Monday, December 11, 2006

4-in-one device for easy geometry invented by Bangalorean

Rakesh Prakash
10 Dec, 2006 Times News Network
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BANGALORE: It's an instrument set to change the way in which school students solve geometrical problems.

From drawing circles to cutting arc angles, this 'multi-touch' four-in-one (compass, divider, scale and pencil) instrument can help one draw in four to five seconds flat. Its inventor is 20-yearold Bangalore-based student-cum-entrepreneur N Praveen.

The instrument weighs 17 grams as against 40 gms of those available in the market and is touted to be a timesaver for students while writing exams.

"Unlike the traditional compass where one has to fix the pencil to it and take measurements from a scale before drawing geometrical figures, this instrument does everything in one shot. It will make geometrical devices less cumbersome," says Praveen.

The invention has not only been certified by national scientific organisations but also been patented under the title 'Technology method of compass'.

Like other success stories, the invention was also fuelled by necessity and backed by perseverance. "I started working on this compass when I was in the tenth standard and had to answer a lot of theorems. It was then I began thinking of simplifying geometrical instruments. One day I was playing with a scale and it suddenly struck me why I shouldn't start with it," Praveen says.

Four years of labour bore fruit. The youngster is now preparing to market his invention. "So far, I have interacted with over 2,000 students in 25 schools and got their feedback. I have started a production unit in a hired shed at Peenya. It will be launched in January," he says.

Finances for the project did not flow easily. Having lost his parents in a road accident when he was 18 months old, Praveen had to do a lot of coaxing and convincing to get funds. He also disposed of a site that was purchased by his parents in Hiriyur.

Praveen proposes to route the proceeds to Aryabhatta Astronomy Explore and Exhibitors Institute — a centre he started with friends to encourage youngsters pursue research. He also plans to distribute the compass among rural students free of cost. "I don't want to stop with this. I'm interested in astronomy and aerospace technology," he says.

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