Abstract: A handwritten character recognition system that includes a document scanner for generating scanned images of a previously created document containing handwritten characters, and a pen and digitizing tablet for real time entry of handwritten characters by a user. The handwritten character recognition system includes an image processor connected from the document scanner for receiving the scanned image of a previously created document and generating one or more ordered cluster arrays. The ordered cluster arrays contain spatially ordered coordinate arrays of skeletal image arcs representing and corresponding to the strokes of the handwritten characters wherein the spatial order represents an induced time ordered sequence of creation of the strokes of the handwritten characters that emulates the sequence of creation of the character strokes.

Abstract: In order to divide a dot pattern of touching characters having a thickness into patterns of each character without deformation, it is analyzed in the invention, as an ensemble of run continuations non-branched, continuations of neighboring `run`s, a succession of black dots ranged in a column being defined as a run. Some peculiar `run`s are nominated as segmentation candidates for dividing the dot pattern thereby, and the dot pattern of touching characters is divided by most appropriate one of the segmentation candidates.

Abstract: A design for a high reliability recognition system utilizes two optimized thresholds for each class k of a prototype data base. One threshold is a class region threshold CR.sub.k and the other is a dis-ambiguity threshold DA.sub.k. CR.sub.k specifies a constrained region belonging to a class k, and DA.sub.k corresponds to a value with which a sample belonging to class k can be correctly recognized with a high level of confidence. During recognition, if the distance D(x, r.sub.M) between an input sample x and the representative prototype r.sub.M of a nearest class M is larger than the class region threshold CR.sub.M, x will be rejected. Furthermore, if the distance D(x, r.sub.M) is subtracted from the distance D(x, r.sub.S) between x and the representative prototype r.sub.S of a second nearest class S, the resulting distance difference must be greater than the dis-ambiguity threshold DA.sub.M, or x will be rejected. An inventive algorithm is used to compute optimum thresholds CR.sub.k and DA.sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing a segment of one or more strokes which are to constitute any of characters and signs by recognizing a relationship in the position between the frame encompassing the strokes previously hand-written and a stroke newly hand-written; judging whether there is any requirement for changing the segment by referring the above recognized relationship in the position to predetermined relationships; recognizing, if there is no requirement, the above newly hand-written stroke as a stroke which constitutes, alone or in combination with strokes to be hand written later, a character other than the character encompassed by the frame; ascertaining, if there is a requirement, the above newly hand-written stroke as any of one or more changing-instruction strokes which identify predetermined types of strokes for changing the segment; and changing the above segment according to the changing-instruction stroke.

Abstract: Linear structures are used to identify persons. In order to be able to combine a multiplicity of such linear structures in a database, their original images are analyzed and reconstructed using orthonormal basic functions. A preferred direction of the linear structure is determined for each pixel. A quality measure is used to evaluate the reliability of the analyzed data. Singularities (SI) and minutiae (MI) are extracted and stored.

Abstract: An input carrier sheet 12C for document distribution system 10 carries input symbols hand entered by the user into pre-existing constraint grids 12. The constraint grids may be printed in continuous tone or halftone. The print only partially covers the underlying carrier, permitting the exposed carrier to reflect light. The grids have sufficient pigment to be visible to the user, but insufficient pigment to form foreground pixels along with the hand-entered stroke when detected during the scanning. The signal (symbol)-to-noise (carrier) ratio is enhanced by reducing the pigment content of the constraint grids which increases the reflectivity of the grids. The S/N may be further enhanced by placing the strokes of the hand-entered symbols on top of the grid which occults some of the grid pigment. The S/N is further enhanced by highly reflective brightening agents in the grid print, and by aperture effect during scanning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a user with the option of editing handwritten input such that the user may elect to join or combine one or more discrete continuous segments, or blocks of ink, to form a single discrete continuous segment. The joined segments are then presented as a single discrete segment and analyzed as a single discrete segment by the method of machine recognition of handwritten input being employed by a device that functions to receive handwritten input.

Abstract: A method and system for simultaneously recognizing contextually related images is disclosed. The image of two separate fields is captured to form two captured data images such as a word and numerical amount. Each captured image is cut to form a segmentation graph based on the cuts. The shortest path in each segmentation graph is found wherein the additive length corresponds to a score and is associated with each directed arc of the segmentation graph. The segmentation graphs are combined into a joint segmentation graph and the highest scoring mutually consistent interpretations are found.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the coding of digital images for subsequent display by an apparatus having multiple image planes, wherein each image plane provides a unique information density. Accordingly, when an image feature is to be encoded, a determination is made as to whether it is possible to encode the image feature in a relatively lower density image plane or whether the feature must be encoded in a higher density image plane. A decoding system is likewise provided to interpret the encoded information for display on a display apparatus having multiple image planes.

Abstract: A method of automatically identifying drop words in a document image without performing character recognition to generate an ASCII representation of the document text. First, the document image is analyzed to identify word equivalence classes, each of which represents at least one word of the multiplicity of words included in the document. Second, for each word equivalence class, the likelihood that it is not a drop word is determined. Third, document length is analyzed to determine whether the document is short. For a short document, the number of word equivalence classes identified as drop words based upon their likelihood is proportional to document length. For long documents, a fixed number of word equivalence classes are identified as drop words based upon the likelihood that they are not drop words.

Abstract: A computer system for analyzing nucleic acid sequences is provided. The computer system is used to perform multiple methods for determining unknown bases by analyzing the fluorescence intensities of hybridized nucleic acid probes. The results of individual experiments are improved by processing nucleic acid sequences together. Comparative analysis of multiple experiments is also provided by displaying reference sequences in one area and sample sequences in another area on a display device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a user with the option of editing handwritten input such that the user may elect to split one or more continues segments, or blocks of ink, to form one or more discrete continues segments. The split discrete segments are then presented as individual discrete continuous segments and analyzed as individual discrete segments by the method of machine recognition of handwritten input being employed by a device that functions to receive handwritten input.

Abstract: A method to segment, classify and clean an image is presented. It may be used in applications which have image data as their input that contains different classes of elements. The method will find, separate and classify those elements. Only significant elements must be kept for further processing and thus the amount of processed data may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: An improved method of segmentation and feature-based description for verification/authentication of contour images (e.g. handwritten signatures) is described, directed to a system which employs a set of parameters extracted from a dynamic description of a contour image template to perform segmentation of incoming contour images being verified/authenticated by the system. The preferred embodiment would consist of a central processing unit incorporating a high-performance computer, and of many autonomous verification units (e.g. ATM machines) equipped with inexpensive processing devices. In the central processing unit, a contour image template is segmented into strokes according to the segmentation parameters which are computed using selective properties of the mathematical transformation for said contour image template. For illustration purpose, a discrete cosine transform (DCT) is being used.

Abstract: A method and system for forming an interpretation of an input expression, where the input expression is expressed in a medium, the interpretation is a sequence of symbols, and each symbol is a symbol in a known symbol set. In general, the system processes an acquired input data set representative of the input expression, to form a set of segments, which are then used to specify a set of consegmentations. Each consegmentation and each possible interpretation for the input expression is represented in a data structure. The data structure is graphically representable by a graph comprising a two-dimensional array of nodes arranged in rows and columns and selectively connected by directed arcs. Each path, extending through the nodes and along the directed arcs, represents one consegmentation and one possible interpretation for the input expression. All of the consegmentations and all of the possible interpretations for the input expression are represented by the set of paths extending through the graph.

Abstract: A method for separating integer and fractional portions of a financial amount preparatory to recognition of the financial amount. This separating is accomplished based on determining the presence of at least one of a plurality of possible distinguishing separation characteristics, such as the presence of a period (decimal point), superscripted characters, or a fraction. The separated fractional portion is then categorized into one of a plurality of categories based on the nature of the fractional portion representation. The characters making up this fractional portion are then extracted based on this categorizing.

Abstract: A method for entering and manipulating spreadsheet cell data is described. The present invention provides a method for determining the target cell for written information and for scaling the information to fit within the boundaries of the target cell. A multi-tiered character recognition scheme is used to improve the accuracy and speed of character recognition and translation of handwritten data. The original handwritten data is preserved so that either the translated data or original data may be displayed. The present invention also provides for improved editing of cell entries by allowing a plurality of editing tools to be selected. Manipulation of blocks of data can be accomplished with simple gestures. Arithmetic, statistical and logical functions can be invoked with a single command.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a character recognition method and apparatus through which highly accurate character recognition is capable of being executed inexpensively and at high speed. Character recognition is raised in speed by executing segmentation of character images from an input image and character recognition from the segmented character images in parallel by separate processors without use being made of a special communication processor. After the character images have been segmented from the input image, the results of segmentation are evaluated and the character images are segmented further based upon the results of evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining a positional guideline, such as a baseline or ascender line, of handwritten data. This positional guideline allows for accurate positioning of the data on a computer display. It is calculated by counting the number of pixels per horizontal row in the block of data. These counts of pixels per row are then filtered using a wide moving average. The filtered rows of pixels are then analyzed per row to determine the positional guideline for the given block of handwritten data.

Abstract: The present invention determines whether two discrete continuous segments of handwritten input S.sub.1 (210) and S.sub.2 (220) form part of the same handwritten input or are part of more than one, separate handwritten inputs. The present method calculates one or more substantially parallel distance disposed substantially parallel to the writing access (210) and compares these distances to one or more predefined thresholds. The predefined thresholds specify minimum distance measures which must be exceeded by the substantially parallel distances for the discrete continuous segments to be judged as belonging to separate segments of handwritten input.

Abstract: Character recognition method and apparatus according to the present invention comprises the partial pattern dictionary which classifies and registers partial patterns of characters to be recognized in accordance with direction data of strokes and the partial pattern composition dictionary which classifies and registers dictionary characters in accordance with the partial patterns. When a character image to be recognized is inputted, each stroke is converted into direction data. The partial pattern dictionary is searched by using the attained direction data and divides the character image to be recognized into a single or plurality of partial patterns. The partial pattern composition dictionary is searched by using the partial patterns attained in the above-described way. A dictionary character is thus attained as the result of recognition.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pattern recognition method and apparatus which eliminate the complications of handwritten input by storing two or more patterns in memory beforehand, matching input patterns with the stored patterns, and delimiting and recognizing individual patterns from the input patterns based upon the pattern matching.

Abstract: A note taking system that integrates word-processing functionality and computerized drawing functionality for processing ink strokes comprises novel methods that provide this functionality such as: a method for modeless operation of the note taking system that automatically switches between providing word-processing functionality and drawing functionality; a novel method for processing ink strokes as drawings, a unique method for processing ink strokes as writing, and other methods for parsing the ink strokes into words, lines, and paragraphs. The present invention also includes additional methods for manipulating figures such as a division between line and shape type figures, and a special handle performing either rotation or re-sizing.

Abstract: A handwritten character recognition device including: input unit for inputting handwriting thereon; stroke extracting unit for analyzing the handwriting in an X-axis and Y-axis direction, and extracting an X-axis and Y-axis direction input stroke; symbolizing unit for converting the X-axis direction input stroke into an X-axis direction symbol string and the Y-axis direction input stroke into a Y-axis direction symbol string; first storage unit for storing X-axis direction basic symbol strings corresponding to X-axis direction basic symbol strokes of reference characters, and Y-axis direction basic symbol strings corresponding to Y-axis direction basic symbol strokes of the reference characters; second storage unit for storing correlation coefficients between each of the symbols; degree-of-match calculating unit for calculating, by referring to the first storage unit and the second storage unit, X-axis correlation coefficients between the symbols forming the X-axis direction symbol string and the symbols form