Week 1: Intro to Sketch Recognition

"Introduction to Sketch Recognition, Tracy Hammond and Kenneth Mock

The paper begins with a brief history of pen-based computer input, then describes current pen-based computer systems, including several types of hardware (form, size, etc) and available software (OS support, display recording, pen input), as well as describing two methods used to determine where the input device is in relation to the what is displayed. In the next section, uses of pen-based computer input in the classroom are discussed, including lectures/presentations, note taking, and other uses along with advantages and disadvantages of these techniques. Several example systems developed for specific academic environments are described, such as art, music, chemistry, engineering, and computer science, as well as military packages. These systems recognize specific shapes drawn with the pen to represent objects and actions. Finally in this section, a package that allows development of new systems that recognize pen input and associate it with specific actions is described. Next, the paper describes some challenges facing pen interface device. Also, two case studies are presented in which pen devices are used in the classroom and the reaction to their use by the the teacher and students is recorded. The paper finishes with a brief discussions of the use of pen devices in distance learning and possible future use of pen devices.

Overall, the paper provides a fairly comprehensive view of pen-input devices and their use in education. Though educational uses were the primary focus of the examples, the same uses also exist in the business world. Many business presentations could benefit from the interactivity the pen interface provides. The text recognition features available on later model tablets could be useful for improved legibility in professions that tend handwrite documents. The discussion of distance learning uses seems misplaced towards the end.