Mathematical Expression Editor Text-to-Notation Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mathematical and scientific expression editors for word processors are slow and cumbersome, requiring users to manually select graphical symbols from a palette, which is inefficient for creating expressions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provides a user interface with an expression entry field and a suggestion display region, where users can input alphanumeric characters to match and select mathematical or scientific terms, with the editor suggesting corresponding graphical symbols for insertion, allowing for verbal input and automatic conversion to notation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users manually select graphical symbols from a palette to create mathematical expressions, then the expressions can be created with accurate graphical notation, but the process becomes slow and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of manually selecting symbols from a graphical palette with an automated text-based system. Users type verbal descriptions of mathematical expressions using their keyboard, and the system automatically converts this text input into properly formatted graphical mathematical notation, eliminating the need for manual symbol selection and significantly improving both speed and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically interpreting user text input and generating the corresponding mathematical expression notation without requiring user intervention in symbol selection. The automated conversion process handles the complexity of graphical notation generation, allowing users to focus solely on describing their intended expression in plain text
2Ease of operation
If a palette of mathematical symbols is provided for manual selection, then graphical accuracy is maintained, but the user interface becomes complex and time-consuming to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of graphical symbol selection and notation rendering from the user interface, leaving only simple text input for the user. The complex palette navigation and symbol selection mechanisms are removed, replaced by a straightforward text-based input system that automatically handles all graphical representation concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The text input field serves multiple functions: it accepts user descriptions, performs pattern matching, stores input data, and triggers automatic conversion to graphical notation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate palettes, toolbars, and selection mechanisms, significantly simplifying the interface while maintaining full mathematical expression capability
Data Source
AI summary
A method of creating a mathematical or scientific expression on a computer system in which a user interface is provided on a computer display device. Input data comprising a string of alphanumeric characters is received from a keyboard. The input data is matched with one or more verbalisations of a mathematical or scientific term. The or each matching term is displayed on the display device. When a user selects one of the displayed matching terms a corresponding graphical symbol is displayed on the display device. The method allows the user to type a verbalised version of the desired mathematical or scientific expression and to have the corresponding mathematical or scientific notation displayed on the display device.