IDEA: a framework for the fast creation of interactive animations by pen 
sketching. 

We present a Java-based framework for the easy and onthefly creation of 
algorithm animations. Animations are created by sketching both the objects 
that should be animated and operations that should be performed on them. The 
IDEA (Interactive Domain rEcognition and Animation) framework combines the 
recognition of drawn structures, the interaction with these structures and 
their animation in order to achieve an effortless and natural creation of 
animations. The framework itself supports the creation of animations in 
arbitrary domains through a dynamic plug-in architecture, where so-called 
domain modules encapsulate all domain-specific semantics. Its application and 
potential is outlined by the help of three prototypical domain modules for 
linear lists, Petri nets, and the game Connect-four.