Hello everyone,

Because mobile devices are insanely powerful, i've been developing calculators in 3D. The idea is to remake the exact likeness. Here are links to my products:

iOS, App Store

Android, Google play

It's been quite a big effort, so the apps are not free. However, I can provide an Android demo version and some iOS promo codes if anyone is interested to try it out (email me).

My main question here though, is that I'm thinking of making a 3D RPN HP next. I've been contemplating doing one from the spice series because i think the red LED would look great - of course a classic is possible as well.

I should say that i've already ruled out doing the 41 because, as you know, there are many excellent emulators that do a fantastic job. My remakes are not emulators and in cases like the 41, people would expect original 41 programs to work 100%. In particular, for the product listed above, the results of calculation are better than the original. There's no point in me reproducing old numerical limitations when running on modern hardware (for those interested, no i don't just use built-in floats, it's all proper decimal arithmetic).

Comments & Suggestions welcome.

-- hugh.

Good grieve, not sure I got you right: Are you going to make real calculators of real plastic material? Or is it just going to be a 3D simulation?

Hello Walter,

No, there's no plan to make physical calculators! These are simulations for iPad or Android phones and pad.

The difference here is that the simulation is a live 3D object that you can manipulate so that the buttons and switches actually move in 3D.

Hugh,

your demo video looks amazing! I very much hope you will realize your plan to make an LED HP model. I will be seriously tempted to buy one for my Android tablet.

The battery hatch will not open. How does one change the batteries? Has anyone else got a jammed battery hatch.

Now to find the simulated 3d box so I can send it back.

Major flaw!

:-)

Yes, Everybody has been asking for the battery compartment to open!

i'm seriously thinking about implementing it for the next release. Of course, will they then expect to remove the batteries and put in new ones? You can see where this is leading :-)

You will probably need to make a desk drawer that it can be removed from to use... and a driving simulator to go to the store and buy new batteries..

This could get interesting quick! ;-)

TW

Thanks!

I plan to start modelling the next model soon(ish). The measurements are taken very accurately with callipers from real machines. The bevelled buttons of HP models should work very well in 3D. I've noticed that most implementations use a picture which is fine for face-on buttons, but you cannot read the legends on the slanted parts too well. But in 3D, this should be rectified.

I spent some time getting the VFD segments and glow looking right in the current model. It's not just a picture! The glow is calculated and, if you look close, you can see that the illumination of the surrounding is dependent on proximity to a lit segment - as it should be. I'd like to spend the same effort to make a red LED look just right and glow properly too.

That's another good reason to make one of the older models.

Edited: 28 Jan 2013, 1:01 p.m.

yes exactly!

I think you should point out here, that the logical conclusion for people who want it completely true to life, is to buy the real calculator!

:-)

A simulated FedEx return facility and ...

Bu t really folks, WONDERFUL APP! I am amazed.

Now, stick the credits under the sliding battery door panel with a link to your handycalc and starflight.

cheers

Or a snide comment, like " you were expecting batteries?"

it's worse than that.

What make of batteries specifically? you can see that i've thoughts of this! because then i'm in trouble with trademarks and all sorts of stuff. I guess i could have some no-name made up batteries. but then it wouldn't look right!

FYI,

The iPad mini runs at 27 FPS. It's doing 4xMSAA to look smoother and running two dynamic lights with phong shaded specular reflection (one on each side). You can change the light intensity and, if you tilt the unit, you can slightly move the lights to affect the reflection shine (although the iPad has a habit of rotating the view if you go too far).

I whip the GPU :-)

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Yes, Everybody has been asking for the battery compartment to open!

i'm seriously thinking about implementing it for the next release. Of course, will they then expect to remove the batteries and put in new ones? You can see where this is leading :-)

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You could drop the price to $0 and make batteries an in-app purchase good for x hours of use.

Comment.

Store a history of buttons used and then reflect that as grime on the keyboard and then sell alcohol wipes as in-app purchase.

Ha!

Hi Egan,

Yes, i seriously considered that. Except that it would be *really* annoying if you were out and wanted to use it or show it, then the battery dies!

What i might do, is release a free version as a demo where the batteries run down and the screen gets dimmer. You'd still be able to play with the 3D model, but it wouldn't calculate. Then if you upgraded to the real version, it would just work normally.

Also you could have rechargeable batteries. And of course a charger. That would enable you to sell extra sets of batteries one doesn't have to wait for the batteries to recharge before continuing to work ;)

I really like this, the only problem is, I don't have a smart phone ;)

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What i might do, is release a free version as a demo where the batteries run down and the screen gets dimmer. You'd still be able to play with the 3D model, but it wouldn't calculate. Then if you upgraded to the real version, it would just work normally.

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Or just return the wrong answer. Or return "42" for every answer.

nice job, Hugh. I would buy your HP, please make it an HP67 or HP25C or any red LED HP.

cheers,

hpnut in Malaysia

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You will probably need to make a desk drawer that it can be removed from to use... and a driving simulator to go to the store and buy new batteries..

This could get interesting quick! ;-)

TW

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and your car gets hijacked a la Grand Auto Theft...the fun possibilities are endless

Got to agree with HPnut, a 67, yep!

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Got to agree with HPnut, a 67, yep!

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With magnetic cards! And probably the most Inexpensive hp 67 wie are ever going to buy.

the 67 will have to be later!

I've started measuring the cases of the spice models. I'm assuming they all have the same basic case shape. This could be very good because, i could make make *all* of the series in one app.

Hugh,

You have me curious - I just bought the app.

I like the novelty moving the calcualtor around as if I was working with a tangible calculator. Good job!

Edited: 31 Jan 2013, 9:20 a.m.

The battery door NEEDS to open! The users may have to short out the battery clips with a virtual paper clip from time to time.

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The battery door NEEDS to open!

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And then it can fall off, a la the 28S!