JP3962828B2 - Information search control device, server, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information display control device, a server, and a program.

  Conventionally, an information display control device called an electronic dictionary in which electronic dictionary data such as a Japanese language dictionary, an English-Japanese dictionary, a Japanese-English dictionary, and an encyclopedia is incorporated is known. In this electronic dictionary data, the headword and the explanation information of the headword are stored in association with each other, and by specifying the search word, the explanation information of the headword that matches the search word is displayed. be able to.

  In addition to the dictionary type keys that can be specified with a single touch, corresponding to several dictionary types of the built-in electronic dictionary data, all the built-in electronic dictionary data There is known an electronic dictionary provided with a menu key for displaying a list of dictionary types and accepting an operation for specifying a dictionary type to be searched. FIG. 34 shows an example of a menu screen W70 displayed by pressing the menu key. As shown in FIG. 34, the menu screen W70 displays a list of dictionary types built in the electronic dictionary. Also, the built-in dictionary “Japanese dictionary” displayed at the top in the left side of the figure is highlighted and displayed as the built-in dictionary selection marker M70. On this menu screen W70, the user can move the built-in dictionary selection marker M70 and specify the dictionary type to be searched.

In addition, as described above, when a plurality of dictionary data is built in the electronic dictionary, the phrase and the example sentence data extracted from the plurality of dictionary data are held together, thereby storing the phrases from the plurality of dictionaries. In addition, there is known a technique for performing a skewer search of example sentences (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-134567 A

  By the way, since a large variety of various dictionaries have been built into the electronic dictionary, as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when a skewer search is performed from a plurality of dictionaries, it is searched as a candidate. The amount of information that can be obtained is enormous, and there is an inconvenience in searching for necessary information.

  On the other hand, menu keys are effective in electronic dictionaries that contain more dictionaries than the number of dictionary type keys because there is a limit to the number of dictionary type keys that can be specified with one touch. However, when the number of dictionaries is about 10 or more, for example, dozens of types, there is a problem that the operation for specifying the dictionary type from the menu screen becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional circumstances. In an information display control device such as an electronic dictionary in which a plurality of types of set information such as a dictionary are stored, an input character is input following the specified set information. It is an object of the present invention to appropriately select set information to be searched for suitable headwords and automatically search for appropriate information.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the information search control device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a dictionary information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of dictionary information in which headwords and explanation information of the headwords are associated with each other. Association information storage means for storing association information in which a keyword is associated with any one of the plurality of dictionary information, dictionary information designation means for designating any one of the plurality of dictionary information, and the dictionary Among the dictionary information specified by the information specifying means, a first search means for searching for a headword that matches the input character, and in the explanation information corresponding to the headword searched by the first search means Extracting means for extracting a keyword included in the dictionary, and referring to the association information, among the dictionary information associated with the keyword extracted by the extraction means, the associated keyword is Selecting means for selecting the dictionary information having the largest number, a second searching means for searching for a headword matching the input character from the dictionary information selected by the selecting means, And output control means for performing control to read out and output the explanation information of the headword searched by the search means from the dictionary information storage means .

The invention according to claim 2 stores a plurality of types of dictionary information in which a headword and explanation information of the headword are associated with each other in a server connected to a user terminal via a predetermined communication line. Dictionary information storage means, association information storage means for storing association information in which a keyword is associated with any of the plurality of dictionary information, and dictionary information designation information for designating any one of the plurality of dictionary information Receiving means for receiving an input character from the user terminal, and first search means for searching for a headword that matches the received input character from the dictionary information specified by the dictionary information specifying means Extraction means for extracting keywords included in the explanation information corresponding to the headword searched by the first search means, and extraction by the extraction means with reference to the association information Selection means for selecting the dictionary information with the largest number of extracted related keywords from the dictionary information associated with the associated keywords, and the received from the dictionary information selected by the selection means. Second search means for searching for a headword that matches the input character, and explanation information of the headword searched by the second search means is read from the dictionary information storage means and stored in the user terminal. Transmitting means for transmitting .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for storing a plurality of types of dictionary information in which a headword and explanation information of the headword are stored in a computer; An association information storage function that stores association information associated with any of the dictionary information, a dictionary information designation function that designates one of the plurality of dictionary information, and a dictionary designated by the dictionary information designation function A first search function for searching for a headword matching an input character from information, and an extraction for extracting a keyword included in the explanation information corresponding to the headword searched by the first search function Of the dictionary information associated with the keyword extracted by the extraction function with reference to the function and the association information, the number of extracted associated keywords is the maximum. A selection function for selecting a large amount of dictionary information, a second search function for searching for a headword that matches the input character from the dictionary information selected by the selection function, and a search by the second search function And an output control function for performing control to read out and output the explanation information of the found headword from the dictionary information storage function.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for storing a plurality of types of dictionary information in which a headword and explanation information of the headword are associated with a computer connected to a user terminal via a predetermined communication line. The stored dictionary information storage function, the association information storage function that stores the association information in which the keyword is associated with any of the plurality of dictionary information, and the dictionary information that specifies any of the plurality of dictionary information A receiving function for receiving designation information and input characters from the user terminal; and a first search for a headword that matches the received input characters from the dictionary information designated by the dictionary information designation function. A search function; an extraction function for extracting a keyword contained in the explanation information corresponding to the headword searched by the first search function; and Among the dictionary information associated with the keyword extracted by the above, the selection function for selecting the dictionary information with the largest number of associated keywords extracted, and the dictionary information selected by this selection function, A second search function for searching for a headword that matches the received input character, and explanation information of the headword searched by the second search function is read from the dictionary information storage function and the user And a transmission function for transmitting to a terminal .

According to the invention described in claim 1 or 3 , after searching for a headword that matches the input character from the specified dictionary information , the keyword included in the explanation information corresponding to the headword is obtained. extracted, among the extracted dictionary information associated with the keyword, it is possible to appropriately select the dictionary information according to the number that has been extracted for the associated keywords. Then, it is possible to perform a control to search for a headword that matches the input character from the selected dictionary information , and to read out and output the explanation information of the searched headword .

According to the invention of claim 2 or 4, when received in the server or computer, the dictionary information specifying information and input character to specify one of the dictionary information of the plurality of dictionary information from the user terminal, After searching for the headword that matches the input character from the set information specified by the set information specification information, the keyword included in the explanation information corresponding to the headword is extracted and associated with the extracted keyword Among the collected set information, the set information can be appropriately selected according to the number of associated keywords extracted. Then, the headword that matches the input character is searched from the selected set information, and the explanation information of the searched headword can be read and transmitted to the user terminal.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the information display control device according to the present invention is applied to a foldable portable electronic dictionary (hereinafter simply referred to as “electronic dictionary”) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. To do.

  The electronic dictionary in the present embodiment is an electronic dictionary or electronic dictionary data of various dictionary types such as Japanese dictionary, English-Japanese dictionary, Japanese-English dictionary, encyclopedia, IT glossary, family medical dictionary, learning encyclopedia, mathematics dictionary, and chemical dictionary. (Dictionary database) is built-in. The dictionary database (hereinafter, the database is referred to as “DB”) is an explanation in which a headword and character data, still image data, moving image data, voice data, etc. for explaining the headword are stored. It is systematically configured so that set information obtained by collecting information associated with information can be searched using a computer. The user can display an explanation of the input character by specifying the dictionary type and inputting the character (hereinafter referred to as “input character”).

  FIG. 1A shows an example of a perspective overview of an electronic dictionary. As shown in FIG. 1A, the electronic dictionary includes a display 2 and a key group 4. Each key constituting the key group 4 is assigned a unique function, and the user operates the electronic dictionary by pressing these keys.

  FIG. 1B shows an example of the key arrangement of the key group 4. As shown in FIG. 1B, the key group 4 includes a power key 10 for switching power ON / OFF, a character input key 12 for inputting an input character, a delete key 14, an instruction for displaying explanation information, and an instruction for confirming an operation. The translation / decision key 16 for inputting, etc., the direction instruction key 18 for instructing the moving direction of the cursor, the jump key 20 for the designated word, the link dictionary key 22 for jumping to the link dictionary, and the transition to the link setting change mode Of the link change key 24 to instruct, the return key 26 for returning to the previously displayed screen, etc., and the dictionary type (hereinafter referred to as “built-in dictionary” as appropriate) built in the electronic dictionary, the dictionary type to be searched (hereinafter referred to as “built-in dictionary”). It is composed of a dictionary selection key 28 for selecting “designated dictionary”, a shift key 30 and the like, and a direction instruction key 18 indicates a left instruction key 18a for indicating “left”, and “right”. Instruction key 18b, instructing key 18c on to instruct the "up", and under command key 18d for instructing the "down". In this embodiment, the shift key 30 is used to switch between the cursor movement mode and the set value change mode by the up instruction key 18c and the down instruction key 18d in the link setting change mode.

  In the electronic dictionary shown in FIG. 1, as the dictionary selection key 28, a Japanese-language dictionary key 28 a that specifies “Japanese-language dictionary”, an English-Japanese dictionary key 28 b that specifies “English-Japanese dictionary”, and Japanese-English that specifies “Japanese-English dictionary”. A dictionary key 28c, an encyclopedia key 28d for designating "encyclopedia", and a menu key 28e for displaying a list of built-in dictionaries and prompting selection of a dictionary type are provided. Hereinafter, among the dictionary selection keys 28, the Japanese language dictionary key 28a, the English-Japanese dictionary key 28b, the Japanese-English dictionary key 28c, and the encyclopedia key 28d are collectively referred to as “dictionary type key” as appropriate.

(Embodiment 1)
First, a first embodiment of an electronic dictionary to which the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the electronic dictionary 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic dictionary 1 includes functional units of a CPU 100, an input device 200, a display device 300, a RAM 400, and a flash ROM 500.

  The CPU 100 executes processing based on a predetermined program in accordance with an input instruction, performs an instruction to each functional unit, data transfer, and the like, and controls the electronic dictionary 1 in an integrated manner. Specifically, the CPU 100 reads a program stored in the flash ROM 500 in response to a press signal or the like input from the input device 200, and executes processing according to the program. Then, the processing result is stored in the RAM 400 and a display signal for displaying the processing result is appropriately output to the display device 300 to display the corresponding display information.

  The input device 200 includes a key group necessary for inputting characters such as kana and alphabets and switching modes, and outputs a pressed signal of a pressed key to the CPU 100. This input device 200 corresponds to the key group 4 shown in FIG. The input device 200 implements input means for specifying a dictionary type, inputting input characters, instructing display of explanation information, or instructing to change a link dictionary search table 507a described later.

  The display device 300 displays various screens based on display signals input from the CPU 100, and is configured by an LCD or the like. The display device 300 corresponds to the display 2 shown in FIG.

  The RAM 400 includes a memory area that temporarily holds various programs executed by the CPU 100 and data related to the execution of these programs. In particular, an input character storage area 401 is provided to implement the first embodiment.

  The flash ROM 500 stores initial programs for performing various initial settings, hardware inspections, loading of necessary programs, and the like. The CPU 100 sets the operating environment of the electronic dictionary 1 by executing this initial program when the electronic dictionary 1 is powered on.

  The flash ROM 500 stores various processing programs related to the operation of the electronic dictionary 1 and programs and data for realizing various functions provided in the electronic dictionary 1. In particular, in order to realize the first embodiment, a dictionary DB group 501 having a plurality of types of dictionary DBs, a first dictionary search program 503, a first link setting change program 505, and link setting information 507 are stored. .

  The link setting information 507 includes a link dictionary search table 507a and all link dictionary search information 507b. The dictionary DB group 501 includes a dictionary DB such as a Japanese dictionary DB 501a, an encyclopedia DB 501b, a modern term dictionary DB 501c, an IT term dictionary DB 501D, and a family medicine dictionary DB 501e. Hereinafter, the dictionary DBs constituting the dictionary DB group 501 are collectively referred to as “built-in dictionary DB” as appropriate.

  In the built-in dictionary DB, which is one of set information, stored in the dictionary DB group 501, dictionary data (information) in which headwords are associated with explanation information is accumulated (set). FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an accumulation format of the encyclopedia DB 501b. As shown in FIG. 3, the encyclopedia DB 501b stores dictionary data in which headwords and explanation information are associated with each other. The explanation information includes character data for explaining the corresponding headwords. Some explanation information is stored. Although not shown in the drawing, similarly, dictionary data in which the headword and the explanation information are associated with each other is stored in the Japanese dictionary DB 501a, the modern term dictionary DB 501c, the IT term dictionary DB 501d, and the home medicine dictionary DB 501e. .

  The CPU 100 executes the first dictionary search process according to the first dictionary search program 503 stored in the flash ROM 500. For example, the CPU 100 first determines a dictionary DB of a designated dictionary (hereinafter referred to as “designated dictionary DB”) in response to a dictionary type selection operation by the dictionary selection key 28. In the following description, it is assumed that a designated dictionary is selected in response to a pressing operation of a dictionary type key to which a unique dictionary type is assigned.

  Subsequently, the CPU 100 updates the input character storage area 401 in response to the pressing operation of the character input key 12. In addition, when the translation / decision key 16 is pressed and the input character is confirmed, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB. Then, when a headword that matches the input character is searched, the CPU 100 controls to read and display the explanation information of the headword.

  Further, the CPU 100 refers to the link dictionary search table 507a to select the dictionary type of the link dictionary (hereinafter referred to as “link dictionary type”), and the dictionary DB of the selected link dictionary type (hereinafter referred to as “link dictionary DB”). A process (link dictionary search process) for searching for a headword that matches the input character is executed.

  Specifically, the CPU 100 automatically executes a link dictionary search process when no headword that matches the input character is found from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB. In addition, when a headword that matches the input character is searched from headwords included in the designated dictionary DB, the CPU 100 executes a link dictionary search process in response to a pressing operation of the link dictionary key 22. .

  Here, the link dictionary search process will be described. First, the CPU 100 refers to the link dictionary search table 507a, selects a link dictionary type associated with the designated dictionary, and selects a link dictionary DB. And CPU100 searches the headword which fits an input character from the headword contained in link dictionary DB.

  FIG. 4A shows an example of the link dictionary search table 507a. As shown in FIG. 4A, the link dictionary search table 507a includes a link flag indicating the presence / absence of a link dictionary (Y: yes / N: no) and a link dictionary type for each built-in dictionary dictionary type. It is the associated data table. When “Y” is set in the link flag of the designated dictionary, the CPU 100 selects the corresponding link dictionary type and determines the link dictionary DB.

  FIG. 4B shows the search order of the dictionary DB by the CPU 100 when the designated dictionary “Japanese dictionary” is selected by the Japanese dictionary key 28a. As shown in FIG. 4B, when a Japanese dictionary is designated (step a10) and an input character is input (step a20), the CPU 100 selects an input character from the entries included in the national dictionary DB 501a. A search is performed for headwords that match (step a30).

  Next, the CPU 100 executes the following processing with reference to the link dictionary search table 507a shown in FIG. That is, first, the CPU 100 searches the headwords included in the encyclopedia DB 501b for headwords that match the input characters (step a40). Specifically, the CPU 100 determines the link flag “Y” of the designated dictionary “Japanese dictionary” shown in the record L10 in FIG. 4A, and is an encyclopedia that is a dictionary DB of the corresponding link dictionary type “encyclopedia”. A headword that matches the input character is searched from the headwords included in the DB 501b.

  Next, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the modern term dictionary DB 501c (step a50). Specifically, first, the CPU 100 determines a link flag “Y” corresponding to the dictionary type “encyclopedia” which is the previous link dictionary type shown in the record L12 of FIG. Next, the CPU 100 selects a headword that matches the input character from the headwords included in the modern term dictionary DB 501c that is the dictionary DB of the link dictionary type “modern term encyclopedia” corresponding to the dictionary type “encyclopedia”. Search for.

  Similarly, the CPU 100 determines the link flag “N” corresponding to the dictionary type “modern term dictionary”, which is the previous link dictionary type shown in the record L14 in FIG. 4A, and ends the process.

  The link dictionary search process described above is executed after the CPU 100 determines whether or not to search for a headword that matches the input character from all the link dictionary DBs according to the all link dictionary search information 507b. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of all link dictionary search information 507b. The all link dictionary search information 507b stores flag information (Y / N) indicating whether or not to find a headword that matches an input character from headwords included in all link dictionary DBs. . In the all link dictionary search information 507b shown in FIG. 5, all link dictionary search information “Y” is set.

  When “Y” is set in this all-link dictionary search information 507b, the CPU 100 sequentially selects the link dictionary DB from the designated dictionary as described with reference to FIG. The headwords that match the input characters are searched from the headwords included in the linked dictionary DB, and control is performed to display the explanation information of the searched headwords. In addition, when “N” is set in the all link dictionary search information 507b, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character only from the link dictionary DB corresponding to the designated dictionary. Control to display the explanation information of the headword.

  When the link change key 24 is pressed, the CPU 100 shifts to the link setting change mode, and executes the first link setting change process according to the first link setting change program 505.

  Specifically, the CPU 100 displays a link dictionary setting screen displaying setting values set in the link dictionary search table 507a at that time, and accepts a change operation of a link flag and a link dictionary type. Then, the CPU 100 updates the link dictionary search table 507a according to the change operation.

  FIG. 6A shows an example of the link dictionary search table 507a after the change / update. In the link dictionary search table 507a shown in FIG. 6A, the link flag “N” of the dictionary type “modern term dictionary” set in the link dictionary search table 507a shown in FIG. 4A is changed to “Y”. In addition, “family medicine encyclopedia” is set as the link dictionary type.

  FIG. 6B shows the search order of the dictionary DB by the CPU 100 when the designated dictionary “Japanese dictionary” is selected by the Japanese dictionary key 28a. As shown in FIG. 6B, when a Japanese dictionary is designated (step b10) and an input character is input (step b20), the CPU 100 selects an input character from the entries included in the national dictionary DB 501a. A matching headword is searched (step b30).

  Next, the CPU 100 refers to the link dictionary search table 507a shown in FIG. That is, first, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the encyclopedia DB 501b (step b40). Then, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the modern term dictionary DB 501c (step b50). Further, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the home medical dictionary DB 501e (step b60). Then, the CPU 100 determines a link flag “N” corresponding to the dictionary type “family medicine encyclopedia”, and ends the process.

  Further, the CPU 100 switches between the link dictionary setting screen described above and the all link dictionary setting screen displaying the setting values set in the all link dictionary search information 507b in response to the pressing operation of the link change key 24. Then, when the display screen is switched to the all link dictionary setting screen, the CPU 100 accepts a change operation of all link dictionary search information and updates the all link dictionary search information 507b according to the change operation.

  Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 10 show a processing flow of the CPU 100, and FIGS. 8, 9, and 11 show transition examples of screens displayed on the display device 300, respectively.

  FIG. 7 is a process flow of the CPU 100 related to the first dictionary search process realized by executing the first dictionary search program 503. As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 100 accepts an input operation for input characters in response to a dictionary type selection operation using a dictionary type key (step c10: YES). When an input character is input (step c12: YES), the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the designated dictionary DB (step c14). . At this time, the inputted input characters are held in the input character storage area 401.

  If no headword matching the input character is found from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB (step c16: NO), the CPU 100 automatically refers to the link dictionary search table 507a. To select the link dictionary type. Next, when the link dictionary type is selected (step c18: YES), the CPU 100 selects the corresponding link dictionary DB, and selects the input character from the headwords included in the selected link dictionary DB. A matching headword is searched (step c20). When a headword that matches the input character is searched from headwords included in the link dictionary DB (step c22: YES), the CPU 100 reads out and displays the explanation information of the headword. The information is displayed on the device 300 (step c24).

  FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of an input character input screen W10 displayed on the display device 300 by pressing the encyclopedia key 28d. In the input character input screen W10 shown in FIG. 8 (a), when the character input key 12 is operated to input the character string “Bijinetomo de Tokki” as the input character I10 as a search word and the translation / decision key 16 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 8 (b), an explanation information display screen W12 is displayed on which explanation information corresponding to the headword “Bijinesumodokko” included in the modern glossary DB 501c is displayed.

  That is, in response to the pressing operation of the translation / decision key 16, the CPU 100 selects a headword that matches the input character “Bijinetomo de Tokki” from the headwords included in the encyclopedia DB 501 b shown in FIG. 3. Search is performed (step c14 shown in FIG. 7). Then, the CPU 100 did not search for a headword that matches the input character “Biji Nesmo de Tokki” from the encyclopedia DB 501b (step c16 (NO) shown in FIG. 7), and therefore the link dictionary search table 507a shown in FIG. The record dictionary L12 is referred to, the link dictionary type “modern term encyclopedia” corresponding to the designated dictionary “encyclopedia” is selected, and the term “Bijinesumomo” is selected from the terms included in the modern term encyclopedia DB 501c. The headword matching “” is searched (step c18 (YES) → C20 shown in FIG. 7). Next, the CPU 100 performs a control to read and display the explanation information corresponding to the headword “Biji Nesmo de Tokki” included in the modern glossary DB 501c (step c22 (YES) → c24 shown in FIG. 7).

  Subsequently, when all link dictionary search information “Y” is set in all link dictionary search information 507b (step c26: YES), the CPU 100 returns to step c18 and selects the corresponding link dictionary type. The above processing is executed.

  On the other hand, in step c16, when a headword that matches the input character is found from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB, the CPU 100 reads out the explanation information of the headword and displays it on the display device 300. (Step c28). Then, the CPU 100 refers to the all link dictionary search information 507b, and when “Y” is set (step c30: YES), the CPU 100 monitors the pressing operation of the link dictionary key 22, and when it is pressed, (Step c32: YES), the process proceeds to step c18, the corresponding link dictionary type is selected, and the above-described processing is executed.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of an input character input screen W20 displayed on the display device 300 by pressing the encyclopedia key 28d. In the input character input screen W20 shown in FIG. 9 (a), when the character input key 12 is operated to input the character string “Chikizai Sanken” as the input character I20 as a search word and the translation / decision key 16 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 9B, an explanation information display screen W22 on which explanation information corresponding to the headword “Chikizai Kenken” included in the encyclopedia DB 501b is displayed.

  Then, when the link dictionary key 22 is pressed on the explanatory information display screen W22 shown in FIG. 9B, as shown in FIG. 9C, the headword “Chikizai-san Ken” included in the modern glossary DB 501c. An explanation information display screen W24 on which explanation information corresponding to is displayed is displayed.

  That is, the CPU 100 refers to the record L12 of the link dictionary search table 507a shown in FIG. 4 in response to the pressing operation of the link dictionary key 22 (step c34 (YES) shown in FIG. 7), and designates the designated dictionary “encyclopedia”. The link dictionary type “modern term encyclopedia” corresponding to is selected (step c18 (YES) shown in FIG. 7). Then, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character “Chikizai Sanken” from the headwords included in the modern term dictionary DB 501c, and searches for the headword “Chikizai Sanken”. The corresponding explanation information is read and displayed (step c20 → c22 (YES) → c24 shown in FIG. 7).

  The CPU 100 determines that the all link dictionary search information “N” is set in the all link dictionary search information 507b in step c26 or step c30, and the link dictionary type is not selected in step c18. If this is the case, this process ends.

  Further, the CPU 100 shifts to the link setting change mode in response to the pressing operation of the link change key 24 and executes the first link setting change process. FIG. 10 is a process flow of the CPU 100 related to the first link setting change process realized by executing the first link setting change program 505. As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 100 updates the corresponding link flag in the link dictionary search table 507a according to the link flag change operation (step d10), and performs the link dictionary search according to the link dictionary type change operation. The corresponding link dictionary type in the table 507a is updated (step d12). Further, the CPU 100 updates the all link dictionary search information 507b according to the change operation of the all link dictionary search information (step d14).

  FIG. 11A shows an example of a link dictionary setting screen W30 displayed on the display device 300 when the setting type is set to “link dictionary setting” by pressing the link change key 24. The link dictionary setting screen W30 displays a list of link flags and link dictionary types set for each dictionary type in the link dictionary search table 507a at that time, and a link for the dictionary type “family medicine encyclopedia” in the top row. The flag “N” is highlighted and displayed as a change item selection marker M30.

  In the link dictionary setting screen W30 shown in FIG. 11A, the link flag corresponding to each dictionary type is specified by pressing the up instruction key 18c or the down instruction key 18d to move the change item selection marker M30. Can do. In addition, after the shift key 30 is pressed to switch the pressing mode of the upper instruction key 18c or the lower instruction key 18d to the set value change mode, the upper item key 18c or the lower instruction key 18d is pressed to change the change item selection marker M30. The setting value (Y / N) of the link flag specified in (1) can be switched.

  For example, by operating the up instruction key 18c or the down instruction key 18d on the link dictionary search setting screen W30 shown in FIG. 11A, the link flag of the dictionary type “modern term dictionary” is selected by the change item selection marker M30. To do. Subsequently, the shift key 30 is pressed to switch the pressing mode of the upper instruction key 18c and the lower instruction key 18d to the set value change mode, and then the upper instruction key 18c or the lower instruction key 18d is pressed. As a result, the link flag of the dictionary type “modern term encyclopedia” is changed to “Y”, and the link dictionary selection screen W32 shown in FIG. 11B is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, a list of built-in dictionaries is displayed on the link dictionary selection screen W32, and the uppermost dictionary type “Japanese dictionary” is highlighted and displayed as the link dictionary selection marker 32. Yes. On this link dictionary selection screen W32, the link dictionary can be specified by pressing the direction instruction key 18 and moving the link dictionary selection marker M32. Then, by depressing the translation / decision key 16, the link dictionary type is determined. At this time, the corresponding link flag and link dictionary type are changed, and the link dictionary search table 507a is updated.

  For example, on the link dictionary selection screen W32 shown in FIG. 11B, the dictionary type “family medicine encyclopedia” is selected by the link dictionary selection marker M32 by operating the down instruction key 18d. Subsequently, the translation / decision key 16 is pressed to confirm the operation. As a result, the link flag of the dictionary type “family medicine encyclopedia” in the link dictionary search table 507a is changed to “Y”, and “family medicine encyclopedia” is set and updated in the link dictionary type.

  For example, when the link change key 24 is pressed on the link dictionary setting screen W30 shown in FIG. 11A or the link dictionary setting screen W32 shown in FIG. 11B, the setting type is set to “all link dictionary setting”. The all link dictionary setting screen W34 shown in FIG. 11C is displayed. On the all link dictionary setting screen W34, “Y”, which is the value of all link dictionary search information set in the all link dictionary search information 507b at the time, is highlighted. For example, the upper instruction key 18c or the lower instruction key 18d is pressed on the all link dictionary setting screen W34 shown in FIG. As a result, all link dictionary information is changed to “N”, and all link dictionary search information 507b is updated.

  Returning to FIG. 10, when the return key 26 is pressed (step d14: YES), the CPU 100 cancels the link setting change mode and ends this process.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, after searching for a headword matching an input character from headwords included in the designated dictionary DB, the designated dictionary is referred to by referring to the link dictionary search table 507a. The link dictionary type can be selected from and the link dictionary DB can be determined. Then, the CPU 100 can search for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the selected link dictionary DB, and can perform control to display the explanation information of the found headword. At this time, if all link dictionary search information “Y” is set in all link dictionary search information 507b, the link dictionary DB is sequentially selected from the designated dictionary based on the link dictionary search table 507a. Then, it is possible to perform a control of searching for a headword that matches the input character from the headwords included in the selected link dictionary DB and displaying the explanation information of the searched headword.

  According to this, by setting the link dictionary type corresponding to the dictionary type in the link dictionary search table 507a, the dictionary type to be searched for the headword that matches the input character following the designated dictionary, Can be elected appropriately.

  Also, for example, in the link dictionary search table 507a, if a link dictionary type is associated so that a specialized dictionary DB is selected as a link dictionary type step by step, the dictionary type to be searched is specified according to the purpose. By doing this, it is possible to sequentially search for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the link dictionary DB that is sequentially selected from the dictionary DB of the designated dictionary type.

  If no headword matching the input character is found from the headwords included in the specified dictionary DB, the link dictionary search table 507a is automatically referred to, and the link dictionary type is searched from the specified dictionary. Is selected to determine the link dictionary DB, and the headwords that match the input characters can be searched from the headwords included in the selected link dictionary DB. In addition, when a headword matching the input character is searched from headwords included in the designated dictionary DB and the link dictionary key 22 is pressed, the link dictionary search table 507a is stored. The link dictionary type is selected from the designated dictionary, the link dictionary DB is determined, and the headword matching the input character can be searched from the headwords included in the selected link dictionary DB.

  Further, as in Embodiment 1 described above, by performing a dictionary search in response to a pressing operation of the dictionary type key, after searching for a headword that matches an input character from a designated dictionary DB designated by one touch, a link A headword that matches the input character can be searched from the link dictionary DB selected with reference to the dictionary search table 507a. In the link dictionary search table 507a, if a dictionary type that cannot be specified by the dictionary type key is set as a link dictionary type in association with the dictionary type that can be specified by the dictionary type key, as described with reference to FIG. Search for a headword that matches an input character from the link dictionary DB determined by referring to the link dictionary search table 507a without performing a dictionary type selection operation from a menu screen on which a list of built-in dictionaries is displayed. Can do.

  Further, the link dictionary type corresponding to each built-in dictionary can be changed according to the pressing operation of the link change key 24. Furthermore, all link dictionary search information for determining whether or not to find a headword that matches an input character from all link dictionaries DB can be updated.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the electronic dictionary to which the present invention is applied will be described. The configuration of the electronic dictionary in the second embodiment is the same as that of the electronic dictionary 1 shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. The RAM 400 is replaced with the RAM 420 shown in FIG. 12A, and the flash ROM 500 is replaced with the flash ROM 500 shown in FIG. The flash ROM 520 shown in FIG. 5 has the same configuration as that of the flash ROM 520. Hereinafter, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, the RAM 420 includes an input character storage area 421 and a related word storage area 423, in particular, in order to realize the second embodiment. Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, in order to realize the second embodiment, the flash ROM 520 particularly includes a dictionary DB group 521, a second dictionary search program 523, a second link setting change program 525, A link dictionary search table 527 is stored.

  The dictionary DB group 521 includes a built-in dictionary DB such as a learning encyclopedia DB 521a and a mathematical dictionary DB 521b. Each built-in dictionary DB stores dictionary data in which headwords, related words, and explanation information are associated with each other. In the related word, a phrase related to the corresponding headword is stored. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an accumulation format of the mathematical dictionary DB 521b. For example, the dictionary data shown in the record L20 stores the related word “Ichiji Kansu” in association with the headword “Senkei Daisyu”. Although not shown, similarly, the learning encyclopedia DB 521a stores dictionary data in which headwords, related words, and explanation information are associated with each other.

  The CPU 100 executes the second dictionary search process according to the second dictionary search program 523 stored in the flash ROM 520. For example, the CPU 100 determines the dictionary DB of the corresponding dictionary type as the designated dictionary DB according to the selection operation of the dictionary selection key 28.

  The CPU 100 updates the input character storage area 421 in response to the pressing operation of the character input key 12. In addition, when the translation / decision key 16 is pressed and the input character is confirmed, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB. Then, when a headword that matches the input character is searched, the CPU 100 controls to read and display the explanation information of the headword.

  Further, the CPU 100 determines the link dictionary DB by referring to the link dictionary search table 527 when no headword matching the input character is searched from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB. Similar to the link dictionary search table 507a described with reference to FIG. 4A in the first embodiment, the link dictionary search table 527 is associated with the dictionary type of the built-in dictionary, and the presence / absence of a link dictionary (Y / N), respectively. Is a data table in which the link flag representing the link dictionary type is associated. When “Y” is set in the link flag of the designated dictionary, the CPU 100 selects the corresponding link dictionary type and determines the corresponding dictionary DB as the link dictionary DB.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the link dictionary search table 527 in the second embodiment. For example, when the designated dictionary is determined to be “learning encyclopedia”, the CPU 100 does not search for an entry that matches the input character from the entries included in the learning encyclopedia DB 521a. 14, the link flag “Y” of the designated dictionary “learning encyclopedia” shown in the record L22 is determined with reference to the link dictionary search table 527, and the mathematics which is the dictionary DB of the corresponding link dictionary type “mathematical dictionary” The dictionary DB 521b is determined as the link dictionary DB.

  Subsequently, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from the mathematical dictionary DB 521b determined in the link dictionary DB as described above. Then, the CPU 100 extracts a related word associated with the found headword and updates the related word storage area 423. FIG. 15 shows an example of the related word storage area 423. In the related word storage area 423 shown in FIG. 15, the related word “Ichiji Kansu” is stored.

  Subsequently, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the extracted related word from the headwords included in the learning encyclopedia DB 521a that is the designated dictionary DB, and reads and displays the corresponding explanation information. Do.

  In addition, when the link change key 24 is pressed, the CPU 100 shifts to the link setting change mode and executes the second link setting change process according to the second link setting change program 525. Specifically, the CPU 100 displays a link dictionary change screen displaying setting values set in the link dictionary search table 527 at that time, and accepts an operation for changing the link flag and the link dictionary type. Then, the CPU 100 updates the link dictionary search table 527 according to the change operation.

  Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 18 show a processing flow of the CPU 100, and FIG. 17 shows a transition example of screens displayed on the display device 300, respectively.

  FIG. 16 is a processing flow of the CPU 100 related to the second dictionary search process realized by executing the second dictionary search program 523. As shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 100 accepts an input operation for input characters in response to a dictionary type selection operation using a dictionary type key (step e10: YES). When an input character is input (step e12: YES), the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the designated dictionary DB (step e14). . At this time, the input character that has been input is held in the input character storage area 421.

  If no headword matching the input character is found from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB (step e16: NO), the CPU 100 refers to the link dictionary search table 527 and performs a link. Select a dictionary type. If a link dictionary type is selected (step e18: YES), the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the link dictionary DB (step e20). . When a headword that matches the input character is searched (step e22: YES), the CPU 100 extracts a related word associated with the searched headword (step e24). At this time, the extracted related word is held in the related word storage area 423.

  Subsequently, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the extracted related word from headwords included in the dictionary DB of the designated dictionary selected in step e10 (step e26). When a headword that matches the extracted related word is searched (step e28: YES), the CPU 100 reads out the corresponding explanation information and displays it on the display device 300 (step e30). Exit.

  FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen W40 displayed on the display device 300 by pressing the menu key 28e. A list of built-in dictionaries is displayed on the menu screen W40. Further, the built-in dictionary “Japanese dictionary” displayed at the top in the left side of the figure is highlighted and displayed as a built-in dictionary selection marker M40.

  In the menu screen W40 shown in FIG. 17 (a), when the direction instruction key 18 is operated to select the internal dictionary “learning encyclopedia” with the internal dictionary selection marker M40 and the translation / decision key 16 is pressed, FIG. An input character input screen W42 is displayed. On this input character input screen W42, when the character input key 12 is operated to input the character string “Senkei Daisui” as the input character I40 as a search word and the translation / decision key 16 is pressed, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, an explanation information display screen W44 on which explanation information corresponding to the headword “Ichiji Kansu” included in the learning encyclopedia DB 521a is displayed. In the explanation information display screen W44, the character string “Ichiji” that is the related word W40 extracted based on “Senkei Daisui” inputted as a search word on the input character input screen W42 shown in FIG. “Kansu” is displayed.

  That is, in response to the pressing operation of the translation / decision key 16, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character “Senkei Daisui” from the headwords included in the learning encyclopedia DB 521a (FIG. Step e14) shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 100 has not found a headword that matches the input character “Senkei Daisyu” from the learning encyclopedia DB 521a (step e16 (NO) shown in FIG. 16), so the link dictionary search table shown in FIG. The link dictionary type “mathematical dictionary” corresponding to the designated dictionary “learning encyclopedia” is selected by referring to the record L22 of 527, and the word “senkeidaisui” is selected from the words included in the mathematical dictionary DB 521b. The headword matching “” is searched (step e18 (YES) → e20 shown in FIG. 16).

  Then, the CPU 100 refers to the record L20 of the mathematical dictionary DB 521b shown in FIG. 13 and extracts the related word “Ichijikansu” corresponding to the headword “Senkei Daisui” (step e22 shown in FIG. 16). (YES) → e24). Next, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the related word “Ichiji Kansu” from the headwords included in the learning encyclopedia DB 521a that is the designated dictionary DB. Control is performed to read and display the explanation information corresponding to “Jikansu” (steps e26 → e28 (YES) → e30 shown in FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, in step e16, when a headword matching the input character is retrieved from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB, the CPU 100 reads out the explanation information of the headword and displays it on the display device 300. (Step e32), and this process is terminated.

  Further, the CPU 100 shifts to the link setting change mode in response to the pressing operation of the link change key 24 and executes the second link setting change process. FIG. 18 is a processing flow of the CPU 100 related to the second link setting change process realized by executing the second link setting change program 525. As shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 100 updates the corresponding link flag in the link dictionary search table 527 according to the link flag change operation (step f10), and searches for the link dictionary according to the link dictionary type change operation. The corresponding link dictionary type in the table 527 is updated (step f12).

  When the return key 26 is pressed (step f14: YES), the CPU 100 cancels the link setting change mode and ends this process.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a headword matching an input character is not searched from headwords included in the designated dictionary DB, the link dictionary search table 527 is referred to. It is possible to search for a headword that matches an input character from headwords included in the determined link dictionary DB, and extract a related word corresponding to the searched headword. Then, it is possible to perform a control to search for a headword that matches the extracted related word from the designated dictionary DB and to display explanation information corresponding to the searched headword.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the electronic dictionary to which the present invention is applied will be described. The configuration of the electronic dictionary in the third embodiment is the same as that of the electronic dictionary 1 shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. The RAM 400 is replaced with the RAM 440 shown in FIG. 19A and the flash ROM 500 is replaced with the flash ROM 500 shown in FIG. The flash ROM 540 shown in FIG. 4 is similar to the configuration replaced, and hereinafter, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, the RAM 440 includes an input character storage area 441, a keyword list storage area 443, and a headword candidate list storage area 445, in particular, in order to implement the third embodiment. Further, as shown in FIG. 19B, in order to implement the third embodiment, in the flash ROM 540, in particular, a dictionary DB group 541, a third dictionary search program 543, a second link setting change program 525, A link dictionary search table 547 is stored.

  The dictionary DB group 541 includes a built-in dictionary DB such as a Japanese dictionary DB 541a and a modern term dictionary DB 541b. FIG. 20 shows an example of the storage format of the Japanese dictionary DB 541a, and FIG. 21 shows an example of the storage format of the modern term dictionary DB 541b. Similar to the encyclopedia DB 501b described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 3, dictionary data in which headwords and explanation information are associated with each other is stored in each built-in dictionary DB.

  The CPU 100 executes the third dictionary search process according to the third dictionary search program 543 stored in the flash ROM 540. For example, the CPU 100 determines the dictionary DB of the dictionary type assigned to the dictionary type key as the designated dictionary DB in response to the selection operation of the dictionary type key.

  Then, the CPU 100 updates the input character storage area 441 in response to the pressing operation of the character input key 12. In addition, when the translation / decision key 16 is pressed and the input character is confirmed, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB. Then, when a headword that matches the input character is searched, the CPU 100 controls to read and display the explanation information of the headword.

  Further, the CPU 100 determines the link dictionary DB by referring to the link dictionary search table 547 when no headword matching the input character is searched from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB. Similar to the link dictionary search table 507a described with reference to FIG. 4A in the first embodiment, the link dictionary search table 547 is associated with the dictionary type of the built-in dictionary and the presence / absence of each link dictionary (Y / N) is a data table in which a link flag representing N) is associated with a link dictionary type. When “Y” is set in the link flag of the designated dictionary, the CPU 100 selects the corresponding link dictionary type and determines the corresponding dictionary DB as the link dictionary DB.

  FIG. 22 shows an example of the link dictionary search table 547 in the third embodiment. In the link dictionary search table 547 shown in FIG. 22, for example, as shown in the record L30, “modern term dictionary” is set as the link dictionary type of the dictionary type “Japanese dictionary”.

  Then, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from the determined link dictionary DB. Then, the CPU 100 scans the character string of the explanation information of the found headword in order from the first character, extracts a word (keyword) included in the explanation information, and stores it in the keyword list storage area 443.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the keyword list storage area 443. As shown in FIG. 23, in the keyword list storage area 443, as described above, words extracted as keywords from the explanation information of the headword searched from the link dictionary DB based on the input characters are accumulated. Is done. In addition, in association with each keyword, a headword presence / absence flag and the number of contained keywords described later are stored.

  Subsequently, the CPU 100 sequentially selects the extracted keywords (hereinafter, the selected keywords are referred to as “selected keywords”), and executes the following processes for all the extracted keywords. That is, first, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the selected keyword from headwords included in the designated dictionary DB. Then, when a headword that matches the selected keyword is searched, the CPU 100 sets the headword presence flag corresponding to the selected keyword in the keyword list storage area 443 to “Y”, and when the headword is not searched. The headword presence / absence flag remains “N”.

  Next, when a headword that matches the selected keyword is retrieved, the CPU 100 retrieves a character string that completely matches the character string of each keyword from the character string of the description information of the headword. Specifically, for example, the CPU 100 sequentially selects keywords with reference to the keyword list storage area 443, sequentially scans the character strings of the explanation information from the top, and character strings that completely match the character strings of the keywords. Search for each. Then, the CPU 100 counts the number of keywords retrieved from the explanation information, and updates the accumulated keyword number corresponding to the selected keyword in the keyword list storage area 443 to be updated.

  The CPU 100 performs the above-described process using all keywords as selected keywords, and then refers to the keyword list storage area 443 to select a keyword with “Y” in the found word presence flag as a keyword with a large number of contained keywords. Are stored in the entry word candidate list storage area 445 as entry words candidates in order, and control for displaying the entry word candidates is performed.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the entry word candidate list storage area 445. As shown in FIG. 24, in the headword candidate list storage area 445, among the keywords stored in the keyword list storage area 443, keywords having “Y” set in the headword presence / absence flag are included. The keywords are stored in order from the largest number of keywords.

  In addition, when the link change key 24 is pressed, the CPU 100 shifts to the link setting change mode and executes the second link setting change process according to the second link setting change program 525. That is, as described in the second embodiment, the CPU 100 displays a link dictionary change screen that displays setting values set in the link dictionary search table 547 at that time, and accepts a change operation of a link flag and a link dictionary type. . Then, the CPU 100 updates the link dictionary search table 547 according to the change operation.

  Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary in Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 25 shows a processing flow of the CPU 100, and FIG. 26 shows a transition example of screens displayed on the display device 300, respectively.

  FIG. 25 is a process flow of the CPU 100 related to the third dictionary search process realized by executing the third dictionary search program 543. As shown in FIG. 25, CPU 100 accepts an input operation for input characters in response to a dictionary type selection operation using a dictionary type key (step g10: YES). When an input character is input (step g12: YES), the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the designated dictionary DB (step g14). . At this time, the inputted input characters are held in the input character storage area 441.

  If no headword matching the input character is found from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB (step g16: NO), the CPU 100 refers to the link dictionary search table 547 and performs a link. Select a dictionary type. Next, when a link dictionary type is selected (step g18: YES), the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the link dictionary DB (step g20). . If a headword that matches the input character is searched (step g22: YES), the CPU 100 scans the character string of the description information of the searched headword in order from the first character, and the description information The word (keyword) contained in is extracted (step g24). At this time, the extracted keywords are held in the keyword list storage area 443.

  Subsequently, for all the extracted keywords, the CPU 100 searches each of the headwords included in the dictionary DB of the designated dictionary selected in step g10 for a headword that matches the keyword (step g26). Then, the CPU 100 displays a list of searched headwords in order from headwords corresponding to keywords having a large number of contained keywords, which is the number of keywords included in the explanation information corresponding to each headword. The information is displayed on the device 300 (step g28). At this time, the searched headwords are held in the headword candidate list storage area 445 in the descending order of the number of contained keywords.

  When the headword displayed in step g28 is selected and the translation / decision key 16 is pressed (step g30: YES), the CPU 100 displays the explanation information corresponding to the selected headword. The data is read and displayed on the display device 300 (step g32), and this process is terminated.

  FIG. 26A is a diagram illustrating an example of an input character input screen W50 displayed on the display device 300 by pressing the Japanese dictionary key 28a. In the input character input screen W50 shown in FIG. 26A, when the character input key 12 is operated to input the character string “informed consent” as the input character I50 as a search word and the translation / decision key 16 is pressed, A candidate word list display screen W52 shown in FIG. 26B is displayed. On the headword candidate list display screen W52, the topmost headword “Jinken” is highlighted and displayed as a headword selection marker M50.

  That is, in response to the pressing operation of the translation / decision key 16, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character “informed consent” from the headwords included in the Japanese dictionary DB 541a shown in FIG. (Step g14 shown in FIG. 25). Then, the CPU 100 does not search for a headword that matches the input character “informed consent” from the Japanese dictionary DB 541a (step g16 (NO) shown in FIG. 25), so that the link dictionary search table 547 shown in FIG. By referring to the record L30, the link dictionary type “modern term dictionary” corresponding to the designated dictionary “Japanese dictionary” is selected, and the term “informed consent” is selected from the terms included in the modern term dictionary DB 541b. A matching headword is searched (step g18 (YES) → g20 shown in FIG. 25).

  Subsequently, the CPU 100 refers to the record L32 of the modern term dictionary DB 541b shown in FIG. 21 and extracts keywords from the explanation information of the headword “informed consent” (step g22 (YES) shown in FIG. 25). → g24). Then, the CPU 100 searches, for all extracted keywords, headwords that match the keyword from headwords included in the national language dictionary DB 541a that is the designated dictionary DB (step g26 shown in FIG. 25). More specifically, for example, the CPU 100 extracts the keyword “necessary” from the explanation information corresponding to the headword “joho” shown in the record L34 of the Japanese dictionary DB 541a of FIG. Then, the CPU 100 sets “1” to the number of contained keywords corresponding to the headword “joho” as indicated by the record L36 in the keyword list storage area 443 in FIG.

  Then, the CPU 100 displays a list of searched headwords in order from headwords corresponding to keywords having a large number of contained keywords, which is the number of keywords included in the explanation information corresponding to each headword. (Step g28 shown in FIG. 25).

  In addition, when the headword “Jinken” is selected by the headword selection marker M50 and the translation / decision key 16 is pressed on the headword candidate list display screen W52 shown in FIG. As shown, an explanation information display screen W54 displaying explanation information of the headword “Jinken” read from the Japanese dictionary DB 541a is displayed. On the explanation information display screen W54, “Jinken” which is the headword W50 selected on the headword candidate list display screen W52 shown in FIG. 26B is displayed as a headword candidate.

  On the other hand, in step g16, when a headword that matches the input character is retrieved from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB, the CPU 100 reads out the explanation information of the headword and displays it on the display device 300. Is displayed (step g34), and this process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when a headword that matches an input character is not searched from headwords included in the designated dictionary DB, the link dictionary search table 547 is referred to. A headword that matches the input character can be searched from headwords included in the determined link dictionary DB, and a keyword can be extracted from the explanation information corresponding to the searched headword. Then, for each extracted keyword, a headword that matches the keyword is searched from the designated dictionary DB, and the searched headword is searched in descending order of the number of contained keywords included in the corresponding explanation information. Control to display a list can be performed.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of an electronic dictionary to which the present invention is applied will be described. The configuration of the electronic dictionary in the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the electronic dictionary 1 shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. The RAM 400 is replaced with the RAM 460 shown in FIG. 27A, and the flash ROM 500 is replaced with the flash ROM 500 shown in FIG. The ROM 560 shown in FIG. 6 has the same configuration as that replaced, and hereinafter, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 27A, the RAM 460 includes an input character storage area 461, a keyword list storage area 463, and a link dictionary type storage area 465 in order to implement the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 27B, the ROM 560 stores, in particular, a dictionary DB group 561, a fourth dictionary search program 563, and a dictionary type association table 565 to realize the fourth embodiment. .

  The dictionary DB group 561 includes, for example, built-in dictionary DBs such as a Japanese dictionary DB 561a, a home medical dictionary DB 561b, and a chemical dictionary DB 561c. Although not shown, each built-in dictionary DB stores dictionary data in which headwords and explanation information are associated with each other in the same manner as the encyclopedia DB 501b shown in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.

  The CPU 100 executes a fourth dictionary search process according to the fourth dictionary search program 563 stored in the ROM 560. For example, the CPU 100 determines the dictionary DB of the corresponding dictionary type as the designated dictionary DB according to the selection operation of the dictionary selection key 28.

  Then, the CPU 100 updates the input character storage area 461 in response to the pressing operation of the character input key 12. Further, when the translation / decision key 16 is pressed and the input character is confirmed, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from the headwords included in the designated dictionary DB. Then, when a headword that matches the input character is searched, the CPU 100 controls to read and display the explanation information of the headword.

  In addition, when the link dictionary key 22 is pressed after the control of displaying the explanation information of the headword that matches the input character, the CPU 100 displays the character string of the searched headword explanation information. Scanning sequentially from the first character, a word (keyword) included in the explanation information is extracted and stored in the keyword list storage area 463.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of the keyword list storage area 463. As shown in FIG. 28, in the keyword list storage area 463, as described above, words extracted as keywords from the explanation information of the headword searched from the designated dictionary DB based on the input characters are accumulated. Is done. In addition, associated dictionary types described later are stored in association with each keyword.

  Subsequently, the CPU 100 refers to the dictionary type association table 565 to determine the related dictionary type of each extracted keyword. FIG. 29 shows an example of the dictionary type association table 565. As shown in FIG. 29, the dictionary type association table 565 is a data table in which a word is associated with a related dictionary type of the word. The CPU 100 searches the dictionary type association table 565 for a word that matches the keyword extracted as described above, extracts the corresponding related dictionary type, and stores it in the keyword list storage area 463.

  For example, the related dictionary type of the keyword “inflammation” is determined by the CPU 100 as follows. That is, the CPU 100 first refers to the dictionary type association table 565, searches for the word “inflammation” shown in the record L40 shown in FIG. 29, and extracts the corresponding dictionary type “family medicine encyclopedia”. Next, as shown in the record L42 in FIG. 28, the CPU 100 sets the extracted related dictionary type “family medicine encyclopedia” to the related dictionary type corresponding to the keyword “inflammation” in the keyword list storage area 463.

  After determining the related dictionary types of all the keywords extracted as described above, the CPU 100 refers to the keyword list storage area 463 and determines the link dictionary type. Specifically, the CPU 100 selects the dictionary type having the largest number set as the related dictionary type as the link dictionary type in the keyword list storage area 463 and stores it in the link dictionary type storage area 465. FIG. 30 shows an example of the link dictionary type storage area 465. In the link dictionary type storage area 465 shown in FIG. 30, the link dictionary type “family medicine encyclopedia” is stored.

  Then, the CPU 100 performs control to search for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the dictionary DB of the selected link dictionary type, and to read and display the corresponding explanation information.

  Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 31 and FIG. FIG. 31 shows a processing flow of the CPU 100, and FIG. 32 shows a transition example of screens displayed on the display device 300, respectively.

  FIG. 31 is a processing flow of the CPU 100 related to the fourth dictionary search process realized by executing the fourth dictionary search program 563. As shown in FIG. 31, the CPU 100 accepts an input operation for an input character in response to a dictionary type selection operation using a dictionary type key (step h10: YES). When an input character is input (step h12: YES), the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from headwords included in the designated dictionary DB (step h14). . At this time, the inputted input characters are held in the input character storage area 461.

  When a headword that matches the input character is searched (step h16: YES), the CPU 100 reads the corresponding explanation information and displays it on the display device 300 (step h18). Next, the CPU 100 monitors the pressing operation of the link dictionary key 22, and when pressed (step h20: YES), the CPU 100 selects a link dictionary type corresponding to the meaning content of the explanation information displayed in step h18 ( Step h22).

  That is, first, the CPU 100 scans the character string of the searched explanation information of the found word in order from the first character, and extracts a word (keyword) included in the explanation information (step h24). At this time, the extracted keywords are held in the keyword list storage area 443. Next, the CPU 100 refers to the dictionary type association table 565 and extracts the related dictionary type of each extracted keyword (step h26). Then, the CPU 100 selects the dictionary type having the largest number set as the related dictionary type corresponding to each keyword as the link dictionary type (step h28). At this time, the selected link dictionary type is held in the link dictionary type storage area 465.

  Subsequently, the CPU 100 searches for a headword that matches the input character from the headwords included in the dictionary DB of the determined link dictionary type (step h30), reads the corresponding explanation information, and displays the display device. 300 is displayed (step h32), and this process is terminated.

  FIG. 32A is a diagram showing an example of the input character input screen W60 displayed on the display device 300 by pressing the Japanese dictionary key 28a. In this input character input screen W60, when the character input key 12 is operated to input the character string “Haenen” as the input character I60 as a search word and the translation / decision key 16 is pressed, FIG. 32 (b) shows. In this way, the explanation information display screen W62 displaying the explanation information of the headword “Haenen” read from the Japanese dictionary DB 561a is displayed.

  When the link dictionary key 22 is pressed on the explanatory information display screen 62 shown in FIG. 32 (b), the headword “Haenen” read from the home medical encyclopedia DB 561b is read as shown in FIG. 32 (c). A description information display screen W64 displaying the description information is displayed.

  In other words, in response to the pressing operation of the translation / decision key 16, the CPU 100 searches for a headword matching the input character “Haenen” from the headwords included in the Japanese dictionary DB 561 a, and finds the searched Control is performed to display explanatory information corresponding to the word “haenen” (steps h14 → h16 (YES) → h18 shown in FIG. 31).

  Further, the CPU 100 selects a link dictionary type corresponding to the meaning content of the displayed explanation information in response to the pressing operation of the link dictionary key 22 (step h22 shown in FIG. 31). That is, first, the CPU 100 extracts keywords from the displayed explanation information (step h24 shown in FIG. 31). Then, the CPU 100 refers to the dictionary type association table 565 shown in FIG. 29 and extracts the related dictionary type of each extracted keyword (step h26 shown in FIG. 31). Then, after determining the related dictionary types of all keywords, the CPU 100 selects the link dictionary type “family medicine dictionary” according to the number set as the related dictionary type (step h28 shown in FIG. 31). Then, the CPU 100 searches for a headword matching the input character “Haenen” from the headwords included in the home medical encyclopedia DB 561b, and performs control to read and display the corresponding explanation information (FIG. 31). Step h30 → h32).

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, after searching for a headword that matches an input character from headwords included in the designated dictionary DB, in the explanation information corresponding to the headword. The keywords included are extracted, and the dictionary type having the largest number set as the related dictionary type corresponding to each extracted keyword can be selected as the link dictionary type. Then, it is possible to search for a headword that matches the input character from the link dictionary DB, and to read and display the explanation information of the searched headword.

  As described above, the case where the information display control device of the present invention is applied to an electronic dictionary including an electronic dictionary, an electronic encyclopedia, etc. has been described for the four embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to such products. It can be applied to electronic devices such as personal computers and electronic watches.

  In the above-described embodiment, the electronic dictionary is described as a so-called stand-alone device that operates alone, but the device to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to this, and may be as follows. . That is, it is possible to realize the apparatus according to the present invention by configuring the communication apparatus so as to be built-in or connectable and communicating with the server.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a system configuration in which an electronic dictionary terminal 600 with a built-in communication device and a server 700 are communicably connected via a communication line N. The server 700 is configured by, for example, a general-purpose workstation or server computer, and the electronic dictionary terminal 600 is configured by a mobile phone, a personal computer with a built-in communication device, an electronic dictionary with a built-in communication device, or the like. It is what is done. The communication line N is a wired / wireless telephone network or the Internet network.

  In FIG. 33, functional blocks having the main functions of the electronic dictionary of the above-described embodiment are indicated by bold lines. For example, the correspondence relationship of the first embodiment will be described. The first dictionary search process, the first link setting change process, and the like executed by the CPU 100 of the electronic dictionary 1 are executed by the CPU 702 of the server 700. Various data, various programs, and the like stored in the ROM 500 are stored in a storage device 712 configured from a hard disk or the like provided in the server 700. In addition, the RAM 710 of the server 700 stores data associated with execution of the first dictionary search process, the first link setting change process, and the like.

  On the other hand, the input device 200 and the display device 300 of the electronic dictionary 1 in Embodiment 1 correspond to the input device 604 and the display device 606 of the electronic dictionary terminal 600, respectively.

  That is, the server 700 forms a host (or server) and the electronic dictionary terminal 600 forms a host / terminal system (or client / server type system) corresponding to the terminal (or client). Then, input characters and the like input from the input device 604 of the electronic dictionary terminal 600 are transmitted to the server 700 via the communication device 610, and the CPU 702 of the server 700 performs first data according to various data and various programs stored in the storage device 712. Dictionary search processing, first processing, and the like are executed, and the processing result is transmitted to the electronic dictionary terminal 600 through the communication device 714 and displayed on the display device 606.

  As described above, the present invention can be realized by a system including the server 700 and the electronic dictionary terminal 600. In this case, in the electronic dictionary terminal 600, for example, it is not necessary to store the dictionary DB group 501, the first dictionary search program 503, the first link setting change program 505, the link setting information 507, and the like in the first embodiment. There is no need to execute the first dictionary search process, the first link setting change process, or the like. Further, in the electronic dictionary terminal 600, it is not necessary to store the dictionary DB group 561, the fourth dictionary search program 563, the dictionary type association table 565 and the like in the fourth embodiment, and the fourth dictionary search process and the like are executed. There is no need. For this reason, the electronic dictionary terminal 600 (for example, a mobile phone) including the CPU 602 having a relatively low arithmetic processing capability and the ROM 606 having a relatively small storage capacity may be used.

(A) is an example of the perspective view of the electronic dictionary in Embodiment 1, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the key arrangement | sequence of the said electronic dictionary, respectively. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an electronic dictionary according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the accumulation | storage form of encyclopedia DB in Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) is an example of a link dictionary search table, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the search order of dictionary DB by the link dictionary search table shown to (a), respectively. The figure which shows an example of all the link dictionary search information. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the link dictionary search table after a change and update, (b) is a figure which respectively shows an example of the search order of dictionary DB by the link dictionary search table shown to (a). The flowchart which shows an example of a 1st dictionary search process. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition of the electronic dictionary in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another screen transition example of the electronic dictionary in the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of a 1st link setting change process. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another screen transition example of the electronic dictionary in the first embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of RAM in Embodiment 2, (b) shows the structure of ROM, respectively. The figure which shows an example of the accumulation | storage form of mathematics dictionary DB in Embodiment 2. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the link dictionary search table in Embodiment 2. FIG. The figure which shows an example of a related word storage area. The flowchart which shows an example of a 2nd dictionary search process. The figure which shows the example of a screen transition of the electronic dictionary in Embodiment 2. FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of a 2nd link setting change process. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of RAM in Embodiment 3, (b) shows the structure of ROM, respectively. The figure which shows an example of the accumulation | storage form of the national language dictionary DB in Embodiment 3. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the accumulation | storage form of the modern term dictionary DB in Embodiment 3. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the link dictionary search table in Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a keyword list storage area in the third embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a headword candidate list storage area. The flowchart which shows an example of a 3rd dictionary search process. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition of the electronic dictionary in the third embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of RAM in Embodiment 4, (b) shows the structure of ROM, respectively. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a keyword list storage area in the fourth embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a dictionary classification correlation table. The figure which shows an example of a link dictionary classification storage area. The flowchart which shows an example of a 4th dictionary search process. The figure which shows the example of a screen transition of the electronic dictionary in Embodiment 4. The figure which shows the schematic structural example of the system comprised with an electronic dictionary terminal and a server. The figure which shows an example of the menu screen for selecting the built-in dictionary built in an electronic dictionary.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electronic dictionary 100 CPU
200 Input device 300 Display device 400 RAM
401 Input character storage area 500 ROM
501 Dictionary DB group 501a Japanese dictionary DB
501b Encyclopedia DB
501c Modern glossary DB
501d IT Glossary DB
501e Family medicine encyclopedia DB
503 First dictionary search program 505 First link setting change program 507 Link setting information 507a Link dictionary search table 507b All link dictionary search information

Claims (4)

Dictionary information storage means for storing a plurality of types of dictionary information in which headwords and explanation information of the headwords are associated;
Association information storage means for storing association information in which a keyword is associated with any of the plurality of dictionary information ;
Among the plurality of dictionary information, and dictionary information specifying means for specifying one of the dictionary information,
First search means for searching for a headword that matches an input character from the dictionary information specified by the dictionary information specifying means;
Extraction means for extracting keywords contained in the explanation information corresponding to the headword searched by the first search means;
Selection means for referring to the association information and selecting dictionary information having the largest number of associated keywords extracted from the dictionary information associated with the keywords extracted by the extraction means;
Second search means for searching for a headword that matches the input character from the dictionary information selected by the selection means ;
Output control means for performing control to read out and output the explanation information of the headword searched by the second search means from the dictionary information storage means;
An information search control device comprising: In a server connected to a user terminal via a predetermined communication line,
Dictionary information storage means for storing a plurality of types of dictionary information in which headwords and explanation information of the headwords are associated;
Association information storage means for storing association information in which a keyword is associated with any of the plurality of dictionary information ;
Among the plurality of dictionary information, receiving means for receiving the dictionary information specifying information and input character specifying any dictionary information from said user terminal,
First search means for searching for a headword that matches the received input character from the dictionary information specified by the dictionary information specifying means;
Extraction means for extracting keywords contained in the explanation information corresponding to the headword searched by the first search means;
Selection means for referring to the association information and selecting dictionary information having the largest number of associated keywords extracted from the dictionary information associated with the keywords extracted by the extraction means;
Second search means for searching for a headword that matches the received input character from the dictionary information selected by the selection means ;
Transmission means for reading out the explanation information of the headword searched by the second search means from the dictionary information storage means and transmitting it to the user terminal;
A server comprising: On the computer,
A dictionary information storage function that stores a plurality of types of dictionary information in which headwords and explanation information of the headwords are associated;
An association information storage function that stores association information in which a keyword is associated with any of the plurality of dictionary information ;
Among the plurality of dictionary information, and dictionary information specifying function for specifying any of the dictionary information,
A first search function for searching for a headword that matches an input character from the dictionary information specified by the dictionary information specifying function;
An extraction function for extracting a keyword included in the explanation information corresponding to the headword searched by the first search function;
A selection function for referring to the association information and selecting dictionary information having the largest number of associated keywords extracted from the dictionary information associated with the keywords extracted by the extraction function;
A second search function for searching for a headword that matches the input character from the dictionary information selected by the selection function ;
An output control function for performing control to read out and output the explanation information of the headword searched by the second search function from the dictionary information storage function;
A program to realize To a computer connected to a user terminal via a predetermined communication line,
A dictionary information storage function that stores a plurality of types of dictionary information in which headwords and explanation information of the headwords are associated;
An association information storage function that stores association information in which a keyword is associated with any of the plurality of dictionary information ;
Among the plurality of dictionary information, a receiving function of receiving one of specifying the dictionary information dictionary information specifying information and input character from the user terminal,
A first search function for searching for a headword that matches the received input character from the dictionary information specified by the dictionary information specifying function;
An extraction function for extracting a keyword included in the explanation information corresponding to the headword searched by the first search function;
A selection function for referring to the association information and selecting dictionary information having the largest number of associated keywords extracted from the dictionary information associated with the keywords extracted by the extraction function;
A second search function for searching for a headword that matches the received input character from the dictionary information selected by the selection function ;
A transmission function for reading out the explanation information of the headword searched by the second search function from the dictionary information storage function and transmitting it to the user terminal;
A program to realize

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