PURPOSE: To eliminate the re-input operation with an operator of an erroneously recognized character, if any, by providing a character data retention means and a recognition character type designation means designation the character type for re-recognizing inputted character data.

CONSTITUTION: When an input is made in characters, the character data read through a character input part 30 are collected and stored in a character data retention part 40. When a correction instruction is specified, the character type designated by an erroneous recognition character type designation part 70 is taken in and thereafter the character recognition by means of the newly designated character type is performed. The character data stored in the character data retention part 40 are recognized in the current recognition mode. Accordingly, the character data stored in the character data retention part 40 are recognized in a mixed recognition mode, and the character data are re-recognized in character by means of the character data once recognized erroneously which are stored in the retention part 40, in accordance with the character type newly designated by the recognition character type designation part 70 in other cases.