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<title>iSlideRule RSS Feed</title><link>http://www.reid-performance.com/index.html</link><description>iSlideRule News</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>isliderule@reid-performance.com</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2008-2010 Reid Performance Designs</dc:rights><dc:date>2010-08-21T17:44:23-05:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:21:26 -0500</lastBuildDate><item><title>1.1.0 is out&#x2c; and 1.1.1 update is in the works</title><dc:creator>isliderule@reid-performance.com</dc:creator><category>Updates</category><category>Features</category><dc:date>2010-08-21T17:44:23-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/295d11858e6211786aece024c675a097-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/295d11858e6211786aece024c675a097-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Version 1.1.0 finally made it onto the App store.  ...  Update the app yet again I guess.


I've already started (and nearly finished) a minor update, 1.1.1, that adds 2 additional scales (KZ and T2, fundamental scales folded at 360).    Additionally, I've went in and added gauge marks on some of the scales for some key values...


On the CI, KZ, T2, C, and D scales, I've added gauge marks at 12 and 144.


On the C and D scales, I've added C and C' gauge marks at &radic;(4/&pi;) and &radic;(40/&pi;).


On the C and D scales, I've also added a p gauge mark at &pi;/180, a p' mark at (180*60)/&pi;, a  p'' mark at (180*60*60)/&pi;, and a p0 mark at 180/&pi;, and a mark on the C scale only, at (200*100*100)/&pi;.


Additionally, on the A and B scales, I've added gauge marks M at 100/&pi;, and &pi;/4 marks.


I also updated the documentation with the new scales, and added a "clear" cursor option (I don't really care for it too much, but there it is...), and I "tweaked" the timing on some of the touch-associated motions (like the delay for single-tap vs double-tap recognition to avoid moving things by 1 pixel when a slide scale change is really wanted...)


I should be sending this update out fairly soon, after I get done running my checks on it to ensure everything works.  
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>1.1.0 Released (for Apple Review)</title><dc:creator>isliderule@reid-performance.com</dc:creator><category>Updates</category><category>Features</category><dc:date>2010-08-01T13:15:12-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/2ec3ea57b051574e497fc59e0f4beddf-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/2ec3ea57b051574e497fc59e0f4beddf-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It's been quite a while since I had done an update (November of 2008 was the last update).   

...I've also added what I think is a unique, educational aspect to the app; it can display a numeric value on the cursor that represents the value on each visible scale under the hairline.  

...This means, from a calculation standpoint, that there are only 1900 unique numbers available between 1 and 10.    On a "real" slide rule, the user would "guess" or estimate position and value visually; mid-way between two "ticks" would be visually interpreted for value.


In iSlideRule, since there are limited locations for "ticks", if they were drawn in a distinct line, some scales would have ticks that would be four, then five, then four, pixels apart, and would have an uneven distribution.   


When generating scales for iSlideRule, I took an approach wherein I generated the scales at 4x the size I needed, then reduced them to the final size with anti-aliasing.  ...  It's still up to the user to visually interpret the position of the hairline over the values to come up with the answer.     This was my solution to how to represent an "analog" device such as a sliderule, on a digital platform; while providing as close to a real, useful tool, as possible.


By the way, another new feature on iSlideRule is the "flip view", accessible from the main, portrait orientation by pressing the little "info" ( i ) button in the lower right of the display.     This will bring up a simple quick guide that covers configuration and settings, gestures and usages, and short details on all sixty of the available scales (yes, I also update the scale selection from 40 to 60 in this release).
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>1.1.0 is nearly ready&#x21;</title><dc:creator>isliderule@reid-performance.com</dc:creator><category>Updates</category><dc:date>2010-07-21T17:21:07-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/b01e60628c21753e1503bb8f613a4c8f-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/b01e60628c21753e1503bb8f613a4c8f-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I've been actually working on the next update to the iSlideRule app.


...Setting the position on each rule for each selected scale (a very commonly asked for feature!)


Double-tap on any rule to select another set of scales from your pre-configured settings.    Up to 12 scales can now be associated with each of the three rules, in groups of 4 scales each.  

...Double-tap the labels descriptions on the left of the display to view the formula for each scale and a simple description of what the scale is.


Optionally turn on of off the display of numeric values.    When the rules are stationary and the cursor is not being moved, the values on each scale will be shown on the cursor.  


In addition, I've added several more scales, bringing the total to 60 scales supported.    I've also updated the app to work with iOS 4 (currently in testing on this area).


I've got a bit of work remaining, but will posting the update to the AppStore soon!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Next update is in the works...</title><dc:creator>isliderule@reid-performance.com</dc:creator><category>Work In Progress</category><dc:date>2008-12-14T11:12:33-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/c35ae1c5c9d485138f2b0b6a9bccb797-6.html#unique-entry-id-6</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/c35ae1c5c9d485138f2b0b6a9bccb797-6.html#unique-entry-id-6</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It's been a bit since I posted information here, so felt I should update everyone on where I am in terms of the next update to iSlideRule.


I was working on the layout and method of selecting positions for the various scales on each rule and had a design that I thought would work well.     I got it partially implemented and was using it, and realized that it was not a very effective or user-friendly way to do the selections.    For only doing one set of rules, it wasn't too bad, but with multiple views for each rule, the design quickly became difficult and confusing to use.     That told me that the design I was working on was not the correct way to do the selection of scales and positioning.


So; I'm back to working on a design that WILL work easily and seamlessly.  ...  What controls and UI elements does the iPhone have that can be used to perform these tasks?   ...  Suffice to say, I'm definitely working on something...  and I'm leaning to moving all the settings into the application itself since changing of scales within the app, and color scheme, etc. can and probably should be done from within the application, allowing the changes to be immediately seen.


As I proceed, I'll post more information as to what direction I'm taking on the ability to position the scales within the various rules, and views.    In the meantime, I hope everyone has a wonderful, joyous, and safe holiday season!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>1.0.3 Update is available</title><dc:creator>isliderule@reid-performance.com</dc:creator><category>Updates</category><dc:date>2008-11-15T22:34:43-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/47d8c199284a7301bac0683c93199356-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/47d8c199284a7301bac0683c93199356-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Apple is definitely getting much better and faster at approving updates for distribution.


The 1.0.3 update is now available for everyone.


The next update will contain several new features that I have started working on; including the triplex rules, as well as the ability to select positions on each rule for the various scales, and an optional digital display capability.     These updates will take me a bit of time to implement, so please bear with me.   :-)


Thanks for your support and feedback!    I appreciate all input and suggestions for improving the application!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>1.0.3 update available soon</title><dc:creator>isliderule@reid-performance.com</dc:creator><category>Updates</category><dc:date>2008-11-10T19:24:47-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/60c916c27e3ef2aa4fcc71d2e948480a-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/60c916c27e3ef2aa4fcc71d2e948480a-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I just posted the 1.0.3 update to Apple, so it should be available within a few days.    This update includes improvements in the scale numeric graphics for the P, LL/0, LL/1, LL0, LL1, LL2, and LL scales (increased kerning by 1 pixel in the smaller fonts).     Also, I've adjusted the acceleration and deceleration of the slide movement when the cursor is used to move the slide and top/bottom rules to the left or right.  


Additionally, I corrected a problem where the cursor would seemingly "lock" to the left side of the display when scrolling, even after the touch was lifted and the slide action should have stopped.  


Another change was done to the way the non-moving touch action performed.    Instead of using the current position of the opposite rule to determine which direction to move the piece in, the application now looks at the touch location.     If you touch the display on the left side, on, for example, the slide, the top and bottom rule will move to the left until the rightmost index is at the farthest position to the left that it can go.    Similarly, touching the display on the right will move the rule or slide (whichever piece is not being touched) to the right until the leftmost index is at the farthest position to the right that it can move.


The next update will take a bit of time to deliver as I'll be adding in several new features, including the triplex rule system, and optional digital display capability.    In the mean time, I believe 1.0.3 is very stable and use-able.   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>1.0.3 update in progress</title><dc:creator>isliderule@reid-performance.com</dc:creator><category>Work In Progress</category><dc:date>2008-11-03T21:47:29-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/57d56837faa2a2c27585556e2315e8c1-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/57d56837faa2a2c27585556e2315e8c1-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I'm working on the 1.0.3 update at this time.    

...I'm updating a few of the scale graphics to correct an error on one scale (incorrect number on one label), and to add some kerning space on the scales with a lot of smaller numbers on them.  

...Additionally, I'm changing the movement algorithm on the touch-move-other scales feature that I added in the 1.0.2 update.    One of my customers suggested that instead of movement based on the current offset of the scale being touched (a 50/50 split), that perhaps I could use the location of the touch (left or right) and move the opposing scale in that direction.     This actually makes so much more sense than what I first implemented that it was really time to just slap myself and go "DOH!"    I really shouldn't add features when I'm tired or not quite thinking right.  :-)   (Thanks for this suggestion Martin!)


Finally, I noticed a slight "sticking" feature in the cursor movement when scrolling the bars and slide to the right with the cursor all the way over to the left.    I missed one "cancel" of the movement on having the touch end, so I'm fixing that in 1.0.3.


After I get this update out; the next update won't be out for a while as I work through, and re-tool the application to use flipped views for the "triplex" rule concept I mentioned in an earlier message.    This will take some time to put together as I'll also need to completely rework how I do application preferences, and deal with the "Settings" application.   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>1.0.2 update released</title><dc:creator>isliderule@reid-performance.com</dc:creator><category>Updates</category><dc:date>2008-10-26T14:42:46-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/3dd8202bb9e83d49bedd66450b6c1e36-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/3dd8202bb9e83d49bedd66450b6c1e36-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The 1.0.2 update to iSlideRule was released on October 26, 2008, and should be available for users within a week.    This update contains several new scales, all new scale graphics that are 1900 pixels wide (1.0.0 and 1.0.1 used graphics that were 1400 pixels wide).  

...Other features include a new acceleration/deceleration routine when moving the entire slide with the cursor at the left or right margin of the display.    The entire slide rule moves left or right more slowly as it moves away from, or towards the ends of the rule.


...With an index of either the slide or the bars present in the display, touching that slide, or bar, and not moving the touch, will result in the other piece moving in the opposite direction.    Motion is halted either by moving the touch, lifting the finger, or by alignment with the other index position.     This motion also has acceleration and deceleration built in, although at this point, neither this motion, nor the other cursor-based motion have "bounce" like the normal movement in the view when moving the slide or the rules by swiping or dragging them.


Minor changes in the app include some settings changes to support the new features, a bit faster launch time, and I've also changed the default launch screen back to a neutral color similar to the initial release.    The default image also has some transparency added so that it is easier to know when the application has completed launching and is ready for use.


The other main feature included in this update is compatibility with the first generation iPod Touch devices (I finally got the application tested on one and can now say that it should work fine on that device!)
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Upcoming Features in future versions</title><dc:creator>isliderule@reid-performance.com</dc:creator><category>Features</category><dc:date>2008-10-25T08:40:12-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/c52559d86f0ee21d7e887810c1e46fa2-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/c52559d86f0ee21d7e887810c1e46fa2-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[There are many features that I plan on updating and/or adding to iSlideRule over the next weeks and months.


Primary among the features list that I'm planning and working on is moving the configuration and settings into the application so that scales and color can be updated while the application is running.    In addition, I'll be adding a feature that will permit positioning of the scales on their individual slides.    Settings will be accessible from "portrait" viewing mode via a control present on screen to flip the whole view over.


Another feature that will be added will be a flip-side view of each slide and rule with additional scales.     Unlike a normal slide rule however, that has two sides, each slide will have three sides (think triangular engineering and/or drafting rulers), with 4 scales each (12 scales possible on each bar), and each one can be "flipped" independently of the others.      I've got an approach that allows me to use up and down swiping on the rules to perform the flip, and flip to the appropriate view.


Lastly, of some use to those that have a hard time reading the numbers and ticks on the rules, I'll be adding a selectable feature to have the current viewable scales values shown on screen (in portrait mode, they'll be shown below the bars and labeled.    In landscape mode, while I haven't completely settled on the approach, they'll probably be displayed, after a slight delay, on top of the cursor, in a semi-transparent way, and disappear while moving the cursor.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>1.0.2 update in progress</title><dc:creator>isliderule@reid-performance.com</dc:creator><category>Work In Progress</category><dc:date>2008-10-25T08:28:14-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/0a534d808b7fa6d7e3c49eb8214678b8-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.reid-performance.com/iSlideRule/iSlideRule/iSlideRuleBlog_files/0a534d808b7fa6d7e3c49eb8214678b8-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In the 1.0.2 update, I'll have new scale graphics that include &pi; guage marks, and the graphics will be smaller in terms of storage size (resulting in a slightly smaller download), but longer in terms of rule size.     In the 1.0.0 and 1.0.1 update, the scales are ~1400 pixels wide.    Given a resolution of 72 pixels per inch, this is like a 19.5" wide rule.    I experimented with making 2400 pixel wide graphics, but settled on a size of 1900 pixels (equivalent of approximately 26" wide rules).     Additionally, I'll be adding a few new scales in the 1.0.2 update (CIF and DIF for example, along with others).


In the 1.0.1 update, I widened the cursor from its original 1.0.0 width of 45 pixels, to a 65 pixel wide cursor.    This was in response to feedback that was concerned about insufficient width in the cursor and inadvertent touches resulting in slide or top/bottom rule movements.


A "feature" that showed up as part of the work in the 1.0.1 update that I'm working to correct is that the rule and slide can separate when moved to opposite ends.     In the 1.0.1 update, I added blank space at the end of the rules in the view so that the rules could be moved to the right somewhat, instead of being locked to the left side.     I'm working to reduce or eliminate the separation in 1.0.2.]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
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