Calculator Dynamic Computational Environment for Real-Time Expression Propagation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sophisticated handheld calculators lack a dynamic computational environment that allows for real-time propagation of changes across multiple mathematical expressions, limiting their ability to provide an interactive and interconnected mathematical modeling experience.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic computational environment is created within the calculator, where changes made to one mathematical expression are propagated to all affected expressions, utilizing a publish/subscribe model and link manager to ensure seamless data sharing and updating across applications, enabling variable linking and interactive mathematical modeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dynamic computational environment with real-time propagation is implemented, then the interactivity and connectivity of mathematical expressions are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteractivity of mathematical expressionsVSAvoidcomputational environment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments mathematical expressions into independent computational units that can be individually modified and evaluated. Each expression is treated as a separate entity that can be propagated independently to other expressions through defined relationships, allowing complex interactivity without overwhelming system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A propagation mechanism acts as an intermediary between mathematical expressions, managing the complexity of real-time updates. When an expression changes, the intermediary systematically identifies and updates dependent expressions, shielding users from the underlying complexity while enabling seamless interactivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple applications share data in real-time, then the productivity of mathematical modeling is improved, but the loss of information increases due to propagation errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemathematical modeling efficiencyVSAvoiddata propagation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that track changes through the propagation network. When expressions are updated, the system monitors the propagation process and can detect or correct anomalies, ensuring that productivity gains from real-time sharing do not compromise data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation and consistency checks before propagating changes between expressions. By pre-verifying the integrity of data relationships and preparing propagation paths in advance, the system prevents information loss while maintaining high productivity in mathematical modeling workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8892614B2Calculator with dynamic computation environment

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A dynamic computational environment may create, in response to user input, a plurality of mathematical expressions. In the dynamic computational environment, a change made to any one of the plurality of mathematical expressions will be propagated to all of the mathematical expressions, such that each of the plurality of mathematical expressions affected by the change is updated.