JP2013157029A - Character input device, and character/character type selection method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem in which it is needed to perform a complicated operation for switching modes when inputting a character string of different character type because, in general, a portable terminal can only input characters by a character type corresponding to a selected input mode (HIRAGANA character, KATAKANA character, alphabet, or numeric figure).SOLUTION: A character input device displays a list of conversion candidates by character type in response to key depression. The device outputs the next conversion candidates after conversion confirmation on the basis of a conversion confirmation history. The device acquires the character type of the selected conversion candidate, predicts a character type to be possibly selected next, and changes layouts of columns of candidates by character type on the basis of the prediction result.

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device having a small character input means typified by a mobile phone and the like, and more particularly to a character input method, an input character type selection method, a character conversion method, and a program.

  Generally, in a mobile terminal or the like, input is performed using a character type corresponding to a selected input mode (Hiragana, Katakana, English characters, numbers, etc.). So, for example, if you want to input “Meeting time is PM8: 30”, first enter “Meeting time is” in Hiragana mode, convert it, then switch to English mode and enter “PM”. Subsequently, it was necessary to perform a complicated operation of switching to the number mode and inputting “8:30” and then returning to the hiragana mode and inputting “Is.”.

In order to solve this, in Patent Document 1, although conversion candidates are displayed according to the set input mode, the conversion candidates of different character types are sequentially changed until the conversion candidates are determined by operating the conversion key after input. There has been proposed a method for displaying. Even if the user does not perform an input mode switching operation, different types of characters can be displayed as conversion candidates beyond the frame of the input mode. Therefore, it is possible to reduce input operations and improve convenience.
JP 2003-114485 A

  However, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, input in the set input mode is executed until the conversion key is pressed, and thus it cannot be confirmed whether or not the character string intended by the user is input. There was a problem.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention is a character input device that displays conversion candidates for character types in response to key presses. Further, the character input device outputs a next conversion candidate after the conversion is confirmed based on the conversion confirmation history. Furthermore, the character type of the selected conversion candidate is acquired, the character type that will be selected next is predicted, and the layout of the character type candidate column is changed based on the prediction result.

  As described above, the character input device according to the present invention can display a list of conversion candidates of different character types by one input, so that the user can easily input characters without worrying about the character input mode. be able to. In addition, since conversion candidates that are likely to be input next are arranged and displayed at easy-to-see positions, an effect of increasing input efficiency can be expected.

  The best mode for carrying out each invention will be described below. The relationship between each embodiment and the claims is as follows. The first and second embodiments will mainly describe claims 1, 2, and 3. Although Embodiments 3 and 4 are not included in the claims of the present invention, the invention related to the present invention will be described. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  In addition, each functional block described below can be realized as hardware, software that is developed on a memory and controlled by controlling the hardware, or both hardware and software. Specifically, if a computer is used, hardware such as a CPU, a memory, a hard disk drive, a reading drive such as a CD-ROM / DVD-ROM, a transmission / reception port / interface for various communications, and other peripheral devices Examples include a configuration unit, a driver program for controlling the hardware, and other application programs.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus or a system but also as a method. A part of such an invention can be configured as software. Further, a software product used to cause a computer to execute such software and a recording medium on which the product is fixed are naturally included in the technical scope of the present invention (the same applies throughout the present specification).

  << Embodiment 1 >>

  An outline of the present embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is a character input device that displays conversion candidates for character types in response to key presses.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a character input device of this embodiment. Now, a state is shown in which the user has pressed the “2” and “3” keys of the character input device once to execute character input. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 1, the character input device displays an input character at 0102, and displays a list of conversion candidates as a character type at 0110. Furthermore, when conversion confirmation is executed, a character string after conversion confirmation is displayed in 0101. Also, for input character “23”, 0111 is a conversion candidate when converted to Kanji (“umbrella”, etc.), 0112 is a candidate when converted into katakana (“Casa”, etc.), and 0113 is an English character input The candidates (“AD”, etc.) are displayed, and 0114 is a candidate (“23”, etc.) when a number is input. Note that conversion candidates (for example, “Kasai”, “Casablanca”, “advertise”, etc.) predicted to follow the input character string may be displayed as in the example shown in the figure.

  In this way, the character input device displays a list of conversion candidates of different character types in one input. Thus, the user can easily perform character input without worrying about the character input mode.

  <Embodiment 1: Configuration> FIG. 2 shows an example of functional blocks of the present embodiment. The “character input device” (0200) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes an “input key part” (0201), a “layout part” (0202), a “conversion candidate display part” (0203), Part "(0204).

    (Character Input Device 0200) The “character input device” (0200) is a device for inputting characters using keys, and examples thereof include mobile terminals such as mobile phones and PDA terminals, personal computers, and the like.

    (Input Key Portion 0201) In the “input key portion” (0201), a plurality of character types are assigned to one key. The character type is a type to which the input character string is to be converted, and includes kanji (including hiragana), katakana, English characters, numbers, and the like. In general, in addition to “1”, characters and symbols in the “a” line are assigned to the key “1”. Similarly, the “2” key has “2”, “ka” lines, “A” to “C” (including lowercase letters, and the same applies hereinafter), and the “3” key has “3”, “sa”. Rows, “D” to “F” are “4” for the key “4”, “ta” row, “G” to “I” are “5”, “na” for the key “5” Rows, “J” to “L”, “6” for the key “6”, “ha” row, “M” to “O”, “7” for the key “7”, “ma” Line, “P” to “S”, “8” for the “8” key, “Y” row, “T” to “V”, “9” for the “9” key, “R” The rows “W” to “Z” are assigned “0”, “Wa” rows, and symbols to the “0” key, respectively.

    (Layout portion 0202) The “layout portion” (0202) lays out a character type conversion candidate column for displaying conversion candidates for the character type. The character type conversion candidate column refers to a space for displaying a plurality of conversion candidates for the character type. The layout corresponds to an arrangement order for each character type of conversion candidates in the character type conversion candidate column, a process for determining a display area, and the like. (Details will be described later.) In addition, the layout may include setting of a frame for the character type conversion candidate field, setting of the number of candidates to be displayed, and the like. Other layout unit processes may include those displayed in accordance with columns determined by default and those displayed in accordance with instructions from the user.

    (Conversion candidate display section 0203) The “conversion candidate display section” (0203) displays conversion candidates in the character type conversion candidate field in response to the key press. For example, when the character input is executed by pressing the “2” and “3” keys once each, the conversion candidate display unit displays conversion candidates (such as “umbrella”) when converted to kanji. Candidates when converted to katakana (such as “Kasa”), candidates when English characters are input (such as “AD”), candidates when numbers are input (such as “23”), and the like are displayed.

    (Selection Unit 0204) The “selection unit” (0204) performs processing for selecting one conversion candidate from the conversion candidates displayed on the conversion candidate display unit (0203) and confirming the conversion. The selection can be realized by a key operation or the like.

  First Embodiment Hardware Configuration FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to the present embodiment. The operation of each hardware component in the processing execution of the character input device will be described using this figure. The character input device (0300) includes a “CPU (central processing unit)” (0301), a “main memory” (0302), and a “storage device” in order to realize processing in the layout unit and the conversion candidate display unit. (Or storage medium) "(0303). Furthermore, in addition to the above hardware configuration unit, an “input interface” (0304) is provided for realizing the processing in the input key unit and the selection unit, and although not described, in order to realize the display processing, “ An output interface "(0305) is provided, and is connected to a display or the like via the output interface. These are connected to each other through a data communication path such as a “system bus” (0306), and perform transmission / reception and processing of information.

  The storage device (0303) stores various programs executed by the CPU (0301), dictionary data, and the like. The main memory (0302) also provides a work area, which is an area for reading and expanding the program, and a data area for temporarily storing data and the like in order to execute the program stored in the storage device. . Furthermore, a plurality of memory addresses are assigned to the main memory and the storage device, respectively, and programs executed by the CPU exchange and process data by specifying and accessing the memory addresses. Is possible. The above is the function of each hardware configuration.

  First, when the character input device is turned on, the conversion candidate display program (conversion candidate display section) (address 01) and the layout program (address 02) stored in the storage device are stored in the work area (addresses 11 and 12) of the main memory. ) Respectively.

  When the character input device detects a key input from the user via the input interface, the input is a trigger, and the conversion candidate display program (address 11) developed in the work area of the main memory is executed by the CPU. Executed. The conversion candidate display program generates a conversion candidate from the received input key and temporarily stores it in the data area (address 100) of the main memory. When generating a conversion candidate, the dictionary data stored at the address 03 may be read, and a character string serving as a conversion candidate may be extracted from this data. It is assumed that the dictionary data is composed of data of a Japanese dictionary, an English character dictionary, a katakana dictionary, and a number dictionary.

  Next, storage of conversion candidates in the main memory is a trigger, and the layout program (address 12) developed in the work area of the main memory is executed by the CPU. The layout program determines the arrangement order and display area for each character type of conversion candidates in the character type conversion candidate field. The layout program can realize the layout of the character type conversion candidate field by storing conversion candidates in the graphic memory based on the determined layout and outputting them to the display device via the output interface.

  In the above description, each unit has been described as being configured by software, but may be configured by hardware.

  <Embodiment 1: Processing Flow> FIG. 4 shows an example of the flow of a character input method in the character input device of this embodiment. Note that the processing flow shown below can be executed by a method and a program for causing a computer to execute the program, and this program can be recorded on a recording medium readable by the computer. (The same applies to other processing flows in this specification.)

  First, key input is accepted, and it is determined whether the accepted key is a character input key (S0401). If it is determined that the key is not a character input key, a user operation is executed (S0402), and the process proceeds to a key input acceptance wait state.

  In the case of the determination result that the key is a character input key, conversion candidates for the character string input in response to the key press are extracted by searching the dictionary data (S0403). (Dictionary data search processing will be described later.)

  Next, a character type conversion candidate field for displaying conversion candidates in the character type is laid out to display conversion candidates (S0404). Furthermore, a process for selecting one conversion candidate from the displayed conversion candidates and confirming the conversion is performed (S0405). Finally, it is determined whether or not the key input is completed (S0406), and the process is repeated from the first step as long as the key input is continued.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the flow of dictionary data search processing. First, the character input device holds a Japanese dictionary, an English character dictionary, a Katakana dictionary, and a number dictionary as dictionary data in a storage device. (Here, the number dictionary is a dictionary in which numbers having meaning (for example, year, time, telephone number, numbers entered by the user, etc.) are stored. When a record, address book, etc. are in memory, if “090” or the like is entered, it is determined that it is a phone number, and the phone number candidate in the address book is entered in the number candidate field or Registered names can be displayed as conversion candidates in Kanji, Kana, and English fields.) Multiple dictionaries are registered in each dictionary, and daily updated dictionary data is downloaded and updated from the network in a timely manner. Such a mechanism may be used.

  First, the input character string is temporarily stored (S0501). Next, words including the input character string are searched from the Japanese dictionary data, and candidates are arranged in descending order of input prediction (S0502). Here, the order in which the input prediction is high means that the input prediction is higher for a word having a higher input frequency. Furthermore, words including the input character string are searched from the English dictionary data, and candidates are arranged in descending order of input prediction (S0503). Next, words including the input character string are searched from the katakana dictionary data, and candidates are arranged in descending order of input prediction (S0504). Finally, words including the input character string are searched from the numerical dictionary data, and candidates are arranged in descending order of input prediction (S0505).

  <Embodiment 1: Effect> This embodiment is a character input device that displays conversion candidates for character types in response to key presses. Since this character input device can display a list of conversion candidates of different character types with one input, the user can easily perform character input without worrying about the character input mode.

  << Embodiment 2 >>

  An outline of the present embodiment will be described. This embodiment acquires the character type of the selected conversion candidate, predicts the character type that will be selected next, and outputs a layout change command for the character type candidate column based on the prediction result Is a character input device.

  <Embodiment 2: Configuration> FIG. 6 shows an example of functional blocks of the present embodiment. The “character input device” (0600) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 6 includes an “input key part” (0601), a “layout part” (0602), a “conversion candidate display part” (0603), and “selection”. Part "(0604)," next character type predicting part "(0605), and" first layout change command part "(0606).

    (Next Character Type Prediction Unit 0605) The “next character type prediction unit” (0605) acquires the character type of the conversion candidate selected by the selection unit (0604), and predicts the character type that will be selected next. For the next character type, for example, the prediction processing is executed based on a certain rule such that the same character type continues, or a certain character type follows a certain character type. A certain rule is determined by statistics based on history, and it is assumed that the accuracy is improved by reflecting the prediction result. Note that the prediction may not only calculate the most likely one, but may also rank each character type. As a specific example of a certain rule, a character string such as “AM”, “PM”, “AM”, “PM”, and the like whose numbers are predicted with high probability as the next character type can be listed.

    (First layout change command part 0606) The “first layout change command part” (0606) is a layout of the character type candidate column for the layout part (0602) based on the prediction result in the next character type prediction part (0605). Output a change instruction. The layout change command can be exemplified by a command such as arranging from the left of the character type conversion candidate column in the order of the character type that is likely to be input.

    The processing of each other part is the same as in the first embodiment.

  Second Embodiment Hardware Configuration FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to the present embodiment. With reference to this figure, the operation of each hardware component in the processing execution of the character input device will be described mainly focusing on differences from the first embodiment. The character input device (0700) includes a “CPU (central processing unit)” (0701) and a “main memory” (0702) in order to realize processing in the next character type prediction unit, the first layout change command unit, and the like. And “storage device (or storage medium)” (0703). Further, in addition to the hardware configuration unit, an “input interface” (0704) and an “output interface” (0705) are provided, and are connected to a display or the like via the output interface. These are connected to each other via a data communication path such as a “system bus” (0706), and perform transmission / reception and processing of information.

  The storage device (0703) stores various programs executed by the CPU (0701), dictionary data, next character type prediction data, and the like. Further, the main memory (0702) provides a work area that is an area for reading and expanding the program and a data area for temporarily storing data and the like in order to execute the program stored in the storage device. .

  First, when the power of the character input device is turned on, the next character type prediction program (next character type prediction unit) (address 03), the first layout change command program (first layout change command unit) (address 04) stored in the storage device. ) And the like are expanded in the work area (addresses 11 to 14) of the main memory.

  When the character input device detects a conversion candidate selection operation from the user via the input interface, the input is a trigger, and the next character type prediction program (address 13) developed in the work area of the main memory. Is executed by the CPU. The next character type prediction program acquires the character type of the selected conversion candidate, temporarily stores it in the data area (address 200) of the main memory, etc., reads out the next character type prediction data stored at address 06, The next character type may be predicted by executing a comparison process with this data. The predicted next character type is stored in a data area (address 201) of the main memory.

  Next, storage of the next character type in the main memory is a trigger, and the first layout change instruction program (address 14) developed in the work area of the main memory is executed by the CPU. The first layout change instruction program is for changing the order of arrangement for each character type of conversion candidates in the character type conversion candidate column based on the prediction result of the next character type stored in the data area (address 201) of the main memory. Generate instructions for Specifically, an instruction such as arranging from the left of the character type conversion candidate column in the descending order of the possibility of the next character type can be exemplified. The generated layout change instruction is stored in a data area (address 202) of the main memory.

  Next, storage of the layout change instruction in the main memory is a trigger, and the layout program (address 12) developed in the work area of the main memory is executed by the CPU. The layout program can realize the layout of the character type conversion candidate field by storing the conversion candidates in the graphic memory and outputting them to the display device via the output interface according to the layout change command.

  <Second Embodiment: Process Flow> FIG. 8 shows an example of the flow of a character input method in the character input device of the present embodiment.

  First, key input is accepted, and it is determined whether or not the accepted key is a character input key (S0801). If it is determined that the key is not a character input key, a user operation is executed (S0802), and the process proceeds to a key input acceptance wait state. In the case of the determination result that the key is a character input key, conversion candidates of the character string input in response to the key press are extracted by searching the dictionary data (S0803). The steps so far are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Next, the character type of the conversion candidate already selected is acquired, and the character type that will be selected next is predicted (S0804). Further, a layout change command for the character type candidate column is output based on the previous prediction result (S0805). Then, according to the layout change command, the character type conversion candidate field is laid out and the conversion candidates are displayed (S0806). Further, a process for selecting one conversion candidate from the displayed conversion candidates and confirming the conversion is performed (S0807). At this time, the prediction result of the next character type and the user's selection may be stored in the storage device as the next character type prediction data. Finally, it is determined whether or not the key input is completed (S0808), and the process is repeated from the first step as long as the key input is continued.

  <Embodiment 2: Effect> This embodiment acquires the character type of the selected conversion candidate, predicts the character type that will be selected next, and changes the layout of the character type candidate column based on the prediction result A character input device characterized by outputting a command. Since conversion candidates of character types that are likely to be input next are arranged and displayed at easy-to-see positions, an effect of increasing input efficiency can be expected.

  << Embodiment 3 >>

  An outline of the present embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is a character input device characterized in that a next conversion candidate after conversion confirmation is output based on a conversion confirmation history including a character type selection history.

  <Embodiment 3: Configuration> FIG. 9 shows an example of functional blocks of the present embodiment. The “character input device” (0900) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 9 includes an “input key part” (0901), a “layout part” (0902), a “conversion candidate display part” (0903), Part "(0904)," conversion confirmation history recording part "(0905), and" conversion candidate prediction part "(0906). Although not shown, there may be a “next character type prediction unit” and a “first layout change command unit”.

    (Conversion Confirmation History Recording Unit 0905) The “conversion confirmation history recording unit” (0905) records a conversion confirmation history including a character type selection history. The conversion confirmation history includes a character string input history, conversion history, confirmation history, and the like in addition to the character type selection history.

    (Conversion Prediction Unit 0906) The “conversion candidate prediction unit” (0906) outputs the next conversion candidate after conversion confirmation based on the conversion confirmation history. The next conversion candidate is a conversion candidate that is highly likely to be confirmed as a character string that continues to the preceding character string. Specifically, the next conversion candidate is input when a certain character string (for example, a telephone number destination) is highly likely to be converted after a predetermined number (for example, a telephone number). And outputting the character string “Marunouchi Hospital” as a candidate for the next conversion.

    As another example, when there is a high probability that a specific character string (for example, “pencil”) is determined to be converted after the preceding character string (for example, “sharp”), the number can be input. For example, the character string “mechanical pencil” is output as a candidate for the next conversion.

    The processing of each other part is the same as in the first embodiment.

  <Third Embodiment: Hardware Configuration> FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the present embodiment. With reference to this figure, the operation of each hardware component in the process execution of the character input device will be described mainly focusing on differences from the first and second embodiments. The character input device (1000) includes a “CPU (central processing unit)” (1001), a “main memory” (1002), and a conversion confirmation history recording unit, a conversion candidate prediction unit, and the like. , “Storage device (or storage medium)” (1003). Further, in addition to the hardware configuration unit, an “input interface” (1004) and an “output interface” (1005) are provided, and are connected to a display or the like via the output interface. These are connected to each other through a data communication path such as a “system bus” (1006), and transmit / receive information and process information.

  The storage device (1003) stores various programs executed by the CPU (1001), dictionary data, conversion confirmation history, and the like. Further, the main memory (1002) provides a work area that is an area for reading and expanding the program and a data area for temporarily storing data and the like in order to execute the program stored in the storage device. .

  First, when the character input device is turned on, the conversion confirmation history recording program (conversion confirmation history recording unit) (address 03), conversion candidate prediction program (conversion candidate prediction unit) (address 04), etc. stored in the storage device. Are expanded in the work area (addresses 11 to 14) of the main memory.

  When the character input device detects a conversion candidate selection operation from the user via the input interface, the input is a trigger, and the conversion confirmation history recording program (address 13) developed in the work area of the main memory. ) Is executed by the CPU. The conversion confirmation history recording program acquires a conversion confirmation history including the selected character type and records it in the storage device (address 06).

  Next, storage of the conversion confirmation history in the storage device is a trigger, and the conversion candidate prediction program (address 14) developed in the work area of the main memory is executed by the CPU. The conversion candidate prediction program searches for a character string that matches the input character string backward based on the conversion confirmation history recorded in the storage device (address 06). If a matching character string is obtained, it is stored as a next conversion candidate in the data area (address 200) of the main memory.

  Next, storing the next conversion candidate in the main memory is a trigger, and the conversion candidate display program (address 11) developed in the work area of the main memory is executed by the CPU. The conversion candidate display program outputs conversion candidates including the next conversion candidate to the display device via the output interface.

  <Third Embodiment: Process Flow> FIG. 11 shows an example of the flow of a character input method in the character input device of the present embodiment.

  First, key input is accepted, and it is determined whether or not the accepted key is a character input key (S1101). If it is determined that the key is not a character input key, a user operation is executed (S1102), and the process proceeds to a key input acceptance wait state. In the case of the determination result that the key is a character input key, conversion candidates for the character string input in response to the key press are extracted by searching the dictionary data (S1103). The process up to this point is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

  Next, the next conversion candidate after conversion confirmation is output based on the conversion confirmation history (S1104). Next, the character type conversion candidate field is laid out and conversion candidates are displayed (S1105). Furthermore, a process for selecting one conversion candidate from the displayed conversion candidates and confirming the conversion is performed (S1106). At this time, the conversion confirmation history of the conversion candidate whose conversion is confirmed is recorded (S1107). Finally, it is determined whether or not the key input is completed (S1108), and the process is repeated from the first step as long as the key input is continued.

  <Embodiment 3: Effect> This embodiment is a character input device characterized by outputting a next conversion candidate after conversion confirmation based on a conversion confirmation history including a character type selection history. Since conversion candidates that are likely to be input next are output, an effect of further increasing input efficiency can be expected.

  << Embodiment 4 >>

  An outline of the present embodiment will be described. This embodiment is a character input device characterized in that a layout area change command for a character type candidate column is output to a layout unit based on a prediction result in a next conversion candidate prediction unit.

  <Embodiment 4: Configuration> FIG. 12 shows an example of functional blocks of this embodiment. The “character input device” (1200) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 12 includes an “input key part” (1201), a “layout part” (1202), a “conversion candidate display part” (1203), Section ”(1204),“ conversion confirmation history recording section ”(1205),“ conversion candidate prediction section ”(1206), and“ second layout change command section ”(1207). Although not shown, there may be a “next character type prediction unit” and a “first layout change command unit”.

    (Second layout change command part 1207) The “second layout change command part” (1207) is a layout of the character type candidate column for the layout part (1202) based on the prediction result in the conversion candidate prediction part (1206). Output area change command. The layout area change command can be exemplified by a command for changing the layout area for each character type in the character type conversion candidate field according to the number of next conversion candidates and the length of the character string.

    The processing of each other part is the same as in the first embodiment.

  <Fourth Embodiment: Hardware Configuration> FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the present embodiment. With reference to this figure, the operation of each hardware component in the processing execution of the character input device will be described mainly focusing on differences from the first to third embodiments. The character input device (1300) includes a “CPU (central processing unit)” (1301), a “main memory” (1302), and a “storage device (or storage device) in order to realize processing in the second layout change command unit and the like. Medium) "(1303). Further, in addition to the hardware configuration unit, an “input interface” (1304) and an “output interface” (1305) are provided, and are connected to a display or the like via the output interface. These are connected to each other by a data communication path such as a “system bus” (1306), and perform transmission / reception and processing of information.

  The storage device (1303) stores various programs executed by the CPU (1301), dictionary data, conversion confirmation history, and the like. In addition, the main memory (1302) provides a work area, which is an area where the program is read and expanded, and a data area where data is temporarily stored in order to execute the program stored in the storage device. .

  First, when the power of the character input device is turned on, the second layout change command program (second layout change command section) (address 05) stored in the storage device is stored in the work area (addresses 11 to 15) of the main memory. Each is expanded.

  When the character input device detects a conversion candidate selection operation from the user via the input interface, the input is a trigger, and the conversion confirmation history recording program (address 13) developed in the work area of the main memory. ) Is executed by the CPU. The conversion confirmation history recording program acquires a conversion confirmation history including the selected character type and records it in the storage device (address 07).

  Next, storage of the conversion confirmation history in the storage device is a trigger, and the conversion candidate prediction program (address 14) developed in the work area of the main memory is executed by the CPU. The conversion candidate prediction program searches for a character string that matches the input character string backward, based on the conversion confirmation history recorded in the storage device (address 07). If a matching character string is obtained, it is stored as a next conversion candidate in the data area (address 200) of the main memory.

  Next, storage of the next conversion candidate in the main memory is a trigger, and the second layout change instruction program (address 15) developed in the work area of the main memory is executed by the CPU. The second layout change instruction program changes the layout area for each character type of conversion candidates in the character type conversion candidate column based on the prediction result of the next conversion candidate stored in the data area (address 200) of the main memory. Generate instructions for Specifically, a command such as ensuring a large area for a character type having a large number of next conversion candidates or a character type including a long character string can be exemplified. The generated layout area change command is stored in a data area (address 201) of the main memory.

  Next, storage of the layout area change instruction in the main memory is a trigger, and the layout program (address 12) developed in the work area of the main memory is executed by the CPU. The layout program can realize the layout of the character type conversion candidate column by storing the conversion candidates in the graphic memory and outputting them to the display device via the output interface in accordance with the layout area change command.

  <Embodiment 4: Processing Flow> FIG. 14 shows an example of the flow of a character input method in the character input device of this embodiment.

  First, key input is accepted, and it is determined whether the accepted key is a character input key (S1401). If it is determined that the key is not a character input key, a user operation is executed (S1402), and the process proceeds to a key input acceptance wait state. In the case of the determination result that it is a character input key, conversion candidates of the character string input in response to the key press are extracted by searching the dictionary data (S1403). The steps so far are the same as those in the first to third embodiments.

  Next, the next conversion candidate after conversion confirmation is output based on the conversion confirmation history (S1404). Next, a layout change command for the character type candidate column is output based on the previous prediction result (S1405). Next, according to the layout change command, the character type conversion candidate field is laid out and the conversion candidates are displayed (S1406). Further, a process for selecting one conversion candidate from the displayed conversion candidates and confirming the conversion is performed (S1407). At this time, the conversion confirmation history of the conversion candidate whose conversion has been confirmed is recorded (S1408). Finally, it is determined whether or not the key input is completed (S1409), and the process is repeated from the first step as long as the key input is continued.

  <Embodiment 4: Effect> This embodiment is a character input device characterized by outputting a layout area change command for a character type candidate field to a layout unit based on a prediction result in a next conversion candidate prediction unit. is there. Since the area of the character type candidate field is appropriately changed as necessary, an effect that the display is easy to see can be expected.

Conceptual diagram for explaining the first embodiment The figure which showed an example of the functional block of Embodiment 1. The figure which showed an example of the hardware constitutions of Embodiment 1. The figure which showed the flow of the process of Embodiment 1. The figure which showed the flow of the dictionary data search process of Embodiment 1. The figure which showed an example of the functional block of Embodiment 2. The figure which showed an example of the hardware constitutions of Embodiment 2. The figure which showed the flow of the process of Embodiment 2. The figure which showed an example of the functional block of Embodiment 3. The figure which showed an example of the hardware constitutions of Embodiment 3. The figure which showed the flow of the process of Embodiment 3. The figure which showed an example of the functional block of Embodiment 4. The figure which showed an example of the hardware constitutions of Embodiment 4. The figure which showed the flow of the process of Embodiment 4.

0200 Character input device 0201 Input key part 0202 Layout part 0203 Conversion candidate display part 0204 Selection part

Claims (3)

A character input device for inputting characters using a key,
An input key portion having the key;
A conversion candidate field for displaying conversion candidates;
A conversion candidate display unit that displays conversion candidates in the conversion candidate field in response to key input using the key;
A selection unit for selecting one conversion candidate from the conversion candidates displayed on the conversion candidate display unit and confirming the conversion;
Have
The conversion candidate display unit displays all of a plurality of conversion candidates composed of characters assigned to the key and conversion candidates obtained by converting the input using the key according to an input using the key. In the field at the same time,
The conversion candidate obtained by converting the input using the key includes a conversion candidate obtained by adding a character string predicted to follow the character string obtained by converting the input using the key. On the computer,
A step of displaying conversion candidates in a conversion candidate field in response to key input using the key in a character input device that performs character input using a key, wherein the key is input in accordance with input using the key All of a plurality of conversion candidates composed of characters assigned to the character string and a conversion candidate obtained by converting the input using the key, and a character string predicted to follow the character string obtained by converting the input using the key A conversion candidate display step which is a step including all conversion candidate simultaneous display sub-steps for simultaneously displaying conversion candidates including the conversion candidate added with the conversion candidate field;
A selection step for selecting one conversion candidate from the conversion candidates displayed in the conversion candidate display step and confirming the conversion;
A program for running   A recording medium storing the program according to claim 2.

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