[misc.handicap] OCRs

William.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson) (08/09/90)

Index Number: 9632

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

PRESS Release---

       "IBM researchers have advanced the state-of-the-art of computer
recognition of handwriting with the first report of accurate, realtime
recognition of run-on handprinted characters.  Such characters can run
or touch and even overlap one another.  Previously, accurate, realtime
handwriting recognition systems could only recognize handprinted char-
acters that were spacially separated or confined to boxed areas.   The
advance is a significant step towards the goal of recognition of
cursive script."  [end of press release]

     Now, the untold story---

  It seems that a researcher had nearly completed work on this
same project, but was having a problem.  His boss, concerned that the
budget had been depleted, asked when it would be finished.  "It's
almost ready to roll", said the researcher, "just one more little bug
to fix and it'll be ready for beta test.  The only problem is when I
scan a lower case (u) followed by a lower case (r).  If the tail of
the (u) touches the (r), the system reads the (ur) combo as a (w)."

"Fantastic", says the boss.  "It's a miracle.  You've succeeded in
changing urine into wine !"

                                                        Willie

... Even if you're not the lead dog, the view can be interesting!

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