METHOD OF RECORDING A HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE

A method of capturing the coordinates of a handwritten signature and compressing the coordinate data so obtained. The signature is captured in real time by a device such as a stylus-operated digitizer. Compression is performed by examining the location of the signature points relative to a series of guide lines extending in the strokewise direction. The data is stored in compressed form for use in subsequent transactions requiring authorization by the signature which has been so captured.