Invention Coach:
Eric Goff
Public Inventor(s):
Eric Goff, Robert L. Read
Main Link:
Motivation:
A Number API for Engineers
Computer programmers and engineers often write software which produces decimal expansions of numbers that have a closed-form expression which is unknown or not observed by the programmer. Thus, this project supports an API that alerts engineers when an arbitrary, 15-digit number is an expansion of a simpler formula. This will provide insights that will let engineers do a better job.
Story:
Number Spectra Development
The Problem
The work of Norman J Wildberger and Rob’s own experience with Mathematica on the Segmented Helix project demonstrate that many times, there is in fact a closed-form expression to generated engineering data. However, sometimes these formulae take pages and pages for Mathematica to print, and they are beyond human intelligence to simplify without tremendous effort.
The Software Solution
Eric Goff and Rob Read spent a weekend hacking together a simple system that enumerates formulae and builds a “database” of decimal expansions. It turned out to be useful to see the “spectra” of these “special” numbers. The two inventors are currently trying to map these onto a zoomable number line and see how they relate to the Online Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences.
Related Open-Source Projects
If interested in learning more about Public Invention’s other projects, check the following pages for updates and volunteer opportunities:
Status:
Skills Needed
The Number Spectra team is looking for new team members with the following backgrounds:
- Sophomore college-level math (analysis)
- Open-source management
- Human computer design
- Internet research
- API design
- Website design
If interested in joining the project, please reach out to Robert L. Read, Volunteer Coordinator Miriam Castillo, or Volunteer Now.