Pen&Internet has released a version of its “natural handwriting recognition” program intended to run directly on Linux-based tablet PCs. “riteForm” can process handwritten forms and notes on mobile pen-enabled Linux devices, and was previously available only as a Web services component running on a remote server.

According to Pen&Internet, riteForm uses a next-generation handwriting recognition engine called riteScript that can understand “any handwritten style” and requires no special user training or techniques. riteScript allows users to write continuously, in whole sentences, and automatically segments handwriting into words and lines, the company says.

riteForm uses a context-sensitive algorithm that “takes into account the content of individual forms fields” before rendering handwriting, according to Pen&Internet. It offers dynamic vocabulary support that enables developers to build and modify vocabularies on the fly, “reflecting the changes in corporate data without compromising the quality of recognition,” the company says.

Pen&Internet says it worked with HP and other companies to port the technology to low-powered Linux devices. HP's VP of Linux Martin Fink said, “Pen&Internet's cool riteScript technology running on Linux makes tablet PCs running Linux viable for the first time.”

riteForm targets the mobile enterprise and small business markets. Pen&Internet GM Leonid Katainik said, “This marks a new opportunity for system integrators and enterprises to quickly and easily build advanced mobile solutions, forms applications, and services.”

riteForm initially launched as a server-based Web service for Linux in March, 2002.

Availability

riteForm Local SDK and riteForm Remote SDK for developing forms processing applications are available for tablet PCs running Linux and a variety of Windows Embedded operating systems. The SDKs come with about 40 vocabularies covering data types commonly used in forms of various kinds. Free 30-day evaluation versions are available from Pen&Internet.

 
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