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 TEX using a spatial analysis algorithm.