Machines reading the archive: handwritten text recognition software

[Chris in Sussex]

Brought to my attention on Rootschat

http://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/blog/machines-reading-the-archive-handwritten-text-recognition-software/

I am not convinced it will ever work with all those old greasy, smudged and creased deeds I have had the pleasure of trying to transcribe at the NA but, as they say, every little helps!;D

Chris

[PhotoFamily]

and when I look at transcriptions done of printed materials by Optical Character Transcription, I wonder how they can work - but maybe it will mean greater access to records!

[Sylvia C]

I've seen some horrible transcriptions done of handwritten material .......... the originals were not creased or dirty, but the renditions were awful!

[PhotoFamily]

Thanks, Guy!

[Uncle John]

From experience with articles in old Australian newspapers, a facility to enable readers to make corrections is probably essential, as the reader can make use of their knowledge of the subject-matter.