Calculator Design
#1

I have an idea for a calculator but I don't have the background or expertise to pursue a prototype based on my limited understanding. It incorporates some simple math calculations and a storage feature that will allow for multistep selections of various categories. I would like to perform the math calculations and storage options on the same screen but I am not familiar with whether there is software that will allow for this type of function. Any help out there? Thanks.

#2

Yea, start reading this forum, read it all and then ask again

#3

hello,

if you know how to program, you could use the HP 20b as a development platform...

cyrille

#4

I read it for the first time last night and you guys are way over my head, and the applications you are discussing are far more complicated than what my idea requires. I will continue to review the material now that I've found the right forum but I also have some questions that will help get me there faster. If I sound like an idiot when I ask them I hope you'll put up with it, this is way outside my area of expertise.

For instance:

Can I use the same screen to display math logic and graphic icons for choice selection?

#5

I don't know how to program but I'm willing to learn. I'll go check out the HP20b. Where do I go to get the platform and (here's my first idiot question) how do I go about arranging it for my needs. Yeah, that's right, I'm starting from square one.

Edited: 27 Aug 2008, 11:07 a.m.

#6

A PalmPC has a larger display and is probably much easier to program (IDEs are available) and have the size of a pocket calculator. You could even do the development on your PC without having to purchase a PalmPC (there are pocket calculator emulators available too).
But maybe you could enlighten us a bit more about your idea - it's hard to tell what your project is about.

#7

Probably the best resource for getting started with the 20b is to visit the 20b repurposing site:

http://hpwiki.fatcity.com

There's a ton of information there, including how to get started, what you need, etc. It's a community site, so please feel free to add information as you learn -- things that we didn't mention, helpful stuff missing from the site, etc.

thanks,
bruce

#8

Thanks Bruce, I'll check it out, I appreciate the link.

#9

I thought about the palm PC but I have one and I don't really use it that often and I don't know if the application I'm creating would be as wide ranging as it would be if I simplified it onto a small pocket calculator. I do have a very inexpensive pocket calculator that I use daily.

I'll try to explain the type of use required:

I looked at the HP20b financial calculator and the look is along the lines of what I want to do however I only need half the functions and hopefully half the size.

I would like to be able to do calculations and once I arrive at a result, plug that result into a category with a date tag. For instance I would like to calculate the difference between two observed quantities and once finding the result log that result into a category selected by the use of a curser that highlights a particular option. When the option is highlighted an enter button is pressed which either brings up another subcategory or arrives at the category into which I want to log the data, depending on the variations within a category.

Step 1 - Press key to select category

Display - Shows three options with middle option highlighted

Step 2 - Press enter to select highlighted category option or left/right arrow key to move curser and highlight desired category.

Display - Next set of sub categories are displayed on screen, one of which is highlighted.

Step 3 - Press enter to select highlighted category or use left/right arrow key to hightlight another category option.

Display - Target sub category is arrived at and selected by pressing enter key.

Step 4 - Calculation is performed to arrive at result and once result is obtained enter key is pressed to insert result into category.

Display - Shows result along side of empty date field and date is typed in using number keys.

Step 5 - Press enter key to finish category entry.

#10

Quote:
I have an idea for a calculator but I don't have the background or expertise to pursue a prototype based on my limited understanding. It incorporates some simple math calculations and a storage feature that will allow for multistep selections of various categories. I would like to perform the math calculations and storage options on the same screen but I am not familiar with whether there is software that will allow for this type of function. Any help out there? Thanks.

You need to tell us more about your project details and it's intended application, what is it exactly you are trying to do?

i.e. Why can't you just use a PC or a pocket PC/Palm?

Here is my custom made calculator:
http://www.calcwatch.com

Dave.

#11

Great watch Dave. I don't know if I can describe it any better than I have. I've got some drawings I did on my pc but it's a pretty standard looking pocket calculator. It's just the features I explained in the previous post that I'm not sure how to incorporate. As this process continues I'll figure it out and hopefully wind up with a prototype I can work the kinks out of.

#12

Hi Jon,

I have a really hard time deciphering your intended application. It appears as though you are confusing 'category' for 'storage register'. I also assume that any RPL-based calculator (or the venerable HP 41C) could be programmed to do what you are looking for, namely attach or append some sort of date-tag to a calculated result and store it somewhere, but again it is hard to know exactly what you intend the calculator to be used for. A simple, practical example would be helpful.

Good luck!

Jeff Kearns

#13

Quote:
Great watch Dave. I don't know if I can describe it any better than I have. I've got some drawings I did on my pc but it's a pretty standard looking pocket calculator. It's just the features I explained in the previous post that I'm not sure how to incorporate. As this process continues I'll figure it out and hopefully wind up with a prototype I can work the kinks out of.

Ok then, how about start by telling us why you need to design your own calculator hardware?

What don't existing calculators do that is forcing you to consider your own design?

Why can't use you an existing programmable calculator? Some of them are very customisable, in fact you can reprogram them from scratch if needed.

Do you have a background in hardware design?

Dave.

#14

Looks like a standard application for many portable devices.

20 years ago I used to do similar things, using barcode readers, etc, on this platform:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psion_Organiser

Depending on the calculations involved, it won't be hard. You could do this with a powerful programmable calculator, a BASIC pocket computer, etc.

#15

I'd say this will be possible on most pprogrammable calculators dating back to the 80s (as long as they have programmable menu keys). The major issue is: do you want a data transfer of some kind?



Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  HP-80 History, Design and Interesting Facts BShoring 1 1,305 11-30-2013, 08:50 AM
Last Post: Xavier A. (Brazil)
  AME Design Port Extender for the HP41 Dane Spillers 2 1,326 03-14-2013, 07:58 PM
Last Post: dane spillers
  12C in 14 Masterpieces of Gadget Design Egan Ford 10 3,181 07-31-2012, 10:18 PM
Last Post: Palmer O. Hanson, Jr.
  HP-28--better design? Matt Agajanian 7 2,402 06-27-2012, 09:27 AM
Last Post: David Tellet
  hp design influence db (martinez, ca.) 5 1,759 03-01-2012, 03:23 PM
Last Post: Bunuel66
  HP30b design choices David Griffith 1 1,033 02-13-2012, 06:41 PM
Last Post: Tim Wessman
  Design for a simple, entry-level RPN calculator Eddie W. Shore 84 16,223 11-04-2011, 12:48 PM
Last Post: Bart (UK)
  A design rule for WP34s library software? Dieter 10 2,912 08-15-2011, 05:40 AM
Last Post: Paul Dale
  Difference in design for 25 and 25c exschr 2 1,169 07-04-2011, 04:36 PM
Last Post: exschr
  Calculator key mechanics - Which design is more durable? Timo 3 1,318 03-30-2011, 09:03 AM
Last Post: Walter B

Forum Jump: