Abstract: A method and system of matching first and second waveforms, each having identifiable features, for identification purposes. The method includes the steps of obtaining from the first waveforms significant said identifiable features having values and locations with respect to a starting point of the associated said first waveform, with the significant identifiable features being obtained according to the predetermined criteria; utilizing values and locations of the significant identifiable features of a first waveform to search in predetermined locations for anticipated corresponding identifiable features in a second waveform; determining the values and locations of the identifiable features, if any, found in the predetermined locations; and comparing the values and locations from the determining step with the values and locations of the significant identifiable features of a first waveform according to second predetermined criteria to determine whether or not the second waveform matches a first waveform.

Abstract: A character recognition system is disclosed in which each row of a plurality of parallel rows of binary signals representing the configuration of an unknown character is sequentially compared to a plurality of templates, each representing a known character. Each of the rows of signals is compared to feature characteristics of the unknown character twice. The rows of signals are first shifted one signal position and compared. The signals are then compared in their original position to detect an unknown character which has been printed off-center. Only those rows of signals which are required to contain a feature characteristic of the unknown characters are compared. The resulting data is utilized by a data processor apparatus identifying the unknown character.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting the start of an unknown character sensed by a character recognition system. A multi-channel read head develops a plurality of analog waveforms which form the image of an unknown character sensed by the read head. After the analog waveforms have been digitized and rectified, static and dynamic threshold values are applied producing a multi-column binary bit map of the unknown character. The start of the character is detected when two adjacent rows of the bit map are found to have five consecutive binary bits representing a character. The end of the character is detected when the rows of the binary bits representing background data have a width which is inversely proportional to the width of the character detected. This information is used by a character recognition apparatus in locating the start of the character and the data generated during a character recognition operation.

Abstract: A system for processing data used by a recognition system in recognizing an unknown character. A multi-channel read member generates a plurality of parallel rows of data bits which taken together form an image of the character to be recognized. In order to align the rows of data in their proper relationship, each row of data bits is examined to determine if the row contains data representing a feature characteristic of the unknown character or a clear channel. The top row of the character is selected as the first row of data bits representing a feature characteristic of the character which follows the largest number of consecutive clear channel rows. The top two rows of the character are then compared. The row having the greatest number of feature characteristic data bits is selected as the top row of the character. Signals identifying the top row of the character are generated for us by a recognition apparatus in recognizing the unknown character from the rows of data bits generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing data used in a character recognition system in which a threshold voltage value is developed to be applied to an analog waveform representing an unknown character to determine the start of the character waveform. Samples of the first peak of the waveform are generated and a value representing the area under the first peak is developed. Data processing means divides the area by the number of samples taken to arrive at a threshold voltage value which, when applied to the samples taken, determines the start of the character waveform. The voltage amplitudes of adjacent samples of the character waveform are then averaged and the number of samples reduced by one half. A predetermined number of samples having the maximum voltage amplitudes located within peak areas of the waveform are normalized for use by a utilization device in recognizing the unknown character.

Abstract: A character recognition system is disclosed in which feature characteristics of an analog waveform representing an unknown character are applied to a plurality of templates each representing a known character and consisting of a number of windows in which the feature characteristics of the known character are to be located. Hardware implemented circuits compare each feature characteristic of the unknown character with each window of the template. If a feature characteristic is found outside the window, the distance between the location of the feature characteristic from the location of the window is found. The sum of the distances for each template is generated and the templates having the two minimum distances are selected and evaluated to determine if a character can be recognized from the value of the two minimum distances.