An analysis of a pen-based tool for acquiring engineering design information.

摘要

This thesis deals with the design and testing of a pen-based information acquisition tool called the Electronic Engineering Notebook. It is designed to help engineers capture, organize, structure, browse, and retrieve design information. It consists of pages which one can write and sketch on using a stylus. It contains a dynamic table of contents which automatically updates itself when pages are added, moved, or deleted. Information can be organized or structured through links within or across notebooks using anchors and links and forms. Information can also be browsed or searched using a variety of methods.;Three studies were conducted to evaluate and discover problems relating to the use of the EEN. The results of the studies indicate that paper was a better medium for writing, however, for reading and sketching, the EEN fared just as well. The results also indicate that people need a comparatively large surface for writing, reading, and sketching. The studies also indicate that EENs should have large colour display screens (approx. 9" x 6") with anti-glare etched writing surfaces, reasonable access rates, handwriting translation rates that are 97% or better (LaLomia 94), and availability of applications that support engineering activities.