Abstract: Apparatus and method for the recognition of hand written alphanumeric characters as they are being formed. The different sequence of strokes for each letter of the alphabet and numbers, as it is written, is codified. The apparatus comprises a minimum number of parallel conductive bars which produce a characteristic signal when crossed or touched with the pen as the alphanumeric character is being formed to reproduce the identifying code. A computer having the distinctive alphanumeric character code stored therein compares the signals derived by contact of the pen with the conductive bars and renders an appropriate readout for utilization. The invention encompasses script writing and word identification as well as the conventional printing of the individual letters.