Method for supporting document editing

Abstract

The present invention provides a cross-field correlation mapping-based replacement automation method that stores pairs of search terms and replacement terms in a replacement history database at the time a user executes a replacement in the 'Find and Replace' window of a word processor, and immediately upon detecting an event in which the user selects a specific search term from a dropdown history list in the 'Content to Find' input field, retrieves the replacement term mapped to that search term from the database and automatically displays it in the 'Content to Replace' input field. In cases where multiple replacement terms exist for the same search term, the method includes a function to present a priority suggestion or multiple candidate dropdown based on recent usage ranking or highest frequency ranking, and further includes multiple sub-database classification, self-learning DB updating, selection of storage status, and multi-device synchronization functions.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for improving the 'find and replace' function of a word processor, and more specifically, to a cross-field correlation mapping-based replacement automation system and method that stores the search / replace history previously executed by a user in a database in units of search terms and replacement terms pairs, and immediately upon detecting an event in which a user selects a specific search term from a dropdown history list of the search field, automatically displays the replacement term mapped to that search term in the content to be replaced input field. Background Technology

[0003] In word processor applications, the 'Find and Replace' function is a core editing tool used to replace specific text within a document with other text. Many word processors, such as Microsoft Word, Hangul (HWP), and Google Docs, provide this function, and users utilize it by opening the 'Find and Replace' window, entering a search term in the 'Find what' input field and a replacement term in the 'Replace with' input field, and then clicking the Replace button or executing a shortcut key.

[0004] In the conventional 'Find and Replace' function, the 'Find' and 'Replace' input fields each provide independent history lists in the form of dropdowns. That is, the history of previously searched terms is stored separately in the 'Find' field, and the history of previously used replacement terms is stored separately in the 'Replace' field. The histories of the two fields are not linked to each other and are managed completely independently. As a result, even if a user selects a previously used search term from the 'Find' dropdown, the 'Replace' input field remains empty without any changes.

[0005] This independent history management method causes significant inconvenience to users performing repetitive term substitution tasks. For example, in tasks such as translating patent specifications, proofreading technical documents, or working with specialized documents that repeatedly use the same terminology system, users face the hassle of having to re-enter specific search terms and their corresponding replacement pairs into separate fields for every task. Even if there is a history of replacing the same pair, the system does not link this information to suggest replacements to the user; instead, users must independently query the two fields and manually select or enter both.

[0006] The limitations of such conventional technology increase the number of user operations required for repetitive find / replace tasks, raise the likelihood of errors caused by selecting incorrect replacement words, and reduce overall work efficiency. In particular, for professional translators or technical document writers who repeatedly use dozens or more term substitution pairs, this inconvenience directly impacts work productivity.

[0007] Therefore, there has been a growing need for a technology that stores find / replace history in pairs while preserving the correlation between two fields, and automatically inputs the corresponding replacement word into the opposite field the moment a user selects a search term. However, no word processor technology known to date has implemented a configuration that links two input fields through correlation mapping. The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention was devised to solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art, and aims to provide a method for automating replacement in a word processor that drastically reduces the burden of user operation in repetitive search / replace operations by storing pairs of search terms and replacement terms previously executed by the user in a replacement history database in the 'Find and Replace' window, and immediately upon detecting an event in which the user selects a specific search term from the dropdown history list of the 'Content to Find' input field, automatically displaying the replacement term previously mapped to the search term in the 'Content to Replace' input field.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to enhance user selection convenience by preferentially presenting the optimal replacement word based on recent usage ranking or usage frequency ranking, or by presenting multiple candidates as a dropdown, when multiple replacement words exist in the history for the same search term.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to enhance usability in various professional work environments by classifying the replacement history database into multiple sub-databases according to document type, language direction, or work classification, and selectively suggesting replacement words appropriate to the situation. means of solving the problem

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective, a document editing support method executed by a computer device is provided. The method comprises the steps of: storing a pair of the search term and the replacement term as replacement history data in a database at the time when a user enters a specific search term in the 'Find' input field and a specific replacement term in the 'Replace' input field and executes the replacement in the 'Find and Replace' window of a document editing interface; displaying the search term history stored in the dropdown history list of the 'Find' input field; detecting an event in which the user selects a specific search term from the dropdown history list; and, simultaneously with the detection of the event, querying the replacement term mapped to the search term in the database and automatically displaying it in the 'Replace' input field.

[0014] According to one embodiment, if multiple replacement terms are stored in the database for the same search term, the replacement term that was most recently replaced is displayed first in the 'Replacement' input field. According to another embodiment, the replacement term with the highest frequency of replacement is displayed first. According to yet another embodiment, multiple replacement term candidates are displayed as a drop-down list in the 'Replacement' input field so that the user can select one.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the storing step stores time information when the pair replacement was executed, and prioritizes displaying the most recent replacement word based on this time information. Additionally, the embodiment includes detecting an event where a user enters a search term by typing directly into the 'search content' input field rather than selecting from a dropdown, and automatically displaying a replacement word mapped to the same even if the entered search term matches a search term stored in the database.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the database includes a plurality of sub-databases, which are classified based on at least one of document type, language direction, or task classification. In particular, it includes an embodiment classified based on translation correspondence relationships between different language pairs. Additionally, an embodiment is provided that includes a self-learning update function that updates the database with modified replacement words when a user modifies and replaces automatically displayed replacement words, a function that allows the user to select whether to save, and a database synchronization function between a plurality of computer devices. Effects of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention, unlike conventional technology where the 'Find' field and the 'Replace' field had to be operated independently in the 'Find and Replace' window, the corresponding replacement word is automatically entered with a single act of selecting a search term. This reduces the number of user operations in repetitive find / replace tasks by more than half and has the effect of significantly improving work speed.

[0019] According to the present invention, since pairs of search terms and replacement terms are stored in a linked database, the system automatically suggests the correct replacement term even if the user does not remember or record the replacement term separately. This prevents errors caused by entering incorrect replacement terms and contributes to maintaining consistent quality of term substitution. In particular, this effect is even more pronounced in tasks such as patent translation, technical document proofreading, and technical term unification, where dozens or more pairs of terms are repeatedly used.

[0020] According to the present invention, by accumulating all past find / replace execution history in units of search term-replacement pairs in a replacement history database, the operator's term selection pattern is reflected in the system, and there is a self-learning effect that enables more accurate autocomplete suggestions in the long term.

[0021] According to the present invention, through a history management structure classified into multiple sub-databases, different replacement terms can be suggested for the same search term depending on the work context (e.g., Korean-English translation vs. English-Korean translation, patent document vs. technical report). This has the effect of simultaneously enhancing flexibility and accuracy in various professional work environments.

[0022] According to the present invention, by synchronizing a replacement history database among multiple computer devices, a consistent find / replace automation environment can be maintained even when users perform the same task on different devices. This has the effect of ensuring work continuity and convenience in a multi-device environment. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a word processor change automation system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example screen diagram showing the state in which a user enters a search term in the 'content to find' input field (121) and enters a replacement word in the 'content to replace' input field (122) in the 'Find and Replace' window (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and then performs a replacement. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a replacement history database (140) according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a correlation mapping table (141) in which a search term is a key (142) and a replacement term is a value (143). FIG. 4 is an example screen diagram showing the state in which a user selects a previously stored search term from a dropdown history list (123) of a 'content to search' input field (121) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a screen example diagram showing a state in which a mapped replacement word is automatically displayed in the 'content to be replaced' input field (122) simultaneously with the detection of a user's search term selection event according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation logic of a priority determination unit (170) that prioritizes displaying the most recent or most frequent replacement word when a plurality of replacement words are stored for the same search term according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a screen example diagram showing a state in which, when multiple replacement words are stored for the same search term according to an embodiment of the present invention, multiple replacement word candidates are displayed as a dropdown list of the 'content to be replaced' input field (122). FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a plurality of sub-databases (146, 147, 148) structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating sub-databases classified based on document type, language direction, or task classification. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a DB update unit (180) that updates the database (140) with the modified replacement word when a user performs a change by modifying the automatically displayed replacement word according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a screen example diagram showing the interface configuration of a 'find and replace' window (120) including a storage selection input unit (126) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a synchronization structure of a replacement history database (140) between a plurality of computer devices (210, 220) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of a word processor replacement automation method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention. Furthermore, terms used below are defined considering their functions in the present invention and may vary depending on the intent or convention of the user or operator; such definitions should be interpreted based on the content throughout this specification.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a word processor replacement automation system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system (1) includes a computer device (100), a document editing interface (110), a 'find and replace' window (120), an event detection unit (130), a replacement history database (140), a replacement word lookup unit (150), an automatic entry unit (160), a priority determination unit (170), a DB update unit (180), and a synchronization unit (190). The computer device (100) is a computational processing device that executes a word processor application and may include various types of computing devices such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet PC, or a smartphone. The computer device (100) executes a word processor application on an operating system, and this application includes, but is not limited to, Microsoft Word, Hangul (HWP), LibreOffice Writer, Google Docs, etc.

[0027] The document editing interface (110) is a user interface of a word processor displayed on a display device of a computer device (100), and provides a workspace for the user to create and edit text documents. The document editing interface (110) includes a document editing area, a menu bar, a toolbar, a status bar, etc., and when the user calls the 'Find and Replace' function, a 'Find and Replace' window (120) is displayed on the document editing interface (110) in the form of a popup or panel.

[0028] The 'Find and Replace' window (120) is a dialog window for performing text search and replacement functions of a word processor, and includes an 'input content to find' field (121), an 'input content to replace' field (122), a 'input content to find' dropdown history list (123), a 'input content to replace' dropdown history list (124), a replace execution button (125), and a save selection input section (126). The 'Find and Replace' window (120) is activated when the user presses the Ctrl+H shortcut, selects the 'Edit > Find and Replace' item from the menu, or clicks the corresponding button on the toolbar.

[0029] The 'search content' input field (121) is a text input box for the user to enter text, i.e., a search term, that the user wants to search for within the document. A dropdown button (▼) is placed to the right of the 'search content' input field (121), and clicking it opens the 'search content' dropdown history list (123). The 'search content' dropdown history list (123) is a list that displays the history of search terms that the user has previously replaced as items, with the most recently used search term positioned at the top of the list. The user can quickly enter the corresponding search term into the 'search content' input field (121) by clicking and selecting the desired search term from the 'search content' dropdown history list (123).

[0030] The 'content to be replaced' input field (122) is a text input box in which the user enters a replacement word to replace the search word. In the present invention, the 'content to be replaced' input field (122) is not limited to the function of simply manually receiving a replacement word as in the prior art, but also functions as a passive receiving field in which a corresponding replacement word is automatically entered by the operation of the replacement word lookup unit (150) and the automatic entry unit (160) when the event detection unit (130) detects a selection event in the 'content to be found' dropdown history list (123). This is fundamentally different from the prior art.

[0031] The replace execution button (125) is a button that executes the action of replacing the search term specified in the 'search content' input field (121) with the replacement term specified in the 'replace content' input field (122). The replace execution button (125) may be provided in the form of 'replace', 'replace all', etc. When the user clicks the replace execution button (125) or enters a shortcut key, the computer device (100) performs the action of replacing the search term with the replacement term within the document, and at the same time, the step of storing the pair of the search term and the replacement term as replacement history data in the replacement history database (140) is performed.

[0032] The save selection input (126) is a UI element in the form of a checkbox, toggle button, or radio button that indicates whether the user should save the pair of search terms and replacement terms used in the current replacement execution to the replacement history database (140). The pair is saved to the replacement history database (140) only when the save selection input (126) is enabled (e.g., the checkbox is checked), and when it is disabled, the replacement is executed but the history is not saved. This allows the user to selectively omit history saving for temporary or one-time replacements and prevents excessive accumulation in the database. The save selection input (126) may be displayed as a label such as 'Save replacements', 'Save to history', or a similar label within the 'Find and Replace' window (120).

[0033] The event detection unit (130) is a software module that monitors user interactions occurring in the 'Find and Replace' window (120) and detects the occurrence of specific events. The events detected by the event detection unit (130) are mainly classified into two types. The first type is an event in which a user selects a specific item from the 'Find content' dropdown history list (123) by mouse click, touch, or keyboard operation. The second type is an event in which a user completes input by directly typing a search term into the 'Find content' input field (121), and is detected when the typed search term matches a search term stored in the replacement history database (140). The event detection unit (130) can be implemented through an event listener or hook mechanism of an operating system or word processor application.

[0034] The replacement history database (140) is a permanent storage that accumulates and stores pairs of search terms and replacement terms that the user has replaced using the 'find and replace' function. The replacement history database (140) can be implemented in the local storage (hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory, etc.) of the computer device (100) and can be synchronized between multiple computer devices through integration with a cloud server (200). The replacement history database (140) includes a correlation mapping table (141) as a core structure, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0035] The correlation mapping table (141) is a key-value type data structure in which a search term is used as a key (142) and a replacement term corresponding to the search term is used as a value (143), and stores each search term and the replacement term (or multiple replacement terms) mapped to it in conjunction. The correlation mapping table (141) can be implemented as a hash table, a table in a relational database, a B-tree-based index, or other key-value storage structure. For example, if a user enters 'claim' in the 'thing to find' field and 'means' in the 'thing to replace' field and performs a replacement, a record is created in the correlation mapping table (141) with key (142)='claim' and value (143)='means'. Additionally, if there is a history of changing 'semiconductor' to 'semiconductor', 'connection' to 'connection', and ' and ' to ' and ', each of these pairs is stored as an individual record in the correlation mapping table (141).

[0036] Each record stored in the correlation mapping table (141) may additionally include, in addition to the key (142) which is the search term and the value (143) which is the replacement term, time information (144) (timestamp) and frequency information (145) (cumulative number of times the replacement with the corresponding pair was executed). The time information (144) is date and time data in the format 'YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS' and is used as a criterion for determining priority to suggest the most recently used replacement term first when multiple replacement terms are stored for the same search term. The frequency information (145) is an integer value indicating how many times the corresponding search term-replacement term pair has been used cumulatively and is used as a criterion for the function of suggesting the most frequently used replacement term first.

[0037] The replacement history database (140) may be configured in a hierarchical structure including a plurality of sub-databases (146, 147, 148) as illustrated in FIG. 8. The first sub-database (146) is a sub-database that stores search term-replacement pairs used in translation work from Korean to English, for example. The second sub-database (147) is a sub-database that stores pairs used in translation work from English to Korean, and the third sub-database (148) is a sub-database that stores pairs specialized for translation work from Japanese to English or specific document types. The classification criteria for the sub-databases are not limited to the language direction, and various criteria may be applied, such as document type (patent specification, contract, academic paper, etc.), work classification (proofreading, translation, terminology standardization, etc.), or project units arbitrarily defined by the user. The user selects the sub-database to be currently active through the sub-database selection UI provided in the 'Find and Replace' window (120), and the replacement word lookup unit (150) looks up replacement words only in the currently active sub-database.

[0038] The replacement word lookup unit (150) is a software module that, upon receiving an event detection signal for the 'content to search' input field (121) from the event detection unit (130), searches for a corresponding replacement word value (143) using the corresponding search term as the key (142) in the correlation mapping table (141) of the replacement history database (140). The replacement word lookup unit (150) searches for a record matching the key (142) in the correlation mapping table (141), and if a matching record exists, extracts the value (143) of the record and transmits it to the automatic entry unit (160). If, as a result of the lookup, multiple replacement word records exist for the same search term, the replacement word lookup unit (150) transmits multiple replacement word candidates to the priority determination unit (170) and requests a selection based on priority.

[0039] The priority determination unit (170) is a software module that determines which replacement word to display first in the 'content to be replaced' input field (122) when multiple replacement word records for the same search term are stored in the replacement history database (140). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the priority determination unit (170) supports two main priority determination modes. The first mode is a recency-first mode, in which the replacement word that was most recently replaced based on time information (144) among multiple replacement words is selected as the top priority candidate. The second mode is a frequency-first mode, in which the replacement word with the highest cumulative usage count based on frequency information (145) among multiple replacement words is selected as the top priority candidate. The user can select the desired mode from the two modes through the settings menu, and regardless of which mode is selected, the top priority candidate replacement word is automatically displayed in the 'content to be replaced' input field (122). The priority determination unit (170) also supports a multiple candidate display mode in which all of the multiple replacement word candidates are displayed in the form of a 'content to be replaced' dropdown history list (124) so ​​that the user can directly select one. As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the multiple candidate display mode, a list of replacement word candidates sorted according to priority is displayed in a dropdown form at the bottom of the 'content to be replaced' input field (122), and the user selects a desired replacement word from the list.

[0040] The automatic entry unit (160) is a software module that receives the final replacement word from the replacement word lookup unit (150) or the priority determination unit (170) and automatically enters it into the 'content to be replaced' input field (122). The automatic entry unit (160) is designed to operate immediately, that is, simultaneously with detection, when the event detection unit (130) detects a selection event. This means that the corresponding replacement word appears immediately in the 'content to be replaced' input field (122) without additional user operation the moment the user completes the act of clicking or selecting a search word from the 'content to be found' dropdown history list (123). Comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, FIG. 4 shows the state immediately before selecting 'claim' from the dropdown, in which the 'content to be replaced' field (122) is empty, and FIG. 5 shows the state immediately after selecting 'claim', in which 'means' is automatically entered into the 'content to be replaced' field (122). Users can execute the replacement using the automatically entered replacement words as they are, or they can modify the replacement words as needed before executing the replacement.

[0041] The DB update unit (180) is a software module that updates the corresponding record in the replacement history database (140) with the modified replacement word when the user modifies the replacement word automatically entered in the 'content to be replaced' input field (122) by the automatic entry unit (160) and executes the replacement. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the DB update unit (180) compares whether the current value of the 'content to be replaced' input field (122) is the same as the automatically entered replacement word at the time of execution of the replacement. If they are the same, the frequency information (145) of the corresponding record is increased by 1, and the time information (144) is updated to the current time. If they are different (i.e., when the user modifies the replacement word), a record is added to the corresponding search key (142) with the modified replacement word as the new value (143), or the value (143) of the existing record is overwritten with the modified replacement word. Through this self-learning update mechanism, the replacement history database (140) continuously reflects the user's latest selection patterns, and as time passes, more accurate replacement word suggestions become possible.

[0042] The synchronization unit (190) is a software module that synchronizes the replacement history database (140) between multiple computer devices (210, 220) accessing the same user account through the cloud server (200). As illustrated in FIG. 11, the first computer device (210) and the second computer device (220) each communicate with the cloud server (200) through the synchronization unit (190). When a new pair is stored in the replacement history database (140) or an existing record is updated in one device, this change is reflected in the replacement history database (140) of the remaining devices via the cloud server (200). Synchronization can be performed in real-time when a replacement is executed, or implemented by synchronizing in batches at regular intervals. Through this, the user can utilize the replacement history accumulated on the office desktop in the same way on the laptop used at home.

[0043] Hereinafter, the overall operation flow of a replacement automation method for a word processor according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12. First, the user runs a word processor on a computer device (100) and edits a document, and then activates the 'Find and Replace' window (120) by entering the Ctrl+H shortcut key to replace specific text with other text. The user enters the text to be replaced (e.g., 'claim') into the 'Content to find' input field (121) and enters the text to be replaced (e.g., 'means') into the 'Content to replace' input field (122). Subsequently, when the replacement execution button (125) is clicked or the shortcut key is entered, the word processor replaces the corresponding text within the document. At this point, if the save selection input unit (126) indicates a state to save, the computer device (100) saves the pair of 'claim' and 'means' as replacement history data in the correlation mapping table (141). At this time, the current time is stored as time information (144), and 1 is stored as frequency information (145).

[0044] Subsequently, when the user opens the 'Find and Replace' window (120) again and clicks the dropdown button (▼) of the 'Find Content' input field (121), the 'Find Content' dropdown history list (123) is expanded and items previously used as search terms are displayed. When the user selects 'Claim' from this dropdown history list (123), the event detection unit (130) immediately detects this selection event. The replacement word lookup unit (150), having received the event detection signal from the event detection unit (130), looks up the record corresponding to the key (142)='Claim' in the correlation mapping table (141) of the replacement history database (140) and extracts the value (143)='Means'. The automatic entry unit (160) immediately automatically enters the extracted 'Means' into the 'Replace Content' input field (122). As a result, the user can confirm that the 'means' is automatically filled in the 'content to be changed' field (122) without any additional operation, and simply click the change execution button (125).

[0045] In another embodiment, the user may input 'claim' by directly typing it into the 'content to find' input field (121) without using the dropdown history list (123). In this case, the event detection unit (130) detects a typing completion event (e.g., focus movement after input or Enter key input) and checks through the replacement word lookup unit (150) whether the typed text matches a key (142) stored in the replacement history database (140). If a matching record exists, the automatic entry unit (160) automatically enters the corresponding replacement word into the 'content to replace' input field (122). This embodiment further enhances user convenience by enabling the automatic entry function to operate even when the user types directly without using the history list.

[0046] In another embodiment, it is assumed that during a patent specification translation task, a user has a history of using both of two alternative translations 'semiconductor' and '半導?' for the same search term '반도체' on different occasions. In this case, the correlation mapping table (141) contains two records for key (142)='반도체': one with value (143)='semiconductor' (time information (144)=2025-01-10 09:30:00, frequency information (145)=15 times) and another with value (143)='半導?' (time information (144)=2025-01-05 14:20:00, frequency information (145)=3 times). When the user selects '반도체' from the dropdown history list (123), the priority determination unit (170), according to settings, in the recently used priority mode, preferentially selects 'semiconductor', which has more recent time information, and automatically enters it into the 'content to be replaced' input field (122); even in the highest frequency priority mode, it preferentially selects and enters 'semiconductor', which has higher frequency information. In the multiple candidate display mode, the two items 'semiconductor' and '半導?' are presented as a dropdown list sorted according to rank, allowing the user to make a selection directly.

[0047] In another embodiment, a user who is a patent translation expert opens the 'Find and Replace' window (120) and activates the first sub-database (146) (for Korean-to-English translation work) through the sub-database selection UI. In this state, if 'connection' is selected from the dropdown history list (123), the replacement word lookup unit (150) automatically enters 'connection' by looking up the value (143) corresponding to the key (142)='connection' only in the first sub-database (146). On the other hand, if the user selects 'connection' while the second sub-database (147) (for English-to-Korean translation work) is activated, the replacement word lookup unit (150) automatically enters the value (143)='connection' corresponding to the key (142)='connection' by looking up the second sub-database (147). In this way, through the classification and activation of the sub-databases, a replacement word that fits the current work context is accurately suggested even within the same replacement history database (140).

[0048] The present invention can be particularly usefully applied in various specialized fields involving repetitive text substitution tasks, such as patent specification translation, technical document proofreading, standardization of legal document terminology, change of identifiers in programming code, and terminology refinement in academic papers. For example, in patent translation work, translators repeatedly search for and replace dozens of pairs of technical terms (e.g., 'semiconductor device' → 'semiconductor device', 'etching process' → 'etching process', 'insulating layer' → 'insulating layer', etc.). According to the present invention, since these pairs are accumulated and stored in a replacement history database (140), the user can significantly reduce the number of operations by automatically entering the corresponding replacement term simply by selecting a search term from a dropdown history list (123).

[0049] A method according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored, and includes ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc. Additionally, the computer-readable recording medium may be distributed across networked computer systems so that computer-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for assisting document editing executed by a computer device, comprising: a step of storing a pair of the specific search term and the specific replacement term as replacement history data in a database at the time when a user executes a replacement after entering a specific search term in the 'Find and Replace' input field and a specific replacement term in the 'Replace' input field of the 'Find and Replace' window of a document editing interface; a step of displaying a previously stored search term history including the specific search term in a dropdown history list of the 'Find' input field; a method for automating replacement in a word processor, comprising the step of: detecting an event in which the user selects the specific search term from the dropdown history list; and, simultaneously with the detection of the event, querying the replacement term mapped to the specific search term in the database and automatically in the 'Replace' input field Claim 2 In claim 1, when multiple replacement words are stored for the same search term in the database, the step of automatically displaying the replacement word that was most recently replaced is displayed in the 'content to be replaced' input field in priority, a method for automating replacement in a word processor. Claim 3 In claim 1, when multiple replacement words are stored for the same search term in the database, the step of automatically displaying the replacement word with the highest frequency of replacement execution is displayed in the 'content to be replaced' input field, thereby automating the replacement of a word processor. Claim 4 In claim 1, when multiple replacement words are stored for the same search term in the database, the step of automatically displaying the multiple replacement words is presented as a drop-down list of the 'content to be replaced' input field so that the user can select them, in a word processor replacement automation method. Claim 5 A method for automating replacement in a word processor according to claim 1, wherein the storing step stores time information when the pair is replaced in the database together with the pair, and the automatically displaying step displays the most recent replacement word in the 'content to be replaced' input field based on the time information. Claim 6 A method for automating replacement in a word processor according to claim 1, further comprising the step of detecting an event in which a user directly types a search term into the 'content to find' input field instead of an event in which a user selects the specific search term from the dropdown history list, and, if the search term entered by direct typing matches a search term stored in the database, automatically displaying a mapped replacement word in the 'content to replace' input field simultaneously with the detection of the event. Claim 7 A method for automating replacement in a word processor, wherein, in claim 1, the database includes a plurality of sub-databases, the plurality of sub-databases are classified based on at least one of a document type, language direction, or task classification specified by a user, and the querying step queries replacement words mapped to the specific search term only in the currently active sub-database. Claim 8 In claim 7, the above-mentioned plurality of sub-databases are classified based on translation correspondence relationships between different language pairs, a word processor replacement automation method. Claim 9 A word processor replacement automation method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of updating the corresponding pair in the database with the modified replacement word when the user modifies the automatically displayed replacement word and performs the replacement. Claim 10 The method of replacing in a word processor according to claim 1, wherein the saving step further includes the step of receiving a saving selection input in which a user instructs whether to save the corresponding pair in the database from the 'Find and Replace' window, and the pair is saved in the database only when the saving selection input instructs to save. Claim 11 A method for automating word processor replacement according to claim 1, wherein the database is stored in the local storage of the computer device and synchronized between multiple computer devices accessed with the same user account.

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