Model-based shape matching with structural feature grouping

An essential problem in online handwriting recognition is in the shape variation along with the variety of stroke number and stroke order. This paper presents a clear and systematic approach to shape matching based on structural feature grouping. To cope with topological deformations caused by stroke connection and breaking, we incorporate some aspects of top-down approaches systematically into the shape matching algorithm. The grouping of local structural features into high-level features is controlled by high-level knowledge as well as the simple geometric conditions. The shape matching algorithm requires a small number of prototypes and has the following properties from the viewpoint of online character recognition: (a) The order of strokes is free; (b) The number of strokes is free; (c) Stroke connection and breaking are allowed