JP2009223727A - Character input system, character input device and character input method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a "character input system, character input device and character input method" for enabling a user of a handwritten input authentication device to perform processing from handwritten character input to determination without watching a screen carefully under an environment unsuitable to careful watching. <P>SOLUTION: A device body 10 outputs a candidate character extracted on the basis of handwritten input information to an output device 30 when the handwritten input information entered in a handwritten input reception area 22 on an input device 20 is a character or a portion of the character, and at the same time, determines a determination character among candidate characters on the basis of a selection sign and outputs the determination character to the output device 30 when the handwritten input information is a selection sign for selecting a candidate character. Namely, character input through character determination is performed by handwriting input to the handwritten input reception area 22 which does not need careful watching of the input device 20 and the output device 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input system, a character input device, and a character input method, and is particularly suitable for a character input system, a character input device, and a character input method that accept handwritten input from a user.

  In general, an information processing apparatus that recognizes user's handwritten input (hereinafter referred to as “handwriting input recognition apparatus”) is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The handwriting input recognition apparatus responds to demands for improving convenience of information input by users, reducing the number of parts of an information processing apparatus by reducing or eliminating hard buttons (parts), and reducing the size.

A character recognition device (handwriting input recognition device) described in Patent Document 1 is a screen dedicated to a handwriting input reception function (hereinafter referred to as “screen 1”), a screen that combines a handwriting input reception function and a display function ( (Hereinafter referred to as “screen 2”). When a handwritten character is input on the screen 1, the character input device described in Patent Literature 1 displays various objects on the screen 2 that accept the recognition result of the input handwritten character and the user's instruction. The user instructs kanji conversion or confirmation by operating the object.
JP 2000-123114 A

  However, since the character input device described in Patent Document 1 requires the user to watch the object on the screen, a usage environment in which it is not appropriate to watch the screen (hereinafter referred to as “gaze inappropriate environment”). For example, it is not suitable for an environment in which a car navigation device is used during traveling. That is, in the character input device described in Patent Document 1, when a character displayed on the screen 2 is selected by inputting a handwritten character on the screen 1, the display position of each object displayed on the screen 2 and each object are received. The contents of the instruction must be confirmed (gazing), and the object that receives the desired instruction must be operated (gazing).

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems. That is, it is an object of the present invention to enable a user of a handwriting input recognition device to perform processing from handwritten character input to determination without gazing at a screen in an inappropriate gaze environment.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a character input system including an input device, a main body, and an output device. When the handwriting input information input to the handwriting input reception area on the input device is a character or a part of the character, the main body outputs the candidate character extracted based on the handwriting input information to the output device. When the handwriting input information is a selection code for selecting a candidate character, the determined character is determined from the candidate characters based on the selection code and output to the output device.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, the user can place a character or character at an appropriate position in the handwriting input reception area of the screen (input device) without paying attention to the screen (input device and output device). Enter a part of the handwritten input, and select the candidate characters to be displayed on the screen (output device) as a result of this handwriting input at the appropriate position in the handwriting input reception area on the screen (input device). By doing so, you will be able to select. That is, the user can perform from handwritten character input to character determination without gazing at the screen (input device and output device) in an inappropriate gazing environment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a character input system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the candidate character output area 34 of the output device 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the character input system 1 includes a main body 10, an input device 20, and an output device 30. The input device 20 and the output device 30 are each connected to the main body 10 by the cable 5. An example of the cable 5 is based on a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or IEEE1394. The input device 20 and the output device 30 may be connected to the main body 10 wirelessly instead of wired.

  The input device 20 includes a handwriting input reception area 22 (for example, an area into which a touch sensor is incorporated) that receives handwritten input from a user. The input device 20 acquires handwriting input information via the handwriting input reception area 22. The input device 20 supplies handwriting input information acquired via the handwriting input reception area 22 to the main body 10.

  The main body 10 acquires handwriting input information from the input device 20. When the main body 10 acquires handwriting input information of a character or a part of a character from the input device 20, the main body 10 supplies the acquired handwriting input information to the output device 30 and 1 based on the acquired handwriting input information. The above candidate characters are extracted and supplied to the output device 30. Further, when the candidate character is supplied to the output device 30, the main body 10 supplies a selection code for selecting the candidate character to the output device 30 as necessary. When the main body 10 acquires handwritten input information of a selection code from the input device 20, the main body 10 determines one determined character from one or more candidate characters and supplies the determined character to the output device 30. Details of the operation of the main body 10 will be described later.

  The output device 30 includes an input character output area 32, a candidate character output area 34, and a determined character output area 36. The candidate character output area 34 is composed of a first output area to an eighth output area, as shown in FIG. In each output area, a candidate character and a selection code for selecting a candidate character output in each output area are output one by one. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2B, a selection character 901 (abbreviated) for selecting a candidate character “mouth” and a candidate character “mouth” output to the first output area in the first output area. Arithmetic numbers 1) are output one by one in a circular arrow. In the second output area, a candidate character “times” and a selection code 902 for selecting the candidate character “times” output in the second output area (the arithmetic number 2 in a substantially circular arrow) Are output one by one. Each output area is identified by an output area ID that identifies the output area.

  The output device 30 acquires handwriting input information, candidate characters, selection codes, and determined characters from the main body 10. When the output device 30 acquires handwriting input information of a character or a part of a character from the main body 10, the output device 30 outputs the acquired handwriting input information to the input character output area 32 as an input character. When the output device 30 acquires a candidate character or selection code from the main body 10, the output device 30 outputs the acquired candidate character or selection code to the candidate character output area 34 (first output area to eighth output area). When the output device 30 acquires the determined character from the main body 10, the output device 30 outputs the acquired determined character to the determined character output area 36.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the main body 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the character information storage unit 100. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the selection code related storage unit 102. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the extracted character temporary storage unit 141.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 10 includes a character information storage unit 100, a selection code related storage unit 102, a handwriting input reception unit 110, a determination unit 120, an input character output unit 130, a candidate character output unit 140, and a selection code output. Unit 150, determined character output unit 160, and timer unit 170. The input character output unit 130 includes a handwriting input information acquisition unit 132 and a handwriting input information transmission unit 138. The candidate character output unit 140 includes an extracted character temporary storage unit 141, a handwriting input information acquisition unit 142, a candidate character extraction unit 144, and a candidate character transmission unit 148. The selection code output unit 150 includes a selection code acquisition unit 152 and a selection code transmission unit 158. The determined character output unit 160 includes a selection code acquisition unit 162, a character determination unit 166, and a determined character transmission unit 168.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the character information storage unit 100 stores recognition data (information indicating the feature of the outer shape of the character) for recognizing the character in association with the character (font). According to the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the character information storage unit 100 stores recognition data (not illustrated) in association with, for example, the character “mouth” identified by the character ID “M00001”. Note that the characters and recognition data stored in the character information storage unit 100 are read-only information.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the selection code related storage unit 102 outputs recognition data (information indicating features of the outer shape of the selection code, etc.) for recognizing the selection code in association with the selection code, and output of the selection code. An output area ID for identifying the destination is stored in association with each other. According to the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the selection code-related storage unit 102 outputs, for example, recognition data and a first output area in association with the selection code 901 identified by the selection code ID “S01”. The destination ID “A01” is stored. The selection code and the recognition data stored in the selection code related storage unit 102 are read-only information. The selection code is designed character (font) or image (still image or moving image) data.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the extracted character temporary storage unit 141 stores a candidate character being output and a selection code output flag indicating whether the selection code is being output in association with the selection code ID. is doing. According to the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the extracted character temporary storage unit 141 outputs, for example, the candidate character “mouth” and the selection code in association with the selection code ID “S01” that identifies the selection code 901. The selection code output flag “ON” indicating that there is a message is stored (the selection character 901 stores the selection of the candidate character “mouth” and the selection code 901 stores that the message is being output) . The selection code ID stored in the extracted character temporary storage unit 141 is read-only information, and the candidate character (initial value is blank or null) and the selection code output flag (initial value is OFF) are information to be read and written. .

  The handwriting input reception unit 110 acquires handwriting input information from the input device 20. When the handwriting input receiving unit 110 acquires the handwriting input information from the input device 20, the handwriting input receiving unit 110 supplies the handwriting input information acquired from the input device 20 to the determination unit 120. When handwriting input information is acquired from the input device 20, the handwriting input receiving unit 110 sends a notification that the handwriting input information has been acquired (hereinafter referred to as “handwriting input information acquisition notification”) to the timing unit 170. To supply.

  The timer unit 170 acquires a handwriting input information acquisition notification from the handwriting input receiving unit 110. The timing unit 170 starts timing from the time when the handwriting input information acquisition notification is acquired (when the handwriting input information acquisition notification is acquired again, the timing starts from the beginning). The time measuring unit 170 does not acquire the next handwriting input information acquisition notification within a predetermined time when the measured time has passed a predetermined time (for example, any one of 0.2 to 2 seconds). In this case, when a predetermined time elapses, a notification indicating that the next handwriting input information has not been acquired within the predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “next handwriting input information non-acquisition notification”) is selected. 150 (selection code acquisition unit 152).

  The determination unit 120 acquires handwriting input information from the handwriting input reception unit 110. When the determination unit 120 acquires the handwriting input information from the handwriting input reception unit 110, the determination unit 120 refers to the character information storage unit 100 and the selection code related storage unit 102, and the handwriting input information is any character or one of them. It is determined (recognized) whether it corresponds to the section or any of the selection codes (selection codes 901 to 908).

  When the determination unit 120 determines that the handwriting input information corresponds to any character or a part thereof, the determination unit 120 outputs the handwriting input information to the input character extraction unit 130 (handwriting input information acquisition unit 132) and the candidate character output. To the unit 140 (handwriting input information acquisition unit 142). On the other hand, if the determination unit 120 determines that the handwriting input information corresponds to any selection code (selection codes 901 to 908), the selection unit 120 selects a corresponding selection code (any of the selection codes 901 to 908). The code ID (any one of the selection code ID “S01” to the selection code ID “S08”) is supplied to the decision character output unit 160 (the selection code acquisition unit 162).

  The handwriting input information acquisition unit 132 of the input character output unit 130 acquires the handwriting input information from the determination unit 120. When the handwriting input information acquisition unit 132 acquires the handwriting input information from the determination unit 120, the handwriting input information acquisition unit 132 supplies the handwriting input information acquired from the determination unit 120 to the handwriting input information transmission unit 138.

  The handwriting input information transmission unit 138 of the input character output unit 130 acquires the handwriting input information from the handwriting input information acquisition unit 132. When the handwriting input information transmission unit 138 acquires the handwriting input information from the handwriting input information acquisition unit 132, the handwriting input information transmission unit 138 transmits the handwriting input information acquired from the handwriting input information acquisition unit 132 to the output device 30. When the handwriting input information is acquired from the handwriting input information transmitting unit 138, the output device 30 outputs the acquired handwriting input information to the input character output area 32 as an input character.

  The handwriting input information acquisition unit 142 of the candidate character output unit 140 acquires the handwriting input information from the determination unit 120. When the handwriting input information acquisition unit 142 acquires the handwriting input information from the determination unit 120, the handwriting input information acquisition unit 142 supplies the handwriting input information acquired from the determination unit 120 to the candidate character extraction unit 144.

  The candidate character extraction unit 144 of the candidate character output unit 140 acquires handwriting input information from the handwriting input information acquisition unit 142. When the handwriting input information is acquired from the handwriting input information acquisition unit 142, the candidate character extraction unit 144 refers to the character information storage unit 100 and extracts one or more characters (candidate characters). The candidate character extraction unit 144 refers to the extracted information temporary storage unit 141 and determines whether or not the combination of one or more candidate characters extracted this time is the same as the combination of one or more candidate characters extracted last time. If the candidate character extraction unit 144 determines that the combination of one or more candidate characters extracted this time is not the same as the combination of one or more candidate characters extracted last time, the candidate character extraction unit 144 sends the extracted one or more candidate characters to the candidate character transmission unit 148. Supply.

  In addition, when one or more candidate characters are supplied to the candidate character transmission unit 148, the candidate character extraction unit 144 determines the number of candidate characters (hereinafter referred to as “candidate character number”) as the candidate character output unit 150 (selection code acquisition unit). 152). In addition, when one or more candidate characters are supplied to the candidate character transmission unit 148, the candidate character extraction unit 144 is arranged so as to be associated with the selection code IDs corresponding to the number of candidate characters so as to be packed from the younger selection code ID. The above candidate characters are stored in the extracted information temporary storage unit 141, and the selection code output flag associated with all selection code IDs is turned off (non-output). That is, since the combination of candidate characters is different from the previous one, all the selection code output flags are temporarily turned off. As will be described later, the selection code output unit 150 (selection code acquisition unit 152) turns on (outputting) the selection code output flag based on the current combination of candidate characters.

  The candidate character transmission unit 148 of the candidate character output unit 140 acquires one or more candidate characters from the candidate character extraction unit 144. When one or more candidate characters are acquired from the candidate character extraction unit 144, the candidate character transmission unit 148 transmits the one or more candidate characters acquired from the candidate character extraction unit 144 to the output device 30. In addition, when one or more candidate characters are acquired from the candidate character extraction unit 144, the candidate character transmission unit 148 sends a command to the output device 30 to delete the selection code (hereinafter referred to as “selection code deletion command”). Send. This is because the combination of candidate characters is different from the previous one, so that the selected code is once erased. When the output device 30 acquires one or more candidate characters from the candidate character transmission unit 148, the output device 30 outputs the one or more candidate characters to the candidate character output area 34 so as to be packed from the younger output area. Further, when the output device 30 obtains the selection code erasure command from the candidate character transmission unit 148, the output device 30 erases the selection code being output.

  The selection code acquisition unit 152 of the selection code output unit 150 acquires the number of candidate characters from the candidate character output unit 140 (candidate character extraction unit 144). In addition, the selection code acquisition unit 152 acquires a next handwriting input information non-acquisition notification from the time measuring unit 170. When the number of candidate characters is acquired, the selection code acquisition unit 152 refers to the selection code related storage unit 102, acquires selection codes and output area IDs corresponding to the number of candidate characters from the younger selection code ID, and temporarily stores them ( When the selection code and output area ID are reacquired by reacquiring the number of candidate characters, only the selection code and output area ID acquired last are temporarily stored. When the selection code acquisition unit 152 acquires the next handwriting input information non-acquisition notification, the selection code acquisition unit 152 turns on (outputting) the selection code output flag of the extraction information temporary storage unit 141 corresponding to the temporarily stored selection code. In addition, the temporarily stored selection code and output area ID are supplied to the selection code transmission unit 158.

  The selection code transmission unit 158 of the selection code output unit 150 acquires the selection code and the output area ID from the selection code acquisition unit 152. When the selection code transmission unit 158 acquires the selection code and the output area ID from the selection code acquisition unit 152, the selection code transmission unit 158 transmits the selection code and the output area ID acquired from the selection code acquisition unit 152 to the output device 30. In addition, when the output device 30 acquires the selection code and the output area ID from the selection code transmission unit 158, the selection code acquired from the younger output area based on the selection code and the output area ID is selected as a candidate. Output to the character output area 34.

  The selection code acquisition unit 162 of the determined character output unit 160 acquires the selection code ID from the determination unit 120. When the selection code acquisition unit 162 acquires the selection code ID from the determination unit 120, the selection code acquisition unit 162 supplies the selection code ID acquired from the determination unit 120 to the character determination unit 166.

  The character determination unit 166 of the determined character output unit 160 acquires the selection code ID from the selection code acquisition unit 162. When the character determination unit 166 acquires the selection code ID from the selection code acquisition unit 162, the character determination unit 166 refers to the extracted character temporary storage unit 141, and if there is a character (candidate character) associated with the selection code ID, When one candidate character being output is selected by the selection code identified by the selection code ID, the one candidate character (that is, the decision character) is acquired from the extracted character temporary storage unit 141 and the decision character is transmitted. To the unit 168. When the character determining unit 166 supplies the determined character to the determined character transmitting unit 168, the character determining unit 166 deletes all characters (candidate characters) stored in the extracted character temporary storage unit 141 and sets all the selection code output flags. Turn off (no output). As will be described later, when the decision character is output to the output device 30, the candidate character and the selection code are deleted, so that consistency is achieved.

  The determined character transmission unit 168 of the determined character output unit 160 acquires the determined character from the character determination unit 166. When the determined character transmission unit 168 acquires the determined character from the character determination unit 166, the determined character transmission unit 168 transmits the determined character acquired from the character determination unit 166 to the output device 30. In addition, when the determined character transmission unit 168 acquires the determined character from the character determining unit 166, an instruction to delete the input character (hereinafter referred to as “input character deleting command”) and an instruction to delete the candidate character An instruction (hereinafter, “candidate character erasure instruction”) and a selection code erasure instruction are transmitted to the output device 30. When the determined character is acquired from the determined character transmission unit 168, the output device 30 outputs the acquired determined character to the determined character output area 36. Further, when the output device 30 obtains the input character erasure command, the candidate character erasure command, and the selection code erasure command from the determined character transmission unit 168, the output device 30 erases the input character, candidate character, and selection code that are being output.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the character input system 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the character input system 1 shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 starts when the handwriting input reception unit 110 of the main body 10 acquires handwriting input information from the input device 20.

  In FIG. 7, the determination unit 120 acquires handwriting input information from the handwriting input reception unit 110 (step S <b> 100). The timer unit 170 acquires a handwriting input information acquisition notification from the handwriting input receiving unit 110. The timing unit 170 starts timing from the time when the handwriting input information acquisition notification is acquired (step S102). Further, the determination unit 120 refers to the character information storage unit 100 to determine (recognize) whether the handwriting input information acquired from the handwriting input receiving unit 110 corresponds to any character or a part thereof. (Step S105).

  When the determination unit 120 determines that the handwriting input information corresponds to any character or a part thereof (step S105: Yes), the determination unit 120 uses the handwriting input information as the handwriting input information acquisition unit 132. To supply. The handwriting input information acquisition unit 132 supplies the handwriting input information acquired from the determination unit 120 to the handwriting input information transmission unit 138. The handwriting input information transmission unit 138 transmits the handwriting input information acquired from the handwriting input information acquisition unit 132 to the output device 30. The output device 30 outputs the handwriting input information acquired from the handwriting input information transmitting unit 138 as an input character to the input character output area 32 (step S110).

  Furthermore, when the determination unit 120 determines that the handwriting input information is any character or a part thereof (step S105: Yes), the determination unit 120 obtains the handwriting input information. To the unit 142. The handwriting input information acquisition unit 142 supplies the handwriting input information acquired from the determination unit 120 to the candidate character extraction unit 144. The candidate character extraction unit 144 that has acquired the handwriting input information from the handwriting input information acquisition unit 142 refers to the character information storage unit 100 and extracts one or more characters (candidate characters) (step S115). The candidate character extraction unit 144 refers to the extracted information temporary storage unit 141, and determines whether or not the combination of one or more candidate characters extracted this time is the same as the combination of one or more candidate characters extracted last time (step) S120).

  When the candidate character extraction unit 144 determines that the combination of one or more candidate characters extracted this time is not the same as the combination of the one or more candidate characters extracted previously (step S120: No), the candidate character extraction unit 144 extracts The extracted one or more candidate characters are stored in the extracted information temporary storage unit 141 so as to be packed from the youngest selection code ID, and all the selection code output flags are turned off (not output), and the number of candidate characters is selected as the selection code acquisition unit. 152.

  The candidate character extraction unit 144 also supplies the extracted one or more candidate characters to the candidate character transmission unit 148. The candidate character transmission unit 148 that acquired one or more candidate characters from the candidate character extraction unit 144 transmits a selection code erasure command to the output device 30 together with the acquired one or more candidate characters. The output device 30 outputs the one or more candidate characters acquired from the candidate character transmission unit 148 to the candidate character output area 34 so as to be packed from the younger output area (step S125). Further, the output device 30 deletes the selection code being output to the candidate character output area 34 in accordance with the selection code deletion command acquired from the candidate character transmission unit 148 (step S127). If the selection code is not output to the candidate character output area 34, step S127 may be omitted.

  The selection code acquisition unit 152 that acquired the number of candidate characters refers to the selection code related storage unit 102 and acquires selection codes and output area IDs corresponding to the number of candidate characters from the younger selection code ID as a selection code to be newly output. And temporarily store (step S129).

  On the other hand, when the candidate character extraction unit 144 determines that the combination of one or more candidate characters extracted this time is the same as the combination of one or more candidate characters extracted last time (step S120: Yes), step S125, step S127 And step S129 is skipped and it progresses to step S130. If the determination unit 120 determines that the handwriting input information acquired in step S100 does not correspond to any character or part thereof (step S105: No), step S110 to step S129 are skipped and step S130 is performed. Proceed to

  Subsequent to step S105 (No), step S120 (Yes), or step S129, the determination unit 120 refers to the selection code related storage unit 102, and the handwriting input information acquired from the handwriting input reception unit 110 in step S100 is It is determined (recognized) whether any of the selection codes (selection codes 901 to 908) is applicable (step S130).

  When the determination unit 120 determines that the handwriting input information acquired from the handwriting input reception unit 110 corresponds to any selection code (step S130: Yes), the determination unit 120 selects the corresponding selection code (selection code 901). A selection code ID (any one of selection code ID “S01” to selection code ID “S08”) for identifying any of... The selection code acquisition unit 162 supplies the selection code ID acquired from the determination unit 120 to the character determination unit 166. When the character determination unit 166 acquires the selection code ID from the selection code acquisition unit 162, the character determination unit 166 refers to the extracted character temporary storage unit 141 and determines whether there is a character (candidate character) associated with the selection code ID. That is, it is determined whether or not one candidate character being output is selected by the selection code identified by the selection code ID (step S135).

  When the character determination unit 166 determines that one candidate character being output is selected by the selection code identified by the selection code ID acquired from the selection code acquisition unit 162 (step S135: Yes), the character determination unit 166 Acquires the one candidate character (determined character) from the extracted character temporary storage unit 141 and supplies it to the determined character transmission unit 168. In addition, the character determination unit 166 deletes the characters (candidate characters) stored in the extracted character temporary storage unit 141 and turns off (non-outputs) all selection code output flags.

  When the determined character transmitting unit 168 acquires the determined character from the character determining unit 166, the determined character transmitting unit 168 transmits the determined character, the input character erasing command, the candidate character erasing command, and the selection code erasing command to the output device 30. The output device 30 outputs the determined character acquired from the determined character transmission unit 168 to the determined character output area 36 (step S140). Further, the output device 30 erases the input character being output to the input character output area 32 in accordance with the input character erase command acquired from the determined character transmission unit 168 (step S142). Further, the output device 30 erases the candidate character being output to the candidate character output area 34 in accordance with the candidate character erasure command acquired from the determined character transmission unit 168 (step S144). Further, the output device 30 deletes the selection code being output to the candidate character output area 34 in accordance with the selection code deletion command acquired from the determined character transmission unit 168 (step S146).

  On the other hand, when the character determination unit 166 determines that one candidate character being output is not selected by the selection code identified by the selection code ID acquired from the selection code acquisition unit 162 (step S135: No), from the step S140 Step S146 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S150. If the determination unit 120 determines that the handwriting input information acquired from the handwriting input reception unit 110 does not correspond to any selection code (step S130: No), the process skips step S135 to step S146 and performs step S150. Proceed to

  Subsequent to step S130 (No), step S135 (No), or step S146, the timer unit 170 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S150). When the time measuring unit 170 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S150: Yes), that is, when the next handwriting input information acquisition notification is not acquired within the predetermined time, the time measuring unit 170 supplies the next handwriting input information non-acquisition notification to the selection code acquisition unit 152.

  The selection code acquisition unit 152 that has acquired the next letter input information non-acquisition notification refers to the selection code output flag in the extraction information temporary storage unit 141, and determines whether or not the selection code is being output (step S160). ). When the selection code acquisition unit 152 determines that the selection code is not being output (step S160: No), the selection code output flag in the extraction information temporary storage unit 141 corresponding to the selection code temporarily stored in step S129 is set. While being turned on (outputting), the temporarily stored selection code and output area ID are supplied to the selection code transmission 158.

  The selection code transmission unit 158 that has acquired the selection code and the output area ID transmits the selection code and the output area ID acquired from the selection code acquisition unit 152 to the output device 30. When the output device 30 acquires the selection code and the output area ID from the selection code transmission unit 158, based on the selection code and the output area ID, the output device 30 outputs the selection code acquired so as to be packed from the younger output area. It outputs to the area | region 34 (step S170).

  On the other hand, when the time measuring unit 170 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S150: No), the process skips step S160 and step S170 and proceeds to step S180. If the selection code acquisition unit 152 determines that the selection code is being output (step S160: Yes), the process skips step S170 and proceeds to step S180.

  Following step S150 (No), step S160 (Yes), or step S170, the handwriting input receiving unit 110 determines whether or not the next handwriting input information has been acquired from the input device 20 (step S180). When the handwriting input reception unit 110 determines that the next handwriting input information has been acquired from the input device 20 (step S180: Yes), the process returns to step S100.

  On the other hand, when the handwriting input receiving unit 110 determines that the next handwriting input information has not been acquired from the input device 20 (step S180: No), the end instruction receiving unit (not shown) displays the character input system 1. It is determined whether an input for instructing the end of the operation has been received (step S190). When the end instruction receiving unit determines that an input for instructing the end of the operation of the character input system 1 is not received (step S190: No), the process returns to step S150. On the other hand, when the end instruction receiving unit determines that an input for instructing the end of the operation of the character input system 1 has been received (step S190: Yes), this flowchart ends.

  Supplementing the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of contents input to the input device 20. 10 to 13 are diagrams illustrating an example of output contents of the output device 30. FIG. When the user performs handwriting input as shown in FIG. 8A from a state where nothing is written in the input device 20 (a state where nothing is output to the output device 30) (actually, the dotted line portion is not displayed). 8 (b) and FIG. 9), the determination unit 120 receives the handwriting input information corresponding to the handwriting input in FIG. 8 (a) via the handwriting input receiving unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as “handwriting input information”). A ”) is acquired (step S100). The timekeeping unit 170 that has acquired the handwriting input information acquisition notification from the handwriting input reception unit 110 starts counting from the time of acquisition of the handwriting input information acquisition notification (step S102).

  The determination unit 120 determines that the handwriting input information A corresponds to a part of the character “mouth” or the like (step S <b> 105: Yes), and supplies the handwriting input information A to the handwriting input information acquisition unit 132. Thereby, the output device 30 outputs the handwriting input information A as an input character to the input character output area 32 as shown in FIG. 10A (step S110).

  Further, the determination unit 120 supplies the handwriting input information A to the handwriting input information acquisition unit 142. Thereby, the candidate character extraction unit 144 extracts the candidate characters “mouth”, “times”, “country”, “field”, “figure”, and “en” (step S115). The candidate character extraction unit 144 then determines that the combination of the candidate characters “mouth”, “times”, “country”, “field”, “figure”, and “en” extracted this time is not the same as the combination of one or more candidate characters extracted last time (this time (It is not the same because it is the first extraction) (step S120: No), the candidate character number “6” is supplied to the selection code acquisition unit 152, and the candidate characters “mouth” “times” “country” “field” “figure” ”“ En ”is supplied to the candidate character transmission unit 148, and the candidate characters“ mouth ”,“ times ”,“ country ”,“ field ”,“ figure ”,“ en ”are arranged so as to be packed from the younger selection code ID as shown in FIG. Are stored in the extracted information temporary storage unit 141, and all selection code output flags are turned off (not output).

  Candidate character transmission unit 148 transmits the selection code erasure command to output device 30 together with candidate characters “mouth”, “times”, “country”, “field”, “figure”, and “enclosed” acquired from candidate character extraction unit 144. As a result, the output device 30, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), stuffs the candidate character output area 34 from the younger one of the output areas, so that the candidate characters “mouth” “times” “country” “field” “field” The figure “Ground” is output (step S125).

  The selection code acquisition unit 152 that acquired the number of candidate characters “6” refers to the selection code related storage unit 102 and selects the selection codes 901 to 906 and the output area ID that are the number of candidate characters “6” from the youngest selection code ID. “A01 to A06” are acquired and temporarily stored (step S129).

  When it is determined that the measured time has passed the predetermined time (step S150: Yes), the time measuring unit 170 supplies the next handwriting input information non-acquisition notification to the selection code acquiring unit 152. The selection code acquisition unit 152 that has acquired the next letter input information non-acquisition notification determines that the selection code is not being output (step S160: No), and as shown in FIG. The selection code output flag of the extraction information temporary storage unit 141 corresponding to 906 is turned on (outputting), and the selection codes 901 to 906 and the output area IDs “A01 to A06” temporarily stored are selected code transmission units 158. As a result, the output device 30 outputs the selection codes 901 to 906 so that the character output area 34 is packed from the younger output area as shown in FIG. 11A (step S170).

  Subsequently, when the user performs handwriting input as shown in FIG. 8B (actually, it is an input of one horizontal line following FIG. 8A, but for the sake of explanation, the input content of FIG. 8A) The determination unit 120 also provides handwriting input information corresponding to the handwriting input in FIG. 8B (hereinafter referred to as “handwriting input information B”) via the handwriting input receiving unit 110. (Step S180: Yes, Step S100). The timekeeping unit 170 that has acquired the handwriting input information acquisition notification from the handwriting input reception unit 110 starts counting from the time of acquisition of the handwriting input information acquisition notification (step S102).

  The determination unit 120 determines that the handwriting input information B corresponds to a part of the character “times” or the like (step S105: Yes), and supplies the handwriting input information B to the handwriting input information acquisition unit 132. As a result, the output device 30 outputs the handwriting input information B as input characters to the input character output area 32 as shown in FIG. 11B (step S110). Note that the output contents of FIG. 11B can be output due to the structure of this flowchart, but even if displayed, the timing is very short, or is not actually displayed (from FIG. 11A to FIG. 11). (B) is skipped and the screen is switched to FIG.

  Further, the determination unit 120 supplies the handwriting input information B to the handwriting input information acquisition unit 142. Thereby, the candidate character extraction unit 144 extracts the candidate characters “times”, “country”, and “en” (step S115). The candidate character extraction unit 144 then combines the combination of the candidate characters “times”, “country”, “go” extracted this time with the candidate characters “mouth”, “turn”, “country”, “field”, “figure”, “go”. (No in step S120), the number of candidate characters “3” is supplied to the selection code acquisition unit 152, and the candidate characters “times”, “country”, and “en” are supplied to the candidate character transmission unit 148 and selected. The candidate characters “times”, “country”, and “en” are stored in the extracted information temporary storage unit 141 so as to be packed from the code ID with the younger one, and all selected code output flags are turned off (non-output).

  The candidate character transmission unit 148 transmits the selection code erasure command to the output device 30 together with the candidate characters “times”, “country”, and “en” acquired from the candidate character extraction unit 144. As a result, the output device 30 outputs the candidate characters “times”, “country”, and “en” in the candidate character output area 34 from the younger output area as shown in FIG. In step S125, the selection codes 901 to 906 being output to the candidate character output area 34 are deleted (step S127).

  The selection code acquisition unit 152 that acquired the number of candidate characters “3” refers to the selection code related storage unit 102 and selects the selection codes 901 to 903 and the output area ID that are the number of candidate characters “3” from the youngest selection code ID. “A01 to A03” are acquired and temporarily stored (step S129).

  When it is determined that the measured time has passed the predetermined time (step S150: Yes), the time measuring unit 170 supplies the next handwriting input information non-acquisition notification to the selection code acquiring unit 152. The selection code acquisition unit 152 that acquired the next handwriting input information non-acquisition notification determines that the selection code is not being output (step S160: No), and temporarily extracts extracted information corresponding to the temporarily stored selection codes 901 to 903. While the selection code output flag in the storage unit 141 is turned on (outputting), the temporarily stored selection codes 901 to 903 and the output area IDs “A01 to A03” are supplied to the selection code transmission 158. As a result, the output device 30 outputs the selection codes 901 to 903 so that the character output area 34 is packed from the younger output area as shown in FIG. 12B (step S170).

  Subsequently, when the user performs handwriting input as illustrated in FIG. 9, the determination unit 120 passes the handwriting input information corresponding to the handwriting input illustrated in FIG. Input information C ”) (step S180: Yes, step S100).

  The determination unit 120 determines that the handwriting input information C does not correspond to a part of a character or the like (step S105: No), and determines that the handwriting input information C corresponds to the selection code 903 (step S130: Yes). The determination unit 120 supplies the selection code acquisition unit 162 with a selection code ID “S03” for identifying the corresponding selection code 903. The selection code acquisition unit 162 supplies the selection code ID “S03” to the character determination unit 166. The character determination unit 166 determines that one candidate character “enclosed” being output is selected by the selection code identified by the selection code ID “S03” (step S135: Yes), and stores it in the extracted character temporary storage unit 141. The selected candidate characters are deleted, and all selection code outputting flags are turned off (non-output).

  In addition, the character determining unit 166 acquires the candidate character (that is, the determined character) “enclosed” from the extracted character temporary storage unit 141 and supplies it to the determined character transmitting unit 168. The determined character transmitting unit 168 that has acquired the determined character from the character determining unit 166 transmits the determined character “enclosed”, the input character erasing command, the candidate character erasing command, and the selection code erasing command to the output device 30. As a result, the output device 30 outputs the determined character “enclosed” to the determined character output area 36 as shown in FIG. 13 (step S140), and erases the input character being output to the input character output area 32 (step S142). ), The candidate characters “times”, “country” and “en” being output to the candidate character output area 34 are deleted (step S144), and the selection codes 901 to 903 being output to the candidate character output area 34 are deleted (step S146). ).

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, even if a predetermined time has elapsed after the candidate character is output, that is, before the selection code is output, the candidate character is input by inputting the selection code. (Determined character) can be selected. Whether or not the selection code is output is reflected in the selection code output flag in the extracted character temporary storage unit 141, but the selection of the candidate character refers to the character (candidate character) in the extracted character temporary storage unit 141. . That is, even if the selection code output flag is off (not displayed), the candidate character can be selected. Thereby, in the case of a user who fully understands the correspondence between each output area and the selection code to be input, the candidate character can be selected without waiting for the output of the selection code.

  Hereinafter, supplementary explanations regarding selection codes will be made. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the selection code. Although the selection code has been described as stylized character (font) or image (still image or moving image) data, when the selection code 901 (the same applies to the selection codes 902 to 908) is a moving image, FIG. As shown in a) to FIG. 14 (e), it may be moving image data (for example, a moving image GIF file) that initially shows a part of a selection code and gradually shows the whole. Moreover, after showing the whole, you may operate | move from the beginning again (it returns to Fig.14 (a) after Fig.14 (e)). Thereby, the selection code can be impressed by the user.

  As described above, according to the character input system 1, the user does not pay attention to the screen (the input device 20 and the output device 30), and the character or character is placed at an appropriate position in the handwriting input reception area 22 of the screen (the input device 20). A part of the character is input by handwriting, and the candidate character displayed on the screen (output device 30) as a result of the handwriting input is placed at an appropriate position in the handwriting input reception area 22 on the screen (input device 20). The selection code can be selected by handwriting input. That is, the user determines a character from handwritten character input without gazing at the screen (the input device 20 and the output device 30) in an inappropriate gazing environment such as a usage environment of a car navigation device during driving. Will be able to do.

  Moreover, since the input device 20 and the output device 30 are separate bodies in the character input system 1, the input device 20 is arranged at a position where a user can easily input characters and selection codes, and the output device 30 is easy to see. Can be placed in position. As a result, it is inconvenient for the user to perform an input operation in a normal posture when viewing the screen (output device 30) (hereinafter referred to as “normal posture operation inconvenient environment”. For example, when driving) In the use environment of the car navigation apparatus), the input device 20 arranged at hand allows a handwritten input with a normal posture.

  In the above embodiment, a selection code in which arithmetic numbers are drawn in a substantially circular arrow is used, but the outer shape of the selection code is not limited to this. What is necessary is not to be the outline used as a character or a part thereof, and can be understood intuitively by the user in selecting a candidate character.

  In the above embodiment, the selection code is output to the output areas of the candidate character output area 34 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the candidate character is output. A mode of outputting simultaneously may be used. However, when outputting with a time difference rather than simultaneously outputting, it is advantageous in that a selection code can be presented after impressing a candidate character to the user.

  In the above embodiment, the candidate character and the selection code are output one by one in each output area of the candidate character output area 34. However, only the candidate character is output one by one in each output area. An aspect may be sufficient. This is because the output of the selection code is useless for a user who fully understands the correspondence between each output area and the selection code to be input.

  In the above embodiment, the main body 10, the input device 20, and the output device 30 are separate from each other in the character input system 1, but only the input device 20 is separate and the main body 10 and the output device 30 are in the same housing. It may be a body. Even when only the input device 20 is separated, the user can perform from handwritten character input to character determination without gazing at the screen in an inappropriate gaze environment. . In addition, the user can perform handwriting input in a normal posture with the input device 20 arranged at hand in a normal posture operation inconvenient environment.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the character input system 1 has the main body 10, the input device 20, and the output device 30 as separate bodies, but the main body 10, the input device 20, and the output device 30 may be the same casing. . Even when the main body 10, the input device 20, and the output device 30 are in the same casing, the user can perform input from handwritten character input to character determination without gazing at the screen in an inappropriate gazing environment. Will be able to do.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the candidate character output area 34 is comprised from eight output areas (1st output area-8th output area), the number of output areas is not limited to this. When the candidate character output area 34 is composed of n output areas, the selection code related storage unit 102 stores n selection codes.

  In addition, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the character input system which is embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the candidate character output area of an output device. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the main body shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in a character information storage part. It is a figure which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in a selection code related storage part. It is a figure which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in an extracted character temporary storage part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the character input system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the input content to an input device. It is a figure which shows an example of the input content to an input device. It is a figure which shows an example of the output content of an output device. It is a figure which shows an example of the output content of an output device. It is a figure which shows an example of the output content of an output device. It is a figure which shows an example of the output content of an output device. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of a selection code.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Character input system 5 Cable 10 Main body 20 Input device 22 Handwritten input reception area 30 Output device 32 Input character output area 34 Candidate character output area 36 Decided character output area 100 Character information storage part 102 Selection code related storage part 110 Handwritten input reception Part 120 determination part 130 input character output part 132 handwritten input information acquisition part 138 handwritten input information transmission part 140 candidate character output part 141 extracted character temporary storage part 142 handwritten input information acquisition part 144 candidate character extraction part 148 candidate character transmission Unit 150 Selection Code Output Unit 152 Selection Code Acquisition Unit 158 Selection Code Transmission Unit 160 Determination Character Output Unit 162 Selection Code Acquisition Unit 166 Character Determination Unit 168 Determination Character Transmission Unit 170 Timekeeping Unit

Claims (6)

An handwriting input receiving area for receiving handwritten input from a user, an input device for acquiring handwriting input information via the handwriting input receiving area, and one or more candidate characters are extracted based on the handwriting input information A main body that determines one candidate character selected from the one or more candidate characters as a determined character, a candidate character output area that outputs the one or more candidate characters, and a determined character that outputs the determined character A character input system comprising an output device having an output area,
The main body has a determination unit that determines whether the handwriting input information acquired by the input device is a character or a part of a character or a selection code for selecting the one candidate character;
A candidate character output unit that extracts one or more candidate characters based on the handwriting input information determined to be a character or a part of a character by the determination unit and outputs the extracted character to the candidate character output region of the output device; ,
The one candidate character out of the one or more candidate characters output to the candidate character output area of the output device based on the handwriting input information determined to be the selection code by the determination unit A character input system comprising: a determined character output unit that determines the determined character as the determined character and outputs the determined character to the determined character output area of the output device.   The main body further includes a selection code output unit that outputs the selection code for selecting each of the one or more candidate characters output by the candidate character output unit to the candidate character output region of the output device. The character input system according to claim 1.   The character input system according to claim 2, wherein the selection code output unit outputs the selection code by animation.   The selection code output unit inputs the next handwriting input information within a predetermined time after the one or more candidate characters are output to the candidate character output area of the output device by the candidate character output unit. 3. The character according to claim 2, wherein, when the character is not acquired by the device, the selection code for selecting each of the one or more candidate characters is output to the candidate character output area of the output device. Input system. A handwriting input reception area for receiving handwritten input from a user, a candidate character output area for outputting one or more candidate characters based on handwritten input information, and a selection from the one or more candidate characters by the user A character input device including a determined character output area for outputting the one candidate character as a determined character,
A handwriting input information acquisition unit for acquiring the handwriting input information via the handwriting input reception area;
A determination unit that determines whether the handwriting input information acquired by the handwriting input information acquisition unit is a character or a part of a character, or a selection code for selecting the one candidate character;
A candidate character output unit that extracts one or more candidate characters based on the handwriting input information determined to be a character or part of a character by the determination unit, and outputs the extracted character character to the candidate character output region;
Based on the handwriting input information determined to be the selection code by the determination unit, the one candidate character is selected from the one or more candidate characters output to the candidate character output area as the determined character. And a determined character output unit that outputs to the determined character output area. A character input method for outputting one or more candidate characters based on handwriting input information handwritten by a user and determining one candidate character selected by the user from the one or more candidate characters as a determined character. There,
A handwriting input information acquisition step for acquiring the handwriting input information;
A determination step of determining whether the handwriting input information acquired by the handwriting input information acquisition step is a character or a part of a character or a selection code for selecting the one candidate character;
A candidate character extraction step of extracting one or more candidate characters based on the handwriting input information determined to be a character or a part of a character by the determination step;
A candidate character output step for outputting the one or more candidate characters extracted by the candidate character extraction step;
Based on the handwriting input information determined to be the selection code by the determination step, the one candidate character as the determined character from the one or more candidate characters output by the candidate character output step A character input method comprising: a determined character determination step for determining.

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