Project Reading 8

MathPad2: A system for the creation and exploration of mathematical sketches

Citation:

LaViola, Jr., J. J., and Zeleznik, R. C. Mathpad2: A system for the creation and exploration of mathematical sketches. ACM Trans. Graph. 23, 3 (Aug. 2004), 432–440

Summary:

MathPad is the system that Identifies structure of a given mathematical expression by parsing and analysis of input string. It is a tool for Mathematical problem solving and visualization. Mathematical sketching, a novel, pen-based, modeless gestural interaction paradigm for mathematics problem solving is presented. With a mathematical sketch, users can also leverage their physical intuition by watching their hand-drawn diagrams animate in response to continuous or discrete parameter changes in their written formulas. Mathematical sketching can also support computational tools for graphing,

manipulating and solving equations and initial feedback from a small user group of our mathematical sketching prototype application. MathPad2 introduces a new concept of combinations of handwritten mathematics and free-hand diagrams– that allow rapid animated visualization of mathematical formulations.

Discussion:

There is a restriction of the current prototype to closed-form expressions while drawing mathematical sketches if you need to use MathPad. Thus, the restriction does not make it for generic people. I think drawing restrictions should not be posed while making a system whose base is sketching.

Project Reading 7

                   MathBrush: A Case Study for Pen-based Interactive Mathematics

Citation:

Labahn, G., Lank, E., Marzouk, M., Bunt, A., MacLean, S., and Tausky, D. Mathbrush: A case study for pen-based interactive mathematics. In Proceedings of the Fifth Eurographics conference on Sketch-Based Interfaces and Modeling, Eurographics Association (2008), 143–150.

Summary:

MathBrush recognizes mathematical expressions and facilitates problem solving using backend computer algebra systems. Current generations of computer algebra systems require users to transform two-dimensional math expressions into one-dimensional strings, to master complex sets of commands. Then analysis can be done on the output strings. MathBrush provides a pen-based interface to many of the features of computer algebra systems. The observations in this paper validate aspects of the current design of MathBrush, suggest areas for refinement, and inform the design of future pen-math systems. 

Discussion:

For MathBrush to be used, users need to modify their writing to adjust to the tolerances of recognition. The adaptations included slowing down the timing, taking additional care with symbol spacing, and altering the way that we draw certain characters. These are very basic writing techniques and we should be developing a system which takes care of these and not changes these. Thus, this aspect of the paper should be improved in my view.