We present a new technique based on shape metamorphosis for on-line re
cognition of handwritten words and simple shapes in a user-dependent s
etting. The approach includes a segmentation method that does not try
to locate letters but instead performs the significantly easier task o
f locating corners and some key low curvature points. This is part of
the method's strategy to see the word as a generic on-line shape. The
segmentation points are used to model a cursive word or a hand-drawn l
ine figure by pieces of wire. Shape metamorphosis occurs through stret
ching and bending of the artificial wire. The amount of energy spent i
n morphing one shape to another is used as a dissimilarity measure. Fo
r any two given shapes an optimal morph can be computed in quadratic t
ime by constraining the metamorphosis to the segmentation points of th
ese shapes. Experiments with multiple subjects indicate that the metho
d can handle collectively cursive words and hand-drawn line figures, b
oth useful forms of communication in pen-based computing. (C) 1998 Pat
tern Recognition Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All right
s reserved.