A new paradigm based on agents applied to free-hand sketch recognition

Important advances in natural calligraphic interfaces for CAD (Computer Aided Design) applications are being achieved, enabling the development of CAS (Computer Aided Sketching) devices that allow facing up to the conceptual design phase of a product. Recognizers play an important role in this field, allowing the interpretation of the user’s intention, but they still present some important lacks. This paper proposes a new recognition paradigm using an agent-based architecture that does not depend on the drawing sequence and takes context information into account to help decisions. Another improvement is the absence of operation modes, that is, no button is needed to distinguish geometry from symbols or gestures, and also “interspersing” and “overtracing” are accomplished.

► We have devised a new paradigm to support recognition of free-hand sketches. ► The natural interface developed has been implemented on an agent based architecture. ► On-line recognition of sketches has been done in the field of CAD applications. ► Many lacks of existing Computer Aided Sketching tools have been solved or improved. ► Obtained results prove the systems based on agents suitable for recognition tasks.