Method for selecting a designation

1. A method for selecting a label from a multiplicity of labels stored in a memory element, comprising:

inputting a handwritten character into a handwritten input apparatus;

associating an alphanumeric character with the handwritten input character using a character recognition apparatus;

adding the associated alphanumeric character to an already input character string to produce an extended character string;

comparing the extended character string with the labels stored in a memory; and

selecting one or more of the stored labels using the comparison;

wherein the step of associating includes selecting the alphanumeric character from a dynamically alterable character set which contains only characters which, in addition to the already input character string, produce an extended character string which is an initial component of at least one of the stored labels,

whereby a next input is limited to a limited number of inputs based on the stored labels.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the dynamically alterable character set is stored in the form of a list.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein two or more alphanumeric characters are provided for selection if it is not explicitly possible to associate a first one of the alphanumeric characters with the handwritten input character.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising creating a list that includes labels which comprise the extended character set as an initial component after said step of comparing.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4 , wherein following the input of a further character the step of comparing takes place using the list.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising the step of outputting an acknowledgement after said step of associating is completed.

7. A motor vehicle navigation system, comprising:

a handwritten input apparatus;

a character recognition apparatus;

a memory storing a plurality of address database entries; and

a processor connected to each of said handwritten input apparatus, said character recognition apparatus, and said memory, said processor running an executable program for selecting one of the plurality of address database entries, the program comprising the steps of:

inputting a handwritten character into said handwritten input apparatus;

associating an alphanumeric character with the handwritten input character using said character recognition apparatus;

adding the associated alphanumeric character to an already input character string to produce an extended character string;

comparing the extended character string with the address database entries stored in the memory; and

selecting one or more of the stored address database entries using the results of the step of comparing;

wherein the step of associating includes selecting the alphanumeric character from a dynamically alterable character set which contains only characters which, in addition to the already input character string, produce an extended character string which is an initial component of at least one of the stored address database entries,

whereby a next input is limited to a limited number of inputs based on the stored labels.

8. The motor vehicle navigation system as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the handwritten input apparatus is a touchpad.

9. The motor vehicle navigation system as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the touchpad is integrated in a rotary/push control.

10. The motor vehicle navigation system as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the handwritten input apparatus is a touchscreen.