Abstract: An apparatus is provided with first information on software and character strings for determining a keyword related to second information on software that a user wants to use. The apparatus generates, in accordance with a level of the user who uses software obtained from a first external device coupled to a communication network, based on the first information and third information that is related to software and obtained from a second external device connected to the communication network, fourth information indicating software recommendable to the user. The apparatus receives the second information from the user, and determines a keyword related to the fourth information by comparing the fourth information with the character strings provided for the apparatus. The apparatus obtains software to be recommended to the user by comparing the fourth information with the determined keyword, and starts up the obtained software.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with first information on software and character strings for determining a keyword related to second information on software that a user wants to use. The apparatus generates, in accordance with a level of the user who uses software obtained from a first external device coupled to a communication network, based on the first information and third information that is related to software and obtained from a second external device connected to the communication network, fourth information indicating software recommendable to the user. The apparatus receives the second information from the user, and determines a keyword related to the fourth information by comparing the fourth information with the character strings provided for the apparatus. The apparatus obtains software to be recommended to the user by comparing the fourth information with the determined keyword, and starts up the obtained software.

Abstract: A system for character recognition from a sheet bearing a plurality of characters, has a base for supporting the sheet, an image input device for taking an image of each of the characters on the sheet, a handle for supporting and manipulating the image input device, an axis, a sphere part, a receiving part fixed to the base and having a hollow for accommodating the sphere part, one of the sphere part and the hollow having a plurality of depressions and the other having a projection for fitting into one of the depressions, whereby when a view angle of the image input device is changed to point a location of each of characters on the sheet by manipulation of the handle, the image input device is rotated about the axis and a character recognizing unit for recognizing the character on the image taken by the image input device.

Abstract: The display apparatus of the present invention performs display processing for outputting and displaying a plurality of screens consecutively on a display unit. The apparatus comprises a restart screen determination unit for obtaining a restart screen based on the screen displayed on the display unit when canceled, and a screen output unit for outputting the obtained screen on the display unit.