Motorola Lexicus Announces Handwriting Recognition on New Low-Power Microprocessor

September 25, 1995 — Motorola’s Lexicus division announced the successful port of Lexicus QuickPrint software, one of the world’s smallest handwriting recognition systems to the M68328 processor. Developed by Motorola’s Portable Systems Operation and code named the “DragonBall” microprocessor, the M68328 is a low-power, low-cost microprocessor designed specifically to meet the needs of these types of small portable systems.

QuickPrint has a unique user interface which is only 3.2 by 4.4 centimeters and a memory footprint of less that 20K. Dr. Ronjon Nag, President of Motorola’s Lexicus division said, “This combination of low power, high accuracy and small memory will enable a new generation of inexpensive consumer products with accurate handwriting recognition.”

“DragonBall is a powerful solution for handheld personal data communicators,” said Ken Edwards, Marketing Manager, Motorola Portable Systems Operation. “It delivers efficient system performance, low-power consumption and out-standing system cost advantages for battery-powered consumer electronic devices.”

Lexicus QuickPrint software enables users to enter text into small handheld devices using a stylus. Users can quickly write e-mail messages, names, phone numbers or even play games without searching for letters on a tiny keyboard. QuickPrint does not require users to learn a new alphabet or write in any specific style. The software learns to read a user’s natural style of writing, whether it be uppercase, lowercase, cursive-style printing or a mixture of styles.

QuickPrint’s small memory footprint will enable manufacturers to build products without keyboards. A retail version of Lexicus QuickPrint is currently being sold for the Magic Cap Operating System, which is used in the Envoy Wire-less Communicator from Motorola and the Sony Magic Link.

Customers interested in Lexicus QuickPrint can contact Denise Brosseau at 415/462-6837. For more information on the M68328 microprocessor, contact Ken Edwards at 512/891-2142.

Founded in 1992, Lexicus was acquired by Motorola, Inc. in 1993 and is now part of Motorola’s Messaging, Information and Media Sector. In December 1994, Lexicus released Lexicus Longhand, a handwriting recognition software product for Windows for Pen Computing. Based on neural network technology, Lexicus Longhand recognizes cursive, print and mixed styles of handwriting.

Having 1994 worldwide sales of $ 6.9 billion, Motorola’s Semiconductor Products Sector is the largest U.S.-based broad line supplier of semiconductors, with a balanced portfolio of more than 50,000 devices. Motorola is one of the world’s leading providers of wireless communication, semiconductors and advanced electronic systems and services.

Major equipment businesses include cellular telephone, two-way radio, paging and data communications, personal communications, automotive, defense and space electronics and computers. Communication devices, computers and millions of consumer products are powered by Motorola semiconductors. Motorola’s 1994 sales were $ 22.2 billion.

CONTACT:
Switzer Communications
Dawn Montoya, 415/945-7073
dawn@switz.com
or
Motorola Lexicus
Denise Brosseau, 415/462-6837