JPH09153040A - Method and device for predicting character string - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To show a predicted character string without newly providing a storage area or dictionary and to reduce the burden of input by retrieving an inputted character string from a document which is being prepared when part of the input string is inputted, and outputting the following character string as a candidate for a predicted character string. SOLUTION: When a prediction button is pressed, a predicting operation start part 100 informs a character string input part 101 of the start of a predicting process and a character string input part 101 takes a character string to be used for the predicting process out of a character buffer 102 and passes it to a retrieval control part 103. A character string retrieval part 105 receives a character string as a key for retrieval from a retrieval control part 3 and performs retrieval from an in-preparation document file 106 that a user is inputting. When the retrieval is successful, a constant-number character string taking- out part 107 takes the character string consisting of a certain number of characters behind the retrieval position out of the in-preparation document file 106. A retrieval control part 103 passes this character string to a predicted character string selection control part 109, so that the character string is displayed at a display part 108.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character string prediction method for predicting a character string following an input character string based on a character string input by an input device capable of inputting a character, and uses this method. And a character string prediction device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when inputting a character string using, for example, a handwritten character recognizing device, it takes time to input a character, unlike input from a keyboard.
The burden on the user was heavy. Therefore, in order to reduce the burden on the user, a method of predicting the character string following the character string based on the input character string when the part of the character string to be input is input Has been considered.

However, since the character strings used by each person who inputs the character string are biased, and the character string used is specialized depending on the document being created, the character string desired by the user can be efficiently used. It was difficult to predict.

Therefore, methods such as learning previously used character strings, limiting the fields of use such as inputting an address and inputting a name have been considered.

However, even if the character string intended by the user is predicted by such a method, it is necessary to have an extra storage area or dictionary as compared with the conventional prediction such as a storage area for learning or a dictionary according to the field of use. There was a problem that it had to be.

[0006]

As described above, in the conventional technique, in the character string prediction method, the memory for learning is used for the purpose of efficiently predicting the character string desired by the user. Areas and dictionaries for each field of use were needed.
Also, because the character strings used by each person who inputs the character string are biased and the character string used is specialized depending on the document being created, it is possible to efficiently predict the character string desired by the user. Was difficult. In addition, even if the character string intended by the user is predicted, there is a problem that an additional storage area or dictionary must be provided as compared with the conventional prediction such as a storage area for learning or a dictionary according to the usage field. there were.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and solves the above problems and, when a character string is input, a document that is being created or is being used at that time. Providing a new storage area or dictionary by searching the character string input from the file saved in the creation device and outputting the character string after the part where the search is successful as a predicted character string candidate. For the purpose of providing a character string prediction method that can show the character string that the user is about to input to the user individually and improve the operability of document creation, and a character string prediction device that uses this method. There is.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention predicts a character string having an input character string at the beginning as a character string to be input by the user and prompts the user to do so. In the character string prediction method for predicting the character string following the input character string in the character string prediction device shown, when the character string is input, the document being input is completed by that point When the same character string can be found by searching the character string input from within the current editing position, the character string after the searched character string can be found for the multiple character strings that could be found. Is extracted, and a plurality of extracted character strings are output as a predicted character string group by giving priority to the first searched character string.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention predicts a character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as a character string to be input by the user, and presents it to the user. In the character string prediction method for predicting the character string following the input character string in, when a character string is input, it is input from the document being created that has been input by that point. When a character string is searched and the same character string can be found, the character string after the searched character string is extracted for the plurality of found character strings, and the extracted character strings are set to the same document. There is a method of rearranging in the order of appearance frequency and outputting those having a high appearance frequency as a predicted character string group.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides
Character that predicts the character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as the character string that the user is about to input, and indicates to the user the character that predicts the character string that follows the input character string in the character string prediction device In the column prediction method, when a character string was input, the same character string could be found by searching for the input character string from the document being created that has been input by that point. Occasionally, a method of selecting a character string after the searched character string for a plurality of found character strings and changing the display attributes of the selected character strings on the screen to output as a predicted character string group It is in.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
Character that predicts the character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as the character string that the user is about to input, and indicates to the user the character that predicts the character string that follows the input character string in the character string prediction device In the column prediction method, if a character string is input, the same character string can be found by searching the character string input from the document file group created by the same application as the document being created. In this case, a character string after the searched character string is extracted for the plurality of found character strings, and the plurality of extracted character strings is output as a predicted character string group.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides
Character that predicts the character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as the character string that the user is about to input, and indicates to the user the character that predicts the character string that follows the input character string in the character string prediction device In the column prediction method, when a character string is input, the input character string is searched for all the document files in the document creation device in use, and when the same character string can be found , A method of extracting a character string after the searched character string for the plurality of found character strings and outputting the plurality of extracted character strings as a predicted character string group.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides
Character that predicts the character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as the character string that the user is about to input, and indicates to the user the character that predicts the character string that follows the input character string in the character string prediction device In the column prediction method, when a character string was input, it was input for files that were created and changed after the preset date and time among the document files in the document creation device in use. When a character string is searched and the same character string can be found, the character string after the searched character string is extracted for the plurality of found character strings, and the extracted character strings are predicted characters. There is a method of outputting as a column group.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
Character that predicts the character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as the character string that the user is about to input, and indicates to the user the character that predicts the character string that follows the input character string in the character string prediction device In the column prediction method, when a character string is input, the character input for the file created and changed by a preset person among the document files in the document creation device in use When a string is searched and the same character string can be found, the character string after the searched character string is extracted for the multiple character strings that can be found, and the extracted character strings are predicted character strings. There is a method of outputting as a group.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
A character string input device for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device that predicts a character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as a character string that the user is about to input And a character string search means for searching the input character string backward from the position being edited in the same document,
A character string extracting means for extracting a character string after the searched character string; a search control means for controlling the character string searching means and the character string extracting means for extracting a plurality of character strings; The output means for giving priority to the first searched one is output.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides
A character string input device for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device that predicts a character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as a character string that the user is about to input And a character string retrieval means for retrieving the input character string from the same document, a character string retrieval means for retrieving a character string after the retrieved character string, and a character string retrieval means for retrieving a plurality of character strings. And a retrieval control means for controlling the character string retrieval means and an output means for outputting the retrieved character string group in the order of appearance frequency in the same document.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
A character string input device for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device that predicts a character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as a character string that the user is about to input And a character string retrieval means for retrieving the input character string from the same document, a character string retrieval means for retrieving a character string after the retrieved character string, and a character string retrieval means for retrieving a plurality of character strings. And a retrieval control means for controlling the character string retrieval means, and an output means for changing the display attribute of the retrieved character string on the screen.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides
A character string input device for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device that predicts a character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as a character string that the user is about to input A character string retrieval means for retrieving the input character string from a document file group created by the same application as the document being created, and a character string retrieval means for retrieving a character string after the retrieved character string, The retrieval control means controls the character string retrieval means and the character string retrieval means for retrieving a plurality of character strings, and the output means for outputting the retrieved character string group.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides
A character string input device for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device that predicts a character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as a character string that the user is about to input And a character string search means for searching all the document files in the document creation device that is using the input character string, a character string extraction means for extracting a character string after the searched character string, and a plurality of character string extraction means. The retrieval control means controls the character string retrieval means and the character string retrieval means to retrieve the character string, and the output means for outputting the retrieved character string group.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides
A character string input device for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device that predicts a character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as a character string that the user is about to input And a character string search means for searching for a file created or changed after a preset date and time among the document files in the document creating apparatus that is using the input character string, and the searched character string A character string retrieving means for retrieving a character string after the retrieving character string; a search control means for controlling the character string retrieving means and the character string retrieving means for retrieving a plurality of character strings; and an output means for outputting the retrieved character string group. It is configured to include.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides
A character string input device for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device that predicts a character string in which the input character string is at the beginning as a character string that the user is about to input And a character string search means for searching for a file created or changed by a preset person among the document files in the document creation device that is using the input character string, and the searched character string. A character string extracting means for extracting the subsequent character string; a search control means for controlling the character string searching means and the character string extracting means for extracting a plurality of character strings; and an output means for outputting the extracted character string group. It is in the configuration provided.

According to the above configuration, when a character string is input, the input character string is searched for from the current editing position in the document being created by that time. , When I can find the same string,
For the plurality of found character strings, a character string after the searched character string is taken out, and the plurality of taken out character strings are output as a predicted character string group with priority given to the first searched character string.

Further, when a character string is input, the input character string is searched from the document being created which has been input up to that point, and when the same character string can be found, Regarding the multiple character strings that can be found, the character string after the searched character string is taken out, the extracted character strings are rearranged in the order of appearance frequency in the same document, and the one with the highest appearance frequency is given priority. And output as a predicted character string group.

Further, when a character string is input, the input character string is searched from the document being created which has been input up to that point, and when the same character string can be found, For the plurality of found character strings, a character string after the searched character string is selected and the display attributes of the selected plurality of character strings on the screen are changed and output as a predicted character string group.

Further, when the character string is input, the input character string is searched from the document file group created by the same application as the document being created, and when the same character string can be found. , A character string after the searched character string is extracted for the plurality of found character strings, and the plurality of extracted character strings are output as a predicted character string group.

Further, when a character string is input, the input character string is searched for all the document files in the document creating apparatus in use, and if the same character string can be found, it is found. The character string after the searched character string is extracted for the plurality of successful character strings, and the extracted character strings are output as a predicted character string group.

Further, when the character string is input, the character string input for the file created or changed after the preset date and time among the document files in the document creating apparatus in use When the same character string can be found by searching for the same character string, the character string after the searched character string is extracted for the plurality of found character strings, and the extracted character strings are predicted character string groups. Output as.

Further, when the character string is input, the character string input for the file created and changed by a preset person is selected from the document files in the document creating apparatus in use. When the same character string can be found by searching, the character strings after the searched character string are extracted for the multiple character strings that can be found, and the extracted character strings are used as the predicted character string group. Output.

Further, a character string is input by the character string input means. The character string search means searches the input character string retroactively from the position being edited in the same document. The character string extracting means extracts a character string after the searched character string. The retrieval control means controls the character string retrieval means and the character string retrieval means to retrieve a plurality of character strings. The output means gives priority to the first retrieved character string group and outputs it.

Further, the character string is input by the character string input means. Then, the character string search means searches the input document for the input character string. The character string extracting means extracts a character string after the searched character string. The retrieval control means controls the character string retrieval means and the character string retrieval means to retrieve a plurality of character strings. The output means outputs the extracted character string groups in the order of appearance frequency in the same document.

Further, the character string input means inputs a character string. The character string search means searches for the input character string in the same document. The character string extracting means extracts a character string after the searched character string. The retrieval control means controls the character string retrieval means and the character string retrieval means to retrieve a plurality of character strings. The output means changes the display attribute of the extracted character string on the screen.

Further, a character string is input by the character string input means. The character string search means searches the input character string from a document file group created by the same application as the document being created. The character string extracting means extracts a character string after the searched character string. The retrieval control means controls the character string retrieval means and the character string retrieval means to retrieve a plurality of character strings. The output means outputs the extracted character string group.

Further, a character string is input by the character string input means. The character string search means searches the input character string for all the document files in the document creating apparatus in use. The character string extracting means extracts a character string after the searched character string. The retrieval control means controls the character string retrieval means and the character string retrieval means to retrieve a plurality of character strings. The output means outputs the extracted character string group.

Further, a character string is input by the character string input means. The character string search means searches for a file created or changed after a preset date and time among the document files in the document creating apparatus that is using the input character string. The character string extracting means extracts a character string after the searched character string. The retrieval control means controls the character string retrieval means and the character string retrieval means to retrieve a plurality of character strings. The output means outputs the extracted character string group.

[0035]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a first embodiment of a character string prediction device of the present invention using a character string prediction method.

The character string predicting device includes a predictive operation starting unit 10.
0, a character string input unit 101, a character string buffer 102, a search control unit 103, a search start position investigation unit 104, a character string search unit 105, a document file under creation 106, a fixed number of character string extraction unit 107, a display unit 108, a prediction The character string selection control unit 109, the output unit 110, the confirmed character string display unit 111, and the character string selection unit 112 are included.

The function of each block will be described below.

The predictive operation starting unit 100 determines that the user does not need to input the character string when the predict button is pressed, and notifies the character string input unit 101 of the start of the predictive process. . The character string input unit 101 is composed of a handwritten character recognition device, and inputs a character (string) obtained by recognizing a handwritten character (string). Further, the recognition result is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 102, and when the user confirms the recognized character string, the character string buffer 102 is cleared.

However, when the prediction operation starting unit 100 notifies the start of the prediction process, the character string buffer 102
The character string is extracted from and passed to the search control unit 103.

The character string buffer 102 is used to temporarily store the character string before being determined.

The search control unit 103 includes a character string input unit 101.
It receives the character string input to the character string search unit 103 and gives an instruction to the character string search unit 103 to search a preset number of times. In addition, the predictive character string candidates are received from the constant number character string extracting unit 107, and are combined as a predictive character string group to be passed to the predictive character string selection control unit 109.

The search start position checking unit 104 monitors which position of the document file currently being edited is being edited, and when a search start signal is received from the search control unit 103, the search start position is searched. The position is notified to the character string search unit 105.

The character string search unit 105 is a search control unit 103.
In response to the instruction, the character string received from the character string input unit 101 is searched from the currently-created document file 106 currently being created, and if the search is successful, the position of the character string is set to a certain number Notify 107.

The document file under creation 106 is a document file being created at the time of input.

The fixed number of character string extraction unit 107 extracts a character string of a preset number of characters after the position notified by the character string search unit 105 from the document file under creation 106 and transfers it to the search control unit 103.

The display unit 108 indicates to the user the character string group that is a candidate for the predicted character string received from the predicted character string selection control unit 109 for the LCD, CRT, and the like.

The predictive character string selection control unit 109 transfers the predictive character string group passed from the search control unit 103 to the display unit 108 to allow the user to select the character string selected by the character string selecting unit 112. It is passed to the output unit 110 as a confirmed character string.

The output unit 110 transfers the character string passed as the confirmed character string to the confirmed character string display unit 111.

The confirmed character string display section 111 includes an LCD and a CR.
For T and the like, the predicted character string received from the output unit 110 is shown to the user as a confirmed character string.

The character string selection unit 112 notifies the predicted character string selection control unit 109 which character string in the predicted character string group displayed on the display unit 108 has been selected by the user.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

The character string input unit 101 receives the input of the character string by the user (step 10). The input character string is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 102 because it is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval (step 11).

The predictive operation starting unit 100 judges that the user does not need to input the character string when the predict button is pressed, and notifies the character string input unit of the start of the predicting process ( Step 12).

When the character string input unit 101 is notified of the start of the prediction process, the character string input unit 101 takes out a character string to be used for the prediction process from the character string buffer 102 and passes it to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 sets the number of character strings to be extracted to a preset value, and passes the character string received from the character string input unit 101 to the character string search unit 104 (step 13).

The search start position checking unit 104 monitors which position of the document file currently being edited is being edited, and when receiving a search start signal from the search control unit 103, the search start position is started. The position is notified to the character string search unit 105 (step 14).

The character string search unit 105 receives a character string as a search key, and searches the document file 106 being created which is being input by the user. When the search is successful, the character string extraction unit 107 is notified of the position of the character string. If the search is unsuccessful, the fact is notified to the constant character string extracting unit 107 (step 15).

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 takes out a constant number of character strings after the position searched by the character string searching unit 105 from the document file under creation 106 and passes them to the search control unit 103. Further, when it is notified that the search has failed, the search control unit 103 is notified of this (step 16).

The search control unit 103 receives the character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, checks whether the set number of character strings has been reached, and if not, further searches for the character string. Instruct.

If the set number has been reached, the character strings extracted up to that point are passed to the predicted character string selection control unit 109 as a character string group. If it is informed that the search has failed even if the set number has not been reached, the character string group is passed to the predicted character string selection control unit 109 (steps 17 and 18).

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 receives the predicted character string group and requests the display unit 108 to display the character string group. The display unit 108 displays the character string group requested to be displayed on the screen (step 19).

The character string selection unit 112 waits for the user's selection of the character string, and when the character string is selected, informs the predicted character string selection control unit 109 of the selected character string. It is determined that the character string selected here is what the user intended (step 20).

The predictive character string selection control unit 109 requests the output unit 110 to output the character string selected by the user.

The output unit 110 transfers the character string selected by the user to the fixed character string display unit 111 as a fixed character string (step 21).

The fixed character string display unit 111 displays the character string received as the fixed character string, and ends the prediction process (step 22).

Next, the input sentence "Many companies are actively introducing e-mail. We are trying to improve the efficiency of business by using such electronic media." If the user who intends to enter the sentence "e-media efficiently" subsequently presses the prediction button when "e" is entered,
The process of predicting the character string that follows is shown as a specific example.

The character string input unit 101 is for the user's "electronic".
Accept the input string. The input character string is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 102 to be used as a key for predictive character string search.

When the prediction button is pressed, the prediction operation starting unit 100 determines that the user does not need to input the character string, and notifies the character string input unit that the prediction process is started.

Upon being notified of the start of the prediction process, the character string input unit 101 takes out a character string used for the prediction process, here, "electronic", from the character string buffer 102, and retrieves the character.
Pass to 3.

The search control unit 103 sets the number of character strings to be extracted to 5, which is a preset number, and passes the character string “electronic” received from the character string input unit 101 to the character string search unit 104.

Since it is known that the search start position checking unit 104 is editing the last portion of the currently-created document file 106 that is currently being edited, the search start position of the character string search unit 105 is currently being created. Set at the end of 106. Also, the search direction is set so as to go from the end of the document file to the beginning.

The character string search unit 105 sets the character 6 at the end of the character 6 in the direction going backward with respect to the document file under creation 106 being input by the user. Also, the search direction is set so as to go from the end of the document file to the beginning. The column "electronic" is searched for, the portion "electronic medium ~" is first found, and the position thereof is notified to the character string extracting unit 107.

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 is creating a character string of four characters, which is the preset number of characters after the position of "electronic" searched by the character string searching unit 105, that is, "media". It is taken out from the document file 105 and passed to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 receives the character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, but since the set number of character strings has not been reached yet, the search control unit 103 further requests the search and receives "mail". However, since the set number of character strings has not been reached yet, the search is requested again, but the search is informed that the search has failed, and the search ends. The character strings searched at this point are collectively passed to the predicted character string selection control unit 109 as a predicted character string group.

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 receives the predicted character string group and requests the display unit 108 to display the character string group.

The display section 108 displays two character strings "media" and "mail".

The character string selection unit 112 waits for the user to select a character string. Here, the user intended to continue to input "Effectively electronic media", so "Media"
Select

By this selection, it is determined that the "media" is what the user intended, and the character string selection control unit 1
09 requests the output unit 110 to output a character string.

The output unit 110 transfers the character string selected by the user to the fixed character string display unit 111 as a fixed character string.

The confirmed character string display unit 111 displays the "media" received as the confirmed character string and finishes the prediction process.

In this example, the input work for the "media" part can be omitted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the second embodiment of the character string prediction device of the present invention using the character string prediction method.

The character string predicting device includes a predicting operation starting unit 10
0, character string input unit 101, character string buffer 102, search control unit 103, character string search unit 105, document file under creation 106, -constant character string extraction unit 107, display unit 10
8, a prediction character string selection control unit 109, an output unit 110, a confirmed character string display unit 111, a character string selection unit 112, and a frequency order rearranging unit 200.

Here, the functions of the blocks described above that differ from the blocks described above will be described.

The frequency-order rearranging unit 200 includes the search control unit 1.
The predicted character string group received from No. 03 is rearranged in the order of appearance frequency and passed to the predicted character string selection control unit 109.

The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

The process of setting the number of character strings to be searched by the search control unit 103 and the process after the display unit 108 is requested to display the predicted character string group are the first embodiment. Is similar to the example. Note that steps 30 to 33
To steps 10 to 13 and steps 39 to 4
2 corresponds to steps 19 to 22.

The character string search unit 105 receives a character string as a search key and searches the document file under creation 106 being input by the user. When the search is successful, the character string extraction unit 107 is notified of the position of the character string. If the search is unsuccessful, the fact is notified to the fixed number of character string extracting units 107 (step 34).

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 takes out a constant number of character strings after the position searched by the character string searching unit 105 from the document file under creation 106 and passes them to the search control unit 103. Also, when it is notified that the search has failed, the search control unit 103 is notified of this (step 35).

The search control unit 103 receives the character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, checks whether or not the set number of character strings has been reached, and if not, further searches for the character string. Instruct 105. If the set number has been reached, the character strings extracted up to that point are passed as a character string group to the frequency sorting unit 200. If it is informed that the search has failed even if the set number has not been reached, the character string group is passed to the frequency sorting unit 200 (step 3).
6, 37).

The frequency order rearranging unit 200 rearranges the retrieved character string groups in the order of appearance frequency and predicts the character string selection control unit 1.
09 (step 38).

Next, the input sentence "communication using electronic mail is being promoted. In addition to electronic mail, many other electronic media have been used." If a user who intends to enter a sentence in succession with "Introduce email" presses the prediction button at the time of entering "electronic",
The process of predicting the character string that follows is shown as a specific example.

The character string input unit 101 is for the user's "electronic".
Accept the input string. The input character string is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 102 to be used as a key for predictive character string search.

When the prediction button is pressed, the prediction operation starting unit 100 determines that the user does not need to input the character string, and notifies the character string input unit that the prediction process has started.

Upon being notified of the start of the prediction process, the character string input unit 101 takes out a character string used for the prediction process, here, "electronic" from the character string buffer 102, and retrieves it.
Pass to 3.

The search control unit 103 sets the number of character strings to be fetched to 5, which is a preset number, and passes the character string “electronic” received from the character string input unit 101 to the character string search unit 104.

The character string retrieving unit 105 searches the document file 106 being created by the user for the character string "electronic", and first finds the portion "e-mail".
The position is notified to the fixed number of character string extracting unit 107.

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 is creating a character string of three characters, which is a preset number of characters after the position of “electronic” searched by the character string searching unit 105, that is, “mail”. The document file 105 is taken out and passed to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 receives the character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, but since the set number of character strings has not yet been reached, a further search is requested and "mail" is received. However, since the set number of strings has not been reached yet, the search is requested again and "Medi" is received. A further search is requested, but the search is informed that the search has failed, and the search ends. The character strings retrieved at this time are collectively passed to the frequency sorting unit 200 as a predicted character string group.

The frequency order rearranging unit 200 rearranges the passed character strings in the order of appearance frequency and then predicts the character string selection control unit 1.
Hand over to 09.

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 receives the predicted character string group and requests the display unit 108 to display the character string group.

The display unit 108 displays "mail" and "medicine".
Display the two character strings. Since "mail" has a higher priority, "mail" is displayed first.

The character string selection unit 112 waits for the user to select a character string. Here, the user intended to continue to input "introduce electronic mail", so "mail" is selected.

By this selection, it is determined that "mail" was intended by the user, and the character string selection control unit 10
9 requests the output unit 110 to output a character string.

The output unit 110 transfers the character string selected by the user to the fixed character string display unit 111 as a fixed character string.

The confirmed character string display section 111 displays the "mail" received as the confirmed character string and finishes the prediction process.

In this example, the input work for the portion "mail" can be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the third embodiment of the character string prediction device of the present invention using the character string prediction method.

The character string predicting device has a predicting operation starting unit 10
0, character string input unit 101. character string buffer 102, search control unit 103, character string search unit 105, document file under creation 106, -constant character string extraction unit 107, display unit 10
8, a predicted character string selection control unit 109, an output unit 110, a confirmed character string display unit 111, a character string selection unit 112, an edit screen rewriting unit 300, and an edit screen control unit 301.

Here, the functions of the above-mentioned blocks different from the above-mentioned blocks will be described.

The edit screen rewriting unit 300 changes the display attribute of the character string received from the edit screen control unit 301 in the screen currently being edited, and emphasizes the predicted character string to the user.

The editing screen control unit 301 controls the rewriting of the editing screen. Especially, when the predicted character string is passed from the predicted character string selection control unit 109, the character string in the document file under creation 106 is created. The edit screen rewriting unit 300 is informed of the position of and the function of changing the display attribute of the character string is displayed.

The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

The processing up to the output of the character string group searched by the search control unit 103 and the processing after the character string selection unit 112 accepts the selection of the character string from the user are performed in the second embodiment. It is similar to the example of the form. Note that steps 50 to 57 correspond to steps 30 to 37, and steps 60 to 62 correspond to steps 40 to 42.

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 passes the predicted character string group received from the search control unit 103 to the edit screen control unit 301.

The edit screen control unit 301 checks the position of the character string passed as the predicted character string in the document file under creation 106 and informs the edit screen rewriting unit 300 (step 58).

The edit screen rewriting unit 300 changes the display attribute of the character string retrieved as the predicted character string (step 59).

Next, the input sentence "communication using electronic mail is being promoted. Many electronic media are used in addition to electronic mail." Is input, and thereafter If a user who intends to enter a sentence in succession with "Introduce email" presses the prediction button at the time of entering "electronic",
The process of predicting the character string that follows is shown as a specific example.

The character string input section 101 is for the user's "electronic".
Accept the input string. The input character string is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 102 to be used as a key for predictive character string search.

When the prediction button is pressed, the prediction operation starting unit 100 determines that the user does not need to input the character string, and notifies the character string input unit of the start of the prediction process.

When the character string input unit 101 is informed of the start of the prediction process, the character string input unit 101 takes out a character string to be used for the prediction process from the character string buffer 102, here "electronic", and retrieves it.
Pass to 3.

The search control unit 103 sets the number of character strings to be extracted to 5, which is a preset number, and passes the character string “electronic” received from the character string input unit 101 to the character string search unit 104.

The character string retrieving unit 105 searches the document file 106 being created which is being input by the user for the character string "electronic", and first finds the portion "e-mail".
The position is notified to the fixed number of character string extracting unit 107.

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 generates a character string of three characters, which is a preset number of characters after the position of "electronic" searched by the character string searching unit 105, that is, "mail" in the process of creating a document. The file 105 is taken out and passed to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 receives the character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, but since the number of set character strings has not yet been reached, a further search is requested and "mail" is received. However, since the set number of strings has not been reached yet, the search is requested again and "Medi" is received. A further search is requested, but the search is informed that the search has failed, and the search ends. The character strings retrieved at this time are collectively passed to the frequency sorting unit 200 as a predicted character string group.

The frequency order rearranging unit 200 rearranges the passed character strings in the order of appearance frequency and then predicts the predicted character string selection control unit 1.
Hand over to 09.

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 transfers the predicted character string group received from the search control unit 103 to the edit screen control unit 301.

The edit screen control unit 301 checks the position of the character string passed as the predicted character string in the document file under creation 106 and notifies the edit screen rewriting unit 300 of the position.

The edit screen rewriting unit 300 changes the display attribute of the character string retrieved as the predicted character string.

The character string selection unit 112 waits for the user to select a character string. Here, the user intended to continue to input "introduce electronic mail", so "mail" is selected.

By this selection, it is determined that "mail" was intended by the user, and the character string selection control unit 10
9 requests the output unit 110 to output a character string.

The output unit 110 transfers the character string selected by the user to the fixed character string display unit 111 as a fixed character string.

The confirmed character string display unit 111 displays the "mail" received as the confirmed character string and finishes the prediction process.

In this example, the predicted character string can be selected from within the screen being edited without preparing a special selection screen, which means that the input work for the portion "mail" can be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the fourth embodiment of the character string prediction device of the present invention using the character string prediction method.

The character string predicting device includes a predicting operation starting unit 10.
0, character string input unit 101, character string buffer 102, search control unit 103, character string search unit 105, -constant character string extraction unit 107, display unit 108, predicted character string selection control unit 10
9, an output unit 110, a confirmed character string display unit 111, a character string selection unit 112, a search target document switching unit 400, and the same attribute document group 401.

The same-attribute document group 401 includes the document file under creation 106, existing document (1) 402, and existing document (2) 403.

Here, the functions of the above-mentioned blocks different from the above-mentioned blocks will be described.

The search target document switching section 400 has a function of extracting and switching the document file searched by the character string search section 105 from a plurality of search target files.

The same attribute document group 401 includes a plurality of document files created by the same application and having the same internal structure.

The existing document (1) 402 has the same structure as the document file under creation 106 and is a previously created document file. This file is also used as the search target for the predicted character string.

The existing document (2) 403 has the same structure as the document file under creation 106 and is a previously created document file. This file is also used as the search target for the predicted character string.

The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

The character string input unit 101 receives the input of the user's character string (step 70). The input character string is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 102 because it is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval (step 71).

When the prediction button is pressed, the prediction operation starting unit 100 determines that the user does not need to input the character string, and notifies the character string input unit of the start of the prediction process ( Step 72).

When the start of the prediction process is notified, the character string input unit 101 takes out a character string used for the prediction process from the character string buffer 102 and passes it to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 sets the number of character strings to be extracted to a preset value, and passes the character string received from the character string input unit 101 to the character string search unit 105 (step 73).

The document-to-be-searched switching section 400 stores the document file under creation 106 belonging to the same attribute document group 401, and the previously created existing document (1) 402 and existing document (2) 403 in the character string searching section 105. It serves to switch as a search target (step 74). When the search has reached the end of the document file, the next file is set as the search target of the character string search unit 105 (steps 83 and 8).
4).

The character string retrieving unit 105 receives the character string serving as the retrieval key, and retrieves the document file switched by the inspection target document switching unit 400. If the search is successful, the position of the character string is moved to the constant character string extraction unit 1
Notify 07. If the search is unsuccessful, the fact is notified to the constant character string extraction unit 107 (step 7).
5).

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 extracts a constant character string after the position searched by the character string searching unit 105 from the file to be searched, and the search control unit 10
Pass to 3. Further, when it is notified that the search has failed, the search control unit 103 is notified of that (step 7).
6).

The search control unit 103 receives the character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, checks whether the set number of character strings has been reached, and if not, further searches for the character string. Instruct. If the set number has been reached, the character strings extracted up to that point are passed to the predicted character string selection control unit 109 as a character string group. Even if the set number has not been reached, when the fact that the search has failed is notified, the character string group is passed to the predicted character string selection control unit 109 (steps 77 and 78).

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 receives the predicted character string group and requests the display unit 108 to display the character string group.

The display unit 108 displays the character string group requested to be displayed on the screen (step 79).

The character string selection unit 112 waits for the user to select the character string, and if the character string is selected, informs the predicted character string selection control unit 109 of the selected character string. It is determined that the character string selected here is what the user intended (step 80).

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 requests the output unit 110 to output the character string selected by the user.

The output unit 110 transfers the character string selected by the user to the fixed character string display unit 111 as a fixed character string (step 81).

The confirmed character string display unit 111 displays the character string received as the confirmed character string, and ends the prediction process (step 82).

Next, as the existing document (1), "There are various cursors used for indicating the position being edited on the editing screen of the computer. There are various cursors such as a square and an underline. There is. "
In addition, as an existing document (2), "At home car washing, it is necessary to wash with water first and then use car shampoo to carefully remove dirt. If wax is applied with sand dust, fine scratches on the surface Is present, and the input sentence is "Various brands of products are placed in the car shop to satisfy customers even for products of the same category." If the user who intends to enter a sentence after that, "Car shampoo is a typical example," presses the predict button at the time of entering "car", predicts the character string that follows. The processing to be performed is shown as a specific example.

The character string input section 101 is for the user's "car".
Accept the input string. The input character string is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 102 to be used as a key for predictive character string search.

When the prediction button is pressed, the prediction operation starting unit 100 determines that the user does not need to input the character string, and notifies the character string input unit of the start of the prediction process.

When the character string input unit 101 is notified of the start of the prediction process, the character string input unit 101 takes out a character string to be used for the prediction process, here, “car” from the character string buffer 102, and retrieves it.
Pass to 3.

The search control unit 103 sets the number of character strings to be fetched to 5, which is a preset number, and passes the character string “car” received from the character string input unit 101 to the character string search unit 104.

The search target document switching unit 400 first selects the document file under creation 106 as a search target of the character string search unit 105, and switches it so that the character string search unit 105 can search.

The character string retrieving unit 105 receives "car" as a retrieval key, retrieves the document file under creation 106, and finds a "car shop" to find a certain number of character string retrieving units 107. Let us know.

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 creates a character string of 5 characters, which is a preset number of characters after the position of "car" searched by the character string searching unit 105, that is, "in the shop". The medium document file 105 is taken out and passed to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 receives the character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, but requests the further search because the set number of character strings has not been reached yet.

The search target document switching section 400 checks whether or not the search range of the character string search section 105 is at the end of the file, but since it is still in the middle, the search target file is left as it is.

The character string searching unit 105 continues searching for the character string "car" in the document file 106 being created until the end of the file, as in the previous case.

The search target document switching unit 400 switches the search target file to the existing document (1) 402 upon knowing that the search range of the character string search unit 105 is at the end of the file.

The character string retrieving unit 105 searches the existing document (1) 402 in the same manner as described above, and finds a certain number of character string retrieving units 1 at the position where "... is found at the cursor" is found.
Notify 07.

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 outputs a character string of 5 characters, which is a preset number of characters after the position of “car” searched by the character string searching unit 105, that is, “Yes to sol”. The existing document (1) 402 is taken out and passed to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 receives the character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, but since it has not reached the set number of character strings yet, it requests further search and receives "shampoo".

However, since the set number of character strings has not been reached yet, a further search is requested, but it is informed that the search has failed, and the search ends. The predicted character string selection control unit 10 collectively collects the character strings searched at this time as a predicted character string group.
Pass to 9.

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 receives the predicted character string group and requests the display unit 108 to display the character string group.

The display unit 108 displays three character strings "in the shop", "yes in sol", and "shampoo".

The character string selection unit 112 waits for the user to select a character string. At this point, the user intends to input "car shampoo and the like is a typical example" in succession, so "shampoo" is selected.

With this selection, it is determined that "shampoo" was intended by the user, and the character string selection control unit 109 requests the output unit 110 to output the character string.

The output unit 110 transfers the character string selected by the user to the fixed character string display unit 111 as a fixed character string.

The confirmed character string display unit 111 displays "shampoo" received as the confirmed character string and finishes the prediction process.

In this example, the input work for the "shampoo" part can be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the character string prediction device of the present invention using the character string prediction method.

The character string predicting device has the predicting operation starting unit 10
0, character string input unit 101, character string buffer 102, search control unit 103, character string search unit 105, -constant character string extraction unit 107, display unit 108, predicted character string selection control unit 1
09, output unit 110, confirmed character string display unit 111, character string selection unit 112, search target document switching unit 400, same attribute document group 401 document structure conversion unit 500, and telephone directory file 501.

The same-attribute document group 401 includes the document file under creation 106, existing document (1) 402, and existing document (2) 403.

Here, the functions of the above-mentioned blocks different from the above-mentioned blocks will be described.

The document structure conversion unit 500 converts the document structure so that the telephone directory file 501 can be searched by the character string search unit 105.

As shown in FIG. 17, the telephone directory file 501 internally stores a plurality of pairs of names and telephone numbers.

The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

The character string input unit 101 accepts the input of the character string until the search control unit 103 sets the number of character strings to be retrieved, and the search control unit 103 finishes the search and selects the predictive character string. The processing of the subsequent steps after passing to the control unit 109 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment. Note that steps 90 to 93 correspond to steps 70 to 73, and steps 101 to 104 correspond to steps 79 to 82.

The document-to-be-searched switching section 400 includes the document file under creation 106 in the document creating apparatus, and the previously created existing document (1) 402 and existing document (2) 40.
3. It operates to switch the telephone directory file 501 as a search target of the character string search unit 105 (step 94).
When the search has reached the end of the document file, the next file is set as the search target of the character string search unit 105 (steps 105 and 106).

The document structure conversion unit 500 converts the file structure into a normal file format when the search target document switching unit 400 selects a file other than a normal document file. In this example, the telephone directory file 501 is converted into a normal file format (steps 95 and 96).

The character string retrieving unit 105 receives the character string serving as the retrieval key, and retrieves the document file switched by the inspection target document switching unit 400.

When the search is successful, the position of the character string is notified to the constant number character string extracting unit 107. If the search is unsuccessful, the fact is notified to the constant character string extracting unit 107 (step 97).

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 extracts a constant number of character strings after the position searched by the character string searching unit 105 from the file to be searched, and the search control unit 10
Pass to 3. Further, when it is notified that the search has failed, the search control unit 103 is notified of this (step 98).

The search control unit 103 receives a character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, checks whether or not the set number of character strings has been reached, and if not, further searches for a character string. Instruct 105.

If the set number has been reached, the character strings extracted up to that point are passed to the predicted character string selection control unit 109 as a character string group. If it is informed that the search has failed even if the set number has not been reached, the character string group is passed to the predicted character string selection control unit 109 (steps 99 and 100).

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 receives the predicted character string group and requests the display unit 108 to display the character string group.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a seventh embodiment of the character string prediction device of the present invention using the character string prediction method.

The character string predicting device has a predicting operation starting unit 10
0, character string input unit 101, character string buffer 102, search control unit 103, character string search unit 105, -constant character string extraction unit 107, display unit 108, predicted character string selection control unit 1
09, output unit 110, fixed character string display unit 111, character string selection unit 112, search target document selection unit 700, and same attribute document group 401.

The same-attribute document group 401 includes the document file under creation 106, existing document (1) 402, and existing document (2) 403.

Here, the functions of the above-mentioned blocks different from the above-mentioned blocks will be described.

The search target document selection unit 700 has a function of selecting a file of a preset person by looking at the creators of the files included in the same-attribute document group 401 and setting it as the search target of the character string search unit 105. To do.

Next, as the existing document (1), "There are various cursors used to inform the position being edited on the editing screen of the computer. There are various things such as a square and an underline. There is. "
In addition, as an existing document (2), "At home car washing, it is necessary to wash with water first and then use car shampoo to carefully remove dirt. If wax is applied with sand dust etc., fine scratches on the surface It will keep up. ”
Also, as a telephone directory file, "Toshiba Taro; Minato-ku, Tokyo; 0
3-1234-2345, Toshiba Jiro; Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa: 044-987-7654 "exists, and" there is a place called a business park in each place. " If there are several companies in Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama City. ”If the user who intends to enter a sentence continues to press the prediction button when he / she inputs“ horizontal ”, then The process of predicting the character string following is shown as a specific example.

The character string input unit 101 receives the input of the character string "horizontal" by the user.

The input character string is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 102 because it is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval.

When the prediction button is pressed, the prediction operation starting unit 100 determines that the user does not need to input the character string, and notifies the character string input unit that the prediction process has started.

When the character string input unit 101 is notified of the start of the prediction process, the character string input unit 101 takes out a character string to be used for the prediction process, here, “horizontal”, from the character string buffer 102, and the search control unit 103.
Pass to.

The search control unit 103 sets the number of character strings to be fetched to 5, which is a preset number, and passes the character string “horizontal” received from the character string input unit 101 to the character string search unit 104.

The search target document switching section 400 first selects the document file under creation 106 as a search target of the character string search section 105, and switches the character string search section 105 so that it can be searched.

The character string search unit 105 receives "horizontal" which is a key for the search, and searches the document file under creation 106, but the search fails and informs the constant number character string selection unit 107 of this. .

The constant number character string selection unit 107 notifies the search control unit 103 that the search has failed.

The search control unit 103 is notified by the constant character string extraction unit 107 that the search has failed, and requests further search.

The search target document switching section 400 switches the search target file to the existing document (1) 402 upon knowing that the search range of the character string search section 105 is at the end of the file.

The existing document (1) is also searched in the same manner as above, but fails. The same applies to the existing document (2).

Finally, the search target document switching section 400 prepares the telephone directory file 501 as the search target document.

The document structure conversion unit 500 knows that the telephone directory file 501 has been prepared as a document to be searched, and converts the telephone directory file 501 into a normal file format so that the character string retrieval unit 105 can search. .

The character string search unit 105 searches the converted telephone directory file 501 to find "Yokohama-shi" and informs the fixed number of character string extraction unit 107 of the found position.

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 has a character string of 7 characters which is a preset number of characters after the "horizontal" position searched by the character string searching unit 105, that is, "Hodogaya-ku, Hama-shi". From the document file under creation 105 and passes it to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 receives the character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, but since the set number of character strings has not yet been reached, a further search is requested but the fact that the search has failed is notified. To finish. The character strings searched at this point are collectively passed to the predicted character string selection control unit 109 as a predicted character string group.

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 receives the predicted character string group and requests the display unit 108 to display the character string group.

The display unit 108 is 1 in "Hodogaya Ward, Hama City".
Display one string.

The character string selection unit 112 waits for the user to select a character string. At this point, the user intended to continue to input "There are several companies in Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama City.", So "Hodogaya Ward, Hama City" is selected.

By this selection, it is determined that "Hogashi-shi Hodogaya Ward" was intended by the user, and the character string selection control unit 109 requests the output unit 110 to output the character string.

The output unit 110 transfers the character string selected by the user to the fixed character string display unit 111 as a fixed character string.

The fixed character string display unit 111 displays "Hodogaya Ward, Hama-shi" received as the fixed character string, and finishes the prediction process.

In this example, the input work for the portion "Hodogaya Ward, Hama City" can be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a sixth embodiment of the character string prediction device of the present invention using the character string prediction method.

The character string predicting device has the predicting operation starting unit 10
0, character string input unit 101, character string buffer 102, search control unit 103, character string search unit 105, -constant character string extraction unit 107, display unit 108, predicted character string selection control unit 1
09, an output unit 110, a fixed character string display unit 111, a character string selection unit 112, a search target document selection unit 600, and the same attribute document group 401.

The same-attribute document group 401 includes the document file under creation 106, existing document (1) 402, and existing document (2) 403.

Here, the functions of the above-mentioned blocks different from the above blocks will be described.

The search target document selection unit 600 looks at the creation and modification dates and times of the files included in the same-attribute document group 401 and selects a file newer than the preset date and time,
The character string search unit 105 serves as a search target.

The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

The operation is similar to that of the fourth embodiment except for the operation of the search target document selection section 600 to select a document. still,
Steps 110 to 113 are steps 70 to 73
And steps 115-124 are steps 75-8.
Corresponds to 4.

The retrieval target document selection unit 600 includes the document file under creation 106 belonging to the same attribute document group 401, and the previously created existing document (1) 402 and existing document (2).
The date and time of creation and modification of 403 are checked, and a file whose date and time is newer than the preset date and time is selected as a search target of the character string search unit 105 (step 11).
4).

Next, as an existing document (1), "In a car wash at home, it is necessary to first wash it with water and then use car shampoo to carefully remove the dirt. "There is a variety of cursors used to indicate the position being edited on the computer's edit screen. There are various things, such as a square one, There are various things such as underlines. ”As an input sentence, there are various brands of products in the car shop in order to satisfy customers even for products of the same category. When a user who intends to enter a sentence, such as "Car shampoo is a typical example," after pressing "," presses the prediction button when "Car" is entered. Thereafter string following illustrates specific examples of the process to predict.

The character string input unit 101 is for the user's "car".
Accept the input string. The input character string is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 102 to be used as a key for predictive character string search.

When the prediction button is pressed, the prediction operation starting unit 100 judges that the user does not need to input the character string, and notifies the character string input unit that the prediction process is started.

When the start of the prediction process is notified, the character string input unit 101 takes out a character string to be used for the prediction process, here “car”, from the character string buffer 102, and the retrieval control unit 10
Pass to 3.

The search control unit 103 sets the number of character strings to be fetched to 5, which is a preset number, and passes the character string “car” received from the character string input unit 101 to the character string search unit 104.

The search target document selection unit 600 checks the date and time when the document file under creation 106 was created and changed, and after confirming that it is newer than the set date and time, the character string search unit 10
5 is selected as a search target.

The character string retrieving unit 105 receives "car" which is a retrieval key, searches the document file under creation 106 for "car shop", and finds a certain number of character string extracting units 107. Let us know.

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 creates a character string of 5 characters, which is the preset number of characters after the position of “car” searched by the character string searching unit 105, that is, “in the shop”. The medium document file 105 is taken out and passed to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 receives a character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, but since the set number of character strings has not yet been reached, a further search is requested.

The search target document selection unit 600 checks whether or not the search range of the character string search unit 105 is at the end of the file, but since it is still in the middle, the search target file is left as it is.

The character string search unit 105 continues searching for the character string "car" in the document file 106 being created until the end of the file, as in the previous case.

The search target document selection unit 600 knows that the search range of the character string search unit 105 is at the end of the file, and checks the date and time when the existing document (1) 402 was created or changed, and the set date and time. After confirming that it is newer, it is selected as a search target of the character string search unit 105.

The character string search unit 105 searches the existing document (1) 402 in the same manner as described above, and notifies the fixed number of character string extraction units 107 of the positions where "Car Shampoo" is found.

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 outputs a character string of 5 characters, which is a preset number of characters after the position of "car" searched by the character string searching unit 105, that is, "shampoo" to the existing document. (1) Take out from 402 and pass it to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 receives the character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, but requests the further search because the set number of character strings has not been reached yet.

Thereafter, the search is performed in the same manner, but the search target document selection unit 600 creates the existing document (2) 403,
When the changed date and time is checked, it is found that the file is older than the set date and time, and the next search target file is searched. However, it finds that there are no more files and ends the search.

The search control unit 103 collectively passes the character strings searched at this point to the predicted character string selection control unit 109 as a predicted character string group.

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 receives the predicted character string group and requests the display unit 108 to display the character string group.

The display unit 108 displays two character strings "in the shop" and "shampoo".

The character string selection unit 112 waits for the user to select a character string. Here, the user intended to input "car shampoo and the like is a typical example" in succession, and thus selects "shampoo".

By this selection, it is determined that "shampoo" was intended by the user, and the character string selection control unit 109 requests the output unit 110 to output the character string.

The output unit 110 transfers the character string selected by the user to the fixed character string display unit 111 as a fixed character string.

The confirmed character string display section 111 displays "shampoo" received as the confirmed character string and finishes the prediction process.

In this example, the input work for the "shampoo" part can be omitted. Moreover, the number of predicted character string groups can be reduced by using the information of the date and time when the file is created and changed, which saves the user an extra burden.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a seventh embodiment of the character string prediction device of the present invention using the character string prediction method.

The character string predicting device has a predicting operation starting unit 10
0, character string input unit 101, character string buffer 102, search control unit 103, character string search unit 105, -constant character string extraction unit 107, display unit 108, predicted character string selection control unit 1
09, output unit 110, fixed character string display unit 111, character string selection unit 112, search target document selection unit 700, and same attribute document group 401.

The same-attribute document group 401 includes the document file under creation 106, existing document (1) 402, and existing document (2) 403.

Here, the functions of the above-mentioned blocks different from the above-mentioned blocks will be described.

The search target document selection unit 700 has a function of selecting a file of a preset person by looking at the creators of the files included in the same-attribute document group 401 and setting it as the search target of the character string search unit 105. To do.

The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

The operation is similar to that of the fourth embodiment, except for the operation of the search target document selection section 700 to select a document. Steps 130 to 133 correspond to steps 70 to 73, and steps 135 to 144 correspond to steps 75 to 84.

The search target document selection unit 700 includes the document file under creation 106 belonging to the same attribute document group 401, and the previously created existing document (1) 402 and existing document (2) 4
The creator of No. 03 is checked, and a file created by a preset person is selected as a search target of the character string search unit 105 (step 134).

Next, as an existing document (1), "At home car washing, it is necessary to wash with water first and then use car shampoo to carefully remove the dirt. If wax is applied with sand dust on the surface, "There is a variety of cursors used to indicate the position being edited on the computer's edit screen. There are various things, such as a square one, There are various things such as underlines. ”As an input sentence," Car shops have various brands of products in the same category to satisfy customers. If the user who intends to enter a sentence, such as "Car shampoo is a typical example" after pressing "," presses the prediction button at the time of entering "Car" Thereafter string following illustrates specific examples of the process to predict.

The character string input unit 101 is for the user's "car".
Accept the input string. The input character string is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 102 to be used as a key for predictive character string search.

When the prediction button is pressed, the prediction operation starting unit 100 determines that the user does not need to input the character string, and notifies the character string input unit that the prediction process has started.

When the character string input unit 101 is notified of the start of the prediction process, the character string input unit 101 takes out a character string to be used for the prediction process from the character string buffer 102, here "car", and retrieves it.
Pass to 3.

The search control unit 103 sets the number of character strings to be fetched to 5, which is a preset number, and passes the character string "car" received from the character string input unit 101 to the character string search unit 104.

The search target document selection unit 700 checks the creator of the document file under creation 106 to see if it belongs to the set person, confirms that the file is created by the same person, and then searches for the character string. The search target of the unit 105 is selected.

The character string retrieving unit 105 receives "car" which is a key for retrieval, searches the document file under creation 106 for "car shop", and finds the found position by a certain number of character string retrieving unit. Notify 107.

The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 creates a character string of 5 characters, which is a preset number of characters after the position of "car" searched by the character string searching unit 105, that is, "in the shop". The medium document file 105 is taken out and passed to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 receives a character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, but since the set number of character strings has not yet been reached, a further search is requested.

The search target document selection unit 700 checks whether or not the search range of the character string search unit 105 is at the end of the file, but since it is still in the middle, the search target file is left as it is.

The character string search unit 105 continues searching for the character string "car" in the document file 106 being created until the end of the file, as described above.

The document-to-be-searched selection unit 700 finds out that the search range of the character string search unit 105 is at the end of the file, checks the creator of the existing document (1) 402, and finds the person who has been set. Is checked and it is confirmed that the files are created by the same person, and then the character string search unit 105 selects the file as a search target.

The character string search unit 105 searches for the existing document (1) 402 in the same manner as described above, finds "car shampoo ~", and notifies the found number of positions to the constant number character string extraction unit 107.

[0280] The fixed number of character string extracting unit 107 extracts a character string of 5 characters, which is the preset number of characters after the position of "car" searched by the character string searching unit 105, that is, "shampoo" from the existing document. (1) Take out from 402 and pass it to the search control unit 103.

The search control unit 103 receives the character string from the constant character string extraction unit 107, but requests the further search because the set number of character strings has not been reached yet.

Thereafter, similar search is carried out, but when the creator of the existing document (2) 403 is checked, the search target document selection unit 700 finds out that the file is created by a person other than the set person. Find the next file to search. However, it finds that there are no more files and ends the search.

The search control unit 103 collectively passes the character strings searched at this point to the predicted character string selection control unit 109 as a predicted character string group.

The predicted character string selection control unit 109 receives the predicted character string group and requests the display unit 108 to display the character string group.

The display unit 108 displays two character strings "in the shop" and "shampoo".

The character string selection unit 112 waits for the user to select a character string. Here, the user intended to input "car shampoo and the like is a typical example" in succession, and thus selects "shampoo". By this selection, it is determined that “shampoo” was intended by the user, and the character string selection control unit 109 requests the output unit 110 to output the character string.

The output unit 110 transfers the character string selected by the user to the fixed character string display unit 111 as a fixed character string.

The fixed character string display portion 111 displays "shampoo" received as the fixed character string, and finishes the prediction process.

In this example, the input work for the "shampoo" part can be omitted. In addition, by checking the creator of the file, the number of predicted character string groups can be reduced, and the user is spared no extra burden.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the example of the above-described embodiment. For example, instead of using the prediction button to start the prediction, the prediction process may be performed continuously, or some signal may be given. You may use and may start prediction.
Also, instead of using character recognition for input, a tablet or keyboard may be used. Also, it is possible to output the one with the higher priority as it is without making a selection to the user,
The output destination of the prediction result may be another processing system instead of the screen.
Further, in the example of the present embodiment, the character string after the input character string is shown to the user as the predicted character string, but a character string including the input character string may be used as the predicted character string. In short, various modifications can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0291]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when a part of a character string is input, the input character string is searched from the document being created, and the character string is searched after the part that is successfully searched. By outputting the character string of as a predicted character string candidate,
It is possible to indicate a character string which is considered to be input by the user without providing a new storage area or dictionary. Further, if a character string desired by the user exists in the predicted ones, the burden of inputting the character string can be reduced, which is an excellent effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a character string prediction device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character string prediction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character string prediction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character string prediction device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character string prediction device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a character string prediction device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a character string prediction device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a screen before the change of the predictive display attribute according to the embodiment of the present invention, particularly the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a screen after the change of the predictive display attribute according to the embodiment of the present invention, particularly the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a telephone directory file according to the embodiment of the present invention, particularly the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... Prediction operation starting unit, 101 ... Character string input unit, 10
2 ... Character string buffer, 103 ... Search control unit, 104 ... Search start position examining unit, 105 ... Character string searching unit, 106 ... Document file being created, 107 ... Constant number of character string extracting unit,
108 ... Display unit, 109 ... Predicted character string selection control unit, 11
0 ... Output unit, 111 ... Confirmed character string display unit, 112 ... Character string selection unit, 200 ... Frequency order rearranging unit, 300 ... Edit screen rewriting unit, 301 ... Edit screen control unit, 400 ... Search target document switching unit, 401 ... Same attribute document group, 402 ...
Existing document 1, 403 ... Existing document 2, 500 ... Document structure conversion unit, 501 ... Phonebook file, 600 ... Search target document selection unit, 700 ... Search target document selection unit.

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A character for predicting a character string following an input character string in a character string predicting device for predicting a character string in which an input character string is at a leading portion as a character string to be input from now on. In the column prediction method, when a character string is input, the input character string that has been input by that point is searched backward from the position currently being edited for the same character string, and the same When a character string can be found, the character string after the character string searched for the plural character strings that can be found is taken out, and the plural character strings retrieved are given priority to the one searched first. A method of predicting a character string, characterized by outputting as a predictive character string group. 2. A character for predicting a character string following the input character string in a character string predicting device for predicting a character string in which an input character string is at the head portion as a character string to be input from now on. In the column prediction method, if a character string was input, the same character string could be found by searching for the input character string in the document being created that has been input by that point. Occasionally, the character strings that are after the searched character string are retrieved for the multiple character strings that can be found, and the retrieved character strings are rearranged in the order of appearance frequency in the same document. A character string prediction method characterized in that a character string prediction is output with priority. 3. A character for predicting a character string following an input character string in a character string predicting device, which predicts a character string in which an input character string is at a leading portion as a character string to be input from now on. In the column prediction method, if a character string was input, the same character string could be found by searching for the input character string in the document being created that has been input by that point. Occasionally, a character string after the searched character string is selected for a plurality of character strings that can be found, and the display attributes of the selected character strings on the metaphysics are changed and output as a predicted character string group. A character string prediction method characterized by: 4. A character for predicting a character string following an input character string in a character string predicting device for predicting a character string in which the input character string is at the head portion as a character string to be input from now on. In the column prediction method, when a character string was input, the same character string could be found by searching the input character string from the document file group created by the same application as the document being created. At times, a character string prediction method is characterized in that a character string after the searched character string is extracted for a plurality of found character strings, and the plurality of extracted character strings are output as a predicted character string group. 5. A character for predicting a character string following the input character string in a character string predicting device, which predicts a character string in which the input character string is at the head portion as a character string to be input from now on. In the column prediction method, when a character string is input, the input character string is searched for all the document files in the document creation device in use, and if the same character string is found, A character string prediction method characterized in that a character string after the searched character string is extracted for a plurality of found character strings, and the plurality of extracted character strings are output as a predicted character string group. 6. A character for predicting a character string following an input character string in a character string predicting device for predicting a character string in which the input character string is at the head portion as a character string to be input from now on. In the column prediction method, when a character string was input, it was input for the file created or changed after the preset date and time among the document files in the document creation device in use. When a character string is searched and the same character string can be found, the character string after the searched character string is extracted for the multiple character strings that can be found, and the extracted character strings are predicted characters. A character string prediction method characterized by outputting as a column group. 7. The input character string character string predicting method in a character string predicting device for predicting a character string in which an input character string is at a leading portion as a character string to be input, When a character string is input, the character string input for the file created and changed by a preset person is searched from among the document files in the document creation device in use, and the same character string is searched. When a character string that can be found is found, the character string after the searched character string is extracted for the character strings that can be found, and the extracted character strings are output as a predicted character string group. String prediction method. 8. A character string predicting device for predicting a character string having an input character string at the beginning as a character string to be input, and a character string input means for inputting the character string. And a character string search means for searching the input character string backwards from the position being edited in the same document, a character string extracting means for extracting a character string after the searched character string, and a plurality of character strings. It is characterized by further comprising: a retrieval control means for controlling the character string retrieval means and the character string retrieval means for retrieval, and an output means for preferentially outputting the retrieved character string group first. String predictor. 9. A character string inputting means for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device for predicting a character string in which an input character string is at a leading portion as a character string to be input from now on. And a character string retrieval means for retrieving the input character string from the same document, a character string retrieval means for retrieving a character string after the retrieved character string, and a character string retrieval means for retrieving a plurality of character strings. A character string prediction device comprising: a search control means for controlling the character string extracting means; and an output means for outputting the extracted character string groups in the order of appearance frequency in the same document. 10. A character string inputting device for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device for predicting a character string in which an input character string is at a head portion as a character string to be input from now on. And a character string retrieval means for retrieving the input character string from the same document, a character string retrieval means for retrieving a character string after the retrieved character string, and a character string retrieval means for retrieving a plurality of character strings. A character string predicting device comprising: a search control means for controlling the character string extracting means; and an output means for changing a display attribute of the extracted character string on the screen. 11. A character string input device for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device for predicting a character string in which an input character string is at the head portion as a character string to be input from now on. And a character string retrieval means for retrieving the input character string from a document file group created by the same application as the document being created, and a character string retrieval means for retrieving the character string after the retrieved character string, A character string prediction device comprising: a search control means for controlling a character string search means and a character string extraction means for extracting a plurality of character strings; and an output means for outputting the extracted character string group. 12. A character string inputting means for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device for predicting a character string in which an input character string is at a head portion as a character string to be input from now on. A character string search means for searching all the document files in the document creation device that is using the input character string, a character string extraction means for extracting a character string after the searched character string, A character string prediction device comprising: a search control means for controlling a character string search means and a character string extraction means for extracting a character string; and an output means for outputting the extracted character string group. 13. A character string inputting means for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device for predicting a character string in which an input character string is at a leading portion as a character string to be input from now on. And a character string searching means for searching for a file created or changed after a preset date and time among the document files in the document creating apparatus that is using the input character string, and the searched character string. A character string retrieving means for retrieving a character string after the character string; a search control means for controlling the character string retrieving means and the character string retrieving means for retrieving a plurality of character strings; and an output means for outputting the retrieved character string group. A character string prediction device comprising: 14. A character string inputting means for inputting a character string in a character string predicting device for predicting a character string in which an input character string is at a leading portion as a character string to be input from now on. And a character string search means for searching for a file created or modified by a preset person among the document files in the document creation device that is using the input character string, and a character string search means after the searched character string. And a retrieval control means for controlling the character string retrieval means and the character string retrieval means for retrieving a plurality of character strings, and an output means for outputting the retrieved character string group. A character string prediction device characterized by the above.