Fiona Enright

Contemporary Techniques of Handwriting Recognition

"A number of handheld computers beginning with Apple's Newton in the mid-1990s and the once popular Palm devices and BlackBerry have some ability to recognize handwriting. However, current systems can be frustrating to use because accuracy often requires that users write very carefully and consistently or (as in the case of the Palm) even replace their usual letter strokes with simplified alternatives that the computer can more easily recognize. If the user is allowed to use normal strokes, the system must be gradually “trained” by the user giving writing samples and confirming the system's guess about the letters. As the software becomes more adaptable and processing power increases (allowing more sophisticated algorithms or larger neural networks to be practical) users will be able to write more naturally and systems will gain more consumer acceptance.Handwriting recognition is available with many modern operating systems and devices, including:Windows PCs running Windows XP (with add-in), Vista, or laterWindows Tablet PCs including Surface ProAndroid devices (Google released its Google Handwriting Input app in 2015)Macintosh OSX, using the built-in Inkwell appApple iOS, using third-party apps such as MyScript StylusLinux, using Ink2Text Handwriting Recognition System, a shared libraryExisting handwritten documents can be scanned or photographed and then turned into text using appropriate software. Popular note-taking applications such as Evernote and Microsoft OneNote also include handwriting recognition. Some tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Note combine a more accurate and smoothly operating stylus with an app for handwriting recognition. Another alternative is the “smart pen,” which is an actual pen that uses a camera and special paper to record strokes.Currently, however, handwriting recognition is used mainly in niche applications, such as collecting signatures for delivery services or credit cards at point of sale terminals, or filling out “electronic forms” in applications where the user must be mobile and relatively hands-free (such as law enforcement). For text creation in general, voice input using voice recognition may be preferable for some users and applications."Henderson, H. (2017). handwriting recognition. In H. Henderson, Facts on File science library: Encyclopedia of computer science and technology (3rd ed.). Facts On File. Credo Reference: http://ocadu.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/fofcomputer/handwriting_recognition/0?institutionId=4079