Abstract: The techniques in the present invention allow both text and handwritten queries, and the queries can be single-word or multiword. Generally, each handwritten word in a handwritten document is converted to a document stack of words, where each document stack contains a list of text words and a word score of some type for each text word in the list. The query is also converted to one or more stacks of words. A measure is determined from each query and document stack. Documents that meet search criteria in the query are then selected based on the query and the values of the measures. The present invention also performs multiple recognitions, with multiple recognizers, on a handwritten document to create multiple recognized transcriptions of the document. The multiple transcriptions are used for document retrieval. In another embodiment, a single transcription is created from the multiple transcriptions, and the single transcription is used for document retrieval.

Abstract: A handwriting recognition device including a handwriting recognizing component such as a software application running on a microprocessor. A user interface includes a display having a stroke entry field for digitizing and displaying the strokes comprising one or more written characters, and also incorporates a character spacing indicator to indicate a new character entry field with an adjacent new word indicator to indicate a new word entry field. A recognized character display area is on the display substantially adjacent to the stroke entry and display field. The handwriting recognition component includes an output recognition buffer (ORB) for holding and correcting characters while the characters are being displayed in the recognized character display area.

Abstract: The techniques in the present invention allow both text and handwritten queries, and the queries can be single-word or multiword. Generally, each handwritten word in a handwritten document is converted to a document stack of words, where each document stack contains a list of text words and a word score of some type for each text word in the list. The query is also converted to one or more stacks of words. A measure is determined from each query and document stack. Documents that meet search criteria in the query are then selected based on the query and the values of the measures. The present invention also performs multiple recognitions, with multiple recognizers, on a handwritten document to create multiple recognized transcriptions of the document. The multiple transcriptions are used for document retrieval. In another embodiment, a single transcription is created from the multiple transcriptions, and the single transcription is used for document retrieval.

Abstract: A contactless method and apparatus for real-time in-situ monitoring of a chemical etching process during etching of at least one wafer in a wet chemical etchant bath are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing two conductive electrodes in the wet chemical bath, wherein the two electrodes are proximate to but not in contact with a wafer; monitoring an electrical characteristic between the two electrodes as a function of time in the etchant bath of the at least one wafer, wherein a prescribed change in the electrical characteristic is indicative of a prescribed condition of the etching process; and recording a plurality of values of the electrical characteristic as a function of time during etching. From the plurality of recorded values and corresponding times, instantaneous etch rates, average etch rates, and etching end points may be determined. Such a method and the apparatus therefor are particularly useful in a wet chemical etch station.