Hand-written character entry apparatus

Abstract

An inscribed character is recognized with a device including a memory for storing signals representing the shapes of plural inscribed characters, a sensor for the shapes of inscribed characters, a comparator for the stored signals and signals from the sensor, and a display. The comparator compares a signal representing the sensed shape of the inscribed character and the stored signals representing the shapes of plural characters likely to be inscribed to derive signals representing plural selected candidate characters similar in shape to the inscribed character. In response to the signals representing plural selected candidate characters similar in shape to the inscribed character the plural candidate characters are displayed on a first region of the display abutting a second region where there is a representation of the inscribed character. One of the displayed plural candidate characters that is the intended character for the inscribed character is selected by an operator pressing a stylus against the intended character. A signal indicative of which of the displayed candidate character is the selected character is derived and causes the selected character to replace the inscribed character.