JP2000348024A - Character input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly input non-JIS characters and to smoothly transfer them to the DTP system of a printing company. SOLUTION: A file FF1 storing JIS standard characters and files FF2 and FF3 storing non-JIS characters are provided in a font file storage means 10. Each character is specified by designating a font file name and a character code. A character attribute the for retrieving the characters by using attributes such as a radical and the number of strokes is prepared in a character attribute file storage means 20. A JIS standard character is inputted by inputting a normal character to a KANA (Japanese syllabary)/KANJI (Chinese character) conversion means 60 from an operation input means 70. A non-JIS character is inputted by selecting one desired character from a character group displayed on a character tablet T by a prescribed retrieval processing. The input character is stored in a character data file storage means 30 and is displayed on a compilation window W.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character input device for inputting characters to a computer, and more particularly to a character input device suitable for inputting a document for printing which needs to handle characters other than JIS standard characters. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In document creation processing using a computer, characters are input as digital data using various input devices such as a keyboard. In particular, when inputting Japanese documents, it is necessary to input thousands of characters, such as kana, kanji, alphanumeric characters, symbols, etc., so on word processors and personal computers, special character input software (input method) Is used. Currently, the most widespread character input software is of the type equipped with a kana-kanji conversion function, and has a function of displaying a kanji by referring to a predetermined conversion dictionary based on readings entered with kana. ing. When there are multiple kanji with the same reading, usually several candidates are
The information is presented on the display screen one by one or collectively in the form of a list, and is selected by the operator.

[0003] Of course, the method of inputting characters is not limited to such kana-kanji conversion processing, and various other methods are prepared in general word processors and personal computers. For example, by specifying the radical of a kanji and the number of strokes, a list of the corresponding kanji is displayed as a candidate on a display screen, and there is an input method of a form in which the operator selects, or an operator uses a mouse or a tablet or the like, There is also an input method in which a user draws a character and an operator analyzes which character is drawn based on a predetermined algorithm.

[0004]

At present, word processors and personal computers, which are widely used, use the JIS-X0 kanji of the first and second JIS levels, including the Kanaya symbol and the like.
208] can be used as standard. Therefore, the kana-kanji conversion function provided in word processors and personal computers is mainly
SX0208 characters (hereinafter referred to as JIS standard characters)
In most cases, conversion is targeted. Of course, in the case of personally creating a document or performing very ordinary business processing, it is sufficient to handle only JIS standard characters, and no major trouble occurs.

However, for example, in the field of commercial printing, JIS standard characters alone are not sufficient, and tens of thousands of characters are required. As a specific example, in the case of books related to literature and history, the author himself frequently uses characters other than JIS standard characters, and when publishing such a book, the characters as instructed by the author are used. Must be used correctly. For example, many kanji have a plurality of fonts called variant characters. The title of the literary writer "Mori Ogai" has recently come to be seen using the new font "Ogu", but in the literary world, it is still the old font ("x" is labeled "art") Font)
Is preferred. Of course, the characters that are not included in the JIS standard characters include various Chinese characters in addition to the variant characters.

[0006] Under such circumstances, computers and the like for DTP processing used by printing companies are provided with dedicated software and font data for handling tens of thousands of characters other than JIS standard characters. Each of these characters is given a special character code separately from the character code defined by JIS.

[0007] However, a general character input device (a word processor dedicated system or a system in which word processing software or editor software is incorporated in a personal computer) used by general writers and editors usually has a function of handling only JIS standard characters. Not. Therefore, if the author or editor creates a manuscript using a general word processor, and submits the manuscript to a printing company via electronic media such as a floppy disk or online, Originals on electronic media must contain characters other than JIS standard characters
Non-JIS characters). For this reason, if necessary, the author or editor should attach a handwritten proof memo to a manuscript on an electronic medium such as a floppy disk and give instructions to insert non-JIS characters in blanks of the manuscript, It was necessary to give an instruction to replace the above specific character with a non-JIS character.

On the other hand, when a printing company receives a proof memo when submitting an electronic medium, when the proof memo is attached, a specific character in the original read as digital data from an electronic medium such as a floppy disk is converted to the proof memo. Based on the instructions of
It was necessary to manually correct the characters to non-JIS characters. Therefore, the present invention provides a character input device capable of smoothly inputting all types of characters as predetermined character data and smoothly transferring the input character data to a DTP system installed in a printing company or the like. With the goal.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a predetermined character is associated with each of a plurality of character codes, and font data of the character corresponding to each character code is recorded. A character input device for preparing a font file, inputting characters while displaying characters specified by the operator on the screen of the display using the font data, a display for displaying a character input screen, Operation input means for inputting an operator's operation and a plurality of font files in which different characters are associated with the same character code for each file are stored, and each character is referred to as a font file name and a character code. Font file storage means configured to be specified by a combination of For each character having the attribute, a character attribute file storage unit storing a character attribute file in which a combination of a font file name and a character code is recorded, and on a display screen,
It has a function of displaying a character tablet for presenting a character candidate to be input, and when a specific attribute is specified by an operator, has a corresponding attribute by referring to a character attribute file related to the specified attribute. A character tablet display means for presenting, on a character tablet, a list of characters having a specified attribute by searching for characters and displaying the characters using font data of the searched characters; Input character determination means for determining the character selected by the operator among the input character candidates presented as the input character, and character data comprising a combination of a font file name and a character code for the input character in a character data file. Character data file storage means to store as character data file stored in the character data file storage means Based on the character data file, on the screen of the display, the editing window display means for displaying an editing window for presenting the input character is obtained by so provided.

(2) The second aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned first aspect.
In the character input device according to the aspect, when the operator designates an arbitrary character in the list presented on the character tablet, the character tablet display unit performs enlarged display of the designated character. Is made possible.

(3) A third aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned first aspect.
In the character input device according to the aspect, one of the plurality of font files stored in the font file storage unit is defined as a basic font file, and the character tablet display unit stores the character in the basic font file as a basic font file. And other characters in the font file can be displayed on the character tablet in different colors.

(4) The fourth aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned first aspect.
In the character input device according to the aspect, one of the plurality of font files stored in the font file storage means is used as a basic font file, and JIS-X0208 characters are prepared in the basic font file. JIS-X0 in other font files
Characters other than 208 are prepared.

(5) The fifth aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned first aspect.
In the character input device according to the aspect, the character tablet display means has a function of displaying, on the character tablet, a history display window showing a history of characters input using the character tablet, and the input character determination means It has a function of handling characters displayed in the history display window as a part of input character candidates.

(6) The sixth aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned first aspect.
As character input devices according to the fifth to fifth aspects, programs and data for causing a computer to function are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. First, the form of electronic submission that is currently generally performed between the author / editor and the printing company will be briefly described using the diagram shown in FIG. The half shows the processing by the character input device 100 used by the writer / editor, and the lower half shows the processing by the DTP system 200 used by the printing company.

The character input device 100 is a general word processor.
The device is composed of a personal computer, and the writer / editor inputs characters using the character input device 100 to create a character data file F1. Here, as an example,
An example is shown in which a character string "Ogai who went to Germany to study" is input to a word processor or a computer as character data and stored as a character data file F1. The JIS standard characters (JIS-X0208 characters) are incorporated as standard in the general word processor personal computer currently used, but other characters, that is, non-JIS characters are not incorporated. Therefore, as long as this general word processing personal computer is used as a character input device, only characters within the range of JIS standard characters can be input. For this reason, in the character data file F1 illustrated in the figure, a character of a new font in the range of the JIS standard character “Ogu” is used.

However, the correct title of the literary writer "Mori Ogai" is assumed to use the old font (the font in which the "x" part is marked as "art"). Old fonts must be used. For this reason, the author or the editor writes an instruction to change the new font “Ogu” into the old font in the proof memo M, and writes this in the character data file F1 (for example, stored on a floppy disk).
Had to be attached to the printer and handed over to the printing company.

On the other hand, the DTP system 200 installed in the printing company has a function of handling tens of thousands of characters for printing and publishing, and manages these characters by unique character codes. Therefore, the DTP system 200 can handle JIS standard characters including the new font “Ogu” and can also handle non-JIS characters including the old font “Ogu”. So the operator of the printing company
After submitting the character data file F1 in the form of an electronic medium, the character data file F2 is read by the DTP system 200 as a character data file F2 (if necessary, the character code is converted, and the character code unique to the DTP system 200 is used. A character data file F2 is created), and the contents are displayed on a display screen or the like, and a character correction process is performed based on an instruction described in the calibration memo M. In the illustrated example, a process for correcting the new font "Ogu" in the character data file F2 to the old font is performed.
In the illustrated example, the character “Ogu” is the character input device 10.
On the 0 side, the character can be input as a new character which is a variant character. On the other hand, in the case of a non-JIS character having no variant character, the character input device 100 is left blank and the DT
The process of inputting a new character in the blank portion is performed on the P system 200 side.

The present invention has been made to reduce such useless work load, and can be used instead of the conventional character input device 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the character input device according to the present invention. This character input device includes a font file storage unit 10, a character attribute file storage unit 20, a character data file storage unit 30, a character tablet display unit 40, an input character determination unit 50, and a kana-kanji conversion unit 6.
0, operation input means 70, edit window display means 80,
The display 90 is configured. However,
Each of these components is a component corresponding to each block when the character input device is regarded as a functional block. In practice, this character input device is a software (characters) dedicated to a general-purpose computer. This can be realized by incorporating a program for performing input processing and data recording fonts and attributes.

For example, the illustrated display 90 is for displaying a character input screen, and can be constituted by a display for a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer. The operation input unit 70 is a component for inputting an operation of an operator (author or editor), and can be configured by a keyboard, a mouse, and the like connected to the computer. Further, each of the storage means 10, 20, 30 can be constituted by various storage devices for the computer, and the remaining respective means 40, 5,
0, 60, and 80 can be realized by the functions of dedicated software incorporated in the computer.

The character input device itself is a device which associates a predetermined character with each of a plurality of character codes and prepares a font file containing font data of characters corresponding to each character code. Has a function of inputting characters while displaying the characters specified by the operator on the screen of the display using the font data. The basic principle of character input is not different from character input by a conventional general word processor or personal computer. A major feature of the character input device according to the present invention resides in the properties of each font file stored in the font file storage means 10.

In recent word processors and personal computers in which the built-in storage capacity has been dramatically improved, for example, a plurality of fonts such as Mincho, Gothic, and brush are generally prepared. The data for each of these fonts is
Each is stored in the storage device in the form of a font file. The operator can specify an arbitrary font for the input character and display it. However, the "designation of the font" here means only "designation" of the same character, and when the font file to be specified is changed, the character design changes, but the character itself changes. Do not mean.
For example, the character entered by the new "Ogu" itself does not change to the character in this new font, no matter what font file is specified, and the design simply changes slightly. In other words, it can be said that the same character is always associated with the same character code in a plurality of font files prepared in a conventional general word processor or personal computer. For example, the character "Ogu" is a shift JIS code.
It is assigned to the character code “89A8”. Therefore, regardless of whether it is a Mincho font file, a Gothic font file, or a brush font file, the character code “89A8” always contains the new font “Ogu”. Characters are assigned.

The basic idea of the present invention is to prepare a plurality of font files in which different characters are associated with the same character code for each file. For example, three font files FF1, FF2 and FF3 are stored in the font file storage means 10 in the character input device shown in FIG.
In each of these font files, different characters are associated with the same character code. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of characters associated with a specific character code for each font file. For example, the character codes "89A7", "89A8", "89A
Focusing on "9", in the font file FF1, three characters "Ugui", "Ogu", and "Yellow" (each of which is JI
(S standard character). In general word processors and personal computers currently used, the same correspondence as the font file FF1 (correspondence according to the JIS standard) is made, and the font file of the Mincho font, the font file of the Gothic font, the Even for font files of different typefaces, such as font files, the correspondence between character codes and characters is the same. However, in the character input device according to the present invention, if the font file is different, different characters are associated with the same character code. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, in the font files FF1, FF2, and FF3, different characters are respectively associated with the same character code "89A7", "89A8", and "89A9".
The font data of different characters is stored (all the characters exemplified in the font file FF3 in the figure are variants of “flower” and are non-JIS characters).

In this embodiment, the font file FF1
Is a basic font file, and JIS first-level and JIS second-level characters (JIS standard characters) are prepared in this basic font file, and the other font files FF2 and FF3 contain JIS first-level and JIS first-level characters. JIS
Characters other than the second level (non-JIS characters) are accommodated. Therefore, as long as the basic font file FF1 is used, a character input operation equivalent to the case of using a general word processor or personal computer currently used can be performed. On the other hand, the font files FF2 and FF3 contain non-JIS characters, and the operator (author / editor) must use the characters from these font files if they need to input the non-JIS characters. Can be.

As described above, in the character input device according to the present invention, one character cannot be specified only by the character code. For example, in order to specify the character of the new font “Ogu”, it is necessary to specify not only the character code “89A8” but also the font file “FF1”. As a result, each character stored in the font file storage means 10 is configured to be specified by a combination of the font file name and the character code. Since the characters contained in the basic font file FF1 are JIS first-level and JIS second-level characters as described above, the relationship between each character and each character code is determined according to the JIS standard. Although it is preferable that the characters contained in the font files FF2 and FF3 are non-JIS characters, they may be given arbitrary character codes. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the character code “89A” in the font file FF2 is used.
“8” and “89A9” are associated with the variant characters of the JIS standard characters “Ogu” and “Yellow” corresponding to the same character code in the basic font file FF1, respectively. It is not always necessary to associate variant characters with the same character code. In the example shown in FIG. 3, non-JIS characters are stored in two files, font files FF1 and FF2. Of course, if it is necessary to handle more non-JIS characters, font files FF3 and FF3 are used. FF4, ... may be increased.

On the other hand, in order to search for a character having a specific attribute, a character attribute file storing means 20 stores a combination of a font file name and a character code for each character having the attribute. Is stored. In the example shown in FIG. 2, three character attribute files ZF are stored in the character attribute file storage unit 20.
1, a state where ZF2, ZF2, and ZF3 are stored is shown. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of such a character attribute file. Character attribute file ZF shown
1 captures the radical "tehen" as a character attribute,
This is a file in which all characters having a radical of "hand" are recorded by a combination of a font file name and a character code. For example, data “FF1: 9450” recorded on the first line indicates a character “twist” corresponding to the character code “9450” in the basic font file FF1. Of course, the character having the radical "hand" is also included in the non-JIS characters, and the character attribute file ZF1 includes the font file F
Characters in F2 and FF3 are also included.

The character attribute file ZF2 shown in FIG.
Assuming the total number of strokes of the character "4 strokes" as a character attribute,
This is a file in which all the characters whose total number of strokes is 4 are recorded by a combination of a font file name and a character code. For example, “FF1:
894E ”is the basic font file FF1
The character "ox" corresponding to the character code "894E" is shown. Of course, characters with a total stroke count of 4
Non-JIS characters are included, and the character attribute file ZF
2 also includes characters in the font files FF2 and FF3.

The character attribute file ZF3 shown in FIG.
Is a file in which a group called "common kanji" is regarded as a character attribute, and all characters designated as common kanji are recorded by a combination of a font file name and a character code. Since all common kanji are characters in JIS standard characters, all characters in the character attribute file ZF3 are characters in the basic font file FF1. In the character input device shown in FIG. 2, three types of character attribute files Z are stored in the character attribute file storage means 20.
The state where F1 to ZF3 are stored is shown,
In practice, it is necessary to prepare a larger number of character attribute files. For example, for radicals, it is necessary to prepare not only "hand" but also a character attribute file for each radical. Regarding the number of strokes,
It is necessary to prepare a character attribute file related to the number of strokes. Further, FIG. 4 illustrates the character attribute file ZF3 relating to the attribute “common kanji”, but other character attributes can be arbitrarily determined.
For example, a character attribute file containing characters having attributes such as "characters learned by the third grade of elementary school" may be prepared. In practice, it is necessary to be able to search not only Chinese characters but also non-Kanji characters, so a character attribute file for attributes such as "Russian characters", "parentheses", "scholarly symbols", etc. is also prepared. It is preferable to keep it.

The character data file storage means 30 in the character input device shown in FIG. 2 has a function of storing, as a character data file, character data composed of a combination of a font file name and a character code for characters input by the device. Having. The illustrated example shows a state in which character data files DF1, DF2, and DF3 are stored, and each of these files constitutes one unit of document. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of character data constituting the character data file DF1. As described above, in the character input device according to the present invention, each character needs to be represented as a combination of a font file name and a character code. The upper part of each character data shown in the figure shows the font file name, and the lower part shows the character code. Characters shown in parentheses below each character data are actual characters corresponding to individual character data. Here, the character "Ogu" is an old font character, and only this character is a character in the font file FF2 containing non-JIS characters. All other characters are JIS standard characters and are characters in the basic font file FF1.

The edit window display means 80 displays an edit window W for presenting input characters on the screen of the display 90 based on the character data file stored in the character data file storage means 30. Perform processing. The editing window W is an editor area for displaying a character input by the operator as a character string, and the operator can edit the character on the editing window W together with the input of the character. The operator
When, for example, an instruction to edit the character data file DF1 is given from the operation input means 70 to the edit window display means 80, the character data in the character data file DF1 is displayed in the edit window W as shown in FIG. It will be presented as. At this time, the font files FF1 to FF3 in the font file storage means 10 are stored.
, Font data of a character to be displayed can be obtained.

Next, components for executing a character input operation by an operator will be described. The kana-kanji conversion means 60 is a component for performing processing for inputting JIS standard characters based on a character input instruction from an operator provided from the operation input means 70, and is generally a software called an input method. It is a well-known element realized by wear. Usually, an engine for converting a kana input by an operator using a keyboard into a kanji as needed is provided, and a function of generating a predetermined character code by performing kana-kanji conversion. In other words, the kana-kanji conversion means 60 is a character input device provided in a conventional general word processor or personal computer, and the characters input by the kana-kanji conversion means 60 are all JIS standard characters. Become. However, the character input device according to the present invention requires not only the character code but also data indicating a specific font file name in order to express each character. With regard to, after the data indicating the basic font file FF1 is added to the character code, it is stored in the character data file storage means 30 as a character data file.

Of course, the kana-kanji conversion means 60 cannot input non-JIS characters. Therefore, in the character input device according to the present invention, the character tablet display means 40
And input character determination means 50,
IS characters can be entered. If the character tablet display means 40 and the input character determination means 50 are used, not only non-JIS characters but also JIS standard characters can be input.
The kana-kanji conversion means 60 is not always a necessary component. However, in practice, JIS standard characters are not used for kana-kanji conversion means 6 which has conventionally been generally used.
Since the input method using 0 is simpler, it is preferable to provide kana-kanji conversion means 60.

The character tablet display means 40 displays on the screen of the display 90 based on an instruction from the operator.
It has a function of displaying the character tablet T. The character tablet T has a function of presenting a candidate for a character to be input, and when a specific attribute is specified by an operator, the character tablet T refers to a character attribute file related to the specified attribute to specify a character having the attribute. And displays the character using the font data of the searched character to present a list of characters having the specified attribute on the character tablet T. On the other hand, the input character determination means 50 performs a process of determining, as an input character, a character selected by the operator among the input character candidates presented on the character tablet T, and the input character determined in this manner is converted to a kana-kanji conversion means. As in the case of the character input by the user 60, the character data (font file name and character code) is stored in a specific character data file in the character data file storage means 30.

In the character tablet T shown in FIG.
The new and old kanji characters of "Ogu" are presented. Here, the new font “Ogu” is a JIS standard character in the basic font file FF1, whereas the old font “Ogu” is a non-JIS character in the font file FF2. In this way, the characters in all the font files are simultaneously displayed on the character tablet T. Here, assuming that the operator gives an instruction to the input character determination means 50 to select the old font “gull” (specifically, the old font “gull” in the character tablet T with the mouse) Input character determination means 50).
The process of storing the character data “F2: 89A8” in a specific character data file in the character data file storage means 30 is performed.

FIG. 2 shows a simple example in which only the new and old kanji characters of the kanji “Ogu” are presented in the character tablet T for convenience of explanation.
The result of the search based on some instruction is displayed in the box. This search is performed by the operator designating a predetermined attribute to the character tablet display means 40. The character tablet display means 40 searches the character attribute file in the character attribute file storage means 20 based on the attribute designation, and presents the corresponding character as a list on the character tablet T.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific display example of the character tablet T. Buttons T1 and T2 are buttons for selecting whether to perform a search by radical or a search by symbol, and the operator selects a search method by clicking one of the buttons with the mouse. Can be. For example, when the button T1 is clicked to select a radical search, the radical search can be performed by inputting the radical name in the input column T3 (or, alternatively, the radical search can be performed).
Clicking the arrow at the right end of No. 3 displays a list of radical names as a pop-up menu, and a desired radical name may be designated from this menu.) Similarly, if the user clicks the button T2 and selects the symbol search, the input field T3
A symbol search can be performed by inputting a symbol name into the box (or, if a right arrow of the input field T3 is clicked, a list of symbol names is displayed as a pop-up menu. May be specified). It is also possible to input the number of strokes in the input field T4 and perform a search using the number of strokes as a search condition. In the example shown in the figure, by inputting the radical name "hand" in the input field T3 and the total number of strokes "7" in the input field T4, the user has "hand" and the total number of strokes is "7". A which is a kanji
The result of performing a search under the ND condition is shown. The search results are listed in the search result display window T20.

Such a search is performed using a character attribute file prepared in the character attribute file storage means 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the input field T5
A search can also be performed by inputting a character code into. Further, it is also possible to input a part name (part name such as squeeze, structure, etc.) in the input fields T6 to T8 (the arrow can be selected from a pop-up menu), and a search can be performed using the AND condition of each part. Further, in the input field T9, a character type (for example, JIS standard character, non-JIS character, common kanji, etc.) is inputted (clicking an arrow and selecting from a pop-up menu is also possible), and the corresponding character can be searched. It is possible. The contents entered in each of the input fields T3 to T9 are searched under AND conditions. When the operator inputs necessary contents in the necessary input fields and clicks a search button T11, the search result display is performed. The result is displayed in window T20. However, in order to enable a search based on predetermined contents, it is necessary to prepare a character attribute file in which characters having the contents as attributes are collected in the character attribute file storage unit 20 in advance.

When the search result is displayed in the search result display window T20, the operator may select a desired character by clicking the mouse on the search result display window T20. As a result, as described above, the selected character is determined as the input character by the input character determination means 50, and the character data of the input character is stored in the character data file storage means 3.
This input character is stored in the edit window W at a predetermined position by the edit window display means 80. Therefore, the operator can immediately confirm on the editing window W that the desired character has been input.

When the character zoom function is turned on by clicking in the character zoom function instruction frame T21, the operator designates an arbitrary character in the character list presented on the search result display window T20. In this case, the character zoom function of the character tablet display means 40 causes the designated character to be enlarged and displayed. Specifically, the operator moves the mouse cursor to the search result display window T2.
When the character is moved over an arbitrary character on 0, an enlarged window for enlarging and displaying the character is displayed. This function is particularly useful when inputting non-JIS characters including variant characters and complex kanji characters, since it is possible to check even small parts of the characters.

When the basic character identification function is turned on by clicking in the basic character identification function instruction frame T22,
The basic character identification function of the character tablet display means 40 allows the JIS standard characters and the non-JIS characters to be displayed in different colors on the search result display window T20. Specifically, of the characters listed in the character list in the search result display window T20, non-JIS characters are displayed in black, and JIS standard characters are displayed in blue. With this feature,
The operator is trying to enter a character
It is possible to check in advance whether the character is a JIS standard character or a non-JIS character.

Further, this embodiment has a function of leaving a history when a character is input using the character tablet T, and the character input using the character tablet T so far is provided. It is displayed in the history display window T10.
In the illustrated example, only one character of "Ogu" in the old font is displayed in the history display window T10. For example, the character "shi" displayed in the search result display window T20 in the state shown in FIG. Is clicked and entered, the history display window T1
To the right of the old font "gull" in 0, the character "jun" is additionally displayed. The characters displayed in the history display window T10 will remain as a history until a special erasing operation is performed, and if any characters displayed in the history display window T10 are designated by a method such as mouse click. , The designated character is immediately input.

That is, the character tablet display means 40
Has a function of displaying, on the character tablet T, a history display window T10 indicating the history of characters input using the character tablet T, and the input character determination means 50 is displayed in the history display window T10. It has a function of handling characters as a part of input character candidates and accepting character selection on the history display window T10. Usually, when a non-JIS character is used in a sentence, the same character is frequently used several times. In such a case, if only the character tablet T is displayed, the non-JI
Since the S character remains in the history display window T10, input can be performed by simply clicking the character in the history display window T10, which is convenient.

The search button T11 provided at the lower right of the character tablet T shown in FIG. 6 is a button for instructing the start of the search, as described above. An AND search based on the contents entered in the input fields T3 to T9 is executed, and the result is displayed in the search result display window T20. The close button T12 is a button for closing the character tablet T. When the input operation of the non-JIS character is completed, this button can be clicked with the mouse to close the character tablet T. The clear button T13 is a button for blanking each of the input fields T3 to T9.
This is used when a new search condition is set.

After all, if the character input device shown in this embodiment is used, the operator (author / editor) uses the kana-kanji conversion means 60 when inputting JIS standard characters, and uses a conventional general-purpose character. The same input operation as in a word processor or personal computer can be performed. When inputting non-JIS characters, search is performed by displaying the character tablet T, and a list of search results is displayed. By performing an operation of selecting a character, a desired character can be input. Further, since the distinction between JIS standard characters and non-JIS characters is performed by a method of switching font files, the character input device according to the present invention is realized using a conventional general word processing or personal computer processing system. can do. The function of selecting an arbitrary font by switching font files is a function already provided in a conventional general word processor or personal computer, and the present invention can be realized by using this existing function.

The character data file created by the character input device according to the present invention can be submitted to a printing company in the form of an electronic medium, and the printing company can directly input this to the DTP system 200. it can. in this case,
The DTP system 200 may be provided with a character code conversion processing function for converting individual character data expressed in the format of “font file name and character code” into a character code unique to a printing company. Thus, it is no longer necessary to perform character correction manually while looking at the proof memo M as in the related art.

As described above, the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various other modes. For example, in the character data file DF1 shown in FIG. 5, each character data is composed of a combination of data indicating a font file name and data indicating a character code.
If it is defined that the data indicating the font file name is omitted for No. 1, the data indicating the font file name “FF1” among the character data becomes unnecessary. In other words, information indicating that there is no file name can be used as information indicating the basic font file FF1. In addition, the character input device according to the present invention can be actually realized by incorporating dedicated software into a general-purpose personal computer,
This dedicated software (programs and data)
Can be recorded on a computer-readable medium and distributed.

[0047]

As described above, according to the character input device of the present invention, since various characters can be provided by switching font files, all types of characters can be smoothly input as predetermined character data. ,
DTP installed in printing company etc. for input character data
It can be smoothly delivered to the system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a general form of electronic media submission between an author / editor and a printing company.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a character input device according to the present invention.

3 is a diagram showing an example of characters associated with a specific character code for each font file in the font file storage means 10 shown in FIG.

4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a character attribute file stored in a character attribute file storage means 20 shown in FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a character data file stored in a character data file storage means 30 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a screen diagram showing a specific display example of a character tablet T displayed by the character input device shown in FIG. 2;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Font file storage means 20 ... Character attribute file storage means 30 ... Character data file storage means 40 ... Character tablet display means 50 ... Input character determination means 60 ... Kana-Kanji conversion means 70 ... Operation input means 80 ... Editing window display means 90 ... Display 100: Conventional general character input device (for author / editor) 200: DTP system (for printing company) F1, F2: Character data file FF1 to FF3: Font file ZF1 to ZF3: Character attribute file DF1 DF3: Character data file M: Calibration memo T: Character tablet T1: Radical selection button T2: Symbol selection button T3 to T9: Input field T10: History display window T11: Search button T12: Close button T13: Clear button T20: Search Result display window T21: Character zoom Function instruction frame T22: Basic character identification function instruction frame W: Edit window

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 15/20 508A 570U (72) Inventor Masaki Ito 1-1-1 Kagamachi, Ichigaya-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Large Within Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Sai Tamou 1-1-1 Ichigaya-Kagacho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo F-term within Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (reference) 2C087 AA02 AB01 BA01 BA09 BB02 BD02 BD52 CB16 EA08 5B009 LB03 LC01 RA11 VA02 5B021 AA01 AA02 AA08 JJ05 5E501 AA06 AA14 AC20 AC33 AC34 BA05 CA03 CB09 EB05 FA13

Claims (6)

[Claims] A font file containing font data of a character corresponding to each character code is prepared, and a character specified by an operator is assigned to the font. A device for inputting a character while displaying it on a display screen using data, a display for displaying a character input screen, an operation input means for inputting an operation of an operator, and an identical character code A font file storage means configured to store a plurality of font files, each of which is associated with a different character for each file, so that each character can be identified by a combination of a font file name and a character code; To search for a character with the attribute of Character attribute file storage means for storing a character attribute file in which a combination of a font file name and a character code are recorded; and a function of displaying a character tablet for presenting candidates for characters to be input on the screen of the display. Has,
When a specific attribute is specified by the operator, a character having the attribute is searched for by referring to a character attribute file related to the specified attribute, and the character is displayed using font data of the searched character. Character tablet display means for presenting a list of character groups having designated attributes on the character tablet, and input characters selected by an operator among input character candidates presented on the character tablet. Character data file storage means for storing, as a character data file, character data consisting of a combination of a font file name and a character code for the input character; and On the screen of the display, based on the stored character data file, Character input apparatus characterized by having, an editing window display means for displaying an editing window for presenting the input character. 2. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein when an operator designates an arbitrary character in the list presented on the character tablet, the character tablet display means outputs the designated character. A character input device having a function of performing an enlarged display of the character input device. 3. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein one of a plurality of font files stored in the font file storage means is defined as a basic font file, and the character tablet display means comprises: A character input device having a function of displaying characters in the basic font file and characters in other font files in different colors on a character tablet. 4. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein one of a plurality of font files stored in the font file storage means is a basic font file, and the basic font file contains JIS. -X02
A character input device which prepares characters No. 08 and prepares characters other than JIS-X0208 in other font files. 5. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the character tablet display means has a function of displaying, on the character tablet, a history display window showing a history of characters input using the character tablet, A character input device, characterized in that the input character determination means has a function of treating a character displayed in the history display window as a part of an input character candidate. 6. A computer-readable recording medium that records a program and data for causing a computer to function as the character input device according to claim 1.