Computer Program Replaces Archaeologists

Developers in Israel have created a scary-smart new computer program that can decipher ancient texts previously considered unreadable, as reported by Wired, and may eventually find its way into a Web-based, Google-like search engine for really old texts.

The software, based on algorithms used by the police to compare fingerprints, can recognize letters, words and handwriting styles. Not only does this save historians and archaeologists hours upon hours of tedious work, but also has the potential to shed some light on ancient texts otherwise shaded in mystery.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, who developed the program, say it can accurately read text that has either faded over time or has been covered up by later scribes. And like the Hal 9000 or SkyNet, but without the mandate to annihilate humans, it gets smarter with each piece of text it analyzes.

Here's how it works, according to a researcher cited by the Wired article:

"The computer works with digital copies of the texts, assigning number values to each pixel of writing depending on how dark it is. It separates the writing from the background and then identifies individual lines, letters and words. It also analyses the handwriting and writing style, so it can 'fill in the blanks' of smeared or faded characters that are otherwise indiscernible."

A version for use by academics all over the world should be ready within two years. But I'd like to know if it's powerful enough to decipher a doctor's handwriting.

Photo courtesy of Gary Jones, via Wikimedia Commons.