JP5336831B2 - METHOD FOR SUPPORTING TEXT INPUT, PROGRAM THEREOF, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for preferentially displaying not only an input candidate by association prediction but also an input candidate suitable to a sentence intended by a user. <P>SOLUTION: The method for supporting a sentence input includes the steps for: displaying at least one list of first input candidates corresponding to a key input or a speech input from the user on a display device in accordance with the input and allowing the user to select one of lists of the first input candidates; retrieving a character string which corresponds to at least one function allocated to a depressed prescribed key and is associated with the selected first input candidate from a dictionary recorded in a storing part in response to the depression of the prescribed key from the user; and displaying at least one list of second input candidates composed of the selected first input candidate and the retrieved character string on the display device and allowing the user to select one among lists of the second input candidates. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for supporting text input, a program thereof, and an electronic apparatus.

An input method (IM) is used when a user inputs text on an electronic device, such as computer application software. A keyboard is generally used to input text. In the input of Western text, the user may press a key on the keyboard directly like a typewriter. In response to the press, input from the keyboard is sent directly to the application software. However, when inputting sentences in a language in which the number of used characters exceeds thousands, such as Japanese, Chinese, or Korean, it is unrealistic to assign one key to all characters. Therefore, a mechanism such as inputting one character by a plurality of key operations is required. The mechanism is IM. When IM is activated, input from the keyboard is sent to IM. Then, the confirmed character string is transferred from the IM to the application software by a confirming operation by pressing the confirm key.
In addition, since the number of keys is insufficient for inputting text in a mobile phone, some input method is required.
In Japanese, so-called kana-kanji conversion (IME) is used as IM. Examples of IME include MS-IME (trademark) installed as standard in Windows (trademark), Eri (trademark) installed as standard in Macintosh (trademark) of Apple Computer (trademark), and Linux / BSD. Wnn8 (trademark) which is a Japanese input system, and ATOK (trademark) of Justsystem (trademark).
A standard Japanese input method in the IME will be described below. The user inputs a reading corresponding to the character string to be input. In response to the input of the reading, a list of input candidates corresponding to the reading is displayed. The user selects and confirms a character string to be input from the input candidate list. In Japanese input, this series of operations is repeated to input a sentence.

  As a method for supporting Japanese input in IME, there is connection prediction. Connection prediction is a function represented by input support of a mobile phone or represented by Wnn8 (trademark). In connection prediction, not only input prediction candidates are displayed based on a dictionary and texts input in the past, but also optimal candidates connected to a confirmed character string are predicted and displayed. The user can input text by sequentially determining and selecting character string candidates displayed in the connection prediction.

  Patent Document 1 below describes a Japanese language processing apparatus, a Japanese language processing method, and a Japanese language processing program that enable connection prediction data to be displayed based on a user's usage frequency. Specifically, in the invention of Patent Document 1, a connection prediction candidate used when inputting Japanese (data that is predicted as a phrase related to a phrase after inputting a certain word or phrase (referred to as a segment)) Is provided based on the frequency of the user based on the past input history of one sentence. As a result, connection prediction candidates that are frequently used by the user can be displayed, selected and used, and easy-to-use sentence input is possible.

  Non-Patent Document 1 below describes Wnn8 that supports connection prediction.

JP 2007-164278 A OMRON, “Wnn8 for Linux / BSD”, Internet (http://www.omronsoft.co.jp/SP/pcunix/wnn8/toku.html) [online]

  There is a need for a method for preferentially displaying input candidates suitable for a sentence intended by a user as well as displaying input candidates by connection prediction.

The present invention provides a method for supporting text input. The method includes causing an electronic device to perform the following steps. The step is
In response to a key input or speech input from the user, a list of at least one first input candidate corresponding to the input is displayed on a display device, and one of the first input candidate lists is displayed. A step allowing selection, and
A character string corresponding to at least one function assigned to the pressed predetermined key and connected to the selected first input candidate in response to the pressing of the predetermined key from the user, Searching from a dictionary recorded in
A list of at least one second input candidate composed of the selected first input candidate and the searched character string is displayed on the display device, and one of the second input candidate lists is displayed. And the step of allowing one to be selected.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the function assigned to the key is used to reflect the user's intention in the search for the character string.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the user intent is selected from any of negative expressions, positive expressions, questionable expressions, ambiguous expressions or assertive expressions, or a combination thereof. Stylistic.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the above expressions or a combination thereof is assigned to the predetermined key.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the user's intention is to switch or limit a dictionary for searching the character string.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the dictionary is either a general term dictionary, technical term dictionary, economic term dictionary, legal term dictionary, accounting term dictionary, discipline dictionary or dialect dictionary, or a combination thereof. In the present invention, the number of dictionaries and the types of dictionaries are not limited.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, each dictionary or a combination thereof is assigned to the predetermined key.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the dictionary includes data including a character string connected to the first input candidate and an identifier corresponding to the function.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the data further includes the number of times a character string connected to the first input candidate is used.

In one embodiment of the invention, the searching step comprises
A step of selecting data corresponding to the function from the data and setting a character string in the selected data as a character string connected to the first input candidate.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, displaying the list of the second input candidates includes sorting according to the number of times the second input candidates are used.

  In one embodiment of the invention, displaying the list of second input candidates further includes displaying a third input candidate translated into a different language corresponding to the second input candidate. .

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined key is a keyboard modifier key, numeric lock key, capital lock key, or function key, or a combination of the key and another key.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the selected input candidate is maintained in an undetermined state in response to pressing of a predetermined key from the user.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the selected second input candidate is confirmed from the unconfirmed state in response to selection of one of the second input candidates from the list and pressing the confirmation key. It becomes a state.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, when one of the first input candidate lists is selected and the confirm key is pressed, the selected first input candidate is moved from the unconfirmed state. It becomes a definite state.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes causing the electronic device to further perform the following steps. The step is
In response to a further pressing of the predetermined key from the user, a character string corresponding to at least one function assigned to the pressed predetermined key and connected to the selected second input candidate is stored. Searching from a dictionary recorded in the department;
A list of at least one third input candidate composed of the selected second input candidate and the searched character string is displayed on the display device, and one of the third input candidate lists is displayed. And the step of allowing one to be selected.

  The present invention also provides a program for causing an electronic device to execute each step of the method described in any one of the above.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device is a computer, a personal digital assistant, or a mobile phone.

  The present invention also provides a plug-in program for an input method program including the above program.

  The present invention also provides an input method program including the program described above.

  The present invention also provides an electronic device including the above-described program in its storage unit.

The present invention also provides an electronic device for supporting text input. The electronic device is
A storage unit for storing at least one dictionary;
In response to a key input or utterance input from the user, a list of at least one first input candidate corresponding to the input is displayed on the display device, and one of the first input candidates is selected. A first permitting section that allows
A character string corresponding to at least one function assigned to the pressed predetermined key and connected to the selected first input candidate in response to the pressing of the predetermined key from the user, A search unit for searching from a dictionary recorded in
A list of at least one second input candidate composed of the selected first input candidate and the searched character string is displayed on the display device, and one of the second input candidates is displayed. And a second permitting unit that allows selection.

The present invention also provides an electronic device for supporting text input. The electronic device is
A storage unit for storing at least one dictionary;
In response to a key input or speech input from the user, a list of at least one first input candidate corresponding to the input is displayed on a display device, and one of the first input candidate lists is displayed. A first permitting unit that permits selection;
A character string corresponding to at least one function assigned to the pressed predetermined key and connected to the selected first input candidate in response to the pressing of the predetermined key from the user, A search unit for searching from a dictionary recorded in the above, wherein the function assigned to the key is used to reflect the user's intention in the search of the character string; and
A list of at least one second input candidate composed of the selected first input candidate and the searched character string is displayed on the display device, and one of the second input candidates is displayed. A second permitting unit that allows selection;
A confirmation unit that changes the selected second input candidate from an unconfirmed state to a confirmed state in response to selection of one of the second input candidates;
And a delivery unit that delivers the determined second input candidate to application software.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, when a user creates a sentence, input candidates reflecting the user's intention are preferentially displayed. Therefore, the user can select an input candidate more suitable for the sentence that the user is going to write. Furthermore, since input candidates reflecting the user's intention are preferentially displayed, it is possible to support the creation of a sentence and reduce the time required to create a document.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, “text input” is performed using an input method (IM). “Sentence input” refers to inputting a sentence including hiragana, katakana, alphabet, number, symbol, single kanji or single phrase, or a combination thereof. The sentence may be a part or all of the sentence. In one embodiment of the present invention, “sentence input” holds the entire sentence until the sentence is completed with punctuation marks, and when the sentence is completed, the sentence input is terminated by pressing the confirmation key. In another embodiment of the present invention, “sentence input” may be a part of a sentence before the sentence is completed with punctuation marks.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, “key input” refers to inputting a reading of a text that the user wants to input from an input device. The key input is displayed on, for example, a personal computer, a computer including a server computer or a keyboard of a mobile information terminal, a button of a mobile phone or a mobile information terminal, a controller of a game machine, a remote controller of a video-related device, or a display device. From a software keyboard, software button, software controller or software remote control.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, “speech input” means that a user utters a voice to a voice input device, for example, a microphone, and performs a reading input similar to a key input to the input method based on the voice. A known technique can be used as a method for inputting a sentence from an utterance input via an input method. Examples of speech recognition methods include dynamic time stretching (DTW) based speech recognition or hidden Markov model (HMM) based speech recognition.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the “at least one first input candidate corresponding to a key input or an utterance input” is an input candidate displayed based on a key-inputted reading or an utterance-recognized reading by an utterance input. Say. The “first input candidate” is the same as the input candidate displayed by the conventional input method. “First input candidates” include, but are not limited to, candidate sentences, candidate phrases, or candidate character strings corresponding to or predicted from readings. The “first input candidates” are typically displayed in a list format in a window. If all the input candidates cannot be displayed in the window, the list of input candidates is displayed in order from the highest priority, and input candidates that do not fit in the window are scrolls installed near the window. It can be displayed using a bar. The user can select one of input candidates in the window using, for example, a mouse or an up / down arrow key of a keyboard.

In the embodiment of the present invention, “pressing a predetermined key” means pressing a predetermined key from among the keys on the keyboard. The predetermined key is a specific key on a physical keyboard or a keyboard displayed on a display device. Alternatively, the predetermined key may be a specific button on a mouse, a specific button on a tablet, a specific button on a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant, a specific button on a controller of a game machine, or a remote control of a video-related device Above specific buttons.
In the embodiment of the present invention, a key for determining an input candidate, for example, the ENTER key is excluded from a predetermined key. The specific key is not limited to one, and may be a combination of CONTROL + ENTER keys, for example. Alternatively, the predetermined key may be a button arranged separately from the keyboard or a specific button displayed on the display device.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the “predetermined key” is, for example, a modifier key, a numeric lock key, a capital lock key, or a function key. A modifier key is a key used in combination to change the input characters and functions of other keys, and is also called a modifier key. The modifier keys are, for example, a SHIFT key, a CONTROL key, an ALT key, and a GUI key (Windows key).
For example, an operating system (OS) after Windows NT (trademark) can discriminate between the right SHIFT key and the left SHIFT key. Further, the OS can discriminate between a right CONTROL key and a left CONTROL key, a right ALT key and a left ALT key, a right GUI key, and a left GUI key. Therefore, the user can instruct the intentions of the eight types of users only by using the key alone.
Further, the modifier keys can be used in combination. For example, it is assumed that the SHIFT key is assigned to “negative expression”, the CONTROL key is assigned to “conclusive expression”, and the ALT key is assigned to “ambiguous expression”.
Then, when the predetermined key press by the user is a press of the SHIFT key + CONTROL key, a negative and assertive expression can be an input candidate. A negative and assertive expression is, for example, “It should not be possible”. Further, when the user presses a predetermined key is a SHIFT key + ALT key press, a negative and ambiguous expression can be an input candidate. A negative and ambiguous expression is, for example, “I can't do it”.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, each “predetermined key” is assigned a function for reflecting a predetermined intention of the user.

In the embodiment of the present invention, “a character string corresponding to at least one function assigned to a predetermined key pressed” refers to a character string corresponding to a predetermined intention of the user assigned to the predetermined key. .
In the embodiment of the present invention, the “character string connected to the first input candidate” is a character string displayed subsequent to the first input candidate, and the first input candidate and the character string are connected. It means a character string that makes a sentence. Specifically, the “character string connected to the first input candidate” is a character string connected to the first input candidate intended by the user as the first input candidate. Depending on the IM implementation, a grammar check may be performed so that the first input candidate and the character string are connected semantically.
The number of words from the string depends on the structure of the dictionary and the algorithm according to the embodiment of the present invention. The number of words is counted as follows.
When the selected first input candidate is “necessary to develop”, the first input candidate is “develop / do / necessary”, so there are three words.
When the second input candidate is “I think it needs to be developed”, the second input candidate is “Develop / Do / Necessary / There / Is / To / Thought / I / I /. Is 10 words.
Therefore, 10 words-3 words = 7 words. In this example, up to seven words are predicted based on the three words of the first input candidate.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the “function” corresponds to the user's intention used for reflecting the character string search. Each of the “functions” is assigned to a predetermined key.
The above function, i.e., the user's intention, is an intention to input a style selected from any of negative expression, positive expression, questionable expression, ambiguous expression, assertive expression, or a combination thereof. It is.
Alternatively, the function is also intended to switch or limit the dictionary for searching the character string.

In the embodiment of the present invention, there is a style as one of “user intentions”. The style is selected from, for example, a negative expression, a positive expression, a questionable expression, an ambiguous expression, an assertive expression, or a combination thereof.
Positive expressions are, for example, “is” and “is”. A positive sentence is, for example, “needs to develop” or “needs to develop”.
Negative expressions are, for example, “no” and “no”. Negative expressions are, for example, “no need to develop”, “no need to develop”.
The questionable expressions are, for example, “is it?” And “is it?”. The questionable expressions are, for example, “Do you need to develop?” Or “Do you need to develop?”.
Ambiguous expressions are, for example, “may be” and “will be”. Ambiguous expressions are, for example, “may need to be developed”, “may need to be developed”.
Assertive expressions are, for example, “is” and “is”. The assertive expressions are, for example, “must develop” and “must develop”.
It is also the user's intention to try to unify the style in “I”, “Masu”, “I” or “Da”. In this case, in addition to any one of the above expressions, any one of “I”, “Masu”, “I”, or “Da” can be combined as the user's intention. is there.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, which dictionary is used as one of the “user intentions”. Which dictionary is used includes switching a dictionary for searching for the character string or restricting a dictionary for searching for the character string.

  For example, consider a case where a doctor inputs “abdomen” and instructs a user's intention by pressing a predetermined key. The predetermined key is associated with a function for preferentially searching a medical dictionary. The search engine unit of IM is not an input candidate based on a general dictionary such as “abdomen” or “abdomen” in order to search for input candidates preferentially from a medical dictionary, not a general dictionary, An injury name or disease name based on a medical term dictionary such as “abdominal laceration” is preferentially listed as an input candidate.

  The dictionary for searching for the character string is, for example, any one of a general term dictionary, technical term dictionary, economic term dictionary, legal term dictionary, accounting term dictionary, field dictionary or dialect dictionary, or a combination thereof. In the present invention, the number of dictionaries and the types of dictionaries are not limited.

  The general term dictionary is a dictionary that comes standard with the input method application software. Technical term dictionaries include, but are not limited to, medical term dictionaries, physics and chemistry term dictionaries, biochemistry term dictionaries, economic term dictionaries, legal term dictionaries, and accounting term dictionaries. The field-specific dictionaries overlap with the technical term dictionaries, but are, for example, medical, scientific, biochemical, economic, legal, and accounting. The dialect dictionary is, for example, Osaka dialect, Tohoku dialect, Kyushu dialect or the like.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the “dictionary recorded in the storage unit” is a dictionary used by the input method for displaying input candidates. The dictionary may be the same as or different from the dictionary used to display the first input candidate.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the “dictionary” for searching for the character string has a structure for reflecting the user's intention. The “dictionary” for searching for the character string typically includes data including a character string connected to the first input candidate and an identifier corresponding to the function.
The character string connected to the first input candidate is a character string reflecting the user's intention, which is searched in response to pressing of a predetermined key from the user.
An identifier is a flag corresponding to a function. Therefore, the identifier is also a flag corresponding to the user's intention. One or a plurality of identifiers may be provided for one character string. For example, in the case where the user's intention is “prefer a candidate including a negative expression as a priority”, a character string having the identifier “negative” is searched.
The data further includes the number of times the character string connected to the first input candidate is selected by the user. Therefore, as the user uses the character string, the value of the number of times of use increases, so that the priority displayed as an input candidate increases. The user can reduce input operation time because input candidates to be input are preferentially displayed. Displaying preferentially means displaying input candidates reflecting the user's intention at the top of the list of input candidates.

In the “dictionary” for searching for the character string, a structure for reflecting the user's intention is, for example, as follows.
1. In the following example, the dictionaries have two to seven word dictionaries separately. It is also possible to prepare a dictionary of 7 words or more. How to set the upper limit of the number of words depends on the environment such as the amount of data.
The two-word dictionary is as follows.
“Develop”, flag, number of uses; “Develop” predicts “Yes”.
“Necessary to do”, flag, number of uses;
The seven-word dictionary is as follows.
“Need to develop”, flag, use count “No need to develop”, flag, use count For example, if the first input candidate is “develop” (2 words), a dictionary of 3 words or more Is used to predict the next string.
2. In the example below, the dictionary includes the first input candidate itself.
A. B. Character string including first input candidate An identifier or flag corresponding to the function; Number of uses Dictionary structure (A, B, C)
“Need to develop”, 0 (indicating affirmation), 123
“No need to develop”, 1 (indicating negative), 98
Identifier 0 refers to a positive expression. Identifier 1 refers to a negative expression.
The search engine unit of the IM uses the above identifier or flag to search for input candidates reflecting the user's intention from the dictionary preferentially.
In the above example, identifiers or flags of positive expressions and negative expressions have been described, but questionable expressions, ambiguous expressions, or assertive expressions are similarly identified by identifiers or flags.
Further, when there are a plurality of user intentions and a plurality of functions are selected, identifiers corresponding to the plurality of functions are used. The plurality of selection conditions may be either AND or OR.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the “indeterminate state” refers to a state in which the character string selected by the user is not confirmed on the input method.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the “determined state” means that the character string selected by the user is passed from the IM to the application software when the confirm key is pressed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the “electronic device” is, for example, a computer such as a personal computer, a server computer; a portable information terminal, a mobile phone, a game machine, and an electronic device in which an IM program is installed. If there is, it is not limited to these.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that this embodiment is for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to what is shown here. Further, throughout the following drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same objects unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1A shows an example of Japanese input using IM, which is a conventional technique.
Japanese input is performed by sequentially repeating the following steps 1 to 3.
1. When the character string to be input is, for example, a character string mixed with kanji (“feel”), the user inputs a reading “Kanji” (111) corresponding to the character string on the IM (101). The application software is, for example, IBM Lotus Symphony Document (trademark). Application software is linked to input method software.
2. Since the character string to be input is a character string mixed with kanji characters, the user presses the conversion key. The conversion key is, for example, a space key. The IM search engine unit searches the dictionary for input candidates corresponding to the reading in response to the space key being pressed. Then, the IM user interface unit creates the list of input candidates based on the search result. Then, the computer system displays a window (112) showing a list of input candidates on the display device (102). The user selects one of the input candidates displayed in the list “feel” with the mouse or the cursor (inverted black by selection), and presses the enter key. The confirmation key is, for example, the ENTER key.
3. When the confirmation key is pressed, the result of the selection is passed from the IM to the application software. The application software displays the fixed character string (113) on the window (103). The state of the confirmed character string is called a confirmed state.

FIG. 1B shows an example of connection prediction input according to the prior art.
In an IM having a connection prediction function, for example, when the user inputs “ki”, a list (121) of input candidates predicted from “ki” is displayed. Then, the user selects one character string (for example, “Today”) from the input candidate list (121), and presses the enter key. By pressing the confirmation key, the selected character string (“Today”) is confirmed, and at the same time, a list (122) of input candidates connected to the further confirmed character string (“Today”) is displayed. The That is, the selected character string (“Today”) is treated as the user's input. In this way, the user can create a sentence simply by sequentially selecting and confirming the character strings displayed in the input candidate lists (121, 122, and 123). In the above example, the user's Japanese input is only “ki” input first. The user simply selects and confirms “Today”, “My”, and “Birthday” listed as input candidates in the list of input candidates (121, 122, and 123). You can enter the sentence "Today is my birthday."

FIG. 2A shows an example in which a user's intention is reflected in a connection prediction input candidate according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the conventional connection search, the computer system cannot determine whether the sentence is an affirmative sentence or a negative sentence while the user is creating the sentence. For example, when the user inputs “Kai Hatsutsutsuyo” and converts it to “Needs to develop,” the computer system has an affirmative sentence that follows the above “Needs to develop”. ”Or a negative statement“ No. ”cannot be determined. However, the user is conscious of whether the sentence he / she wants to write is a positive sentence or a negative sentence.
Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, a function of transmitting the user's intention to the IM search engine is implemented.
1. When the first character string of the sentence to be input is, for example, a kanji-kana mixed character string, the user reads “Kai Hatsutsutsuyo” (211) corresponding to the first character string “necessary to develop” IM Input above (201).
2. Since the character string to be input is a character string mixed with kanji characters, the user presses the conversion key. The conversion key is, for example, a space key. The search engine unit of the IM searches the dictionary for the first input candidate corresponding to the reading in response to the space key being pressed. Then, the user interface unit of the IM creates a list of first input candidates for the above-mentioned “Kaihatsu Tsutsuyoyo”. The computer system displays a window (212) showing a list of first input candidates (202). In the list of first input candidates, the first input candidates are sequentially displayed from the top according to the order in which the usage frequency is predicted to be high or according to the actual usage frequency. The user selects one of the first input candidates displayed in the list “needs to be developed” with the mouse or the cursor (inverted black by selection). At this stage, since the user does not press the confirmation key, the character string is in an unconfirmed state.
3. The user presses a predetermined key in order to display a second input candidate including the selected character string “Need to develop” and a character string connected to the character string “Need to develop”. The predetermined key is a predetermined key other than the confirmation key, for example, a CONTROL key and other alphabet keys.
When the predetermined key is pressed, the IM search engine unit searches the dictionary for a second input candidate corresponding to the function assigned to the predetermined key. Then, the user interface unit of the IM creates a list of the selected character string and a second input candidate connected to the character string based on the search result.
The search engine unit of IM usually cannot grasp what type of sentence the user wants to input. However, by assigning a function for reflecting the user's intention to the predetermined key, the IM user interface unit transmits the user's intention to the search engine unit, and the second key that reflects the user's intention is reflected. Input candidates can be displayed preferentially.
In one embodiment of FIG. 2A, pressing “CONTROL + Y” informs the IM user interface portion that the text the user wants to input is an affirmative. “CONTROL + Y” is used to instruct the computer that the user wants to input an affirmative sentence. Accordingly, the IM user interface unit requests the search engine unit for the selected character string and the second input candidate that is connected to the character string and becomes an affirmative sentence, receives the search result, and receives the list. (213) is created. Then, the user selects one of the second input candidates displayed in the list “Needs to be developed” with the mouse or the cursor (inverted black by selection) (213), and presses the enter key. Press. When the confirmation key is pressed, the result of the selection is passed from the IM to the application software. The application software displays the text “Needs to be developed” on its window.
In another embodiment of FIG. 2A, pressing “CONTROL + N” informs the IM user interface portion that the text the user wants to input is a negative sentence. “CONTROL + N” is used to instruct the computer that the user wants to input a negative sentence. Therefore, the IM search engine unit requests the search engine unit for the selected character string and the second input candidate that is connected to the character string and becomes a negative sentence, receives the search result, and receives the list ( 214). Then, the user selects one of the second input candidates displayed in the list “I don't think it needs to be developed” with the mouse or the cursor (it is highlighted in black by the selection) (214), Press the Confirm key. When the confirmation key is pressed, the result of the selection is passed from the IM to the application software. The application software displays a fixed sentence “I don't think it is necessary to develop it” on the window.
As described above, the user informs the computer system of the user's intention by pressing a predetermined key at the timing when the character string has been determined so far. Thereby, the character string intended by the user is preferentially displayed.

FIG. 2B shows an example in which the intention of the user is reflected in the input candidates for connection prediction, which is an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 2A, the user inputs “I need to develop” or “I don't think it is necessary to develop” reflecting the user's intention from the input “2”. An example is shown. In this example, it is shown that “I need to develop” or “I don't think it is necessary to develop” reflecting the user's intention can be input from “Kai Hatsu” (231).
1. The user inputs the reading “Kai Hatsuru” (231) corresponding to “develop” in the first character string of the sentence to be input on the IM.
2. Since the character string to be input is a character string mixed with kanji characters, the user presses the conversion key. The search engine unit of the IM searches the dictionary for the first input candidate corresponding to the reading in response to the space key being pressed, and the first input candidate for the “Kai Hatsuru” is searched. Create a list. The first input candidates create a list of first input candidates including input candidates predicted from the readings in addition to the input candidates corresponding to the reading “Kai-Hatsuru”. The computer system displays (222) a window (232) showing a list of first input candidates. The user selects one of the first input candidates displayed in the list “needs to be developed” with the mouse or the cursor (inverted black by selection). At this stage, since the user does not press the confirmation key, the character string is in an unconfirmed state.
3. The user presses a predetermined key in order to display a second input candidate including the selected character string “Need to develop” and a character string connected to the character string “Need to develop”. The predetermined key is a predetermined key other than the confirmation key, for example, a CONTROL key and other alphabet keys.
When the predetermined key is pressed, the IM search engine unit searches the dictionary for a second input candidate corresponding to the function assigned to the predetermined key, and selects the selected character string. A list of second input candidates connected to the character string is created.
In one embodiment of FIG. 2B, pressing “CONTROL + Y” informs the user interface portion of the IM that the sentence the user wants to input is an affirmative sentence. Therefore, the IM search engine unit creates the list (233) of the selected character string and the second input candidate that is connected to the character string and becomes an affirmative sentence. Then, the user selects one of the second input candidates displayed in the list “Needs to be developed” with the mouse or the cursor (inverted to black by selection) (223), and presses the enter key. Press. When the confirmation key is pressed, the result of the selection is passed from the IM to the application software. The application software displays the text “Needs to be developed” on its window.
In another embodiment of FIG. 2B, pressing “CONTROL + N” informs the IM user interface portion that the text the user wants to input is a negative sentence. Accordingly, the IM search engine unit creates the list (234) of the selected character string and the second input candidate that is connected to the character string and becomes a negative sentence. Then, the user selects one of the second input candidates displayed in the list “I don't think it is necessary to develop it” with the mouse or the cursor (it is highlighted in black by the selection) (224), Press the Confirm key. When the confirmation key is pressed, the result of the selection is passed from the IM to the application software. The application software displays the text "I don't think it needs to be developed" on the window.

FIG. 3 shows an example in which the intention of the user is reflected in the input candidates for connection prediction, which is an embodiment of the present invention.
1. When the first character string of the sentence to be input is, for example, a character string mixed with kanji characters, the user reads the reading “Kyoha” (311) corresponding to the first character string “Today” via the IM. -Input on software (301).
2. Since the character string to be input is a character string mixed with kanji characters, the user presses a conversion key, for example, the space key. The search engine unit of IM searches the dictionary for a first input candidate corresponding to the reading in response to the space key being pressed, and obtains a list of first input candidates for the above-mentioned “Kyoha”. create. The computer system displays (302) a window (312) showing a list of first input candidates. In the list of first input candidates, the first input candidates are sequentially displayed from the top according to the order in which the usage frequency is predicted to be high or according to the actual usage frequency. The user selects one of the first input candidates displayed in the first input candidate list “Today” with a mouse or a cursor (inverted black by selection). At this stage, since the user does not press the confirmation key, the character string is in an unconfirmed state.
3. The user presses a predetermined key in order to display a character string connected to the selected character string “Today”. The predetermined key is a predetermined key other than the confirmation key, for example, a CONTROL key and other alphabet keys.
When the predetermined key is pressed, the IM search engine unit searches the dictionary for a second input candidate corresponding to the function assigned to the predetermined key. When the function corresponding to the predetermined key is an affirmative sentence, the IM user interface unit connects the selected character string to the second input candidate list (313) so as to become an affirmative sentence. create. In the second input candidate list, affirmative sentences are prioritized and displayed sequentially from the top in accordance with the order in which the usage frequency is predicted to be high or in accordance with the actual usage frequency. In the second input candidate list, an affirmative sentence is displayed with priority, and a negative sentence may be included in the lower order. Then, the user selects one of the second input candidates displayed in the list “Thank you for today” with the mouse or the cursor (it is highlighted in black by selection), and presses the enter key. . When the confirmation key is pressed, the result of the selection is passed from the IM to the application software. The application software displays the confirmed sentence “Thank you for today” on the window.
As described above, the user informs the computer system of the user's intention by pressing a predetermined key at the timing when the character string has been determined so far. Thereby, the character string intended by the user is preferentially displayed.

4A to 4D show examples of configuration diagrams of an electronic apparatus which is an embodiment of the present invention.
The electronic device can execute an IM program and application software (414) using the IM. The IM program and application software (414) using the IM are read into the memory from the storage unit (420) by a user instruction and executed by the CPU. The IM program is provided to the electronic device along with or newly introduced in the operating system. The IM program is also provided to the electronic device as a plug-in program of the IM program.
The electronic device is connected to a display device (not shown). Alternatively, a display device is embedded in the electronic device. In the display device, an IM program execution screen and an application software execution screen are displayed as a GUI (see FIGS. 4A to 4D).

The electronic device (401) includes an input unit (402), an IM user interface unit (406), an IM search engine unit (415), and a storage unit (420).
The input unit (402) is typically a keyboard (403). The keyboard (403) may be a physical keyboard or a software keyboard. Software keyboards are used in personal digital assistants, mobile phones or devices that do not have a gaming keyboard or with a physical keyboard. Input data ("reading") input to the keyboard is passed to the user input reception unit (407) in the user interface unit (406). In FIG. 4A, “kaihatusuruhituyou” is input as an example of reading.
The input unit (402) may include a microphone (404) instead of the keyboard (403) or together with the keyboard (403). The user speaks a word to be input through the microphone (404). A speech recognition engine (405) analyzes the utterance and generates a phoneme string. As the speech recognition engine (405), for example, a Microsoft (trademark) IME speech recognition engine may be used. The speech recognition engine (405) passes the generated phoneme string to the user input reception unit (407). The phoneme string is passed as input data to the user input receiving unit (407).

The IM user interface unit (406) includes a user input reception unit (407), a search engine call unit (410), an unconfirmed one-line display unit (411), a result list display unit (412), and a confirmation / delivery unit. (413).
The user input receiving unit (407) receives input data from the input unit (402). In the example of FIG. 4A, the user input reception unit (407) receives “kaihatusuruhituyou” as an example of input data. The user input reception unit (407) converts the received Roman character, which is input data, in an unconfirmed state in hiragana. Input data is not limited to Roman characters. In addition, in the conversion in an indeterminate state, the character to be converted is not limited to hiragana and can be changed as appropriate depending on the language to be input. In the example of FIG. 4A, the user input reception unit (407) converts the Roman character “kaihatusuruhituyou” into an unconfirmed state of hiragana “kaihitsutsuhitsuyo”. Specifically, when the key “k” is pressed once on the keyboard, “k” is displayed on the unconfirmed one-line display portion (411). Next, when the key “a” is pressed once, “ka” is converted to “ka”, and “ka” is displayed on the unconfirmed one-line display portion (411). Thereafter, the same operation is repeated, and the user inputs “kaihatusuruhituyou”. The user input receiving unit (407) passes the hiragana converted in the unconfirmed state to the search engine calling unit (410) in response to the space key being a conversion request from the user. In the example of FIG. 4B, the user input receiving unit (407) passes “Skiyotsutsutsuyo” to the search engine calling unit (410).
The user input reception unit (407) includes a first permission unit (408) and a second permission unit (409), which are embodiments of the present invention.
The first permission unit (408) allows the user to select one from the first list of input candidates. The selection is performed by selecting one input candidate from the first input candidate list by using, for example, a mouse or an up / down arrow key. In the example of FIG. 4B, since “need to develop” is selected from the first input candidates, “need to develop” is highlighted and displayed on the result list display section (412).
The second permission unit (409) allows the user to select one from the list of second input candidates. The selection is performed by selecting one input candidate from the second input candidate list by using, for example, a mouse or an up / down arrow key. In the example of FIG. 4C, since “Needs to be developed” is selected from the second input candidates, “Needs to be developed” is highlighted on the result list display part (412). Is displayed.
The search engine calling unit (410) passes the hiragana converted in the unconfirmed state passed from the user input receiving unit (407) to the search engine receiving unit (416) in the search engine unit (415). In the example of FIG. 4B, the search engine calling unit (410) passes “Kai Hatsutsutsuyo” to the search engine reception unit (416).

  The unconfirmed one-line display unit (411) receives the hiragana converted in the unconfirmed state from the user input receiving unit (407) and displays it in the unconfirmed state on the unconfirmed one-line display unit (411). In the example of FIG. 4A, the hiragana “hitsuyo hitsuyo” converted in the unconfirmed state is displayed on the unconfirmed one-line display portion (411). The unconfirmed one-line display unit (411) also displays, as a result list display unit, input candidates currently selected by the user from the first input candidates or the second input candidates searched by the search engine unit (415). Received from (412) and displayed in an unconfirmed state on the unconfirmed one-line display section (411). In the example of FIG. 4B, “need to develop” currently selected by the user among the first input candidates is displayed on the result list display portion (412). In the example of FIG. 4C, “Need to be developed” currently selected by the user among the second input candidates is displayed on the result list display portion (412). The unconfirmed one-line display portion (411) is initialized in response to pressing of the confirm key.

  The result list display unit (412) receives from the search engine unit (415) the search result of the first input candidate corresponding to the hiragana converted in the unconfirmed state, and displays it on the result list display unit (412). A list of the first input candidates is displayed. In the example of FIG. 4B, on the result list display unit (412), a list of first input candidates “Kai Hatsuru” converted from the hiragana “Kai Hatsutsutsuyo” converted in the unconfirmed state. "Necessary to develop, Necessary to develop" is displayed. The result list display unit (412) also “requires development” and “requires development” in response to pressing of a predetermined key, which is an embodiment of the present invention, from the search engine unit (415). The search result of the second input candidate including the character string connected to is received, and the second input candidate list is displayed on the result list display unit (412). In the example of FIG. 4C, the second list of input candidates converted from the above “need to develop” on the result list display section (412) “need to develop, need to develop. Need to develop, Need to develop, Need to develop, Need to develop, Need to develop, Need to develop, Need to develop, Need to develop "is displayed. The unconfirmed one-line display portion (411) is initialized in response to pressing of the confirm key.

  The confirmation / delivery unit (413) determines whether the first input candidate as the prior art or the second input candidate according to the embodiment of the present invention is not yet received as a confirmation function in response to pressing of the confirmation key from the user. Change from the confirmed state to the confirmed state. The confirmation / delivery unit (413) delivers the confirmed first input candidate or the confirmed second input candidate to the application software (414) as a delivery function.

The IM search engine unit (415) includes a search engine reception unit (416) and a dictionary update unit (419). The IM search engine section (415) also includes Kana-Kanji conversion (417) and functions 1-N (418).
The search engine reception unit (416) receives the hiragana converted in the unconfirmed state, which is the conversion target, from the search engine calling unit (410). The kana-kanji conversion unit (417) searches the dictionary (421) for input candidates corresponding to the hiragana converted in the unconfirmed state. In the example of FIG. 4B, a first input candidate corresponding to the hiragana “hitsuyotsutsuyo” converted in the unconfirmed state is searched from the dictionary (421). There may be one or a plurality of dictionaries (421) for searching. The user may predetermine a dictionary used for the search. The search engine reception unit (416) returns the result of the first input candidate to the search engine call unit (410).
The search engine reception unit (416) also receives a first input candidate selected by the user from the first input candidates to be converted and a predetermined key pressed by the user from the search engine calling unit (410). Receive information. The function (418) corresponding to the predetermined key corresponds to the first input candidate selected by the user among the first input candidates and is assigned to the predetermined key pressed by the user (418). ) Is searched from the dictionary (421). The second input candidate includes a first input candidate selected by the user from the first input candidates and a character string connected to the selected first input candidate. The user may change the dictionary used for the search in the middle of input. The change may be performed by further pressing a predetermined key from the user. For example,
Press “F11” and then press “CONTROL + Y” which is a predetermined key. In the example of FIG. 4C, the first input candidate selected by the user among the first input candidates is “need to be developed”, and the predetermined key pressed by the user is a combination of “CONTROL + Y”. The search engine reception unit (416) returns the result of the second input candidate to the search engine call unit (410).
The kana-kanji conversion (417) is used to search the dictionary (421) for input candidates corresponding to the hiragana converted in the undefined state (FIG. 4B).
Functions 1 to N (418) are functions assigned to predetermined keys, and are used to reflect the user's intention in the search for the character string (FIG. 4C). The predetermined key may be one or a combination of a plurality of keys.
The dictionary updating unit (419) adds “needs to be developed” selected by the user to the dictionary (421) for use in the subsequent conversion processing (FIG. 4D). As a result of the addition, a sentence having high user preference is preferentially displayed as an input candidate. Specifically, the number of uses for “Need to develop” selected by the user is incremented (+1).
The storage unit (420) stores a dictionary (421) for use in input conversion.
The dictionary (421) includes a dictionary for searching for the first input candidate and a dictionary for searching for the second input candidate.
The dictionary for searching for the first input candidate is composed of one or a plurality of dictionaries.
The dictionary for searching for the second input candidate includes one or more dictionaries. The dictionary for searching for the second input candidate may be included in the dictionary for searching for the first input candidate. In addition, the dictionary for searching for the second input candidate may be associated with one dictionary for one function (418). For example, when the function (418) is a positive expression, the dictionary corresponding to the function (418) is a dictionary including the positive expression.

FIG. 5 shows a text input procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In step 501, the computer system (401) activates the IM program in response to depression of a Kana-Kanji conversion activation key, for example, “ALT” key + “half-width / full-width” key. Alternatively, the IM program is activated simultaneously with the activation of the application software. When the IM program is activated, the process proceeds to step 502.
In step 502, the computer system (401) receives all input from the user using the input unit (402). The input includes, for example, input by pressing a predetermined key referred to in the embodiments of the present invention, such as alphabets “a” to “z”, numerals “1” to “0”, conversion keys, arrow keys, and the like. The input is performed through key input using the keyboard (403) or speech input using the microphone (404).
In step 503, the computer system (401) determines whether the process is a hiragana process. If it is a hiragana process, the process proceeds to step 504. On the other hand, when it is not a hiragana process, it progresses to step 505.
In step 504, the computer system (401) performs alphabetical hiragana conversion for hiragana processing. The alphabetic hiragana conversion includes not only a process of converting an alphabetic character into a hiragana character but also a process of converting a number or a symbol into a full-width character. The computer system (401) checks whether the input mode for Kana-Kanji conversion is the Roman character input mode or the Hiragana direct input mode. The confirmation of the input mode is performed in the alphabetical hiragana conversion.
When the input mode of Kana-Kanji conversion is the Roman character input mode, for example, the Roman character input “ka” is converted into the hiragana “ka”. The mechanism is described in detail below.
The user input receiving unit (407) receives key input character by character. For example, when “k” is pressed, “k” is displayed on the unconfirmed one-line display portion (411). Subsequently, when “a” is pressed, “k” and “a” are aligned, so “k” is erased from the unconfirmed one-line display part (411), and the unconfirmed one-line display part (411). "Ka" is displayed above. The user input receiving unit (407) has the next input from the input unit (402).
When the input mode of kana-kanji conversion is the hiragana direct input mode, “k” is converted to “no”. The user input receiving unit (407) has the next input from the input unit (402).
Therefore, in the alphabetical hiragana conversion, for example, one character, two characters, or three characters entered in Roman characters are converted into hiragana.
When the process in step 504 is completed, the process returns to step 502.
In step 505, the computer system (401) uses the user input reception unit (407) to determine whether or not the pressed key is a conversion key. The conversion key is, for example, a space key. If the pressed key is a conversion key, the process proceeds to step 506. On the other hand, if the pressed key is not a conversion key, the process proceeds to step 507.
In step 506, since the pressed key is a conversion key, the computer system (401) uses the search engine unit (415) to perform the hiragana / kanji conversion, and the unconfirmed one-line display unit (411). ) The first input candidate corresponding to the character string displayed above is searched from the dictionary (421). The computer system (401) displays a list of first input candidates as a result of the search on the result list display unit (412). Further, the computer system (401) displays an unconfirmed one-line display unit on the unconfirmed one-line display unit (411) by selecting the currently selected first input candidate from the first input candidate list. (411) Display above. When the process in step 506 is completed, the process returns to step 502.
In step 507, the computer system (401) uses the user input reception unit (407) to determine whether the pressed key is an arrow key (↑ or ↓) or a corresponding mouse operation. If the pressed key is an arrow key, the process proceeds to step 508. On the other hand, if the pressed key is not an arrow key, the process proceeds to step 509.
In step 508, since the pressed key is an arrow key, the computer system (401) reverse-displays the input candidate in which the arrow key is placed in the input candidate list on the result list display unit (412). To do. The computer system (401) copies one input candidate currently selected by the arrow key from the list of input candidates on the unconfirmed one-line display unit (411), and displays it in an unconfirmed state. To do.
Specifically, in step 508, when the input candidate is the first input candidate, the computer system (401) displays a list of the first input candidates on the unconfirmed one-line display unit (411). The first input candidate currently selected from is displayed in an unconfirmed state. Further, when the input candidate is the second input candidate, the computer system (401) displays the list of the second input candidates on the unconfirmed one-line display unit (411). One second input candidate currently selected from among them is displayed in an unconfirmed state.
When the process in step 508 is completed, the process returns to step 502.
In step 509, the computer system (401) uses the user input reception unit (407) to determine whether or not the pressed key is a predetermined key (not a confirmation key). If the pressed key is a predetermined key, the process proceeds to step 510. On the other hand, if the pressed key is not a predetermined key, the process proceeds to step 511.
In step 510, the computer system (401) uses the function (418) corresponding to the pressed key (for example, CONTROL + Y) to display the characters displayed on the unconfirmed one-line display unit (411). A second input candidate including a string and a character string connected to the character string is searched from the dictionary (421). The computer system (401) displays a list of second input candidates as a result of the search on the result list display unit (412). In addition, the computer system (401) displays an unconfirmed one-line display unit on the unconfirmed one-line display unit (411) with the currently selected second input candidate in the second input candidate list. (411) Copy above and display in an indeterminate state. When the processing in step 510 ends, the process returns to step 502.
In step 511, the computer system (401) uses the user input receiving unit (407) to determine whether or not the pressed key is a confirmation key. If the pressed key is a confirmation key, the process proceeds to step 512. On the other hand, if the pressed key is not a confirmation key, the process proceeds to step 513.
In step 512, since the pressed key is the confirmation key, the computer system (401) uses the confirmation / delivery unit (413) to change the selected input candidate from the unconfirmed state to the confirmed state. To the application software. Also, the computer system (401) updates the dictionary using the determined input candidates. Further, the computer system (401) initializes (clears) the unconfirmed one-line display unit (411) and the result list display unit (412). When the process in step 512 is completed, the process returns to step 502.
In step 513, the computer system (401) uses the user input reception unit (407) to determine whether or not the pressed key is a kana-kanji conversion end key. If the pressed key is the kana-kanji conversion end key, the process proceeds to step 514. On the other hand, if the pressed key is not the kana-kanji conversion end key, the process returns to step 502. When returning to step 502, steps 502 to 513 described above are repeated.
In step 514, since the pressed key is the Kana-Kanji conversion end key, the computer system (401) ends the IM program.
Note that, as described above, in Kana-Kanji conversion, it is always waiting for a key to be pressed, so all the processing (Steps 503 to 512 below) returns to Step 502 (however, the end of Kana-Kanji conversion ( Except step 513) below).

In the kana-kanji conversion which is the prior art, the conversion from “kaihatusuruhituyou” to “need to be developed” is executed according to the following steps.
1. Step 501 (Activation of Kana-Kanji conversion)
2. Step 502 (Reception of key input or speech input)
2. Reception of “kaihatusuruhituyou” Steps 503 to 504 (English hiragana conversion)
Conversion from “kaihatusuruhituyou” to “Kaihatsu Tsutsuyo” Steps 505 to 506 (Hiragana-Kanji conversion)
4. Search for input candidates and display a list from “Kai-Hatsutsutsuyo” Steps 507 to 508 (switching of selection candidates)
5. Move and select the arrow keys on the input candidate list. Move the highlighted part from “Hatsuyotsutsutsuyo” to “Need to develop”. Steps 511 to 512 (confirmation processing)
Confirm “need to develop” 7. Repeat or end the above steps

In the kana-kanji conversion which is an embodiment of the present invention, the conversion from “kaihatusuruhituyou” to “needs to be developed” is executed according to the following steps.
1. Step 501 (Activation of Kana-Kanji conversion)
2. Step 502 (Reception of key input or speech input)
2. Reception of “kaihatusuruhituyou” Steps 503 to 504 (English hiragana conversion)
Conversion from “kaihatusuruhituyou” to “Kaihatsu Tsutsuyo” Steps 505 to 506 (Hiragana-Kanji conversion)
4. Search for input candidates and display a list from “Kai-Hatsutsutsuyo” Steps 507 to 508 (switching of selection candidates)
5. Use the arrow keys on the retrieved first input candidate list to move the highlighted part from “Katsu Hatsutsutsuyo” to “Need to develop”. Steps 509 to 510 (conversion by a function corresponding to a predetermined key)
In response to pressing of a predetermined key, for example, CONTROL + Y, a function (418) corresponding to CONTROL + Y is called.
7). Steps 507 to 508 (switching of selection candidates)
Move and select the arrow key on the second input candidate list searched by the above function (418). From the “necessary to develop” to the “need to develop” on the second input candidate list. Move the reversal point 8. Steps 511 to 512 (confirmation processing)
Confirm "Need to develop" 9. Repeat or end the above steps

FIG. 6 shows an application example in which the user's intention is reflected in the input candidates for connection prediction, which is an embodiment of the present invention.
1. It is assumed that the sentence that the user wants to input is a sentence that consists of English. The user inputs the reading “kinouga” corresponding to the first character string “function is” corresponding to English from the keyboard.
The user input receiving unit (407) converts the reading “kinouga” into “Kinouga” in an unconfirmed state (601). The unconfirmed one-line display unit (411) receives the hiragana converted in the unconfirmed state from the user input receiving unit (407) and displays it in the unconfirmed state on the unconfirmed one-line display unit (411) ( 611).
2. The user presses a conversion key, for example, a space key, in order to convert the above-mentioned character string “Kinoga” into kanji.
Since the pressed key is a conversion key, the search engine unit (415) uses the kana-kanji conversion (417) to change the character string “Kinoga” displayed on the unconfirmed one-line display unit (411). The corresponding first input candidate is searched from the dictionary (421). The computer system (401) displays a window (612) showing a list of first input candidates as a result of the search (602). In the list of first input candidates, the first input candidates are sequentially displayed from the top according to the order in which the usage frequency is predicted to be high or according to the actual usage frequency. The user selects one of the input candidates displayed in the first input candidate list “function” with the mouse or the cursor (inverted black by selection). At this stage, since the user does not press the confirmation key, the character string is in an unconfirmed state.
3. The user presses a predetermined key in order to display a character string connected to the selected first input candidate “function is”. The predetermined key is a predetermined key other than the confirmation key, for example, a CONTROL key and other alphabet keys such as Y.
The search engine unit (415) searches the dictionary (421) for a second input candidate corresponding to the function (418) assigned to the predetermined key in response to the predetermined key being pressed. The computer system (401) displays a window (613) showing a list of second input candidates as a result of the search (603). In the second input candidate list, affirmative sentences are prioritized and displayed sequentially from the top in accordance with the order in which the usage frequency is predicted to be high or in accordance with the actual usage frequency. In the second input candidate list, an affirmative sentence is displayed with priority, and a negative sentence may be included in the lower order. Then, the user selects one of the input candidates displayed in the second input candidate list “function is called” with the mouse or the cursor (inverted black by selection).
4). The user presses a predetermined key in order to translate the selected second input candidate into English. The predetermined key is a predetermined key other than the confirmation key, for example, a CONTROL key and another alphabet key, for example, E. “CONTROL + E” is used to instruct the search engine unit (415) to translate the selected second input candidate into English or to search for an English sentence corresponding to the selected second input candidate. The
When the predetermined key is pressed, the search engine unit (415) selects the third input candidate corresponding to the function (418) assigned to the predetermined key, that is, the selected second input. An English sentence corresponding to the candidate is searched from the dictionary (421). The computer system (401) displays a window (614) showing a list of third input candidates as a result of the search (604). The list of the third input candidates includes the selected second input candidate itself, a character string obtained by translating the selected second input candidate into English, and the selected second input candidate and the selected input candidate. A third input candidate including a character string connected to the second input candidate.
5. The user selects one of the input candidates displayed in the third input candidate list “A function is called.” With the mouse or the cursor (inverted black by selection).
When the confirmation key is pressed, the selected third input candidate “A function is called.” Is changed from the unconfirmed state to the confirmed state, and delivered from the IM to the application software. The application software displays the determined English sentence on the window.
As described above, the user presses a predetermined key multiple times at the timing when the character string has been confirmed so far, and the user's intention (in the above case, the English corresponding to the Japanese sentence to be input). To the computer system. Thereby, the character string intended by the user is preferentially displayed.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The computer system (701) includes a CPU (703) and a main memory (702), which are connected to a bus (705). The CPU (703) is preferably based on a 32-bit or 64-bit architecture, such as Intel's Xeon (TM) series, Core (TM) series, ATOM (TM) series, Pentium (TM) series, The Celeron (TM) series, the AMD Phenom (TM) series, the Athlon (TM) series, the Turion (TM) series, and the Empron (TM) can be used. A sound board (704) for inputting and outputting audio is connected to the bus (705). A microphone or a speaker is connected to the sound board (704) as necessary. A display (707) such as a liquid crystal display is connected to the bus (705) via a display controller (706). The display (707) is used to display information about the software running on the computer system (701) with a suitable graphic interface. A hard disk or silicon disk (709) and a CD-ROM, DVD or Blu-ray drive (710) are also connected to the bus (705) via an IDE or SATA controller (708). The CD-ROM, DVD or BD drive (710) is used to additionally introduce a program from the CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or BD to a hard disk or silicon disk (709) as necessary. Further, a keyboard (712) and a mouse (713) are connected to the bus (705) via a keyboard / mouse controller (711) or a USB controller (not shown).

  The communication interface (715) conforms to, for example, the Ethernet protocol, and is connected to the bus (705) via the communication controller (714) to physically connect the computer system (701) and the communication line (716). The network interface layer is provided for the TCP / IP communication protocol of the communication function of the operating system of the computer system (701). The communication line may be a wired LAN environment or a wireless LAN environment based on a wireless LAN connection standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n.

  In addition to the above-described network switch, devices that can be used as a network connection device for connecting hardware such as a computer include a router and a hardware management console. In short, a function capable of returning configuration information such as the IP address and MAC address of a computer connected to an inquiry by a predetermined command from a computer in which a network operation management program is installed. It is. The network switch and router include an ARP table for the address resolution protocol (ARP), which includes a list of IP addresses of computers connected to the router and a corresponding pair of MAC addresses, and can be used to query by a predetermined command. On the other hand, it has a function of returning the contents of the ARP table.

An example of Japanese input using IME, which is a prior art, is shown. The example of the input of connection prediction which is a prior art is shown. The example which reflects the user's intention in the input candidate of connection prediction which is an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The example which reflects the user's intention in the input candidate of connection prediction which is an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The example which reflects the user's intention in the input candidate of connection prediction which is an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The example of the block diagram of the electronic device which is the embodiment of this invention is shown. The example of the block diagram of the electronic device which is the embodiment of this invention is shown. The example of the block diagram of the electronic device which is the embodiment of this invention is shown. The example of the block diagram of the electronic device which is the embodiment of this invention is shown. The procedure of the text input which is an embodiment of the present invention is shown. An application example, which is an embodiment of the present invention, reflects a user's intention in a connection prediction input candidate will be described. 1 shows a block diagram of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (20)

A method for supporting text input,
In response to a key input or speech input from the user, a list of at least one first input candidate corresponding to the input is displayed on a display device, and one of the first input candidate lists is displayed. A step allowing selection, and
A character string corresponding to at least one function assigned to the pressed predetermined key and connected to the selected first input candidate in response to pressing of the predetermined key from the user, Searching from a dictionary recorded in the function, wherein the function assigned to the key is used to reflect the user's intention in the search of the string, the user's intention being a negative expression, The searching step is a stylistic selected from any of positive expressions, questionable expressions, ambiguous expressions or assertive expressions, or combinations thereof ;
A list of at least one second input candidate composed of the selected first input candidate and the searched character string is displayed on the display device, and one of the second input candidate lists is displayed. Allowing the method to be selected. Wherein the predetermined key, the each representation or combination thereof are allocated The method according to claim 1. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the user's intention is further to switch or restrict a dictionary for searching the character string. The dictionary is a general term dictionary, technical term dictionary, medical term dictionary, scientific term dictionary, biochemical term dictionary, economic term dictionary, legal term dictionary, accounting term dictionary, field dictionary or dialect dictionary, or a combination thereof The method of claim 3 , wherein The method according to claim 4 , wherein each of the dictionaries or a combination thereof is assigned to the predetermined key. The dictionary
A character string connected to the first input candidate;
The method according to claim 1, comprising data including: an identifier corresponding to the function. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the data further includes a use count of a character string connected to the first input candidate. The step of searching comprises
Selecting the data corresponding to the function from the data, and making the character string in the selected data a character string connected to the first input candidate,
The method of claim 6 .   The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the list of second input candidates includes sorting by number of uses of the second input candidates.   The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the list of second input candidates further includes displaying a third input candidate translated into a different language corresponding to the second input candidate.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined key is a keyboard modifier key, a numeric lock key, a capital lock key, or a function key, or a combination of the key and another key.   The method of claim 1, wherein the selected input candidate is maintained in an undetermined state in response to a predetermined key press from the user. Said one of the selected and decision key among the list of the second input candidate response to depression Sarukoto, second input candidates said selected becomes definite state from undetermined state, according to claim 12 the method of. In response to a further press of the predetermined key from the user, a character string corresponding to at least one function assigned to the pressed predetermined key and connected to the selected second input candidate is stored. Searching from a dictionary recorded in the department;
A list of at least one third input candidate composed of the selected second input candidate and the searched character string is displayed on the display device, and one of the third input candidate lists is displayed. The method of claim 1, further comprising: allowing one to select. The electronic apparatus, a program for executing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-14. A plug-in program for an input method program, comprising the program according to claim 15 . An input method program including the program according to claim 15 . An electronic device for supporting text input,
A storage unit for storing at least one dictionary;
In response to a key input or utterance input from the user, a list of at least one first input candidate corresponding to the input is displayed on the display device, and one of the first input candidates is selected. A first permitting section that allows
A character string corresponding to at least one function assigned to the pressed predetermined key and connected to the selected first input candidate in response to pressing of the predetermined key from the user, A search unit that searches from the dictionary recorded in the function, the function assigned to the key is used to reflect the user's intention in the search of the character string, the user's intention is a negative expression, The search unit, which is a sentence style selected from any of positive expressions, questionable expressions, ambiguous expressions or assertive expressions, or combinations thereof ;
A list of at least one second input candidate comprising the selected first input candidate and the searched character string is displayed on the display device, and one of the second input candidates is displayed. And a second permission unit that permits selection. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein each of the expressions or a combination thereof is assigned to the predetermined key. The electronic device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the electronic device is a computer, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, or a game machine.

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