Exploring handwriting and writing behavior through time
PenCapture
PenCapture is a research platform for collecting, storing, and
exploring high-resolution pen input data from controlled writing and
drawing experiments.
The project is designed to support experimental research on handwriting,
drawing behavior, motor control, and script production across different
writing systems and task designs.
Data is collected via a custom iOS application and stored using a
Supabase-backed infrastructure. Public-facing API endpoints allow
read-only access to anonymized experimental data for inspection,
debugging, and analysis.
PenCapture is designed for
•Experimental research on handwriting, drawing behavior, and motor control
•Analysis of script production across different writing systems
•High-resolution pen input data collection via iOS applications
•Secure storage and public-facing API access for research purposes
Experiments
Detailed descriptions of experimental designs and objectives.
Experiment A: Discrete Shape Drawing
Participants draw individual signs sequentially; we record kinematic and geometric parameters for each sign.
A1. Simple Lines
Draw straight lines at multiple orientations and directions (left-to-right, right-to-left) to capture directional effects.
A2. VUƔ
Three fundamental corner types are tested: sharp (V), rounded (U), and loop-like (Ɣ). Each is presented in several orientations to sample local geometry.
A3. ΔZΔC
Compose shapes from two or more corner primitives using four fixed anchor points (square vertices). Trajectories move point-to-point, sometimes along diagonals; corner types are used at direction changes (e.g., Z = two sharp corners, S = two rounded corners).
A4. Multi-Pulse Shapes
Shapes composed of four movement pulses test whether production can be modeled as a second-order Markov process, motivating analysis of third-order shape compositions.
Experiment B: Continuous Shape Repetition
Participants repeatedly draw a reference shape (circle, square, or rectangle) without stopping to examine how velocity and geometry change over repeats and whether drift occurs.
Experiment C: Corner Angle Transition
Variants of V-shaped trajectories with progressively increasing corner angles to identify the angle where production transitions from sharp to rounded or looped corners.
Experiment D: Bounded Region Off-Shot Correction
Participants draw within a constrained area; occasional deviations are introduced to study compensatory corrective movements.
Experiment E: Broken Telephone
Sequential reproduction: drawings are passed between participant groups to simulate evolutionary changes in shapes across iterations, compared with historical form changes.
Experiment F: Eye Tracking
Participants write a sentence while eye movements are recorded to examine gaze patterns during writing production.
[a] ΔZΔC refers to shapes that can look like: ◸ Z ◹ ⊐
[b] Details for multi-pulse shapes (which shapes, stroke decomposition) are to be decided.
[c] Bounded region correction method still under development.
About Us
Project Overview
Writing Through Time is an academic research project that combines handwriting analysis
with temporal dynamics to understand how writing behavior evolves and varies across different
contexts and writing systems.
Research Focus
Our research explores fundamental questions about handwriting, motor control, and the
cognitive processes underlying writing production. We combine traditional handwriting analysis
with modern data collection techniques to create a comprehensive understanding of writing behavior.
Technology
PenCapture uses advanced iOS technology to capture high-resolution pen input data with precise
temporal information. This data is securely stored and made available through a public API for
research purposes.
Team
This project is led by a dedicated team of researchers passionate about understanding the
complexities of human handwriting and writing behavior.
Get Involved
We're always interested in collaborations and research partnerships. If you have questions
about the project or would like to discuss potential collaborations, please reach out!
