Electronic device, information storage method and program

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus for enabling smooth reading without requiring reexamination of a same phrase, for example, when reading sentences read in the past.SOLUTION: In a process of retrieving, examining, and reading a word, a phrase, an abbreviation, or the like that is not understood by a user as an entry word with a certain sentence being a subject, when a character string is designated that is determined by the user as a translation or a word meaning suitable for the entry word included in description information of the retrieved entry word, the retrieved entry word and the designated character string are sequentially listed and stored (memorized) in an entry word translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e. When a user reads a sentence again that is read in the past, a list of character strings such as an entry word (a phrase) stored (memorized) in the entry word translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e and its translation or word meaning are expanded in an entry word translation temporary storage BOX 40 and displayed on a display unit 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device having, for example, a dictionary function, an information storage method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, when one comes across a word or phrase such as an idiom that one does not understand in the process of reading a document or book, one uses an electronic dictionary.

[0003] Electronic dictionaries store various types of dictionary data, such as language-specific dictionaries (e.g., Japanese and English dictionaries), field-specific dictionaries (e.g., electricity and chemistry dictionaries), and encyclopedias, and as in Patent Document 1, search for explanatory information (explanatory information) such as the translation and meaning corresponding to a headword entered by the user from the dictionary data and display it on the display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-044031 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, when a user is reading an English document and encounters many words in the document that he does not understand, he will have to search an electronic dictionary each time to find the translation of the word.

[0006] However, some words and phrases have multiple meanings as translations, and it is difficult to store only the meaning that the user needs in association with the word or phrase.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device, an information storage method, and a program that enable association of words and phrases with their meanings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The electronic device according to the present invention is a device for storing a character string as part of explanatory information of a headword. a character string indicating the translation or meaning of the headword When a character string is specified by a user operation, the specified character string is associated with the entry word and stored in the storage unit. and when a part of a character string that is not a translation or a meaning of the headword is specified in accordance with the user operation, the control unit does not associate the specified part of the character string with the headword and does not store the specified part of the character string in the storage unit. It is structured as follows. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of an electronic dictionary 10 according to an embodiment of an electronic device, an information storage method, and a program of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary 10. [Diagram 3] 13 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a headword translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e of the electronic dictionary 10. FIG. [Figure 4] 6 is a flowchart showing a BOX storage process by the temporary storage BOX function of the electronic dictionary 10. [Diagram 5] 6 is a flowchart showing a BOX display process by the temporary storage BOX function of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 6A] 13 is a diagram showing a search result display screen G1 according to the dictionary function of the electronic dictionary 10. FIG. [Figure 6B] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing the display operation when a simple search for a specified character string is performed on the search result display screen G1. [Figure 6C] 13 is a diagram showing a display operation (part 1) when a temporary storage BOX function is activated in accordance with the BOX storage process of the electronic dictionary 10. FIG. [Figure 6D] 13 is a diagram showing a display operation (part 2) when the temporary storage BOX function is activated in accordance with the BOX storage process of the electronic dictionary 10. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of an electronic dictionary 10 according to an embodiment of the electronic device, information storage method, and program of the present invention.

[0012] The electronic device may be configured not only as an electronic dictionary 10 described below, but also as a tablet-type PDA (personal digital assistant), PC (personal computer), mobile phone, e-book, portable game console, server on a communication network, etc. equipped with a dictionary function.

[0013] The electronic dictionary 10 is configured with a foldable case in which the main body case 11 and the cover case 12 can be opened / closed via a hinge section 13. On the surface of the main body case 11 when the foldable case is opened, there are provided a key input section 14 (hardware keys) including a [HOME] key 14a, a function designation key 14b, a character input key 14c, a [ENTER] key 14d, a [BACK] key 14e, a [BOX] key 14f, a cursor movement key 14g, a [SHIFT] key 14h, etc., an audio output section (including a speaker) 15, an audio input section (including a microphone) 16, etc.

[0014] A touch panel display unit 17 is provided on the surface of the cover case 12. The touch panel display unit 17 has a structure in which a touch position detection device that detects the position touched by the user with a pen or finger and a display device are integrated together, and is configured by overlapping a transparent touch panel on a color liquid crystal display screen with a backlight.

[0015] A touch key area (software keys) on which keys and function notations (such as [highlighter], [sticky note], and [flash card]) are printed for performing touch operations to press some of the keys in key input unit 14 or to specify some of the functions of electronic dictionary 10 may be provided at the left end of touch panel display unit 17. For example, the [highlighter] key is a key for specifying a highlighter function for adding a highlighter of any color to text displayed on touch panel display unit 17.

[0016] The [Home] key 14a of the key input unit 14 is a key for displaying a home screen on the display unit 17. Although not specifically shown, the home screen displays a plurality of icons that are registered according to the initial settings of the electronic dictionary 10 or user operations. Each icon is a figure or symbol for activating a function corresponding to the notation of the icon. For example, it includes an application icon for directly activating a function (application) that uses dictionary content or learning content, and a group icon for displaying a list screen of icons of a plurality of functions belonging to one category.

[0017] The function specification keys 14b of the key input unit 14 are used to directly specify the dictionary content (such as [Encyclopedia]), dictionary content category (such as [Japanese language], [Archaeological language], [Chinese-Japanese], [English-Japanese]), [Content list], or one of the tool categories, [Study notebook], displayed on each key.

[0018] In addition, when a key of the key input unit 14 is operated after the [Shift] key 14h is operated, the key functions as the key indicated in a box on the key top, not the key function indicated without a box on the key top. For example, when the [Delete] key is operated after the [Shift] key 14h is operated, the key functions as the [Setting] key, not the [Delete] key.

[0019] The electronic dictionary 10 has a temporary storage BOX function that is activated by a [BOX] key 14f arranged on the key input unit 14 or displayed on the touch panel display unit 17. The temporary storage BOX function is activated when, on a search result display screen G1 including an entry word (here, "study") and its explanatory information specified by a user, a character string (here, "research") which is, for example, a part of a translation or meaning in the explanatory information is stored (stored) in a later-described entry word translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e (see FIG. 2) in association with the entry word "study." The temporary storage BOX function is also activated when a list of entry words and their translations or meanings stored (stored) in the entry word translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e is displayed.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG.

[0021] The electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary 10 includes a control unit (CPU: central processing unit) 21, which is a computer. The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with a control program prestored in a storage unit 22 such as a flash ROM. There may be one processor such as a CPU or two or more processors.

[0022] In addition, at least one of the control program and the dictionary data described later may be read from an external recording medium 23 such as a memory card by the recording medium reading unit 24 and stored in the memory unit 22, or may be downloaded from a Web server (here, a program server) 30 on the communication network N via the communication unit 25 and stored in the memory unit 22.

[0023] The control unit 21 is connected to a memory unit 22, a recording medium reading unit 24, and a communication unit 25 via data and control buses, as well as to a key input unit 14, an audio output unit 15, an audio input unit 16, and a touch panel display unit 17.

[0024] The memory unit 22 stores a system program that controls the overall operation of the electronic dictionary 10, a communication program for connecting to external electronic devices via the communication unit 25, as well as control programs including a search processing program 22a and a temporary storage box processing program 22b.

[0025] The memory unit 22 also has memory areas for storing data for executing various functions by the electronic dictionary 10, such as a dictionary data memory area 22c, a search history memory area 22d, a temporary headword translation storage box memory area 22e, and a working data memory area 22f.

[0026] The search processing program 22a includes a control program for searching for and displaying a user-desired headword and explanatory information such as a translation, meaning, usage example, and explanation corresponding to the headword, based on various dictionary contents (English-Japanese dictionary / Japanese-English dictionary / Japanese dictionary / encyclopedia / ...) stored as dictionary data (22c) in the dictionary data storage area 22c.

[0027] Incidentally, the entry words of various dictionary contents (dictionary data (22c)) are associated with difficulty level information indicating, for example, the learning difficulty of the entry word (low difficulty level 1 to high difficulty level 5).

[0028] The temporary storage BOX processing program 22b is a control program which controls the temporary storage BOX function which is activated by the [BOX] key 14f, and includes a control program for a BOX storage process (see Figure 4) for storing (storing) only character strings which are, for example, a partial translation or meaning of the explanatory information specified by the user on the search result display screen G1 which includes the headword and its explanatory information, in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e in association with the headword without the user having to select a separate headword again after specifying the character string, and a control program for a BOX display process (see Figure 5) for displaying a list of the headwords and character strings stored (stored) in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e.

[0029] In the search history memory area 22d, in accordance with a search in response to user operation, each time a headword and its explanatory information are displayed on the search result display screen G1, the headword that was the subject of the search is stored as search history by type of dictionary data along with search count information indicating the number of times the headword was searched.

[0030] In the working data memory area 22f, various data input in response to user operations and data acquired or generated by the control unit 21 are temporarily stored (held) as needed in association with control of the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with the control program by the control unit 21.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the entry word translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e of the electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG.

[0032] In the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e, only a character string (here, a translation) which is, for example, a part of a translation or a meaning of the explanatory information specified by the user on the search result display screen G1 including the searched headword and its explanatory information is stored (stored) in association with the headword. Also, in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e, the storage date and time of the headword and its translation, the difficulty level of the headword, and the number of times the headword has been searched are stored (stored) in association with the headword and its translation to be stored (stored).

[0033] The difficulty level of the entry word is obtained based on the difficulty level information of the entry word included in the dictionary content (dictionary data (22c)), and the number of searches of the entry word is obtained based on the search count information of the entry word stored in the search history storage area 22d. The difficulty level and the number of searches of the entry word here may be obtained by referring to the dictionary content (dictionary data (22c)) and the search history storage area 22d as necessary, without storing them in the entry word translation temporary storage box storage area 22e.

[0034] In addition, in the entry word translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e, data of a list associating an entry word with only character strings designated by the user from among the entry word's explanatory information is stored in association with a file name of the user's choice, and the data associated with the file name is stored in a folder of the user's choice. Here, data of a list of an entry word associated with one file name and only character strings designated by the user is stored as data corresponding to one entry word translation temporary storage BOX 40 (see Figs. 6C and 6D).

[0035] In the electronic dictionary 10 configured in this manner, the control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with the commands of the control program stored in the memory unit 22, and the software and hardware operate in cooperation to realize various functions including a dictionary function and a temporary storage box function, as described in the operation explanation below.

[0036] Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment will be described.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing BOX storage processing by the temporary storage BOX function of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing BOX display processing by the temporary storage BOX function of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0039] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a search result display screen G1 according to the dictionary function of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0040] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a display operation when a simple search of a specified character string is performed within the search result display screen G1.

[0041] FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a display operation (part 1) when the temporary storage BOX function is activated according to the BOX storage processing of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0042] FIG. 6D is a diagram showing a display operation (part 2) when the temporary storage BOX function is activated according to the BOX storage processing of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0043] <BOX Storage Processing> Here, it is assumed that the user reads, for example, a certain English document (document name a1), while searching for and examining unknown phrases such as words, phrases, and abbreviations included in the text (English text). In the following processing, unless otherwise limited, it is assumed that the control unit 21 executes or controls.

[0044] Note that the text to be read by the user is not limited to a text described in a single language, and of course includes texts in which multiple language types such as English and Japanese are mixed.

[0045] When the user designates the dictionary content (dictionary data (22c)) of the English-Japanese dictionary using the function designation key 14b, inputs the headword (here, a word) "study" to be searched for using the character input key 14c, and operates the [Decision] key 14d, the control unit 21 searches for the input headword "study" from the designated dictionary data (22c) of the English-Japanese dictionary. Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, as a result of the search, the headword "study" and its explanatory information are acquired, and a search result display screen G1 including the acquired headword and its explanatory information is displayed on the touch panel display unit 17 (step S1).

[0046] On the search result display screen G1, for example, when the user determines that "research" in the explanatory information is appropriate as the translation of the phrase "study" in the document the user is reading, and the user wants to associate (correspond) only the phrase "study" and its translation "research" and store them in the electronic dictionary 10, when the user designates the character string "research" by a touch operation on the touch panel display unit 17 or a key operation on the key input unit 14 (step S2 (Yes)), the control unit 21 makes the background color of the area around the designated character string "research" into a color different from the background color of the entire display unit 17 (for example, a colored color such as yellow) for the identification display H, and determines whether the designated character string "research" is the translation of the searched headword "study" based on the dictionary data (22c) (step S3).

[0047] Note that when the user does not designate an arbitrary character string by a key operation (step S2 (No)), the processing in the BOX function described later is not performed.

[0048] When it is determined that the designated character string "research" is the translation of the searched headword "study" (step S3 (Yes)), the control unit 21 displays a simple search result window E including the [BOX] key 14f as a software key which is an icon for activating the temporary storage BOX function on the touch panel display unit 17. (step S4).

[0049] When the temporary storage box function is activated by the user operating the [BOX] key 14f provided in the simple search result window E or the [BOX] key 14f arranged on the key input unit 14 (step S4 (Yes)), the control unit 21 displays the entry word translation temporary storage box display window 42 in the search result display screen G1, as shown in Fig. 6C. The entry word translation temporary storage box display window 42 includes an entry word translation temporary storage box 40, a [BOX] button 41 provided on the upper end side of the temporary storage box 40, and a close button 43 for closing the entry word translation temporary storage box display window 42 by touching it. Here, a list of combinations of entry words and designated character strings only (here, "[ant]" as the entry word and "ant" as the designated character string, and "[biology]" as the entry word and "biology" as the designated character string) currently temporarily stored (stored) in the working data storage area 22f is expanded and displayed in the entry word translation temporary storage box 40.

[0050] In this state, when the user operates the [BOX] button 41 to store the data of the combination of the newly retrieved entry word "study" and the specified character string "Kenkyu" in the entry word translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e of the electronic dictionary 10, the newly retrieved entry word "study" and the specified character string of the translation "Kenkyu" are added in association (correspondence) to a list of combinations of only entry words and specified character strings in the temporary storage BOX 40, as shown in Fig. 6D (step S5). In other words, other translations of "study", such as "gakumon" (academic study) and "gakugyo" (academic work), are not displayed in combination with the entry word "study" in the temporary storage BOX 40.

[0051] If the user does not perform addition by key operation (step S4 (No)), processing by the BOX function described later is not performed.

[0052] Figure 6C shows an example of a display in which the two words "ant" and "biology" in the document (document name a1) currently being read by the user have already been searched for, like the word "study," and have been temporarily held (stored) in the working data memory area 22f, and Figure 6D shows an example of a display in which, following the processing of step S5, the currently searched headword "study" and the specified character string for the translation "research" have been associated (matched), and added to a list of combinations of the two words already temporarily held and the specified character string for their translation ([ant] ant, [biology] biology).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6A, when the character string "research" included in the explanatory information of the entry word "study" is specified on the search result display screen G1 (step S2 (Yes)), if the electronic dictionary 10 has a simple search function, a simple search result window E is displayed, as shown in FIG. 6B, which shows a search for and displays simple explanatory information (explanatory information that extracts the main meaning, translation, etc.) of the specified character string "research."

[0054] Then, when the user operates the [BOX] key 14f provided in the simple search result window E or the [BOX] key 14f arranged on the key input unit 14, the control unit 21 displays a list of headwords and their translations (here, [ant], [biology]) currently temporarily stored (stored) in the working data storage area 22f in the headword translation temporary storage BOX display window 42, as shown in Fig. 6C. When the user operates the [BOX] button 41 provided at the top of the temporary storage BOX 40, the currently searched headword "study" and the specified character string of the translation "research" are associated (corresponded) and added to the list of headwords and their translations in the temporary storage BOX 40, as shown in Fig. 6D (step S5).

[0055] 6D, when the user operates the close button 43, the headword translation temporary storage BOX display window 42 is closed without adding and saving the data of the currently searched headword "study" and the specified translation character string "research" in the headword translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e (step S6 (No)). On the other hand, when the user operates the [BOX] button 41 again, a save (storage) instruction is started (step S6 (Yes)). When the save instruction is started, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 17 to display a folder designation window (not shown) for designating a destination folder in the headword translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e (step S7). Note that even at this stage, the user may operate the close button 43 to close the headword translation temporary storage BOX display window 42 without adding and saving.

[0056] Here, the folder names of the folders in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e may be arbitrarily set by the user according to the language or field of the text to be read, such as "English Documents", "Japanese Documents", and "Academic Journals".

[0057] When the destination folder is specified, the control unit 21 displays a file name input window (not shown) for specifying a file name on the display unit 17 (step S8). If there is no folder to store the file in, a new folder may be created.

[0058] Here, when the name of the document currently being loaded, for example "a1", is input and specified as the file name, the control unit 21 associates the data of the list of headwords and their translations currently temporarily held (stored) in the working data memory area 22f with the specified file name "a1" in the specified folder "A", as shown in Figure 3, and stores (confirms) the data in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e (step S9).

[0059] In addition, in step S6, if a save (storage) instruction is not given by touching the [BOX] button 41 in the temporary headword translation storage box 40 and the close button 43 is not operated by the user for a certain period of time, it is assumed that a save (storage) instruction has not been initiated, and each time headwords and their translations resulting from a search similar to that described above are repeatedly added to the list (steps S1 to S5), the character strings of the searched headword and the specified translation are added to the working data memory area 22f and temporarily held (stored) therein.

[0060] In this case, the list of headwords and their translations is not saved (confirmed) in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e, but the list of headwords and their translations can be saved in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e at any time by operating the [BOX] button 41 in the headword translation temporary storage BOX 40.

[0061] This allows the user to smoothly continue reading the document while easily checking the words and phrases that he or she has looked up so far and their translations, even if the user is in the middle of reading the document while searching for and looking up an unknown word or phrase.

[0062] On the other hand, in step S3, for example, if the word "literature" is specified instead of the word "research" and it is determined that the character string specified by the user on the search result display screen G1 is not a translation of the searched headword (step S3 (No)), the control unit 21 determines whether or not a function other than the temporary storage box function has been specified (step S10).

[0063] Here, if the user specifies the highlight function by touching, for example, the [Highlight] key in the touch key area, it is determined that another function is specified (step S10 (Yes)), and the specified other function, i.e., adding a highlight to the specified character string, is executed (step S11). If it is determined that no other function is specified (step S10 (No)), the process ends.

[0064] In accordance with the BOX storage process of such a temporary storage BOX function, while reading any document, the user can sequentially add the headwords (here, words) retrieved and examined by the electronic dictionary 10 and the translations corresponding to the headwords to the list in the headword-translation temporary storage BOX 40 and temporarily hold (store) them in the work data storage area 22f. Furthermore, the list of headwords and translations in the headword-translation temporary storage BOX 40 that has been temporarily held can be stored (confirmed for storage) in the headword-translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e. By storing in this way, the user does not need to memorize unnecessary translations, and the amount stored in the headword-translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e can be suppressed.

[0065] <BOX display process> Here, a case will be described where the user reads the English document (document name a1) that has been read once while searching for and examining unknown phrases in accordance with the aforementioned BOX storage process.

[0066] When the temporary storage BOX function is activated in response to the operation of the [BOX] key 14f of the key input unit 14 (step D1 (Yes)), the control unit 21 causes the display unit 17 to display a file name list window (not shown) for specifying an arbitrary file of the user from the folders stored (memorized) in the headword-translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e.

[0067] When the file name "a1" in the folder "A" is specified in the file name list window (step D2), the control unit 21 causes the display unit 17 to display a display order specification window (not shown) for specifying the display order of the list of headwords (words) and translations stored (memorized) in the specified file (step D3).

[0068] In the display order specification window, the display order options <storage order> <ABC / kana order> <order of difficulty> <order of search times> are displayed.

[0069] In the display order specification window, when <save order> is specified from the display order options (step D3 <save order>), the control unit 21 displays an option [ascending / descending order] for the user to select the ascending or descending order of the save time series.

[0070] When ascending or descending order is selected according to the user operation (step D4a), the control unit 21 arranges the list of headword translations ([ant] ant, [biology] biology, [study] study) associated with the specified file name "a1" stored (memorized) in the headword translation temporary save BOX storage area 22e (see Fig. 3) in ascending or descending order based on the save date and time, and generates a headword translation temporary save BOX 40 (see Fig. 6D) that is expanded. Then, the generated headword translation temporary save BOX 40 is displayed on the display unit 17 (step D5).

[0071] Also, in the display order specification window, when <ABC / kana order> is specified from the display order options (step D3 <ABC / kana order>), the control unit 21 displays an option [ABC order / kana order] for the user to select the ABC (alphabet) order or kana order.

[0072] When ABC order or kana order and ascending order are selected according to the user operation (step D4b), the control unit 21 arranges the list of headwords and translations associated with the specified file name "a1" stored (memorized) in the headword translation temporary save BOX storage area 22e (see Fig. 3). When ABC order is selected, the headwords in the language using the alphabet are arranged alphabetically at the top, and when kana order is selected, the Japanese headwords are arranged in kana order at the top, and generates a headword translation temporary save BOX 40 (see Fig. 6D) that is expanded. Then, the generated headword translation temporary save BOX 40 is displayed on the display unit 17 (step D5).

[0073] Furthermore, when "order of difficulty" and descending order are selected from the display order options in the display order selection window (step D3 <order of difficulty>), the control unit 21 sorts the list of headwords and their translations ([ant], [biology], [study]) associated with the specified file name "a1" stored (stored) in the headword translation temporary storage box storage area 22e (see FIG. 3) based on the difficulty index of the headword (step D4c). Here, the difficulty index of "ant" is 2, the difficulty index of "biology" is 3, and the difficulty index of "study" is 1, so the order is [biology] → [ant] → [study].

[0074] Then, the entry word translation temporary storage box 40 is generated by expanding the list of entry words and their translations sorted based on the degree of difficulty, and the generated entry word translation temporary storage box 40 is displayed on the display unit 17 (step D5).

[0075] Furthermore, when <search count order> descending order is selected from the display order options in the display order designation window (step D3 <search count order>), the control unit 21 sorts the list of headwords and their translations ([ant], [biology], [study]) associated with the designated file name "a1" stored (stored) in the headword translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e (see FIG. 3) based on the number of searches of the headwords (step D4d). In this case, the number of searches for "ant" is 4, the number of searches for "biology" is 3, and the number of searches for "study" is 1, so the order is [ant] → [biology] → [study], as in the case of the above-mentioned <storage order> [ascending order].

[0076] Then, the entry word translation temporary storage box 40 is generated by expanding the list of entry words and their translations sorted based on the number of searches, and the generated entry word translation temporary storage box 40 is displayed on the display unit 17 (step D5).

[0077] As a result, when the user reads the English document (document name a1) that has been read once again, even for words that have been searched in the past but not fully memorized and their translations, the user can smoothly read on while immediately checking them in the heading word translation temporary storage BOX 40 displayed on the display unit 17.

[0078] Moreover, when specifying <storage order> to display the heading word translation temporary storage BOX 40, the heading words and their translations instructed to be stored in the above-mentioned BOX storage process are arranged and displayed in accordance with the flow of reading the text. Therefore, even if words that the user cannot fully remember appear in the text, the user can smoothly read on while re-checking their translations.

[0079] Also, when specifying <ABC / alphabetical order>, the heading words and their translations instructed to be stored in the above-mentioned BOX storage process are displayed with the heading words in the language using the alphabet arranged at the top or the heading words in Japanese arranged at the top according to the user's language selection. Therefore, for example, even if the document the user is reading is an academic document and there are multiple languages mixed in the stored heading words, the user can smoothly read on while re-checking the heading words and their translations in the language with a higher priority for the user at the top of the heading word translation temporary storage BOX 40.

[0080] Also, when specifying <order of difficulty>, the heading words and their translations instructed to be stored in the above-mentioned BOX storage process are arranged and displayed in the order of difficulty of the heading words. Therefore, the user can smoothly and effectively for learning read on while re-checking the words with a higher difficulty and their translations at the top of the heading word translation temporary storage BOX 40.

[0081] Furthermore, if "order of search count" is specified, the headwords and their translations instructed to be saved in the aforementioned BOX saving process are displayed in order of the number of times the headwords have been searched, so that the user can more smoothly proceed through the text while reconfirming the highly noteworthy words and their translations that the user himself / herself has not memorized at the top of the headword translation temporary saving BOX 40.

[0082] Furthermore, in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e, a list of headwords and their translations designated for storage by the user is stored (memorized) in association with a file name of the user's choice, such as the name of the document, for each document read by the user. Therefore, when a document read in the past is to be read again, the list of headwords (words) and their translations stored in association with the document can be smoothly expanded and displayed in the headword translation temporary storage BOX 40.

[0083] <Summary of the embodiment> According to an embodiment, data of a combination of a headword in a dictionary, which is the searched word, and only the character string specified by the user from the explanatory information of this headword is stored in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e of the electronic dictionary 10. Therefore, when the searched headword is read out again from the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e, even if there is a character string other than the specified character string that is unnecessary for the user in the explanatory information of the headword, since it is not specified, it will not be displayed, so the user does not need to remember unnecessary translations and the amount of data to be stored in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e can be reduced.

[0084] Then, by simply specifying any character string from the explanatory information, the user can automatically link the corresponding entry word to the specified character string and store it in the entry word translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e, thereby simplifying the storage operation.

[0085] According to the temporary storage BOX function of the electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment, for example, while reading a certain passage while searching for and examining words, phrases, abbreviations and other phrases that the user does not understand as headwords, when the user specifies a character string that the user judges to be a suitable translation or meaning of the headword contained in the explanatory information of the searched headword, the searched headword and the specified character string are sequentially stored (stored) in a list in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e.

[0086] Then, for example, when the user re-reads a sentence that he / she read in the past, a list of the headwords (phrases) and their translations, meanings, etc., that are specified by the user and stored (stored) in the headword translation temporary storage BOX memory area 22e from among the headwords (phrases) that he / she searched for when he / she read the same sentence in the past can be expanded in the headword translation temporary storage BOX 40 and displayed on the display unit 17.

[0087] This allows the user, for example, when re-reading a passage that he or she has read in the past, to smoothly read while immediately checking information such as words that the user has not memorized and their appropriate translations and meanings, without the need to look up the same words again.

[0088] Each of the processing methods by the electronic dictionary 10 described in the above embodiment, i.e., each of the methods such as the BOX storage processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4 and the BOX display processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5, can be distributed as a program that can be executed by a computer and stored in a medium of an external recording device such as a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory. Then, the control unit (CPU) of the electronic device loads the program recorded in the medium of the external recording device into the storage device, and the operation is controlled by the loaded program, thereby realizing the dictionary function and temporary storage BOX function described in the embodiment and executing the same processing by the above-mentioned methods.

[0089] In addition, the program data for realizing each technique can be transmitted over a communication network (N) in the form of program code, and the program data can be imported into an electronic device from a computer device (program server) connected to this communication network (N) and stored in a storage device, thereby realizing the dictionary function and temporary storage box function mentioned above.

[0090] The electronic device of the embodiment has been described as being realized by the electronic dictionary 10, but it can of course be realized by the Web server 30 on the communication network N. In this case, for example, by connecting to the Web server 30 using a communication terminal such as a tablet terminal operated by a user, the Web server 30 executes the same functions as those of the electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment. In the above embodiment, the electronic dictionary 10 includes the dictionary data storage area 22c, but the dictionary data storage area 22c may be provided in the Web server 30 instead.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the electronic dictionary 10 includes the entry word translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e. However, the entry word translation temporary storage BOX storage area 22e may be provided in the Web server 30 instead.

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, or some constituent elements are combined in a different form, if the problem described in the "Problem to be Solved by the Invention" column can be solved and the effect described in the "Effects of the Invention" column can be obtained, the configuration in which the constituent elements are deleted or combined can be extracted as an invention. The invention as originally claimed in the present application is set forth below.

[0093] [Appendix 1] a control unit that, when a character string of a part of explanatory information of an entry word is designated by a user operation, causes the designated character string to be stored in a storage unit in association with the entry word; electronic equipment.

[0094] [Appendix 2] When the explanatory information includes an unspecified character string, the control unit does not associate the unspecified character string with the entry word and store the associated character string in the storage unit. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1.

[0095] [Appendix 3] the control unit searches dictionary data for a word input by a user operation, and acquires an entry word including the searched word and explanatory information corresponding to the entry word; 10. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0096] [Appendix 4] A display unit that displays the entry word and explanatory information corresponding to the entry word, the display unit displays the specified character string and an entry word associated with the specified character string in a list. 4. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0097] [Appendix 5] The control unit is when a character string included in explanatory information corresponding to an entry word displayed on the display unit is designated by a user operation, each time a character string included in explanatory information corresponding to a different entry word is designated, the displayed entry word and the designated character string are stored in the storage unit as a list; 5. The electronic device according to claim 4.

[0098] [Appendix 6] The control unit is When a character string included in explanatory information corresponding to an entry word displayed on the display unit is designated by a user, it is determined whether or not the designated character string is an explanatory character string of the displayed entry word; when it is determined that the specified character string is a character string explaining the displayed entry word, the displayed entry word and the specified character string are stored in the storage unit in association with each other. 6. The electronic device according to claim 4 or 5.

[0099] [Appendix 7] The control unit is displaying, on the display unit, the entry words stored in the storage unit and character strings associated with the stored entry words in response to an instruction from the user; 7. An electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Note 4 to Supplementary Note 6.

[0100] [Appendix 8] The control unit is when a character string included in the explanatory information corresponding to an entry word displayed on the display unit is designated by a user, at least one piece of information selected from among date and time information, difficulty level information for the entry word, and number of searches for the entry word is stored in the storage unit in association with the displayed entry word and the designated character string. 8. An electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Note 4 to Supplementary Note 7.

[0101] [Appendix 9] The control unit is displaying, on the display unit, the entry words stored in the storage unit and character strings associated with the entry words in the order of date and time corresponding to the date and time information, in the order of difficulty corresponding to the difficulty information, in the order of number of searches corresponding to the number of searches information, or in the order of language types of the entry words; 9. The electronic device according to claim 8.

[0102] [Appendix 10] The control unit is displaying, on the display unit, the entry words stored in the storage unit and character strings associated with the entry words in a display mode in which the entry words are expanded within a specific frame; 10. An electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Note 4 to Supplementary Note 9.

[0103] [Appendix 11] The control unit is storing the entry word and a character string associated with the entry word in association with an arbitrary file name input by the user; 11. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0104] [Appendix 12] The electronic device's control unit specifying a character string included in the explanatory information of the entry word in accordance with a user operation, and storing the specified character string in a storage unit in association with the entry word; This is a method of storing information.

[0105] [Appendix 13] The control unit of the electronic device, specifying a character string included in the explanatory information of the entry word in accordance with a user operation, and storing the specified character string in a storage unit in association with the entry word; A program to make it function like this. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10. Electronic dictionary (electronic device) 14 …Key input section 14f…[BOX] key 17 …Touch panel display 21...Control unit (CPU) 22...Storage section 22a…Search processing program 22b...Temporary storage BOX processing program 22c…Dictionary data storage area 22d…Search history storage area 22e…Temporary storage box for headword translations 22f…Work data storage area 23 ... External recording media 24 ... Recording medium reading unit 25 … Communications Department N…Communication network 30 ... Web server G1 … Search result display screen 40 … Temporary storage box for headword translations 41 …[BOX] button 42 … Temporary storage box display window for headword translation E … Simple search results window

Claims

1. a control unit that, when a character string that is a part of a character string included in explanatory information corresponding to an entry word and indicates a translation or meaning of the entry word is designated by a user operation, associates the designated character string with the entry word and stores the designated character string in a storage unit; when a part of a character string that is not a translation or a meaning of the headword is specified in accordance with the user operation, the control unit does not associate the specified part of the character string with the headword and does not store the specified part of the character string in the storage unit. electronic equipment.

2. the control unit causes, in accordance with a user operation, the storage unit to store some of the translations or meanings of the plurality of translations or meanings corresponding to the headword in association with the headword; 2. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. the control unit searches dictionary data for a word input by a user operation, and acquires an entry word including the searched word and explanatory information corresponding to the entry word; 3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A display unit that displays the entry word and explanatory information corresponding to the entry word, the display unit displays the specified character string and an entry word associated with the specified character string in a list. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit is Each time a character string indicating a translation or meaning of a different headword, which is displayed on the display unit and is included in explanatory information corresponding to the different headword from an headword already stored in the storage unit, is specified, the headword different from the headword already stored in the storage unit is stored in the storage unit in association with the specified character string.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit is displaying, on the display unit, the entry words stored in the storage unit and character strings associated with the stored entry words in response to an instruction based on a user operation; The electronic device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The control unit is when a character string indicating a translation or meaning of the headword included in the explanatory information corresponding to the headword displayed on the display unit is specified by the user operation, the displayed headword and the specified character string are stored in the storage unit in association with at least one of date and time information, difficulty level information of the headword, and search count information of the headword.

7. The electronic device according to claim 4.

8. The control unit is displaying, on the display unit, the entry words and character strings associated with the entry words stored in the storage unit in order of date and time corresponding to the date and time information, in order of difficulty corresponding to the difficulty information, in order of number of searches corresponding to the number of searches information, or in order of language type of the entry words; 8. The electronic device according to claim 7.

9. The control unit is displaying, on the display unit, the entry word stored in the storage unit and a character string associated with the entry word in a display mode in which the entry word is expanded within a specific frame; 9. The electronic device according to claim 4.

10. The control unit is storing the entry word and a character string associated with the entry word as a file having an arbitrary file name input by a user operation; 10. The electronic device according to claim 1.

11. The control unit of the electronic device when a part of a character string included in explanatory information corresponding to a headword is designated by a user operation and indicates a translation or meaning of the headword, the designated character string is associated with the headword and stored in a storage unit, and when a part of a character string which is not a translation or meaning of the headword is designated by the user operation, the designated part of the character string is not associated with the headword and stored in a storage unit. How information is stored.

12. A computer comprising: when a part of a character string included in explanatory information corresponding to a headword is designated by a user operation and indicates a translation or meaning of the headword, the designated character string is associated with the headword and stored in a storage unit, and when a part of a character string which is not a translation or meaning of the headword is designated by the user operation, the designated part of the character string is not associated with the headword and stored in a storage unit. A program to make it function like this.

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