A Singular web service for geometric computations

Abstract

Outsourcing algebraic computations in dynamic geometry is a possible strategy used when software distribution constraints apply. Either if the target user machine has hardware limitations, or if the computer algebra system cannot be easily (or legally) packaged inside the geometric software, this approach can solve current shortcomings in dynamic environments. We report the design and implementation of a web service using Singular, a program specialized in ideal theory and commutative algebra. Besides its canonical address, a virtual appliance and a port to a low-cost ARM based computer are also provided. Any interactive geometric environment can then outsource computations where Singular is used, and incorporate their results into the system. In particular, we illustrate the capabilities of the web service by extending current abilities of GeoGebra to deal with algebraic loci and envelopes by means of a recent algorithm for studying parametric polynomial systems.