| | uscrypt.com | Portland Or. |
Handheld and ultra compact computers competing
with pen and paper.
Introducing the future of writing ...
An evolutionary step beyond |
And offering ...
U_Scrypt v1.07
U_Scrypt v2.08
A practical
drawing & text program for Palm OS
| |
Welcome
___The U_Scrypt v2.08 drawing/text program (download 21 day trial) was developed for the Palm OS, but the new writing system, Universal Computer Script, is not restricted to any particular operating system in the future. A description of Universal Computer Script (UCS) is provided below, however, the symbol/recognition software was removed from the Palm program (U_Scrypt v1.07) in mid August, 2008 to become a separate entity.
___The U_Scrypt v2.08 and UCS features are briefly described on the right. Within the sections below is a more detailed description of the U_Scrypt recognition/writing system: Universal Computer Script (Patent Pending). UCS was developed over a period of several years. Each stroke pattern has been extensively tested to find that one, complete arrangement of UCS strokes where all are placed in an English compatible position and the stationary writing flow is smooth and coherent.
This web page will explain:
___The primary purpose of UCS is to provide a new, English-compatible system of writing which is more appropriate, more efficient and more logical for use with handheld computers than Graffiti, small keyboards or the writing systems used in the past for paper. The UCS system of stroke patterns is translated into standard letters, numbers, punctuation and gestures using a specialized stroke recognition program.
UCS is designed to be written "in place" (stationary writing) and to outperform:
1) graphic writing on screen or paper
2) input using a small keyboard on an ultra compact computer
3) input on a handheld's virtual keyboard.
4) "natural" symbol recognition
5) Graffiti recognition
UCS DESCRIPTION:
| UCS DESCRIPTION: |
___The UCS system is based on a small number of universal stroke patterns which follow several distinct geometrical progressions. The concept is similar to notes on the musical scale. Some of the simple patterns can, if written in certain configurations, coincidently match English letters and a few Graffiti-like symbols, but most do not exactly match either. Years were required to test and understand how this new system could be made compatible with English. The term English compatibity means that the ingrained writing patterns of those who have been brought up using cursive and print are not violated. The hand will willingly write each UCS stroke and the brain will accept what is written as the appropriate English letter. UCS has advantages over longhand. It is more simple, faster to write, easier, neater, requires less precision and uses much less space. It is the smoothness of the universal stroke patterns, their geometry of progression and their ultimate organization which provides low error, precise recognition and ease of writing. UCS, however, can only be comprehended by physically writing it. No written explanation is sufficient.
___ Although Universal Computer Script was created to directly compete with graphic note-taking, that goal is not yet possible (mid 2008) given the devices on the market today. Slower-than-blazing CPU speed and borderline digitizer quality limit the input speed and response time of "recognition" writing. (To date, the Palm OS, Sony Clie` TH55 is the handheld that comes closest to note-taking quality recognition results.) Despite the technological constraints presented by today's small computers, UCS is a powerful text input system and especially convenient for those who don't particularly enjoy sitting in front of a keyboard or require fast, legible, in-the-field writing. When experimented with for only a short time, Universal Computer Script's English compatibility and unique potential to give handhelds the capability to outperform ink-on-paper writing will be understood.
THE UCS PREMISE:
| THE UCS PREMISE: |
___The symbol systems used today and in the past were created to be pressed, chiseled or written and then viewed on the mediums of mud tablets, stone or paper. It was naturally, by visual means that the shapes of all symbols were determined. The symbol one writes, is the symbol one sees and all characters were necessarily different looking. It will be shown, however, that this is not, nor should it be the case for the new medium of the digitized computer screen or tablet.
___Computerized writing, introduced just a few decades ago, has understandably clung to the ancient principle of visually definitive symbols, but the requirement that recognition strokes be identitifable only through sight is a gross misunderstanding of the true purpose and capabilities of this new technolgy. The output on a small computer screen may be more compact and neater today using typical symbol recognition, but the process actually takes more time to perform than just writing standard print or cursive on a piece of paper. We have made a significant technological step forward but have taken an even greater step backward by decreasing efficiency. To counter the regressive nature of Old World writing and allow computerized writing to take its rightful place as a progressive form of text input, a new approach can and must be taken. Harnessing the power of the computer to rapidly translate a simpler, but compatible, intermediary form of writing is the answer. Efficiency can then be boosted past that of ink on paper and a small keyboard.
___The key feature of an intermediary writing system is that it does not require readability, only writability. UCS is a true, intermediary symbol system. It can be difficult to decipher on paper if written longhand, but visual differentiation of symbols by the writer is not important for "recognition" writing. Only the particular path which a stroke takes in real time is relevant, and it is the software's purpose to analyzes that stroke path. Low readability translates into lower precision required to write a specific symbol and still have it identified correctly. To promote imprecision, UCS strokes follow a few simple geometric rules. A specially designed recognition program, then uses those rules to determine stroke identity. This new recognition method establishes tight, mathematically definable boundaries for each symbol.
ENGLISH COMPATIBILITY:
| ENGLISH COMPATIBILITY: |
___A special character set and recognition program may be interesting in theory but are of little value if an average individual cannot quickly pick up and master the system. Language compatability is of critical importance. The underlying relationship between the new, computer-interpreted strokes and Old World letters must be strictly maintained. Only 26, very specific stroke patterns exist which fit within the UCS "primary" system and they must be arranged for lowercase English. To provide the necessary 100% cross-compatability, every conceivable arrangement was tested to determine how to best position each stroke so not one would "feel" uncomfortable or out of place for an English writer. Even though UCS is a "stationary" writing system it can be organized to simulate the "feel" of left-to-right cursive. (More on how this is achieved in the "Completion Effect" section.) UCS is very different "looking" than standard print or cursive, but it is not the appearance that counts in stationary writing. It is the "feel" and that is why UCS works. UCS captures essence. It is an evolutionary step beyond cursive. The faster one writes, the more similar to cursive it feels.
Cursive: Standard English sentence written from left-to-right.
UCS: "Stationary" input indicating that all UCS strokes are written one over the other.
UCS: The output on the screen.
SURPASSING PAPER WRITING:
| SURPASSING PAPER WRITING: |
___New efficiency possibilities open up when sight is no longer the driving force behind character input. Inline software senses pen/screen intersection points and stroke direction. This non-visual type of analysis allows the use of more simple symbols. If the derivative form of a standard symbol falls within the correct geometry it can then be classified as a definitve UCS character and used to improve writing efficieny. Inline analysis also allows opposites, that would appear indistinguishable on paper. This promotes simplicity and again, helps improve efficieny. Additionally, each inline stroke may be written in the same spot (stationary writing) which adds another degree of efficiency. And finally, one last step can be taken toward maximizing efficiency by introducing a simplicity heirarchy. Wherever it was possible to do so, symbols used more often in English are more simple in Universal Computer Script. As in speech where the spoken vowels are the shortest and the most clipped sounds, the written UCS vowels are the easiest and quickest symbols to write. As each efficiency feature is added, overall efficiency increases and UCS writing efficiency surpasses that of paper writing.
WRITING PRACTICALITY:
| WRITING PRACTICALITY: |
___Electronic writing practicality requires that the relative number of user mistakes at normal writing speed be minimized and the writing of the new system feels so similar to its standard counterpart that the transition to it is painless. Reducing error requires a symbol system that does not create software confusion between similar symbols and one which allows for poor penmanship. A painless learning transition requires that 100% of the new strokes either match or create the same "feel" as the familiar standard letter. Without complete language compatibility there can be little utility. UCS successfully accomplishes both the problem of practicality and error reduction. The probability of making mistakes is reduced to a minimum and the 100% English compataility issue is resolved. UCS has been thoroughly tested and is targeted directly at the Western European (Latin), phonetic, lowercase alphabet and accompaning numbers and punctuation.
WRITING COHERENCY:
| WRITING COHERENCY: |
___A practical phonetic written language must also be coherent. Coherency is similar to the concept of fonts where each symbol fits within a matching style. Examples of non-coherency, would be the mixing of cursive symbols with print, caps with lower case or left slanting symbols with right slanting symbols. Any system of writng may, in some sense, be learned but its fluid writability is the factor that establishes it as a coherent language. UCS is coherent and 100% English compatible. It takes into consideration the absolute necessity of (1) matching in feel every USC stroke pattern with an English (Latin) counterpart; (2) creating a smooth, flowing transition between symbols and (3) maintaining a consistant symbol slant. The UCS lowercase set excludes all stroke patterns with odd angles, high complexity or reverse curves and reverse loops.
THE COMPLETION EFFECT:
| THE COMPLETION EFFECT: |
___It can be proved experimentally that when a stroke pattern falls within an appropriate stroke path for a particular symbol, ones brain and hand will both quickly and willingly accept it as the targeted standard symbol even though it, visually, may appear incomplete or unfamiliar. If the stroke is shorter, ones brain will automatitically fill in the missing pieces and it will still feel as though the entire familiar letter has been written. This phenomenon is called "completion". When advantage is taken of the "completion" effect, and the UCS symbols are English aligned, the UCS writing system becomes 100% English coherent. Within a few weeks of practice, an individual who has been brought up within the Western European writing system, will be writing UCS fluently, accurately and with comfort.
UCS STROKES:
| UCS STROKES: |
___Universal Computer Script is made up of three stroke types: Primary, secondary and tertiary. The 26 primaries are the only group of simple stroke patterns existing where each stroke flows within a common stationary writing style. The secondaries are single stroked symbols but do not have a common style. The tertiaries are double stroked characters produced by adding a single modifier stroke after writing a primary or a secondary stroke. The primary UCS strokes represent the latin lowercase alphabet and numbers. The secondary strokes and the tertiaries represent gestures, controls, punctuation symbols and a few common non-English, Western symbols.
RECOGNITION / STROKE INTEGRATION:
| RECOGNITION / STROKE INTEGRATION: |
___The special configuration of UCS stroke patterns combined with its integrated, boundary based recognition program create an electronic writing system which allows high writing speed with the highest possible recognition potential. The key to superior recognition at higher writing speeds is in the coordination of the strokes with the recognition program. The UCS stroke formula allows absolute identification of the borderlines which separate neighboring symbols. The boundaries, fit tightly along side one another like pieces in a puzzle. There are no gaps in recognition or overlaps between symbols. The effect is to maximize the range of recognition and eliminate software confusion when attempting to differentiate between two similar symbols.
THE FUTURE OF ELECTRONIC WRITING:
| THE FUTURE OF ELECTRONIC WRITING: |
___The future possibiliy of ubiquitous electronic writing will be dependent upon the improvement of digitizer quality, the increase in processor speed and the upcoming designs of ultra compacts. A time is approaching when the necessary calculations for symbol identification will be so efficient that a writer will not be able to write faster than the computer can process and output. "Recognition" writing will be similar to that of pen and ink, only quicker and neater. The optimum efficiency for handhelds, however, has not been reached. Smooth, quick writing with minimal errors is not yet possible. High efficiency is very close for ultra compacts but these devices are still too cumbersome. Ultimately, the goal of the ultra compact is to be small and light enough to fit in a pocket and be capable of "doing it all" which includes inputing neat text, when one is under stress, at a rate faster that one can write with pen on paper. "Stationary" Universal Computer Script is the only text input system that has the potential to acomplish this task. (Note that free-style UCS can be written without looking. This feat cannot be performed on paper, on a handheld using Graffiti or natural writing, or on a small or virtual keyboard.)
DOWNLOADING / CONTACTING / PURCHASING:
| DOWNLOADING / CONTACTING / PURCHASING: |
___On the top of this page and below are links to download the U_Scrypt v2.08 drawing/text software, purchase U_Scrypt v2.08 ($6.95 US) or contact support.
___NOTE: Within the downloaded .zip file (138kb) are 2 .prc application files. One is for the Treo ONLY (99kb) and the other is for (Palm and Sony / 100kb). The other non-prc files are for all Palm handhelds including the Treo. Remember to hot sync the correct .prc file. (If a mistake is made, the correct .prc file may be sync_ed directly over the incorrect one.)
___ U_Scrypt offers a 21 day free trial period to test the software. After that period U_Scrypt v2.08 will not operate without the entry of a special key code purchased at pocketgear.com.
100% ENGLISH COMPATIBLE
Universal Computer Script or UCS is a new writing system designed for ultra compact computers that are too small to have an efficient keyboard. Its special design offers serious computerized competition to "no fault" pen on paper writing. The integration of symbol types and the recogntion program produces excellent recognition results. Several years were spent testing every conceivable symbol match for Western cursive in order to provide 100% cross compatability with English and other Western European languages.
A NEW TYPE OF SYMBOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM:
The UCS symbol recognition program is unlike those currently on the market. It is based on symbol boundaries. The above system of triangles represents the lines which separate neighboring symbols. One can observe that each boundary line is clearly established. No gaps or overlaps exist between each triangle and no gaps or overlaps in recognition exist between any UCS symbol. The probability of producing a software based recognition error for this character-specific type of recognition is extremely low.
A DRAWING PROGRAM:
The U_Scrypt v2.08 drawing system is very simple and low resolution. One color and a few line types. Its purpose is to provide graphic note taking capabilities and enable rapid switching between writing and drawing. There are inbuilt positions for 32 successive drawings. The philosophy of U_Scrypt v2.08 is that simplicity and the hiding of most function triggers provides the greatest utility for note taking. The draw area margins are imbeded with distinct hot areas. When tapped, a drawing function is engaged. Other features of the draw mode include copying sections, moving sections and rearranging the order of the drawings.
A TEXT PROGRAM:
The U_Scrypt v2.08 text program is currently based on the Palm memo program with some aesthetic enhancements. A small, compact text program actually improves handwriting recognition speed by requiring fewer characters to be shifted when writing and editing.
WRITING AND DRAWING:
U_Scrypt v2.08 provides two additional screen modes. Displayed above is the Drawing/Text mode and below, the Practice mode. Practice mode includes a top, text area, a middle area where the user can view symbols as they are written and for extended screens an impromptu, lower draw area.
THE FEATURES OF V2.08:
DRAWING....
The U_Scrypt v2.08 drawing program is designed to be clean, fast and simple. All features are easily accessible and most feature triggers are hidden within "hot zones" which surround the screen margins.
- 5 line types
- Eraser
- Copy, move and paste functions.
- 32 on-screen accessible drawing pages.
- Quick drawing flip-thru feature.
- Text to drawing reference feature.
- Drawings can be rearranged and/or duplicated.
- Drawings are separate from the program and can be independently saved and stored on memory card.
WRITING....
- Palm memo-based text program with aesthetic improvements.
- Full text screen.
- Text and drawings also available on one screen.
- All U_Scrypt v2.08 text and categories are carried over into PALM memo.
EXTRAS....
- Palm calendar
- Date and category stamp
- Date / time indicators
- Cap and math indicators
- 3 screen modes:
1)Top Draw / Bottom Text
2) Full Text
3) Top Text / Middle Write / Bottom Impromptu Draw (extended screen only)
- Editing safety feature.
- In-built interactive instructions including text and drawings.
Cuneiform on mud tablet ...
Roman script on stone ...
Cursive on paper ...
UCS on future handheld ...
_____Thank you
_____for visiting the
_____U_Scrypt website.
Portland, Oregon
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