again to the variables 20~~~ ~o _ 10 _ in the program in any way before the calculation program can commence, but rather to execute the calculation algorithm present in the head automatically step by step by means of the corresponding order when guiding the device for character recognition over the figure material present until the result is obtained. It is clear that with this method too, if desired the operation type can also be triggered by the type of movement direction. The result can be displayed and either forwarded immediately or after manual further processing directly into the fixed-programmed EDP further processing.
This type of combination between fixed programming and prior arithmetic free processing in the manner of a calculating machine, with automated recording of the figures at one time, reduces not only the outlay in connection with the recording and processing of the figures, but also increases the flexibility between arithmetic processing of figures by means of fixed programming and free processing in the manner of an electronic calculating machine. A unit for performing such a method can be connected, for example, to a Per-sonal Computer or else can be used as an independent device.
With a further method, individual figures are recorded with a device for optical character recognition, the reading zone of which exhibits at least the size of a figure to be processed arithmetically in horizontal direction (13), with which the digits of a figure to be recorded for the performance of arithmetic operations are recorded not. horizontally but vertically (14). In comparison with horizontal recording, with vertical recording the recording path can be shortened to the height of the figures. The delimitation of the digits of the figures is again carried out automatically (cf.
Figure 3).
This method is extremely suitable for adding a column of figures present in written form according to one of the methods according to the invention for performing arith-metic operations with the same operation types: the column of figures (15) is recorded (16) through the horizontally oriented reading zone, for example in one movement from the top to the bottom, and the digits are recognized and automatically delimited, with the automa-tic delimitation the operation type of addition (18) is automatically assigned to the delimited figures in accordance with a method according to the invention for performing arithmetic operations of the same type, and the figures are combined with one another (17).
If a re-addition is executed, then the result can like-wise be read-in automatically; this can be marked as the result either by pressing a key or by recognizing a line in the column of figures, whereupon the addition of the figures is automatically checked for agreement with the recognized result, and a warning signal is generated if need be in the case of non-agreement.
The recording path, which is limited with this method to the height of a column of figures (15), is considerably reduced in comparison with a method in which each indi-victual figure has to be recorded with a horizontal recording movement. While in the latter case it must be also be ensured with the device for optical character recognition that each figure and only this one is cor-rectly recorded, which requires either a high degree of concentration for each individual figure or additional technical aids, with the method according to the inven-tion described the correct recording is li.m:ited to the column of figures as a whole, which can be achieved with the horizontally arranged reading zone (12) of a device for optical character recognition in an extremely simple manner. The visual concentration is limited to the column of figures, arid no longer to each individual figure (cf. Figure 3). _ ~o~~~~o A first realization according to the invention of a device for performing such a method consists of a reading zone (52) at least with the width of a column of figures, limited to a standard size in one embodiment, which permits recording of virtually all columns of figures present in written form, a device for character recogni-tion containing this reading zone, an arithmetic unit for performing various arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine, a device for the automatic delimitation of digits of the figures, a display (55) for representing the result or additionally the figures and operators as well as, if need be, a keypad for the manual input of operation types and figures, it not being necessary for all functions to be integrated in one unit.
For example, all functions except the device for charac-ter recognition can be integrated. The latter can be connected to the device carrying out the remaining functions by means of a cable. Alternatively, the character recognition software contained in the device for character recognition can be stored, for example, in a separate computer but be connected with a cable, while the remaining functions are integrated.
If the device for character recognition is integrated in the unit, with a device according to the invention the reading zone can be positioned at a window (54), through which the figures of a column of figures to be recorded can be seen (c~-Figur~. The described reading zone at least with the width o~ a column of figures can however also be arranged on a device in such a way that figures can also be read horizontally with it.
A device with fixed reading zone size can lead to prob-lems, in asmuchas, both in the case of vertical and in the case of horizontal recording of figures, at least partially digits of a figure not to be arithmetically combined can also be scanned, and with the method accord-202~~ 3L) ing to the invention these are likewise automatically delimited as a figure and processed.
A method according to the invention employs a scanner in which the reading zone can be adjusted to the necessary S size mechanically, for example by means of a slider, or also by electronic aids, in such a way that none of the figures not to be processed are also recorded (53). The current size of the scanner zone can either be displayed on the housing of the device for performing the arith-metic operations or on the device for character recogni tion, at the reading zone itself, in such a way that the visual connection between current reading zone and the figures to be recorded is consequently established, and this display can also have an operative connection to the reading zone (56) (cf. Figure 10).
If no size-adjustable reading zone is used, in the arithmetic processing of figures not to be processed can be prevented in that the delimitation (41) of the digits of a figure as this figure automatically triggers an interruption at any moment of the recognition process, to be precise in such a way that no further figure is arithmetically processed. After mechanical or electronic detection of an interruption in the recording movement (42) or the character recognition process triggered by the Latter, the interruption in the arithmetic processing of figures is again canceled, as a result of which a new figure can be processed again (43) etc. In a preferred method, however, within the framework of character recognition a line sensing is carried out (44), in which an interruption in the arithmetic processing, caused by the first delimitation of digits of the figure (46), is only valid for this line, and as soon as a new line is found (47) a first delimited figure is processed again arithanetically. This method applies With vertical recording of figures where digits of a figure not to be recorded are also present on a line (cf. Figure 8).
202~~.39 _ 14 _ With figures to be recorded horizontally, there is a problem if not only the figures of one row, but also figures not to be processed of a second row are also recorded. In this case, too, a line sensing can be carried out, the arithmetic processing being interrupted as soon as a second line is recognized.
The advantage of this method is that only the relevant figures are read in even with comparatively large reading zones, and this in a simple manner for the user. It is only necessary for the user to guide the reading zone in such a way that the limitation of the reading zone on one size is used for the correct selection of the figures, while the remainder is performed automatically.
Furthermore, the detection of the vertical recording movement can trigger the interruption of the arithmetic processing of the first figure of each line found, or the detection of the horizontal recording movement can trigger the interruption of the arithmetic processing after the last recognized figure of the first line.
An interruption in the movement of the reading zone which cancels the interruption in the arithmetic processing again can be detected in an electronic manner, for example in that no mere digits from digitally coded symbols are recognized within a defined time interval.
Analogous to the line sensing, a column sensing can also be carried out during the processing of a column of figures, in which case the figures of a column are to be processed arithmetically.
In a further method according to the invention for determining the relevant figures for a performance of arithmetic operations in the case wrere the reading zone is too large, in a first step digits of all figures are delimited as figures, even ones which are not to be pro-cessed. If the figures are ordered on the written document, for example in two columns which are both 20~~139 recorded by the reading zone, in a second step the combination direction is input by means of a key (49).
The combination direction defines in which direction the recognized figures are to be combined, for example the recognized figures of a column of figures are to be combined with one another not horizontally but verti-cally, so that the vertical key is to be input. The operation type can then be assigned to these figures according to described methods for the performance of arithmetic operations of the same operation type or with at least one automated assignment of an operation type or with different operation types. In the case where an addition is performed, if the operation type of addition is activated once, this can be assigned to all figures in both columns, it being possible by pressing the result key once to display the result of the first column (50), by pressing it twice to display the result of the second column (51). If figures are displayed on a screen, the results of both columns can also be automatically dis played on the screen (cf. Figure 9).
It should, however, be noted that with all these methods for determining the relevant figures, no screen is necessary, which can not only be a cost advantage, but makes the use of this method very versatile. It is of course possible for the delimited figures and also the results to be displayed on a screen of a Personal Computer, for example, and if need be the type of com-bination can also be represented.
Then again, if need be the combination direction can also be triggered by the type of movement direction detected-, or this can sa.anultaneously determine also the operation type. Diverse combinations are conceivable. For example, the input of the operation type of addition can also automatically bring about the vertical combination, while the ingot of the operation type of multiplication can bring about the horizontal combination direction.
~~~~~.39 Furthermore, in the abovementioned example in which figures of two columns were recognized and were added with the vertical combination direction, pressing a key for a second time for the combination direction, this time however for horizontal combination, can trigger the horizontal addition shown as example according to inven-tion, again with or without screen.
A combination direction is not established by each individual figure being combined individually, but in that a recognized set of figures is divided either vertically or horizontally. into relevant subsets.
The prerequisite for this is however that the figures are ordered in this manner: an assignment must be possible in horizontal direction, for example a line sensing, and an assignment must be possible in vertical direction, for example a column sensing, within given permissible deviations. The column sensing can be performed analogo-usly to the line sensing carried out within the framework of a character recognition. The digits delimited as a figure are viewed, for example, as digit arrangements (64), as shown in Figure 12. Analogously to the line sensing, a common line is searched ~or these digit arrangements, not a horizontal line as with the line sensing (63), but rather a vertical line at the right limit of the figure. All associated figures are combined with one another and figure and combination axe stored.
In a device for performing the method according to the invention, the automatic delimitation can be combined with the manual delimitation. This results in three operating modes: fully automatic operating mode in which the digits are input automatically and are automatically delimited as figures; semi-automatic operating mode in which the digits are input manually but are automatically delimited as figures; conventional operating mode in which the digits are input manually and are manually delimited as figures. ..
zo2~~~~
Checking the correctness of the figures read-in can be facilitated if a digit which falls below a defined limit for recognition reliability is marked. The correction can be made by manual input, it being possible for the correction input to return automatically to this digit with low recognition reliability or to the figure in question, and in this manner all these digits with low recognition reliability can be worked through for correc-tion. It is furthermore also possible to facilitate checking by not only displaying the recognized figures on a display or a screen, but also their digital or analog coded representation. As.a consequence, the digital or analog image of the figure can be enlarged if need be and compared with the recognized figure on the screen.
The methods and devices described and illustrated in Figures 1 to "13 ar_e first realizations of the patent claims according to the invention.
Methods and devices for performing arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine The invention relates to methods and devices for perform-ing arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine.
figures can be input directly where they are generated for performing arithmetic aperations. Such figures are ZO however often also present in written form.
The trend for information input directly where it is generated is on the increase, and as a consequence efficient manual input is gaining in significance.
However, despite the further advance of electronic information processing in the office, paper as a data carrier will not disappear in the next few years since paper has very agreeable characteristics, as an informa-tion carrier particularly fox figuresa it can be used as data/information carrier without any infrastructure.
Information recorded on paper is fixed, that is to say it can only be changed with outlay for manipulation.
Information on paper suggests veracity, which is why final results will be passed on in preference on paper in the future too. Nevertheless, paper also has disagree-able characteristicsa in the phase of information processing it constitutes an information carrier which inhibits productivity.
If one considers humans and machines to be partners for the execution of information processing in the office, the common cooperation suffers from the fact that on the one hand the human individual, while having a perfect communication channel for fleeting, speech information, is dependent on very slow motor organs for the processing of visual information with respect to reproduction (output), and on the other hand that the electronic systems for the generation and processing of visual information are very efficiently equipped, but are very weak on the input side. If one views office work as a continuous cycle of input, processing and output of information where, in the case where machines are employed, human and machine cycles follow one another, it is evident that the weak point of the human individual in the reproduction of information (output) coincides directly with the weak point of the machines at the input.
Arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine on the basis of figures present in written form are performed, for example, in that the digits, figures and operation symbols are visually read by the human, the recognized digits and operation types are input manually and are automatically processed by an electronic calculating machine.
The present invention is intended to support human information reproduction (output) during the performance of arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine, and to improve the machine, the device for performing arithmetic operations, during input. The objective is to simplify substantially the performance of arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic cal-culating machine. This object is achieved according to the invention by the measures and features defined in the claims.
The starting point for the methods and devices according to the invention was the recognition that the addition or re-addition of a column of figures present in written form without operation symbols present in written form has a very large rationalization potential if the column of figures is recorded in one movement with an optical recording device and this one recording movement can be assigned multiplicatively the operation type of addition, ~o~~~~o either fully automatically or by pressing the addition operation key once.
An essential embodiment of the present invention there-fore includes the performance of an addition on a column S of figures by means of a device for character recognition by combining a single recording movement and with a multiplicative assignment of the operation type of addition fully automatically or by pressing the addition operation key once.
During the working out of the technical solution accord-ing to the invention, it was investigated how the techni-cal aids employed can open up the rationalization poten-tial; the latter also with the aim of recognizing whether the fundamental principles could not be employed also more generally in a novel synthesis of technical aids or in new automated form for improving the perfor-mance of arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine.
This is possible, to be precise both in the case of automatic recording of the digits of figures by means of a device for optical character recognition and also in the case of manual input of the digits.
The novel realization according to the invention of the addition of a column of figures by combining a single recording movement with a multiplicative assignment of the operation type contained the nucleus for further methods according to the invention for the performance of arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine.
All methods according to the invention relate to the performance of arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine, these methods not being bound explicitly to the device of a conventional calculating machine. On the contrary, they do not relate to . the mere input of f ~:gures into a fixed-programmed and fixed further processing by an EDP
program.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF-.THE DRAWINGS
The. present invention will be further understand from the following description with reference to the drawings in which:
Figures 1A and iB show a first embodiment where a series of numbers are delimited by time or space intervals;
Figures 2A and 2B show azlother embodiment where numbers are stored i.r~ memor.ies and automatically operated on sequentially;
Figures 3A and 3B show an embodiment utilizing an optical character recognition device where an addition operation is applied auto~nat.ic:~all~_,r to a serie;~ of vertically arranged numbers;
Figures 4A and 4E3 show another embodimeni~ where the direction of reading of num:bexvs automatically indicates the operation desired;
Figure 5 shows r_he method of Figure 4 applied to a sequence of horizontally arranged numbers;
Figure 6 shows an em~oodiment utilizing the storage of numbers to indicate the operations desired;
Figure 7 shows an implementation of the embodiment of Figure 6 through a seq,.xence:~ of harizontall~r arranged numbers;
Figure 8A and 8B show an embodiment where interruptions automatically cause a delimiting of digits;
Figure 9 shows an embodiment where two columns of numbers are added witr~ the arithmetic operation being automatically applied;
Figure 10 shows a device far scanning numbers and displaying the same;
Figures 11A and 11B indicate how directions of movement of the scanner determine operations;
Figure 12 shows the arrangement of numbers into relevant subsets; and -~a-Figures 13A-:13D show an indication of how direction affects the mathematical operaticaTn chosen.
According to the present invention the performance of arithmetic operations .in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine can be divided into the following steps:
1. Recognition of digits of the figures in question 2. Input of digits 3. Delimitation of digits of the figure 4. Input of operation type 5. Assignment of operation type to the figure or to the combination of two figures 6. Performance of the arithmetic operation 7. Checking of the digits of the figure and the opera-tion performed.
In the synthesis of the steps and the technical aids, the following types of rationalization are of interest:
1. All steps of the same type can be executed by a technical device in one processing step in succession or together.
2. The steps can be combined with one another by an operative connection in such a way that the execution of one step automatically effects the performance of the other step .
3. The performance of one step itself is carried out automatically by a technical device.
According to the prior art, hitherto arithmetic opera-tions have been executed as follows: -- '.rhe digits of a figure are recognized visually and input manually.
- 'The operation type is input manually between (or before) the input of the digits of the one figure and the 202~13~
input of the digits of a subsequent figure, whereby the digits of one figure are simultaneously also delimited as a figure, and the figures are combined with one another.
- The result is calculated either immediately or after a result key is pressed.
If figures are arithmetically combined in accordance with the method of reverse Polish notation, the digits of the figure are delimited also by manual pressing of an Enter key.
In the methods according to the invention, the digits of a figure are not delimited as a figure by manually pressing a key for the operation type or an Enter key, but step 3, the delimitation of the digits of the figure, is automated in itself and hence a rationalization effect in accordance with type 3 is achieved. The automation can be achieved in that a time interval (1) to be defined is exceeded between the input of digits, or in the case of figures present in written form, for example, certain criteria of spatial or spatially different arrangement (5) are detected, or in that the automatic delimitation is carried out after a defined number of digits have been input after a comma position has been detected (cf.
Figure 1). A:11 methods can be carried out both in the --°--case of manual input of the digits and in the case of automated input by means of a device for optical character recognition. In the case of manual input of the digits of a figure, it is also possible to use, for example, two spatially separate keypads, which are used alternately for the one figure and for the subsequent figure etc , for input of the digits, and the digits of the figure are delimited when the keypad changeover is made. Devices for detecting that a time interval has been exceeded can also be employed in conventional calculating machines without automated input of the digits.
The advantages of the automated delimitation of the ~02~13~
digits of the figure are evident in the following methods:
- In the case of those previous methods in which the digits are manually delimited by means of a separate S Enter key, such as for methods with the reverse Polish notation for example, the separate manual pressing of a key is dispensed with.
- During the performance of arithmetic operations on various figures with the same operation type, for example the addition of a column of figures or the multiplication of a series of figures, during the performance of arith-metic operations according to the prior art, the opera-tion type is assigned separately to each figure or each combination of two figures. A method according to the invention consists now in that the assignment of the operation type to the figure or to the combination of two figures is carried out automatically, in. that either this operation type is stored in a memory or a circuit of the arithmetic unit and, with the automatic delimitation of the digits of the figure, this stored operation type is also automatically assigned to the delimited figure or the combination of two figures via an operative connec-tion, or in that the delimited figures are previously stored in at :least one memory (6) and by pressing a key for an operation type (9) this operation type is automa-tically assigned to each stored figure (11) (cf.: '~e 2). As a consequence pressing an input key for the operation type is required either not at all or at most once, as a result of which a rationalization effect according to type 2 and 3 is achieved simultaneously, in that the step of delimitation of the digits of the figure automatically brings about the step of assignment of the operation type to the figure or to the combination (type 2), and the delimitation of the figure itself is carried out automatically {type 3). However, since now only the manual input of digits (step 2) has still to be carried out, a further rationalization potential can be realized ~4~~1. ~~
_,_ simultaneously, namely in that all steps 2 can now be performed manually in accordance with the rationalization type 1 as partial tasks of the same type one after the other and together, and consequently one of the inputting fingers no longer has to be moved to an operation key, hence the position of the inputting fingers on the digit keypad is more calm and thus better concentration on step 1, the visual recognition, and step 7, the checking of the digits, is possible.
- During the performance of arithmetic operations with different operation types, at least the assignments of an operation type can be automated, in that again at least one operation type is stored. In this case, not only one but also two operation types can be stored and can be combined with the manual input of the operation type and with various execution priorities. In a preferred method, if a key is pressed manually for an operation type, this operation type is performed with first prior-ity. If a key is not manually pressed for an operation type, the assignment of an operation type stored option-ally in an additional memory to the automatically delimi-ted figure, for example a multiplication, is automati-cally carried out with second priority. If no operation type is stored in this memory, then the assignment of the operation type of addition which is permanently stored by means of a circuit in the arithmetic unit as operation type to be executed in third priority is automatically carried out with third execution priority. If an opera-tion type is to be manually assigned with first priority, then this is to be input before inputting the first digit. Use of this method is very flexible: the degree of automation can be tailored to the respective arith-metic algorithm by corresponding manipulation.
The assignment of at least one operation type- can fur-thermore also be automated in that, during automated input of the digits by means of a device for character recognition, the movement direction during reading-in of 202~1~0 _8_ the figure is detected (cf. Figure 11) - which is pos-sible by means of mechanical or electronic aids -, in addition a particular operation type is assigned to a movement direction and the detection of this movement direction brings about the automatic assignment of the corresponding operation type to the automatically delimited figure. For example, the four movement direc-tions of upwards, downwards, to the left and to the right can be assigned to the four basic operations. The simplest application relates to the operation types of addition and subtraction, in that, for example in the case of horizontal reading-in of the digits, the reading-in direction from left to right initiates the addition (23), but from right to left the subtraction (24) (cf.
1~ Figure 4). It is clear that this is an extremely simple but efficient way of combining figures with operators, methods also being possible in which this automatic assignment of the operation type by the movement direc-tion can also be switched off, or in turn be provided with an execution priority, for example execution only if no operation type has been manually input before the recognition, or no operation type is stored in an addi-tional memory.
In the case of the performance of arithmetic operations with a plurality of memories, it is also possible to assign the feeding of the recorded figure into a par-ticular memory in a separate or additional function of the movement direction.
In the case of performance of arithmetic operations with different operation types, and preferably with automated input of the digits by means of a device for optical character recognition, a rationalization accord-ing to type 1 can be achieved in that first of all steps 2 and 3, the input of the digits, and the delimitation of 3~ the figure, are automated and are performed one after the other for all figures to be processed, the automatically delimited figures are stored in at least one memory (30) ~02~23~
_ g and according to the invention the order of storage is stored (31) so that the assignment of the various opera-tion types can in turn be carried out one after the other in the stored order, for example in such a way that the first input of the operation type brings about the assignment or the combination of the first figure (32), the second input brings about the assignment or the combination for the second figure (33) etc., so that, with manual input without use of an additional key, the stored figures can be worked through in the order of their storage by means of key pressing for one operation type (cf.__Figure 6). All the stored figures or in each case only the ~~fig'~e- to be processed currently can be displayed on a screen or a display. It is important here that the figures are not only stored in one memory, but that, as a result of the storage of the order of their storage, the order of their combination is also stored, and that the method can also be performed without a screen. The methods can also be combined with one 10 another further.
A further method according to the invention consists in permitting the figures recognized preferably by means of a device for optical character recognition to flow into a fixed-programmed and fixed EDp further processing directly after their arithmetic processing or by pressing a key provided for this purpose, without the result having to be input manually once more. With this method according to the invention, arithmetic combinations do not need to be programmed, but can be practiced spon-taneously. In this combination the idea of automated recording of figures makes it possible to record values from documents freely and automatically and as a result it is possible to calculate with them electronically immediately, and not to have to conceive, program and test a separate processing program for the evaluation or for the calculation with the electronically recorded values, and in addition not to have to assign the individual, recorded values once again to the variables 20~~~ ~o _ 10 _ in the program in any way before the calculation program can commence, but rather to execute the calculation algorithm present in the head automatically step by step by means of the corresponding order when guiding the device for character recognition over the figure material present until the result is obtained. It is clear that with this method too, if desired the operation type can also be triggered by the type of movement direction. The result can be displayed and either forwarded immediately or after manual further processing directly into the fixed-programmed EDP further processing.
This type of combination between fixed programming and prior arithmetic free processing in the manner of a calculating machine, with automated recording of the figures at one time, reduces not only the outlay in connection with the recording and processing of the figures, but also increases the flexibility between arithmetic processing of figures by means of fixed programming and free processing in the manner of an electronic calculating machine. A unit for performing such a method can be connected, for example, to a Per-sonal Computer or else can be used as an independent device.
With a further method, individual figures are recorded with a device for optical character recognition, the reading zone of which exhibits at least the size of a figure to be processed arithmetically in horizontal direction (13), with which the digits of a figure to be recorded for the performance of arithmetic operations are recorded not. horizontally but vertically (14). In comparison with horizontal recording, with vertical recording the recording path can be shortened to the height of the figures. The delimitation of the digits of the figures is again carried out automatically (cf.
Figure 3).
This method is extremely suitable for adding a column of figures present in written form according to one of the methods according to the invention for performing arith-metic operations with the same operation types: the column of figures (15) is recorded (16) through the horizontally oriented reading zone, for example in one movement from the top to the bottom, and the digits are recognized and automatically delimited, with the automa-tic delimitation the operation type of addition (18) is automatically assigned to the delimited figures in accordance with a method according to the invention for performing arithmetic operations of the same type, and the figures are combined with one another (17).
If a re-addition is executed, then the result can like-wise be read-in automatically; this can be marked as the result either by pressing a key or by recognizing a line in the column of figures, whereupon the addition of the figures is automatically checked for agreement with the recognized result, and a warning signal is generated if need be in the case of non-agreement.
The recording path, which is limited with this method to the height of a column of figures (15), is considerably reduced in comparison with a method in which each indi-victual figure has to be recorded with a horizontal recording movement. While in the latter case it must be also be ensured with the device for optical character recognition that each figure and only this one is cor-rectly recorded, which requires either a high degree of concentration for each individual figure or additional technical aids, with the method according to the inven-tion described the correct recording is li.m:ited to the column of figures as a whole, which can be achieved with the horizontally arranged reading zone (12) of a device for optical character recognition in an extremely simple manner. The visual concentration is limited to the column of figures, arid no longer to each individual figure (cf. Figure 3). _ ~o~~~~o A first realization according to the invention of a device for performing such a method consists of a reading zone (52) at least with the width of a column of figures, limited to a standard size in one embodiment, which permits recording of virtually all columns of figures present in written form, a device for character recogni-tion containing this reading zone, an arithmetic unit for performing various arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine, a device for the automatic delimitation of digits of the figures, a display (55) for representing the result or additionally the figures and operators as well as, if need be, a keypad for the manual input of operation types and figures, it not being necessary for all functions to be integrated in one unit.
For example, all functions except the device for charac-ter recognition can be integrated. The latter can be connected to the device carrying out the remaining functions by means of a cable. Alternatively, the character recognition software contained in the device for character recognition can be stored, for example, in a separate computer but be connected with a cable, while the remaining functions are integrated.
If the device for character recognition is integrated in the unit, with a device according to the invention the reading zone can be positioned at a window (54), through which the figures of a column of figures to be recorded can be seen (c~-Figur~. The described reading zone at least with the width o~ a column of figures can however also be arranged on a device in such a way that figures can also be read horizontally with it.
A device with fixed reading zone size can lead to prob-lems, in asmuchas, both in the case of vertical and in the case of horizontal recording of figures, at least partially digits of a figure not to be arithmetically combined can also be scanned, and with the method accord-202~~ 3L) ing to the invention these are likewise automatically delimited as a figure and processed.
A method according to the invention employs a scanner in which the reading zone can be adjusted to the necessary S size mechanically, for example by means of a slider, or also by electronic aids, in such a way that none of the figures not to be processed are also recorded (53). The current size of the scanner zone can either be displayed on the housing of the device for performing the arith-metic operations or on the device for character recogni tion, at the reading zone itself, in such a way that the visual connection between current reading zone and the figures to be recorded is consequently established, and this display can also have an operative connection to the reading zone (56) (cf. Figure 10).
If no size-adjustable reading zone is used, in the arithmetic processing of figures not to be processed can be prevented in that the delimitation (41) of the digits of a figure as this figure automatically triggers an interruption at any moment of the recognition process, to be precise in such a way that no further figure is arithmetically processed. After mechanical or electronic detection of an interruption in the recording movement (42) or the character recognition process triggered by the Latter, the interruption in the arithmetic processing of figures is again canceled, as a result of which a new figure can be processed again (43) etc. In a preferred method, however, within the framework of character recognition a line sensing is carried out (44), in which an interruption in the arithmetic processing, caused by the first delimitation of digits of the figure (46), is only valid for this line, and as soon as a new line is found (47) a first delimited figure is processed again arithanetically. This method applies With vertical recording of figures where digits of a figure not to be recorded are also present on a line (cf. Figure 8).
202~~.39 _ 14 _ With figures to be recorded horizontally, there is a problem if not only the figures of one row, but also figures not to be processed of a second row are also recorded. In this case, too, a line sensing can be carried out, the arithmetic processing being interrupted as soon as a second line is recognized.
The advantage of this method is that only the relevant figures are read in even with comparatively large reading zones, and this in a simple manner for the user. It is only necessary for the user to guide the reading zone in such a way that the limitation of the reading zone on one size is used for the correct selection of the figures, while the remainder is performed automatically.
Furthermore, the detection of the vertical recording movement can trigger the interruption of the arithmetic processing of the first figure of each line found, or the detection of the horizontal recording movement can trigger the interruption of the arithmetic processing after the last recognized figure of the first line.
An interruption in the movement of the reading zone which cancels the interruption in the arithmetic processing again can be detected in an electronic manner, for example in that no mere digits from digitally coded symbols are recognized within a defined time interval.
Analogous to the line sensing, a column sensing can also be carried out during the processing of a column of figures, in which case the figures of a column are to be processed arithmetically.
In a further method according to the invention for determining the relevant figures for a performance of arithmetic operations in the case wrere the reading zone is too large, in a first step digits of all figures are delimited as figures, even ones which are not to be pro-cessed. If the figures are ordered on the written document, for example in two columns which are both 20~~139 recorded by the reading zone, in a second step the combination direction is input by means of a key (49).
The combination direction defines in which direction the recognized figures are to be combined, for example the recognized figures of a column of figures are to be combined with one another not horizontally but verti-cally, so that the vertical key is to be input. The operation type can then be assigned to these figures according to described methods for the performance of arithmetic operations of the same operation type or with at least one automated assignment of an operation type or with different operation types. In the case where an addition is performed, if the operation type of addition is activated once, this can be assigned to all figures in both columns, it being possible by pressing the result key once to display the result of the first column (50), by pressing it twice to display the result of the second column (51). If figures are displayed on a screen, the results of both columns can also be automatically dis played on the screen (cf. Figure 9).
It should, however, be noted that with all these methods for determining the relevant figures, no screen is necessary, which can not only be a cost advantage, but makes the use of this method very versatile. It is of course possible for the delimited figures and also the results to be displayed on a screen of a Personal Computer, for example, and if need be the type of com-bination can also be represented.
Then again, if need be the combination direction can also be triggered by the type of movement direction detected-, or this can sa.anultaneously determine also the operation type. Diverse combinations are conceivable. For example, the input of the operation type of addition can also automatically bring about the vertical combination, while the ingot of the operation type of multiplication can bring about the horizontal combination direction.
~~~~~.39 Furthermore, in the abovementioned example in which figures of two columns were recognized and were added with the vertical combination direction, pressing a key for a second time for the combination direction, this time however for horizontal combination, can trigger the horizontal addition shown as example according to inven-tion, again with or without screen.
A combination direction is not established by each individual figure being combined individually, but in that a recognized set of figures is divided either vertically or horizontally. into relevant subsets.
The prerequisite for this is however that the figures are ordered in this manner: an assignment must be possible in horizontal direction, for example a line sensing, and an assignment must be possible in vertical direction, for example a column sensing, within given permissible deviations. The column sensing can be performed analogo-usly to the line sensing carried out within the framework of a character recognition. The digits delimited as a figure are viewed, for example, as digit arrangements (64), as shown in Figure 12. Analogously to the line sensing, a common line is searched ~or these digit arrangements, not a horizontal line as with the line sensing (63), but rather a vertical line at the right limit of the figure. All associated figures are combined with one another and figure and combination axe stored.
In a device for performing the method according to the invention, the automatic delimitation can be combined with the manual delimitation. This results in three operating modes: fully automatic operating mode in which the digits are input automatically and are automatically delimited as figures; semi-automatic operating mode in which the digits are input manually but are automatically delimited as figures; conventional operating mode in which the digits are input manually and are manually delimited as figures. ..
zo2~~~~
Checking the correctness of the figures read-in can be facilitated if a digit which falls below a defined limit for recognition reliability is marked. The correction can be made by manual input, it being possible for the correction input to return automatically to this digit with low recognition reliability or to the figure in question, and in this manner all these digits with low recognition reliability can be worked through for correc-tion. It is furthermore also possible to facilitate checking by not only displaying the recognized figures on a display or a screen, but also their digital or analog coded representation. As.a consequence, the digital or analog image of the figure can be enlarged if need be and compared with the recognized figure on the screen.
The methods and devices described and illustrated in Figures 1 to "13 ar_e first realizations of the patent claims according to the invention.
Claims (20)
1. Method of processing a numerical column, which comprises at least two stacked numbers composed of figures, by means of arithmetical operations in which the figures are detected by means of an optical character recognition tool and a number demarcation is carried out between two respective successively detected numerals, and specified arithmetical operations are selected and automatically associated with the numbers, characterized in that the numbers are detected during a continuous movement of the optical character recognition tool along a numerical column, and all figures of one number are simultaneously detected, and the number demarcation is carried out between two respectively adjacent numbers of the numerical column by electronic means of character demarcation.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that arithmetical operations of one type are carried out.
3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that arithmetical operations of several types are carried out.
4. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the type of operation is chosen prior to detection of the first number and stored.
5. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the type of operation is chosen after detection of each number.
6. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the type of operation is chosen following the end of detection of the last number.
7. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the association of an operation with detected numbers is carried out after a number demarcation.
8. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the association of the operation with detected numbers is carried out after detection of the last number.
9. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the association of the operation is carried out by the direction of movement of the optical character recognition device along the numerical column during the number demarcation, and that the one direction corresponds with a specified operation, and the other direction corresponds with a thereto inverse operation.
10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the specified operation is an addition.
11. A device for processing a numerical column, which comprises at least two stacked numbers composed of figures and is arranged on a data carrier, by means of arithmetical operations, comprising:
a computer unit;
an optical character recognition device;
means for mutual number demarcation of two respective adjacent numbers;
a device for selection of arithmetical operations and for associating these operations with detected numbers, characterized in that the optical character recognition device has a reading area the width of which corresponds at feast with the width of numbers to be processed transversely to the alignment of the numerical column for simultaneous detection of all figures of a number and for detection of the numbers by a straight and uninterruptedly performed movement of the reading area along the numerical column; and the means for number demarcation are electronic means for automated character demarcation of written characters along the alignment of the numerical column.
a computer unit;
an optical character recognition device;
means for mutual number demarcation of two respective adjacent numbers;
a device for selection of arithmetical operations and for associating these operations with detected numbers, characterized in that the optical character recognition device has a reading area the width of which corresponds at feast with the width of numbers to be processed transversely to the alignment of the numerical column for simultaneous detection of all figures of a number and for detection of the numbers by a straight and uninterruptedly performed movement of the reading area along the numerical column; and the means for number demarcation are electronic means for automated character demarcation of written characters along the alignment of the numerical column.
12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the device for selection of the arithmetical operations is designed in such a manner that one type of operation can be selected for each processed numerical column.
13. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the device for selection of the arithmetical operations is designed in such a manner that several types of operation can be selected for each processed numerical column.
14. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the device for selection of the arithmetical operations is operable prior to a start of number detection.
15. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the device for selection of arithmetical operations is operable after detection of each number.
16. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the device for selection of arithmetical operations is operable after the end of detection of all numbers.
17. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the device for associating an operation with a detected number is activatable after detection of each individual number.
18. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the device for associating an operation to a detected number is activatable after detection of the last number.
19. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the device for selection of a specified operation is coupled with a device for recognition and evaluation of the movement direction of the device for optical character recognition along the numerical column in order to select with the one movement direction a first operation and with the opposite movement direction a thereto inverse operation.
20. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that the first operation is an addition.
Applications Claiming Priority (21)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH1083/89-4 | 1989-03-23 | ||
| CH108389 | 1989-03-23 | ||
| CH209489 | 1989-06-05 | ||
| CH2094/89-3 | 1989-06-05 | ||
| CH2164/89-9 | 1989-06-11 | ||
| CH216489 | 1989-06-11 | ||
| CH296189 | 1989-08-14 | ||
| CH2961/89-2 | 1989-08-14 | ||
| CH2990/89-9 | 1989-08-16 | ||
| CH2991/89-0 | 1989-08-16 | ||
| CH299089 | 1989-08-16 | ||
| CH299189 | 1989-08-16 | ||
| CH3009/89-2 | 1989-08-18 | ||
| CH300989 | 1989-08-18 | ||
| CH308189 | 1989-08-26 | ||
| CH3081/89-0 | 1989-08-26 | ||
| CH339389 | 1989-09-19 | ||
| CH3393/89-7 | 1989-09-19 | ||
| CH369889 | 1989-10-11 | ||
| CH3698/89-7 | 1989-10-11 | ||
| PCT/CH1990/000079 WO1990011566A1 (en) | 1989-03-23 | 1990-03-23 | Processes and devices for performing arithmetic operations in the sense and with the function of an electronic calculator |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2028139A1 CA2028139A1 (en) | 1990-09-24 |
| CA2028139C true CA2028139C (en) | 2003-10-21 |
Family
ID=27579051
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002028139A Expired - Lifetime CA2028139C (en) | 1989-03-23 | 1990-03-23 | Method and device for performing arithmetic operations in the manner and with the function of an electronic calculating machine |
Country Status (13)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0416072B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH03501788A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR950002059B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE146615T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU634222B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2028139C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE59010609D1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0416072T3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2095873T3 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI101250B (en) |
| HU (1) | HUT55150A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO302058B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1990011566A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR970059950A (en) * | 1996-01-18 | 1997-08-12 | 마사타까 이시이 | Portable Calculator |
| WO2008096192A1 (en) * | 2007-02-06 | 2008-08-14 | Alpnacom | Methods and apparatuses for processing information in written form by means of a mobile ocr appliance |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5175358A (en) * | 1974-12-25 | 1976-06-29 | Sharp Kk | DENSHITAKU JOKEI SANKI |
| US4016411A (en) * | 1976-01-29 | 1977-04-05 | Jardine Industries, Inc. | Mini electronic calculator with blackboard display format |
| US4091270A (en) * | 1976-07-19 | 1978-05-23 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Electronic calculator with optical input means |
-
1990
- 1990-03-23 AT AT90904780T patent/ATE146615T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1990-03-23 WO PCT/CH1990/000079 patent/WO1990011566A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1990-03-23 EP EP90904780A patent/EP0416072B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-03-23 JP JP2504714A patent/JPH03501788A/en active Pending
- 1990-03-23 DE DE59010609T patent/DE59010609D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-03-23 ES ES90904780T patent/ES2095873T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-03-23 HU HU902808A patent/HUT55150A/en unknown
- 1990-03-23 CA CA002028139A patent/CA2028139C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-03-23 AU AU52868/90A patent/AU634222B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1990-03-23 DK DK90904780.5T patent/DK0416072T3/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1990-11-22 FI FI905776A patent/FI101250B/en active IP Right Grant
- 1990-11-23 KR KR1019900702503A patent/KR950002059B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-11-23 NO NO905091A patent/NO302058B1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| KR950002059B1 (en) | 1995-03-10 |
| ATE146615T1 (en) | 1997-01-15 |
| FI905776A0 (en) | 1990-11-22 |
| NO905091L (en) | 1990-11-23 |
| NO302058B1 (en) | 1998-01-12 |
| EP0416072A1 (en) | 1991-03-13 |
| WO1990011566A1 (en) | 1990-10-04 |
| HU902808D0 (en) | 1991-03-28 |
| FI101250B1 (en) | 1998-05-15 |
| DK0416072T3 (en) | 1997-04-07 |
| HUT55150A (en) | 1991-04-29 |
| AU634222B2 (en) | 1993-02-18 |
| ES2095873T3 (en) | 1997-03-01 |
| FI101250B (en) | 1998-05-15 |
| DE59010609D1 (en) | 1997-01-30 |
| EP0416072B1 (en) | 1996-12-18 |
| CA2028139A1 (en) | 1990-09-24 |
| JPH03501788A (en) | 1991-04-18 |
| NO905091D0 (en) | 1990-11-23 |
| AU5286890A (en) | 1990-10-22 |
| KR920700433A (en) | 1992-02-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed | ||
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) |
Effective date: 20121202 |