Abstract: The writing motion of a hand, pen or stylus is reported via a digital communications link, such reporting taking the form of packets of digital data, such packets containing position information, such packets also containing real-time information. Apparatus is described for recording the movement of a stylus during handwriting, for example in the execution of a handwritten signature. The apparatus comprises digitizer means, capable of sensing the position of a stylus, and defining an active signing area. A control circuit is capable of sampling at least orthogonal X and Y coordinates, in the plane of the active signing area, of a stylus in proximity to the digitizer means, and of then transmitting information regarding said coordinates together with real-time information via a digital communications link. The real-time information is represented either as a sequential number or in absolute form as clock-time.