Real-time processing of cursive writing and sketched graphics

The advances that have recently been made with respect to intelligent workstations and software also involve highly sophisticated recognition algorithms. The latter open up attractive possibilities for accessing the computer by means of the “natural” linguistic communication modes of speech and writing. Yet the large-scale introduction of keyboard-and-screen text editors with the many human-machine interaction problems associated with that revolution, and the spectacular potential of speech processing soliciting huge and lasting research investments in that area, seem to be responsible for the relative oblivion of the study of handwriting and drawing as efficient modes of human-computer interaction. The present contribution intends to point out the attractiveness and feasibility of using pen and paper as a natural communication device in an office work environment.