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! -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!William.Wilson Internet: William.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org