Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'
h a l f b a k e r y
Now, More Pleasing Odor!

idea: add, search, annotate, link, view, overview, recent, by name, best, random

meta: news, help, about, links, report a problem

account: Browse anonymously, or get an account and write.

User:
Pass:

or Create a new account.


              Please log in.
If you're not logged in, you can see what this page looks like, but you will not be able to add anything.

Speak 'n Abacussing
I get tired moving all those beads around by hand
  (+3, -1)
(+3, -1) 		  [vote for,
against]


Using what appears to be a regular abacus you will be amused when Bob from accounting simply states his math problem out loud instead of moving the rosewood-looking beads himself. You will be astounded when the beads move of their own volition to solve the problem on its own.

The voice activated abacus works using voice recognition software installed on the little computer concealed in the attractive wood frame. The computer will translate the problem into the correct bead movements and solve it using abacusing methods.

The beads are ferrous metal in the center surrounded by a non-magnetic coating to prevent *sticking* to the other beads when the electromagnets are turned on. The rods that the beads slide on are also non-magnetic. Each rod has a number of individually powered magnets internally that turn on and off similar in the way a mag-lev train works that will push and pull the beads into the correct position as the numbers are said aloud.

All you have to do is read the bead positioning when they stop moving and amazed your friends with the latest in abacuser technology.

NotTheSharpestSpoon, Sep 10 2006


Short name, e.g., Bob's Coffee

Destination URL. E.g., http://www.coffee.com/

Description (displayed with the short name and URL.)







       Hear tell they've got these at Abacussby and Finch. (+)   

       Cussing and Abba - an unlikely partnership - fix your beady eyes on this croissant +
xenzag, Sep 11 2006
   

       "Mamma Mia!"?
jutta, Sep 11 2006
   

       Gets a [-] from me, I'm afraid. The big advantage of an abacus is that it makes numbers tangible.   

       Several years from now, your guy from accounting would be using the same talking tool (and annoying those on neighbouring desks). My guy would have taught his brain rapid arithmetic by using his hands to solve a problem. Eventually he would be able to visualise the abacus in his hands and be able to do difficult arithmetic in his head.
st3f, Sep 11 2006
   

       Why don't you just admit you're a Luddite, [st3f]? You're afraid of cutting edge technology. Abacusing you of being a scaredy cat, but that's okay.   

       But just so you know, your guy will end up being some kind of idiot savant while Bob will be promoted to regional Abacusser of the Northwest region.
NotTheSharpestSpoon, Sep 12 2006
   


 
back: main index
 business 
 computer 
 culture 
 fashion 
 food 
 halfbakery 
 home 
 other 
 product 
 public 
 science 
 sport 
 vehicle