JPH087044A - Character recognition method and handwritten character input device applying the method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To accurately recognize a character desired by an inputting person by specifying a recognition object by the unit of a character class in addition to specifying by the unit of the character at the time of recognizing a handwritten character. CONSTITUTION:At the time of recognition-processing a handwritten character, a routine specifying a recognition object character is executed and when a character class key for specifying the recognition object character is pressed, a character class menu is displayed to receive the specification of the character class (C1, C2). When a setting key is pressed at this time, the specified character class is set to be the recognition object (C4, C5). When a detail setting key is pressed, a character selection menu is displayed to receive the specification of the character in the limit of the specified character class. When the setting key is pressed at this time, the specified character is set to be the recognition object but when a character in a document displayed in a document area is selected and if the character is not the recognition object character, the character is added as the recognition object character (C3, C15 to C17).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character recognition method for recognizing input handwriting data as handwritten character data and a handwriting character input device to which the same method is applied, and particularly to narrowing down recognition target characters at the time of character recognition. It relates to the setting method of the recognition target character used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a system for recognizing input handwriting data as handwritten character data, a character to be recognized (target character) has been conventionally used to reduce erroneous recognition.
It was general to apply the method of narrowing down. The following two methods have been known as methods for narrowing down the recognition target characters.

The first narrowing method is the input person (user).
By letting you select the character type to be recognized in advance,
This is to narrow down the recognition target characters for each character type, reduce erroneous recognition, and reflect the character intended by the input person in the character recognition result.

The second narrowing-down method narrows down in the handwritten character recognition processing, that is, narrowing down on the system side. This second narrowing method is, for example, ","
In the case of recognizing "Hiragana" etc. including recognition of "." And "." (Punctuation) etc., in the above first narrowing down method, if "Symbol" is included in addition to "Hiragana" as the character type,
Considering that many symbols other than punctuation marks are included in the recognition target, which has a negative effect on recognition. In the handwriting recognition process, a specific character (punctuation mark in the above example)
Only the characters that are not recognized are recognized.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the above-described conventional method of narrowing down recognition target characters in handwritten character recognition, for example, in the first narrowing down method in which the character type to be recognized can be selected and specified by the input person, the recognition target is preliminarily defined by the character type. I could only specify.

For this reason, the first narrowing-down method cannot reduce the erroneous recognition of similar characters within the specified character type range, and cannot reduce the operation amount of the input person.

Further, in the first narrowing-down method, the recognition target (character type) can be designated only before the character recognition, so that the recognition is performed when the input person inputs a character other than the recognition target character. It was impossible to do so, and re-input operation was frequently occurring.

On the other hand, in the second narrowing-down method in which the recognition target is fixedly narrowed down within the handwritten character recognition processing (system), it is effective only for a specific character determined by the system and can be designated by the input person. Therefore, it lacked versatility.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to allow the recognition target of handwritten characters to be designated in advance in character units, so that only the characters intended by the input person are recognized and erroneous recognition is performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a character recognition method and a handwritten character input device that can reduce the number of characters.

Another object of the present invention is to specify not only the recognition target character by character unit but also the character type unit specification, so that the character intended by the input person can be recognized more surely, thereby reducing erroneous recognition. An object of the present invention is to provide a character recognition method and a handwritten character input device which can be performed.

Still another object of the present invention is that the handwritten character recognition itself is performed on all characters regardless of the character to be recognized which has been designated in advance in character units or character type units, and other than the designated recognition target. Character is also acquired as the next candidate character, and if the next candidate character in the specified recognition target range does not have the character intended by the input person, it is also input from the next candidate outside the recognition target range. Selected by the person
When such a character is selected, by adding the character to the recognition target character, even if the input person forgets to specify the recognition target character or makes an incorrect specification operation, Is to provide a character recognition method and a handwritten character input device capable of recognizing an intended character and automatically setting the character as a recognition target character.

Still another object of the present invention is to specify a character to be recognized on a character-by-character basis from a character selection menu or from characters in a document displayed on the screen. An object of the present invention is to provide a character recognition method and a handwritten character input device that can be specified in units on a character type selection menu and that allows an input person to easily specify a recognition target character.

[0013]

A first character recognition method of the present invention comprises a first step of accepting designation input of a character to be recognized in character units by an operator's operation, and the first step.
The second step of registering the recognition target character designated and input in the recognition target character storage means in the recognition target character storage means, and the character recognition of the handwriting data input by the input means as handwritten character data. And a third step of narrowing down the recognition target character according to the registered content of the means.

In the first handwritten character input device of the present invention, a position input means for inputting coordinate data corresponding to a position arbitrarily designated on the coordinate input surface and a character to be recognized in character recognition are registered. The recognition target character storage means and the designation input of the recognition target character by the input operator in character units are accepted,
The recognition target character designation processing means for registering the input recognition target character in the recognition target character storage means, and the recognition target characters are narrowed down according to the registered contents of the recognition target character storage means, and input by the position input means. A character recognition processing means for recognizing the coordinate data string as handwritten character data is provided.

In the first character recognition method and the first handwritten character input device having the above-described configuration, the input person can arbitrarily specify and input the recognition target character in the handwritten character recognition, so that the input person intends. By recognizing only the characters and reflecting the characters intended by the input person in the recognition result, it is possible to reduce erroneous recognition.

Next, the second character recognition method of the present invention includes a first step of accepting a character-by-character specification input of a character to be recognized by an operator's operation, and a recognition specified and input in the first step. The second step of registering the target character in the recognition target character storage means, and character recognition of the handwriting data input by the input means as handwritten character data regardless of the registered contents of the recognition target character storage means, and for each character type. Is registered in the recognition target character storage means from the third step of acquiring recognition candidates up to a predetermined number and the recognition candidates for each character type obtained in the third step. The most probable recognition candidate within the range of the recognition target character is selected and displayed on the screen as the first candidate of the character recognition result, and the first candidate is obtained in the third step. Recognition candidates for each character type A fifth step in which another recognition candidate is designated to be switched by the operation of the input person, and when the recognition candidate switched and designated in the fifth step is not registered in the recognition target character storage means, the candidate is designated. And a sixth step of registering the recognition target character in the recognition target character storage means.

In the second handwritten character input device of the present invention, position input means for inputting coordinate data corresponding to a position arbitrarily designated on the coordinate input surface, and a character to be recognized in character recognition are registered. The recognition target character storage means and the designation input of the recognition target character by the input operator in character units are accepted,
A recognition target character designation processing means for registering the input recognition target character in the recognition target character storage means, and a coordinate data string input by the position input means as handwritten character data in the registered content of the recognition target character storage means. Character recognition processing means for recognizing characters irrespective of each other, and for each character type, obtains recognition candidates having a predetermined number as an upper limit, and from among the recognition candidates for each character type obtained by this character recognition processing means. First candidate selection processing means for selecting the most probable recognition candidate within the range of the recognition target characters registered in the recognition target character storage means and displaying it on the screen as the first candidate of the character recognition result; A candidate is made to be designated to switch to another recognition candidate among the recognition candidates for each character type obtained by the character recognition processing means by the operation of the input person, and the recognition designation for switching is made. There if not registered in the recognized character storing means is characterized in that a next candidate selection processing means for registering the recognized character storing means the candidate as a recognition object character.

In the second character recognition method and the second handwritten character input device configured as described above, all of the recognition target characters (that is, the designated recognition target characters) registered in the recognition target character storage means are irrelevant. Character recognition is performed on characters.

Therefore, the recognition candidates obtained by this character recognition processing (here, the maximum number of characters that can be obtained for each character type) are not included in the recognition target characters. However, since the first candidate as the recognition result displayed on the screen is selected within the range of the recognition target character registered in the recognition target character storage means, the recognition target character storage means is selected according to the registered content of the recognition target character storage means. It is equivalent to narrowing down the characters and performing character recognition. Especially, when the input person specifies the recognition target character before character recognition, the probability that the recognition result intended by the input person is obtained is extremely high. .

Moreover, in the second character recognition method and the second handwritten character input device configured as described above, the first candidate is selected from among the recognition candidates for each character type obtained by the character recognition processing. Since it is possible to switch the recognition candidate by the input person's operation, if the input person forgets to specify the recognition target character, or if the input person specified an unintended character due to a mistake in the operation of specifying the recognition target character. Even in this case, the character intended by the input person can be selected as the first candidate (recognition result). Further, when the selected (switch-designated) first candidate is not registered in the recognition target character storage means, it is automatically registered as the recognition target character in the storage means, and therefore the burden on the input person. It is possible to prevent the decrease of the character recognition rate due to the input user's operation error.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that in addition to the designation of the recognition target character in the character unit described above, the designation in the character type unit is also used. In this way, since the recognition target character can be specified in character units or character type units, the recognition target character can be specified easily and without omission. Therefore, the character intended by the input person can be more surely recognized in the recognition result. It becomes possible to reflect.

Further, in the present invention, the designation input of the character to be recognized on a character-by-character basis is performed on the character selection menu screen including the list of characters, or on the document displayed on the screen for further recognition. It is also characterized in that the target character can be specified in the character type unit on the character type selection menu.

As described above, since a variety of recognition target characters can be designated, the operation range of the input person can be expanded, the operation load of the input person can be reduced, and a human interface better for the input person can be provided. It becomes possible to provide.

[0024]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a handwritten character input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The handwritten character input device shown in FIG. 1 comprises a position input device 1, a processing control device 2, a display device 3, and an external storage device 4. The position input device 1 is for inputting a coordinate value sequence of handwriting that has been handwritten using a stylus pen 10i described later.

The process control device 2 controls the entire handwritten character input device, and loads various programs and data stored in the external storage device 4 to execute various processes.
In particular, the processing control device 2 recognizes an input handwritten character and considers a recognition candidate based on a recognition target character that is set,
A process of considering the selected next candidate character as a recognition target character is performed.

The display device 3 displays a sequence of coordinate values input by the position input device 1 (the handwriting of the character represented by), and further the characters and documents processed by the code storage unit 2. It consists of a liquid crystal display.

The external storage device 4 includes a character recognition dictionary used for recognizing characters handwritten by the position input device 1 in the processing control device 2 in addition to the system program and application program for activating the device. Is stored.

In the present embodiment, the display screens of the position input device 1 and the display device 3 have the same size and the same coordinate plane, and the position input device 1 displays the display device 3 as shown in FIG.
It is configured as a transparent tablet (details will be described later) that is overlaid on the processing control apparatus 2 (apparatus body) to be laminated and integrated.

Next, a detailed configuration of the processing control device 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the processing control device 2 includes an input unit 3a, a region discrimination processing unit 3b, a recognition target character designation processing unit 3c, a character recognition processing unit 3d, and a first candidate selection processing unit 3a.
e, next candidate selection processing unit 3f, display control unit 3g, position data buffer 3h, area data buffer 3i, input frame data buffer 3j, recognition target character data buffer 3k, recognition data buffer 3l, selected character data buffer 3m,
It is composed of a document data buffer 3n and an output data buffer 3o.

The input unit 3a controls input of coordinate data and the like input from the position input device 1. Area discrimination processing unit 3b
Controls a process for identifying in which area of the data input screen the coordinate data input by the input unit 3a is included.

The recognition target character designation processing section 3c controls the recognition target character type acceptance process by the character type selection menu and the recognition target character acceptance process by the character selection menu. The recognition target character designation processing unit 3c also controls the reception process of the recognition target character from the characters in the document displayed on the screen.

The character recognition processing unit 3d performs character recognition on the coordinate data series (character writing pattern) input by the input unit 3a regardless of the registered contents (recognition target character type, recognition target character) in the recognition target character data buffer 3k. The character recognition processing is performed by referring to the recognition dictionary. The character recognition processing unit 3d is configured to obtain recognition candidates for each character type, for example, up to 4 candidates.

The first candidate selection processing section 3e is the most different from the recognition candidates obtained by the character recognition processing section 3d, based on the target characters registered in the recognition target character data buffer 3k. Low degree (high similarity)
A process of selecting a character as the first candidate is performed.

The next candidate selection processing unit 3f displays a list of recognition candidate characters of up to 4 candidates obtained for each character type by the character recognition processing by the character recognition processing unit 3d according to the input candidate's next candidate switching designation. Then, a process of selecting a character intended by the input person from among them as a new first candidate is performed. The next candidate selection processing unit 3f also has a recognition target character registration function of registering the selected recognition candidate as a recognition target character in the recognition target character data buffer 3k.

The display controller 3g controls the display of the screen displayed on the display device 4. The position data buffer 3h is for storing the coordinate data and the like input via the input unit 3a.

The area data buffer 3i is for storing data defining each area provided on the data input screen. As shown in FIG. 4, the area start point x coordinate data 4a and the area start point y coordinate data are stored. 4b, area end point x coordinate data 4c, area end point y coordinate data 4d, processing form data 4
e and the detailed form data 4f are set as one area, and the area is provided.

The input frame data buffer 3j is for storing data relating to the input frame provided in the data input area of the data input screen, and is provided with frame number data 5a as shown in FIG. In addition, frame start point x coordinate data 5b, frame start point y coordinate data 5c, frame end point x coordinate data 5
The data d and the frame end point y coordinate data 5e are used as the data of one input frame, and the number of input frames is provided.

The recognition target character data buffer 3k is for storing (registering) recognition target characters, and as shown in FIG. 6, for each character type, for example, kanji, hiragana, katakana, numbers, uppercase letters, lowercase letters. , Recognition target flags 6a, 6c, 6e, 6g, 6i indicating whether or not a character of a corresponding character type is designated as a recognition target character for each symbol.
6k, 6m and target character number data 6b, 6d, 6f, 6 indicating the number of registered recognition target characters for the corresponding character types
h, 6j, 6l, 6n are provided, and are composed of these and the recognition target character code data 6o.

The area of the character code data 6o to be recognized is
For example, it is placed for each character type. However, which character type each code data 6o belongs to can be easily identified from the code range, and therefore may be stored in one area regardless of the character type.

The recognition data buffer 3l is for storing the recognition candidate data of up to 4 candidates obtained for each character type by the character recognition processing by the character recognition processing section 3d, and as shown in FIG. Character type data 7a and character code data 7b, 7d, 7f, 7 for each of the first to fourth recognition candidates
h and dissimilarity data 7c, 7e, 7g, and 7i are provided for each character type to form data for one input frame, and this is provided for the number of input frames.

The selected character data buffer 3m is for storing (the character code data of) the first candidate selected by the input person, and as shown in FIG.
Are provided for the number of input frames.

The document data buffer 3n is for storing a document consisting of the first candidate group selected by the input person, and is provided with character code data 9a for the number of characters as shown in FIG. .

Next, the transparent tablet which constitutes the position input device 1 will be described. The position input device 1 includes a pair of transparent glass plates 10a, as shown in FIG.
10b is joined via an insulating protective layer (not shown),
It is realized as an electrostatic transparent tablet.

On the transparent glass plates 10a and 10b, a plurality of transparent electrodes 10c and 10d are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals. The transparent glass plates 10a and 10b are joined so that the transparent electrodes 10c and 10d are orthogonal to each other. Then, the transparent electrodes 10c and 10d are the same as those shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), each shift controller 10
shift register 10f, so that it operates under the control of e.
It is connected to 10g.

The specific operation of the position input device 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 10 is as follows. The detection of the coordinate is realized by measuring the coordinate value for each of the horizontal coordinate and the vertical coordinate.

First, when measuring coordinate values in the horizontal direction, the transparent electrode 10c connected to the shift register 10f is used.
A predetermined voltage is sequentially applied to the left end (or the right end). The stylus pen 10 is attached to the electrode to which the voltage is applied.
When i is brought closer, an electrostatic induction voltage is induced in the stylus pen 10i by the electrostatic capacitance formed between the transparent electrode 10c and the stylus pen 10i. The electrostatic induction voltage is amplified by the amplifier 10j and the high frequency waveform is removed by the filter 10k, so that the electrostatic induction voltage is provided to the counter 10h as a stable pointing position detection signal. Counter 1
0h starts the time counting when a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrode located closest to the origin side (the side where the voltage application is started) of the transparent electrodes 10c, and indicates the pointed position detection signal of a predetermined value or more. When the is detected, the time counting is ended. By performing such an operation, the coordinate value designated by the stylus pen 10i is converted from the time count value of the counter 10h and detected.

When the horizontal coordinate value measurement is completed, the vertical coordinate value measurement is started. In the vertical coordinate value measurement, the upper end (or the lower end) of the transparent electrode 10 connected to the shift register 10g is measured similarly to the horizontal coordinate value measurement.
From the stylus pen 10i
Generate a pointing position detection signal by the amplifier 10j and the filter 10k from the electrostatic induction voltage detected by
The coordinate value is detected by the counter 10h.

By the coordinate detecting operation of the position input device 1 as described above, when a character or other pattern is written on (the transparent tablet of) the position input device 1 by using the stylus pen 10i, the handwriting is made. , Stylus pen 1
The connection (position coordinate series, coordinate data series) of the position coordinate values designated by 0i is detected and input at regular time intervals.

The stylus pen 10i in this embodiment is provided with a pen switch (not shown). The pen switch changes from the OFF state to the ON state by pressing the pen tip on the transparent tablet surface, but the coordinate value of the pen tip is detected if the stylus pen 10i is within a certain distance on the transparent tablet. To be done.

The coordinate value (coordinate data) designated by the stylus pen 10i detected by the position input device 1 forms a pair with the switch state of the stylus pen 10i and serves as pen state information by the input unit 3a.
Sequentially stored in h.

In this embodiment, the same position as the position designated on the transparent tablet of the display device 3 is obtained based on the coordinate data series indicating the characters or other patterns input from the position input device 1 as described above. The coordinates are the processing control device 2
It is designed to be driven by the display. By this display control, the pattern input by handwriting on the transparent tablet surface is simultaneously displayed as the handwriting input locus, and characters or other patterns are input as if writing on the paper surface using a pen.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to document input as an example of the whole process and the handwritten character recognition process which is one of the processes, the recognition target character designation process, and the recognition target character in the next candidate selection process. The data addition of will be described.

First, the overall processing (main processing) in document input will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12. When the document input process is activated on the apparatus of this embodiment, first the system initialization process is performed (step A1), and an initial screen, for example, the initial screen of the document input screen is displayed (step A2). This system initialization processing is for performing a driver for handwritten character recognition (character recognition processing unit 3d) for performing document input processing in this apparatus, and processing for initializing other processing data or securing memory. .

FIG. 18 shows an example of the document input screen. The document input screen shown in FIG. 18 is for displaying a document including a character input area 18a used by the user to input characters by handwriting and a character string input to and recognized (selected) in the character input area 18a. Document display area 18b. Although the document is displayed in the document display area 18b in FIG. 18, nothing is displayed when the document input screen is displayed, that is, the initial screen of the document input screen.

In the character input area 18a, a character or the like is input by handwriting with the stylus pen 10i, and an input frame (character input frame) 18c for displaying a character recognition result (recognition candidate) for the handwritten pattern input by handwriting, Plural sets are provided with the next candidate switching button 18d for switching the recognition candidate displayed in the input frame 18c to the next candidate. A character type button 18e for designating a recognized character is also provided in the character input area 18a.

Now, with the document input screen as shown in FIG. 18 displayed, the input person (user) writes the stylus pen 10i close to the transparent tablet surface of the position input device 1 on the document input screen. When I try to type
The state information of the stylus pen 10i including the coordinate values of the point pointed by the stylus pen 10i and the state of the switch, that is, the pen state information is detected by the input unit 3a (step A3).

In the case of the present embodiment, the pen status information detected here is the one stored in the position data buffer 3h at regular intervals as described above, and referred to by the input unit 3a.

In the present apparatus, as described above, if the pen tip of the stylus pen 10i is within a certain distance on the transparent tablet, the coordinate value (including the pen state) is detected even if it is far from the transparent tablet surface. It is possible. Therefore, the coordinate value of the pen tip (and the pen state information including the switch state) is detected before the sillus pen 10i contacts the transparent tablet, that is, before the input person starts inputting.

Therefore, when the coordinate value (pen coordinate) is detected from the pen state information referred to by the input unit 3a, the area discrimination processing unit 3b in the processing control device 2 will input the document input screen. The input area check for detecting the area on the (display screen), that is, the input area check for detecting which area on the display screen the input person is trying to input, is defined as the area definition data stored in the area data buffer 3i. (Steps A4 and A5).

If there is a region at the position to be designated by the stylus pen 10i (step A6), the region discrimination processing section 3b causes the region discrimination processing section 3b to process the relevant region (handwritten character recognition, handwritten pattern input, etc.). ) Is obtained from the area data buffer 3i (step A7).

For example, when the input person starts handwriting input to the input frame 18c secured in the character input area 18a of the document input screen of FIG. 18, the area determination processing section 3b obtains the area acquired in step A7. When the processing form indicated by the processing form data of (1) is processing including handwritten character recognition (step A8), the handwritten character recognition start flag is checked (step A9). If the handwritten character recognition activation flag is OFF, the area discrimination processing unit 3b
Performs initialization processing for activating handwritten character recognition (step A10), and turns on the handwritten character recognition activation flag.
The state is set (step A11).

Next, the area discrimination processing unit 3b checks whether the area discriminated immediately before is the area currently being input (step A12). If it is a different area, the area discrimination processing unit 3b checks the handwriting character recognition start flag, and if it is ON, forcibly recognizes the character being input (step A14), and handwriting The initialization process for character recognition activation is reset (step A15), and the handwritten character recognition activation flag is set to the OFF state (step A16).

The area discrimination processing section 3b uses the above step A1.
When step 6 is performed, a procedure (function) for allocating to a process corresponding to the currently input area is called (step A17).
This step A17 is also performed when it is determined in the above step A12 that the area determined immediately before is the area currently being input.

Here, when the processing form indicated by the processing form data of the area acquired in step A7 is processing including handwritten character recognition, the character recognition processing unit 3d performs processing corresponding to the area currently being input. Is started, and handwritten character recognition processing is performed (steps A18 and A19). And
When the recognition of one character is completed, the process for the recognition result of the handwritten character is performed (steps A20 and A21), and then the process returns to step A4 and the process corresponding to the next input is performed.

According to the above flow, document input processing including handwritten character recognition is performed. Next, details of the handwritten character recognition process (step A19) during the series of processes described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Characters handwritten (using the stylus pen 10i) in the input form 18c of the character input area 18a, which is the area of the processing form including the handwritten character recognition processing, which is secured on the document input screen by the input person. When you enter
The character recognition processing unit 3d refers to the latest pen state information (consisting of the coordinate value pointed by the stylus pen 10i and the switch state) input by the position input device 1 and stored in the position data buffer 3h at regular time intervals. , It is determined whether or not the pen switch is ON (step B1).

The character recognition processing unit 3d indicates that the switch state in the pen state information referred to on the position data buffer 3h is O.
N and the coordinate value (coordinate data) in the pen status information
If the position indicated by is the first point to the new input frame, that is, the first stroke data start point (stroke start point) (step B2), the frame inspection processing of step B3 is performed. In this step B3, for example, if the coordinate data series (character input data) is already stored in a recognition data buffer (not shown) that is managed and used as a ring buffer (circular buffer), the coordinate data series It is the data of the character previously written and input (in the preceding input box), is regarded as the end of the input of the character, and is the target of the coordinate data series analysis in step B9 described later for character recognition. . Then, the coordinate data in the pen state information referred to above is stored in the subsequent area of the recognition data buffer as the first stroke data starting point of the new input frame. The above is the frame inspection processing.

On the other hand, when the switch state indicated by the pen state information is ON but it is not the first stroke start point to the input frame (step B2), the character recognition processing section 3d
The corresponding coordinate data is regarded as stroke data input after the start point data of the first stroke data, and the coordinate data is stored after the coordinate data series already stored in the recognition data buffer (step B4). Return to the beginning of processing.

When the switch state indicated by the pen state information is OFF and the switch state one data before (indicated by the pen state information) is ON, that is, the stylus pen 10
When it is detected that the switch state of i has changed from ON to OFF, the character recognition processing unit 3d regards it as the end of one stroke, and stores the stroke delimiter data (indicating the stroke delimiter) in the recognition data buffer. And the process returns to the beginning (steps B1, B5, B6).

Further, when the switch state indicated by the pen state information is OFF and the switch state of one data before is also OFF, it is regarded as a gap between input strokes. If this state (switch-off state) continues for a certain period of time or longer, the character recognition processing unit 3d determines that one character has been input (steps B1, B5, B7), and performs the time cutoff process of step B8. In step B8, the coordinate data series stored in the recognition data buffer up to that point is the target of the coordinate data series analysis in step B9.

Now, the stroke data (coordinate data series) input by the position input device 1 is transferred to the output data buffer 3o at the same time as it is stored in the position data buffer 3h, and the display control section 3g causes the display device 3 to move. The input handwriting pattern is displayed at the same position on the screen at the same time as the handwriting input.

When the character recognition processing unit 3d performs the frame cutout processing in step B3 or the time cutout processing in step B8, the cutout recognition data buffer (not shown)
With respect to the stroke data in, the coordinate data series is analyzed (step B9), and the following steps B10 to B1 are performed.
Character recognition consisting of 4 is performed.

The character recognition processing section 3d first performs a recognition target character designating process (recognition target character setting process) described later (step B10), and then character recognition is performed according to the coordinate data series analysis result in step B9. Perform (step B11). That is, the character recognition processing unit 3d divides the coordinate data series (stroke data) stored in the recognition data buffer for each writing stroke by the stroke delimiter data, and obtains the direction value indicating the characteristic for each writing stroke. For example, the pattern shown in FIG.
4 (b) is quantized and given in eight directions (direction values).

Then, the character recognition processing unit 3d converts the information obtained by the direction value conversion of the writing stroke and the position code conversion processing into the character (regardless of the recognition target character registered in the recognition target character data buffer 3k). Character recognition is performed by collating with the dictionary data (dictionary pattern) of each character of all character types registered in the recognition dictionary. For example, each character type (“Kanji”, “Hiragana”, “Katakana”,
For each “number”, “uppercase letter”, “lowercase letter”, “symbol”), the recognition candidates up to a maximum of four candidates are output in ascending order of dissimilarity. The recognition candidate for each character type consists of character code data and dissimilarity data indicating the dissimilarity with the dictionary pattern, and is stored in the recognition data buffer 3l for each character type in the format as shown in FIG. 7 (step B12). ). Here, candidates whose degree of difference exceeds the reference value are excluded from the recognition candidates. Note that similarity data can be used instead of the difference data, and in this case, candidates whose similarity does not reach the reference value are excluded from the recognition candidates.

By the way, the above character recognition dictionary is classified according to the number of strokes forming the character to be recognized and associated with each character code, as shown in FIG. 14C, for example. It is constructed for each character.

When the recognition candidates of the character recognized as described above are stored in the recognition data buffer 3l, for example, the character code and the dissimilarity data (recognition value) of the recognition candidate are input. The upper left coordinate value of the character, the character size, etc. are set as the return value, and the process returns to the main processing of FIGS.

Then, in the main process, since the character recognition is being performed, the process of the area for displaying the handwritten character recognition result is called (steps B20, B21). In the processing of the area displaying the handwritten character recognition result, the first
In the candidate selection processing unit 3e, based on the recognition target character stored (registered) in the recognition target character data buffer 3k,
From the recognition result stored in the recognition data buffer 3l, a process of selecting the character having the lowest difference among the recognition target characters as the first candidate is performed. Here, katakana "ku"
Is selected as the first candidate. In this case, the character pattern (character font) corresponding to the character code of katakana “KU” is displayed in the input frame 18c as shown in FIG. If the next candidate exists, input box 1
The next candidate switching button 18d paired with 8c is highlighted.

Here, regarding the recognition target character designation processing,
This will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 16. First, in the state where the document input screen shown in FIG. 19 is displayed, the input person uses the character type button 1 for specifying the recognition target character.
It is assumed that 8e is positioned by the stylus pen 10i. The position determination (selection) of the character type button 18e is detected by the area discrimination processing unit 3b (step C).
1). Then, the display control unit 3g displays the character type selection menu 20 on the document input screen as shown in FIG. 20 (step C2). At this time, the character type button 18e
Is highlighted (to indicate that the button 18e has been pressed).

When the character type selection menu 20 is displayed, the input person performs a position pointing operation using the stylus pen 10i to select "Kanji", "Hiragana", "Katakana", "Numbers" in the character type selection menu 20. It is possible to select a character type designation button to be designated as a recognition target among the character type designation buttons of "uppercase letter", "lowercase letter", and "symbol".

The display form of the character type designation button in the character type selection menu 20 repeats reverse display and normal display every time the position is designated by the stylus pen 10i. The reverse display state indicates that the corresponding character type designation button is selected, and the normal display state indicates that the corresponding character type designation button is not selected. In addition, when the recognition target character data buffer 3k already has a recognition target flag in the ON state at the time when the character type button 18e for designating the recognition target character is pointed to (ie, already set in the recognition target character data buffer 3k). If there is an existing recognition target character), the character type designation button of the character type corresponding to the recognition target flag is highlighted from the beginning when the character type selection menu 20 is displayed. Therefore, when it is desired to remove all the recognition target characters that have already been set from the recognition target in units of character types, the character type designation button for that character type can be positioned with the stylus pen 10i to switch from the reverse display state to the normal display state. Good.

The character type selection menu 20 has a setting button 20a for instructing the setting of a designated character type (recognition target character type).
And an instruction button (hereinafter, referred to as a detail setting button) 20b for detail setting which character in the designated character type is to be recognized.

If the input button selects the setting button 20a by the input person in the display state of the character type selection menu 20 shown in FIG. 20, the recognition target character designation processing section 3c (step C
3, C4), and a process (step C5) of setting the character type (designated character type) corresponding to the character type designation button selected (in the reverse display state) is performed.

That is, the recognition target character designation processing unit 3c turns on the flag corresponding to the character type selected on the character type selection menu 20 among the recognition target flags in the off state in the recognition target character data buffer 3k. The character code data of all the characters belonging to the character type are collectively registered in the recognition target character data buffer 3k, and the registered character number is set as the recognition target character number data paired with the flag.

Further, the recognition target character designation processing unit 3c recognizes the flags corresponding to the character types not selected on the character type selection menu 20 among the recognition target flags in the ON state in the recognition target character data buffer 3k. The target character type is turned off because it is designated to be excluded from the target character type, and the registered recognition target character (character code data) of that character type is deleted from the recognition target character data buffer 3k.

With the above, the recognition target character type setting process of step C5 (collective setting / deletion process of recognition target characters by character type designation) is completed. Then, the recognition target character designation processing unit 3c closes the character type selection menu 20 via the display control unit 3g, and returns to the main processing of FIGS. 11 and 12 (steps C6 and C7).

In the recognition target character type setting process of step C5, the character type selected on the character type selection menu 20 is selected from the character types corresponding to the recognition target flags in the ON state in the recognition target character data buffer 3k. Considering that there is a possibility that the setting of the character to be recognized on a character-by-character basis described later (for example, only the punctuation mark of the character type "symbol") has been made, is not the target of the above batch registration, The recognition target character is not registered. Therefore, if you want to register the recognition target characters of a certain character type once for each character and then collectively register them for each character type, deselect the character type designation button for that character type (normal display state) and After performing the batch deletion of the registered recognition target characters, the character type designation button of the character type may be set to the selected state (reverse display state) this time, and the recognition target characters of the character type may be collectively set.

On the other hand, the character type selection menu 2 shown in FIG.
When the detailed setting button 20b is selected in the display state of 0 (steps C3, C4, C8), the recognition target character designation processing unit 3c causes the display control unit 3g to input a document as shown in FIG. The character selection menu 21 for detailed setting is displayed on the screen (step C9). The character selection menu 21 has a list of characters (candidates for detailed setting) included in the character type selected (highlighted) on the character type selection menu 20. This list of characters is arranged in the order of codes, for example, and when the number of characters is too large to display in one character selection menu 21, the characters may be scrolled up and down in the character selection menu 21, for example. Has become.

The display form of each candidate character in the character list of the character selection menu 21 repeats reverse display and normal display each time the position is designated by the stylus pen 10i. The reverse display state indicates that the corresponding character is selected, and the normal display state indicates that the corresponding character is not selected. Also, in the character list, the recognition target character data buffer 3
When there is a recognition target character already set in k, the character is highlighted from the beginning when the character selection menu 21 is displayed. Therefore, when it is desired to remove the already set recognition target character from the recognition target, it is sufficient to position the character with the stylus pen 10i on the character selection menu 21 and switch from the reverse display state to the normal display state.

The character selection menu 21 is provided with a setting button 21a for instructing the setting of designated characters. The recognition target character designation processing unit 3c displays the character selection menu 21 shown in FIG.
When is selected (steps C10 and C11), a process (step C12) of setting the character (designated character) selected at that time is performed.

That is, the recognition target character designation processing unit 3c selects, as the recognition target character, a character which is not registered in the recognition target character data buffer 3k among the characters selected on the character selection menu 21 as the recognition target character data buffer 3k. Add to. As a result, the character newly designated by the input person is registered as a recognition target in the recognition target character data buffer 3k in character units. At this time, if the recognition target flag in the recognition target character data buffer 3k corresponding to the character type to which the additionally registered character belongs is turned on, the recognition target character designation processing unit 3c recognizes the recognition target paired with the flag. Update the number of characters by the number of additional registered characters, and if it is not turned on, turn on the flag and
Set the number of additional registered characters as the number of recognition target characters.

Further, the recognition target character designation processing section 3c, for the characters (recognition target character code data o) registered in the recognition target character data buffer 3k, for the characters not selected on the character selection menu 21, The character string is deleted as being designated as being excluded from the recognition target character, and the number of recognition target characters of the corresponding character type in the recognition target character data buffer 3k is updated by the number of deleted characters. Here, when the number of recognition target characters becomes 0, the corresponding recognition target flag may be turned off.

With the above, the recognition target character setting process of step C12 is completed. Then, the recognition target character designation processing unit 3c causes the character selection menu 21 to be displayed via the display control unit 3g.
Is closed and the process returns to the main process of FIGS. 11 and 12 (steps C13 and C14).

In the recognition target character designation process in this embodiment, the character type selection menu 20 (see FIG. 2) described above is used.
0) and the character selection menu 21 (see FIG. 21), the character to be recognized can be specified. That is, in this embodiment, as a result of the character type button 18e being selected in the display state of the document input screen as shown in FIG. 19, the character type selection menu 20 shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, and further the character type selection menu is displayed. In the state where the detailed setting button 20b in 20 is selected and the character selection menu 21 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed, the characters in the document displayed in the document display area 18b are recognized as described below. Can be specified as

The recognition target character designation processing unit 3c displays the document display area 18b in the display state of the character type selection menu 20 of FIG. 20 or the display state of the character selection menu 21 of FIG.
When the character in the position is pointed by the stylus pen 10i and the setting button 20a of the character type selection menu 20 or the setting button 21a of the character selection menu 21 is positioned (step C3 or C10), the character corresponding to the pointing position is displayed. The data is fetched from the document data buffer 3n (step C15).

Next, in the recognition target character designation processing unit 3c, the extracted character data (that is, the characters in the document on the display screen designated by the input person) is recognized in the recognition target character data buffer 3k.
It is checked whether the character data has already been registered in the character data buffer 3k.
Is additionally registered (steps C16, C17). On this occasion,
If the recognition target flag in the recognition target character data buffer 3k corresponding to the character type of the character data is turned on, the recognition target character designation processing unit 3c sets the number of recognition target characters paired with the flag to the number of additional registered characters. Just update and if it is not turned on, turn on the flag and
Set the number of additional registered characters as the number of recognition target characters. Then, the process returns to the beginning of the recognition target character designation process (step C1).
8).

In the apparatus of this embodiment, the recognition target character is set not only in the recognition target character designation process according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 16 described above but also in the next candidate selection process. .

The next candidate selection process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the first candidate character (first candidate character displayed in the processing including the handwriting character recognition processing) “K” displayed in the input frame 18c of the character input area 18a is It is not the intended character. In this case, the input person positions and selects with the stylus pen 10i the next candidate switching button 18d which is paired with the input frame 18c in which the character "KU" which is not intended by the user is displayed.

When the next candidate switching button 18d is selected (step D1), the next candidate selection processing section 3f recognizes the recognition result stored in the recognition data buffer 3l, that is, the character recognition processing by the character recognition processing section 3d. As shown in FIG. 22, a list of recognition candidate characters up to 4 candidates obtained for each character type is displayed as a next candidate selection menu 22 near the input frame 18c in which the character “K” is displayed. It is displayed by the control unit 3g (step D2).

Here, the enterer selects the next candidate selection menu 22.
When a desired recognition candidate character is selected from among the stylus pens 10i (step D3), the next candidate selection processing unit 3
f stores the candidate character in the selected character data buffer 3m as the first candidate and at the same time displays the candidate in the display control unit 3m.
The display is switched to the input frame 18c by g (step D4). Therefore, when the number "7" is selected from the next candidate selection menu 22 in the state of FIG. 22, the input frame 18c in which the katakana "KU" was displayed is as shown in FIG. The number "7" is switched and displayed.

Next, the next candidate selection processing section 3f checks whether or not the selected first candidate character is already registered in the recognition target character data buffer 3k, and if it is not registered,
The first candidate character (code data thereof) is additionally registered in the character data buffer 3k (steps D5 and D6).
At this time, the next candidate selection processing unit 3f causes the recognition target character data buffer 3k corresponding to the character type to which the character data belongs.
If the recognition target flag is turned on, the number of recognition target characters paired with the flag is updated (+1). If not, the flag is turned on and the recognition target character number is set to 1. To do.

The processing of this embodiment is performed according to the procedure described above. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the position input device 1 may be a pressure sensitive type or an electromagnetic induction type other than the electrostatic induction type tablet, and the transparent tablet may be a semitransparent or opaque tablet. Further, the stylus pen 10i which is a part of the position input device 1 may be a cordless type instead of the cord type.

Further, the display device 3 may be a flat panel display such as a plasma display other than the liquid crystal display. Further, regarding the handwritten character recognition processing in the processing control device 2, in the above-described embodiment, the input frame 18c is provided in the character input area 18a including the handwritten character recognition processing.
Although the character recognition is performed by inputting a character into the character and performing the character cutoff processing according to the time and the input position, another character cutoff method may be used. For example, a region for activating character recognition (forced recognition button) may be provided, and character recognition may be performed when the position is designated.

Further, in the character recognition processing in the character recognition processing section 3d, it is not always necessary to acquire a maximum of 4 candidates for each character type as a recognition candidate, as long as a plurality of candidates are acquired. Further, in the above embodiment, when the next candidate switching button 18d is pressed, regardless of the number of times,
The list of recognition candidates (in the recognition data buffer 3l) obtained by the character recognition processing unit 3d is displayed as the next candidate selection menu 22 so that the input person can select it, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, until the number of times the next candidate switching button 18d is pressed exceeds a predetermined number of times, the character recognition processing unit 3 is executed each time the next candidate switching button 18d is pressed.
Only the recognition target character of the recognition candidates obtained by d may be switched and displayed as the first candidate in the ascending order of dissimilarity. At the beginning, the character recognition processing unit 3
Only the recognition target characters of the recognition candidates obtained by d are displayed as the next candidate selection menu (22), and when the next candidate switching button 18d is pressed again, recognition candidates other than the recognition target characters are displayed. Next candidate selection menu (22)
Alternatively, a list may be displayed.

Further, instead of displaying the next candidate selection menu 22 by pressing the next candidate selection button 18d, the next candidate selection menu 22 is also unconditionally displayed when the first first candidate is displayed in the input frame 18c. It may be displayed with.

Further, also in the recognition target character designation processing,
The character type selection menu 20 as described in the above embodiment,
It is not always necessary to use the character selection menu 21. In the above embodiment, the recognition target character data buffer 3k
The recognition target flag prepared for each character type indicates whether or not the recognition target of the corresponding character type is registered (set), but two types of recognition target flags are prepared, or 2 As a bit configuration, it is possible to identify not only whether or not the recognition target character is set, but also whether the recognition target character is set by the character type unit or the character unit.
With such a configuration, when the setting of the recognition target character for each character type is designated, it is not necessary to actually register all (the character code data of) the characters belonging to the character type in the recognition target character data buffer 3k. The time required for setting the recognition target character in character type units can be shortened and the area of the recognition target character data buffer 3k can be effectively used. in short,
The present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0107]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, since the recognition target of handwritten characters can be designated in advance in character units, only the characters intended by the input person are recognized and erroneous recognition is reduced. In addition, according to the present invention, in addition to designation in units of characters to be recognized, designation in units of character types can also be used in combination, so that the characters intended by the input person can be more reliably recognized, and erroneous recognition is reduced. it can.

Further, according to the present invention, the character recognition processing is performed in the same manner as the character to be recognized for the character which is not previously designated in the character unit or the character type unit, and is obtained as the next candidate character (recognition candidate). If the next candidate character within the specified recognition target range does not have the character intended by the input person, the input person can select the next candidate outside the recognition target range by the input person. Even if you forget to specify the recognition target character or perform an incorrect specification operation, you can recognize the character intended by the input person, and therefore you can prevent the recognition rate from decreasing due to the input operation error of the input person. Moreover, if the candidate character selected by the input person is outside the recognition target character, the character can be automatically added as the recognition target character.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the character to be recognized can be specified in character units on the character selection menu or from the characters in the document displayed on the screen. Can also be specified on the character type selection menu,
Since the recognition target character designation operation by the input person can be easily performed, the operation range at the time of designation of the recognition target is expanded, and the operation burden on the input person can be reduced.

As described above, the character to be recognized at the time of character recognition can be set. Therefore, the present invention has a great practical effect as a character recognition method and a handwritten character input device to which the method is applied. Can be played.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a handwritten character input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing structural features of the handwritten character input device of FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a processing control device 2 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an area data buffer 3i in FIG.

5 is a configuration diagram of an input frame data buffer 3j in FIG.

6 is a configuration diagram of a recognition target character data buffer 3k in FIG.

7 is a configuration diagram of a recognition data buffer 3l in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a selected character data buffer 3m in FIG.

9 is a configuration diagram of a document data buffer 3n in FIG.

10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the position input device 1 in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a part of a flowchart for explaining the overall processing flow (main processing) of the handwritten character input device in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view showing the rest of the flowchart for explaining the overall processing flow (main processing) of the handwritten character input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a process for recognizing handwritten characters in FIG. 12 (step A
19 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed flow of 19).

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a direction example indicating a stroke direction at the time of character recognition and a configuration example of a character recognition dictionary.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a part of a flowchart for explaining the flow of a recognized character designating process in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a view showing the rest of the flowchart for explaining the flow of the recognized character designation processing in the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of next candidate selection processing in the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a document input screen.

FIG. 19 shows a result of handwriting character input to an input box 18c in a character input area 18a of a document input screen, which is the input box 18c.
The figure which shows the state in which the recognition candidate (1st candidate) is displayed.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which a character type selection menu 20 used to select and specify a character type of a recognition target character is displayed on the document input screen.

FIG. 21 is a view showing a state in which a character selection menu 21 used for selectively designating a recognition target character is displayed on the document input screen.

FIG. 22 is a view showing a state in which a next candidate selection menu 22 used for selecting the next recognition candidate is displayed on the document input screen.

23 is a diagram showing a switching display state of the first candidates when the number “7” is selected from the next candidate selection menu 22 in FIG. 22.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Position input device, 2 ... Processing control device, 3 ... External storage device, 3a ... Input part, 3b ... Area discrimination processing part, 3c ... Recognition target character designation processing part, 3d ... Character recognition processing part, 3e ... 1st Candidate selection processing unit, 3f ... Next candidate selection processing unit, 3g ... Display control unit, 3h ... Position data buffer, 3i ... Area data buffer, 3j ... Input frame data buffer, 3k ... Recognition target character data buffer, 3l ... Recognition data buffer,
3m ... Selected character data buffer, 3n ... Document data buffer, 3o ... Output data buffer, 4 ... Display device, 18
a ... Character input area, 18b ... Document display area, 18c ... Input frame, 18d ... Next candidate switching button, 18e ... Character type button, 20 ... Character type selection menu, 20a ... Setting button,
20b ... Detail setting button, 21 ... Character selection menu, 2
1a ... Setting button, 22 ... Next candidate selection menu.

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A character recognition method for recognizing handwriting data input by an input means as handwritten character data, the first step of accepting designation input of a character to be recognized by a user's operation in character units, and A second step of registering the recognition target character designated and input in the first step in the recognition target character storage means, and handwriting the handwriting data by narrowing down the recognition target characters according to the registered contents of the recognition target character storage means. And a third step of recognizing characters as character data. 2. A character recognition method for recognizing handwriting data input by an input means as handwritten character data, the first step of accepting designation input of a character to be recognized by a user's operation in character units and character type units. The second step of registering the recognition target character designated and input in the first step in the recognition target character storage means, and the handwriting by narrowing down the recognition target characters according to the registered content of the recognition target character storage means And a third step of recognizing the data as handwritten character data. 3. A character recognition method for recognizing handwriting data input by an input means as handwritten character data, the first step of accepting a designation input of a recognition target character in character units by an operator's operation, and A second step of registering the recognition target character designated and input in step 1 in the recognition target character storage means, and character recognition of the handwriting data as handwritten character data regardless of the registered content of the recognition target character storage means. Then, a third step of obtaining recognition candidates with a predetermined number as an upper limit for each character type, and the recognition target character from the recognition candidates for each character type obtained in the third step. Select the most probable recognition candidate within the range of recognition target characters registered in the storage means,
A fourth step of displaying on the screen as the first candidate of the character recognition result; and the input of the first candidate to another recognition candidate of the recognition candidates for each character type obtained in the third step. And a fifth step of switching designation according to the above, and when the recognition candidate switched and designated in the fifth step is not registered in the recognition target character storage means, the candidate is stored as the recognition target character as the recognition target character. And a sixth step of registering in the means. 4. A character recognition method for recognizing handwriting data input by an input means as handwritten character data, the first step of accepting designation input of a character to be recognized by a user's operation in character units and character type units. A second step of registering the recognition target character designated and input in the first step in a recognition target character storage means, and irrespective of the registered content of the recognition target character storage means as the handwriting data as handwritten character data. The third step of recognizing characters and acquiring recognition candidates for each character type with a predetermined number as an upper limit, and the recognition candidates for each character type obtained in the third step, Select the most probable recognition candidate within the range of recognition target characters registered in the recognition target character storage means,
A fourth step of displaying on the screen as the first candidate of the character recognition result; and the input of the first candidate to another recognition candidate of the recognition candidates for each character type obtained in the third step. And a fifth step of switching designation according to the above, and when the recognition candidate switched and designated in the fifth step is not registered in the recognition target character storage means, the candidate is stored as the recognition target character as the recognition target character. And a sixth step of registering in the means. 5. The designation input in the first step is the third input.
The character recognition method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the character recognition method is executable before the step of. 6. The character input menu in the first step is input on a character selection menu screen including a list of characters, according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Character recognition method. 7. The designation input in character units in the first step is performed not only on the character selection menu screen but also on a document which is displayed on the screen and is composed of an already input character string. The character recognition method according to claim 6. 8. The character recognition according to claim 2, wherein the designation input in the character type unit in the first step is performed on a character type selection menu screen including a list of character types. Method. 9. A position input means for inputting coordinate data corresponding to a position arbitrarily designated on a coordinate input surface, a recognition target character storage means for registering recognition target characters in character recognition, and an input operator operation. Depending on the registered contents of the recognition target character designation processing means for accepting the designation input of the recognition target character in character units by the, and registering the input recognition target character in the recognition target character storage means, And a character recognition processing means for recognizing the coordinate data string input by the position input means as handwritten character data. 10. A position input means for inputting coordinate data corresponding to a position arbitrarily designated on a coordinate input surface, a recognition target character storage means for registering recognition target characters in character recognition, and an input operator operation. A recognition target character designation processing unit that receives a designation input of the recognition target character in units of characters and a character type by the, and registers the input recognition target character in the recognition target character storage unit, and registration of the recognition target character storage unit. A handwriting character input device, comprising: character recognition processing means for narrowing down recognition target characters according to content and recognizing the coordinate data string input by the position input means as handwritten character data. 11. A position input means for inputting coordinate data corresponding to a position arbitrarily designated on a coordinate input surface, a recognition target character storage means for registering recognition target characters in character recognition, and an input operator operation. A recognition target character designation processing unit that receives a designation input of the recognition target character in character units by the above, and registers the input recognition target character in the recognition target character storage unit; and a coordinate data string input by the position input unit. Character recognition processing means for recognizing, as handwritten character data, irrespective of the registered contents of the recognition target character storage means, and for each character type, acquiring recognition candidates up to a predetermined number as an upper limit; From the recognition candidates for each character type obtained by the processing means, the most probable recognition candidate within the range of the recognition target characters registered in the recognition target character storage means is selected. A first candidate selection processing means for displaying on the screen as a first candidate of the character recognition result, and another recognition of the first candidate among the recognition candidates for each character type obtained by the character recognition processing means. The candidate is caused to specify switching by the operation of the input person, and when the recognition candidate for which switching is specified is not registered in the recognition target character storage means, the candidate is registered as the recognition target character in the recognition target character storage means. A handwritten character input device comprising a candidate selection processing means. 12. A position input means for inputting coordinate data corresponding to a position arbitrarily designated on a coordinate input surface, a recognition target character storage means for registering recognition target characters in character recognition, and an input operator operation. The recognition target character designation processing unit that receives the designation input of the recognition target character in character units and character type units by the above, and registers the input recognition target character in the recognition target character storage unit, and the position input unit. Character recognition processing means for recognizing the coordinate data string as handwritten character data irrespective of the registered content of the recognition target character storage means, and for each character type, acquiring a recognition candidate having a predetermined number as an upper limit. From the recognition candidates for each character type obtained by the character recognition processing means, the most probable one within the range of the recognition target characters registered in the recognition target character storage means. A first candidate selection processing means for selecting a desired recognition candidate and displaying it on the screen as a first candidate of the character recognition result; and the first candidate among the recognition candidates for each character type obtained by the character recognition processing means. If another recognition candidate is designated to be switched by the operation of the input person, and the recognition candidate for which switching has been designated is not registered in the recognition target character storage means, the candidate is regarded as a recognition target character and the recognition target character storage means is selected. And a next candidate selection processing unit for registering the next candidate. 13. The handwritten character according to claim 9, wherein the designation input by the recognition target character designation processing means can be executed before the character recognition by the character recognition processing means. Input device. 14. The recognition target character designation processing means causes the designation input in character units to be performed on a character selection menu screen including a list of characters. Handwritten character input device described in crab. 15. The recognition target character designation processing means causes the designation input in character units to be performed not only on the character selection menu screen but also on a document which is displayed on the screen and which is composed of an already input character string. The handwritten character input device according to claim 14, characterized in that. 16. The recognition target character designation processing means causes the designation input for each character type to be performed on a character type selection menu screen including a list of character types. Handwritten character input device.