Ink recognition for use in character-based applications

A computer-implemented method for providing feedback indicative of ink recognition in an application that accepts character-based ink input, comprising:

• employing a processor that executes instructions retained in a computer-memory, the instructions when executed by the processor implement operations including:
• performing recognition on ink to determine a character to which the ink corresponds on a character by character basis;
• displaying the ink in a plurality of related entry locations;
• automatically displaying a first feedback in each of the plurality of related entry locations, wherein the first feedback provides an indication of the character to which the ink corresponds based on performance of the recognition, independent of other character ink input;
• comparing recognized ink from the performance of the recognition to a predefined correct value corresponding to each of the plurality of related entry locations;
• and
• displaying a second feedback indicating a correctness of the recognized ink relative to the predefined correct value in a first format and incorrectness of the recognized ink in a second format.

One or more computer readable media storing computer readable instructions defining a user interface for display on a display device through which a user interacts with a word game application that accepts character-based input, said user interface comprising:

• a clue portion comprising a clue to the solution of a word game, wherein the word game comprises one of a crossword puzzle and the predefined correct value includes a partial solution to the crossword puzzle and a cryptogram and the predefined correct value includes a partial solution to the cryptogram;
• an answer portion comprising an entry blank displaying ink input by a user;
• a first feedback automatically displayed in proximity to the ink input by the user, including an indication of a character recognized on a character by character basis from the ink input, independent of other character ink input;
• and
• a second feedback automatically displayed indicating a correctness of the ink input based on a comparison of the recognized character to a predefined correct value in a first format and indicating an incorrectness of the ink input in a second format.