JP2011065623A - Information retrieving apparatus, and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information retrieving apparatus which speedily presents a retrieval result. <P>SOLUTION: A electronic dictionary device 1 includes: an input receiving part 11 for detecting input of handwriting; a character recognition processing part 25 for recognizing a character partially including strokes in a kanji character corresponding to a track of the handwriting input detected by the input receiving part 11 based on the track; and a dictionary retrieval processing part 26 for setting the character recognized by the character recognition processing part 25 as a retrieval word, and retrieving, from a dictionary information storage part 18, explanation information corresponding to an index word matching the retrieval word. Thus, the explanation information of the index word matching the character including the strokes in a kanji character corresponding to the track is retrieved based on the track of the handwriting input, and thereby more speedy retrieval is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information search apparatus that searches for explanatory information corresponding to a headword and a control method for the information search apparatus.

  Conventionally, electronic dictionaries have been widely used. A single electronic dictionary can store dozens of paper dictionaries, it is about the size of a palm, and has many advantages such as convenience and portability. It is.

  In the electronic dictionary, when inputting a character to be searched, a method of directly operating a character input key provided in the electronic dictionary to input a desired character, and a touch panel type handwriting input unit, the handwriting input unit In addition, there is a method in which characters of a handwritten locus input by an input device such as a pen are recognized and input.

  And regarding the character recognition technique in the case of performing character recognition from a handwritten locus like the latter, Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus that performs character recognition before a handwritten locus becomes a desired character. Yes. That is, Patent Document 1 includes a preceding part recognition dictionary storing a leading part pattern and an index, and an index table for registering kanji using the index as a key. There is described a handwritten input character recognition system that displays kanji registered in an index table from an index as candidate kanji and allows the user to select it.

  Patent Document 2 describes an electronic dictionary device with a handwriting input function that combines handwriting input and dictionary search. Specifically, in Patent Document 2, a handwriting input unit recognizes a character from a trajectory that is completely input as a character, searches for a headword corresponding to the recognized character based on the dictionary data, Techniques for displaying words are disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-180772 (published on June 28, 1994) JP 2008-293408 A (released on December 4, 2008)

  However, the conventional configuration causes the following problems. That is, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, after a desired character is completely input by handwriting input, the character is recognized from the input locus, and a dictionary search is started using the recognized character as an entry word. It takes time until the result of the dictionary search is presented to the user.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying a kanji registered in the index table from the index of the recognized preceding part as a candidate kanji in the middle of handwritten input of kanji and allowing the user to select it. There is no disclosure of performing a dictionary search from recognized characters.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to recognize a character from a trajectory input by handwriting input and perform a dictionary search using the recognized character as an entry word. An object of the present invention is to realize an information search apparatus that promptly presents search results.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information search device according to the present invention searches an explanation information corresponding to a desired entry word from dictionary information in which the entry word is associated with the explanation information thereof. A handwriting input detecting unit for detecting handwritten input and handwritten character estimating means for estimating a character partially including a stroke corresponding to the locus based on the locus of the handwriting input detected by the handwriting input detecting unit And information search means for setting the character estimated by the handwritten character estimation means as a search word and searching for explanation information associated with a headword that matches the search word from the dictionary information. It is characterized by.

  Moreover, the control method of the information search device according to the present invention includes a handwriting input detection unit that detects handwritten input, and from the dictionary information in which the headword and the explanation information thereof are associated with each other, the desired headword is obtained. A method of controlling an information search apparatus for searching corresponding explanatory information, wherein a handwriting that estimates a character partially including a stroke corresponding to a locus based on a locus of handwritten input detected by the handwriting input detection unit A character estimation step; and an information search step of setting the character estimated in the handwritten character estimation step as a search word and searching for explanation information associated with a headword that matches the search word. Yes.

  According to the above configuration and method, handwritten input is detected, and a character including a stroke corresponding to the detected locus of the handwritten input is estimated. That is, a character can be estimated when the locus of handwriting input is in the middle of the character that will be estimated. Then, the description information corresponding to the headword that matches the estimated character is searched.

  Thereby, even if not all the strokes of a character are input, a character can be estimated and description information can be searched from the estimated character. Therefore, it is possible to search for the explanation information even if all the character strokes are not inputted, and more quickly than the case where the explanation information cannot be searched unless all the character strokes are inputted. It is possible to search for explanation information.

  For example, when searching for the description information of “pine”, with the conventional configuration, it is not possible to search for the description information of “pine” unless all the strokes of the character “pine” are input by handwriting. It was. However, according to the above configuration, if a part of the character “pine” (for example, the “tree” of the bias and the “eight” part at the top of the basket) is input by hand, the stroke corresponding to the locus is included. A character such as “pine” is estimated. Then, the explanation information of the estimated character “pine” is searched. Therefore, it is possible to search for explanation information of “pine” without manually inputting all strokes of the character “pine”. Therefore, it is possible to perform a quicker search as compared with the conventional configuration.

  The handwriting input detected by the handwriting input detection unit may be a detection of a locus touched with a pen on a handwriting pad or the like, or a display position of a cursor or the like in the input area is operated with a mouse or the like. You may detect the locus | trajectory of time.

  In the information search device according to the present invention, the information search means may stop the search when the handwritten character estimation means starts character estimation during the search.

  According to the above configuration, when the handwritten character estimation unit starts estimating characters while the information search unit is searching, the information search unit stops the search.

  Therefore, the search by the information search means and the character estimation by the handwritten character estimation means are not executed simultaneously. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the processing load from becoming heavy and the processing speed from being slowed by simultaneously executing the search by the information search means and the character estimation by the handwritten character estimation means.

  The information search means may stop the stopped search after the handwritten character estimation means finishes estimating the character, and may start the search based on the newly estimated character, or resume the stopped search. May be.

  In the information search device according to the present invention, the handwriting input detection unit detects a handwritten input by detecting a contact with the detection surface, and the handwriting input detection unit does not detect a contact with the detection surface. When the first predetermined time elapses from the point in time, the information search means may be provided with search control means for starting the search.

  According to said structure, an information search means will start a search, if 1st predetermined time passes after a handwriting input detection part stops detecting a contact. As a result, the search can be started without receiving an instruction from the user, so that the user does not need to give an instruction to start the search.

  Here, the first predetermined time is likely to be input again by the user after inputting by handwriting and before searching for the explanation information, and is later than when the character estimation process is started. It is time like. A specific example is 300 milliseconds.

  In the information search apparatus according to the present invention, the search control means detects the next contact before the first predetermined time has elapsed from when the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact with the detection surface. Then, even if the first predetermined time elapses from the time point, the information search unit may not start the search.

  According to the above configuration, when the information retrieval unit detects the next contact before the first predetermined time has elapsed from when the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact, the handwriting input detection unit detects the contact. The search is not started even if the first predetermined time elapses from the point of no longer being detected.

  Thus, when the handwriting input detection unit detects the next contact before the information search means starts the search, the information search is performed until the first predetermined time elapses after the next contact is not detected. Since the means does not start the search, it is possible to prevent the search processing from being superimposed.

  In the information search device according to the present invention, when the second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time elapses from the time when the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact with the detection surface, the handwritten character estimation means May be provided with estimation control means for starting estimation of characters.

  According to said structure, a handwritten character estimation means will start estimation of a character, if the 2nd predetermined time shorter than 1st predetermined time passes from the time when the said handwritten input detection part no longer detects a contact. .

  Thereby, when the second predetermined time elapses from the time when the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact, the character estimation starts. Therefore, the user needs to give an instruction to start the character estimation. Absent.

  Here, the second predetermined time refers to a possibility that the user performs handwriting input again if the time elapses after the user inputs characters until the handwritten character estimating means starts estimating characters. Is considered to be low. A specific example is 100 milliseconds.

  In addition, since the estimation of the character is started when the second predetermined time has elapsed, it is unlikely that the estimation process is superimposed as in the case where the estimation of the character is started for each stroke of the input locus. Compared to this case, the speed of the estimation process can be increased.

  In addition, when the handwriting input detection unit stops detecting contact, there is a high possibility that the user has finished inputting a part of a character stroke or the character input has ended. Therefore, since the character can be estimated using the trajectory input to the end by the user as a stroke, more accurate estimation can be performed.

  In addition, since the estimation of the character is started when the second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time elapses, the character estimation can be started before the information search means starts the search.

  In the information search device according to the present invention, the estimation control means detects the next contact before the second predetermined time elapses from the time when the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact with the detection surface. Then, even if the second predetermined time elapses from the time point, the handwritten character estimation means may not start the estimation.

  According to the above configuration, when the handwriting input detecting unit detects the next contact before the second predetermined time elapses after the handwriting input detecting unit stops detecting contact, the handwriting input detecting unit contacts The character estimation is not started even if the second predetermined time has elapsed since the point at which the character is no longer detected.

  Thus, when the handwriting input detection unit detects the next contact before the handwritten character estimation means starts estimating the character, the second predetermined time elapses after the next contact is not detected. Since the handwritten character estimation means does not start character estimation, it is possible to prevent the character estimation processing from being superimposed.

  In the information search apparatus according to the present invention, an erasure acceptance means for accepting an instruction to erase characters set in the search word from a user, and a predetermined result confirmation time elapses from the time when the information search means starts the search. Before, when the erasure acceptance means accepts erasure of the search term, timer setting means for setting the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time to a time longer than the currently set time, It may be provided.

  According to the above configuration, when the timer setting unit receives an instruction from the user to delete the character set in the search word before the predetermined result confirmation time elapses from the time when the information search unit starts the search. The first predetermined time and the second predetermined time are set to a time longer than the currently set time.

  Here, the result confirmation time is a time that is considered sufficient as a time for the user to confirm the result. In other words, the result confirmation time is a time when it is highly likely that the user has not sufficiently confirmed the result if the user erases the search term before the time has elapsed.

  The “long time” is a time that allows the user to perform handwritten input with a space.

  As a result, if the character set in the search word is deleted before the result confirmation time elapses, the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time are set longer, so that the user can relax handwriting input. It can be done with.

  For example, if the user deletes the search term before the result confirmation time elapses, there is a high possibility that the search term is not the user's desired search term. In the state that the search word is not the user's desired search word, since the time from the user's handwriting input until the search by the information search means is executed is short, the search is performed using the character that is not the desired character. It is likely that Therefore, by extending the time from the user's handwriting input to character estimation and search, the user can surely input (a part of) a desired character. Thereby, it can prevent searching with the search word which is not a desired character as mentioned above.

  In the information search apparatus according to the present invention, when the handwriting input detection unit sets the trajectory of the contact position from when the contact to the detection surface is detected to when the contact is no longer detected as one stroke, the handwriting A storage unit that stores the handwriting input locus detected by the input detection unit for each stroke, and an instruction to erase the handwriting input locus corresponding to the last stroke of the handwriting input detected by the handwriting input detection unit from the storage unit And a stroke erasure receiving means for receiving a stroke erasure instruction from a user. When the second predetermined time has elapsed since the stroke erasure acceptance means received the stroke erasure instruction, the estimation control means While the handwritten character estimation means starts the estimation, the search control means When serial stroke deletion instruction a predetermined time from the time of receiving the first and has passed, or may be to start the search in the information retrieval means.

  According to the above configuration, the handwritten character estimation means starts estimating the character when the second predetermined time has elapsed from the time point when the trajectory corresponding to one stroke has been deleted, and the information search is performed when the first predetermined time has elapsed. The means initiates a search.

  As a result, when the trajectory is deleted, it is possible to estimate and search for a character without receiving a user instruction based on the trajectory remaining after the deletion.

  In the information search device according to the present invention, the search control means may be configured such that the stroke erasure receiving means performs the stroke erasure before the first predetermined time elapses after the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact. When the instruction is received, the information search unit may not start the search even if the first predetermined time has elapsed from the time point.

  According to said structure, it can prevent that the description information is searched based on the locus | trajectory before a user erase | eliminates.

  For example, if the user erases a part of the trajectory, there is a high possibility that the part of the trajectory is unnecessary. And, searching for explanation information from a trajectory including an unnecessary part is highly likely to be performed that does not match the user's intention. According to the above configuration, it is possible to search for the explanation information based on the trajectory after deleting the unnecessary trajectory without searching for the explanation information that does not conform to the user's intention. be able to.

  In the information search apparatus according to the present invention, the estimation control means may be configured such that the stroke erasure receiving means performs the stroke erasure before the second predetermined time elapses after the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact. When the instruction is accepted, the handwritten input character estimation unit may not start the estimation even when the second predetermined time has elapsed from the time point.

  According to said structure, it can prevent that a character is estimated based on the locus | trajectory before a user erase | eliminates.

  For example, if the user erases a part of the trajectory, there is a high possibility that the part of the trajectory is unnecessary. And it is highly possible that the estimation of characters from a trajectory including an unnecessary portion does not conform to the user's intention. According to the above configuration, the characters can be estimated based on the trajectory after deleting the unnecessary trajectory without performing the estimation of the character that does not conform to the user's intention, so that the user's intention can be met. .

  The information search device may be realized by a computer. In this case, a control program for the information search device that causes the information search device to be realized by the computer by operating the computer as each of the means, and A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded also falls within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the information search apparatus according to the present invention is based on the handwriting input detection unit that detects handwritten input and the handwriting input locus detected by the handwriting input detection unit. A handwritten character estimating means for estimating a character to be included, and information for setting the character estimated by the handwritten character estimating means as a search word and searching for explanation information associated with a headword matching the search word from the dictionary information And a search means.

  Further, the control method of the information search device according to the present invention includes a handwritten character estimation step for estimating a character including a stroke corresponding to the locus based on a handwriting input locus detected by the handwriting input detection unit, and the handwriting An information search step of setting the character estimated in the character estimation step as a search word and searching for explanation information associated with a headword that matches the search word.

  Thereby, even if not all the strokes of a character are input, a character can be estimated and description information can be searched from the estimated character. Therefore, it is possible to search for the explanation information even if all the character strokes are not inputted, and more quickly than the case where the explanation information cannot be searched unless all the character strokes are inputted. It is possible to search for explanation information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1, showing an embodiment of the present invention, is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an electronic dictionary device. In the said embodiment, it is a figure which shows the example of a display in a display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode when an expansion button is selected in the display part. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting screen displayed on a display part when a timer button is selected. It is a figure which shows the stroke table memorize | stored in the stroke data storage part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of an electronic dictionary apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an input process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a stroke data storage process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a rewriting process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a character recognition process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a dictionary search process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a timer setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a buffer clear process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the stroke data when there exists input by a special key. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of stroke data when there exists a contact with respect to a search character display area. In an electronic dictionary device, it is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of a display when performing a dictionary search from the character input into the input area by handwriting. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a display part when a rewriting button is selected. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a display part when a rewriting button is selected. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a display part when a rewriting button is selected. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a display part when a buffer clear process is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a display part when selecting a character by touching a search character display area. In other embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the example of a display in a display part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the electronic dictionary apparatus based on said other embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of a display until a search character is displayed on the employ | adopted character string display area. It is a figure which shows the stroke table memorize | stored in the stroke data storage part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a rewriting process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a rewriting character designation | designated process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a display part when a rewriting button is selected. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a display part when a rewriting button is selected. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a display part when a rewriting button is selected. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the electronic dictionary apparatus based on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the character number determination process in said other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the stroke table memorize | stored in the stroke data storage part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a display part when a rewriting button is selected. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a display part when a rewriting button is selected.

[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The electronic dictionary device (information retrieval device) 1 according to the present embodiment includes an input reception unit (handwriting input detection unit) 11 that is an input device capable of handwriting input, and the locus of handwriting input received by the input reception unit 11. However, before the character becomes a complete character, the character recognition process is executed from the input locus. Then, the dictionary search process is executed using the character recognized by the character recognition process as the heading character.

  As a result, the character recognition process can be executed before the handwriting input locus becomes a complete character, so that the result of the dictionary search process can be finally presented to the user. In addition, since the character recognition process and the dictionary search process are not performed at the same time, the processing speed can be prevented from slowing down due to the heavy processing, and as a result, the result of the dictionary search process is presented to the user even earlier. can do.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic dictionary device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic dictionary device 1 includes an input receiving unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a display unit 14.

  The input receiving unit 11 is an input device that receives input to the electronic dictionary device 1, for example, input of characters to be searched for a dictionary, processing contents, and the like. The input receiving unit 11 includes a handwriting pad (input area (detection surface) 504) capable of handwriting input in addition to a keyboard or the like. In the present embodiment, the handwriting pad has a configuration that also serves as a display unit 14 to be described later.

  The display unit 14 is a display device that displays various kinds of information such as a handwritten input locus, a character recognition process result, a dictionary search process result, and a process executed by the electronic dictionary device 1. A display example of the display unit 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 14 includes a search character display area 501, a result display area 502, a candidate character display area 503, and an input area (handwriting pad) 504. In this embodiment, a recognition button 505, a rewrite button 506, a frame number switching button 507, an automatic / manual button 508, an enlargement button 509, which are buttons for executing a special function, beside the input area 504. An erase button 510 and a timer button 511 are displayed. Note that these button groups are not displayed but may be provided as keys.

  The input area 504 is an area in which the user performs handwriting input. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the character “tree” is input to the left side of the input area 504 by handwriting.

  The candidate character display area 503 displays candidate characters that are the result of the recognition processing performed by the character recognition processing unit 25 described later from the locus input in the input area 504. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, “tree, fence, book, bad, thick” is displayed. A right arrow is displayed on the right side of the candidate character display area 503. When the right arrow is selected, the recognition processing result by the character recognition processing unit 25 that cannot be displayed in the candidate character display area 503 is displayed. Display in order.

  The result display area 502 displays the dictionary search processing result executed by the dictionary search processing unit 26 described later.

  The search character display area 501 displays a search character that becomes a dictionary search target entry word from the candidate characters displayed in the candidate character display area 503.

  Next, the function of each button will be described. When the recognition button 505 is selected, the character recognition processing unit 25 executes the character recognition process from the locus displayed in the input area 504.

  When the rewrite button (stroke deletion) 506 is selected, the locus of handwriting input corresponding to the last one stroke is deleted from the locus displayed in the input area 504 (stroke erasure instruction). ). Details of the function of the rewrite button 506 will be described later.

  The frame number switching button 507 changes the number of frames in the input area 504 when the button is selected. The change in the number of frames may be displayed by changing the number of frames such as 1 → 2 → 3 every time the number of frames switching button 507 is selected. When the number of frames switching button 507 is selected, the number of frames is changed. When the user designates a desired number of frames, the designated number of frames may be displayed.

  The automatic / manual button 508 determines whether the character recognition processing executed by the character recognition processing unit 25 and the dictionary search processing executed by the dictionary search processing unit 26 are performed manually or automatically each time the button is selected. It can be switched.

  The enlarge button 509 is used to enlarge the candidate character displayed in the candidate character display area 503 and display it in the input area 504 when the button is selected. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the enlarge button 509 is selected. When the enlarge button 509 is selected, the characters “Thu, Jade, Book, Not, Thick” displayed in the candidate character display area 503 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the image is displayed in the input area 504 in an enlarged state.

  The delete button 510 is used to delete all the trajectories displayed in the input area 504 when the button is selected.

  When the button is selected, the timer button 511 may set a time for the character recognition processing unit 25 to start the character recognition processing and a time for the dictionary search processing unit 26 to start the dictionary search processing. It can be done. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 14 when the timer button 511 is selected.

  When the timer button 511 is selected, as shown in FIG. 4A, a screen 401 for the user to select whether or not to set the timer is displayed. The screen 401 displays a selection frame 411 that allows the user to select whether or not to set the timer. When the user selects “Yes”, which means that the timer setting is performed, the user is allowed to select whether to set the timer setting directly as a numerical value or an approximate sense. FIG. 4B shows a screen 402 when the user directly sets a numerical value. As shown in the screen 402, the numbers shown in the numerical value setting frames 412, 413 are set times, the time until the numerical value setting frame 412 starts the character recognition processing (character recognition timer), and the numerical value setting frame 413 Specifies the time (dictionary search timer) until the dictionary search process starts. In the example shown on the screen 402, the character recognition timer is set to “100 milliseconds” and the dictionary search timer is set to “300 milliseconds”.

  FIG. 4C shows a screen 403 in the case where the user sets the time with an approximate sensation rather than a specific numerical value. On the screen 403, setting bars 414 and 416 are displayed for the character recognition timer and the dictionary search timer, respectively, and the black triangle mark 415 (417) goes to the left side of the setting bar 414 (416), so that the processing starts earlier (In other words, the setting time is short), and the setting is made so that the start of processing is delayed (that is, the setting time is long) as it goes to the right.

  Although not shown in the present embodiment, the electronic dictionary device 1 is provided with a clear key, a backward key, a delete key, and a content key as special keys.

  The clear key is used to delete all characters displayed in the search character display area 501, the result display area 502, the candidate character display area 503, and the input area 504.

  The backward key is for erasing the character displayed immediately before the position designated by the cursor displayed in the search character display area 501.

  The delete key is used to delete the character at the position designated by the cursor displayed in the search character display area 501.

  The content key is, for example, for switching a dictionary to be used among a plurality of dictionaries when a plurality of dictionaries (English-Japanese dictionary, Japanese-English dictionary, Japanese dictionary, etc.) are mounted on the electronic dictionary device 1.

  The storage unit 13 stores information for the character recognition processing unit 25 and the dictionary search processing unit 26 to perform processing. Specifically, the storage unit 13 includes a dictionary information storage unit 18 and a recognition processing information storage unit 19.

  The dictionary information storage unit 18 stores dictionary information for the dictionary search processing unit 26 to perform a dictionary search, specifically, a headword and its explanation information in association with each other. The recognition processing information storage unit 19 stores recognition processing information for the character recognition processing unit 25 to perform character recognition processing, specifically, a locus input to the input area 504 and characters in association with each other. Yes.

  Further, the storage unit 13 stores various programs, various operation setting values, various data, and the like. Examples of the storage unit 13 include a flash memory and a ROM (Read Only Memory).

  The control unit 12 controls the operation of the electronic dictionary device 1, and includes an input processing unit 21, a timer setting unit (timer setting means) 22, a timer processing unit 23, a buffer unit 24, and a character recognition processing unit (handwritten character estimation). Means) 25, a dictionary search processing unit (information search unit) 26, and a display control unit 27.

  The input processing unit 21 performs processing of an input received by the input receiving unit 11, and includes a coordinate acquisition unit 51, a stroke processing unit (stroke erasure receiving unit) 52, a coordinate storage processing unit 53, and a special input processing unit ( (Erase receiving means, stroke erasing receiving means) 54.

  The coordinate acquisition unit 51 acquires the coordinates of the input trajectory received in the input area 504. Then, the acquired coordinates are transmitted to the coordinate storage processing unit 53.

  The stroke processing unit 52 performs processing so that the stroke of the input received in the input area 504 is stored in the stroke data storage unit 41 for each stroke. Here, the stroke refers to the locus of the contact position from the time when the pen or the like contacts the input area 504 to the time when the pen leaves.

  The coordinate storage processing unit 53 stores the coordinates acquired from the coordinate acquisition unit 51 in the coordinate data storage unit 42.

  The special input processing unit 54 executes special input processing received by the input receiving unit 11. Special input refers to the case where a button for executing the above-described special function is selected, and the case where input is performed using special keys such as a clear key, a backward key, a delete key, and a content key.

  In addition, when the input processing unit 21 leaves the pen after touching the input area 504, the input processing unit 21 transmits pen-up information indicating that the pen has been released to the timer processing unit 23.

  The timer setting unit 22 is configured to set a recognition timer time (second predetermined time) and a search timer time (first predetermined time) via the input receiving unit 11. In addition, the timer setting unit 22 receives erasure of characters displayed in the search character display area 501 by the input reception unit 11 before the result confirmation time has elapsed after the search result is displayed in the result display area 502. Then, the search timer setting time is set longer than the currently set time. Here, the result confirmation time is a time considered to be short as a time for the user to confirm the result.

  The timer processing unit 23 executes timer processing and includes a character recognition timer processing unit (estimation control unit) 31 and a dictionary search timer processing unit (search control unit) 32. When the character recognition timer processing unit 31 acquires the pen-up information from the input processing unit 21, the character recognition timer processing unit 31 activates the character recognition timer. When a preset time (second predetermined time) elapses after the character recognition timer is activated, the character recognition timer processing unit 31 causes the character recognition processing unit 25 to start character recognition processing. A character recognition processing start instruction is transmitted.

  When the dictionary search timer processing unit 32 acquires the pen-up information from the input processing unit 21, the dictionary search timer processing unit 32 operates the dictionary search timer. When a preset time (first predetermined time) elapses after the dictionary search timer is activated, the dictionary search timer processing unit 32 causes the dictionary search processing unit 26 to start the dictionary search processing. Send dictionary search start instruction.

  When the character recognition processing unit 25 acquires a character recognition processing start instruction from the character recognition timer processing unit 31, the character recognition processing unit 25 stores the coordinate data stored in the coordinate data storage unit 42 and the recognition processing stored in the recognition processing information storage unit 19. Character recognition processing is executed using the information. Then, the result of executing the character recognition process is transmitted to the dictionary search processing unit 26 and the display control unit 27. Since the character recognition process is performed using a known technique, the description thereof is omitted. Further, the character recognition process may be performed for each stroke of the locus input to the input area 504.

  When the dictionary search processing unit 26 acquires a dictionary search start instruction from the dictionary search timer processing unit 32, the dictionary search processing unit 26 uses the character recognition result acquired from the character recognition processing unit 25 and the dictionary information stored in the dictionary information storage unit 18. Perform a dictionary search. Then, the result of the dictionary search is transmitted to the display control unit 27. More specifically, a candidate character that is a character recognition result acquired from the character recognition processing unit 25 is set as a search word, and explanation information corresponding to a headword that matches the set search word is searched from the dictionary information storage unit 18. .

  The buffer unit 24 temporarily stores information, and includes a stroke data storage unit 41 and a coordinate data storage unit 42.

  The stroke data storage unit 41 stores the stroke data of the locus input to the input area 504 by the stroke processing unit 52. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the stroke table 55 stored in the stroke data storage unit 41. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, stroke data when “Matsumoto” is input is shown. First, “pine” and “book” are stored as all strokes, the character number of “pine” is stored as “1”, and the character number of “book” is stored as “2”. The character number indicates what number of character the character corresponds to.

  For each character, a stroke number and a trajectory are stored for each input trajectory. For example, in the case of the word “pine”, first the horizontal bar of the “tree” part of the tree is input first, then the vertical bar is input, and then the left payment and the right payment are input. Has been. Finally, up to 8 strokes are input.

  In the example of “book”, a horizontal bar is input first, the next vertical bar is input, and finally, up to 5 strokes are input.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the stroke data storage unit 41 stores a character number work and a stroke indicating which trajectory input to the input area 504 corresponds to the trajectory of what character and which stroke. The work is memorized.

  The display control unit 27 controls the display of the display unit 14. The recognition result acquired from the character recognition processing unit 25, the search result acquired from the dictionary search processing unit 26, and the input area 504 acquired from the input processing unit 21. Is displayed on the display unit 14.

  Next, a processing flow of the electronic dictionary device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the electronic dictionary device 1.

  First, when an input is received by the input receiving unit 11 (YES in S1), the input processing unit 21 executes an input process (S2). Details of the input processing will be described later. When the input process is completed, the dictionary search timer processing unit 32 activates the dictionary search timer (S3). Next, when the number of strokes of the input trajectory exceeds a preset number (YES in S4), the character recognition timer processing unit 31 activates the character recognition timer (S5). If the number of strokes of the input locus is less than the preset number (NO in S4), the process proceeds to step S6.

  When the character recognition timer passes a preset time (YES in S6), the character recognition processing unit 25 executes a character recognition process (S7, handwritten character estimation step). Details of the character recognition process will be described later. If the input receiving unit 11 receives an input while the character recognition process is being executed in step S7, the character recognition process is stopped and the process proceeds to step S16. When the character recognition process ends and the dictionary search timer elapses for a preset time (YES in S8), the dictionary search processing unit 26 executes the dictionary search process (S9, information search step). Details of the dictionary search processing will be described later.

  After the dictionary search process, when input is newly received by the input receiving unit 11 (YES in S10), the value of the character number work stored in the stroke data storage unit 41 is set to “+1” (S18), and step S2 Return to. On the other hand, if there is no new input (NO in S10), when the display of the search result desired by the user (display of one item) is received from the search result of the dictionary search processing unit 26 (YES in S11), the input processing unit 21 Performs buffer clear processing (S12).

  In step S6, before the preset time has elapsed (NO in S6), if the preset time has elapsed (YES in S13), the character recognition processor 25 Character recognition processing is performed (S19), and the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the dictionary search timer accepts input by the input accepting unit 11 (NO in S14) before the preset time has elapsed (NO in S13), the timer processing unit 23 recognizes the operating character. The timer and the dictionary search timer are reset (S15), and the process returns to step S2.

  In step S8, if the dictionary search timer receives an input from the input receiving unit 11 (YES in S16) before the preset time has elapsed (NO in S8), the timer processing unit 23 operates. The character recognition timer and the dictionary search timer are reset (S17), and the process returns to step S2.

  Thus, the processing of the electronic dictionary device 1 is completed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the character recognition process and the dictionary search process are automatically executed by the timer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The character recognition process and the dictionary search process may be executed according to a user instruction or the like.

  Next, the flow of input processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of input processing.

  First, the coordinate acquisition unit 51 acquires the coordinates of the input received by the input reception unit 11 (S201). Specifically, the coordinates of the contact position from when the pen or the like contacts the input area 504 until it leaves is acquired. Then, the stroke processing unit 52 performs a stroke data storage process (S202). Details of the stroke data storage processing will be described later.

  Next, the input processing unit 21 performs stroke display processing (S203), and then the coordinate storage processing unit 53 performs storage processing of the coordinates acquired by the coordinate acquisition unit 51 (S204). This completes the input process.

  Next, the flow of stroke data storage processing will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of stroke data storage processing.

  First, the stroke processing unit 52 determines whether the input received by the input receiving unit 11 is either handwriting input or selection of a rewrite button (S211). If it is either handwriting input or rewriting button selection (YES in S211), the stroke processing unit 52 determines whether the input received by the input receiving unit 11 is a handwritten input (S212). If the input is handwritten (YES in S212), the stroke processing unit 52 stores the stroke data in the stroke data storage unit 41. Then, “+1” is added to the stroke number work (S214), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the input is not handwritten (NO in S212), the special input processing unit 54 performs a rewriting process (S215). Details of the rewriting process will be described later.

  In step S211, when the input received by the input receiving unit 11 is neither handwriting input nor selection of a rewrite button (NO in S211), the stroke data storage process is ended as it is.

  This completes the stroke data storage process.

  Next, the flow of the rewriting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the rewriting process.

  First, the special input processing unit 54 determines whether or not there is an input in the input area (handwriting pad) 504, that is, whether or not there is a locus (S221). If there is an input in the input area 504 (YES in S221), the stroke processing unit 52 deletes the stroke data of the stroke number corresponding to the stroke workpiece (S222). Then, the stroke processing unit 52 sets the stroke workpiece to “−1” (S223), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when there is no input in the input area 504 (NO in S221), the special input processing unit 54 displays all stroke data of the last character number in the stroke table 55 on the display unit 14 (S224). The stroke processing unit 52 sets the stroke workpiece as the total number of strokes of the displayed character (S225). This completes the rewriting process.

  Next, the flow of character recognition processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of character recognition processing.

  First, the character recognition processing unit 25 acquires coordinate data stored in the coordinate data storage unit 42 (S231). Next, using the acquired coordinate data, the character recognition processing unit 25 acquires a character associated with the coordinate data as a candidate character from the recognition processing information storage unit 19 (S232). Then, the acquired candidate characters are displayed in the candidate character display area 503 (S233). This completes the character recognition process.

  Next, the flow of the dictionary search process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the dictionary search process.

  First, the dictionary search processing unit 26 acquires candidate characters, which are the results recognized by the character recognition processing unit 25, as headwords (S241). When there are a plurality of candidate characters, in the present embodiment, the character displayed on the leftmost of the candidate character display area 503 or the character selected by the user in the candidate character display area 503 is acquired as a headword. Then, the dictionary search processing unit 26 acquires the description information associated with the acquired headword from the dictionary information storage unit 18 (S242). Finally, the dictionary search processing unit 26 displays the acquired explanation information in the result display area 502 (S243). This completes the dictionary search process.

  Next, the flow of the timer setting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the timer setting process.

  First, the timer setting unit 22 receives a selection as to whether or not to directly input a timer value to be set (S251). Then, upon receiving a selection to input a numerical value directly (YES in S251), the timer setting unit 22 receives a timer setting value (S252). Then, the timer is set to the received set value (S254).

  On the other hand, if a selection not to directly input a numerical value is accepted (NO in S251), an approximate timer setting value is accepted by a bar display (S253). Then, the timer is set to the set value of the accepted timer (S254). This is the end of the timer setting process flow.

  Next, the flow of the buffer clear process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of buffer clear processing. When the single display screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S261), the stroke processing unit 52 deletes all the stroke data stored in the stroke data storage unit 41 (S262). This is the end of the buffer clear process flow.

  Next, processing of stroke data when there is an input with a special key will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of stroke data when there is an input with a special key.

  First, if there is an input with a special key during handwriting input to the input area 504 (YES in S271), the special input processing unit 54 determines whether the input is an input with a delete key or a backward key. (S272). When the key is not the delete key or the backward key (NO in S272), the stroke processing unit 52 deletes all the stroke data (S273). Then, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the key is a delete key or a backward key (YES in S272), if it is a delete key (YES in S274), the special input processing unit 54 performs a stroke corresponding to the character at the cursor position in the search character display area 501. Data is erased (S275). Then, the stroke processing unit 52 sets the stroke workpiece to “0” and the character number workpiece to “−1” (S276). On the other hand, if it is a backward key (NO in S274), the special input processing unit 54 deletes the stroke data corresponding to the character immediately before the cursor position in the search character display area 501 (S277). The stroke processing unit 52 sets the stroke work to “0” and the character number work to “minus 1” (S280). This completes the flow of the stroke data processing when there is an input using a special key.

  Next, the flow of processing of stroke data when there is a touch (touch) on the search character display area 501 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of stroke data when there is a touch (touch) on the search character display area 501.

  First, when the search character display area 501 is touched, the stroke processing unit 52 obtains information indicating what number character in the search character display area 501 the character displayed at the touched location is. Then, it is recorded on the character number work (S281). Next, the input processing unit 21 causes the display unit 14 to display stroke data having the same character number as the number recorded in the character number workpiece (S282). Then, the stroke processing unit 52 records the total number of strokes of the displayed characters on the stroke work (S283). With the above, the flow of processing of stroke data by contact with the search character display area 501 is completed.

  Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary device 1 and the display on the display unit 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of display when performing a dictionary search from characters input by handwriting in the input area 504 in the electronic dictionary device 1.

  FIG. 16A shows a state in which the character “Thu” is input in the input area 504 by handwriting. FIG. 5B shows a state where the character “8” is input to the making part, with the input “tree” being biased. Next, FIG. 6C shows a state in which the character recognition timer has expired and the character recognition processing unit 25 has performed character recognition processing in the state of FIG. When the character recognition process is performed, the display control unit 27 displays candidate characters that are the result of the character recognition process in the candidate character display area 503. In this case, as a result, “pine, 桧, 柮, (kihisa to kyuhaku), 杁” is displayed, and “⇒” is displayed at the right end. When “⇒” displayed at the right end is touched, the result of the character recognition process not displayed in the result display area 502 is displayed.

  FIG. 4D shows a state in which the dictionary search timer has expired in the state of FIG. 4C and the dictionary search is being performed by the dictionary search processing unit 26. Here, “pine” displayed at the left end of the candidate character display area 503 is selected as a headword and displayed in the search character display area 501. FIG. 5E shows a state where dictionary search results are displayed. When the dictionary search processing is executed by the dictionary search processing unit 26, the dictionary search result is displayed in the result display area 502, and the candidate characters and the input trajectory displayed in the candidate character display area 503 and the input area 504 are deleted. Is done.

  Next, when an input is made to the search character display area 501, it is recognized as a character following the “pine” that is currently the headword. In FIG. 8F, “10” is entered in the search character display area 501. When the input further proceeds and the character recognition timer expires when the trajectory input to the search character display area 501 becomes “tree” as shown in FIG. 5G, the character recognition processing unit 25 performs character recognition processing. And the result of the character recognition process is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, “Thursday, Book, Book, Bad, Thick” is displayed. When the dictionary search timer ends and dictionary search is started by the dictionary search processing unit 26, among the characters displayed in the candidate character display area 503, the character “tree” displayed at the left end is the headword. And is displayed as a character following “pine” in the search character display area 501. Then, a dictionary search is performed with “Matsumoto” as the headword, and the search result is displayed in the result display area 502 as shown in FIG. When a desired headword is selected from the search results displayed in the result display area 502, only the headword is displayed in the result display area 502 as shown in FIG. (Display one item).

  The above is a display example on the display unit 14 when a dictionary search is performed from the input characters.

  In the above case, the case where the character displayed at the left end of the candidate character display area 503 is selected as the entry word has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any character displayed at any position in the candidate character display area 503 can be selected as a headword. As a method of selecting as a headword, touching the character with a pen or the like can be used.

  Next, display examples of the display unit 14 when the rewrite button 506 is selected will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19 are explanatory diagrams illustrating display examples of the display unit 14 when the rewrite button 506 is selected. Here, a case where the rewrite button 506 is selected in a state where the character “tree” has already been input to the input area 504 and character recognition processing has been performed will be described.

  In the state shown in FIG. 17A, the character “Thu” is input in the input area 504, and the result of the character recognition processing by the character recognition processing unit 25 is displayed in the candidate character display area 503. Here, when the rewrite button 506 is selected, the last stroke portion of the display in the input area 504 is deleted. In FIG. 5B, the portion corresponding to the fourth image of the character “Thu” is deleted and displayed. When the rewrite button 506 is selected, the character recognition timer is activated. Thereafter, when the character recognition timer expires, the character recognition processing unit 25 performs character recognition processing, and the character recognition result is displayed in the candidate character display area 503 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a display example of the display unit 14 when the character “pine” is displayed in the search character display area 501 and the rewrite button 506 is selected when nothing is input in the input area 504. .

  FIG. 5A shows a state where the character “pine” is displayed in the search character display area 501. When the rewrite button 506 is selected, the special input processing unit 54 acquires the stroke data of the character “pine” and displays it in the input area 504 as shown in FIG. When the rewrite button 506 is selected, the character recognition timer is activated. Thereafter, when the character recognition timer ends, when the character recognition processing is performed by the character recognition processing unit 25, the result is displayed in the candidate character display area 503.

  Next, a display example of the display unit 14 when the rewrite button 506 is selected when a plurality of characters are displayed in the search character display area 501 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 19A shows a state in which “Matsumoto” is displayed in the search character display area 501 and nothing is input in the input area 504. Here, when the rewrite button 506 is selected, the special input processing unit 54 acquires the stroke data of the characters “Matsumoto” and displays it in the input area 504 as shown in FIG. . If the character recognition timer expires, the recognition result is displayed in the candidate character display area 503 as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the rewrite button 506 is further selected in the state of FIG. 5B, the last stroke of the “book” character is deleted, and “tree” is displayed in the input area 504 as shown in FIG. Will be displayed. If the character recognition timer ends, the recognition result is displayed in the candidate character display area 503 as shown in FIG. Further, when the dictionary search timer is ended, the character “tree” displayed at the left end of the candidate character display area 503 is selected after the character “pine” as the headword as shown in FIG. Is done. Then, a dictionary search is performed with the headword “Matsuki”.

  On the other hand, when the rewrite button 506 is selected in the state of FIG. 5C, the last stroke of the character “Thu” is deleted, and “O” is displayed in the input area 504 as shown in FIG. Is displayed. When the rewrite button 506 is further selected, the last stroke of the character “o” is deleted, and the character “ten” is displayed in the input area 504 as shown in FIG. Here, if “1” is entered below “10” displayed and “Sat” is entered, the result is as shown in FIG. 11 (l). If the character recognition timer is terminated as it is, as shown in FIG. When the recognition result is displayed in the candidate character display area 503 and the dictionary search timer ends, a dictionary search is performed with the headword as “Matsudo” as shown in FIG.

  When the rewrite button 506 is selected in the state shown in FIG. 5E, the last stroke of the character “ten” is deleted, and “1” is displayed in the input area 504 as shown in FIG. Is displayed. Furthermore, when the rewrite button 506 is selected, the last stroke of “one” is deleted, and nothing is displayed in the input area 504 as shown in FIG. Further, even if the rewrite button 506 is selected, nothing is displayed in the input area 504 as shown in FIG. That is, when the rewrite button 506 is selected and the stroke data for one character is deleted, the processing does not proceed any further.

  Next, a display example of the display unit 14 when the buffer clear process is performed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 14 when the buffer clear process is performed.

  FIG. 20A shows a state in which a dictionary search result is displayed with the entry word “Matsumoto”. If a desired headword is selected from the search results displayed in the result display area 502, only the selected headword is displayed in the result display area 502 as shown in FIG. Display). When the one-case display is performed, the stroke processing unit 52 deletes the stroke data. Here, a “return” key for returning to the previous display state is selected, and “Matsumoto” is displayed in the search character display area 501 as shown in FIG. However, even if the rewrite button 506 is selected, since the stroke data is deleted, the stroke data corresponding to “book” is displayed in the input area 504 as shown in FIG. Absent.

  Next, a display example of the display unit 14 when a character is selected by touching the search character display area 501 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 14 when a character is selected by touching the search character display area 501.

  FIG. 21A shows a state in which “Matsuki” is displayed in the search character display area 501, “Tree” is input in the input area 504, and the recognition result is displayed in the candidate character display area 503. Yes. In this state, when the character “pine” in the search character display area 501 is touched with a pen or the like, the special input processing unit 54 acquires stroke data of the touched character, and is shown in FIG. In this way, the display of the input area 504 is taken as the acquired stroke data. Here, “pine” is displayed. When the rewrite button 506 is selected, the stroke processing unit 52 deletes the last stroke of the character “pine”, and the display of the input area 504 is “pine” as shown in FIG. The eighth picture of the character is the erased character. When the character recognition timer ends, the character recognition processing unit 25 performs character recognition processing, and the recognition result is displayed in the candidate character display area 503 as shown in FIG.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted.

  The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the input area 504 is divided into two frames and the adopted character string display area 550 is provided in the display displayed on the display unit 14. Is a point.

  In the first embodiment, only one character can be input in the input area 504. However, according to the present embodiment, since two frames are provided in the input area 504, it is possible to input two characters. it can. Note that although a configuration in which two frames are provided in the input area 504 is described in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of frames in the input area 504 is not limited to two and may be three or more.

  FIG. 22 shows a display example on the display unit 14 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, in this embodiment, an adopted character string display area 550 is provided between the result display area 502 and the candidate character display area 503. The input area 504 is divided into a left frame (character frame) 504a and a right frame (character frame) 504b.

  The adopted character string display area 550 displays a search character to be a dictionary search target entry word among the candidate characters displayed in the candidate character display area 503.

  Next, a processing flow of the electronic dictionary device 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the electronic dictionary device 1. In FIG. 23, the description of the same steps as in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment is omitted.

  In step S14, when the input receiving unit 11 receives an input (YES in S14), the input processing unit 21 determines whether or not the input is in a character frame different from the previous input (S21). If the input is to a different character frame (YES in S21), the character recognition processing unit 25 performs a character recognition process (S22). After that, the character recognition processing unit 25 determines a part of the headword to be searched from the candidate characters (S23) and displays it in the adopted character string display area 550.

  Then, the input processing unit 21 sets the value of the character number work stored in the stroke data storage unit 41 to “+1” (S24), and the timer processing unit 23 operates the character recognition timer and dictionary search timer that are operating. Is reset (S25), and the process returns to step S2. On the other hand, if the input is not a different character frame (NO in S21), the timer processing unit 23 resets the operating character recognition timer and dictionary search timer (S25), and returns to step S2.

  In step S16, when the input receiving unit 11 receives an input (YES in S16), the input processing unit 21 determines whether the input is in a character frame different from the previous input (S31). If it is an input to a different character frame (YES in S31), the character recognition processing unit 25 determines a part of the headword to be searched from the candidate characters (S32) and displays it in the adopted character string display area 550. Display.

  Then, the input processing unit 21 sets the value of the character number work stored in the stroke data storage unit 41 to “+1” (S33), and the timer processing unit 23 operates the character recognition timer and dictionary search timer that are operating. Is reset (S34), and the process returns to step S2. On the other hand, if the input is not a different character frame (NO in S31), the timer processing unit 23 resets the operating character recognition timer and dictionary search timer (S34), and returns to step S2.

  In step 10, when the input receiving unit 11 receives an input (YES in S10), the input processing unit 21 determines whether or not the input is in a character frame different from the previous input (S41). If the input is to a different character frame (YES in S41), the input processing unit 21 sets the value of the character number work stored in the stroke data storage unit 41 to "+1" (S42), and step S2 Return to. On the other hand, if the input is not a different character frame (NO in S41), the process returns to step S2.

  Thus, the processing of the electronic dictionary device 1 is completed.

  Next, the display flow until the search character is displayed in the adopted character string display area 550 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of display until the search character is displayed in the adopted character string display area 550.

  First, as shown in a display example 700a in FIG. 24, when “tree” is input to the input area 504a and the character recognition processing timer ends, the character recognition processing unit 25 selects candidate characters that are the result of the character recognition processing as candidates. It is displayed in the character display area 503. When the input is further performed in the input area 504a and “pine” is input, the character recognition processing unit 25 displays the character “pine” at the leftmost of the candidate character display area 503 as a result of the character recognition processing. (Display example 700b). In this state, when the input of the character “no” is received in the input area 504b, the character recognition processing unit 25 searches for the character “pine” displayed on the leftmost of the candidate character display area 503. As part of the headword, it is displayed in the adopted character string display area 550 (display example 700c). Note that the characters displayed in the adopted character string display area 550 need not be limited to the leftmost character among the characters displayed in the candidate character display area 503, and are displayed anywhere. It may be a character or may be selected by the user.

  Further, when the character “pine” is input in the input area 504a and “pine” is displayed in the candidate character display area 503 (display example 700d), the recognition button 505 (see FIG. 22) is pressed. The character recognition processing unit 25 may display the character “pine” in the adopted character string display area 550 (display example 700e).

  Next, stroke data stored in the stroke data storage unit 41 when there are a plurality of frames in the input area 504 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a stroke table 56 stored in the stroke data storage unit 41.

  In the example shown in FIG. 25, the stroke table 56 when “Kadomatsu no” is input is shown, and character numbers are assigned to the respective characters in the input order. Here, “1” is assigned to “Gate”, “2” is assigned to “Pine”, and “3” is assigned to “No”. In addition, for each character, strokes are stored in the input order, and the total number of strokes is stored.

  Next, the flow of the rewriting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the rewriting process.

  First, the special input processing unit 54 determines whether or not there has been a character selection or character string selection operation (S301). Specific operations for character selection or character string selection will be described later. If there is no character selection or character string selection operation (NO in S301), the process proceeds to a rewritten character designation process (S313). The rewritten character designation process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if there is a character selection or character string selection operation (YES in S301), the special input processing unit 54 determines whether there is an input in the input area (handwriting pad) 504, that is, whether there is a locus. (S302). If there is an input in the input area 504 (YES in S302), the stroke processing unit 52 deletes the stroke data of the stroke number corresponding to the stroke workpiece (S303). Then, the stroke processing unit 52 “-1” for the stroke workpiece (S304), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when there is no input in the input area 504 (NO in S302), the input processing unit 21 determines whether the number of characters input in the input area 504 is one per frame (S305). If the number of characters input to the input area 504 is one per frame (YES in S305), the input processing unit 21 determines whether the number of frames in the input area 504 is one (S306). If the number of frames in the input area 504 is one, the special input processing unit 54 causes the display unit 14 to display all stroke data of the last character number in the stroke table 56 (S307). Then, the stroke processing unit 52 sets the stroke work as the total number of strokes of the displayed character (S308).

  If the number of frames in the input area 504 is not one (NO in S306), the special input processing unit 54 causes the display unit 14 to display all stroke data for the number of frames from the last character number in the stroke table 56 (S309). ). Then, the stroke processing unit 52 sets the stroke workpiece as the total number of strokes of the last character (S308).

  If the number of characters input in the input area 504 is not one character per frame (NO in S305), the special input processing unit 54 causes the display unit 14 to display all stroke data of all characters in the stroke table 56 (S311). ). Then, the stroke processing unit 52 sets the stroke workpiece as the total number of strokes of all the characters (S312).

  The case where the characters input in the input area 504 are not one character per frame will be described later.

  This completes the rewriting process.

  Next, the flow of rewritten character designation processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of rewritten character designation processing.

  First, the special input processing unit 54 determines whether or not the character is selected (S351). If the character is selected (YES in S351), the special input processing unit 54 uses the character number of the selected character for the character number. Store in the workpiece (S352). Then, the special input processing unit 54 displays the stroke data of the character number on the display unit 14 (S353). Next, the special input processing unit 54 sets the stroke workpiece as the total number of strokes of the character with the character number (S354).

  On the other hand, if it is not character selection (NO in S351), the special input processing unit 54 displays the selected character string in the adopted character string display area 550 (S355). This completes the rewritten character designation process.

  Next, a display example of the display unit 14 when the rewrite button 506 is selected will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example when the rewrite button 506 is selected when the number of frames in the input area 504 is two.

  First, the display example 701a of FIG. 28 shows a state where “pine” is displayed in the adopted character string display area 550. When the adoption button 551 is selected in this state, “pine” displayed in the adopted character string display area 550 is displayed in the search character display area 501 (display example 701b), and the dictionary search processing unit 26 The search is started with “Matsuno” as the search term. Here, when the rewrite button 506 is selected, the special input processing unit 54 displays the character “pine” in the input area 504a and the character “no” in the input area 504b (display example 701c: FIG. 26). Equivalent to S309). Further, when the rewrite button 506 is selected in this state, the special input processing unit 54 causes the last one stroke of the character “NO” displayed in the input area 504b (here, “NO” all). Is deleted (display example 701d).

  Next, a display example of the display unit 14 when a character is selected after the rewrite button 506 is selected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 14 when a character is selected after the rewrite button 506 is selected.

  First, a display example 702a in FIG. 29 shows a state where “Matsuma” is displayed in the search character display area 501. In this state, when the rewrite button 506 is selected and, as shown in the display example 702b, the character “pine” in the “pine space” displayed in the search character display area 501 is selected, The special input processing unit 54 displays the selected “pine” character in the input area 504a (display example 702c: equivalent to S353 in FIG. 27). As shown in the display example 702b, when selecting a character, input is performed so that the character to be selected is surrounded by a pen or the like. When the “pine” character displayed in the input area 504a is erased and rewritten to the “ume” character, the character recognition processing unit 25 performs character recognition processing from the input locus, and the search character display region 501. The “pine” displayed in the above is changed to “ume” (display example 702d). Thereafter, the dictionary search processing unit 26 performs a search process using “Ume no Ma” as the search target entry word.

  Next, a display example of the display unit 14 when a character string is selected after the rewrite button 506 is selected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 14 when a character string is selected after the rewrite button 506 is selected.

  First, a display example 703a in FIG. 30 shows a state in which “pine space” is displayed in the search character display area 501. In this state, when the rewrite button 506 is selected and, as shown in the display example 703b, the character string “Matsuma” displayed in the search character display area 501 is selected, the special input processing unit 54 Displays the selected “pine space” in the adopted character string display area 550 (display example 703c: equivalent to S355 in FIG. 27). As shown in the display example 703b, when selecting a character string, input is performed so as to enclose the character string to be selected with a pen or the like.

  Then, among the “pine spaces” displayed in the adopted character string display area 550, when the character “between” is selected as shown in the display example 703d, the special input processing unit 54 selects the “between” "Is displayed in the input area 504a (display example 703e). Then, when the character “ma” displayed in the input area 504a is deleted and rewritten to the character “gate”, the character recognition processing unit 25 performs character recognition processing from the input locus, and adopts the character string display area. “Between” displayed in 550 is changed to “gate” (display example 703f). Thereafter, when “Matsu no Mon” is determined as a search target, the character recognition processing unit 25 displays “Matsu no Mon” in the search character display area 501 (display example 703g). Then, the dictionary search processing unit 26 performs a search process using “Matsu no Mon” as a search target headword.

[Embodiment 3]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted.

  The present embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that a plurality of characters (alphabets) can be input in the input area 504.

  Note that character recognition of a plurality of input alphabets is performed using conventional techniques. For example, it is possible to perform character recognition of a plurality of input alphabets by using the stroke order / shape of the input locus and further adding a condition that one character is within 4 strokes.

  FIG. 31 shows the flow of processing of the electronic dictionary device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the electronic dictionary device 1.

  31 is different from FIG. 6 of the first embodiment. In step S10, when the input receiving unit 11 receives an input (YES in S10), the input processing unit 21 performs a character number determining process (S51). It is.

  The character number determination process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the flow of character number determination processing.

  First, the input processing unit 21 checks the last character number from a stroke table 57 (described later) stored in the stroke data storage unit 41 (S52). Then, the input processing unit 21 stores the number next to the checked character number in the character number work (S53). Thus, the character number determination process ends.

  Next, the stroke table 57 stored in the stroke data storage unit 41 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of the stroke table 57 stored in the stroke data storage unit 41.

  FIG. 33A shows the stroke table 57 when “take” is input in the input area 504. As shown in (a) of the figure, when “take” is input, each input stroke and a character number (for example, “t”, a vertical bar and a horizontal bar are input) The character number becomes “1” when “t” is obtained by the above.

  In this state, when “n” is input, the stroke of “n” and the character number “5” are stored as shown in FIG.

  Next, a display example of the display unit 14 when the rewrite button 506 is selected will be described with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35. FIG. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example when the rewrite button 506 is selected when “take” is input in the input area 504.

  First, a display example 704a in FIG. 34 shows a state where “take” is input in the input area 504. Then, when the character recognition processing unit 25 performs character recognition processing and the headword to be searched is determined, “take” is displayed in the search character display area 501 (display example 704b). When the rewrite button 506 is selected in this state, the special input processing unit 54 displays “take” in the input area 504 (display example 704c: equivalent to S311 in FIG. 26). Then, when “e” of “take” is rewritten as “ing” in the input area 504, the character recognition processing unit 25 performs the character recognition processing from the input locus and performs “taking” in the search character display area 501. Is displayed. Then, the dictionary search processing unit 26 performs a search process using “taking” as a search target headword.

  Next, a display example of the display unit 14 when a character string is selected after the rewrite button 506 is selected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 14 when a character string is selected after the rewrite button 506 is selected.

  First, in the display example 705a of FIG. 35, the rewrite button 506 is selected in a state where “take” is displayed in the search character display area 501, and “k” is selected as shown in the display example 705a. Indicates the state. When “k” is selected, the special input processing unit 54 displays the selected “k” in the input area 504 (display example 705b). As shown in a display example 7035a, when selecting a character, input is performed so that the character to be selected is surrounded by a pen or the like.

  Then, when the character “k” displayed in the input area 504a is deleted and rewritten to the character “p” (display example 705c), the character recognition processing unit 25 performs character recognition processing from the input locus, “Take” displayed in the search character display area 501 is changed to “tape” (display example 705d). Thereafter, the dictionary search processing unit 26 performs a search process using “tape” as a search target headword.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the embodiments can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. The form is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Finally, each block of the electronic dictionary device 1, particularly each part of the input processing unit 21, timer setting unit 22, timer processing unit 23, character recognition processing unit 25, dictionary search processing unit 26, and display control unit 27 are: You may comprise by a hardware logic and may implement | achieve by software using CPU (central processing unit) as follows.

  That is, the electronic dictionary device 1 includes a CPU that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, a RAM (random access memory) that expands the program, the program, and various types A storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing data is provided. An object of the present invention is a recording medium on which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program of the electronic dictionary device 1 which is software for realizing the above-described functions is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. This can also be achieved by supplying the electronic dictionary device 1 and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU (microprocessor unit)).

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, a CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) / MO (magneto-optical) / Disk systems including optical disks such as MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (digital versatile disk) / CD-R (CD Recordable), card systems such as IC cards (including memory cards) / optical cards, or mask ROM / EPROM ( An erasable programmable read-only memory) / EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory) / semiconductor memory system such as a flash ROM can be used.

  The electronic dictionary device 1 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN (local area network), ISDN (integrated services digital network), VAN (value-added network), CATV (community antenna television) communication. A network, a virtual private network, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a satellite communication network, etc. can be used. In addition, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, IEEE (institute of electrical and electronic engineers) 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL (asynchronous digital subscriber loop) line Wireless such as IrDA (infrared data association) and remote control such as remote control, Bluetooth (registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR (high data rate), mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, etc. But it is available. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  Character recognition is performed from a locus input by handwriting, and a dictionary search can be quickly performed using the recognized character as an entry word, which is suitable for an electronic dictionary device having a handwriting input function.

1 Electronic dictionary device (information retrieval device)
11 Input reception part (handwriting input detection part)
13 Storage Unit 22 Timer Setting Unit (Timer Setting Unit)
25 Character recognition processing unit (handwritten character estimation means)
26 Dictionary search processing unit (information search means)
31 Character recognition timer processing unit (estimation control means)
32 Dictionary search timer processing unit (search control means)
52 Stroke processing unit (stroke erasure acceptance means)
54 Special input processing unit (erase acceptance means, stroke elimination acceptance means)
504 Input area (detection surface)

Claims (11)

In an information search apparatus for searching for explanation information corresponding to a desired headword from dictionary information in which the headword and the explanation information thereof are associated with each other,
A handwriting input detector for detecting handwritten input;
Handwritten character estimation means for estimating a character including a stroke corresponding to the locus based on a locus of handwritten input detected by the handwriting input detection unit;
Information search means for setting the character estimated by the handwritten character estimation means as a search word, and searching the dictionary information for explanation information associated with a headword that matches the search word. Information retrieval device.   2. The information search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information search means stops the search when the handwritten character estimation means starts character estimation during the search. The handwriting input detection unit detects handwritten input by detecting contact with the detection surface,
A search control means is provided for causing the information search means to start the search when a first predetermined time elapses after the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact with the detection surface. Item 3. The information search device according to Item 1 or 2.   The search control means detects the next contact before the first predetermined time elapses from the time when the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact with the detection surface. 4. The information search apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information search means does not start the search even after a predetermined time has elapsed.   Estimating control for causing the handwritten character estimation means to start estimating a character when a second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time has elapsed since the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact with the detection surface. The information search device according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising: means.   The estimation control means detects the next contact before the second predetermined time elapses from the time when the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact with the detection surface. 6. The information retrieval apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the handwritten character estimation means does not start the estimation even after a predetermined time has elapsed. An erasure acceptance means for accepting an instruction to erase characters set in the search term from the user;
If the erasure acceptance means accepts erasure of the search term before a predetermined result confirmation time has elapsed from the time when the information retrieval means starts the search, the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time are set. 7. The information search apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising timer setting means for setting a time longer than a currently set time. When the locus of the contact position from the time when the handwriting input detection unit detects contact to the detection surface to the time when the contact is no longer detected is defined as one stroke, the stroke of the handwriting input detected on the detection surface is a stroke. A storage unit for storing each;
Stroke erasure acceptance means for accepting from the user a stroke erasure instruction that is an instruction to erase the locus of handwriting input corresponding to the last stroke of the handwriting input detected by the handwriting input detection unit from the storage unit;
The estimation control unit causes the handwritten character estimation unit to start the estimation when the second predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the stroke deletion reception unit receives the stroke deletion instruction, and
The search control means causes the information search means to start the search when the first predetermined time elapses from the time when the stroke deletion reception means receives the stroke deletion instruction. 8. The information search device according to any one of 7 above.   When the stroke erasure receiving means receives the stroke erasure instruction before the first predetermined time elapses from when the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact, the search control means starts from the time point. 9. The information search apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information search means does not start the search even after the first predetermined time has elapsed.   When the stroke erasure receiving means receives the stroke erasure instruction before the second predetermined time elapses from the time when the handwriting input detection unit no longer detects contact, the estimation control means starts from the time point. 9. The information search apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the handwritten character estimation means does not start the estimation even after the second predetermined time has elapsed. A control method for an information search apparatus that includes a handwriting input detection unit that detects handwritten input and searches for explanation information corresponding to a desired headword from dictionary information in which the headword and explanation information thereof are associated with each other. There,
Based on a handwriting input locus detected by the handwriting input detection unit, a handwritten character estimation step for estimating a character partially including a stroke corresponding to the locus;
An information search step of setting the character estimated in the handwritten character estimation step as a search word and searching for explanation information associated with a headword that matches the search word. Control method.

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