Paper Reading #11 - Hands-on math: a page-based multi-touch and pen desktop for technical work and problem solving

Comments:
Joe Cabrera
Keith Farinella


Reference Info:
Hands-On Math: A page-based multi-touch and pen desktop for technical work and problem solving
Robert Zeleznik, Andrew Bragdon, Ferdi Adeputra, Hsu-Sheng Ko
UIST '10 Proceedings of the 23nd annual ACM symposium on User interface software and technology

Summary:
This paper discusses the technology of solving mathematical problems using a touch tabletop. This simulates the typical paper-and-pencil approach used to work on math and displays it on an interactive surface. Its function is to aid and assist in the working out of problems. It uses Computer Algebra System (CAS) in order to do all the computation. There is natural mapping to the different gestures one could preform on the table.

Discussion:

This seems like a fun way to do math, and a lot easier way of doing it too. If it were me I would just have the table solve it for me. But i do see the good of this technology, especially if it converts written equations into more legible ones. I for one am tires of using Latex to type up my mathematical reports.