Lexicus Corporation Announces Cursive Handwriting Recognition Software for Mobile Computing Developers; Neural Network-Based Software Enables Developers to Add Cursive, Print and Mixed Handwriting Recognition to Microsoft Windows Applications

Business Wire, Nov 14, 1994

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 14, 1994--Lexicus Corporation, a Motorola Inc.-owned (NYSE:MOT) company, today announced its Lexicus Longhand Handwriting Recognition Software for Developers.

The first cursive handwriting recognition software designed for the Windows for Pen operating system immediately recognizes and corrects natural handwriting -- cursive, print or a mixture of the two -- and provides faster and more accurate recognition than previously available.

Lexicus Corporation uses neural network technology, a mathematical modeling and recognition technique that mimics the behavior of the human brain, to train the Lexicus Longhand system to recognize natural handwriting. With its high recognition rate and dictionary customization capabilities, Lexicus Longhand software enables developers to design cursive writing-based applications for the Windows for Pen operating system with high accuracy and flexibility.

Lexicus Longhand will be demonstrated during COMDEX by Dauphin Technology Inc., FTG Data Systems and TELEPAD Corporation, and will be on display in the Motorola Corporate booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center (booth No. L1862).

Lexicus Longhand software facilitates the design of applications requiring cursive handwriting recognition, ranging from medical applications such as prescription writing, psychiatric notes and clinical drug trials, to sales force automation, market surveys and police incident reports. The software's ability to correct spelling errors and accommodate difficult-to-recognize cursive handwriting makes it a useful tool for applications aimed at the mobile workforce.

"Lexicus Longhand's handwriting recognition capability notably expands FutureWave's design options for sketching applications," said Johnathan Gay, vice president of product development, FutureWave Software, a developer and publisher of graphics software for business, education and the home. "It is an excellent complement to our SmartSketch product because it enables users of pen tablets to quickly and easily add text to their drawings."

Lexicus Longhand significantly enhances the quality of pen-based and mobile applications. Specifically, its high accuracy is derived from a 25,000 word built-in dictionary with a customizable user dictionary to immediately correct errors, anticipate common user words, and recognize proper nouns and sophisticated text. It has a high recognition speed of 12 characters per second, making handwritten text more legible, readable and more efficiently stored. Lexicus Longhand is user-installable without additional hardware or software beyond the Windows for Pen requirements. Additionally, it is writer-independent, easily learned and does not require training.

"We are excited about this breakthrough in cursive handwriting recognition for pen-based markets," said Dr. Ronjon Nag, CEO of Lexicus Corporation. "Together Motorola and Lexicus are committed to meeting the needs of this market with ongoing dedication to developing leading-edge handwriting recognition technology."

While Lexicus Longhand learns each user's vocabulary and adapts to their subject matter, it can also accommodate multiple users in a shared environment. Lexicus Longhand converts cursive handwriting to the American Code for Information Exchange (ASCII) format, which optimizes the use of storage on small devices, allows users to save text on PC notebooks and enables input to client/server and enterprise-wide computer systems. Saved text may then be searched for key words at a later date.

"Wireless communications and accurate handwriting recognition software are essential for the success of a new class of hand-held computing and communication products now coming to market," said Bob Growney, executive vice president, Motorola, Inc. and general manager, Motorola Messaging, Information and Media Sector.

The developer version of Lexicus Longhand will ship in December 1994 and can be ordered directly from Lexicus Corporation for $149 by calling 1-800-LEXICUS.

Founded in 1992, Lexicus Corporation was acquired by Motorola Inc. in 1993, and is now part of Motorola's Messaging, Information and Media Sector. Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of wireless communications, semiconductors, and advanced electronic systems and services. Major equipment businesses include cellular telephone, two- way radio, paging and data communications, automotive, defense and space electronics and computers. Motorola's 1993 sales were $17 billion. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Lexicus and Lexicus Longhand are trademarks of Lexicus Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. -0-

READER CONTACT: Lexicus Corporation, Bart Adao, 800/LEXICUS or Internet: info@lexicus.com

CONTACT: Cunningham Communication Inc.

Heather Acheson, 408/982-0400