Patent Publication Number: US-2018032476-A1

Title: Device and method to solve different types of mathematical problems with step-by-step explanations

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to and the benefits of the provisional patent application No. “62/319,469” titled “CALTOUCH” filed in United States Patent and Trademark Office on “Apr. 7, 2016”. The specification of the above referenced patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The embodiment herein generally relates a calculator, and more particularly, a method and device to allow a user to perform several calculator operations on a single device. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     A calculator is an electronic device that allows a user to perform mathematical calculations at all grade levels. The calculator solves mathematical problems including, without limiting, basic arithmetic or complex problems. 
     Calculators generally possess small screens and are bulky. Moreover, the aesthetic aspects of the present calculator are also outdated. The calculators are programmed to display an end result of the problem. The user does not understand the method of solving the problem. It becomes difficult in case of complex calculations to know the method of finding the solution to a specific problem. 
     A large variety of calculators are available in the market, depending upon the type of problem to be solved. The user needs to carry multiple calculators to solve different type of mathematical problems. Moreover, it becomes uneconomical for the user to buy more than one calculators to solve different type of mathematical problems. A lot of material is wasted for manufacturing more than one calculators for different operations. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need for an advanced calculator that displays step-by-step explanation. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a calculating device that allows a user to solve different type of mathematical problems with a step-by-step explanation. The calculating device includes a display, a charging port, a programmed chip, a processor, a chip slot, and a virtual button. The display (i) allows the user to provide inputs to the calculating device by touching the display for solving a mathematical problem, and (ii) displays an output. The charging port charges the calculating device. The programmed chip stores a set of programs for solving the mathematical problem. The processor processes the inputs based on the set of programs to solve the mathematical problem. The chip slot is adapted to receive the programmed chip. The virtual button provides a step-by-step explanation for solving the mathematical problem by selecting the virtual button by the user. When the user provides the inputs to the calculating device, the processor executes the set of programs to solve the mathematical problem. The display displays the output of the solved mathematical problem. When the user presses the virtual button, the step-by-step explanation of the solved mathematical problem is displayed on the display. 
     In one embodiment, the calculating device is a calculator, and the display is a touch screen display. The inputs are numerals and alphabets that are displayed on the display. In one embodiment, the mathematical problem is selected from a group, but not limited: arithmetic, calculus or differential equation. In another embodiment, the charging port is adapted to project the output from the display of the adaptive calculator on-to the screen of a personal digital assistance using a USB cable. 
     In one embodiment, the programmed chip includes a first programmed chip, a second programmed chip, and a third programmed chip. The first programmed chip stores a set of programs for solving arithmetic type of mathematical problems. The second programmed chip stores a set of programs for solving calculus type of mathematical problems. The third programmed chip stores a set of programs for solving differential equation type of mathematical problems. 
     In one embodiment, the output is a solution to the different type of mathematical problems. In another embodiment, the output is a graphical representation of the solution to the different type of mathematical problems. In another embodiment, the calculating device further includes an orientation sensor that rotates the graphical representation of the solution in a landscape mode when the user rotates the calculating device in the landscape mode. 
     In one embodiment, the calculating device further includes a set of speakers, a power button, and an earphone slot. The set of speakers assist the user to listen to a pre-recorded voice of the step-by-step explanation of the mathematical problem. The power button allows the user to turn ON/OFF the calculating device. The earphone slot allows the user to insert earphone&#39;s jack in the earphone slot and listen to the pre-recorded voice of the step-by-step explanation of the mathematical problem. 
     In another aspect, an adaptive calculator that allows a user to solve different type of mathematical problems with a step-by-step explanation is provided. The adaptive calculator includes a touch screen display, a USB charging port, a first programmed chip, a second programmed chip, a third programmed chip, a processor, a chip slot, and a virtual button. The touch screen display (i) allows the user to provide inputs to the calculator by touching the touch screen display for solving the different type of mathematical problems, and (ii) displays an output. In one embodiment, the USB charging port is provided that is adapted to (i) charge the adaptive calculator, and (ii) connect a personal digital assistant to the adaptive calculator using a USB cable. The first programmed chip stores a set of programs for solving arithmetic type of mathematical problems. The second programmed chip stores a set of programs for solving calculus type of mathematical problems. The third programmed chip stores a set of programs for solving differential equations type of mathematical problems. 
     The processor processes the inputs based on the set of programs to solve (i) the arithmetic type of mathematical problems, (ii) the calculus type of mathematical problems, and (iii) the differential equation type of mathematical problems. The chip slot is adapted to receive any one of (i) the first programmed chip, (ii) the second programmed chip, and (iii) the third programmed chip. The virtual button provides step-by-step explanation for solving the different type of mathematical problems by touching the virtual button by the user. When the user provides the inputs to the adaptive calculator, the processor executes the set of programs to solve the mathematical problem. The touch screen display displays the output of the solved mathematical problem. When the user presses the virtual button, the step-by-step explanation of the solved mathematical problem is displayed on the touch screen display. The set of speakers assists the user to listen to the pre-recorded voice of the step-by-step explanation of the mathematical problem. 
     In one embodiment, the adaptive calculator further includes a power button, and an earphone slot. The power button allows the user to turn the calculating device ON/OFF. The earphone slot allows the user to insert earphone&#39;s jack in the earphone slot and listen to the pre-recorded voice of the step-by-step explanation of the mathematical problem. 
     In another embodiment, the inputs are numerals and alphabets that are displayed on the touch screen display. In another embodiment, the output is a solution to the different type of mathematical problems. The output is a graphical representation of the solution to the different type of mathematical problems. The adaptive calculator further includes an orientation sensor that rotates the graphical representation of the solution in a landscape mode when the user rotates the adaptive calculator in the landscape mode. 
     In yet another aspect, a method of solving different type of mathematical problems with a step-by-step explanation is provided. The method includes following steps: (i) a programmed chip is inserted into a chip slot of an adaptive calculator; (ii) a mathematical problem is provided as input to the adaptive calculator via a touch screen display to process the mathematical problem; (iii) the mathematical problem is processed by a processor of the adaptive calculator to get a solution for the mathematical problem; (iv) the solution of the mathematical problem is displayed with the step-by-step explanations as output by the touch screen display; and (v) the graphical representation of the solution is displayed of the mathematical problem by the touch screen display. 
     In one embodiment, the mathematical problem is selected from a group comprising of arithmetic, calculus or differential equation. In another embodiment, the inputs are numerals and alphabets. The numerals and alphabets are displayed on the display. 
     In one embodiment, the programmed chip includes a first programmed chip, a second programmed chip, and a third programmed chip. The first programmed chip stores a set of programs for solving arithmetic type of mathematical problems. The second programmed chip stores a set of programs for solving calculus type of mathematical problems. The third programmed chip stores a set of programs for solving differential equation type of mathematical problems. 
     These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an adaptive calculator with one or more programmed chips to solve mathematical problems with a step-by-step explanation according to an embodiment herein; 
         FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of the adaptive calculator of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
         FIG. 2B  is a diagrammatic representation of a rear view of the adaptive calculator of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
         FIG. 2C  is a diagrammatic representation of a left side view of the adaptive calculator of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
         FIG. 2D  is a diagrammatic representation of a right side view of the adaptive calculator of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of solving different types of mathematical problems using an adaptive calculator according to an embodiment herein; 
         FIG. 4A  is a user interface view of the adaptive calculator of  FIG. 1  when the user provides an input to solve arithmetic mathematical problem with step-by-step explanation according to an embodiment herein; 
         FIG. 4B  is a user interface view of the adaptive calculator of  FIG. 1  when the user activates the virtual button to view the step-by-step explanation of the arithmetic mathematical problem with according to an embodiment herein; and 
         FIG. 4C  is a user interface view of the adaptive calculator of  FIG. 1  that displays the solution to the arithmetic mathematical problem according to an embodiment herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. 
     As mentioned, there remains a need for simple an advanced calculator. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing an adaptive calculator that allows a user to solve various types of mathematical problems on a single device. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIGS. 1 through 4C , where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view  100  of an adaptive calculator  102  with one or more programmed chips  112  to solve mathematical problems with a step-by-step explanation according to an embodiment herein. The adaptive calculator  102  includes a display  104 , a charging port  106 , a first programmed chip  108 A, a second programmed chip  108 B, a third programmed chip  108 C, a chip slot  110 , a virtual button  112 , and a set of speakers  114 . The display  104  is a touch screen display that allows a user to provide inputs to the adaptive calculator  102  for the mathematical problems. In one embodiment, the adaptive calculator  102  displays numerals and alphabets on the display  104 . The user provides input to the adaptive calculator  102  by touching numerals and alphabets on the display  104 . In one embodiment, the inputs may be numerals and alphabets for the mathematical problems. In another embodiment, the display  104  is made from glass. The adaptive calculator  102  is powered by one or more rechargeable batteries (not shown in the  FIG. 1 ). The one or more rechargeable batteries of the adaptive calculator  102  are charged via the charging port  106 . 
     The first programmed chip  108 A stores a set of programs for solving arithmetic mathematical problems. For example, the first programmed chip  108 A is adapted to solve the following problem: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     
                       A 
                       2 
                     
                     * 
                     
                       A 
                       3 
                     
                   
                   = 
                     
                   ? 
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                     
                    
                   
                     
                       A 
                       x 
                     
                     * 
                     
                       A 
                       y 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                     
                    
                   
                     A 
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         x 
                         + 
                         y 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           
             
               
                 A 
                 2 
               
               * 
               
                 A 
                 3 
               
             
             = 
             
               A 
               
                 ( 
                 
                   x 
                   + 
                   y 
                 
                 ) 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     The adaptive calculator  102  makes use of letters such as x, y and z, instead of using numbers to avoid cheating. 
     The second programmed chip  108 B stores a set of programs for solving calculus problems of mathematics. For example, the second programmed chip  108 B is adapted to solve the following problem: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     ∫ 
                     
                       sin 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       2 
                        
                       x 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       dx 
                     
                   
                   = 
                     
                   ? 
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                     
                    
                   
                     ∫ 
                     
                       sin 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       Axdx 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                     
                    
                   
                     
                       
                         - 
                         
                           ( 
                           
                             1 
                              
                             
                               / 
                             
                              
                             A 
                           
                           ) 
                         
                       
                        
                       cos 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       A 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       x 
                     
                     + 
                     C 
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           
             
               ∫ 
               
                 sin 
                  
                 
                     
                 
                  
                 2 
                  
                 xdx 
               
             
             = 
             
               
                 
                   - 
                   
                     ( 
                     
                       1 
                        
                       
                         / 
                       
                        
                       A 
                     
                     ) 
                   
                 
                  
                 cos 
                  
                 
                     
                 
                  
                 Ax 
               
               + 
               C 
             
           
         
       
     
     The adaptive calculator  102  makes use of letters such as x, y and z, instead of using numbers to avoid cheating. 
     The third programmed chip  108 C stores a set of programs for solving differential equations of mathematics. For example, the third programmed chip  108 B is adapted to solve the following problem: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     d 
                      
                     
                       / 
                     
                      
                     
                       dx 
                        
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           
                             2 
                              
                             
                               x 
                               2 
                             
                           
                           + 
                           
                             5 
                              
                             x 
                           
                           + 
                           7 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                     
                   
                   = 
                     
                   ? 
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                     
                    
                   
                     d 
                      
                     
                       / 
                     
                      
                     
                       dx 
                        
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           
                             Ax 
                             2 
                           
                           + 
                           Bx 
                           + 
                           C 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                     
                    
                   
                     
                       2 
                        
                       Ax 
                     
                     + 
                     B 
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           
             
               d 
                
               
                 / 
               
                
               
                 dx 
                  
                 
                   ( 
                   
                     
                       2 
                        
                       
                         x 
                         2 
                       
                     
                     + 
                     
                       5 
                        
                       x 
                     
                     + 
                     7 
                   
                   ) 
                 
               
             
             = 
             
               
                 2 
                  
                 Ax 
               
               + 
               B 
             
           
         
       
     
     The adaptive calculator  102  makes use of letters such as x, y and z, instead of using numbers to avoid cheating. 
     The chip slot  110  is adapted to receive any one programmed chip from the first programmed chip  108 A, the second programmed chip  108 B, and the third programmed chip  108 C at a time. Any one programmed chip is selected based on the desired mathematical problem to be solved. The first programmed chip  108 A is inserted in the chip slot  110  to solve arithmetic problems of mathematics. The first programmed chip  108 A is removed from the chip slot  110 , and the second programmed chip  108 B is inserted in the chip slot  110  to solve calculus problems of mathematics. The second programmed chip  108 B is removed from the chip slot  110 , and the third programmed chip  108 C is inserted in the chip slot  110  to solve differential equation problems of mathematics. In one embodiment, the adaptive calculator  102  may include ‘n’ number of programmed chips with ‘n’ number of solutions to solve different types of mathematical problems stored in ‘n’ number of programmed chips. 
     The virtual button  112  depicts a name “explain this” that displays the step-by-step explanation to the solution to the problem upon touching the virtual button  112 . The adaptive calculator  102  further includes an orientation sensor (not shown). The orientation sensor senses the orientation of the adaptive calculator  102  and expands the graphs when the adaptive calculator  102  is rotated to sides. In one embodiment, the display  104  is less pixalated. In another embodiment, the body of the adaptive calculator  102  is made up of materials including, without limiting, stainless steel. The set of speakers  114  are connected to the bottom of the adaptive calculator  102 . The user listens to the step-by-step explanation to the solution to the problem in the form of a pre-recorded voice from the set of speakers  114 . In one embodiment, the charging port  106  is adapted to connect a USB cord with a PDA (personal digital assistant) to project the mathematical calculations results of the problem on a PDA screen 
       FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic representation of a top view  200 A of the adaptive calculator  102  of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein. The adaptive calculator  102  further includes a power button  202 , an earphone slot  204  and rubber grips  206 . The power button  202  turns ON/OFF the adaptive calculator  102 . The user listens to the step-by-step solution of the problem via the earphones plugged in the earphone slot  204  instead of the set of speakers  114 . The Rubber grips  206  help the user to maintain the grip onto the adaptive calculator  102 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a diagrammatic representation of a rear view  200 B of the adaptive calculator  102  of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein. The adaptive calculator  102  further includes a set of rubber pads  208  and a blank space  210  for the logo. The set of rubber pads  208  protects the rear surface of the adaptive calculator  102  from getting scratches. The blank space  210  incorporates the logo of the company. 
       FIG. 2C  is a diagrammatic representation of a left side view  200 C of the adaptive calculator  102  of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein. The adaptive calculator  102  further includes a set of two buttons  212  on the left side of the adaptive calculator  102 . The user presses the set of two buttons  212  to adjust the brightness of the display  104 . 
       FIG. 2D  is a diagrammatic representation of a right side view  200 D of the adaptive calculator  102  of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein. The adaptive calculator  102  further includes a lock screen button  214 . The user presses the lock screen button  214  to lock the screen on either standard mode or landscape mode to avoid any unwanted switch of screen modes of the display  104 . 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of solving different types of mathematical problems using an adaptive calculator  102  according to an embodiment herein. 
     In step  302 , a programmed chip  108  is inserted into a chip slot  110  of the adaptive calculator  102 . In one embodiment, the programmed chip  108  may be a first programmed chip  108 A, a second programmed chip  108 B or a third programmed chip  108 C. In one embodiment, the first programmed chip  108 A stores a set of programs for solving arithmetic type of mathematical problems. In another embodiment, the second programmed chip  108 B stores a set of programs for solving calculus type of mathematical problems. In another embodiment, the third programmed chip  108 C stores a set of programs for solving differential equation type of mathematical problems. In step  304 , the input for the mathematical problem is provided to the adaptive calculator  102  by a user via a display  104  to process the mathematical problem. In one embodiment, the display  104  is a touch screen display. In step  306 , the mathematical problem is processed by a processor of the adaptive calculator  102  to get a solution to the mathematical problem. In step  308 , the solution to the mathematical problem is displayed on the display  104 . The solution is displayed as a graph as shown by step  310 . In another embodiment, the user may demand a step-by-step explanation to the solution of the mathematical problem by touching a virtual button  112 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a user interface view  400 A of the adaptive calculator  102  of  FIG. 1  when the user provides an input to solve arithmetic mathematical problem with step-by-step explanation according to an embodiment herein. The user interface view  400 A depicts an option for the user to provide input to the adaptive calculator  102  to solve the arithmetic mathematical problem. The input is displayed on the display of the adaptive calculator. 
       FIG. 4B  is a user interface view  400 B of the adaptive calculator  102  of  FIG. 1  when the user activates the virtual button  112  to view the step-by-step explanation of the arithmetic mathematical problem with according to an embodiment herein. The user interface view  400 B depicts the steps to solve the arithmetic mathematical problem. 
       FIG. 4C  is a user interface view  400 C of the adaptive calculator  102  of  FIG. 1  that displays the solution to the arithmetic mathematical problem according to an embodiment herein. The user depicts the solution to the arithmetic mathematical problem from the display  104 . In one embodiment, the step-by-step explanation is represented on the display  104  as an image. 
     The adaptive calculator  102  is a modern day&#39;s calculator in respect that the adaptive calculator  102  possesses a bigger display screen. The display  104  is a full touch enabled display. Less pixalated display  104  enhances the image quality of the graphs being represented on the display  104 . The adaptive calculator  102  not only provides the answer to a problem, but also displays the method of solving the problem for better understanding of the user. The adaptive calculator  102  makes use of letters such as x, y and z, instead of using numbers to avoid cheating. The user just needs to buy a programmed chip  108  of required problem to change the problem to be solved, thereby cutting the cost of buying a whole new calculator as well as reducing the material requirement for multiple calculators. To look more attractive, the rear side of the adaptive calculator  102  is provided with colored back panels. The adaptive calculator  102  employs an in-built battery which is chargeable using a charger, eliminating the replacement of batteries. The user may connect the adaptive calculator  102  to a PDA to project the solution of the problem from the display  104  of the adaptive calculator  102  on-to the screen of the PDA to have a better experience of image viewing on a much bigger screen. The adaptive calculator  102  solves the problems ranging from basic mathematics to the complex equations. 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.