JP2009276920A - Mobile terminal, character string delivery method and character string delivery program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile terminal, a character string delivery method and a character string delivery program, allowing easy delivery of a character string in a first-class application to a second-class application without ending the first-class application, in the mobile terminal. <P>SOLUTION: When the first-class application is a browsing application, this mobile terminal receives input of a starting instruction of the second-class application when a browsing screen is displayed (YES in step SA6). Character strings inside the browsing screen are displayed on a character-selecting screen based on a character conversion program (step SA10). The mobile terminal temporarily stores the character string selected inside the displayed character-selecting screen (step SA16), and starts the second-class application in a state that the temporarily stored character string is stuck to a specific area in a specific screen corresponding to the second-class application (steps SA18, 22). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable terminal, a character string delivery method, and a character string delivery program. In particular, in a portable terminal equipped with an FEP (Front End Processor) function, a character string is passed from a first type application to a second type application. The present invention relates to a portable terminal, a character string delivery method, and a character string delivery program that can activate a second type application without ending the first type application.

  In order to copy a character string on a portable terminal, many use an FEP application. The FEP application generally represents Japanese input software (kana-kanji conversion software), and has a function of restricting character strings that can be copied, so that it also functions from the viewpoint of copyright protection. It is used in many mobile devices because it is easy to specify the copy range.

Patent Document 1 is a conventional technique for simplifying a user's input operation in a portable terminal equipped with this FEP application function. This prior art improves the operability of cursor movement at the time of copying and pasting when inputting characters, and improves the usability by reducing the key operations associated with cursor movement and copy range selection.
JP 2002-290543 A

  However, in the portable terminal that performs character input and input character copy and paste within the FEP application, even if the operability is improved, the character string copied on the first type application is eventually changed to the second type. When transferring to the application, there is no change in that the only method is to once terminate the first type application and start the FEP application again on the second type application.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. The object of the present invention is to easily perform character strings in the first type application on the portable terminal without terminating the first type application. To provide a portable terminal, a character string delivery method, and a character string delivery program that can be passed to a second type of application.

  A portable terminal according to an aspect of the present invention includes an input unit for receiving an instruction from a user, a display unit for displaying a character string, a character conversion program for performing a character string conversion process, and a character conversion program In the processing of each of the first type and second type applications, the program storage means for storing the first type and second type applications that can use the character string, and the character string conversion process according to the character conversion program Conversion processing means, and temporary storage means for temporarily storing a character string to be delivered during processing by the conversion processing means. The conversion processing means includes a first type corresponding to the first type of application. When the screen is displayed, if a start instruction for the second type application is received, the specified character string in the first screen is temporarily displayed. Application control means for activating the second type application in a state in which the character string recorded in the memory means and stored in the temporary storage means is pasted to a specific area on the second screen corresponding to the second type application. Further prepare.

  Preferably, the first type application includes a browsing application, the first screen includes a browsing screen, and the conversion processing unit converts the character string in the browsing screen into a character conversion program when receiving the activation instruction. A means for displaying on the character selection screen, a means for accepting the selection of the character string from the user in the displayed character selection screen, and the character string selected in the character selection screen as the specified character string. And means for recording in the temporary storage means.

  Preferably, the first type of application includes a character input application, the first screen includes a character input screen based on a character conversion program, and the conversion processing means receives a message from the user when the character input screen is displayed. When a start instruction is received when the character input screen is displayed and the character input screen is displayed, the selected character string is selected from the character strings in the character input screen. And means for recording in a temporary storage means as a column.

Preferably, the character string in the selected state includes an input character in the unconfirmed state.
Preferably, the apparatus further includes conversion dictionary storage means for storing conversion candidates for the input character, and the character string in the selected state includes a character string of the conversion candidate in an indeterminate state for the input character.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes screen returning means for returning to the screen before the second screen is displayed when a predetermined instruction is input in a state where the second screen is displayed.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes activation determination means for determining an initial screen mode of the character conversion program based on the type of the first type application.

  A character string delivery method according to another aspect of the present invention is a character string delivery method for delivering a character string of a first type application that is a browsing application to a second type application that is a character input application. When the browsing screen corresponding to one type of application is displayed, the step of accepting the input of the activation instruction for the second type of application and the character string in the browsing screen when the activation instruction is accepted are converted into characters. A step of displaying on the screen for character selection based on the program; a step of accepting selection of the character string in the displayed screen for character selection; a step of temporarily storing the selected character string; and a character string temporarily stored Is pasted to a specific area on a specific screen corresponding to the second type application, and the second type application And a step of activating a down.

  A character string delivery method according to another aspect of the present invention is a character string delivery method for delivering a character string of a first type character input application to a second type character input application. When the character input screen based on the character conversion program corresponding to the application is displayed, the character accepting step for accepting the character input from the user and the input of the start instruction when the character input screen is displayed A step of accepting, a step of temporarily storing a character string in a selected state among character strings in the character input screen when accepting an activation instruction, and the character string temporarily stored in the second type character input application And a step of activating a second type character input application in a state of being pasted to a specific area on the corresponding character input screen.

  Preferably, the method further comprises a step of displaying a plurality of conversion candidates for the input character according to the character conversion program on the character input screen, and the selected character string includes one of the plurality of conversion candidates.

  A character string delivery program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute any one of the character string delivery methods described above.

  According to the present invention, the character string in the first type application can be transferred to the second type application with a simple operation without ending the first type application.

  As a result, even with a portable terminal having a small display area, the user can use the character string in the first type application within the second type application with a simple operation.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

  The portable terminal in this embodiment is equipped with an FEP application. The FEP application is a character conversion program for performing character string conversion processing, and generally represents Japanese input software (kana-kanji conversion software), and enables character input, conversion, copying, and the like. . That is, the portable terminal of the present invention inputs a character string of the second character type by converting a character string of the first character type (for example, kana character) into a character string of the second character type (for example, kanji). Can do. Note that the character conversion program is not necessarily limited to one that performs conversion processing of a Japanese character string, and may be one that performs conversion processing of a character string of another language (for example, Chinese).

  In the present embodiment, the “character string” may be one or more characters, and includes characters (kana characters, alphabets, etc.), numbers, symbols, emoticons (emoticons), etc. for representing each language. Further, the “character string” may include an image such as a pictograph.

  Further, the application does not necessarily support conversion into Japanese only, but also supports input of alphabets, symbols, pictograms, and the like. Pictographs and symbols are stored in a predetermined storage area handled by the FEP application.

  As described above, the FEP application has a function of restricting a character string that can be copied, so that it functions from the viewpoint of copyright protection, and also from the aspect of operability that it is easy to specify a copy range of the character string. Used in many mobile devices.

  Here, prior to detailed description of the mobile phone in the present embodiment, the role of the FEP application will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition when a term is searched using a dictionary application.

  Referring to FIG. 17, screen 200 is an example of an initial screen (a standby screen for a character input instruction) when dictionary application AP3 is activated. The screen 200 shows a state where the text input box 2001 is currently focused. When the enter key is pressed in this state, the FEP application is activated and a character input enabled state as shown on the screen 201 is entered. A screen capable of inputting, converting, copying, and the like based on the FEP application AP4, such as the screen 201, is hereinafter also referred to as a “character input screen”.

  Next, when the character input operation is completed in the character input screen 201, as shown in the screen 202, the screen of the dictionary application that has received the input character is displayed. Specifically, the screen 202 shows an example in which a character string input by the FEP application is displayed (pasted) in the text input box 2001 on the dictionary application screen.

  As described above, in a portable terminal in which restrictions on the display area and the storage area are limited, in a character input application that requires character input, starting an FEP application at the time of character input has become the mainstream. In addition to character input, in applications that handle character strings (for example, browsing applications such as a mail browsing application), generally, when a copy instruction is input, an FEP application is started.

  Next, a procedure in a case where a character string in the first type application is used by passing it to the second type application in a general portable terminal equipped with an FEP application will be briefly described.

  Assume that the user wants to use a character string in the mail by passing it to the dictionary application, for example, while the mail browsing application is running. In this case, first, when the user inputs a copy instruction while starting the browsing application, the FEP application is started and a character selection screen is displayed. When the user selects a desired character string from the character strings in the displayable range of the screen (designation of the first character and end character), the selected character string is stored in the copy buffer (system clipboard). The user closes the mail browsing application, starts the dictionary application, and then pastes the copied character string while focusing on the search character area (area for entering the search character) on the dictionary application screen. Instruct. That is, the dictionary application receives the character string stored in the copy buffer and pastes it into the search character area.

  As described above, when a character string is transferred from one application to another application, a plurality of operations by the user are required.

  There are already mobile terminals with a function called multi-assistant that can start multiple applications at the same time. However, both applications have FEP to handle character strings. There is no change in starting the application. That is, when an attempt is made to pass a character string to another application using the FEP application function, the FEP application is activated while the mail browsing application is activated, and the character string selected in the FEP application is temporarily copied to the copy buffer. Then, the dictionary application is activated while the mail browsing application is activated by the multi-assistant function. Thereafter, it is necessary to start the FEP application again in the dictionary application and paste the character string stored in the copy buffer.

  In contrast, the portable terminal according to the present embodiment uses such an FEP application, which is an indispensable application for handling character strings, to exchange characters between different applications with a simple operation. be able to. Below, the portable terminal in this Embodiment is demonstrated in detail.

  Note that it is assumed that the application (first type application) that delivers characters is either a mail browsing application or a mail creation application, and the application that receives characters (second type application) is a dictionary application. explain.

<Appearance and configuration>
The mobile terminal in the present embodiment is, for example, a mobile phone, and can create and transmit an e-mail or receive and view an e-mail.

(appearance)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of a mobile terminal 1 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, mobile terminal 1 includes antenna 7, display unit 12, speaker 19 for outputting sound, microphone 24 for inputting sound, and input for receiving an instruction input from the user. The unit 22 is provided. The mobile terminal 1 is not limited to a mobile phone, and may be a mobile computer such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) as long as it is a portable device.

  The display unit 12 is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electro Luminescence), and reads a timely state (outgoing / incoming, battery overtime, received intensity) from the storage unit 112 described later. The dial data and various images including moving images and character information are visually shown.

  The input unit 22 uses various settings and various functions such as switching of a plurality of keys, that is, keys used for outgoing / incoming calls and e-mail creation, alarm notification, incoming call notification method (audible sound / light emission / vibrator / no notification), etc. It has a function key to do. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a direction key 221, a determination key 222, an off-hook key 223 for accepting a call origination operation, and an on-hook key 224 for accepting an instruction to end a call end operation or processing. For example, a clear key 225, a character key 226, and soft keys 22A, B, C, and D are included. The on-hook key 224 is also assigned a function for switching the power ON / OFF when the key is pressed for a long time. Therefore, in the following description, the key is also referred to as “power key”.

  The direction key 221 includes an up / down / left / right direction indicating unit. The up-and-down direction indicating unit is used, for example, for selection of conversion candidates described later.

  The character key 226 is a key for inputting characters such as kana characters (first character type), numbers, and alphabets, and includes a numeric keypad, an asterisk (“*”) key, and a sharp (“#”) key.

In addition to numerals, kana characters (first character type), symbol characters, alphabets, and the like are assigned to each numeric keypad. For example, the key “1” includes the number “1”, a line of kana characters (Japanese vowels: “a” (a), “i” (i), “u” (u), “e”) ] (E), "o" (o)), and symbols "." And "@" are assigned. In addition, the key “2” includes the number “2”, kana character kana (consonant “k” + vowel: “ka” (ka), “ki” (ki), “ku” (ku), “ "Ke", "ko" (ko)), alphabets "A", "B", "C", etc. are assigned. It is assumed that characters that can be input by pressing a key are set in advance for each input mode. The input characters are cyclically switched depending on the number of key presses.

  The symbol “*” is assigned to the asterisk key. The asterisk key is further assigned a function for adding a muddy sound to a kana character or switching between uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet being input.

  The symbol “#” is assigned to the sharp key. The sharp key is further assigned a function for inserting a line feed during character input.

The key configuration is not limited.
(Hardware configuration)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, in addition to the above-described configuration, mobile terminal 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 41 for temporarily storing various data, a program and data in advance. ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, nonvolatile memory such as flash memory 43, antenna 7, wireless unit 37, communication control unit 36, audio signal processing unit 38, and reproduction circuit 18 The timer unit 25 for performing the timer operation and the access unit 26 are provided.

  The CPU 30 controls each part of the portable terminal according to a control program and control data stored in the ROM 42 and / or the flash memory 43. Specifically, the CPU 30 can control each unit in response to a request from the user through the input unit 22, read an application program from the ROM 42 and / or the flash memory 43, and selectively execute the application program.

  The wireless unit 37 has a modulation / demodulation function. The communication control unit 36 performs wireless communication control via the antenna 7 and the wireless unit 37.

  The audio signal processing unit 38 performs signal processing on the audio from the microphone 24. The reproduction circuit 18 performs signal reproduction processing for outputting sound or the like to the speaker 19. The access unit 26 reads and records data and programs recorded on the removable recording medium 26A.

(Functional configuration)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the mobile terminal 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, mobile terminal 1 includes antenna 7, display unit 12, input unit 22, wireless communication unit 120, input / output control unit 102, application control unit 104, FEP control unit 105, FEP activation determination unit 106, An FEP processing unit 108, a storage unit 112, a first character string storage unit 116, a second character string storage unit 118, and a character conversion dictionary 114 are included. The FEP control unit 105 includes an FEP activation determination unit 106 and an FEP processing unit 108.

  The wireless communication unit 120 includes the communication control unit 36 and the wireless unit 37. The wireless communication unit 120 communicates wirelessly with a base station via a mobile communication network, and can receive communication services such as calls and data communication while moving. I can do it. Further, communication data such as e-mail can be transmitted and received via the antenna 7.

  As a communication method of the portable terminal 1, for example, an FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access) method, a TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) method, a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) method, a W-CDMA method, a PHS (Personal Handyphone) System) method. The portable terminal 1 can be equipped with functions such as a digital camera function, an application software execution function, or a GPS (Global Positioning System) function.

  An example of the data structure of the storage unit 112 is shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 4, storage unit 112 includes a program storage area 112A for storing an application program, an email storage area 112B for storing an email received by wireless communication unit 120, and a plurality of dictionary data (for example, A dictionary data storage area 112C for storing a Japanese dictionary, a Japanese-English dictionary, and the like.

  The program storage area 112A includes at least a mail browsing application AP1 for reading and displaying the e-mail stored in the e-mail storage area 112B, and a mail creating application AP2 for creating an e-mail and sending / receiving the created mail. The dictionary application AP3 and the FEP application AP4 for searching and displaying the meaning of the input character using the dictionary data stored in the dictionary data storage area 112C are stored.

  In addition to these, the storage unit 112 stores various setting information, control data, phone book data, e-mail addresses, images, music, and the like. In the program storage area 112A, a moving image reproduction program for reproducing and outputting moving image data, a melody editing program for creating and setting incoming melody data, a music reproduction program for reproducing music based on a music data file, conversation, and the like A voice recorder program or the like for performing recording and reproduction may be further stored.

  The storage unit 112 is an area included in the flash memory 43, for example. A part of the data and the program may be stored in the ROM 42 in advance.

  The character conversion dictionary 114 stores input characters (kana characters) and conversion candidate characters (for example, kanji mixed characters) in association with each other. The character conversion dictionary 114 is included in the ROM 42, for example. The data structure of the character conversion dictionary 114 is not particularly limited.

  The input / output control unit 102 is connected to the input unit 22 and the display unit 12 and determines an instruction from the user and controls display on the display unit 12. Specifically, menus and submenus are displayed on the display unit 12, and various commands are received from the user through these menus.

  The application control unit 104 receives an output signal from the input / output control unit 102, and starts and ends the applications AP1, AP2, and AP3. The application control unit 104 pastes the character string stored in the first character string storage unit 116 to the specific area (for example, the search character area) on the character input screen corresponding to the dictionary application, and then stores the second type. Start the application. The specific area for pasting the character string may be determined in advance or may be specified by the user.

  The function of the application control unit 104 is realized by the middleware of the CPU 30, for example. The middleware is intermediate software that enters between an OS (Operating System) and application software, and performs various procedures and procedures requested by the OS in place of various processes requested by the application.

  The FEP control unit 105 performs activation of the FEP application and control based on the FEP application in accordance with output information from the input / output control unit 102.

  The FEP activation determination unit 106 determines whether the FEP application AP4 is activated in the read-only mode or the editable mode. That is, it is determined whether the initial screen of the FEP application AP4 is a character input screen or a character selection screen.

  The FEP processing unit 108 performs character string conversion processing in accordance with the FEP application AP4 in each processing of the applications AP1, AP2, and AP3. That is, the operation signal input by the input unit 22 is acquired as an input character, and the acquired input character is converted with reference to the character conversion dictionary 114 and output as a converted character (conversion candidate).

  In the present embodiment, when the FEP processing unit 108 receives an activation instruction for the dictionary application AP3 when the browsing screen corresponding to the mail browsing application AP1 is displayed, the FEP processing unit 108 specifies the character string specified in the browsing screen. Is recorded in the first character string storage unit 116. The character string stored in the first character string storage unit 116 is selected by the user on the character selection screen based on the FEP application AP4.

  When the FEP processing unit 108 receives a start instruction for the dictionary application AP3 when a character input screen based on the FEP application AP4 corresponding to the mail creation application AP2 is displayed, the FEP processing unit 108 Among these, the selected character string is recorded in the first character string storage unit 116.

  The “selected character string” includes an input character in an undetermined state and a character string of conversion candidates in an undetermined state for the input character.

  The first character string storage unit 116 temporarily stores a character string to be delivered. More specifically, character data in a designated copy range is temporarily stored as copy data during processing by the FEP processing unit 108. The first character string storage unit 116 may hold the previous copy data until a new copy instruction is input. The first character string storage unit 116 also holds the determination result of the FEP activation determination unit 106. The first character string storage unit 116 is a partial area included in the RAM 41. The partial area may be a predetermined area of the RAM 41 or an area secured by the CPU 30 each time.

  The second character string storage unit 118 corresponds to a working area of an application other than the FEP application AP4, and represents a partial area of the RAM 41 other than the first character string storage unit 116.

  Commands accepted from the input unit 22 include “copy” and “paste”. When the “copy” command is received from the user, the input / output control unit 102 notifies the FEP control unit 105 (FEP processing unit 108) to that effect. Thereby, the FEP processing unit 108 performs control to record the designated character string in the first character string storage unit 116.

  The FEP control unit 105 (including the FEP activation determination unit 106 and the FEP processing unit 108), the character conversion dictionary DB 114, and the first character string storage unit 116 represent the functions of the FEP application AP4 and constitute the FEP application system 130. To do.

  The operation of the input / output control unit 102, application control unit 104, FEP control unit 105, FEP activation determination unit 106, and FEP processing unit 108 is executed by the CPU 30 executing software stored in the ROM 42 and / or the flash memory 43. By doing so, at least one of them may be realized by hardware.

<About operation>
Next, the operation of the mobile terminal 1 in the present embodiment will be described. For ease of explanation, the operation when handing over the character string from the first type application to the second type application (hereinafter referred to as “character string passing process”), and the character in the second type application The operation after the column has been handed over (hereinafter referred to as “screen return processing”) will be described separately. In each description, the operation will be described for each type of the first type application (the application on the character string passing side).

(1) Character string delivery process When the character string of the mail viewing application AP1 is delivered to the dictionary application AP3, the first character string delivery process is performed, and the input character string selected in the mail creation application AP2 is delivered. A case where the conversion candidate of the selected state in the mail creation application AP2 is delivered is described as a “third character string delivery process”.

A) First Character String Delivery Process First, using FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the first character string delivery process, that is, the character string of the mail viewing application AP1 is transmitted to the dictionary application AP3 via the FEP application AP4. A character string delivery process in the case where the application AP3 is started up after being delivered to will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the first character string delivery process. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition when the first character string delivery process is executed.

  Referring to FIG. 5, based on the input signal received from input unit 22, application control unit 104 activates mail browsing application AP1 (step SA2). This operation can be performed when the user operates the input unit 22 and selects the mail browsing function from the menu of the mobile terminal 1.

  Next, the input / output control unit 102 causes the display unit 12 to display a mail browsing screen of the mail browsing application AP1 activated by the application control unit 104 (step SA4). The mail browsing screen is shown, for example, on a screen 300 in FIG. When the user designates a mail to be browsed, the mail browsing application AP1 reads the character string data of the corresponding mail from the electronic mail storage area 112B of the storage unit 112, and stores it in its working area in the second character string storage unit 118. It expands and the mail browsing screen 300 is displayed.

  The mail browsing screen is not limited to a screen such as the screen 300, and may be a screen on which a list of a plurality of transmitted / received emails is displayed, for example.

  If, for example, soft key 22B is pressed while mail browsing screen 300 is displayed, submenu 301 is displayed.

  The submenu 301 includes a plurality of items for selecting a usage method and a display form of the displayed mail, for example, “reply / forward”, “dictionary search”, “move / copy”, “register / save”, It has “Delete” and “Character size”. As described above, the mail browsing application AP1 has a “dictionary search” item for inputting an activation instruction for the dictionary application AP3 in the submenu.

  The input / output control unit 102 determines whether a dictionary search item has been selected from the submenu 301 (step SA6). When the dictionary search item is selected (YES in step SA6), the FEP activation determination unit 106 determines whether the FEP application AP4 is activated in the read-only mode or the editable mode (step SA7). . In step SA <b> 7, the FEP activation determination unit 106 stores the mode determination result in a predetermined area of the first character string storage unit 116.

  In this example, since the first type application is the mail browsing application AP1, it is determined to be the read-only mode. Therefore, the FEP control unit 105 starts the FEP application AP4 in the read-only mode (step SA8), and displays a character selection screen (FEP screen) as shown in the screen 302 of FIG. 6 (step SA10). The screen for character selection displayed here may be the same as the screen displayed when a copy instruction is input conventionally. Specifically, for example, the FEP control unit 105 according to the FEP application AP4 receives the character string displayed in the mail body area from the mail browsing application AP1, and stores it in its working area in the second character string storage unit 118. Remember (copy). As a result, a character selection screen such as the screen 302 is displayed on the display unit 12.

On the FEP screen such as the screen 302, only copying of the character string is allowed.
Here, the reason for starting in the read-only mode is to prevent falsification of the data of the transmitted / received mail. In order to prevent the problem of copyright infringement when images, music data, etc. are transmitted, it is desirable to start up in a read-only mode with only character strings, omitting images, music data, etc.

  Next, the input / output control unit 102 accepts selection of a character string (step SA12). The selection of the character string is accepted until the character string selection is completed (NO in step SA14). More specifically, first, the starting point of the character string to be copied is selected while the character selection screen is displayed. Thereafter, when the end point of the character string to be copied is selected, it is determined that the selection of the character string is completed. The screen 303 shows an example in which the selection range is determined to be “Mt. Fuji” by the input unit 22.

  When the character string to be copied, that is, the character string to be delivered is determined, the FEP processing unit 108 copies (stores) the selected character string in the first character string storage unit 116 (step SA16). Note that the FEP processing unit 108 performs processing for storing, for example, designated character string data in the first character string storage unit 116 among the character string data stored in the second character string storage unit 118. In the present embodiment, the character string of the transmitted / received mail is temporarily stored in the second character string storage unit 118, and then the designated character string data is read from the second character string storage unit 118. The character string data directly designated from the e-mail storage area 112B of the storage unit 112 may be read.

  Next, the application control unit 104 activates the dictionary application AP3 in a state where the character string stored from the first character string storage unit 116 is received (step SA18). Specifically, for example, the dictionary application AP3 reads the character string stored in the first character string storage unit 116, and stores (copies) the read character string data in its working area in the second character string storage unit 118. ) And start. The reason why the dictionary application AP3 can directly access the character string in the first character string storage unit 116 is that the dictionary application AP3 handles the FEP application AP4.

  Next, the FEP control unit 105 ends the FEP application AP4 only when it is determined by the FEP activation determination unit 106 that it has been activated in the read-only mode (step SA20). The mode at the time of FEP application activation is determined by reading the mode determination result by the FEP activation determination unit 106 from a predetermined area of the first character string storage unit 116.

  Finally, the input / output control unit 102 displays the screen of the dictionary application AP3 (hereinafter referred to as “dictionary screen”) that has received the character string on the display unit 12 (step SA22). An example of the dictionary screen is shown on a screen 304 in FIG. As shown in the screen 304, the dictionary application AP3 is activated in a state where the character string displayed on the mail browsing screen is quoted in the search window area (search character area).

  By making the FEP application AP4 always pass through the series of processes described above, the user can use the dictionary to store the character string stored in the first character string storage unit 116 with few operations without ending the mail viewing application AP1. It can be passed to the application AP3.

  For example, the user may be able to select the type of dictionary before or after step SA20. That is, after selecting a character string to be copied, the type of dictionary file to be searched may be selected from among a plurality of types of dictionary files stored in the dictionary data storage area 112C of the storage unit 112. Alternatively, in the submenu of the browsing screen 300, after dictionary search is selected (before accepting designation of a character string), the type of dictionary may be selected.

B) Second character string delivery processing Next, using FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the second character string delivery processing, that is, the input character string selected in the mail creation application AP2 is passed through the FEP application AP4. Then, a character string delivery process in the case of delivering to the dictionary application AP3 and starting the application AP3 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the second character string delivery process. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition when the second character string delivery process is executed.

  Referring to FIG. 7, based on the input signal received from input unit 22, application control unit 104 activates mail creation application AP2 (step SB2). This operation can be performed by the user operating the input unit 22 and selecting a mail creation function from the menu of the mobile terminal 1.

  Next, the FEP activation determination unit 106 determines whether the FEP application AP4 is activated in the read-only mode or the editable mode (step SB4). In step SB4, the FEP activation determination unit 106 stores the mode determination result in a predetermined area of the first character string storage unit 116.

  In this example, since the first type of application is the mail creation application AP2, it is determined that the mode is editable. Therefore, the FEP control unit 105 starts the FEP application AP4 in the editable mode (step SB4), and displays a character input screen on which characters can be input, converted, copied, and the like (step SB6).

  When the character input screen is displayed, the input / output control unit 102 receives an input of a character string from the input unit 22 (step SB8). The character string input here is stored in the working area of the mail creation application AP2 in the second character string storage unit 118.

  The input / output control unit 102 determines whether or not the input character string is being selected (step SB10). If the input character string is not being selected (NO in step SB10), the process returns to step SB6. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input character string is being selected (YES in step SB10), input / output control unit 102 determines whether or not the dictionary key is pressed (step SB12). The function of the dictionary key is assigned to the soft key 22D, for example. A screen example when the input character string is in a selected state (selected) in step SB10 is shown in screen 400 in FIG.

  As shown in the screen 400, after the hiragana “Fuji” is input, until “Fuji” is pressed, “Fuji” is input, or the single kanji (conversion) key is pressed, for example. Whether it is converted and input like “Fuji” is uncertain. The input character string selected state represents such an indeterminate state. The input character string in the unconfirmed state is displayed in reverse video, for example. The process for distinguishing whether the character string being displayed is in an unconfirmed state or a confirmed state can be realized by a known method.

  If the dictionary key is not pressed during input character string selection (NO in step SB12), the process returns to step SB6. On the other hand, if it is determined that the dictionary key is pressed during selection of the input character string (YES in step SB12), the FEP application AP3 copies (stores) the selected character string to the first character string storage unit 116. (Step SB14). More specifically, for example, the FEP processing unit 108 receives a selected character string (an unconfirmed character string) from the mail creation application AP2, and stores the received character string in the first character string storage unit 116. It shall be remembered.

  If it is determined in step SB3 that the FEP activation determination unit 106 has activated in the editable mode, the application control unit 104 changes the dictionary application AP3 to the first character string storage unit 116 without ending the FEP application AP4. Is activated in a state in which the character string stored from is received (step SB16). The specific process here may be the same as the process of step SA18.

  Finally, the input / output control unit 102 displays a dictionary screen that has received the character string (step SB18). An example of the dictionary screen is shown on a screen 401 in FIG. As shown on the screen 401, the dictionary application AP3 is activated in a state where the selected input character string displayed on the character input screen is quoted in the search window region (search character region). That is, the dictionary screen is displayed in a state where the character string received by the dictionary application AP3 is quoted in the search window area.

  Through the series of processes described above, the user always passes the FEP application AP4, so that the user can use the dictionary to store the character string stored in the first character string storage unit 116 with few operations without ending the mail creation application AP2. It can be passed to the application AP3.

In this process as well, the user may be able to select the type of dictionary.
In this embodiment, the input character string in the selected state is passed to the dictionary application AP3. However, the character string in the confirmed state may also be passed to the dictionary application AP3. That is, for example, when a “dictionary search” item is provided in the submenu of the character input screen and the item is designated by the user, the designation of the character string range is accepted. When the character string range is designated, the FEP application AP4 may receive the corresponding character string from the mail creating application AP2 and store it in the first character string storage unit 116. Alternatively, when the dictionary key is pressed when all the characters being displayed are in a confirmed state, all the confirmed character strings in the displayable range (the range that can be displayed by scrolling) may be delivered. .

C) Third Character String Delivery Processing Next, using FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the third character string delivery processing, that is, the conversion candidate of the selected state in the mail creation application AP2 is passed through the FEP application AP4. A character string delivery process in the case where the application AP3 is activated after being delivered to the dictionary application AP3 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the third character string delivery process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition when the third character string delivery process is executed.

  Referring to FIG. 9, steps SC2 to SC8 are the same as steps SB2 to SB8 in the above example B), and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

  When the conversion key is pressed after accepting the input of a character string (Hiragana) in step SC8, the FEP application AP4 executes a character conversion process of converting the acquired input character and outputting it as a converted character. That is, the character conversion dictionary DB is searched to extract input character string conversion candidates, that is, a plurality of character strings associated with the input character string (step SC9). The plurality of extracted character strings are stored in a predetermined area of the working area of the mail creation application AP2 in the second character string storage unit 118, for example.

  The input / output control unit 102 displays the extracted plurality of conversion candidates on the display unit 12 (step SC10). The input / output control unit 102 determines whether one of a plurality of conversion candidates has been selected by a cursor operation by the user (step SC11). If no conversion candidate has been selected (NO in step SC11), the process returns to step SC6.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that a conversion candidate is selected (YES in step SC11), input / output control unit 102 determines whether or not a dictionary key is pressed (step SC12). A screen example when the conversion candidate is in the selected state in step SC11 is shown in screen 500 in FIG. Processing related to display of conversion candidates can be realized by a known method.

  As shown in screen 500, the conversion candidate (“levitation”) in the selected state is displayed in reverse, for example.

  If the dictionary key is not pressed when the conversion candidate is selected (NO in step SC12), the process returns to step SC6. On the other hand, when it is determined that the dictionary key is pressed when the conversion candidate is selected (YES in step SC12), the FEP application AP3 copies (stores) the selected conversion candidate to the first character string storage unit 116. (Step SC14). More specifically, for example, the FEP processing unit 108 reads out the conversion candidate indicated by the pointer from the plurality of conversion candidates developed in the second character string storage unit 118, and reads the character string data of the read conversion candidate. And stored in the first character string storage unit 116.

  In step SC14, the FEP processing unit 108 further sets a status flag indicating that the conversion candidate is in a selected state in a predetermined area of the first character string storage unit 116.

  Next, the application control unit 104 activates the dictionary application AP3 in a state where the character string stored from the first character string storage unit 116 is received (step SB16). Also in this example, since the FEP application AP4 is activated in the editable mode, the FEP application AP4 is not terminated when the dictionary application AP3 is activated.

  Finally, the input / output control unit 102 displays a dictionary screen as shown on the screen 501 in FIG. 10 (step SC18). As shown in the screen 501, the dictionary application AP3 is activated in a state where the conversion candidate in the selected state displayed on the character input screen is quoted in the search window region (search character region). That is, the dictionary screen is displayed in a state where the character string received by the dictionary application AP3 is quoted in the search window area.

  Even when it is desired to start the conversion candidate character string extracted from the character conversion dictionary DB 114 through the above-described series of processing to the dictionary application AP3, the user must always send the mail via the FEP application AP4. Even if the creation application AP2 is not terminated, the conversion candidate character string can be passed to another application with a small number of operations.

  That is, the FEP application AP4 that is activated when a character string is input displays conversion candidates on the same screen until the character string is determined. When such a screen is displayed, if the user selects a desired word from the conversion candidates and performs an operation for starting the dictionary application AP3, the dictionary application AP3 is displayed via the FEP application AP4. It is possible to start up with a desired word displayed in the search window.

In this example as well, the user may be able to select the type of dictionary.
In the character string delivery process of A) to C), the character string to be copied to the first character string storage unit 116 may be provided by the mail browsing application AP1 and the mail creating application AP2. In addition, the dictionary application AP3 on the character string receiving side may limit the character string passed from the first character string storage unit 116. Due to the above limitation, it is possible to share copyrighted character string data for copying a certain character string or more via the FEP application AP4.

(2) Screen Return Process The first to third screen return processes corresponding to the first to third character string delivery processes will be described.

A) First Screen Return Process First, the first screen return process, that is, the screen return process when the character string of the mail viewing application AP1 is handed over to the dictionary application AP3 will be described with reference to FIGS. .

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the first screen return process. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition when the first screen return process is executed.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 11, the first character string delivery process described above is schematically shown as the processes of steps SA102 to SA108. Specifically, in the first character string delivery process, the mail browsing application AP1 is activated (step SA102), and a mail browsing screen is displayed on the display unit 12 (step SA104). Thereafter, the dictionary application AP3 receives the character string data in the mail browsing application AP1 via the FEP application AP4 and is activated (step SA106). That is, the character string data stored in the first character string storage unit 116 is shared between the two applications via the FEP application AP4. As a result, the dictionary screen is displayed on the display unit 12 with the character string in the search window area (step SA108). An example of the dictionary screen at this time is shown in a screen 600 in FIG. The screen 600 is the same as the screen 304 in FIG.

  The input / output control unit 102 determines whether, for example, a power key is pressed while the dictionary application AP3 is activated (step SA110). Control by the dictionary application AP3 is performed until the power key is pressed, and a dictionary screen is displayed (NO in step SA110).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the power key has been pressed (YES in step SA110), application control unit 104 determines whether or not FEP application AP4 that has passed through is in the read-only mode (step SA112). That is, the application control unit 104 reads the determination result as to whether or not the FEP activation determination unit 106 has determined that it is in the read-only mode from the first character string storage unit 116.

  When the determination result that the read-only mode is set is obtained (YES in step SA112), the input / output control unit 102 displays the mail browsing screen that was originally activated on the display unit 12 again (step SA114). An example of the mail browsing screen at this time is shown in a screen 601 in FIG. The screen 601 is the same as the screen 300 in FIG.

  If a determination result indicating that the mode is not the read-only mode is obtained (NO in step SA112), the second or third screen restoration process is performed, and thus the first screen restoration process is terminated.

  As described above, when there is a word that is not known or information that the user wants to know while browsing the mail, the user can start up the dictionary application AP3 via the FEP application AP4 to easily operate such a word or information. It is possible to check and immediately return to the original mail browsing screen after checking words and information.

  In step SA114, in order to display the original mail browsing screen again, specifically, for example, the following processing is performed. That is, when it is determined that the FEP application AP4 has been activated in the read-only mode, the application control unit 104 displays the contents of the e-mail deployed in the working area of the mail browsing application AP1 in the second character string storage unit 118. Read and output to the input / output control unit 102. The input / output control unit 102 performs control to display the content of the received electronic mail on the display unit 12.

B) Second Screen Return Processing Next, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the second screen return processing, that is, the case where the input character string selected in the mail creation application AP2 is delivered to the dictionary application AP3. The screen restoration process will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the second screen return process. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition when the second screen return process is executed.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 13, the second character string delivery process described above is schematically shown as the process of steps SB102 to SB106. Specifically, in the second character string delivery process, the mail creation application AP2 is activated (step SB102), and a character input screen is displayed on the display unit 12. After that, the dictionary application AP3 receives the input character string in an undetermined state on the character input screen and is activated via the FEP application AP2 (step SB104). That is, the character string data stored in the first character string storage unit 116 is shared between the two applications via the FEP application AP4. As a result, the dictionary screen is displayed on the display unit 12 with the character string in the search window area (step SB106). An example of the dictionary screen at this time is shown in a screen 700 in FIG. The screen 700 is the same as the screen 401 in FIG.

  Similar to the first screen return process, the input / output control unit 102 determines whether or not the power key is pressed while the dictionary application AP3 is activated (step SB108). Until the power key is pressed, control by the dictionary application AP3 is performed and a dictionary screen is displayed (NO in step SB108).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the power key has been pressed (YES in step SB108), application control unit 104 determines whether or not FEP application AP4 that has passed through is in the editable mode (step SB110). The determination here is the same as in step SA112.

  If a determination result indicating that the mode is the editable mode is obtained (YES in step SB110), it is further determined whether or not an input character string has been selected on the routed character input screen (step SB111). This determination is made by detecting whether or not a status flag is set in a predetermined area of the first character string storage unit 116. The status flag is set only when a conversion candidate is delivered.

  When an input character string is selected on the via-character input screen (YES in step SB111), the FEP control unit 105 starts the FEP application AP4 in the editable mode when the mail creation application AP2 is started, which was originally started. Activate (step SB112). Thereby, the character input screen corresponding to the mail creation application AP2 is displayed again on the display unit 12 (step SB114). An example of a character input screen at this time is shown in a screen 701 in FIG. The screen 701 is the same as the screen 400 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step SB110 that the mode is not the editable mode but the read-only mode (NO in step SB110), the process of step SA114 of the first screen return process is executed. If it is determined in step SB111 that a conversion candidate is selected instead of the input character string (NO in step SB111), the processes of steps SC114 and SC116 of the third screen return process described later are performed.

  In this way, when there is a word or the like that is not known during mail creation, the user can search the dictionary for such words and information with a simple operation by starting the dictionary application AP3 via the FEP application AP4. It is possible to return to the original mail creation screen immediately after grasping the meaning of a word or the like.

  In step SB112 and SB114, in order to display the original character input screen again, specifically, for example, the following processing is performed. That is, when the FEP application AP4 is activated in the editable mode and it is determined that the conversion candidate is not being displayed, the FEP control unit 105 stores it in the working area of the mail creation application AP2 in the second character string storage unit 118. The confirmed character string and the unconfirmed input character are read out and output to the input / output control unit 102. The input / output control unit 102 performs control to display each received character string on the display unit 12 in a different display mode.

  However, in the working area of the mail creation application AP2 of the second character string storage unit 118, for example, a confirmed character area for storing a character string in a confirmed state and an unconfirmed character for storing an input character in an unconfirmed state It is assumed that a conversion candidate area for storing a plurality of conversion candidates for an area and an input character in an undetermined state is included. In addition, it is assumed that a pointer for indicating one conversion candidate being selected among a plurality of expanded conversion candidates is also stored in the conversion candidate area. The input character and conversion candidate in the unconfirmed state are moved to the confirmed character region as a character string in the confirmed state when a determination instruction is input by the user.

C) Third Screen Return Processing Next, with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, a third screen return processing, that is, a screen when the conversion candidate of the selected state in the mail creation application AP2 is handed over to the dictionary application AP3. The return process will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the third screen return process. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition when the third screen return process is executed.

  The flowchart of FIG. 15 schematically shows the third character string delivery process described above as the process of steps SC102 to SC108. Specifically, in the third character string delivery process, the mail creation application AP2 is activated (step SC102), and a character input screen is displayed on the display unit 12. Thereafter, a plurality of conversion candidates for the input character string are displayed in a predetermined area of the character input screen (step SC104). When a plurality of conversion candidates are displayed, the dictionary application AP3 is activated in a state where the character string of the conversion candidate selected based on the instruction from the user is received (step SC106). As a result, the dictionary screen is displayed on the display unit 12 with the character string in the search window area (step SC108). An example of the dictionary screen at this time is shown in a screen 800 in FIG. The screen 800 is the same as the screen 501 in FIG.

  Similar to the first and second screen restoration processes, the input / output control unit 102 determines whether or not the power key is pressed while the dictionary application AP3 is activated (step SC110). Control by the dictionary application AP3 is performed until the power key is pressed, and a dictionary screen is displayed (NO in step SB110).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the power key has been pressed (YES in step SC110), application control unit 104 determines whether or not FEP application AP4 that has passed is in editable mode (step SC111). The determination here is the same as in step SA112.

  If a determination result indicating that the mode is editable is obtained (YES in step SC111), it is further determined whether or not a conversion candidate has been selected on the via-input character input screen (step SC112). When the conversion candidate is selected on the character input screen (YES in step SC112), the FEP control unit 105 activates the FEP application AP4 in the editable mode when the mail creation application AP2 is started, which was originally started. (Step SC114). As a result, a character input screen corresponding to the mail creation application AP2 and indicating that a conversion candidate is being selected is displayed again on the display unit 12 (step SB114). An example of a character input screen at this time is shown in a screen 801 in FIG. The screen 801 is the same as the screen 500 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step SC111 that the mode is not the editable mode but the read-only mode (NO in step SC111), the process of step SA114 of the first screen return process is executed. If it is determined in step SC112 that an input character string is selected instead of a conversion candidate (NO in step SC112), the processes of steps SB112 and SB114 of the second screen return process are performed.

  As described above, when there is an unknown word or the like among the conversion candidates displayed during mail creation, the user can easily retrieve such words and information by starting the dictionary application AP3 via the FEP application AP4. It is possible to search the dictionary by operation and, after grasping the meaning of the word or the like, it is possible to immediately return to the original mail creation screen (screen in which conversion candidates searched for the dictionary are selected).

  In steps SC114 and SC116, in order to display the original character input screen again, specifically, for example, the following processing is performed. That is, when the FEP application AP4 is activated in the editable mode and it is determined that the conversion candidate is being displayed, the FEP control unit 105 determines the working area of the mail creation application AP2 in the second character string storage unit 118. The fixed character string stored in the character area, the plurality of conversion candidates stored in the conversion candidate area, and a pointer indicating one conversion candidate are read and output to the input / output control unit 102. The input / output control unit 102 performs control to display each received character string on the display unit 12 in a predetermined display area in a different area.

  As described above, the portable terminal 1 according to the present embodiment can deliver a character string between the first and second types of applications that handle the FEP application AP4 with fewer operations than before. That is, the character string in the first type application can be passed to the second type application without terminating the first type application using the FEP application AP4 as an intermediary.

  More specifically, conventionally, in the first and second types of applications, it has been necessary to start and end the FEP application, respectively. That is, a character string copy operation is required in the first type application, and a character string pasting operation is required in the second type application. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the first type of application is activated by providing the mediation function of the character string to the FEP application that is born as a restriction unique to the mobile terminal, which is handled by both the first and second types of applications. Inside, the selected character string is pasted in a specific area of the initial screen of the second type application (a screen that is not a character input screen based on the FEP application AP4) simply by instructing to start the second type of application. The screen can be displayed in the state. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the number of operations by the user when pasting the character string in the first type application to the specific area of the initial screen of the second type application, compared to the conventional case.

  In addition, by using the FEP application AP4 without fail, it is possible to share the operation when starting another application by quoting a character string. That is, it is possible to recognize “FEP activated to input a character in the dictionary application” and “FEP activated to input a character string in the mail application” as common from the user's viewpoint. .

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the character string (conversion candidate) in the character conversion dictionary DB 114 provided in the FEP application AP4 can also be passed to the dictionary application AP3, variations of the character string passed to the dictionary application AP3 increase. .

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the character string in the first type application is passed to the second type application without ending the first type application, when the processing in the second type application ends, The display screen can be returned to the original screen (screen corresponding to the first type application) with one touch. Therefore, for example, the user can temporarily use functions of other applications while processing an application.

  In the above embodiment, the mode and state of the FEP passed through are stored in the first character string storage unit 116, and the screen that returns after the power key is pressed is determined by reading out the information again. Was. However, in each of the first to third screen restoration processes, the dictionary screen is displayed over the mail browsing screen, the mail creation screen (character input screen), and the conversion candidate display screen (character input screen). Also good. In that case, when the dictionary application AP3 is terminated after the power key is pressed, the displayed dictionary screen is not displayed on the display unit 12, so that each of the screens displayed below is displayed. It may be realized by a program method as displayed.

  In addition, the multi-assistant function allows the dictionary screen corresponding to the dictionary application AP3 that is activated in a state where a character string is entered in any of the above examples, and any of the mail browsing screen, the mail creation screen, and the conversion candidate display screen at any time. The program configuration may be switched. In other words, it is not impossible to return to the original screen without exiting the dictionary application.

  In this embodiment, the screen return function is assigned to the power key, but another key may be used. Or you may provide the item which can select a screen return in the submenu of a dictionary screen.

  In this embodiment, at least one of a mail browsing application and a mail creation application is adopted as the first type application, and a dictionary application is adopted as the second type application. However, the first and second types of applications are not limited to these, and all applications that handle the FEP application AP4, such as a Web browser, a memo pad, a scheduler, a telephone directory data box, a support book, and various setting applications Etc. are applicable. Since these applications all handle the FEP application AP4, the first character string storage unit 116 can be accessed.

  Of these applications, a character input application representing an application capable of inputting / editing a character string can be either the first type or the second type of application. On the other hand, a browsing application representing an application incapable of inputting / editing a character string can only be a first type application. Therefore, the dictionary application can also function as the first type application (the side that passes the character string), and conversely, the mail creation application AP2 functions as the second type application (the side that receives the character string). It shall be possible.

  In the third character string delivery process and the screen restoration process, an example of the conversion candidate extraction function of the FEP application AP4 has been described, but emoticon insertion, fixed sentence insertion, full-width / alphanumeric / kana / When the alphabet can be changed, the size can be changed, the pictogram, the symbol can be inserted, it is desirable that the character string reflecting the setting is passed to the dictionary application AP3. That is, by passing the FEP application AP4 without fail, as an example, in the FEP application AP4 that is running the mail creation application AP2, when a character string entered in alphabet instead of Japanese is passed to the dictionary application AP3, the passed side In the dictionary application AP3, an alphabetic character string may be passed.

  Similarly, when the FEP application AP4 has functions such as various character decorations, various template calls and citations, addition of position information, and palette settings, the above-mentioned data and settings are passed to the application (second type application). It is desirable to be shared with. In other words, when data indicating position information is pasted on the FEP application AP4 at the time of mail creation, a character string indicating the position information may be passed to the dictionary application AP3.

  Further, when the FEP application AP4 is activated and an operation similar to that in the above embodiment is performed in an application that handles character strings, processing may be possible recursively or may be restricted. That is, since an application that handles character strings uses the FEP application AP4 to input and copy / paste character strings, naturally, after the dictionary application AP3 is started, it is directly in the search window area of the dictionary screen. You can enter a string. Then, also in this dictionary screen, there is a “dictionary” button on the right soft key. In the case of an application that can edit a character string, for example, recursive processing can be set such that “dictionary application activation” → “FEP activation” → “dictionary application activation”. In the present embodiment, such recursive processing may be allowed, or even if a restriction is applied so that “the FEP is activated from the dictionary application and the dictionary application cannot be activated again within the FEP”. Good.

  In addition, in each of the above processing examples, in order to prevent the application screen being displayed unintentionally being transferred to another application screen, when an instruction to start the dictionary application AP3 is input, that is, from the submenu, select “Dictionary Search”. When the item “” is selected or when a dictionary key (soft key 22B) is pressed, a dialog for user confirmation may be displayed. That is, in such a case, the user may be inquired as to whether or not the designated function (end of display of the application screen being displayed) may be executed. Similarly, a dialog for user confirmation may be displayed when an instruction to return to the original screen is input when the dictionary application AP3 is activated, that is, when the power key is pressed.

  In this embodiment, when the dictionary application AP3 is activated from the mail browsing application AP1, the dictionary search item is selected from the submenu. However, as in the case of the mail creation application AP2, a dictionary key (any soft key) may be pressed. Alternatively, when the dictionary application AP3 is activated from the mail creation application AP2, a dictionary search item may be selected from the submenu.

  Note that a character string delivery method (including character string delivery processing and screen return processing) performed by the portable terminal of the present invention can also be provided as a program. Further, such a program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card and provided as a program product. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. Note that the program product includes the program itself and a storage medium in which the program is stored.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the portable terminal which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the portable terminal in embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the function structural example of the portable terminal in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the memory | storage part of the portable terminal in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st character string delivery process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen transition at the time of a 1st character string delivery process being performed. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd character string delivery process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen transition at the time of a 2nd character string delivery process being performed. It is a flowchart which shows a 3rd character string delivery process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen transition when the 3rd character string delivery process is performed. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st screen return process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen transition at the time of performing a 1st screen return process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd screen return process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen transition at the time of performing a 2nd screen return process. It is a flowchart which shows a 3rd screen return process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen transition at the time of performing a 3rd screen return process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen transition in the case of searching a term with a dictionary application.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Portable terminal, 7 Antenna, 12 Display part, 18 Playback circuit, 19 Speaker, 22 Input part, 24 Microphone, 25 Timekeeping part, 26 Access part, 26A Recording medium, 30 CPU, 36 Communication control part, 37 Radio | wireless part, 38 Audio signal processing unit, 41 RAM, 42 ROM, 43 Flash memory, 102 Input / output control unit, 104 Application control unit, 105 FEP control unit, 106 FEP activation determination unit, 108 FEP processing unit, 112 storage unit, 114 For character conversion Dictionary DB, 116 first character string storage unit, 118 second character string storage unit, 120 wireless communication unit, 130 FEP application system.

Claims (11)

Input means for receiving instructions from the user;
Display means for displaying a character string;
A character conversion program for performing character string conversion processing, and a program storage means for storing first and second types of applications that can use the character conversion program;
Conversion processing means for performing character string conversion processing in accordance with the character conversion program in each processing of the first type and second type applications;
A temporary storage means for temporarily storing a character string to be delivered during the processing by the conversion processing means;
The conversion processing means is designated in the first screen when receiving a start instruction for the second type application while the first screen corresponding to the first type application is displayed. A character string is recorded in the temporary storage means;
Application control means for starting the second type application in a state where the character string stored in the temporary storage means is pasted to a specific area on the second screen corresponding to the second type application; Mobile device. The first type of application includes a browsing application;
The first screen includes a browsing screen;
The conversion processing means includes
Means for displaying a character string in the browsing screen on a screen for character selection based on a character conversion program when receiving the activation instruction;
In the displayed character selection screen, means for accepting selection of a character string from the user,
The portable terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that records a character string selected in the character selection screen as the designated character string in the temporary storage unit. The first type of application includes a character input application,
The first screen includes a character input screen based on the character conversion program,
The conversion processing means includes
Means for accepting input of characters from the user when the character input screen is displayed;
If the activation instruction is accepted while the character input screen is displayed, a character string in a selected state among character strings in the character input screen is used as the designated character string, and the temporary The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: means for recording in the storage means.   The mobile terminal according to claim 3, wherein the character string in the selected state includes an input character in an indeterminate state. A conversion dictionary storage means for storing conversion candidates for the input character;
The mobile terminal according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the character string in the selected state includes a character string of a conversion candidate in an indeterminate state with respect to the input character.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a screen returning unit for returning to a screen before the second screen is displayed when a predetermined instruction is input in a state where the second screen is displayed. The mobile terminal according to Crab.   The portable terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an activation determination unit for determining an initial screen mode of the character conversion program based on a type of the first type application. A character string delivery method for delivering a character string of a first type application that is a browsing application to a second type application that is a character input application,
Receiving an input of an activation instruction for the second type application when a browsing screen corresponding to the first type application is displayed;
When receiving the activation instruction, displaying a character string in the browsing screen on a character selection screen based on a character conversion program;
In the displayed character selection screen, accepting the selection of the character string;
Temporarily storing the selected character string;
And a step of activating the second type application in a state where the temporarily stored character string is pasted to a specific area on a specific screen corresponding to the second type application. A character string delivery method for delivering a character string of a first type character input application to a second type character input application,
A character accepting step for accepting an input of a character from a user when a character input screen based on a character conversion program corresponding to the first type of character input application is displayed;
Receiving the input of the activation instruction when the character input screen is displayed;
A step of temporarily storing a selected character string among character strings in the character input screen when the activation instruction is received;
Starting the second type character input application in a state where the temporarily stored character string is pasted to a specific area on the character input screen corresponding to the second type character input application. Delivery method. In the character input screen, according to the character conversion program, further comprising a step of displaying a plurality of input character conversion candidates,
The character string delivery method according to claim 9, wherein the selected character string includes one of the plurality of conversion candidates.   The character string delivery program which makes a computer perform the character string delivery method in any one of Claims 8-10.

Images