Information processing device, character search program and character search method

Abstract

To easily identify characters.SOLUTION: An information processing device 1 includes a dictionary DB 23 that stores characters and components that make up the characters in association with each other and a variant component DB 24 obtained by grouping components that are similar in shape. When a specific character is selected from variant characters included in character search results, a character designated from the variant characters and a component of interest designated from multiple components that make up the designated character are received, and a search for a variant character which is related to the designated character and in which a part of the component of interest of the designated character has been replaced with another component based on the variant component DB 24 is made using the dictionary DB 23. Then, the information processing device 1 presents the variant character found by the search. Such an information processing device 1 can be applied to selection of characters such as handwritten Kanjis, for example.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Municipal employees are tasked with inputting handwritten documents submitted by residents into the municipal system. In this task, the employee inputs and records the name and address written by hand on, for example, a moving-in notice into the municipal system using a character search app on a PC (Personal Computer). In this case, if there are unfamiliar characters in the name or address, the employee uses the character search app to search for them in the character set of the system of the municipality to which he or she belongs. Each municipality has its own individual character set. If the character search app can search for characters in the character set, it inputs the characters to be searched into the system. On the other hand, if the character search app cannot search for characters in the character set, it registers them as external characters in the character set.

[0003] However, in line with the government's business standardization policy, the character sets used by all local governments are standardized. As a result, the standardized character sets contain a large number of characters with similar shapes. After standardization, each local government is prohibited from registering new external characters. Therefore, when employees encounter a character that is not in the standard character set, they must find the most similar character in the standard character set and enter it.

[0004] One known character search application is, for example, Interstage Charset Manager. This character search application has a handwritten character search function and a character part search function that searches by specifying character components (character parts). The handwritten character search function searches for characters that are similar to the drawn character shape when the user draws it with a mouse or the like, and outputs the searched character set. The character part search function also outputs a character set that has the specified character component when the user specifies a character component (character part). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-218842 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-209814 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the conventional technology has a problem in that it is difficult to identify the characters to be input into the system.

[0007] For example, with the handwritten character search function, if the character set was not standardized, the user could select the characters to be input to the system from a list of characters with similar parts based only on the results of the handwritten character search. However, with the standardized character set, a large number of similar characters are hit, making it difficult to select characters that differ only in the part of interest. As a result, it is difficult to identify the characters to be input to the system.

[0008] In addition, the character part search function allows users to narrow down their search by specifying character part conditions that have various variations of only the target part. However, since there are a large number of character parts, it is difficult for users to grasp how many character parts are similar to the target part and specify them all. It is particularly unrealistic for staff with little knowledge of characters to specify them.

[0009] The above-mentioned issues do not only arise in the operations of local governments, but also in all operations that involve inputting names and addresses in kanji, such as in government agencies, finance, education, and distribution.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention aims to easily identify characters to be input into a system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In one aspect, an information processing device has a dictionary DB that stores characters in correspondence with parts that make up the characters, a parts DB that groups parts with similar shapes, a reception unit that, when selecting a specific character from variants included in a character search result, receives a character specified from the variants and a part of interest specified from a plurality of parts that make up the specified character, a search unit that uses the dictionary DB to search for variants related to the specified character in which the part of interest of the specified character has been replaced with another part based on the parts DB, and a presentation unit that presents the variants searched for by the search unit. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to one embodiment, characters to be input into the system can be easily identified. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of the character search process according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character shape DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the component character shape DB according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dictionary DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a foreign body part DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for character search according to the embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of the search condition generating process according to the embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of the search condition generating process according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a search result according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of the character search process according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer that executes a character search program. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a reference example of handwritten character search. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a diagram (1) showing a reference example of a character part search. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a diagram (2) showing a reference example of character part search. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus, a character search program, and a character search method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0015] First, a conventional character search application will be described. A character search application has a handwritten character search function and a character part search function that searches for character components (character parts) by specifying them.

[0016] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a reference example of handwritten character search. As shown in Fig. 12, when a user inputs a character shape drawn by a mouse or the like, the handwritten character search function searches for characters similar to the input character shape and outputs a character set as the search result. In other words, the handwritten character search function outputs a character set that is similar in shape to the handwritten character.

[0017] Fig. 13A is a diagram (1) showing a reference example of character part search. As shown in Fig. 13A, when a user inputs character parts that make up a character to be searched for, the character part search function outputs a character set having the input character parts. For example, the user specifies each character part one by one from a character part list. The character part search function extracts characters having each specified character part from the dictionary DB, and outputs the extracted character set.

[0018] Here, when a character in a handwritten document has a character part with an ambiguous shape, the user may want to display a list of character sets in which only the character part is replaced with another part with a similar shape, and select the most suitable character from the list. In such a case, the user can use the character part search function to generate part search conditions with various variations of only the target part, and narrow down the search by using the generated part search conditions. FIG. 13B is a diagram (2) showing a reference example of character part search. As shown in FIG. 13B, assume that a character in a handwritten document has a character part (symbol a0) with an ambiguous shape. Then, the user generates part search conditions in which the ambiguous character part is used as the target part and the target part is replaced. Then, the character part search function searches for characters using the generated part search conditions, and outputs a character set.

[0019] Regarding the handwritten character search function shown in Fig. 12, if the character set was before standardization, the user could select characters to input to the system from the character set with similar parts based only on the handwritten character search results. However, with the character set after standardization, a large number of similar characters are hit, making it difficult to select characters that differ only in the part of interest.

[0020] 13B, the user can select one by one from the character part list, generate a part search condition that has variations only in the part of interest, and narrow down the search using the generated part search condition. However, since there are a large number of character parts, it is difficult for the user to grasp how many character parts are similar to the part of interest and to specify them all, and it is difficult to select characters that differ only in the part of interest.

[0021] Therefore, in the following embodiment, a character search method that can easily identify characters to be input to the system will be described. EXAMPLES

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. The information processing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 accepts a character designated from variant characters included in a character search result and a target component designated from a plurality of components (constituent elements) constituting the designated character. Then, the information processing device 1 searches for a variant character related to the designated character in which the target component is replaced with a similar component. The variant character here refers to a different character having a similar character shape. The character search result may be a handwritten character search result, or may be a character component search result in which a character component (constituent element) is specified and searched. In the following, the character search result will be described as a handwritten character search result.

[0023] Here, the character search performed by the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the character search process according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 1 searches for a target character by handwritten character search ( <1> Here, the user inputs a target character (kanji) whose reading is "nabe" by handwriting using a mouse or the like. Then, the information processing device 1 searches for characters whose shape is similar to that of the input character, and outputs the character search results.

[0024] When the information processing device 1 receives a character designated by the user from among the variant characters included in the character search result, it outputs a plurality of parts (components) constituting the designated character ( <2> ). The user specifies the part he / she wants to focus on (hereafter, "part of interest") from among multiple parts (components) ( <3> Here, the user designates "Ha" as the part of interest from among multiple parts (components).

[0025] The information processing device 1 then refers to a different body part DB in which parts with similar shapes are grouped, and extracts a group of different body parts with a similar shape to the specified target part. Here, the different body part group corresponding to the target part "ha" includes three parts "ha", "ru", and "hachi". The information processing device 1 then generates part search conditions in which the target part is replaced with a part from the different body part group ( <4> Here, the information processing device 1 generates three patterns of search conditions for character parts in which "ha" is replaced with each of the parts in the different body part group.

[0026] Then, the information processing device 1 performs a character part search by connecting the part search conditions with OR ( <5> Then, the information processing device 1 presents the results of the narrowing down by the character part search ( <6> ). As a result, the user can select characters to input to the system from the presented search results. In other words, when there is a character part with an ambiguous shape, the information processing device 1 focuses on this character part, searches for and presents a character set in which only the focused part is replaced with another part with a similar shape, thereby enabling the user to select the most suitable character.

[0027] Returning to FIG. 1, the information processing device 1 has a control unit 10 and a memory unit 20. The control unit 10 has a character search unit 11, a component of interest reception unit 12, a search condition generation unit 13, a character component search unit 14, and a presentation unit 15. The memory unit 20 has a character shape DB 21, a component shape DB 22, a dictionary DB 23, and a variant component DB 24. The dictionary DB 23 is an example of a dictionary DB. The variant component DB 24 is an example of a component DB. The component of interest reception unit 12 is an example of a reception unit. The search condition generation unit 13 and the character component search unit 14 are examples of a search unit. The presentation unit 15 is an example of a presentation unit.

[0028] The character shape DB 21 stores the character shape of each character for each character. An example of the character shape DB 21 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a character shape DB according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the character shape DB 21 stores character shape IDs (IDentifiers) and character shape image data in association with each other. The character shape ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies a character shape. The character shape image data is image data of a character shape corresponding to the character shape ID.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 1, the component character shape DB 22 stores the character shapes of each component for each component. An example of the component character shape DB 22 will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a component character shape DB according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the component character shape DB 22 stores a component ID and component character shape image data in association with each other. The component ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies a component. The component character shape image data is image data of a component character shape corresponding to the component ID.

[0030] Returning to FIG. 1, the dictionary DB 23 stores characters and parts (components) that constitute the characters in association with each other. Here, an example of the dictionary DB 23 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a dictionary DB according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the dictionary DB 23 stores character shape IDs, readings, stroke counts, radicals, and part IDs in association with each other. The character shape ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies a character shape, and corresponds to the character shape ID in the character character shape DB 21. The reading is the reading of the character (kanji) of the character shape that corresponds to the character shape ID. The radical is used when classifying the character (kanji) of the character shape that corresponds to the character shape ID. The radical uses a part of the kanji, such as a radical or a crown. The part IDs indicate the part IDs of a group of parts that constitute the character (kanji) of the character shape that corresponds to the character shape ID. The part IDs are a set of part IDs stored in the part character shape DB 22. In addition, in the margin of the part IDs, the part character shape image data corresponding to the part ID is displayed as a supplement.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 1, the distinct part DB 24 stores information on grouping parts with similar shapes. An example of the distinct part DB 24 will now be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a distinct part DB according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the distinct part DB 24 stores part GIDs and part IDs in association with each other. Note that, outside the part IDs, a part shape image corresponding to the part ID is displayed as a supplement. The part GID is an identifier that uniquely identifies a part group. A part group corresponding to a part GID includes multiple parts with similar shapes. The part IDs indicate part IDs of a group of parts included in the part group corresponding to the part GID. The part IDs are a collection of part IDs stored in the part shape DB 22.

[0032] Returning to FIG. 1, character search unit 11 searches for a target character. For example, character search unit 11 accepts a character input by handwriting. Character search unit 11 searches for a character similar to the shape of the accepted handwritten character using character shape DB 21. In addition, character search unit 11 acquires components that constitute the characters of the character search result using dictionary DB 23 and component character shape DB 22. Then, character search unit 11 outputs a character search result that associates character shape image data of the searched character with character shape image data of the components that constitute the character. The characters searched for in the character search result are variant characters and have different fonts. The character search process by character search unit 11 may be performed using, for example, a character search function of a character search application of Interstage Charset Manager.

[0033] The component of interest receiving unit 12 receives the designation of a component of interest. For example, the component of interest receiving unit 12 receives a character of interest designated from among a plurality of characters in the character search result, and a component of interest designated from among a plurality of components constituting the character of interest. Then, the component of interest receiving unit 12 acquires the component IDs of the character of interest and the component ID of the component of interest from the dictionary DB 23.

[0034] The search condition generating unit 13 generates a part search condition. For example, the search condition generating unit 13 acquires a group of parts having a similar character shape to the part of interest from the different body part DB 24. The search condition generating unit 13 generates a part search condition in which the part of the part of interest for the character of interest is replaced with a part included in the acquired group. As an example, the search condition generating unit 13 acquires part GIDs and part IDs including the part ID of the part of interest in the part IDs from the different body part DB 24. The search condition generating unit 13 generates a part search condition expression in which the part ID of the part of interest included in the part IDs of the character of interest is replaced with a part ID included in the part IDs of the part GID. The search condition generating unit 13 generates a part search condition expression for all part IDs included in the part IDs of the part GID.

[0035] The character part search unit 14 performs a character part search. For example, the character part search unit 14 generates a search condition expression by connecting multiple part search condition expressions generated by the search condition generation unit 13 with OR. Then, the character part search unit 14 performs a character part search using the generated search condition expression. As an example, the character part search unit 14 searches the dictionary DB 23 for a set of character shape IDs having part IDs that match the search condition expression.

[0036] The presentation unit 15 presents the search results. For example, the presentation unit 15 displays the search results obtained by the character part search unit 14. As an example, the presentation unit 15 uses the character shape DB 21 to obtain character shape image data corresponding to the obtained set of character shape IDs. Then, the presentation unit 15 displays the obtained character shape image data.

[0037] [Text search screen example] Here, an example of a screen for a character search performed by character search unit 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for a character search according to an embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a screen G0 when performing a character search. Fig. 7 shows a case where a user inputs handwritten character b0 whose reading is "nabe".

[0038] When the character search unit 11 receives the handwritten input character b0, it searches for characters similar in glyph to the received character b0 using the character glyph DB 21. In addition, the character search unit 11 acquires the components constituting the characters in the character search result using the dictionary DB 23 and the component glyph DB 22. The characters to be searched are variant characters with different fonts, and some of the components are different. Then, the character search unit 11 acquires the readings, radicals, stroke counts, etc. of the characters in the character search result from the dictionary DB 23. Then, the character search unit 11 outputs a character search result in which the glyphs of the searched characters, etc. are associated with the glyphs of the components constituting the characters. Here, the glyphs of the characters are shown in each row of the symbol b1. The glyphs of the components constituting the characters are shown in each row of the symbol b2. And the readings, radicals, and stroke counts are shown in association with the glyphs of the characters. Note that the base code is a code used to uniquely identify each row.

[0039] Then, the user designates a target character and a target component from among the plurality of components constituting the target character. Here, the character "邊" in the row of the symbol b3 is designated as the target character. The component "ハ" indicated by the symbol b4 is designated as the target component.

[0040] [An example of search condition generation processing] Here, the search condition generation processing performed by the search condition generation unit 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing an example of the search condition generation processing according to the embodiment.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 8A, the target component reception unit 12 receives the target character with the glyph ID indicating "1" and the target component "ハ" constituting the target character. Then, the target component reception unit 12 acquires the component IDs of the target character and the component ID of the target component from the dictionary DB 23 and the component glyph DB 22. Here, the component IDs of the target character are "1,2,3,5,8" corresponding to the character ID "1" (symbol b10). Assume that the component ID of the target component is "8" corresponding to "ハ" (symbol b11).

[0042] The search condition generating unit 13 acquires a group of parts having a similar character shape to the part of interest from the different part DB 24. In this example, since the part ID of the part of interest is "8", the search condition generating unit 13 acquires the part GID "2" and part IDs "4,6,8" that include the part ID "8" of the part of interest from the different part DB 24 (reference symbol b12).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8B, the search condition generating unit 13 generates a part search condition expression in which the part ID of the target part included in the part IDs of the target character is replaced with the part ID included in the part IDs of the part GID. Here, the part IDs of the target character are "1,2,3,5,8". The part ID of the target part is "8". Therefore, the search condition generating unit 13 generates a part search condition expression of "1,2,3,5,4" in which the target part "ha" with part ID "8" included in the part IDs "1,2,3,5,8" of the target character is replaced with the part "ru" with part ID "4" included in part IDs "4,6,8" of part GID "2". Similarly, the search condition generation unit 13 generates a part search condition expression "1,2,3,5,6" by replacing the target part "ha" with part ID "8" included in the part IDs "1,2,3,5,8" of the target character with the part "ha" with part ID "6" included in the part IDs "4,6,8" of the part GID "2".

[0044] Then, the character part searching unit 14 generates a search condition formula by connecting the multiple part search condition formulas generated by the search condition generating unit 13 with OR.

[0045] Then, the character part search unit 14 searches the dictionary DB 23 for a set of character shape IDs having part IDs that match the search condition expression. Here, the character part search unit 14 searches the dictionary DB 23 for a set of character shape IDs having "1,2,3,5,8", "1,2,3,5,4", and "1,2,3,5,6" as part IDs that match the search condition expression.

[0046] [Example of search results] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the search result according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a search result G1 searched by the search condition expression generated by the search condition generation process described in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. That is, a character set in which only the target part "ha" in the target character is replaced with another part having a similar shape is shown. Here, the character with part IDs "1, 2, 3, 5, 8" is the character shown in the upper row and is the target character. The part shown with the symbol b21 is the target part "ha". The character with part IDs "1, 2, 3, 5, 4" is the character shown in the middle row. The part shown with the symbol b22 is the part "ru" whose shape is similar to the target part. The character with part IDs "1, 2, 3, 5, 6" is the character shown in the lower row. The part shown with the symbol b23 is the part "ha" whose shape is similar to the target part.

[0047] As a result, for example, if a handwritten character contains a character part with an ambiguous shape, the presentation unit 15 displays a character set in which only that character part has been replaced with another part with a similar shape. As a result, the user can easily specify the character to be input to the system.

[0048] [Character search process flowchart] Here, a flowchart of the character search process performed by the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the character search process according to the embodiment.

[0049] 10, first, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not a search has been requested (step S11). For example, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not a handwritten character search has been requested.

[0050] If it is determined that a search has not been requested (step S11; No), the information processing device 1 repeats the determination process until a search is requested. If it is determined that a search has been requested (step S11; Yes), the information processing device 1 acquires search conditions (step S12). For example, the information processing device 1 acquires handwritten characters as search conditions.

[0051] The information processing device 1 searches for characters using the search conditions (step S13). For example, the information processing device 1 searches for characters similar to the character shape of the handwritten input character using the character shape DB 21. Then, the information processing device 1 generates a search result (step S14). For example, the information processing device 1 acquires the searched character shape image data and character shape ID from the character shape DB 21. In addition, the information processing device 1 acquires attribute information (reading, number of strokes, radical, part IDs) corresponding to the character shape ID from the dictionary DB 23. Then, the information processing device 1 acquires part character shape image data corresponding to each part ID of the part IDs from the part character shape DB 22.

[0052] Then, the information processing device 1 displays the generated search results (step S15). For example, the information processing device 1 displays the search results in which character shape image data of characters, character part shape image data of parts constituting characters, and attribute information are associated with each other.

[0053] Next, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not the focus information has been specified (step S16). The focus information here refers to a character of interest and a component of interest that is specified from among a plurality of components that constitute the character of interest. If it is determined that the focus information has not been specified (step S16; No), the information processing device 1 repeats the determination process until the focus information is specified. On the other hand, if it is determined that the focus information has been specified (step S16; Yes), the information processing device 1 acquires a foreign body part group that corresponds to the focus information (step S17). For example, the information processing device 1 acquires, from the foreign body part DB 24, a part GID and part IDs that include the part ID of the focus part in the part IDs.

[0054] Then, the information processing device 1 selects a part included in the different body part group (step S18) For example, the information processing device 1 selects a part indicated by a part ID included in the part IDs corresponding to the part GID.

[0055] Then, the information processing device 1 generates search conditions for the selected parts (step S19). For example, the information processing device 1 generates a part search condition expression in which the part ID of the target part included in the part IDs of the focused character is replaced with the selected part ID. Then, the information processing device 1 connects the search conditions for the selected parts with OR (step S20). For example, the information processing device 1 generates a search condition expression in which the part search condition expressions are connected with OR.

[0056] Then, the information processing device 1 judges whether or not all the parts included in the distinct part group have been selected (step S21). If it is judged that all the parts included in the distinct part group have not been selected (step S21; No), the information processing device 1 proceeds to step S18 to select the next part.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined that all the parts included in the variant part group have been selected (step S21; Yes), the information processing device 1 performs a character part search using the part search conditions (step S22). For example, the information processing device 1 searches the dictionary DB 23 for a set of character IDs having part IDs that match the search condition expression.

[0058] Then, the information processing device 1 generates search results (step S23). For example, the information processing device 1 acquires character shape image data from the character character shape DB 21 for each searched character shape ID. The information processing device 1 acquires attribute information (reading, number of strokes, radical, and part IDs) corresponding to the character shape ID from the dictionary DB 23. Then, the information processing device 1 acquires character component shape image data corresponding to each part ID of the part IDs from the character component shape DB 22.

[0059] Then, the information processing device 1 displays the generated search results (step S24). For example, the information processing device 1 displays the search results in which the character shape image data of the characters, the component character shape image data of the components that make up the characters, and the attribute information are associated with each other. Then, the information processing device 1 ends the character search process.

[0060] In the embodiment, the information processing device 1 inputs handwritten characters, searches for characters similar to the handwritten input characters using the character shape DB 21, and performs a character part search using search conditions in which the focus part of a specified character from the search results is replaced with a similar part. However, the information processing device 1 is not limited to this, and may perform a character part search by specifying a character part (constituent element) to search for a character. In such a case, the information processing device 1 may use the dictionary DB 23 to acquire a set of characters indicated by a character shape ID that matches the part ID of the specified part. In other words, the information processing device 1 may input a character part (constituent element), search for characters including the input part using the dictionary DB 23, and perform a character part search using search conditions in which a focused part of the specified character from the search result is replaced with a similar part.

[0061] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the above embodiment, the information processing device 1 has a dictionary DB 23 that stores characters and parts that constitute the characters in association with each other, and a variant part DB 24 that groups parts that are similar in shape. The information processing device 1 has a reception unit that receives a character specified from variant characters included in a character search result and a target part specified from multiple parts that constitute the specified character when selecting a specific character from variant characters included in the character search result, a search unit that searches for a variant character related to the specified character, in which the target part of the specified character is replaced with another part based on the variant part DB 24, using the dictionary DB 23, and a presentation unit that presents the variant character searched for by the search unit. With this configuration, the information processing device 1 can allow a user to easily select a specific character.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the information processing device 1 acquires a group including a target component from the variant component DB 24. The information processing device 1 generates a search condition in which the part of the target component of a specified character is replaced with a component belonging to the acquired group. Then, the information processing device 1 searches for variant characters matching the generated search condition using the dictionary DB 23. According to this configuration, when a character contains a part with an ambiguous shape, the information processing device 1 can search for a character set in which only the part is replaced with another part with a similar shape. As a result, the information processing device 1 can allow the user to easily select the most suitable character from a character set focusing on the ambiguous part.

[0063] According to the above embodiment, the character search result is a result of searching for characters with similar shapes using handwritten characters as input. This allows the information processing device 1 to search for a character set in which only a handwritten character with an ambiguous part in its shape has been replaced with another part with a similar shape. As a result, the information processing device 1 allows the user to easily select the most suitable character from the character set focusing on the ambiguous part.

[0064] According to the above embodiment, the character search result is a result of searching for characters including parts that make up a character by inputting the parts. As a result, when a part with an ambiguous shape is found in a character by the part character search, the information processing device 1 can search for a character set in which only the part is replaced with another part with a similar shape. As a result, the information processing device 1 can allow the user to easily select the most suitable character from the character set focusing on the ambiguous parts.

[0065] [others] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 1 uses the character shape DB 21, the component shape DB 22, the dictionary DB 23, and the variant component DB 24 to perform a character search. However, although the component IDs in the dictionary DB 23 and the component IDs in the variant component DB 24 are set with component IDs, the component shape image data may be set instead of the member ID. In such a case, the information processing device 1 may use the character shape DB 21, the dictionary DB 23, and the variant component DB 24 to perform a character search.

[0066] In the above embodiment, each component of the information processing device 1 is not necessarily physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of the information processing device 1 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc. Also, the storage unit 20 may be connected to the information processing device 1 as an external device via a network.

[0067] Moreover, the various processes described in the above embodiments can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. Therefore, an example of a computer that executes a character search program that realizes the same functions as the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 1 will be described below. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a computer that executes a character search program.

[0068] 11, the computer 200 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 203 that executes various arithmetic processes, an input device 215 that accepts data input from a user, and a display device 209. The computer 200 also has a drive device 213 that reads programs and the like from a storage medium, and a communication I / F (InterFace) 217 ​​that transmits and receives data to and from other computers via a network. The computer 200 also has a memory 201 that temporarily stores various information, and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 205. The memory 201, the CPU 203, the HDD 205, the display control unit 207, the display device 209, the drive device 213, the input device 215, and the communication I / F 217 are connected by a bus 219.

[0069] Drive device 213 is, for example, a device for removable disk 211. HDD 205 stores character search program 205a and character search processing related information 205b. Communication I / F 217 manages the interface between the network and the inside of the device, and controls input and output of data from other computers. For example, a modem or a LAN adapter can be used as communication I / F 217.

[0070] The display device 209 is a display device that displays a cursor, an icon, a tool box, and data such as documents, images, function information, etc. The display device 209 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display.

[0071] CPU 203 reads character search program 205a, expands it in memory 201, and executes it as a process. Such processes correspond to each functional unit of information processing device 1. Character search processing related information 205b includes, for example, character shape DB 21, component shape DB 22, dictionary DB 23, and variant component DB 24. For example, removable disk 211 stores each piece of information such as character search program 205a.

[0072] Character search program 205a does not necessarily have to be stored in HDD 205 from the beginning. For example, the program may be stored in a "portable physical medium" such as a flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, DVD disk, magneto-optical disk, or IC card that is inserted into computer 200. Computer 200 may then read out character search program 205a from these and execute it.

[0073] Furthermore, the character search process performed by the information processing device 1 described in the above embodiment can be applied to the selection of characters such as handwritten Kanji characters, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. Information processing device 10 Control section 11 Character search section 12 Part of interest reception section 13 Search Criteria Generation Unit 14 Character Part Search Section 15 Presentation section 20 Memory section 21 Character glyph DB 22 Parts Shape DB 23 Dictionary DB 24 Different parts DB

Claims

1. a dictionary DB that stores characters in association with parts that constitute the characters; A parts DB that groups parts with similar shapes; a receiving unit that, when selecting a specific character from variants included in a character search result, receives a character designated from the variants and a target component designated from a plurality of components constituting the designated character; a search unit that searches, using the dictionary DB, for a variant character related to the specified character, the variant character being obtained by replacing the part of interest of the specified character with another part based on the part DB; a presentation unit that presents the variant characters searched for by the search unit; 13. An information processing device comprising:

2. The search unit is acquiring a group including the target part from the part DB; generating search conditions in which the portion of the specified character that corresponds to the target part is replaced with a part that belongs to the acquired group; Using the dictionary DB, a search is made for variant characters that match the generated search criteria.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

3. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the character search result is a result of searching for characters having a similar shape to a handwritten character as an input.

4. The character search result is a result of searching for characters including parts that constitute characters by inputting the parts.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

5. When selecting a specific character from variants included in the character search result, a character designated from the variants and a target component designated from a plurality of components constituting the designated character are received; searching for variants of the specified character, the variants being obtained by replacing the location of the target part of the specified character, using a dictionary DB that stores characters in association with parts that constitute the characters, based on a part DB in which parts having similar shapes are grouped; presenting the retrieved variants; A character search program that causes a computer to carry out processing.

6. When selecting a specific character from variants included in the character search result, a character designated from the variants and a target component designated from a plurality of components constituting the designated character are received; searching for variants of the specified character, the variants being obtained by replacing the location of the target part of the specified character, using a dictionary DB that stores characters in association with parts that constitute the characters, based on a part DB in which parts having similar shapes are grouped; presenting the retrieved variants; A character search method in which processing is performed by a computer.

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