The Tech Museum Debuts Exhibit of Next-Generation ‘Handwriting Recognition’ Technology
SAN JOSE, Calif. — March 5, 1996 — Continuing its tradition of bringing emerging technologies directly to the public view, The Tech Museum of Innovation will debut a new, interactive exhibit today that showcases the latest cursive handwriting recognition technology.
The exhibit, using technology from Motorola, literally gives the visitor a "hands-on" experience: testing a computer's ability to interpret and evaluate hand written responses to a series of trivia questions. The software program reads and translates the visitor's handwritten cursive answers to typeface and then instantly determines whether the answer is correct.
"While still in its infancy, cursive handwriting recognition technology is expected to change the way people work with computers and other electronic machines in the future," said Peter Giles, president of The Tech. "This new exhibit provides visitors with a peek at an engaging new technology and offers an opportunity to try this next generation pen computer interface."
First generation handwriting recognition required users to block print letters. New software recognizes the natural handwritten styles: cursive, print and mixed styles. Recognition is accomplished by checking the handwriting against an embedded dictionary of up to 25,000 words.
The display uses Lexicus Longhand (TM) Professional Handwriting Recognition Software from Lexicus, a division of Motorola.
The Tech Museum of Innovation engages people of all ages and backgrounds in exploring and experiencing the technologies affecting their lives and inspires today's young people to become innovators in developing technologies of the future. The Tech is the premier science and technology museum in the greater San Jose area. Now in temporary space, the museum will break ground in July 1996 for its permanent building.
Founded in 1992, Lexicus was acquired by Motorola, Inc. in 1993 and is now part of Motorola's Messaging, Information and Media Sector. Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of wireless communications, semiconductors, and advanced electronic systems and services. Motorola's 1995 sales were $ 27 billion.
Note to Editors: Motorola is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc and Lexicus Longhand is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
CONTACT:
The Tech Museum
Gloria Chun Hoo, 408/279-7157
or
Miller/Shandwick Technologies
Peter Ross, 415/962-9550
or
Motorola, Lexicus Division
Brenda Scariot, 415/833-8062