Xpress: A Novice Interface for the Real-Time Communication of Mathematical Expressions
Abstract:
In recent years there has been a great deal of research regarding entry
systems for mathematical expressions. With the rapid development of
online learning, there is now a need for mathematics entry interfaces
for novice users. These users often need to quickly communicate
mathematical expressions to an in- structor in a live online discussion,
or to a server in a timed testing environment, without having had
training in the use of any mathematical entry system.
In this paper we discuss the issue of real-time expression entry for
novices. We also introduce a new open-source AJAX/SVG Web-based user
interface for expression entry by novices, called Xpress (Transformation
of Pictorial Representation of Expression Spatial Structure). With this
interface the user can quickly lay out the expression without
constraint. The expression is then converted to TX using a spatial
analysis algorithm.