JPH09288666A - Character string prediction method and document preparation device using the character string prediction method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a predicted character string without obstructing the input operation of an inputting person while considering a timing for retrieving the predicted character string or the timing for outputting predicted candidates. SOLUTION: The character string inputted so as prediction object is held in a character string buffer (step 10 and 11). The character numbers of the input character string held in the character string buffer are monitored, and when the character numbers reach the character numbers set beforehand (step 13), the prediction operation of the character string is started, the character strings provided with the character string in a head part are retrieved from a word dictionary as the predicted character strings (step 14) and the retrieved candidates of the predicted character strings are outputted as predicted results (step 15). Thus, output without narrowing the candidates of the predicted character string is evaded and the predicted character string is obtained without obstructing the input operation of the inputting person.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character string prediction method for predicting a character string subsequent to an input character string based on a character string input by an input device, and a method of using the character string prediction method. Document creation device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a document creating apparatus such as a Japanese word processor, when inputting a character string using a handwritten character recognition apparatus or the like, one character is input unlike a keyboard input. Since it takes time, the burden on the input person was large.

Therefore, in order to reduce the burden on the input person, when a part of the character string to be input is input, the character string following the character string is predicted based on the input character string. That method has been considered.

This is because, for example, in inputting a character string "Kanji dictionary", when the input person inputs "Kanji", the "dictionary" is predicted as a character string following the "Kanji", and finally "Kanji". It outputs "Kanji dictionary".

[0005]

However, in the character string prediction method as described above, since the timing of prediction is not taken into consideration, prediction is performed every time one character is input, and as a result, There is a possibility that the predicted character string candidates may be output without being narrowed down, which may hinder the input work.

Further, if the number of characters in the input character string that is the key for the search is small, it is necessary to retrieve a large number of character strings by the search, and there is a problem that the input work is interrupted during that time.

Further, since the timing of outputting the predicted character string is not taken into consideration, the number of candidates obtained by the prediction is too large, and the selection work to obtain what the input person intended is rather burdensome. There was a fear of becoming.

Thus, in the conventional character string prediction method,
Since the timing for predicting and searching for a character string or the timing for outputting is not taken into consideration, there is a possibility that input work may be hindered.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and prevents the input work of the input person in consideration of the timing of retrieving a predicted character string or the timing of outputting a prediction candidate. It is an object of the present invention to provide a character string prediction method that can obtain a predicted character string without a character and a document creation device that uses this character string prediction method.

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(1) The present invention relates to a character string prediction method for predicting a character string having an input character string at the beginning as a character string to be input by an input person, and a document creation device using this character string prediction method. , The character string input as the prediction target is held in the character string buffer, and when the number of characters of the input character string held in this character string buffer reaches the predetermined number of characters, the prediction operation of the character string is started. By searching a character string having the character string at the beginning as a predicted character string from the word dictionary, the searched candidate of the predicted character string is output as a prediction result.

With such a configuration, when the number of characters of the character string input as the prediction target reaches a predetermined number of characters, the predicting operation of the character string is started, and the character string having the character string at the head portion is started. Is searched as a predicted character string from the word dictionary. When the corresponding character string is searched, all the searched character strings are extracted and output as a predicted character string group.

(2) Further, the predetermined number of characters is characterized in that it is the number of characters when the prediction operation was started last time. According to such a configuration, when the number of characters of the character string input as the prediction target reaches the number of characters at the time of starting the prediction operation last time, the prediction operation of the character string is started, and the character string is set to the head part. The possessed character string is searched as a predicted character string from the word dictionary. When the corresponding character string is searched, all the searched character strings are extracted and output as a predicted character string group.

(3) According to the present invention, a character string prediction method for predicting a character string having an input character string at the beginning as a character string to be input by an input person, and a document using this character string prediction method In the creation device, the character string input as the prediction target is held in the character string buffer, the time after the first character is held in this character string buffer is measured, and the measured time is set to a predetermined time. When it reaches, the prediction operation of the character string is started, and a character string having the character string at the beginning is searched as a predicted character string from the word dictionary, and the candidate of the searched predicted character string is set as the prediction result. It is what is output.

With such a configuration, when the time after the first character of the character string input as the prediction target is held in the character string buffer reaches a predetermined time, the prediction operation of the character string is performed. Starting, a character string having the character string at the beginning is searched as a predicted character string from the word dictionary. When the corresponding character string is searched, all the searched character strings are extracted and output as a predicted character string group.

(4) Further, the predetermined number of characters is characterized in that it is the number of characters when the prediction operation was started last time. With such a configuration, when the time after the first character of the character string input as the prediction target is held in the character string buffer reaches the time when the prediction operation is started last time, The prediction operation is started, and a character string having the character string at the beginning is searched as a predicted character string from the word dictionary. When the corresponding character string is searched, all the searched character strings are extracted and output as a predicted character string group.

(5) According to the present invention, a character string prediction method for predicting a character string having an input character string at the beginning as a character string to be input by an input person, and a document using this character string prediction method In the creation device, every time each character of the character string input as the prediction target is held in the character string buffer, the prediction operation of the character string is started, and the character string having the character string at the beginning is predicted from the word dictionary. The search is performed as a character string, and when the number of candidates of the retrieved predicted character string becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the candidate of the predicted character string is output as a prediction result.

With such a configuration, every time each character of the character string input as the prediction target is held in the character string buffer, the prediction operation of the character string is started, and the character string is set to the head portion. When the number of candidates when the possessed character string is searched as a predicted character string from the word dictionary becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the predicted character string candidate is output as the prediction result.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a document creation apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus includes a character string input unit 11, a character string buffer 12, a prediction start unit 13, a character string search unit 14, a word dictionary 15, and an output unit 1.
6 and a display unit 17.

The character string input unit 11 is for inputting a character string to be predicted, and in the present embodiment, a handwriting input method is assumed and is composed of a tablet 111, a recognition unit 112, and a recognition dictionary 113.

The tablet 111 is an input device for handwriting input of a character string. This tablet 111
A pen for handwriting input is used, and handwriting input of a character string is performed by the writing operation of the pen.

The recognition unit 112 character-recognizes a character string handwritten through the tablet 111. The character string (recognition result) obtained by this character recognition is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 12 and then cleared when the input person confirms the character string.

The recognition dictionary 113 is a dictionary used in the recognition unit 112, and stores various kinds of information necessary for character recognition processing, such as information on each stroke forming a character.
Further, the character string buffer 12 is used to temporarily store the character string before being determined. The prediction starting unit 13
The prediction operation is activated under a predetermined condition, and in the present embodiment, the prediction operation activation unit 131 and the set character number storage unit 132 are included.

The predictive operation starting unit 131 monitors the character string buffer 12, and when the number of characters of the input character string in the character string buffer 12 reaches the number of characters defined in the set character number storage unit 132, the predictive operation is performed. Is the start of the string search section 1
Instruct 4

The set character number storage unit 132 stores a preset number of characters as a condition for starting the prediction operation. The character string search unit 14 searches the word dictionary 15 for a character string having the input character string at the beginning, and when the search is successful, notifies the output unit 16 of the character string as a candidate for the predicted character string. The word dictionary 15 is a dictionary used for prediction processing, and stores various words in both Kanji and Hiragana notation.

The output unit 16 outputs the predicted character string candidates retrieved by the character string retrieval unit 14 to the display unit 17.
The display unit 17 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Displa).
y), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or other display device, and presents the predictor character string candidates received from the output unit 16 to the input person.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the prediction process in the first embodiment. First, the input person is the character string input unit 11
The character string is input by (step 10). In this case, in the second embodiment, the character string input unit 11 includes the tablet 111, the recognition unit 112, and the recognition dictionary 113, and the character recognition result of the character string handwritten by the input person is used as the input character string.

Since this input character string (recognition result) is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval, the character string buffer 12
Is temporarily stored in (step 11). The input character string stored in the character string buffer 12 (recognition result)
Is displayed on the display unit 17 through the output unit 16.

The predictive operation starting unit 131 monitors the number of characters of the input character string held in the character string buffer 12, and compares the number of characters with the number of characters stored in the set character number storage unit 132. To do. As a result, when the number of input characters reaches the set number of characters, the character string search unit 14 is requested to search for the predicted character string (step 12).

As a result, the character string search unit 14 uses the word dictionary 15 to execute the prediction process. Specifically, the character string search unit 14 searches the word dictionary 15 for the character string received from the predictive operation starting unit 131, extracts the character string when the search is successful, and passes it to the output unit 16 (step 13).

The output unit 16 passes the character string passed from the character string search unit 14 to the display unit 17 as a prediction result (step 14). The display unit 17 displays the character string group requested to be displayed on the screen (step 15).

Next, a specific example will be described. For example, a process when an input person who is trying to input a character string such as “Kanjijisho” is sequentially inputting each character forming the character string will be described as a specific example. However, the value of the set character number storage unit 132 at this time is assumed to be set to "4". In addition, the word dictionary 15 includes "kaisha",
It is assumed that "Kanjiji", "Kansobun", "Kanransha", and "Kanjo" are registered.

The character string input unit 11 first receives the input of a character (recognition character) "ka" by the input person. The input character is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 12 because it is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval.

Here, the prediction operation starting unit 131 of the prediction starting unit 13 monitors the character string buffer 12 and compares it with the value of the set character number storage unit 132. At this point,
Nothing is done because only one character has been entered.

Thereafter, similarly, the character string input unit 11 displays "n",
The input of the characters "ji" and "ji" is accepted in order. The predictive operation starting unit 131 stores “Kanjiji” in the character string buffer 12.
When it is confirmed that the character strings of up to 4 characters are stored, it is determined that the set character number storage unit 132 has reached the value "4", and the prediction operation is started. Specifically, the input character string held in the character string buffer 12 is passed to the character string search unit 14, and a search for a predicted character string is requested.

The character string search unit 14 searches the word dictionary 15 for a character string starting with "Kanji". in this case,
"Kanjijisho" corresponds to that. The output unit 16 receives this “Kanjijisho” from the character string search unit 14,
This is passed to the display unit 17 as the prediction result. The display unit 17 displays the "Kanjijisho" on the screen and finishes the processing here.

As described above, since the number of characters for starting the predictive operation is set and the predictive operation is started when the number of input characters reaches the set number of characters, the word dictionary 1
Although a large number of words other than "Kanjijisho" are registered in 5, only the target "Kanjijisho" can be obtained as a predicted character string.

The value stored in the set character number storage unit 132 (set character number) is an experimentally obtained value for efficiently predicting a character string, and is, for example, about 3 to 4 characters. This is because a character string of about 5 characters is usually input at one time, so if it is longer than this (3 to 4 characters or more), the input person may input the entire character string. This is because there is a possibility that a large number of predicted character string candidates will appear if the number is less than this.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the document creation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This device includes a character string input unit 21, a character string buffer 22, a prediction start unit 23, a character string search unit 24, a word dictionary 25, and an output unit 2.
6 and the display unit 27.

The character string input unit 21 is for inputting a character string to be predicted, and in the present embodiment, a handwriting input method is assumed and is composed of a tablet 211, a recognition unit 212, and a recognition dictionary 213.

The tablet 211 is an input device for handwriting input of a character string. This tablet 211 is
A pen for handwriting input is used, and handwriting input of a character string is performed by the writing operation of the pen. Here, a prediction button 211a for instructing the start of the prediction operation is provided.

The recognition unit 212 character-recognizes the character string input by handwriting through the tablet 211. The character string (recognition result) obtained by this character recognition is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 22 and then cleared when the input person confirms the character string. However, the prediction button 21
When the start of the prediction operation is instructed by pressing 1a, the recognition unit 212 extracts the character string stored in the character string buffer 22 and passes this to the character string conversion unit 23 as the prediction target character string.

The recognition dictionary 213 is a dictionary used in the recognition unit 212, and stores various kinds of information necessary for character recognition processing, such as information on each stroke forming a character.
Further, the character string buffer 22 is used to temporarily store the character string before being determined. The prediction starting unit 23
The prediction operation is activated under a predetermined condition, and in the present embodiment, the prediction operation activation unit 231 and the previous input character number storage unit 232.

The predictive operation starting section 231 uses the predictive button 21.
The character string search unit 24 is requested to start the prediction operation by the prediction start instruction of the input person by pressing 1a. In addition, the number of characters of the input character string held in the character string buffer 22 at this time is stored in the previous input character number storage unit 232, which is used as a condition for starting the next prediction operation. That is, the character string buffer 22 is monitored, and when the number of characters of the input character string in the character string buffer 22 reaches the number of characters previously determined by the input character number storage unit 232, the start of the prediction operation is determined by the character string search unit. Instruct 24.

The previous input character number storage section 232 stores the number of characters when the previous predictive operation was performed as a condition for starting the predictive operation. The character string search unit 24 searches the word dictionary 25 for a character string having the input character string at the beginning, and when the search is successful, notifies the output unit 26 of the character string as a candidate for the predicted character string. The word dictionary 25 is a dictionary used for prediction processing, and stores various words in both Kanji and Hiragana notation.

The output unit 26 outputs the predicted character string candidates retrieved by the character string retrieval unit 24 to the display unit 27.
The display unit 27 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Displa).
y) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or the like, and presents the predictive character string candidates received from the output unit 26 to the input person.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the prediction process in the second embodiment. First, the input person inputs the character string input unit 21.
The character string is input by (step 20). In this case, in the second embodiment, the character string input unit 21 includes the tablet 211, the recognition unit 212, and the recognition dictionary 213, and the character recognition result of the character string handwritten by the input person is used as the input character string.

Since this input character string (recognition result) is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval, the character string buffer 22
Is temporarily stored in (step 21). The input character string stored in this character string buffer 22 (recognition result)
Is displayed on the display unit 27 through the output unit 26.

Here, when the predictor starts the predictive operation by pressing the predictive button 211a (Yes in step 22), the predictive operation starting unit 231 is held in the character string buffer 22 at that time. After the number of characters of the input character string is stored in the input character number storage unit 232 last time (step 23), the input character string is searched for in the character string search unit 24.
To start the prediction operation.

On the other hand, if there is no instruction from the input person and the previous number of characters is stored in the previous input character number storage unit 232 (No in step 22), the predictive operation starting unit 231 determines that the number of characters in the character string buffer 22 is Last input character count storage unit 23
By comparing the number of characters of 2 with the number of characters of the input character string when the number of characters of the input character string becomes the same as the previous number of characters (Yes in step 24), the start of the prediction operation is instructed.

As a result, the character string search unit 24 uses the word dictionary 25 to execute the prediction process. Specifically, the character string search unit 24 searches the word dictionary 25 for the character string received from the prediction operation starting unit 231, retrieves the character string when the search is successful, and passes it to the output unit 26 (step 25).

The output unit 26 transfers the character string passed from the character string search unit 24 to the display unit 27 as a prediction result (step 26). The display unit 27 displays the character string group requested to be displayed on the screen (step 27).

Next, a specific example will be described. For example, a process when an inputting person who is trying to input a character string such as "Kaisha" and "Kanjijisho" is sequentially inputting each character constituting the character string will be shown. However, it is assumed that the previous input character number storage unit 232 does not store the previous character number. Also, the word dictionary 2
It is assumed that 5 is registered with "kaisha", "kanjisho", "kansobun", "kanransha", and "kanjo".

The character string input section 21 first receives input of characters (recognition characters) "ka", "i", and "shi" by the input person. The input character is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 22 because it is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval.

At this point in time, the input person makes a prediction button 211a.
If the user presses to signal the start of the predictive operation, the predictive operation starting unit 231 passes the input character string “Kaishi” held in the character string buffer 22 to the character string search unit 24 to start the predictive operation. Request. Further, at this time, "3", which is the number of characters of "Kaishi", is stored in the previously input number-of-characters storage unit 232.

The character string search unit 24 searches the word dictionary 25 for a character string starting with "Kaishi". In this case, "kaisha" corresponds to that. The output unit 26 receives this “kaisha” from the character string search unit 24 and passes it to the display unit 27 as a prediction result. The display unit 27 displays this "kaisha" on the screen and finishes the processing here.

Next, the input person inputs "ka" from the character string input section 21 in order to input a character string such as "Kanjijisho". The character string input unit 21 accepts the input of “ka” and stores the “ka” in the character string buffer 22.

Thereafter, similarly, the character string input section 21 displays "n",
The input of the character "ji" is accepted in order. The predictive operation starting unit 231 monitors the character string buffer 22 and compares it with the value of the previous input character number storage unit 232, and determines that the number of previously held characters “3” has been reached. Start the prediction operation. Specifically, the input character string held in the character string buffer 22 is passed to the character string search unit 24, and a search for the predicted character string is requested.

The character string search unit 24 searches the word dictionary 25 for a character string starting with "Kanji". In this case, "Kanjijisho" corresponds to that. The output unit 26 receives this “Kanjijisho” from the character string search unit 24 and passes it to the display unit 27 as a prediction result. The display unit 27 displays this "Kanjijisho" on the screen and finishes the processing here.

As described above, the number of characters for starting the prediction operation can be arbitrarily defined by the input person, so that the prediction operation can be started on the condition that the number of characters for which the input person frequently uses the prediction is set.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a document creation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This device includes a character string input unit 31, a character string buffer 32, a prediction start unit 33, a character string search unit 34, a word dictionary 35, and an output unit 3.
6 and a display unit 37.

The character string input unit 31 is for inputting a character string to be predicted, and in the present embodiment, a handwriting input method is assumed and is composed of a tablet 311, a recognition unit 312, and a recognition dictionary 313.

The tablet 311 is an input device for handwriting input of a character string. This tablet 311
A pen for handwriting input is used, and handwriting input of a character string is performed by the writing operation of the pen.

The recognition unit 312 character-recognizes the character string input by handwriting through the tablet 311. The character string (recognition result) obtained by this character recognition is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 32, and then cleared when the input person confirms the character string.

The recognition dictionary 313 is a dictionary used in the recognition unit 312, and stores various kinds of information necessary for character recognition processing, such as information on each stroke forming a character.
Further, the character string buffer 32 is used to temporarily store the character string before being determined. The prediction start unit 33
The prediction operation is activated under a predetermined condition. In this embodiment, the prediction operation activation unit 331 and the set time storage unit 3 are performed.
32 and an input time measuring unit 333.

The predictive operation starting unit 331 monitors the character string buffer 32, and notifies the input time measuring unit 333 of the start of measurement when a character enters the character string buffer 32.
Further, when the time measured by the input time measuring unit 333 reaches the time stored in the set time storage unit 332, the character string held in the character string buffer 32 at that time is taken out to the character string search unit 34. Hand over and start the prediction operation.

The set time storage unit 332 stores a preset time as a condition for starting the prediction operation. The input time measuring unit 333 has a predictive operation starting unit 331.
When the measurement of time is known, the measurement of time is started and the result is sequentially notified to the input time measuring unit 333.

The character string search unit 34 searches the word dictionary 35 for a character string having the input character string at the beginning, and if the search is successful, informs the output unit 36 of the character string as a predicted character string candidate. . The word dictionary 35 is a dictionary used for prediction processing, and stores various words in both Kanji and hiragana notation.

The output unit 36 outputs the predicted character string candidates retrieved by the character string retrieval unit 34 to the display unit 37.
The display unit 37 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Displa).
y) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or the like, and presents the predictive character string candidates received from the output unit 36 to the input person.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the prediction process in the third embodiment. First, the input person is the character string input unit 31.
The character string is input by (step 30). In this case, in the third embodiment, the character string input unit 31 includes a tablet 311, a recognition unit 312, and a recognition dictionary 313, and the character recognition result of the character string handwritten by the input person is used as the input character string.

Since this input character string (recognition result) is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval, the character string buffer 32
Is temporarily stored in (step 31). The input character string stored in the character string buffer 32 (recognition result)
Is displayed on the display unit 37 through the output unit 36.

Here, the predictive operation starting unit 331 requests the input time measuring unit 333 to measure the input time when the first character is input to the character string buffer 32 (step 32,
33).

When the time measured by the input time measuring unit 333 reaches the time stored in the set time storage unit 332 (Yes in step 34), the predictive operation starting unit 33 is executed.
1 passes the input character string currently held in the character string buffer 32 to the character string search unit 34, and requests the character string search unit 34 to search for the predicted character string.

As a result, the character string search unit 34 uses the word dictionary 35 to execute the prediction process. Specifically, the character string search unit 34 searches the word dictionary 35 for the character string received from the predictive operation starting unit 331, extracts the character string when the search is successful, and passes it to the output unit 36 (step 35).

The output unit 36 transfers the character string passed from the character string search unit 34 to the display unit 37 as a prediction result (step 36). The display unit 37 displays the character string group requested to be displayed on the screen (step 37).

Next, a specific example will be described. For example, the processing when the inputting person who is trying to input a character string such as “Kanjijisho” is inputting characters is shown as a specific example. However, it is assumed that the time stored in the set time storage unit 332 at this time is set to 4 seconds. In addition, it is assumed that the word dictionary 35 has “kaisha”, “kanjisho”, “kansobun”, “kanransha”, and “kanjo” registered therein.

The character string input section 31 receives the input of the character "ka" by the input person. Since the input character is used as a key for predictive character string search, the character string buffer 3
Temporarily saved in 2.

Here, the predictive operation starting unit 331 of the predicting start unit 33 requests the input time measuring unit 333 to start measuring time since the first character is input. At this point, the prediction operation does not start because the set time has not been reached.

Thereafter, similarly, the character string input section 31 displays "n",
The input of the characters "ji" and "ji" is accepted in order. At this time, when the predictive operation starting unit 331 knows that the input time measured by the input time measuring unit 333 has passed 4 seconds,
Start the prediction operation. Specifically, the character string buffer 32
The input character string held in is passed to the character string search unit 34, and a search for the predicted character string is requested.

The character string searching unit 34 searches the word dictionary 35 for a character string starting with "Kanji". in this case,
"Kanjijisho" corresponds to that. The output unit 36 receives this “Kanjijisho” from the character string search unit 34,
This is passed to the display unit 37 as the prediction result. The display unit 37 displays this “Kanjijisho” on the screen and finishes the processing here.

As described above, since the time for starting the predictive motion is set and the predictive motion is started when the input time reaches the set time, the time required for the input motion of the input person is reduced. Accordingly, the predicted character string can be flexibly searched.

The value (set time) stored in the set time storage unit 332 is an experimentally obtained value for efficiently predicting a character string, and is an average of, for example, 3 to 4 characters. It corresponds to the input time.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a document creation device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This device includes a character string input unit 41, a character string buffer 42, a prediction start unit 43, a character string search unit 44, a word dictionary 45, and an output unit 4.
6 and a display unit 47.

The character string input unit 41 is for inputting a character string to be predicted, and in the present embodiment, a handwriting input method is assumed and is composed of a tablet 411, a recognition unit 412, and a recognition dictionary 413.

The tablet 411 is an input device for handwriting input of a character string. This tablet 411
A pen for handwriting input is used, and handwriting input of a character string is performed by the writing operation of the pen. Here, a prediction button 411a for instructing the start of the prediction operation is provided.

The recognition unit 412 character-recognizes the character string input by handwriting through the tablet 411. The character string (recognition result) obtained by this character recognition is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 42, and then cleared when the input person confirms the character string. However, the prediction button 41
When the start of the prediction operation is instructed by pressing 1a, the recognition unit 412 takes out the character string stored in the character string buffer 42 and passes this to the character string conversion unit 43 as the prediction target character string.

The recognition dictionary 413 is a dictionary used in the recognition unit 412, and stores various kinds of information necessary for character recognition processing, such as information on each stroke forming a character.
Further, the character string buffer 42 is used to temporarily store the character string before being determined. The prediction start unit 43
The prediction operation is activated under a predetermined condition, and in the present embodiment, the prediction operation activation unit 431, the previous input time storage unit 432, and the input time measurement unit 433 are included.

The prediction operation starting unit 431 uses the prediction button 41.
The character string search unit 44 is requested to start the prediction operation in response to the prediction start instruction of the input person by pressing 1a. Further, the time measured by the input time measuring unit 433 at this time is stored in the previous input time storing unit 432, and is set as a condition for starting the next prediction operation. That is, when the character string buffer 42 is monitored and a character enters the character string buffer 42, the input time measuring unit 433 is notified of the start of measurement, and the measured time reaches the time stored in the set time storage unit 432. When this is done, the character string search unit 44 is instructed to start the prediction operation.

The previous input time storage unit 432 stores the time when the previous prediction operation was performed as a condition for starting the prediction operation. The input time measuring unit 433 starts time measurement when it is notified of the time measurement by the prediction operation starting unit 431, and sequentially inputs the result to the input time measuring unit 43.
Notify 3.

The character string search unit 44 searches the word dictionary 45 for a character string having the input character string at the beginning, and if the search is successful, informs the output unit 46 of the character string as a predicted character string candidate. . The word dictionary 45 is a dictionary used for prediction processing, and stores various words in both Kanji and hiragana notation.

The output unit 46 outputs the predicted character string candidates retrieved by the character string retrieval unit 44 to the display unit 47.
The display unit 47 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Displa).
y), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like, and presents the candidate of the predicted character string received from the output unit 46 to the input person.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the prediction process in the fourth embodiment. First, the input person is the character string input section 41.
The character string is input by (step 40). In this case, in the fourth embodiment, the character string input unit 41 includes a tablet 411, a recognition unit 412, and a recognition dictionary 413, and the character recognition result of the character string handwritten by the input person is used as the input character string.

Since this input character string (recognition result) is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval, the character string buffer 42
(Step 41). The input character string stored in the character string buffer 42 (recognition result)
Is displayed on the display unit 47 through the output unit 46.

Here, the predictive operation starting unit 431 requests the input time measuring unit 433 to measure the input time when the first character is input to the character string buffer 42 (step 42,
43).

When the predictor starts the predictive motion by pressing the predictive button 411a (Yes in step 44), the predictive motion starting unit 431 stores the measured time at that time in the previous input time storage unit 432. After that (step 45), the input character string is passed to the character string search unit 44 to instruct the start of the prediction operation.

On the other hand, when there is no instruction from the input person and the time is stored in the previous input time storage unit 432 (No in step 44), the time measured by the input time measurement unit 433 is set in the set time storage unit. When the time stored in 432 is reached (Yes in step 46), the prediction operation starting unit 431 passes the input character string held in the character string buffer 42 at that time to the character string search unit 44, and the predicted character The character string search unit 44 is requested to search the string.

As a result, the character string search unit 44 uses the word dictionary 45 to execute the prediction process. Specifically, the character string search unit 44 searches the word dictionary 45 for the character string received from the predictive operation starting unit 431, extracts the character string when the search is successful, and passes it to the output unit 46 (step 45).

The output unit 46 passes the character string passed from the character string search unit 44 to the display unit 47 as a prediction result (step 46). The display unit 47 displays the character string group requested to be displayed on the screen (step 47).

Next, a specific example will be described. For example, a process when an inputting person who is trying to input a character string such as "Kaisha" and "Kanjijisho" is sequentially inputting each character constituting the character string will be shown. However, it is assumed that the previous input time storage unit 432 at this time does not store the previous input time. Also, the word dictionary 4
It is assumed that 5 is registered with "kaisha", "kanjisho", "kansobun", "kanransha", and "kanjo".

The character string input section 41 first accepts the input of the character (recognition character) "ka" by the input person. The input character is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 42 because it is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval.

Here, the prediction operation starting unit 431 of the prediction starting unit 43 requests the input time measuring unit 433 to start measuring time since the first character is input. At this point, the prediction operation does not start because the set time has not been reached.

Thereafter, similarly, the character string input section 41 displays "yes",
The input of the character "shi" is accepted in order. Then, if the input person presses the prediction button 411 a to signal the start of the prediction operation, the prediction operation starting unit 431 retrieves the input character string “Kaishi” held in the character string buffer 42 from the character string search unit 44. To request the start of the prediction operation. At this time, if the input time until "Kaishi" is 3 seconds, the value is stored in the previous input time storage unit 432.

The character string search unit 44 searches the word dictionary 45 for a character string starting with "Kaishi". In this case, "kaisha" corresponds to that. The output unit 46 receives this “kaisha” from the character string search unit 44 and passes it to the display unit 47 as a prediction result. The display unit 47 displays this "kaisha" on the screen and ends the processing here.

Next, the input person inputs "ka" from the character string input unit 41 in order to input a character string such as "Kanjijisho". The character string input unit 41 accepts the input of “ka” and stores the “ka” in the character string buffer 42. In addition, the predictive operation starting unit 431 is the input time measuring unit 43.
Let 3 measure the input time.

Thereafter, similarly, the character string input section 41 displays "n",
The input of the character "ji" is accepted in order. The predictive operation starting unit 431 monitors the time measured by the input time measuring unit 433, compares it with the value of the previous input time storage unit 432, and reaches the time of 3 seconds, which is the time previously held. After that, the prediction operation is started. Specifically, the input character string held in the character string buffer 42 is passed to the character string search unit 44, and a search for the predicted character string is requested.

The character string search unit 44 searches the word dictionary 45 for a character string starting with "Kanji". In this case, "Kanjijisho" corresponds to that. The output unit 46 receives this “Kanjijisho” from the character string search unit 44 and passes it to the display unit 47 as a prediction result. The display unit 47 displays the "Kanjijisho" on the screen and finishes the processing here.

As described above, since the input person can arbitrarily define the time to start the prediction operation, the prediction operation can be started on the condition that the input person frequently uses the prediction.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a document creation apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This device is provided with a character string input unit 51 and a character string buffer 5.
2, prediction start unit 53, character string search unit 54, word dictionary 5
5, an output unit 56, and a display unit 57.

The character string input unit 51 is for inputting a character string to be predicted, and in the present embodiment, a handwriting input method is assumed and is composed of a tablet 511, a recognition unit 512, and a recognition dictionary 513.

The tablet 511 is an input device for handwriting input of a character string. This tablet 511
A pen for handwriting input is used, and handwriting input of a character string is performed by the writing operation of the pen.

The recognition unit 512 character-recognizes the character string input by handwriting through the tablet 511. The character string (recognition result) obtained by this character recognition is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 52 and then cleared when the input person confirms the character string.

The recognition dictionary 513 is a dictionary used in the recognition unit 512, and stores various kinds of information necessary for character recognition processing, such as information on each stroke forming a character.
Further, the character string buffer 52 is used for temporarily storing the character string before being determined. The prediction starting unit 53
The prediction operation is activated under a predetermined condition, and in the present embodiment, the prediction operation activation unit 531 and the prediction candidate number storage unit 532 are included.

The predictive operation starting unit 531 requests the character string search unit 54 to search for a predicted character string each time a character is held in the character string buffer 52. Then, the number of prediction candidates obtained by the search is compared with the value of the prediction candidate number storage unit 532, and when the number of prediction candidates of the input character string becomes smaller than the value of the prediction candidate number storage unit 532, The prediction candidate is passed to the output unit 56.

The prediction candidate number storage section 532 stores a preset number of prediction candidates as a condition for starting the prediction operation. The character string search unit 54 searches the word dictionary 55 for a character string having the input character string at the beginning, and when the search is successful, notifies the output unit 56 of the character string as a candidate for the predicted character string. The word dictionary 55 is a dictionary used for prediction processing, and stores various words in both Kanji and Hiragana notation.

The output unit 56 outputs the predicted character string candidates searched by the character string searching unit 54 to the display unit 57.
The display unit 57 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Displa).
y) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or the like, and presents the predictive character string candidates received from the output unit 56 to the input person.

Next, the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the prediction process in the fifth embodiment. First, the input person is the character string input unit 5
The character string is input by 1 (step 50). In this case, in the fifth embodiment, the character string input unit 51 includes a tablet 511, a recognition unit 512, and a recognition dictionary 513, and the character recognition result of the character string handwritten by the input person is used as the input character string.

Since this input character string (recognition result) is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval, the character string buffer 52
(Step 51). The input character string stored in this character string buffer 52 (recognition result)
Is displayed on the display unit 57 through the output unit 56.

Here, the predictive operation starting unit 531 passes the character string in the character string buffer 52 to the character string retrieving unit 54 every time a character is held in the character string buffer 52, and requests retrieval of the character string. . The character string search unit 54 requested to search,
The character string passed from the predictive operation starting unit 531 is used as a key to search for the character string (step 52).

The predictive operation starting section 531 has a predictive character string candidate number and predictive candidate number storage section 532 obtained by this search.
The number of candidates (the number of setting candidates) stored in is compared (step 53). As a result, when the number of prediction candidates for the input character string is larger than the number of setting candidates (No in step 53), the prediction operation starting unit 531 waits for the next input character and gives an instruction to start the prediction operation again.

On the other hand, if the number of prediction candidates for the input character string is less than the number of setting candidates (step 5
3), the prediction operation starting unit 531 passes the candidate character string to the output unit 56.

The output unit 56 transfers the character string passed from the character string search unit 54 to the display unit 57 as a prediction result (step 54). The display unit 57 displays the character string group requested to be displayed on the screen (step 55).

Next, a specific example will be described. For example, a process when an input person who is trying to input a character string such as “Kanjijisho” is sequentially inputting each character forming the character string will be described as a specific example. However, the value of the prediction candidate number storage unit 532 at this time is set to “2”. In addition, the word dictionary 55 has "kaisha",
It is assumed that "Kanjiji", "Kansobun", "Kanransha", and "Kanjo" are registered.

The character string input section 51 first accepts the input of the character "recognition character""ka" by the input person. The input character is temporarily stored in the character string buffer 52, because it is used as a key for predictive character string retrieval.

Here, the predictive operation starting unit 531 of the predictive starting unit 53 is a "ka" stored in the character string buffer 52.
Is passed to the character string search unit 54 to request a character string search.

The character string searching unit 54 searches the word dictionary 55 for a character string starting with "ka", and obtains "kaisha", "kanjijisho", "kansobun", and "kanransha". In this case, the number of predicted character string candidates obtained by the search is “4”.

The predictive operation starting section 531 is provided with the character string searching section 5
The predicted character string candidate number “4” retrieved by 4 is compared with the predicted candidate number storage unit 532 value “2”. in this case,
Since the number of predicted character string candidates retrieved is still larger, the process is returned to the input of the character string without outputting.

Next, the character string input unit 51 receives the input of the character "n". At this time, the search is performed in the same manner as above, but the number of candidates of the searched predicted character string is still "3", and therefore the output is not performed.

Further, when the input is continued and the input of "ji" is accepted, the candidate of the predicted character string retrieved is only "kanjijisho". Therefore, since the value is smaller than the value “2” in the prediction candidate number storage unit 532, “Kanjisho” at this time is passed to the output unit 56 to request the output.

The output unit 56 transfers this "sense" to the display unit 57 as a prediction result. The display unit 57 displays this "sense" on the screen and ends the processing here. As described above, since the output is not performed until the number of candidates of the predicted character string obtained by the search becomes smaller than the set value, it is possible to predict without disturbing the input work.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and for example, instead of using character recognition for inputting a character string, a tablet or keyboard may be used.
Further, the number of set characters in the first embodiment, the set time in the third embodiment, and the number of set prediction candidates in the fifth embodiment may be changed as the processing is performed, or some numerical values may be set. You may hold and use the average value.

The output destination of the prediction result may be another processing system instead of the screen. In short, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0131]

As described above, according to the present invention, the prediction operation is started based on the number of characters of the character string input as the prediction target and the input time. It is possible to avoid output without narrowing down and obtain the predicted character string without disturbing the input work of the input person.

The prediction operation is started each time each character of the character string input as the prediction target is input, and when the number of prediction candidates obtained by the prediction operation becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the prediction candidate is selected. Since the above is output, it is possible to avoid outputting the predicted character string candidates without being narrowed down as in the conventional case, and it is possible to obtain the predicted character string without hindering the input work of the input person.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a document creation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of a prediction process in the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a document creation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of a prediction process in the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a document creation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a prediction process in the same embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a document creation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of a prediction process in the same embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a document creation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a prediction process in the same embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 ... Character string input unit 12 ... Character string buffer 13 ... Prediction start unit 14 ... Character string search unit 15 ... Word dictionary 16 ... Output unit 17 ... Display unit 111 ... Tablet 112 ... Recognition unit 113 ... Recognition dictionary 131 ... Prediction operation start Part 132 ... Set character number storage unit

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A character string prediction method for predicting a character string having an input character string at the beginning as a character string to be input by an input person, wherein the character string input as a prediction target is stored in a character string buffer. When the number of characters of the input character string stored in this character string buffer reaches the specified number of characters, the prediction operation of the character string is started, and the character string that has the character string at the beginning part A character string prediction method characterized in that a candidate of the searched predicted character string is output as a prediction result by searching as a predicted character string from. 2. The character string prediction method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of characters is the number of characters when the prediction operation was started last time. 3. A character string prediction method for predicting a character string having an input character string at the beginning as a character string to be input by an input person, wherein the character string input as a prediction target is stored in a character string buffer. Hold it, measure the time since the first character was held in this character string buffer, and when the measured time reaches a predetermined time, start the prediction operation of the character string and A character string prediction method characterized in that a character string having “?” At the beginning is searched as a predicted character string from a word dictionary, and the searched predicted character string candidates are output as a prediction result. 4. The character string prediction method according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined time is a time when a prediction operation is started last time. 5. A character string prediction method for predicting a character string having an input character string at the beginning as a character string to be input by an input person, wherein each character of the character string input as a prediction target is a character. Each time it is stored in the column buffer, the prediction operation of the character string is started, and a character string that has that character string at the beginning is searched as a predicted character string from the word dictionary, and the number of candidates for the searched predicted character string is A character string prediction method characterized in that a candidate of the predicted character string is output as a prediction result when the value becomes a predetermined value or less. 6. An input unit for inputting a character string to be predicted, a character string buffer for holding the character string input by the input unit, and a condition storage for storing a predetermined number of characters as a start condition of the prediction operation. Means, a predictive operation starting means for starting a predictive operation of the character string when the number of characters of the input character string held in the character string buffer reaches the number of characters stored in the condition storage means, and the predictive operation starting means. In accordance with an instruction to start the predictive operation by the means, a character string search means for searching a character string having the character string at the beginning as a predicted character string from the word dictionary, and a candidate for the predicted character string searched by the character string search means are displayed. An apparatus for producing a document, comprising: an output unit that outputs a prediction result. 7. The document creation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined number of characters is the number of characters when the prediction operation was started last time. 8. An input means for inputting a character string to be predicted, a character string buffer for holding the character string input by the input means, and a character string buffer for holding a first character in the character string buffer. An input time measuring means for measuring time, a condition storing means for storing a predetermined time as a start condition of the prediction operation, and a time measured by the input time measuring means reaches a time stored in the condition storing means. Then, the predictive operation starting means for starting the predictive operation of the character string, and the predictive operation start instruction from the predictive operation starting means are searched for a character string having the character string at the beginning as a predictive character string from the word dictionary. A document characterized by comprising: a character string search means for outputting the predicted character string candidate searched by the character string search means as an output result Creating device. 9. The document creating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined time is a time when a prediction operation is started last time. 10. Input means for inputting a character string to be predicted, a character string buffer for holding the character string input by this input means, and each character of the input character string is held in this character string buffer. Each time a prediction operation of the character string is started, a prediction operation starting means for starting the prediction operation of the character string, and a character string having the character string at the head portion as a prediction character string from the word dictionary according to the start instruction of the prediction operation by the prediction operation starting means. A character string search means for searching; and an output means for outputting the predicted character string candidate as a prediction result when the number of predicted character string candidates searched by the character string search means becomes less than or equal to a predetermined value. A document creation device characterized by the above.