MathBrush: A Case Study for Pen-based Interactive Mathematics

Authors: George Labahn, Edward Lank, Mirette Marzouk, Andrea Bunt, Scott MacLean, and David Tausky

Comments:
1. Daniel's blog

Summary:
This paper discusses about a complete full-featured pen-math problem-solving system called Math Brush. This system uses Computer Algebra system (CAS) to solve the mathematical problems. This system allows Sketch inputs to input math problems.

The system provides a scrollable panel for pen input. It provides a context sensitive pop up menu which display a set of CAS features that can be used. The system allows the user to edit part of expression, manipulate sub expressions based on CAS output. The system also allows the user to plot the math expression in the form 2D/ 3D plots and it can be rotated using the pen.

Equation entry: The input validation panel is the input panel. The strokes made on them by the character recognition system. Some problems related to recognition were due to the extraneous ink let by the user (dots,...) . Editing gestures like scratch and translation were not provided for the user. Some other problems recognized were the user interface containing 2 input panels for correcting character recognition results and the structure of equations and user's inability to percieve the reason behind the recognition errors(correcting stroke vs correcting recognition results) .

Discussion:
The MathBrush seems to be an application which tries to incorporate MATLAB + pen input. The paper is well written in terms of explaining the limitations and failures of the system.
The idea of math education and research using computers is interesting.
I think the Maple system which the author uses to compare is from Stephen M Watt (Author of prototype pruning paper)