JP5332761B2 - Character input program and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program for setting a function as a character input system in a computer in which an operation system is introduced, and an information processing apparatus in which the character input system by this program is set.

  A computer in which an operation system (hereinafter also referred to as “OS”) is installed has a function (copy and paste function) for transferring information via a memory system called a “clipboard”. Yes. This function can be used, for example, to move or copy data being edited in one application window to another location in the same window, and to transfer information in one application window to another application window. Sometimes used for purposes.

  In this type of computer, when it is necessary to input characters other than alphabets and numbers in the application window, a character input system called IME (Input Method Editor) is activated. The OS is provided with a function for controlling the IME so as to operate integrally with the input target application.

  For example, in a computer in which Windows (registered trademark) is introduced as an OS, the IME and application system are controlled by a function called IMF (Input Method Framework) in the OS, as shown in FIG. The mechanism of this control will be described with reference to the reference numerals in FIG. 6. Key event information is sent from the IMF 101 to the IME 200 according to operations (character key operation, conversion operation, confirmation operation, etc.) performed by the user regarding character input. Is passed. The IME 200 recognizes the operation content based on the key event information, executes processing according to the operation (such as assembling a character string, extracting conversion candidates, and determining a converted character string), and sets the character string set by the processing Is output to the IMF 101.

  On the other hand, information such as the position of the cursor in the application window executed by the system is supplied from the application system 300 to the IMF 101. The IMR 101 designates a display position based on this position information, and outputs a character string supplied from the IME 200 to the application system 300. In the application system 300, the supplied character string is displayed at a designated position in the application window.

  Through the above series of processing, a character string corresponding to the user's operation is displayed in the active application window.

  In general, an IME for Japanese input accepts input of an alphabetic character string in Roman alphabet, converts it into a kana character string, and then executes kana-kanji conversion according to the conversion operation. On the other hand, in IMEs for other languages, a part of characters (Korean characters, etc., hereinafter referred to as “character elements”) is assigned to the keyboard, and a character string is assembled in accordance with the operation of the keyboard. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In addition, for the purpose of facilitating character input operation, a system has been developed that displays a keyboard image on the monitor screen and inputs a character string before conversion by clicking a key in the image with a mouse. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 3796651 JP 2002-1117024 A

  Since conventional IMEs including those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are required to operate according to the definition of IMF, it is difficult to develop an IME unless one has expertise in IMF. It is. In addition, since it is necessary to design so that the operation of the IME is guaranteed for all application systems installed in the computer, it takes a lot of labor to develop a new IME, and the program becomes complicated.

  The present invention pays attention to the above problems, and an object thereof is to allow characters to be input to an application window by a simple method regardless of the definition on the OS side regarding character input.

The character input program according to the present invention includes an operation system, an application system that operates under the management of the operation system, and a memory system (specifically, a “clipboard”) for temporarily storing information to be pasted. And a function for executing a character input process to an application window launched in response to the activation of the application system . This program operates a computer as the following identification information acquisition means, character string setting means, and character string output means .

In response to a call from the operation system, the identification information acquisition unit acquires the identification information of the application window that is active at the time of the call from the operation system.

The character string setting means launches a character input GUI window in response to a call from the operation system, accepts an operation related to character input in the GUI window via the operation system, and selects a character string corresponding to the operation. Set and display in GUI window . The character string output means pastes the character string when a confirmation operation for confirming the character string displayed in the GUI window as the input character string to the application window is received via the operation system in the GUI window. The key event information of the copy operation to be the target and the key event information of the paste operation that specifies the application window of the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit as the paste destination are continuously output to the operation system.

The character string output means outputs the above two types of key event information, thereby temporarily returning the application window that has been changed from the active state to the inactive state due to the rise of the GUI window, so that the copy operation can be performed. The character string stored in the memory system by the operation system that has received the key event information is pasted into the application window.

According to the program with the above configuration, input to the application window by executing processing for converting a predetermined character string into another character type, processing for assembling a plurality of character elements, etc. in accordance with an operation related to character input in the GUI window After setting a character string to be used, the character string is output to the operation system in response to an operation for confirming the character string. In the conventional character input system, information is transmitted by a method according to the definition information of the OS so that the output is transferred to the application system. In the present invention, the confirmed character string is pasted. Outputs key event information for the target copy operation . Therefore, on the OS side, the output character string is handled in the same manner as information output in response to a normal copy operation, and is temporarily stored in the memory system.

Further , following the key event information, key event information of a pasting operation that designates an application window that was active when called from the operation system as a pasting destination is sent. The application system that executes the specified application window requests the OS to transmit the character string stored in the memory system, and pastes the transmitted character string at the position where the cursor is placed in the application window. wear. As a result, the character string determined in the GUI window is input to the application window.

  Further, in the above method, the identification information of the application window that is in an active state at the time of calling from the OS is acquired, and control is performed so that the key event information is transmitted to the application window of this identification information. Since the application window is activated again and the character string is input, the character input processing similar to the conventional IME can be executed without any trouble.

The processing by the above character string output means uses processing for selecting information to be pasted and transferring it to the memory system (copying) , and processing for pasting information stored in the memory system to the character input position (pasting) It is a thing. As described above, in the present invention, by using a general copy and paste function, it is possible to input characters to the application system without performing processing according to the IME definition information defined by the OS. In addition, since the basic function of the operation system is used, it can be applied to all applications that operate under the management of the OS.

In the program of the preferred embodiment, on the assumption that dictionary files set for each of a plurality of types of languages are installed in the computer, any one of the plurality of types of languages is selected in the GUI window. Include a selection key to accept the operation to perform. The character string setting means receives a language selection operation by a selection key via the operation system, recognizes the language selected by the operation as a language to be input, and a GUI window for inputting characters or character elements In the GUI window, a conversion candidate character string corresponding to the input operation is extracted by searching the dictionary file of the language recognized as the input target based on the received input information. And conversion candidate extraction means for displaying within . String output means, in particular depending on the operation to select the conversion candidates displayed in the GUI window is accepted via the operating system, the object of Paste string conversion candidates selected by the operation Generate key event information for copy operations .

  According to the above program, it is possible to input a character string in the selected language in accordance with an operation for switching the selection of the input target language. In addition, when inputting a character string in any language, by selecting one of conversion candidates displayed in accordance with an operation for inputting a character or a character element, the character input operation is terminated halfway. The character string to be input to the application system can be determined. Therefore, it becomes possible to input a user's desired language efficiently by one character input system.

In a program according to a more preferable aspect, keyboard display means for displaying in the GUI window an image of a keyboard to which characters or character elements for the language are assigned to the character string setting means for the input target language recognized by the recognition means. Is further included. Further, the conversion candidate extracting means accepts an operation on a keyboard key displayed in the GUI window via the operation system, recognizes a character or a character element corresponding to the operated key, and inputs an input object based on the recognition result. Execute the search process for the dictionary file in the specified language.

  According to the above aspect, when the user performs an operation of selecting a language, a GUI window including an image of a keyboard to which characters or character elements of the language selected by the operation are assigned is displayed. While inputting a character or a character element by a key operation, it is possible to check a character string set by the input. Therefore, it becomes easier to input characters and character elements.

  Furthermore, the present invention introduces an operation system, a predetermined number of application systems that operate under the control of the operation system, a memory system for temporarily storing information to be pasted, and a character input system using the above program. An information providing apparatus can be provided.

According to the present invention, in response to an operation for confirming a character string displayed in the GUI window, the key event information of the copy operation for pasting the confirmed character string and the GUI window are launched. By continuously outputting to the operating system the key event information of the paste operation that specifies the application system that was in the active state immediately before as the paste destination , the operation system does not execute the processing defined for character input Both can be entered into the application window. Therefore, it is possible to develop a character input system without considering the definition information of the operation system related to character input, and the configuration of the program can be simplified.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the computer system incorporating the character input system by this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the GUI window which a character input system starts. It is a figure which shows the example of the character input in Japanese input mode. It is a figure which shows the example of the character input in Korean input mode. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process by a Japanese input system. It is a figure which shows the structure of the computer system incorporating the conventional character input system.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a computer system in which a character input system to which the present invention is applied is introduced. The computer system includes an operation system (OS) 1, a character input system 2 operating under the management of the OS 1, and a plurality of character input systems. Application system 3 (only one is shown in FIG. 1), a clipboard 4 and the like.

  Furthermore, the computer system of this embodiment is provided with dedicated dictionary files D1, D2, D3, and D4 for four types of languages: Japanese, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, and Korean. . The character input system 2 has a function of setting character strings in four languages using these dictionary files D1 to D4 and a function of inputting the set character strings into an application window in which the application system 3 is executing. Provided.

  The above computer system is incorporated into a personal computer to which a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor device (all not shown), etc. are connected. As the OS 1, specifically, a predetermined version of Windows (registered trademark) is employed. In FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, the dictionary files D1 to D4 are arranged outside the block of the character input system 2, but these dictionary files D1 to D4 are also included in the character input system 2. .

  The character input system 2 is set to a resident state while the OS 1 is operating, and is called in response to an operation called “hot key” (operation of pressing an Alt key or a control key together with other specific keys). Then, a GUI window 20 as shown in FIG.

  The GUI window 20 is provided with an operation unit 21 based on a keyboard image and two display areas 22 and 23 above the operation unit 21. Since the character string to be input is displayed in the uppermost display area 22, this area 22 is hereinafter referred to as “character string display area 22”. Since a list of candidate character strings is displayed in the area 23 arranged in the center of the GUI window 20, this area 23 is hereinafter referred to as a “candidate display area 23”.

  The operation unit 21 is provided with a plurality of character keys 24, a conversion key 25, a confirmation key 26, a backspace key 27, and four selection keys 28 for language selection.

The GUI window 20 immediately after being started by hot key operation is set to input a standard language registered in advance. In this embodiment, Japanese is used as a standard language, and character keys 24 to which hiragana are assigned are arranged on the operation unit 21. When the selection key 28 of a language other than Japanese is operated in this state, the input mode is switched to the selected language, and the arrangement of the character keys 24 of the operation unit 21 is also updated to the one corresponding to the selected language. The

  Specifically, when Simplified Chinese is selected, the character keys 24 to which Pinyin is assigned are arranged, and when Traditional Chinese is selected, a melody is assigned. Character keys 24 are arranged. When Korean is selected, character keys 24 to which Hangul letters are assigned are arranged.

  In the Japanese input mode, a hiragana character string is assembled in response to an operation of clicking the character key 24, and the hiragana character string can be converted into a kana / kanji character string using the Japanese dictionary file D1. Even in input modes of other languages, while accepting input of character keys, the dictionary file for the language is referred to, and character string assembly processing and conversion processing according to language characteristics are executed.

  Further, in this embodiment, in order to make it easier to input a character string, a predictive conversion function is provided for each language input mode.

  FIGS. 3 and 4 show processing using the predictive conversion function, taking as an example a case where a word processor application system performs character input on a document being created. In each figure, the change in the application window 30 showing the document being created is shown in the upper row, and the change in the GUI window 20 is shown in the lower row. As shown in (a) of each figure, only the cursor 31 is substantially displayed in the application window 30 immediately after startup.

  A Japanese input mode is set in the GUI window 20 in the example of FIG. (A) in the figure shows the display state of the GUI window 20 at the time when two character keys 24 are operated. The character keys 24 with circles are operated. Circled numbers arranged in the vicinity indicate the operation order (the same applies to FIG. 4). Also, 29 in the figure is a mouse cursor.

  In this embodiment, each time the character key 24 is operated, characters assigned to the operated key (in this example, “ko” and “n”) are displayed in the character string display area 22, and the displayed character string is displayed. A list of words starting with “reading” is displayed in the candidate display area 23.

  Here, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, when an operation (performed by a click operation) for selecting one of the candidates displayed in the candidate display area 23 is performed, the character string display area 22. Is replaced with a character string based on the selected candidate (FIG. 3C). Furthermore, the enter key 26 under this condition is operated (in this example "Hello") character string displayed on the character string display area 22 is transferred to the application window 30, shown in FIG. 3 (b) Thus, it is inserted in front of the cursor 31. As a result, the operation on the GUI window 20 is reflected in the application window 30.

  Next, in the example of FIG. 4, a Korean input mode is set. (A) of this figure also shows the GUI window 20 when two character keys 24 are operated. The characters assigned to the operated character keys 24 are displayed in the character string display area 22 in the order of operation. Is done. In addition, words in which characters including these letters are arranged at the head are listed in the candidate display area 23.

  Also in this case, when an operation for selecting one of the displayed candidates is performed, the character string in the character string display area 22 is replaced with the selected candidate character string (FIG. 4B ( C)). Further, when the enter key 26 is operated in this state, the character string displayed in the character string display area 22 is transferred to the application window 30 and inserted in front of the cursor 31 as shown in FIG. Is done.

  When inputting a simplified Chinese character string or a traditional Chinese character string, a candidate string is displayed in the candidate display area 23 while assembling the character string by clicking the character key 24 as in the example of FIGS. Displays a string. Further, the display of the character string display area 22 is changed to the selected candidate character string in accordance with the selection of the displayed candidate character string, and the character string in the character string display area 22 in accordance with the confirmation operation. The same applies to the point that is transferred to the application window 30.

  Furthermore, when inputting any language, it is possible to perform a confirming operation after generating a character string representing a plurality of phrases or a plurality of sentences by repeating the conversion operation and the candidate selection operation.

Now, referring back to FIG. 1, the mechanism of the character input process using the GUI window 20 will be described.
First, in order to accept a click operation on the operation unit 21 or the candidate display area 23, the event information of the mouse operation is supplied from the OS 1 to the character input system 2, and the character input system 2 recognizes the contents of the event information. In other words, the character input system 2 accepts various operations related to character input via the OS 1 and performs processing (assembly of characters or character elements, extraction of candidates, selection of candidates) according to the operations, thereby performing input. Set the target character string.

  Also, when event information indicating a confirming operation is given from the OS 1, the character string set at that time (the character string displayed in the character string display area 22) is output. This output is output to the clipboard 4. Done. In FIG. 1, it is described that the character string is directly output from the character input system 2 to the clipboard 4, but in reality, the target character string to be input to the application window 30 is clipped for pasting processing. 4 is transmitted from the character input system 2 to the OS 1 as information to be stored in the OS 4, and the OS 1 stores the character string in the clipboard 4.

  Further, in the character input system 2, when the GUI window 20 is started by hot key operation, the identification information (window handle) of the application window 30 that is in an active state at the time of hot key operation is acquired from the OS 1. The window handle is used to specify an application window to which the output character string is to be pasted, and key event information (hereinafter referred to as “pasting key event”) indicating a pseudo pasting operation is transmitted. To do.

  The above paste key event is also transmitted to the OS 1 accurately, and is passed from the OS 1 to the system 3 that executes the application window 30 corresponding to the window handle. Explaining at the program level, the SendInput function is executed with the window handle acquired in response to the hot key operation as an argument.

  In addition, the process in which the application system 3 obtains a character string from the clipboard 4 accurately requests the OS 1 from the application system 3 to transfer information in the clipboard 4, and the character string transferred from the OS 1 in response to this request. It is done by accepting.

  According to the above, after a person selects a character string displayed in the character string display area 22 of the GUI window 20 and performs a copy operation (Ctrl + C), the application window 30 to be input is activated and pasted ( The same operation as when Ctrl + V) is executed is automatically executed. By such processing, character input to the application window 30 can be executed using the basic cut and paste function without executing the IME operation defined by the OS 1.

  FIG. 5 shows a series of procedures executed by the character input system 2. Hereinafter, processes executed by the character input system 2 will be described based on this flowchart.

  First, when the OS 1 is started up after the OS 1 is started, processing (initial setting) for reading setting information such as hot key registration contents and standard language is executed (ST1). Thereafter, the apparatus waits in an inactive state until a hot key operation is performed.

  When a hot key operation is performed ("YES" in ST2), the OS 1 is requested to transmit the window handle of the application window 30 that is currently active, and the window handle transmitted in response to this request is acquired (ST3). ). Further, the GUI window 20 is displayed (ST4), and thereafter, the operation content performed by the user is recognized based on the event information from the OS 1 that has accepted the mouse operation, and processing corresponding to the operation is executed.

Hereinafter, processing that is normally executed after the GUI window 20 is started will be described with priority.
First, when the character key 24 in the launched GUI window 20 is operated ("NO" in ST5 and 6 and "YES" in ST7), the process is shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 4 (A). As described above, a character string to be input is assembled with characters corresponding to the operated key (ST12). Further, the dictionary file corresponding to the current input mode is searched to extract candidate character strings corresponding to the assembled character strings, and the display in the candidate display area 23 is updated with the extracted character strings (ST13). ).

  Next, when an operation for selecting a candidate in the candidate display area 23 is performed at a predetermined time (ST8 is “YES”), as shown in FIG. 3C and FIG. 4C. The display in the character string display area 22 is updated with the selected candidate character string (ST13).

  Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 5, even when the conversion key 25 is operated after the character string is assembled, the dictionary file is searched and a predetermined number of candidates are displayed in the candidate display area 23. When one of the displayed candidates is selected, the display in the character string display area 22 is updated with the candidate character string.

  When the enter key 26 is operated after the character string to be input is set by the above-described various operations (ST9 is “YES”), the OS 1 is used as information to be stored in the clipboard 4 as the target character string. (ST10). Further, the paste key event addressed to the window handle acquired in ST3 is output (ST11).

  Next, when a language switching operation is performed using the selection key 28 (ST5 is “YES”), the dictionary file to be used is switched to one corresponding to the selected language, and the character key 24 of the operation unit 21 is used. The keyboard image is changed (ST15).

  When a hot key operation is performed in a state where nothing is displayed in each of the areas 22 and 23 of the GUI window 20 (ST6 is “YES”), the GUI window 20 is set to a non-display state ( ST16). However, if there is a hot key operation again after this, ST2 becomes “YES”, and the same procedure as described above can be executed thereafter.

  Note that when outputting a character string to be input in ST10, two types of data, that is, data representing the character string in Unicode format and data representing in SJIS code format are output. The OS 1 receiving this output saves both data in the clipboard 4. Further, the application system 3 that operates in response to the pasted key event that is output subsequently also takes in two types of data and selects the data that can be processed by the own system. At this time, if a font corresponding to the input target language is selected in the application window 30 to be pasted, a character string using the selected font can be pasted.

  While the above paste process is executed in the application system 3, the paste target application window 30 is temporarily activated by sending a paste event from the OS 1, and the GUI window 20 is inactive. It becomes. However, when the pasting process ends, the GUI window 20 returns to the active state again, and after that, the character string to be input can be set and output according to the operation. In other words, the application window 30 that has been in an active state immediately before the GUI window 20 is activated is made active again to input a character string, and then the GUI window 20 is returned to the active state again to thereby return the application window 30 to the active state. It is possible to execute processing similar to that of a conventional IME that operates while maintaining the active state.

  Further, even when an operation for switching the input target language is performed during the character input process, the display of the dictionary file and the operation unit 21 can be changed according to the operation (ST5, 15).

As described above, according to the character input system 2 of this embodiment, the user can freely select and input four types of languages. In addition, even when the language needs to be switched during the input operation, the input mode can be easily switched by operating the selection key 28 in the GUI window 20 being displayed. In addition, when inputting any language, efficient input can be performed using the predictive conversion function, which greatly improves convenience.

  In the above embodiment, the GUI window 20 is started by hot key operation. Instead, a call icon is provided on the task bar of the OS 1 and the GUI window 20 is opened according to the operation of this icon. You may make it start.

  In the above embodiment, the character input operation is supported by the GUI window 20 including the keyboard image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a character string to be input is set according to an operation from the actual keyboard. You may do it.

1 Operation system (OS)
2 Character input system 3 Application system 4 Clipboard 20 GUI application 21 Operation unit 22 Character string display area 23 Candidate display area 24 Character key 26 Confirm key 30 Application window D1, D2, D3, D4 Dictionary file

Claims (6)

An application launched upon activation of the application system in a computer provided with an operation system, an application system operating under the management of the operation system, and a memory system for temporarily storing information to be pasted A program for setting a function for executing character input processing to a window,
In response to a call from the operation system, identification information acquisition means for acquiring, from the operation system, identification information of the application window that is active at the time of the call ,
In response to a call from the operation system, a character input GUI window is launched, an operation related to character input in the GUI window is received via the operation system, a character string corresponding to the operation is set, and the character string is set. Character string setting means to be displayed in the GUI window ;
When a confirmation operation for confirming a character string displayed in the GUI window as an input character string to the application window is received via the operation system in the GUI window, the character string is a target to be pasted. a key event information of the copy operation that, and the identification information acquiring means acquires the key event information paste operation specifying a paste destination application window identification information, by which is continuously output to the operating system The memory system is operated by the operation system which temporarily returns the application window which has been changed from the active state to the inactive state due to the rise of the GUI window and receives the key event information of the copy operation. String output means the stored string pasted into the application window,
A program for character input, which causes the computer to function as each means . The GUI window includes a selection key for accepting an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of languages .
The character string setting unit receives a language selection operation by the selection key via the operation system, and recognizes a language selected by the operation as an input target language, and inputs a character or a character element. An operation in the GUI window to be received is received through the operation system, and a dictionary file of a language recognized as the input target is searched based on the received input information, whereby a character string of a conversion candidate corresponding to the input operation is obtained. Conversion candidate extraction means for extracting and displaying in the GUI window is provided,
In response to receiving an operation for selecting a conversion candidate character string displayed in the GUI window via the operation system, the character string output means receives the conversion candidate character string selected by the operation. The program for character input according to claim 1, wherein key event information of the copy operation to be pasted is generated . The character string setting means further includes keyboard display means for displaying, in the GUI window, an image of a keyboard to which characters or character elements for the language are assigned for the input target language recognized by the recognition means. And
The conversion candidate extraction unit accepts an operation on a keyboard key displayed in the GUI window via the operation system, recognizes a character or a character element corresponding to the operated key, and based on the recognition result The character input program according to claim 2, wherein search processing is performed for a dictionary file in the input target language. An operation system, a predetermined number of application systems that operate under the management of the operation system, a memory system for temporarily storing information to be pasted, and an application window that is launched upon activation of the application system An information processing apparatus provided with a character input system that executes character input processing,
The character input system includes:
In response to a call from the operation system, identification information acquisition means for acquiring the identification information of the application window that is active at the time of the call from the operation system;
In response to a call from the operation system, a character input GUI window is launched, an operation related to character input in the GUI window is received via the operation system, a character string corresponding to the operation is set, and the character string is set. A character string setting means to be displayed in the GUI window ;
When a confirmation operation for confirming a character string displayed in the GUI window as an input character string to the application window is received via the operation system in the GUI window, the character string is a target to be pasted. a key event information of the copy operation that, and the identification information acquiring means acquires the key event information paste operation specifying a paste destination application window identification information, by which is continuously output to the operating system The memory system is operated by the operation system which temporarily returns the application window which has been changed from the active state to the inactive state due to the rise of the GUI window and receives the key event information of the copy operation. A character string output means pasted into the application window stored string comprises,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The character input system is provided with a dedicated dictionary file for each of a plurality of languages.
The GUI window includes a selection key for accepting an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of languages .
The character string setting unit receives a language selection operation by the selection key via the operation system, and recognizes a language selected by the operation as an input target language, and inputs a character or a character element. An operation in the GUI window to be received is received through the operation system, and a dictionary file of a language recognized as the input target is searched based on the received input information, whereby a character string of a conversion candidate corresponding to the input operation is obtained. Conversion candidate extraction means for extracting and displaying in the GUI window is provided,
The character string output means, the GUI operation to select the character string of the displayed conversion candidates in the window in response to the Installing received via the operation system, the string of the conversion candidate selected by the operation The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein key event information of the copy operation that is a target of pasting is generated . The character string setting means further includes keyboard display means for displaying, in the GUI window, an image of a keyboard to which characters or character elements for the language are assigned for the input target language recognized by the recognition means. And
The conversion candidate extraction unit accepts an operation on a keyboard key displayed in the GUI window through the operation system, recognizes a character or a character element corresponding to the operated key, and displays the recognition result. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a search process is performed on a dictionary file in the input target language.

Images