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Handwriting
recognition
Handwriting recognition refers to the ability of a
computer to receive intelligible written input from a user. The
elements of a handwriting recogition interface typically
include:
-
a
pen or stylus for the user to write with.
-
a
touch sensitive surface, which may be intergrated with, or
adjacent to, an output display.
-
a
software application which interprets the movements of the
stylus across the writing surface, translating the resulting
curves into digital text.
Handwriting recognition is commonly used as an input method for PDAs.
The first PDA to provide written input was the Apple
Newton, which exposed the public to the advantage of a
streamlined user interface. However, the device was not a
commercial success, owing to the unreliability of the software,
which tried to learn a user's writing patterns.
Palm
later launched a successful series of PDAs
based on the GraffitiŽ
recognition system. Graffiti improved usability by defining a
set of pen strokes for each character. This narrowed the
possibility for erroneous input, although memorization of the
stroke patterns did increase the learning curve.
In recent years, several attempts were made to produce ink pens
that include digital elements, such that a person could write on
paper, and have the resulting text stored digitally. The success
of these products is yet to be determined.
Although handwriting recognition is an input form that the
public had become accustomed to, it has not achieved widespread
use in either desktop computers or laptops. It is still
generally accepted that keyboard
input is both faster and more reliable. On PDAs, the Graffiti
system is being phased out in favor of keyboards.
See
also: optical
character recognition.
This
content from Wikipedia
is licensed under the GNU
Free Documentation License.
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