JPH10222504A - Character string predicting device and character string predicting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently input a character string that is intended by a user by preferentially inputting a character string when the character string that coincides with an input character string exists and inputting a character string that has the input character string in its leading part as a predictive character string when it does not. SOLUTION: First, a character string that coincides with an input character string is retrieved from a word dictionary (step 204) by inputting a character string that becomes to be an object to be predicted (steps 201 to 203). As a result, when a corresponding character string is not retrieved, a character string that has the input character string in its leading part is retrieved as a predictive character string from the word dictionary, and the predictive character string is outputted (steps 205 to 208). Thereby, useless character string prediction is avoided and a character string that is intended by a user can efficiently be inputted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character string predicting apparatus and a character string predicting method for predicting a character string following the input character string based on a character string input by an input device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a document creation device such as a Japanese word processor, when inputting a character string using a handwritten character recognition device or the like, unlike a keyboard input, one character is input. Time was required, and the burden on the input person was large.

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

[0004] In response to this, a method called input prediction has been considered. For example, the first few characters as reported in the literature (preprints 4J-11 etc. of the 48th Annual Meeting of the Information Processing Society of Japan). There is a method of searching a word dictionary at the time when is input, and extracting a character string (word) starting with a few characters.

[0005] In the input of a character string "kanji dictionary", for example, when the input person inputs "kanji", a "dictionary" is predicted as a character string following the "kanji" and finally " It outputs a “kanji dictionary”.

[0006]

In the input predicting method as described above, the narrower the number of input characters at the time of starting the prediction, the more difficult it is to narrow down the candidates, and there are many candidate character strings. It is necessary to devise a method for outputting candidates. In particular, since input prediction predicts a character string of an arbitrary length based on an input character string, the number of prediction candidates is much larger than the number of conversion candidates in kana-kanji conversion. The conventional input prediction method has a large number of prediction candidates, and if the screen is too small to display all the candidates at once, it is difficult to obtain the predicted character string intended by the user. was there.

[0007] Input prediction is considered to be effective enough to predict a long character string with a smaller number of input characters. On the other hand, if prediction is performed excessively, there is a case where input is warped.

[0008] For example, when the user intentionally inputs "kai" for a word such as "kai (shellfish)", for example, "kaito (answer)" or "kaikei (solution)"
The character string following "kai" is preferentially output as a prediction candidate, and the intended "kai (shellfish)" is not easily displayed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points. If a character string that matches an input character string exists, the character string is preferentially output. It is an object of the present invention to provide a character string prediction device and a character string prediction method capable of efficiently inputting a character string intended by a user by outputting a character string possessed by a user as a predicted character string.

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(1) A character string prediction device according to the present invention includes an input unit for inputting a character string to be predicted, a word dictionary storing at least reading of words and corresponding headings, and a character string input by the input unit. A first dictionary search unit for searching the word dictionary for a character string that matches the character string. If the first dictionary search unit fails to search for a character string that matches the input character string, the first A second dictionary search unit that searches the word dictionary for a character string having a head portion as a predicted character string, and a character string searched by the first dictionary search unit or a character string searched by the second dictionary search unit Output means for outputting a predicted character string.

According to such a configuration, if a character string that matches the input character string exists, the character string is preferentially output, and if not, the character string having the input character string at the beginning is replaced with the predicted character string. Output as a column. As a result, unnecessary character string prediction can be avoided, and the character string intended by the user can be input efficiently.

(2) A character string predicting apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an input unit for inputting a character string to be predicted; a word dictionary storing at least reading of words and corresponding headings;
First dictionary search means for searching the word dictionary for a character string that matches the character string input by the input means;
Instructing means for making a prediction instruction, and second dictionary searching means for searching the word dictionary for a character string having the input character string as a leading part as a predicted character string when a prediction instruction is issued by the instruction means. And output means for outputting a character string searched by the first dictionary search means or a predicted character string searched by the second dictionary search means.

According to such a configuration, after searching for a character string that matches the input character string, a search for a predicted character string is performed in accordance with an instruction from the user. As a result, not only the character string that matches the input character string but also the predicted character string can be presented to the user as needed, and as a result, the character string intended by the user can be efficiently input.

(3) A character string predicting apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an input means for inputting a character string to be predicted; a word dictionary storing at least word readings and corresponding headings;
First dictionary search means for searching the word dictionary for a character string that matches the character string input by the input means;
Second dictionary search means for searching the word dictionary for a character string having the input character string at the beginning as a predicted character string;
Output means for outputting the predicted character string searched by the second dictionary search means after preferentially outputting the character string searched by the first dictionary search means.

According to such a configuration, a character string that matches the input character string is searched, and a search for a predicted character string is also performed. When outputting, the character string that matches the input character string is prioritized. As a result, a character string that matches the input character string can be preferentially presented, and as a result, a character string intended by the user can be input efficiently.

(4) A character string predicting apparatus according to the present invention comprises: input means for inputting a character string to be predicted; a word dictionary storing at least word readings and corresponding headings;
First dictionary search means for searching the word dictionary for a character string that matches the character string input by the input means;
Second dictionary search means for searching the word dictionary for a character string having the input character string at the beginning as a predicted character string;
Determining means for determining whether or not a candidate for a predicted character string searched by the second dictionary search means is the one selected last time; and, as a result of the determining means, And output means for outputting the character string searched by the first dictionary search means after preferentially outputting the candidate for the predicted character string if there is one selected last time.

According to such a configuration, a character string that matches the input character string is searched and a predicted character string is also searched. At the time of output, the learning character string (the previously selected character string) is included in the predicted character string candidates. If there is a predicted character string), it is output with the highest priority. Thereby, the learning character string (predicted character string selected last time) can be preferentially presented, and as a result, the character string intended by the user can be input efficiently.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present apparatus is realized by a computer which reads a program recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk and the operation of which is controlled by the program.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the character string prediction device of the present invention. The input device 101 is a handwritten character input device such as a tablet, and outputs an input stroke as coordinate data. Also, the input device 1
01 is provided with a next candidate start button 101a.
The next candidate start button 101a is for instructing character string prediction after searching for a character string that matches the input character string, and is used in the second embodiment (claim 2).

The character string input unit 102 includes a character recognition unit 103
The character data as a result of character recognition of the coordinate data input by instructing the input buffer 105 is temporarily buffered in the input buffer 105 during character recognition or the like, and a character string is formed. Send to 106. The character recognition unit 103 outputs input information as a character code by recognizing handwritten characters with reference to a character recognition dictionary 104 from coordinate data obtained from the input device 101. The character recognition dictionary 104 stores information necessary for character recognition. The input buffer 105 sequentially stores character strings input as prediction targets.

In the first embodiment (claim 1), when the search by the input character string search unit 107 (first dictionary search means) succeeds, the prediction control unit 106 determines the character that matches the input character string. The sequence is output, and if the search fails, the predicted character string searched by the predicted character string search unit 108 (second dictionary search means) is output. In the second embodiment (claim 2), the character string searched by the input character string search unit 107 (first dictionary search means) is presented to the user, and a prediction instruction is issued by the user. Then, the predicted character string searched by the predicted character string search unit 108 (second dictionary search means) is output. Further, in the third embodiment (claim 3), after preferentially outputting a character string searched by the input character string search unit 107 (first dictionary search unit), the predicted character string search unit 108 (first (2) The predicted character string searched by the dictionary search means is output.

The input character string search unit 107 is used for the word dictionary 11
2 is searched for a character string that matches the input character string, and the character string obtained by the search is stored in the candidate buffer 109. The predicted character string search unit 108 searches the word dictionary 112 for a character string having the input character string at the beginning as a predicted character string,
The predicted character string obtained by the search is stored in the candidate buffer 109. The candidate buffer 109 stores the input character string search unit 1
And predicted character string search unit 1
08 is stored as a candidate for the predicted character string.

If there is a candidate for the predicted character string registered in the learning dictionary 113 (if there is one selected last time), the output order adjusting unit 110 gives priority to the character string. Adjust the output order of the prediction string. Predictive learning unit 1
11 stores the input character string and the predicted character string in the learning dictionary 113 when a predicted character string is selected by the user when the input character string is searched from the word dictionary 112.

The word dictionary 112 stores at least a reading (Hiragana notation) and a corresponding heading (Kanji mixed notation) for each registered word. When the input character string is searched from the word dictionary 112, the learning dictionary 113
When the user selects the predicted character string, the input character string and the predicted character string are stored as learning information.

The character string output unit 114 is connected to the prediction control unit 106
Sends the character string stored in the output buffer 115 to the output device 116. The output device 116 is a CRT (Cath
A screen display device such as an odeRay Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), which displays the predicted character strings stored in the output buffer 115 on the screen. Can proceed.

Next, a processing operation according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing operation according to the first embodiment. The character pattern input by the input device 101 is replaced by character data in the character recognition unit 103 with reference to the character recognition dictionary 104 (step 201) and stored in the input buffer 105 (step 202). The character string input unit 102 stores characters sequentially input until the input character string becomes a prediction target in the input buffer 1.
The input character string is sent to the prediction control unit 106 after it is stored in the prediction control unit 05 (steps 201 to 203).

Here, in the first embodiment, the prediction control unit 106 instructs the input character string search unit 107 to search the word dictionary 112 for a character string that matches the input character string (step 204). As a result, if the search is successful,
That is, the character string that matches the input character string is
(Yes in Step 205), the prediction control unit 106 stores the character string in the candidate buffer 109 (Step 207).

On the other hand, if the search fails, that is, if a character string that matches the input character string does not exist in the word dictionary 112 (No in step 205), the prediction control unit 106 instructs the predicted character string search unit 108 Then, a character string having the input character string at the beginning is searched from the word dictionary 112 (step 206), and the searched character string is stored in the candidate buffer 109 as a predicted character string (step 207).

When the dictionary search is completed, the prediction control unit 106
Presents the character string stored in the candidate buffer 109 to the user, and allows the user to select a desired character string from the character string (step 208). The character string selected by the user is stored in the output buffer 115 (Step 209). The character string output unit 114 sends the character string stored in the output buffer 115 to the output device 116 and displays it on the screen (step 210). Finally, each buffer is initialized in preparation for the next character string prediction process (step 211).

As described above, in the first embodiment, if there is a character string that matches the input character string, the character string is preferentially output, and if not, the character string having the input character string at the head is output. Is output as a predicted character string. As a result, unnecessary character string prediction can be avoided, and the character string intended by the user can be input efficiently.

However, in the first embodiment, if there is a character string that matches the input character string, the subsequent prediction operation is not performed. If you enter "Kai,""Kai (shellfish,
)), A problem arises in that only a character string that matches the input character string is obtained.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem,
The second embodiment is characterized in that after searching for a character string that matches an input character string, a prediction operation is performed in accordance with an instruction from a user.

Hereinafter, the processing operation according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing operation according to the second embodiment. The input processing of the character string to be predicted in steps 301 to 303 in FIG.
Steps 201 to 203 of FIG.

That is, the character pattern input by the input device 101 is input to the character recognition unit 103 by the character recognition dictionary 1.
04 and is replaced with character data (step 30).
1) is stored in the input buffer 105 (step 30)
2). The character string input unit 102 stores, in the input buffer 105, characters that are sequentially input until the input character string becomes a prediction target.
06 (steps 301 to 303).

Here, in the second embodiment, upon receiving the input character string, the prediction control unit 106 first instructs the input character string search unit 107 to search the word dictionary 112 for a character string that matches the input character string. A search is performed (step 304), and the character string obtained by the search is stored in the candidate buffer 109 (step 305). Then, the prediction control unit 106 presents the character string stored in the candidate buffer 109 to the user and waits for an instruction from the user (step 306).

As a result, when the user selects the character string (character string that matches the input character string) (step 3
(No in 07), the character string is stored in the output buffer 115 (step 311).

On the other hand, the user does not select the character string (a character string that matches the input character string), but instructs the next candidate (character string prediction) by operating the next candidate start button 101a provided on the input device 101. (Yes in step 307)
s) The prediction control unit 106 instructs the predicted character string search unit 108 to search the word dictionary 112 for a character string having the input character string at the beginning (step 308), and replaces the character string obtained by the search with the predicted character string. It is stored in the candidate buffer 109 as a column (step 309).

The prediction control unit 106 presents the predicted character string stored in the candidate buffer 109 to the user and prompts the user to select a candidate (step 310). The character string selected by the user is stored in the output buffer 115 (step 31).
1). The character string output unit 114 sends the character string stored in the output buffer 115 to the output device 116, and displays it on the screen (step 312). Finally, each buffer is initialized in preparation for the next character string prediction process (step 31).
3).

As described above, in the second embodiment, after searching for a character string that matches the input character string, a search for a predicted character string is performed in accordance with an instruction from the user. As a result, not only the character string that matches the input character string but also the predicted character string can be presented to the user as needed, and as a result, the character string intended by the user can be efficiently input.

Next, a processing operation according to a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is characterized in that a character string that matches an input character string is searched and a predicted character string is also searched, and a character string that matches an input character string is prioritized in output. ).

Further, if there is a learning character string (predicted character string selected last time) among the candidates for the predicted character string, the learning character string is output with the highest priority. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing operation according to the third embodiment. Steps 401 to 403 in FIG.
The input processing of the character string to be predicted is performed in step 201 in FIG.
, And the same is true.

That is, the character pattern input by the input device 101 is converted by the character recognition unit 103 into the character recognition dictionary 1.
04 and is replaced with character data (step 40).
1) is stored in the input buffer 105 (step 40)
2). The character string input unit 102 stores, in the input buffer 105, characters that are sequentially input until the input character string becomes a prediction target.
06 (steps 401 to 403).

Here, in the third embodiment, upon receiving the input character string, the prediction control unit 106 first instructs the input character string search unit 107 to search the word dictionary 112 for a character string that matches the input character string. A search is performed (step 404), and the character string obtained by the search is stored in the candidate buffer 109 (step 405). Subsequently, the prediction control unit 106 instructs the predicted character string search unit 108 to search the word dictionary 112 for a character string having the input character string at the beginning (step 40).
6) The character string obtained by the search is stored in the candidate buffer 109 as a predicted character string (step 407).

As described above, when both the character string that matches the input character string and the predicted character string having the same input character string as the head portion are stored in the candidate buffer 109, the output order adjusting unit 1
Reference numeral 10 refers to the learning dictionary 113 and checks whether or not there is a candidate for the predicted character string stored in the candidate buffer 109 that matches the learned character string (the previously selected character string). As a result, if there is a learned character string, the output order adjusting unit 110 adjusts the output order of the candidates so that the character string has priority (step 408). In this case, the learning character string is given the highest priority, and the output order adjusting unit 110 rearranges the candidates of the predicted character string stored in the candidate buffer 109 so that the learning character string comes first.

Subsequently, the prediction control unit 106 presents the character string stored in the candidate buffer 109 to the user and prompts the user to select a candidate (step 409). As a result of the candidate selection process, when the user selects a predicted character string while the input character string is being searched from the word dictionary 112 (Yes in step 410), the prediction control unit 106 sets the prediction learning unit 11
1 and stores the input character string and the selected predicted character string in the learning dictionary 113 (step 411).

The character string selected by the user is stored in output buffer 115 (step 412). The character string output unit 114 sends the character string stored in the output buffer 115 to the output device 116 and displays it on the screen (step 413). Finally, each buffer is initialized in preparation for the next character string prediction process (step 414).

As described above, in the third embodiment, a character string that matches the input character string is searched and a predicted character string is also searched, and a character string that matches the input character string is prioritized for output. As a result, a character string that matches the input character string can be preferentially presented, and as a result, a character string intended by the user can be input efficiently.

If there is a learning character string (predicted character string selected last time) among the predicted character string candidates, the learning character string is output with the highest priority, and the character string intended by the user is further efficiently used. You will be able to input well.

Next, each of the above-described embodiments will be described using specific examples. FIG. 5 is a specific example for explaining the character string prediction in the first embodiment, and corresponds to claim 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5A, when a character string matching the input character string is searched from the word dictionary 112 by the input character string search unit 107 by inputting a character string such as “kai”, for example, “ A character string “kai” identical to the input character string, such as “shellfish”, “meeting”, etc., is output.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when a character string such as “Kyu” is input, a character string that matches the input character string from the word dictionary 112 is input by the input character string search unit 107. If no search is performed, the predicted character string search unit 108 searches the word dictionary 112 for a character string having the input character string at the beginning as a predicted character string. As a result, predicted character strings such as “Kyu (old, sudden ...)”, “Kyutsu (holiday)”, “Kyuuryo (pay)”, etc. are output.

FIG. 6 is a specific example for explaining character string prediction in the second embodiment, and corresponds to claim 2 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6A, similarly to the above, when a character string matching the input character string is searched from the word dictionary 112 by the input character string search unit 107 by inputting a character string such as “kai”, for example. Outputs the same character string "kai" as the input character string, such as "shellfish", "kai".

Here, when a prediction instruction is given by the user, the predicted character string search unit 108 searches the word dictionary 112 for a character string having the input character string at the beginning. As a result, predicted character strings such as “Kaiketsu (solution)”, “Kaietsu (commentary, establishment ...)”, “Kaito (answer, answer…)” are output.

FIG. 7 is a specific example for explaining character string prediction in the third embodiment, which corresponds to claims 3 and 4 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7A, when a character string such as “kai” is input, a character string “kai (shellfish, kai ...)” that matches the input character string from the word dictionary 112 in the input character string search unit 107. Is searched, and the predicted character string search unit 108 searches for the character strings “Kaiketsu (resolution)”, “Kaisetsu (commentary, opening…)”, “Kaito (answer, Answer ...) "is retrieved from the word dictionary 112 as a predicted character string.

The searched character string is output as a search result. At this time, a character string that matches the input character string is output with priority. That is, as shown in FIG.
The character string matching the input character string "kai (shellfish, kai ...)" is output with priority, followed by the predicted character strings "kaikei (resolution)" and "kaisei (commentary, opening ... )) And "Kaito (answer, answer ...)" in this order (claim 3).

Here, it is assumed that the user has selected "kaisetsu". As described above, when a character string that matches the input character string is searched and the predicted character string is selected,
The prediction learning unit 111 learns the selected character string. In this case, as shown in FIG.
3 stores an input character string “kai” and a predicted character string “kaisei”.

After learning the selected character string, the next time
When inputting such a character string, the learning dictionary 113 is referred to by the output order adjusting unit 110, and the predicted character string “Kaisesetsu (explanation, establishment ...)” previously selected among the predicted character string candidates is input.
Are output in priority so that the output order of the predicted character strings is adjusted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3C, “Kaietsu (commentary, opening ...)” is output with priority, and then “Kai (shellfish, association…)”, “Kaietsu (resolution)”, “Kaietsu (solution)” It is output in the order of "Kaito (answer, answer ...)" (claim 4).

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the first embodiment, the search for the predicted character string is performed when the search for the character string that matches the input character string fails. If there is a character string that matches the column, other character strings may be deleted.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the character string obtained as a search result is output by reading (hiragana notation), but may be output by heading (kanji mixed notation).

The present invention can be applied not only to input of handwritten characters but also to other input means capable of inputting Chinese characters, such as a keyboard, so that the efficiency of document creation by a user can be improved.

Further, the method described in each of the above-described embodiments can be executed by a computer as a program such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) or an optical disk (CD-RO).
(M, DVD, etc.), a semiconductor memory, etc., and can be applied to various devices, or transmitted by a communication medium and applied to various devices. A computer that realizes the present apparatus reads the program recorded on the recording medium, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation of the program.

[0061]

As described above, according to the present invention, if there is a character string that matches the input character string, the character string is preferentially output, and if not, the character having the input character string at the beginning is output. Since the string is output as the predicted character string, unnecessary character string prediction can be avoided, and the character string intended by the user can be input efficiently.

Further, after searching for a character string that matches the input character string, a search for a predicted character string is performed in accordance with an instruction from the user. Accordingly, the predicted character string can also be presented to the user, and as a result, the character string intended by the user can be input efficiently.

Further, a character string that matches the input character string is searched and a predicted character string is searched, and a character string that matches the input character string is prioritized for output. The column can be presented preferentially, and as a result, the character string intended by the user can be input efficiently.

In addition, a character string that matches the input character string is searched and a predicted character string is also searched. When outputting, a learning character string (predicted character string selected last time) is included in the predicted character string candidates. In this case, the learning string (predicted character string selected last time) can be presented preferentially because it is output with the highest priority, and as a result, the character string intended by the user can be input efficiently. Become.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character string prediction device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a processing operation according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a processing operation according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a processing operation according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a specific example for explaining character string prediction in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a specific example for explaining character string prediction in the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a specific example for explaining character string prediction in the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 input device 102 character string input unit 103 character recognition unit 104 character recognition dictionary 105 input buffer 106 prediction control unit 107 input character string search unit 108 predicted character string search unit 109 candidate buffer 110 output Order adjusting unit 111 Predictive learning unit 112 Word dictionary 113 Learning dictionary 114 Character string output unit 115 Output buffer 116 Output device

Claims (8)

[Claims] An input unit for inputting a character string to be predicted; a word dictionary storing at least a word reading and a corresponding heading; a character string matching the character string input by the input unit; First dictionary search means for searching from a word dictionary; and if the first dictionary search means fails to search for a character string matching the input character string, the first dictionary search means A second dictionary search means for searching the word dictionary as a predicted character string, and an output for outputting a character string searched by the first dictionary search means or a predicted character string searched by the second dictionary search means And a character string predicting apparatus. 2. An input means for inputting a character string to be predicted, a word dictionary storing at least a word reading and a corresponding heading, and a character string matching the character string input by the input means. A first dictionary search unit for searching from a word dictionary; an instruction unit for performing a prediction instruction; and when a prediction instruction is issued by the instruction unit, a character string having the input character string as a head portion is converted to a prediction character string. A second dictionary search means for searching from the word dictionary, and an output means for outputting a character string searched by the first dictionary search means or a predicted character string searched by the second dictionary search means. A character string prediction device, comprising: 3. An input means for inputting a character string to be predicted, a word dictionary storing at least a word reading and a corresponding heading, and a character string matching the character string input by the input means. A first dictionary search unit for searching from a word dictionary; a second dictionary search unit for searching from the word dictionary a character string having the input character string as a leading part as a predicted character string; Output means for outputting a character string searched by the second dictionary search means after the character string searched by the first priority is output. 4. An input means for inputting a character string to be predicted, a word dictionary storing at least a word reading and a corresponding heading, and a character string matching the character string input by the input means. A first dictionary search unit for searching from a word dictionary, a second dictionary search unit for searching from the word dictionary a character string having the input character string as a leading part as a predicted character string, and a second dictionary search unit. Determining means for determining whether or not there is a previously selected predicted character string among the candidates for the predicted character string, and determining whether the previously selected predicted character string is among the candidates for the predicted character string as a result of the determining means. For example, an output means for outputting the character string searched by the first dictionary search means after outputting the predicted character string candidate with priority. 5. A word dictionary storing at least a word reading and a corresponding heading, and a character string matching the input character string is searched from the word dictionary by inputting a character string to be predicted. A character string prediction characterized in that, when a corresponding character string cannot be searched, a character string having the input character string as a leading part is searched from the word dictionary as a predicted character string, and the predicted character string is output. Method. 6. A word dictionary storing at least a word reading and a corresponding heading, and a character string matching the input character string is searched from the word dictionary by inputting a character string to be predicted. After outputting the corresponding character string, a character string having the input character string at the beginning is searched from the word dictionary as a predicted character string according to an external prediction instruction, and the predicted character string is output. String prediction method to be used. 7. A word dictionary that stores at least a word reading and a corresponding heading. When a character string to be predicted is input, a character string that matches the input character string is searched from the word dictionary. Searching for a character string having the input character string as a leading part from the word dictionary as a predicted character string, outputting the predicted character string that matches the input character string with priority, and then outputting the predicted character string. String prediction method. 8. A word dictionary that stores at least a word reading and a heading corresponding to the word. When a character string to be predicted is input, a character string that matches the input character string is searched from the word dictionary. A character string having the input character string at the beginning is searched from the word dictionary as a predicted character string, and it is determined whether or not there is a candidate for the predicted character string selected last time. If any of the candidates were previously selected,
A character string prediction method comprising: outputting a candidate for the predicted character string with priority; and outputting a character string that matches the input character string.