Pen-Based Computing

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The use of the pen to enter, edit and manipulate mathematical expressions can lead to a qualitative improvement in the ease of use of computer algebra systems. A Tablet PC is a notebook or slate-shaped mobile computer, equipped with a touchscreen or graphics tablet/screen hybrid technology which allows the user to operate the computer with a stylus or digital pen, or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse.

1. Description

2. Why

3. How

4. Future Trends

5. Related Links

Useful links Pen-computing

Description

It is a computer that uses pattern-recognition software to enable it to accept handwriting as a form of input. A stylus, which may contain special electronic circuitry, is used to write on the computer display or on a separate tablet. The earliest devices were limited to recognizing geometric shapes for computer graphics applications and neatly printed alphabetic characters.Pattern recognition has improved to the level where cursive input is now acceptable, especially in personal digital assistants, although such input is not always accurately interpreted by the software. Some software requires the use of a specially modified alphabet to enter data.

Why

Administrators travel from school, to school or attend conferences thousands of miles from their offices. Instructors teach at several locations, especially in rural areas where travel expenses come under the domain of "sharing knowledge."

  • More natural form of input — sketching and handwriting are a much more familiar form of input than a keyboard and mouse, especially for people who are new to computers.
  • Gesture recognition — gestures (moving the stylus in special patterns over the screen) are powerful ways to increase efficiency
  • Note-taking — taking handwritten notes and drawing diagrams at a class or conference increases productivity and retention of information. The notes can also be searched automatically if handwriting recognition is implemented.
  • Accessibility — those who are physically unable to type can utilize the additional features of a tablet PC to be able to interact with the electronic world.
  • Digital art — tablets are often necessary for professional digital artist work. For many, mouse movement is too jerky to be used as a precision tool.
  • Portability — slate tablets and hybrids without keyboards are very slim and light compared to typical laptops and can easily be tucked under the arm like a book.
  • Horizontal orientation — most tablet PCs do not interrupt line of sight since they lie flat on the table or in one's arms.

Students jump up at the end of class, running across campus to their next class. Or they're studying in the library or writing papers at home.  Education is hardly static--in more ways than one. Because of this, portable computing has an important place in academia. But in addition to this need for portability, education is benefiting from systems that help everyone communicate more efficiently.

How

One of the first issues we face in starting a development project in pen-based interfaces for mathematics is to define the target audience. As computer algebra systems become more documentoriented, it is a natural generalization to include the usual document processing audience as part of the scope.By taking this decision, it led further to architect an environment where the mathematical components of a document can enjoy mathematically aware operations for reformatting, validity checking, etc, in a manner analogous to the natural language operations in high-end document processing software.Developing a particular software solution that enables mathematical input, but rather about a general framework organization that will allow math interfaces for different applications on different platforms. These are to enable plugging ready-to-use pen-based mathematical software tools to hosting applications and systems.In late 2007, Hand Held Products became Honeywell Imaging and Mobility, a Honeywell Automation & Control Solutions Business that as of July 2008 also incorporates Metrologic.The corporate rearrangements resulted in a brand name change as well, as the latest Dolphin handheld now carries the Honeywell name. The Honeywell Dolphin 9900 Series is stylistically a close relative of the existing 7500 Series which combined full Windows Mobile/Pocket PC capabilities with a traditional flashlight form factor. Leapfrog's newest devices: the FLY Pentop Computer. It's a computer packaged inside a pen.As pen-based computing becomes more prevalent, it is increasingly important to be able to share ink across ap- plications and across platforms. The emerging standard Ink Markup Language (InkML) is intended for this purpose. Four drafts of the proposed standard have been produced since 2003, resulting in a specification with broad input from industry and invited experts. The last working draft has simplified and generalized the specification in some im- portant ways and the specification is now in "last call" status.

Future Trends

With the recent widespread availability of pen-enabled devices (such as Pocket PCs, Tablet PCs and interactive whiteboards), there is an opportunity for a new generation of natural interfaces for mathematical software packages.With the goal of driving innovations that will serve the academic community as a whole, researchers at Brown University will investigate new ways for computers to recognize and interpret handwritten input. Faculty, students and research staff will also create and test new software that recognizes notations in mathematics, chemistry, art and design, and other fields that have well-developed notational styles.The software would allow the data to be stored as digital ink and shared as handwriting, sketches or text. Programs will also allow for exciting, instantaneous data transformations – for example, turning the symbolic notation of a sketched molecule into a 3-D model of that molecule that the user can view from any vantage point.

Keywords

Tablet PC, Panasonic Toughbook 08, TabletKiosk,  Xplore Technologies

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