An Orem firm has created an engine for pen-based computers that can be trained to recognize anyone's handwriting in almost any language in the world.

Unlike other recognition instruments for pen-based computers recognizing only English print, Savante 2.0 - created by Frank Carman Jr. of Penke Corp. - looks for shapes in individual pen strokes."It will transcribe any handwritten strings, whether block printed or cursive," said Greg Mockett, marketing vice president of Penke.

Savant 2.0 works "hidden" under other software packages, providing cursive recognition in all kinds of software. It has a dynamic learning system, which means the more it's used, the more it "learns" about handwriting.

"Savant 2.0 solves the last major objection to pen-based computing," said Mockett, "The industry has been stagnated for over three years due to the lack of acceptable recognition. Savant 2.0 will increase the acceptance of the pen over the mouse because it is superior in both screen navigation and input capabilities."

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Pen computing has great potential. Lawyers can take notes in a courtroom, field researchers can capture text and data in remote areas, medical doctors can enter diagnostic notes and review patient histories and non-keyboard executives can write, edit and annote letters and other material without typing them, Mockett said.

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