DOCOMO launches trial of handwriting translation service

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NTT DOCOMO Inc has launched a free trial of Tegaki Honyaku, a translation application that allows users to write on the screen of a smartphone or tablet and have their words translated between Japanese and four other languages. Customer feedback will be incorporated into the service ahead of a commercial launch scheduled to happen by the end of this year.

Tegaki Honyaku leverages DOCOMO’s translation servers and MyScript’s handwriting recognition technology to convert handwritten English, French, Korean and simplified Chinese notice to Japanese and vice versa. The application also has an illustration function that enables users to communicate by drawing, a useful feature for annotating translations with maps or other visual aids that would be difficult to explain in words. By offering the service in conjunction with existing services Hanashite Honyaku, which translates spoken language, and Utsushite Honyaku, which scans and translates printed language, DOCOMO aims to offer a comprehensive translation service for smoother multilingual communication.

As part of the trial and in collaboration with Tokyo International Air Terminal Corporation, DOCOMO has installed Tegaki Honyaku on the tablets used by guides and concierges at the Haneda Airport International Passenger Terminal. Until November 30, the staff will have the assistance of Tegaki Honyaku in giving directions and explaining airport facilities to foreign visitors.

The Tegaki Honyaku trial is not restricted to DOCOMO customers. Any Google Play customers with an account registered in Japan or the U.S. may download the application on their mobile device running Android 4.3 or later.

DOCOMO has been taking the initiative in developing technologies for natural multilingual communications and will continue to offer advanced translation services.