Have you had any difficulties with math calculations?

We have been taught to handle mathematical calculations, e.g. simple operations (+, -, x, /) and higher level mathematical functions such as those involved factorial, statistics etc. In fact, all calculations are possible by human, except the time that we spend is much longer than usual. Simple calculations such as 1 + 1 is very simple. A person can easily answer it as 2 in less than a second. However, we may have difficulties to provide immediate answers for questions such as 2435 ( 1203 x 3323). It is possible, but we have to consider the amount of time that we spend sketching on a piece of paper. This is why humans have developed various types of calculators.

Calculator is really important. Even a great scientist need a calculator very much in his research. Though calculators provide great functions that would help to minimise overload and stress in human, however, how could a calculator (including scientific calculators) produce the answer for equations like: (x1-x0)^2 + (y1-y0)^2 = r^2?

I have currently attended a conference at Dundee, UK, and there are experts who demonstrated some really brilliant research. In fact, their reserach are quite similar to Professor Thimbleby's work. Back in 2007, when I met Professor Thimbleby in a workshop at Cambridge university. He demonstrated his novel work, of a piece of calculator. He said this was his son's work, a PhD student at Swansea university, UK. He also demonstrated the so called 'mighty' calculator to the delegates.


Caption: Mr. Will Thimbleby playing with his new development


Caption: the machine is well-designed to able to calculate complex sums, i.e. eiπ

According to Thimbleby, the definition for their calculator is " a novel calculator, designed primarily for interactive whiteboards and pen-based devices, provides a better task fit than conventional approaches. The calculator provides a natural, dynamic method of doing calculations by handwriting using conventional notation. This paper discusses the calculator’s underlying design principles, which collectively create a coherent and innovative ‘look and feel' ".

This calculator is really not a normal ones. From observation, i notice that this calculator works with a computer. It is a thin machine, which has the size of a keyboard. Simply writting any form of mathematic calculation on the 'board', and this particular machine will send cues to the computer through the USB, publishing the results immediately on the screen.Yes, any form of mathematical calculations. The below is a video of how the calculator works.


Caption: how the calculator work?

There mouse cursor is detected by the pen, acting as a detector that analyzes what we wrote on the machine. It will send our writting to the computer program and publish what are are writting. There is a clock in the interface. If you wind the clock backwards with the pen (anti-clockwise), you may rewind what you have written previously. In other words, it is acting as a history toolbar. Overall, this calculator is amazing since you can get an answer for any mathematic calculations, and easy to use!

Impressive?