Decimal Calculation Apparatus Variable Precision Arithmetic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional arithmetic systems have limitations in precision, leading to errors in binary operations and complex program writing due to fixed operation precision, which restricts the number of effective digits and requires binary-decimal conversion, resulting in inaccuracies and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A decimal calculation apparatus that allows setting the number of calculation digits per instruction, using a multidigit memory section, a calculation-instruction memory section, and a decimal calculation section to perform operations with variable precision, enabling flexible and accurate decimal calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If binary operation is used in arithmetic system, then calculation speed is improved, but conversion error occurs and precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalculation speedVSAvoidcalculation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the binary operation mechanism with a decimal operation mechanism. The arithmetic unit performs decimal addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division directly on decimal numbers, eliminating the need for binary-decimal conversion and the associated errors. This substitution of the fundamental operation system resolves the contradiction by maintaining both speed and precision through native decimal arithmetic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If fixed precision operation is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation precision configurationVSAvoidprecision setting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic precision configuration where the number of effective digits can be changed during operation. The arithmetic unit allows users to specify different precision levels (e.g., 10 digits, 15 digits, 20 digits) for different calculation requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-precision devices, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of effective digits from a fixed value to a variable parameter. Users can modify the precision parameter according to specific calculation needs, allowing the same arithmetic unit to adapt to various precision requirements. This parameter change enables flexible precision setting while maintaining a single unified device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If variable precision operation is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision setting flexibilityVSAvoidcalculation means structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal arithmetic unit that can handle multiple precision requirements through a single decimal operation mechanism. Instead of requiring separate fixed-precision devices or complex variable-precision architectures, the system uses one unified decimal arithmetic unit that can be configured for different precision levels by software control. This multi-functionality approach improves adaptability without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Extent of automation

If binary-decimal conversion is performed, then binary operation capability is improved, but error accumulation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinary operation capabilityVSAvoidcalculation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the binary operation system with a decimal operation system. By performing all arithmetic operations directly in decimal notation rather than converting between binary and decimal, the system eliminates conversion errors entirely. This substitution maintains automation capability while significantly improving calculation accuracy and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8316067B2Decimal computing apparatus, electronic device connectable decimal computing apparatus, arithmetic operation apparatus, arithmetic operation control apparatus, and program-recorded recording medium

Publication Date: 2012.11.20 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

A decimal calculation apparatus, which performs multidigit decimal calculation with the number of calculation digits set in a calculation instruction, includes a multidigit memory section which stores values with greater numbers of digits than the number of digits of a predetermined digit unit in a plurality of memory areas, a calculation-instruction memory section which stores the calculation instruction having the number of calculation digits and a type of calculation set therein, and a decimal calculation section which performs decimal calculation of sequentially calculating numerical values of corresponding digit units respectively stored in the plurality of memory areas of the multidigit memory section, digit unit by digit unit in the number of calculation digits set in the calculation instruction stored in calculation-instruction memory section, in decimal calculation according to type of calculation set in the calculation instruction stored in calculation-instruction memory section, and sequentially writing calculation results in the plurality of memory areas of the multidigit memory section digit unit by digit unit.