method and apparatus for improving recognition accuracy for the handwritten input of alphanumeric characters and gestures

A method for automatically selecting one of multiple recognition algorithms for handwritten input of alphanumeric characters and/or gestures into a selected input field displayed on a screen using a touch-sensitive input apparatus. The method comprises the performance of optical character recognition in an area of the screen that comprises at least the input field and the closer surroundings of the input field, or the performance of voice recognition for a voice statement audibly output after the selected input field is displayed. In the result of the optical character recognition or of the voice recognition, terms describing field types are sought, and a recognition algorithm adapted for a field type found in the result of the optical character recognition or of the voice recognition is selected. Optionally, the allowable stock of values for the characters to be recognised can also be disclosed dynamically for the next character(s) on the basis of the input, e.g. if the input denotesan element in a database