Function Bubbles
Function Bubbles allow you to perform calculations on Tags and other Function Bubbles. Function Bubbles can be used to give you quick calculations as well as be connected together to provide more complex formulas and calculations.
There are two type of Function Bubbles;
- Touch Function Bubbles – are a faster way to perform calculations, they are are limited to only a small number of math operations and only work on touching Tags.
- Function Bubbles – support all the ThinkDigits functions and allow connections between Tags and other Function Bubbles.
If you need some help with common Function Bubble tasks, you might refer to:
- Connecting Function Bubbles
- Selecting Functions
Using Touch Function Bubbles
Touch Function Bubbles are always identified by their operator displayed as a circular icon. Below is an example Touch Function Bubble.
Touch Function Bubble
The example above is a divide Function Bubble. It works by taking any touching Tags in the Top Part and dividing them by any tags in the Bottom Part. To add another tag to a Function Bubble, drag a Tag until it touches the bubble, the bubble will automatically recalculate. To remove a Tag from a Function Bubble, drag the Tag away from the Function Bubble, the bubble will automatically recalculate.
Adding Touch Function Bubbles
To add a touch function bubble for addition, subtraction, multiplication or division you can add them be pressing on one of the operator keys and dragging into the page area.
Standard Operator Keys
To change the function bubble to other operations, double tap on the bubble to show the Bubble Settings screen. Change the function by taping on one of the available functions as shown below.
Touch Function Bubble Settings
Changing a Bubble’s Appearance
Each Bubble can have it own appearance including value, colour, size and label.
To change the appearance of a Bubble, double tap it to display the Bubble Settings.
Touch Function Bubble Settings
From the Settings you may do the following:
- Label – allows you to enter a description for the Tag. You may also select one of the descriptions from the Quick Label selector. If you key in a new label, you may add it to the Quick Labels by using the + button.
- Style – Select a colour and an icon for your label from the selector. If you do not wish to have an icon, select the blank icon in the selector.
- Quick Label – you may enter a label or pick a label from a quick list using the ‘Find’ button.
- Number Format – select one of the preset number formats or select a custom number format. For more information on number settings see the Number Formats in the Settings topic.
Deleting Touch Function Bubbles
To delete a Bubble drag the Bubble to the C/Trash key.
Using Function Bubbles
Function Bubbles have the advantages of performing more complex calculations and operations. Function Bubbles can achieve this by allowing connections between Tags and other Function Bubbles. An example Function Bubble is shown below.
Function Bubble
Adding Function Bubbles
To make a Function Bubble, drag the Function Bubble button onto the page area of the screen. As you drag the button, a Function Bubble will appear, release it to place it.
Once the Function Bubble has been released, a recent Function Menu will appear, as shown below.
Recent Function Menu
Select a function from the list, or select the ‘more…’ option to select the function from the Bubble Settings Screen.
You can then browse through the functions and read more detail on the functions via the function browser screens as shown below.
Function Selector & Function Help Viewer
Calculating with Function Bubbles
Similar to Tags, Function Bubbles can be used in calculations.
To use use a Function Bubble’s value in a new calculation, drag the Function Bubble and drop it into the calculator display. Then use the number in a calculation.
Note: For a quick calculation, drag the Function Bubble onto standard calculator keys. For example, if your calculator display contained ‘2’ and you dragged a Function Bubble with the value ‘3’ onto the ‘+’ button. The calculator will automatically add the ‘2’ and calculate ‘5’.
Changing a Function Bubbles Appearance
Each Function Bubble can have it own colour, label and type of function.
To change the appearance of a Function Bubble, double tap it to display the Function Bubble Settings. From Settings you may adjust the following:
- Function – selects the type of Function Bubble (see function types above).
- Label – allows you to enter a description for the Function Bubble.
- Colour – selects the colour of the Function Bubble.
- Size – adjusts the size of the Function Bubble.
- Number Format – Allows you to select the format for numbers. For more information on number settings see the Number Formats in the Settings topic.
Connecting a Tag to a Function Bubble
To connect a Tag to a Function Bubble
Drag and hold the tag over the calculation bubble to be connected to
Wait until the Tag pulses, then release the tag.
The Function Bubble’s connection menu will be displayed.
Click on an empty slot for a new connection or click on a used slot to re-connect the slot to the new Tag.
Function Bubble – Connection Menu
You can manage each Function Bubbles connections via the connection menu. The connection menu is shown below:
Function Bubble Connection Menu
To view the connection menu, press and hold a Function Bubble, after a short pause the Connection menu will appear.
To create a connection see Connecting a Tag to a Function Bubble.
Connecting Function Bubbles
You can use a Function Bubble as an input into another Function Bubble
To connect a Function Bubble to a Function Bubble use the same process as connecting a Tag to a Function Bubble.
Disconnecting a Function Bubble
To disconnect a Tag or Function Bubble do the following:
- Press an hold the Function Bubble.
- The Function Bubble’s connection menu will be displayed.
- Tap on any connected slot to disconnect it.
