MATRIX CHARACTER RECOGNITION

A character recognition system is disclosed in which each row of a plurality of parallel rows of binary signals representing the configuration of an unknown character is sequentially compared to a plurality of templates, each representing a known character. Each of the rows of signals is compared to feature characteristics of the unknown character twice. The rows of signals are first shifted one signal position and compared. The signals are then compared in their original position to detect an unknown character which has been printed off-center. Only those rows of signals which are required to contain a feature characteristic of the unknown characters are compared. The resulting data is utilized by a data processor apparatus identifying the unknown character.