Integrating Handwriting Recognition into Unix
James Kempf
Nomadic Systems Group,
Sun Microsystems Computer Corp.
2550 Garcia Ave., Mail Stop MTV17-08
Mountain View, CA, 94043
Abstract
Many new portable computers are substituting an electronic stylus, or
pen, for the mouse. While the pen can serve as a simple replacement
for the mouse, it also provides an enhanced drawing capability. This
capability opens up the potential for new modes of user interaction,
one of which is text input through handwriting instead of keyboard
entry. In this paper, the integration of handwriting recognition into
the Unix operation system is discussed. We begin with an examination
of the current state of the art in recognition algorithms and how
handwriting recognition can enhance a user interface. A standard
application program interface for handwriting recognition engines (HRE
API) is then presented. The HRE API is distinguished from existing PC
operating system API's in that it is specifically designed for
multiple handwriting recognition engines of differing technologies,
rather than a single, vendor-specific engine, and it shares a
relatively narrow surface area with the window system. The latter
characteristic allows it to be used with existing window systems, such
as X, but does not hinder migration to other window systems should
they become available. The API has been implemented with a public
domain recognition engine and is currently being circulated among
vendors of handwriting recognition engines for comment. Finally, the
paper concludes with a discussion of where handwriting recognition
belongs in the current X window system architecture, and what would be
needed to make handwriting an equal partner with typed keyboard input
for text entry.
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