Allographic Biometrics and Behavior Synthesis
Vlad Atanasiu · 2003
This essay deals with the role of allographs in the general framework of the study of writing. It explains why allographs are important (writer individuality), how they can be measured (frequency and contexts (graphic, semantic, non-graphic)) and what applications to expect from them (biometrics, script restoration, artistic creation, cultural history). One of the common elements used to identify a typeface or a handwriting is the shape of the script. Sometimes, however, individual characters may have alternate forms — in those cases the rules and habits governing their usage characterize the behavior of the typesetter or writer in a more subtle way than shape does. Allographs provide inconspicuous signatures to a text.