DE3024245A1 - Programmable business computer system - uses programming facility to allow specific format to be selected for copy format - Google Patents

Abstract

A business machines computing system is designed to provide a free programming facility, to produce hard copy output. The system enables the computer to be programmed to output data to a particular format e.g. suitable for balance sheet format. A display operates in association with a keyboard to allow the format to be set in that tabulator settings are made, character type selected, etc. The system is controlled by a microprocessor operating in association with a programme memory, input-output unit and an operating system.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

Programmable office accounting computer or the like. " Programmable Office accounting computer or the like.

The invention relates to a programmable office accounting computer or the like for entering and processing order confirmations, delivery appear, Invoices or

others in the automatic transport feed of the computer and clampable forms.

Devices of this type are already in a wide variety of computer program execution methods known. The programming languages such as COBOL, BASIC, PASCAL etc. entered in appropriate labels in the machine language translated and stored in the accounting computer (see manual Ilofacker GmbH, Munich publishing house, born 1979). According to these methods it is imperative to to assign a compiler to the accounting computer that supports the higher-level programming languages translated into the machine commands. Experience has shown that the latter device is component-wise very complex and therefore so expensive to manufacture that only a relatively small group of customers is possible for this.

Another known way of programming is to the factory development programming of PROMs (Programmable Read Only Memory), which are then available to the user in the form of integrated modules Made available and built into the accounting computer. Subsequently surrendered In practice, there are significant disadvantages in the event of a change in the program. It is then necessary to have new PROMs developed and manufactured at the factory for exchange in the device. However, this method is also enormously time-consuming and costly, as generally well-trained specialists are suitable for this.

The object of the invention is now seen in the aforementioned disadvantages largely to avoid and to propose a billing computer, which is essential is more easily programmable in accordance with the function, so that the user or specialist dealer the device itself as required without using the known programming languages can program freely. Furthermore, changes are made due to this design arrangement or program modifications are far more cost-effective and without major loss of time perform, it can generally be assumed that the user will -Key symbols as well as the functionality of the widely used pocket and desk calculators are familiar and known. This is according to the characterizing parts of the claims achieved.

In the following, the invention will now be based on the description and the drawings are described in more detail, including in a schematic illustration an exemplary embodiment is used.

1 shows a schematic structural representation arrangement of the data flow in the accounting computer, FIG. 2 shows the enlarged part of an accounting form with the Tabulatorskalaschiene, Fig. 3 the division and the labeling field of the optical display scale, Fig. 4 the address positions shown in the display scale, FIG. 5 shows the function points shown in the display scale, FIG. 6 shows the functions shown in FIG Memory locations shown on the display scale.

Initially, it is generally assumed that the proposed invention an accounting computer for data processing within the framework of a specified program serves. In doing so, the data entered in each case is processed by the program, the microprocessor and the operating system controlled and processed, further allocated to the memory areas and then printed out on the form. This normal process repeats in each form column, so that the same is not the subject of the invention and is therefore not described in detail.

Only for the purpose of general overview information is according to Figure 1 illustrates the flow of data in the computer. Accordingly relates the invention essentially on the components of the programming device, such as explained in detail in FIGS. 1 to 6.

First is the introduction of the form 1 to be printed out in the printing unit 2 of the computer, which puts the form under the tabulator scale 3 comes into the active position and the division of the tabulator scale the respective switching steps of the print head 4 corresponds (Fig. 1 and 2).

As a further programming measure, it is necessary that the Determination of the functions that the computer has to perform in each column whereby it is important to note which column it is and which one to address is. According to FIG. 3, a column address is made up of the following positions together: The program no. is shown under the letter "P" in the display window 5 of the computer. 5 is entered, whereby this can be freely selected by the user. Then follows the Record type, which is entered under the letter "S" and practically a subdivision of the program means that there are optimally 10 record types available. The others Both places "TAB" are used to enter the tabulator number, whereby the respectively valid one Tab number appears on the left edge of the column as a two-digit number and on the tabulator rail 3 is read, so that, as shown in Figure 2, the "price column ~ on the Tab position 42 begins.

Finally, in Figures 3 and 4 is the complete address part 6, and this addressing is required for each column of Form 1. It repeats itself in the same scheme, so that each field has a different address and is thus clearly identified.

Now it is a matter of assigning the functions to the addresses, which according to the input of variable data by means of the computer keyboard 7 as complete Program run. For this purpose, the command part 8 is provided in the display window 5. This part is divided into columns F as function commands 9 (Fig. 5) and the columns 1 to 0 as function commands 10 with direct memory allocation (Fig. 6), at the same time, columns 1 to 0 represent the memory numbers. The columns F of the display window 5 correspond to the following function symbols in chronological order The function keys for input: Representation in the display window Function keys in of the computer Keypad of the computer X = painting key: = division key = = result start key * = Sum key (result from multiplication and division) = = percentage key yX = per mille key A = delta percentage key Representation in the display window function keys in the computer keypad of the computer G = gross amount key (large margin) # = Non-calculation key D = date key (constant date) T = T key (for alphanumeric Data) The memory locations 1 to 0 of the display window correspond to the following function symbols the function keys for input: + = add key - = subtract key ° = subtotal key 3C = sum key Z = Z key (use as counter; it is in the lowest value Always add a one).

Basically, all functional work and their modes of operation are covered executed and processed from left to right.

As FIG. 3 shows, a place value can also be in the left-hand one "F" digit appear as a total result "*". This result is then stored in memory 4 added as a "+" summand, with the same result again in the right column "F" is provided as a factor for an "X" multiplication.

By means of a program actuation key, not shown, the program step in the display section 5 in the program memory 11 of the computer transmitted and stored there, as illustrated in Figure 1 as a data flow scheme.

The further functional sequence now takes place in such a way that column programmed for column of form 1 in the manner described above and the program is recorded in the program memory. A program print key, also not shown in the keypad 7 of the computer causes that after pressing the same the program is printed out for the purpose of control by the printing unit 2. It is in chronological order The sequence of the position of the print head 4 is inevitably decisive for the selection of the program step.

For example, if the print head is in the tab position 42 of the Display window 5, then the program step with 5342 is automatically activated and functional. To switch to the next column of the form 1 and to control the associated program, only the shown, well-known horizontal tab key operated.

By using the tabulation scale 3 to determine addresses in connection with the use of the normal desk and pocket calculators known symbols and key designations as well as the fixed position assignments Thus, according to the invention, the expensive and relatively complicated application is unnecessary any conventional program languages.

Thus, the user can easily pro (jrammicren, at the same time change programs, delete again and disposes in an ideal way with this Furnishing arrangement with an optimal degree of flexibility.

The proposed invention includes everything that is in the description and the drawings, including what differs from the specific embodiment is obvious to the average person skilled in the art.

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Claims (6)

Patent claims for programmable BtIro accounting computers or the like for entering and editing order confirmations, delivery notes, Invoices or other items included in the computer's automatic transport feed and clampable forms, characterized in that by means of an optical visible in the display section (5) of the computer, fixed program scheme (6, 8) in cooperation with the program memory (11), the programming under the respective Active position can be carried out automatically according to the same scheme. 2. accounting computer according to claim 1, characterized in that the program scheme (10) in the display part (5) next to the address part (6) in several Functional areas (9) can be controlled and broken down. 3. Billing computer according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that that the function of the higher types of calculation is automatic and inevitable for the individual Storage functions are upstream and downstream. 4. Billing computer according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that the memory functions inevitably direct the program memories in the computer are assignable. 5. accounting computer according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that the functions shown in the functional areas one after the other from the left to the right step-by-step to get to the functional sequence. 6. Billing computer according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that preferably the key symbols known from desktop and pocket calculators can consequently be used as function commands.