JP7477006B2 - Electronic dictionary device, search support method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic dictionary device, a search support method, and a program .

Portable electronic dictionary devices are commonly used to look up the meanings and contents of words and other phrases. These electronic dictionary devices have dictionary databases of various dictionaries, such as English-Japanese dictionaries and Japanese dictionaries, and search for headwords in the dictionaries that correspond to search terms, such as words, entered by operating the character input keys, and display explanatory information, such as the meaning, associated with the searched headword (word).

There are also known electronic dictionary devices that have a jump search function that allows users to select any character string from the displayed explanatory information and use the selected character string as a new search term to search for entries in the dictionary.

JP 2006-228045 A

The present invention aims to provide an electronic dictionary device, a search support method, and a program that can present to a user information corresponding to any search target string selected from the character information displayed on the screen in a new and unprecedented manner.

The electronic dictionary device of the present invention comprises a display control means for displaying an operation button for switching between a first display screen on which a tab corresponding to a first headword corresponding to a specified search string is displayed for each dictionary data in which the dictionary data contains the first headword and the first headword contained in the dictionary data corresponding to the selected tab is displayed together with first explanatory information corresponding to the first headword, and a second display screen on which first headwords corresponding to the specified search string are associated with each dictionary data and displayed in a list and the first explanatory information corresponding to the first headword contained in the selected dictionary data is displayed, and the display control means is characterized in that it starts displaying the operation button when the specified search string is specified from the second explanatory information corresponding to a second headword and a specified operation is performed by a user.

A search support method according to the present invention is a search support method executed by an electronic dictionary device, and includes a display control process that displays an operation button for switching between a first display screen on which a tab corresponding to a first headword corresponding to a specified search string is displayed for each dictionary data in which the dictionary data is recorded, and the first headword recorded in the dictionary data corresponding to the selected tab is displayed together with first explanatory information corresponding to the first headword, and a second display screen on which first headwords corresponding to the specified search string are associated with each dictionary data and displayed in a list, and the first explanatory information corresponding to the first headword recorded in the selected dictionary data is displayed, and the display control process starts displaying the operation button when the specified search string is specified from the second explanatory information corresponding to a second headword and a specified operation is performed by a user.

The program of the present invention causes a computer to function as a display control means that displays an operation button for switching between a first display screen on which a tab corresponding to a first headword corresponding to a specified search string is displayed for each dictionary data in which the dictionary data is recorded, and the first headword recorded in the dictionary data corresponding to the selected tab is displayed together with first explanatory information corresponding to the first headword, and a second display screen on which first headwords corresponding to the specified search string are associated with each dictionary data and displayed in a list, and the first explanatory information corresponding to the first headword recorded in the selected dictionary data is displayed, and the display control means starts displaying the operation button when the specified search string is specified from the second explanatory information corresponding to a second headword and a specified operation is performed by a user.

1 is a front view showing an external configuration of an electronic dictionary device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary device; FIG. FIG. 13 shows the first half of a flowchart illustrating the information display process of the electronic dictionary device. FIG. 13 shows the second half of the flowchart illustrating the information display process of the electronic dictionary device. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing an example of a display operation when an arbitrary character string is selected from an explanatory information display screen displayed on a main screen in accordance with the information display process of the electronic dictionary device. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing an example of a display operation when the [Headword] key in the menu selection area of the sub-screen is selected in accordance with the information display process of the electronic dictionary device. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display operation when previously selected jump list information is displayed all at once when the [Headword] key is selected, according to the information display process of the electronic dictionary device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display operation when the previously selected jump list information is displayed by dictionary when the [Headword] key is selected, according to the information display process of the electronic dictionary device. FIG.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of an electronic dictionary device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The electronic dictionary device can be configured not only as an electronic dictionary device 10 dedicated to learning support, as described below, but also as a tablet-type PDA (personal digital assistant), PC (personal computer), mobile phone, e-book, portable game machine, etc., equipped with learning support functions.

The electronic dictionary device 10 is configured with a foldable case in which the main body case 11 and the cover case 12 can be opened/closed via a hinge section 13. On the surface of the main body case 11 when the foldable case is opened, there are provided a key input section (keyboard) 14 including a [Home] key 14a, a function designation key 14b, a character input key 14c, a [Decision] key 14d, a [Back] key 14e, a cursor key 14f, a [Shift] key 14g, etc., an audio output section (including a speaker) 15, and an audio input section (including a microphone) 16.

A touch panel display unit 17 is provided on the surface of the cover case 12. The touch panel display unit 17 is an integrated structure of a touch position detection device that detects the position touched by the user with a pen or finger, and a display device, and is configured by overlaying a transparent touch panel on a backlit color LCD display screen.

The right end of the touch panel display unit 17 is provided with a touch key area 17A on which keys and function notations ([Home], [Training Gym], [Back], [Function Menu]) are printed in a fixed manner to allow pressing of some of the keys in the key input unit 14 and specifying some of the functions of the electronic dictionary device 10 by touch operation.

The [Home] key 14a of the key input unit 14 is a key for displaying a home screen on the display unit 17. Although not specifically shown, the home screen displays a number of icons that are registered according to the initial settings of the electronic dictionary device 10 or user operations. Each icon is a figure or symbol for activating a function corresponding to the notation of the icon. The home screen includes, for example, an application icon for directly activating a function (application) that uses dictionary content, and a group icon for displaying an icon list screen of multiple functions belonging to one category.

The function specification keys 14b of the key input section 14 are used to directly specify the dictionary content (e.g., [Encyclopedia]), dictionary content category (e.g., [Japanese language], [Archaeological language], [Chinese-Japanese], [English-Japanese]), [Content list], or one of the tool categories, [Study notebook], which are indicated on each key.

In addition, when a key of the key input unit 14 is operated after the [Shift] key 14g is operated, it can function as a key with a frame on the key top, instead of the key function without a frame. For example, when the [K] key is operated after the [Shift] key 14g is operated, it becomes a [?] input key instead of a [K] input key.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuitry of the electronic dictionary device 10.

The electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary device 10 includes a CPU 21, which is a computer. The CPU 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to a control program stored in advance in a storage unit 22, such as a flash ROM. The control program may be read by a storage medium reading unit 24 from an external storage medium 23, such as a memory card, and stored in the storage unit 22, or may be downloaded from a web server (a program server in this case) 30 on the communication network N via a communication unit 25 and stored in the storage unit 22.

The CPU 21 is connected to the memory unit 22, recording medium reading unit 24, and communication unit 25 via a data and control bus, as well as to the key input unit 14, audio output unit 15, audio input unit 16, and touch panel display unit 17.

The storage unit 22 includes a control program storage unit 22a that stores the control program, as well as a normal dictionary content data storage unit 22b, a simple dictionary content data storage unit 22c, a tool data storage unit 22d, a display data storage unit 22e, a search result storage unit 22f, a previously selected jump list information storage unit 22g, and a previously selected dictionary information storage unit 22h.

The control program storage unit 22a includes a system program that controls the overall operation of the electronic dictionary device 10, a program for connecting to an external electronic device via the communication unit 25, and a program for executing various functions corresponding to each content or tool using various data stored in each of the storage units 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, and 22h.

The normal dictionary content data storage unit 22b stores normal dictionary content data (Japanese) 22b1 and normal dictionary content data (English) 22b2, each of which includes multiple types of dictionary content, as applications that use the corresponding content, for each dictionary category. The normal dictionary content data (Japanese) 22b1 includes data such as a Japanese dictionary in which Japanese explanatory information is written in association with a kanji/kana entry word, a Chinese-Japanese dictionary in which Japanese explanatory information is written in association with a kanji entry word, an encyclopedia in which Japanese explanatory information is written in association with a kanji/kana/alphabet entry word, and a katakana dictionary in which Japanese explanatory information is written in association with a kana entry word. The normal dictionary content data (English) 22b2 includes data such as an English-Japanese dictionary in which Japanese explanatory information is written in association with an alphabet entry word, an English-English dictionary in which English explanatory information is written in association with an alphabet entry word, and a Japanese-English dictionary in which English explanatory information is written in association with a kanji/kana entry word.

The simple dictionary content data storage unit 22c stores, for each dictionary category, simple dictionary content data (Japanese) 22c1 including multiple types of simple dictionary content, simple dictionary content data (English) 22c2, etc., as applications that use the corresponding content. The simple dictionary content data (Japanese) 22c1 includes data such as a Japanese mini-dictionary, a Chinese-Japanese mini-dictionary, an encyclopedia mini-dictionary, and a Katakana mini-dictionary, which are simplified to include only the main information by omitting information in parentheses included in the explanatory information described in the Japanese dictionary. The simple dictionary content data (English) 22c2 includes data such as an English-Japanese mini-dictionary, an English-English mini-dictionary, and a Japanese-English mini-dictionary, which are simplified to include only the main information by omitting information in parentheses included in the explanatory information described in the English-Japanese dictionary.

The tool data storage unit 22d stores, by category within the tool, [ENGLISH LESSON] data including multiple types of learning support functions, [Study Notebook] data, etc. [ENGLISH LESSON] data is data used for English learning support functions such as listening and speaking, and [Study Notebook] data is data when the user highlights or writes annotations on descriptions in the dictionary.

The display data storage unit 22e stores image data, for example in bitmap format, that the CPU 21 displays on the touch panel display unit 17 in response to the operation of the electronic dictionary device 10.

The search result storage unit 22f stores the search results obtained by searching the general dictionary stored in the general dictionary content data storage unit 22b for entry words that correspond to the search target string.

The previously selected jump list information storage unit 22g stores previously selected jump list information indicating whether the list display last used when the previously selected jump function was executed was a comprehensive list display or a dictionary-specific list display.

The previously selected dictionary information storage unit 22h stores previously selected dictionary information indicating which dictionary content was last used when dictionary-specific display was performed the previous time the selection jump function was executed.

In the electronic dictionary device 10 configured in this manner, the CPU 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to the commands written in the control program storage unit 22a, and the software and hardware work together to realize the control functions described in the operation description below.

Next, we will explain the operation of the electronic dictionary device 10 configured as described above.

Figures 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a series of flowcharts illustrating the information display process of an electronic dictionary device.

First, when a dictionary is selected in response to a user operation of the function designation key 14b of the key input unit 14, the CPU 21 activates the normal dictionary selected from the normal dictionary content data in the storage unit 22 and displays a search term input screen (not shown) for the normal dictionary on the display screen of the display unit 17. The CPU 21 displays the search term input in response to a user operation of the character input key 14c of the key input unit 14 on this search term input screen (step S11). Then, in response to a user operation of the [Decision] key 14d of the key input unit 14, the CPU 21 searches the selected normal dictionary for an entry word corresponding to the input search term, reads out explanatory information for the searched entry word, and stores it in the search result storage unit 22f of the storage unit 22. The CPU 21 then creates image data based on the stored explanatory information and stores it in the display data storage unit 22e, thereby displaying the explanatory information on the main screen of the display unit 17 (step S12).

Figure 4A shows an example of a display when, for example, [English-Japanese Dictionary] is selected and the English word "establish" is entered as a search term. The display unit 17 includes the touch key area 17A described above and a main screen area 17B for displaying information. The explanatory information that is searched and read out is displayed as an explanatory information display screen 171 in the main screen area 17B.

When a character string is selected from the displayed explanatory information by the user U's touch operation on the explanatory information display screen 171, the CPU 21 determines the character string selected by the user U based on the touch position (step S13). The selection of the character string by the user U's touch operation may be a continuous touch at one point for a predetermined time or more, a so-called long press operation. The CPU 21 determines the division of the character string including the character of the explanatory information corresponding to the touch position from the touch position, and specifies the selected character string. This can be realized by various methods, such as by making a judgment with reference to a word dictionary (not shown), by making a judgment based on the similarity or difference of the character type such as kanji or hiragana, or by making a judgment based on spaces or punctuation marks. It is also possible to configure the selection to be made by a touch operation that traces the character string. In this case, the range of the character string can be easily specified from the start and end positions of the touch operation.

When the user U selects a character string in this way, the CPU 21 displays the selected character string as a search target character string in a specified display HL, such as by highlighting the selected character string, as shown in FIG. 4B. At the same time, the CPU 21 writes the image data of the sub-screen to the display data storage unit 22e of the storage unit 22, thereby displaying the sub-screen 172 on the explanatory information display screen 171 of the main screen area 17B (step S14). The sub-screen 172 includes a simple dictionary area 172A, which is a first area for displaying explanatory information searched from the simple dictionary content data storage unit 22c of the storage unit 22, and a menu selection area 172B, which is a second area for displaying various menu icons. The menu selection area 172B may include, as menu icons, a [candidate] icon 172B1, a [headword] icon 172B2, a [example sentence] icon 172B3, a [idiom] icon 172B4, a [sound] icon 172B5, a [marker] icon 172B6, a [textbook style] icon 172B7, and an [X] (close) icon 172B8. Of these menu icons, only selectable ones are displayed depending on the situation at the time. In the example of Figure 4B, the [Textbook Font] icon 172B7 is inactive and cannot be selected, and this state is indicated by a dashed line in the figure.

When a character string is selected by the user U, the CPU 21 searches the simple dictionary corresponding to the normal dictionary selected in step S11 in the simple dictionary content data storage unit 22c of the storage unit 22 for an entry word corresponding to the selected character string, which is the search target character string, and determines whether the search target character string matches an entry word in the simple dictionary (step S15). In other words, when a character string is selected, the CPU 21 starts searching the simple dictionary without any user instruction such as a key operation.

If it is determined that a matching entry word exists (YES in step S15), the CPU 21 reads out the simple explanation information of the entry word and stores it in the search result storage section 22f of the storage section 22. The CPU 21 then creates image data based on this stored simple explanation information, and rewrites the image data stored in the display data storage section 22e with this created image data, thereby displaying the simple explanation information in the simple dictionary area 172A of the sub-screen 172 of the display section 17, as shown in FIG. 4B (step S16). The simple explanation information in the simple dictionary area 172A of the sub-screen 172 can be scrolled by operating the up and down cursor keys 14f.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no matching entry word (NO in step S15), the CPU 21 rewrites the image data stored in the display data storage unit 22e to image data of a no match message, thereby displaying the message in the simple dictionary area 172A of the sub-screen 172 of the display unit 17 (step S17).

After displaying the simple dictionary area 172A of the sub-screen 172 in step S16 or step S17, the CPU 21 determines whether the [Headword] icon 172B2 in the menu selection area 172B of the sub-screen 172 of the display unit 17 has been selected by a touch operation by the user U (step S18). Note that the menu icon can also be selected by operating the left and right keys of the cursor keys 14f and the [Enter] key 14d instead of by a touch operation.

If it is determined that the [Headword] icon 172B2 has been selected (YES in step S18), the CPU 21 determines whether the previously selected jump list information stored in the previously selected jump list information storage unit 22g of the storage unit 22 is a collective display indicating that the list display last used when the previously selected jump function was executed was a collective list display (step S19). Note that the previously selected jump list information stored in the previously selected jump list information storage unit 22g is a collective display as the default when the electronic dictionary device 10 is shipped from the factory.

If it is determined that the previously selected jump list information is a collective display (YES in step S19), the CPU 21 determines whether an exact match search has already been performed on all normal dictionaries using the search target string (step S20). This determination may be made from the contents stored in the search result storage unit 22f of the storage unit 22, or a flag may be provided inside the CPU 21 or in the storage unit 22, and the flag may be set when a search is performed, and the determination may be made from the state of this flag. Here, if it is determined that an exact match search has already been performed on all normal dictionaries (YES in step S20), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S22, which will be described later.

If it is determined that an exact match search has not yet been performed in all normal dictionaries using the search target string (NO in step S20), the CPU 21 searches all dictionaries in the normal dictionary content data storage unit 22b of the storage unit 22 for an entry word that exactly matches the search target string, reads out explanatory information for the searched entry word, and stores it in the search result storage unit 22f of the storage unit 22 (step S21).

Then, the CPU 21 creates image data of a collective list representing the search results based on the search results stored in the search result storage unit 22f, and stores the image data in the display data storage unit 22e, thereby displaying the collective list display screen 173 as shown in FIG. 4C in the main screen area 17B of the display unit 17 (step S22). The collective list display screen 173 includes a title bar 173A, an entry word list area 173B, and a preview area 173C. The title bar 173A includes an [By dictionary] icon 173A1. The entry word list area 173B is an area that displays the dictionary names and entry words of the normal dictionaries that match the search target character string as a list. The preview area 173C is an area that displays the beginning of the explanatory information of the entry word of the selected normal dictionary among the normal dictionaries listed in the entry word list area 173B. In the entry word list area 173B, the selected normal dictionary is displayed in a designated display HL such as inverted display. In this example, the headword list area 173B and the preview area 173C are displayed side by side, but the display may be switched between them in response to a user operation.

Next, the CPU 21 determines whether a display switch command has been issued based on whether the [By Dictionary] icon 173A1 on the collective list display screen 173 has been selected by the user U's touch operation (step S23). If it determines that a display switch command has been issued (YES in step S23), the CPU 21 advances the process to step S27, which will be described later.

If it is determined that a display switch has not been instructed (NO in step S23), the CPU 21 determines whether or not a different list item in the headword list area 173B, i.e., a different dictionary, has been selected by the user U's touch operation or by the operation of the up and down keys of the cursor keys 14f and the [Enter] key 14d (step S24). If it is determined that no item has been selected (NO in step S24), the CPU 21 advances the process to step S26, which will be described later.

If it is determined that a different list item in the headword list area 173B has been selected (YES in step S24), the CPU 21 reads the explanatory information of the selected dictionary from the search result storage section 22f of the storage section 22, creates image data to be displayed in the preview area 173C, and writes this data to the display data storage section 22e, thereby updating the display in the preview area 173C (step S25).

Although not shown in the figure, when the user U performs a further selection operation on the selected item (dictionary) by touching the selected item or by operating the up and down keys of the cursor keys 14f and the [Enter] key 14d, the CPU 21 switches to an explanatory information display screen 171 as described in FIG. 4A so that all explanatory information can be viewed.

Then, the CPU 21 judges whether or not to end the process (step S26). For example, the CPU 21 judges to end the process when a further selection operation is performed on the selected item (dictionary) and all explanatory information is switched so as to be viewable, when the electronic dictionary device 10 is powered off, when the user operates the function designation key 14b of the key input unit 14, when the touch key area 17A is touched, etc. If it is determined that the process is not yet to end (NO in step S26), the CPU 21 returns the process to the step S23. On the other hand, if it is determined that the process is to end (YES in step S26), the CPU 21 advances the process to step S37 described below.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that the previously selected jump list information is not a collective display, i.e., a display by dictionary (NO in step S19), or if it is determined in step S23 that a switch display has been instructed (YES in step S23), the CPU 21 determines whether a search has been performed in one normal dictionary using the search target character string (step S27). This determination can be made based on the contents stored in the search result storage unit 22f of the storage unit 22 and the state of the flag. If it is determined that a search has already been performed in one normal dictionary (YES in step S27), the CPU 21 advances the process to step S29, which will be described later.

If it is determined that one normal dictionary has not yet been searched for the search target character string (NO in step S27), the CPU 21 searches for an entry word that matches the search target character string from one normal dictionary indicated by the previously selected dictionary information stored in the previously selected dictionary information storage unit 22h of the storage unit 22 among the multiple normal dictionaries stored in the normal dictionary content data storage unit 22b of the storage unit 22, reads out explanatory information for the searched entry word, and stores it in the search result storage unit 22f of the storage unit 22 (step S28). Note that the previously selected dictionary information is stored in the previously selected dictionary information storage unit 22h as the factory default of the electronic dictionary device 10, and the top dictionaries ([Japanese dictionary], [English-Japanese dictionary]) of the normal dictionary content data (Japanese language) 22b1 and the normal dictionary content data (English language) 22b2 are stored in the previously selected dictionary information storage unit 22h according to the type of character string (Japanese/English). In addition, the search for this one normal dictionary is performed using various search methods such as exact match and original form search.

Then, the CPU 21 creates image data of a collective list representing the search results based on the search results stored in the search result storage unit 22f, and stores the image data in the display data storage unit 22e, thereby displaying the dictionary-specific list display screen 174 as shown in FIG. 4D in the main screen area 17B of the display unit 17 (step S29). The dictionary-specific list display screen 174 includes a title bar 174A, an entry word list area 174B, and a preview area 174C. The title bar 174A includes a tab 174A1 for switching between individual dictionaries, and a [To collective display] icon 174A2. Among the tabs 174A1, the dictionary used in the search is displayed in a specified display HL, such as inverted display. The entry word list area 174B is an area that displays the entry words that match the search target character string as a list. The preview area 174C is an area that displays the beginning of the explanatory information of the selected entry word among the entry words listed in the entry word list area 173B. In the headword list area 174B, the selected headword is displayed in a specified display HL, such as inverted display. Note that in this example, the headword list area 174B and the preview area 174C are displayed side by side, but the display form may be such that they are switched in response to a user operation.

Next, the CPU 21 determines whether a display switch has been instructed based on whether the [To all-at-once display] icon 174A2 on the dictionary-by-dictionary list display screen 174 has been selected by a touch operation by the user U (step S30). If it determines that a display switch has been instructed (YES in step S30), the CPU 21 returns the process to step S20 described above. This makes it possible to display the all-at-once list display screen 173 as shown in FIG. 4C in the main screen area 17B of the display unit 17.

If it is determined that a display switch has not been instructed (NO in step S30), the CPU 21 determines whether or not a different list item in the headword list area 174B, i.e., a different headword, has been selected by the user U's touch operation or by the operation of the up and down keys of the cursor keys 14f and the [Enter] key 14d (step S31). If it is determined that no item has been selected (NO in step S31), the CPU 21 advances the process to step S33, which will be described later.

If it is determined that a different list item in the headword list area 174B has been selected (YES in step S31), the CPU 21 reads explanatory information for the selected headword from the search result storage section 22f of the storage section 22, creates image data to be displayed in the preview area 174C, and writes this data to the display data storage section 22e, thereby updating the display in the preview area 174C (step S32).

Although not shown in the figure, when the user U performs a further selection operation on the selected item (headword) by touching the item or by operating the up and down keys of the cursor keys 14f and the [Enter] key 14d, the CPU 21 switches to an explanatory information display screen 171 as described in FIG. 4A so that all explanatory information can be viewed.

The CPU 21 also determines whether the tab 174A1 for switching between individual dictionaries has been selected by the user U's touch operation or by operating the left and right keys of the cursor keys 14f and the [Enter] key 14d, that is, whether an instruction to switch the dictionary to be searched has been given (step S33). If it is determined that an instruction to switch dictionaries has not been given (NO in step S33), the CPU 21 advances the process to step S35, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that a command to switch dictionaries has been issued (YES in step S33), the CPU 21 searches for an entry word that matches the search target string from one of the multiple normal dictionaries stored in the normal dictionary content data storage unit 22b of the storage unit 22, stores the search result in the search result storage unit 22f of the storage unit 22, and updates the display content of the dictionary-specific list display screen 174 with the result (step S34).

Then, the CPU 21 stores the information for identifying the switched dictionary as previously selected dictionary information in the previously selected dictionary information storage unit 22h of the storage unit 22 (step S35).

It goes without saying that even on the dictionary list display screen 174 updated in this way, if a selection operation is performed on a selected item (headword), the explanatory information display screen 171 will be switched so that all explanatory information can be viewed.

The order of the processes in steps S31 and S32 and the processes in steps S33 and S34 may be interchanged.

Then, the CPU 21 judges whether or not to end the process (step S36). If it judges that the process is not yet to end (NO in step S36), the CPU 21 returns the process to step S27. On the other hand, if it judges that the process is to end (YES in step S36), the CPU 21 advances the process to step S37 described below.

When it is determined in step S26 or step S36 that the processing is to be terminated (YES in step S26 or step S36), the CPU 21 stores the previous jump list information indicating whether the previous jump list information is displayed collectively or by dictionary, depending on whether the current list display is performed on the collective list display screen 173 or the dictionary-by-dictionary list display screen 174, in the previously selected jump list information storage section 22g of the storage section 22 (step S37). Then, the CPU 21 terminates this information display processing. If a dictionary is selected in response to the user's operation of the function designation key 14b of the key input section 14, this information display processing will be performed again.

In the above steps S11 to S13, an example has been described in which an arbitrary character string from the searched explanatory information is set as the search target character string, but the search target character string is not limited to this. Of course, a character string may be selected in a state in which content different from the searched explanatory information is displayed, and used as the search target character string.

Also, if it is determined in step S18 that the [Headword] icon 172B2 has not been selected (NO in step S18), other processing is executed. Here, a brief explanation of the other processing will be given.

When the [Candidate] icon 172B1 in the menu selection area 172B of the sub-screen 172 is selected, the CPU 21 changes the search target character string and searches the simple dictionary. That is, in the step S15, the simple dictionary is searched for the character string determined to have been selected by the user U in the step S13 as the first candidate for the search target character string, but the selection of the [Candidate] icon 172B1 means that the search target character string is not the character string desired by the user, so a search is performed using the next candidate for the search target character string. For example, if the character string determined to have been selected is "Mt. Fuji" and the [Japanese Mini Dictionary] is searched, the first candidate for the search target character string is "Mt. Fuji" and a search is performed. Each time the [Candidate] icon 172B1 is selected, a search is performed using the second candidate "Fuji" and the third candidate "Tomi" as the search character string. Therefore, the first time, the simple dictionary search results for the first candidate search target string are displayed in the simple dictionary area 172A of the sub-screen 172, and by touching this [Candidate] icon 172B1, the display in the simple dictionary area 172A can be switched to the simple dictionary search results for the second and third candidate search target strings.

In addition, when the [Example Sentence] icon 172B3 in the menu selection area 172B of the sub-screen 172 is selected, the CPU 21 searches for example sentences containing the search target string from the first or previously selected normal dictionary among multiple normal dictionaries stored in the normal dictionary content data storage unit 22b of the storage unit 22, and displays an example sentence list screen in the main screen area 17B of the display unit 17 to display a list of example sentences.

Similarly, when the [Idiom] icon 172B4 in the menu selection area 172B of the sub-screen 172 is selected, the CPU 21 searches for idioms containing the search target string in the first or previously selected normal dictionary among multiple normal dictionaries stored in the normal dictionary content data storage unit 22b of the storage unit 22, and displays an idiom list screen in the main screen area 17B of the display unit 17 to display a list of idioms.

When the [Audio] icon 172B5 in the menu selection area 172B of the sub-screen 172 is selected, the CPU 21 scrolls the explanatory text displayed on the explanatory information display screen 171 until the selected character string becomes the top line, and then causes the audio output unit 15 to play and output the audio linked to the selected character string included in the normal dictionary selected in step S11. At this time, the CPU 21 also superimposes a menu selection screen for audio mode on the explanatory information display screen 171. This menu selection screen includes a [Listen] icon for instructing playback, a [Record] icon for instructing recording, volume [-] and [+] icons for instructing volume, playback speed [-] and [+] icons for instructing playback speed, and a [Compare] icon for instructing comparison. The [Compare] icon is initially in an inactive state. When the [Record] icon is selected, the CPU 21 records the audio input by the audio input unit 16 from the time of selection in an audio recording area (not shown) of the storage unit 22. This recording may have a predetermined recording time, such as one minute, or the end of recording may be instructed by pressing the [Enter] key 14d. When recording ends, the CPU 21 activates the [Compare] icon on the menu selection screen, and when this [Compare] icon is selected, the CPU 21 causes the audio output unit 15 to play back and output the audio linked to the selected character string and the recorded audio in that order.

Also, when the [marker] icon 172B6 in the menu selection area 172B of the sub-screen 172 is selected, the CPU 21 superimposes a marker selection screen on the explanatory information display screen 171 and superimposes a marker on the selected character string. The marker selection screen includes, for example, three color icons of red, blue, and yellow, and a marker of the first color, red, is added to the selected character string. In response to the left and right key operations of the cursor key 14f, the CPU 21 switches the color of the marker. Also, when an icon of any color is selected by a touch operation, the CPU 21 displays a marker wordbook screen in the main screen area 17B of the display unit 17. This marker wordbook screen is for registering the highlighted character string in a wordbook area (not shown) of the memory unit 22, and is a screen for selecting which of a predetermined number of registration areas, for example 50, to register. When the registration destination is selected by touch operation, the CPU 21 stores in the vocabulary book area of the storage unit 22 what color marker has been added to which character in the explanatory information of which entry word in which dictionary, and returns the display of the display unit 17 to the explanatory information display screen 171. At this time, the selected character string is displayed with the selected color marker added. Note that if the [Marker] icon 172B6 is selected again while a highlighted character string is selected, the CPU 21 superimposes a marker deletion screen on the explanatory information display screen 171 instead of the marker selection screen, allowing the marker to be deleted.

In addition, when the [Textbook font] icon 172B7 in the menu selection area 172B of the sub-screen 172 is selected, the CPU 21 zooms in and displays the first character of the selected character string in the textbook font stored in a font storage section (not shown) of the storage section 22, nearly filling the main screen area 17B.

When the [X] (close) icon 172B8 in the menu selection area 172B of the sub-screen 172 is selected, the CPU 21 ends the superimposed display of the sub-screen 172. This is the same processing as when the [Back] key 14e is operated.

Furthermore, when the [Function Menu] in the touch key area 17A is touched, the CPU 21 superimposes a function menu screen displaying a list of operable functions on the explanatory information display screen 171. This function menu screen may include, as menu icons, a [Settings] icon, a [Guide] icon, a [Text size] icon, a [Split screen search] icon, a [Study notebook] icon, and an [X] (close) icon. Only functions that are operable in the situation when the [Function Menu] is touched are actively displayed.

As described above, with the electronic dictionary device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the user U can view simple detailed information displayed on the sub-screen 172 with just a touch operation, so that when the user only wants to know the simple translation, the user can get an overview of an unknown word with a single touch without having to go through multiple steps.

If you want to search in more detail, you can do so by operating this sub-screen 172. In this case, the combined list display screen 173 displays all the entry words searched from multiple dictionaries in a combined list, making it easy to quickly find out the meaning and compare dictionaries. Furthermore, you can easily switch to the dictionary-specific list display screen 174, and by switching to a list for each dictionary, you can handle cases where you only use specific dictionaries, such as those specified by your school, and you can search by methods other than exact matches, such as original form search.

When searching by operating the sub-screen 172, it is possible to determine whether to use the overall list display screen 173 or the dictionary-specific list display screen 174 first by storing information on which screen was used last time in the last selection jump list information storage unit 22g. In other words, a list display screen suited to the user's usage situation is displayed without the user U having to perform a selection operation.

In the above embodiment, when a character string is specified, simple explanatory information with the character string as a headword is searched from the simple dictionary and displayed in the simple dictionary area 172A of the sub-screen 172, and when the [Headword] icon 172B2, which is a jump icon, is operated, normal explanatory information with the character string as a headword is searched from the normal dictionary data and displayed on the main screen, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

For example, information other than explanatory information corresponding to the headword, such as example sentences or phrases that use the specified character string as the headword, may be displayed in a display area (simple dictionary area 172A) provided on the sub-screen 172.

In addition, simple explanatory information may be displayed in a display area (simple dictionary area 172A) provided on the sub-screen 172, and when the jump icons [Example Sentence] icon 172B3 or [Idiom] icon 172B4 are operated in this state, example sentences or idioms related to the character string may be searched for in the normal dictionary and displayed on the main screen. The information displayed on the main screen and the information displayed in the area provided on the sub-screen 172 may be freely combined.

In other words, in response to a character string specified by the user, some pre-display information is displayed using a portion of the display area without rewriting the entire main screen that was previously displayed. This allows the user, upon viewing this pre-display information, to determine whether or not it is necessary to search for or display further information related to the character string. If the user wishes to display further information, they can operate an icon (a button that instructs the user to search for or display further information) displayed along with the pre-display information to display additional information as necessary. This has the advantage of eliminating the need for unnecessary searches or displays when they are not necessary.

The methods of processing by the electronic dictionary device 10 described in the above embodiment, i.e., the methods of information display processing and the like shown in the flowcharts of Figures 3A and 3B, can all be distributed as programs that can be executed by a computer and stored in an external storage medium such as a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory. The computer (CPU) of the electronic dictionary device with display function then loads the program stored in the external storage medium into the storage device, and the operation is controlled by the loaded program, thereby realizing the control function described in the above embodiment and enabling the same processing by the above-mentioned methods to be executed.

In addition, the program data for implementing each of the above-mentioned techniques can be transmitted over a communications network (N) in the form of program code, and the program data can be imported from a computer device (program server) connected to this communications network (N) into an electronic dictionary device with a display function and stored in a storage device, thereby implementing the above-mentioned control functions.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in each embodiment, or some constituent elements are combined in a different form, if the problem described in the "Problem to be Solved by the Invention" column can be solved and the effect described in the "Effect of the Invention" column can be obtained, the configuration in which the constituent elements are deleted or combined can be extracted as an invention.

The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below.

[1]
a display unit that displays a main screen for displaying text information;
a dictionary storage unit for storing first dictionary data in which an entry word and first information related to the entry word are associated with each other, and second dictionary data in which an entry word identical to the entry word and second information related to the entry word that is different from the first information are associated with each other;
A search string designation means for designating a search target string in response to a user operation;
a sub-screen display means for displaying a sub-screen including a first area for displaying the first information searched for in the first dictionary data when the search target character string is specified by the search character string specification means, and a second area for displaying at least a jump icon which is an icon for specifying a search from the second dictionary data;
a first display control means for, when the search target string is specified by the search string specification means, searching for an entry word corresponding to the search target string from among the entry words of the first dictionary data, and displaying the first information corresponding to the searched entry word in the first area of the sub-screen;
a second display control means for, when a user operates the jump icon displayed in the second area of the sub-screen, searching for an entry word corresponding to the search target string designated by the search string designation means from among the entry words of the second dictionary data, and displaying a list of the searched entry words or the second information corresponding to the searched entry word on the main screen;
An electronic dictionary device comprising:

[2]
The electronic dictionary device according to [1], wherein the sub-screen display means displays the sub-screen in a superimposed manner on the main screen.

[3]
The second dictionary data is normal dictionary data in which explanatory information of the entry word is collected as the second information,
the first dictionary data is simplified dictionary data that includes, as the first information, explanatory information of the entry word that is simplified more than the second information,
The dictionary storage unit includes:
a plurality of normal dictionary data including third dictionary data different from the second dictionary data in addition to the second dictionary data;
a plurality of simplified dictionary data corresponding to the plurality of normal dictionary data, each of which includes the first dictionary data;
Remember,
the first display control means, when the search target string is specified by the search string specification means, searches for an entry word corresponding to the search target string from among entry words of one of the plurality of simple dictionary data stored in the dictionary storage unit, and displays the simplified explanatory information corresponding to the searched entry word in the first area of the sub-screen;
the second display control means, when the user operates the jump icon displayed in the second area of the sub-screen, searches for an entry word corresponding to the search target string designated by the search string designation means from among entry words of all normal dictionary data stored in the dictionary storage unit, and displays a list of the searched entry words or the explanatory information corresponding to the searched entry word on the main screen.
The electronic dictionary device according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

[4]
The display unit has a touch panel disposed on a display screen,
the search character string designation means designates the search target character string from among character information displayed on the main screen in response to a touch operation by a user;
the second display control means, when the user performs a touch operation on the jump icon, searches for an entry word corresponding to the search target string designated by the search string designation means from among the entry words of the second dictionary data, and displays a list of the searched entry words or the second information corresponding to the searched entry word on the main screen.
The electronic dictionary device according to any one of [1] to [3].

[5]
a third display control means for, when the user operates the jump icon displayed in the second area of the sub-screen, searching for an entry word corresponding to the search target string designated by the search string designation means from among entry words of one of the plurality of normal dictionary data stored in the dictionary storage unit, and displaying a list of the searched entry words or the explanatory information corresponding to the searched entry word on the main screen,
The electronic dictionary device according to [3].

[6]
The second display control means is
displaying a switching icon for switching to a display by the third display control means on the main screen displaying the list of the searched entry words or the explanatory information corresponding to the searched entry words;
instructing the third display control means, in response to an operation of the user on the switching icon, to search for an entry word corresponding to the search target character string designated by the search character string designation means from among the entry words of the one normal dictionary data, and to display a list of the searched entry words or the explanatory information corresponding to the searched entry word on the main screen.
The electronic dictionary device according to [5].

[7]
The third display control means is
displaying a switching icon for switching to a display by the second display control means on the main screen displaying the list of the searched entry words or the explanatory information corresponding to the searched entry words;
instructing the second display control means to search for an entry word corresponding to the search target character string designated by the search character string designation means from among the entry words of all of the general dictionary data, and to display a list of the searched entry words or the explanatory information corresponding to the searched entry word on the main screen, in response to an operation of the user on the switching icon;
The electronic dictionary device according to [5] or [6].

[8]
a search result storage means for storing search results by the second display control means and the third display control means;
when performing a search in response to an instruction from the third display control means, if a search result based on the search target character string has already been stored in the search result storage means, the second display control means displays, on the main screen, a list of searched entry words or the explanatory information corresponding to the searched entry word using the search result,
when a search is performed in response to an instruction from the second display control means, if a search result based on the search target character string has already been stored in the search result storage means, the third display control means displays, on the main screen, a list of searched entry words or the explanatory information corresponding to the searched entry word, using the search result.
The electronic dictionary device according to [7].

[9]
a previously selected jump list information storage means for storing previously selected jump list information indicating which of the second display control means and the third display control means has been finally used;
a determination means for determining whether to use the second display control means or the third display control means based on the previously selected jump list information stored in the previously selected jump list information storage means when the user performs an operation on the jump icon displayed in the second area of the sub-screen;
Further comprising:
The electronic dictionary device according to [7].

[10]
The third display control means is
displaying a plurality of dictionary name tab icons for selecting one of the normal dictionary data to be searched on the main screen displaying a list of the entry words searched from the one of the normal dictionary data or the explanatory information corresponding to the searched entry words;
in response to a selection operation by the user on one of the plurality of dictionary name tab icons, the entry word is searched for from one normal dictionary data item corresponding to the selected dictionary name tab icon;
The electronic dictionary device according to [5].

[11]
The method further includes a previously selected dictionary information storage means for storing previously selected dictionary information indicating which one of the general dictionary data corresponds to the selected dictionary name tab icon,
the third display control means, when performing a search in response to the user's operation on the jump icon from the one normal dictionary data, searches for the entry word from the normal dictionary data indicated by the previously selected dictionary information.
The electronic dictionary device according to [10].

[12]
The second dictionary data is normal dictionary data in which explanatory information of the entry word is collected as the second information,
the dictionary storage unit stores a plurality of normal dictionary data including third dictionary data different from the second dictionary data in addition to the second dictionary data, the normal dictionary data being a third dictionary data different from the second dictionary data;
the electronic dictionary device further comprises a fourth display control means for searching for an entry word corresponding to a search target character string input in response to a user operation from among entry words of normal dictionary data specified in response to a user operation among the plurality of normal dictionary data stored in the dictionary storage unit, and displaying explanatory information corresponding to the searched entry word on the main screen;
the first display control means searches for an entry word corresponding to the search target character string from among entry words in simplified dictionary data corresponding to normal dictionary data specified in response to the user operation;
The electronic dictionary device according to [1].

[13]
a control unit of an electronic dictionary including a display unit that displays a main screen for displaying character information, and a dictionary storage unit that stores first dictionary data in which an entry word is associated with first information related to the entry word, and second dictionary data in which an entry word identical to the entry word is associated with second information related to the entry word that is different from the first information,
Specify the search string according to the user's operation,
displaying a sub-screen including a first area for displaying the first information searched for in the first dictionary data when the search target character string is designated, and a second area for displaying a jump icon which is an icon for designating a search from at least the second dictionary data;
when the search target character string is designated, searching for an entry word corresponding to the search target character string from among the entry words of the first dictionary data, and displaying the first information corresponding to the searched entry word in the first area of the sub-screen;
when a user operates the jump icon displayed in the second area of the sub-screen, a headword corresponding to the specified search target character string is searched for among the headwords of the second dictionary data, and a list of the searched headwords or the second information corresponding to the searched headword is displayed on the main screen.
How to search an electronic dictionary.

[14]
a display unit that displays a main screen for displaying character information; and a dictionary storage unit that stores first dictionary data in which an entry word is associated with first information related to the entry word, and second dictionary data in which an entry word identical to the entry word is associated with second information related to the entry word that is different from the first information,
A search string designation means for designating a search target string in response to a user operation;
a sub-screen display means for displaying a sub-screen including a first area for displaying the first information searched for in the first dictionary data when the search target character string is specified by the search character string specification means, and a second area for displaying at least a jump icon which is an icon for specifying a search from the second dictionary data;
a first display control means for, when the search target string is specified by the search string specification means, searching for an entry word corresponding to the search target string from among the entry words of the first dictionary data, and displaying the first information corresponding to the searched entry word in the first area of the sub-screen;
a second display control means for searching, when a user operates the jump icon displayed in the second area of the sub-screen, for an entry word corresponding to the search target character string designated by the search character string designation means from among the entry words of the second dictionary data, and displaying, on the main screen, a list of the searched entry words or the second information corresponding to the searched entry word;
A computer readable control program for causing the device to function as a

10: Electronic dictionary device 14: Key input section 14a: [Home] key 14b: Function designation key 14c: Character input key 14d: [Decision] key 14e: [Back] key 14f: Cursor key 14g: [Shift] key 15: Voice output section 16: Voice input section 17: Display section 17A: Touch key area 17B: Main screen area 171: Explanation information display screen 172: Sub-screen 172A: Simple dictionary area 172B: Menu selection area 172B1: [Candidate] icon 172B2: [Headword] icon 172B3: [Example sentence] icon 172B4: [Idiom] icon 172B5: [Audio] icon 172B6: [Marker] icon 172B7: [Textbook font] icon 172B8: [X] (close) icon 173: Overall list display screen 173A... Title bar 173A1... [To dictionary] icon 173B... Headword list area 173C, 174C... Preview area 174... Dictionary list display screen 174A... Title bar 174A1... Tab 174A2... [To all display] icon 174B... Headword list area 21... CPU
22: Storage unit 22a: Control program storage unit 22b: Normal dictionary content data storage unit 22b1: Normal dictionary content data (Japanese language)
22b2...Normal dictionary content data (English)
22c: Simple dictionary content data storage unit 22c1: Simple dictionary content data (Japanese language)
22c2... Simple dictionary content data (English)
22d: Tool data storage section 22e: Display data storage section 22f: Search result storage section 22g: Previously selected jump list information storage section 22h: Previously selected dictionary information storage section HL: Designated display U: User

Claims (5)

a display control means for displaying an operation button for switching between a first display screen on which a tab corresponding to each dictionary data in which a first entry word corresponding to a predetermined search character string is recorded is displayed, and the first entry word recorded in the dictionary data corresponding to the selected tab is displayed together with first explanatory information corresponding to the first entry word, and a second display screen on which the first entry words corresponding to the predetermined search character string are displayed in a list in association with each dictionary data, and the first explanatory information corresponding to the first entry word recorded in the selected dictionary data is displayed,
the display control means starts displaying the operation button when the predetermined search character string is designated from the second explanation information corresponding to the second entry word and a predetermined operation is performed by a user.
2. An electronic dictionary device comprising : an arrangement direction of the list is perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the tabs;
2. The electronic dictionary device according to claim 1. the first explanation information is displayed at the same position between the first display screen and the second display screen;
3. The electronic dictionary device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are arranged in a first direction . A search support method executed by an electronic dictionary device, comprising:
a display control process for displaying an operation button for switching between a first display screen on which a tab corresponding to each dictionary data in which a first entry word corresponding to a predetermined search string is recorded is displayed, and the first entry word recorded in the dictionary data corresponding to the selected tab is displayed together with first explanatory information corresponding to the first entry word, and a second display screen on which the first entry word corresponding to the predetermined search string is displayed in a list in association with each dictionary data, and the first explanatory information corresponding to the first entry word recorded in the selected dictionary data is displayed,
the display control process starts displaying the operation button when the predetermined search character string is specified from second explanation information corresponding to a second entry word and a predetermined operation is performed by a user.
A search support method comprising: Computer,
functioning as a display control means for displaying an operation button for switching between a first display screen on which a tab corresponding to each dictionary data in which a first entry word corresponding to a predetermined search character string is recorded is displayed, and the first entry word recorded in the dictionary data corresponding to the selected tab is displayed together with first explanatory information corresponding to the first entry word, and a second display screen on which first entry words corresponding to the predetermined search character string are displayed in a list in association with each dictionary data, and the first explanatory information corresponding to the first entry word recorded in the selected dictionary data is displayed;
the display control means starts displaying the operation button when the predetermined search character string is designated from the second explanation information corresponding to the second entry word and a predetermined operation is performed by a user.
A program characterized by: