CHENNAI: An optical character recognition (OCR) software that seamlessly converts what is written on a graphics tablet into Tamil characters on screen and a collection of over 300 Tamil fonts are among the highlights of an ongoing "Tamil-Computer-Print" exhibition at Valluvar Kottam in Nungambakkam.

`Ponpena,' the OCR software developed by city-based Learnfun Systems, is said to be a user-independent software that will help users directly export the words written on the graphics tablet on to a text editor.

V. Krishnamoorthy of Learnfun Systems said the software had been optimised to understand several variations of Tamil handwriting. "We have tried our best to ensure that any handwriting in Tamil would get recognised readily. This is a lot tougher than creating an OCR for the printed word because quite a few variations are possible."

Computer users can either employ the graphics tablet — an input device that digitises the input from a flat notebook-like panel — or the mouse to write the Tamil text.

The tablet, though, is the preferred mode of input because of its ease of use. It could cost anything between Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,000.

M. Anto Peter, president of Kanitamizh Sangam (Association for Tamil Computing), joint organisers of the expo with Madras Printers and Lithographers Association, said the primary reason for the expo was to showcase the various options available for publishers and printers.

"Hundreds of fonts"

"Most people think there are only a handful of Tamil fonts available for publishing and crave for variety. There are companies that have brought out hundreds of fonts."

The exhibition is on till Sunday night 8.30 p.m.

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