New predictive text input system for Japanese

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: the predictive conversion of the "Japanese input system with a predictive conversion function using a dedicated user dictionary" in the patent literature 2 can be combined with the exact match search type batch conversion kana-kanji conversion system of JISX4064 that initiates conversion with a conversion key; however, it cannot be combined with the "Kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion Japanese input system" (Japanese input system of the patent application 2022-017542), which is a sequential conversion type.SOLUTION: There is provided a method which: embeds a configuration part required for adding a new predictive conversion mode that adds a predictive conversion function by using a dedicated user dictionary into a sequential conversion typed "Kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion Japanese input system" and executes the function; and is able to execute a kana-kanji function in a predictive conversion function using the dedicated user dictionary by switching to the new predictive conversion mode as needed while normally performing the kana-kanji conversion in a sequential conversion mode. The present invention also relates to the item (1) "New predictive conversion of Japanese input system" constituting a multi-functional Japanese input system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This system (hereinafter referred to as this system) is a "kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion type Japanese input system" (the exact match search type sequential conversion type Japanese input system of Non-Patent Document 2, hereinafter also referred to as the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system) to which the predictive conversion function using the dedicated user dictionary of Patent Document 2 and the components necessary to add a new conversion mode to execute this function have been added. This relates to a method in which kana-kanji conversion is normally performed character by character in sequential conversion mode using exact match search type sequential conversion, but can be switched to the added conversion mode at any time to perform kana-kanji conversion using predictive conversion using a dedicated user dictionary.

[0002] Unlike conventional predictive conversion, in which the system presents conversion candidates based on information predicted from conversion history, etc., based on a forward match search, the predictive conversion of the present invention is a predictive conversion that presents conversion candidates, mainly focusing on technical terms, based on three search methods: exact match, forward match, and backward match, based on a dedicated user dictionary selected by the user, and has been named "new predictive conversion" to distinguish it from conventional predictive conversion.

[0003] Although the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system includes not only kana-kanji conversion but also KEARM conversion and pronunciation functions, the conversion to be combined with the new predictive conversion in this invention is limited to kana-kanji conversion. Therefore, even if a JISX4064 kana-kanji conversion Japanese input system does not include KEARM conversion or pronunciation functions, as long as it is an exact match search type sequential conversion system that has a conversion starter rather than a conventional predictive conversion system, it can be combined with the new predictive conversion of this invention, as described in claim 2.

[0004] The present invention is item (1) "New predictive conversion of Japanese input system" among the functions constituting the multifunctional Japanese input system described in paragraph 0025 of Non-Patent Document 2, and corresponds to the "New predictive conversion" and "Dedicated user dictionary" (indicated by the dot pattern blocks in the background) located on the left side of the center in the block diagram of the multifunctional Japanese input system shown in Figure 23. The multifunctional Japanese input system is a system with 12 additional functions, with a kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system (indicated by the gray blocks in the background) as its core. [Background technology]

[0005] In recent years, predictive conversion has also been used in Japanese input systems for PCs. While predictive conversion is suitable for systems where character input is difficult, such as mobile devices, it is not particularly useful for Japanese input systems for PCs that use a computer keyboard. The reason for this is that "the conversion accuracy of the JISX4064 Kana-Kanji Conversion Input Japanese Input System (hereafter referred to as the JISX4064 Kana-Kanji Conversion System), which starts conversion with a conversion key, is higher than that of predictive conversion systems based on forward matching." A batch conversion system, which inputs words in bulk and converts them using idiomatic phrases used in Japanese sentences, has higher conversion accuracy than a predictive conversion system, which determines each word individually.

[0006] The present inventor has devised an invention for predictive conversion that is compatible with the JISX4064 kana-kanji conversion system, which starts conversion when the conversion key is pressed, known as the Japanese input system with predictive conversion function using a dedicated user dictionary in Patent Document 2. Predictive conversion using a dedicated user dictionary is a method in which the user mainly selects technical terms from the dedicated user dictionary. The JISX4064 kana-kanji conversion system does not start conversion until the conversion key is pressed even after an input string is entered, so it can be combined with the predictive conversion in Patent Document 2.

[0007] On the other hand, the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system is a sequential conversion system, and when a string of characters is input, it performs a perfect match search type sequential conversion for each character input, so its operation overlaps with the predictive conversion using the dedicated user dictionary of Patent Document 2, and the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system and the predictive conversion of Patent Document 2 cannot be directly combined. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese input system that emits an electronic sound when switching input modes Patent No. 6319541

[0009] [Patent Document 2] Japanese input system with predictive conversion function using a dedicated user dictionary Patent No. 6319543 [Non-patent literature]

[0010] [Non-Patent Document 1] Basic functions of the Kana-Kanji conversion system JISX4064: 2002

[0011] [Non-patent document 2] Kana-Kanji Conversion / KEARM Conversion Japanese Input System Patent Application No. 2022-017542 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The sequential conversion of the exact match search type sequential conversion Japanese input system in Non-Patent Document 2 and the predictive conversion using a dedicated user dictionary in Patent Document 2 overlap in their operations and cannot be used simultaneously, so it is necessary to switch between them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system was designed from the beginning with the concept that the input section would need a section for switching between sequential conversion and new predictive conversion, so the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system is permanently equipped with a "conversion mode switching section." The components required to execute predictive conversion using the dedicated user dictionary of Patent Document 2 are incorporated into the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system, and the kana-kanji conversion is performed by switching the conversion mode between sequential conversion mode and new predictive conversion mode using the "conversion mode switching section."

[0014] During normal conversion, kana-kanji conversion is performed in the sequential conversion mode of the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system. When technical terms are required, the dedicated user dictionary is turned on and the kana-kanji conversion is performed by switching to the new predictive conversion mode, and the desired candidate string is selected from the list of conversion candidates obtained and used as the converted string, which can then be confirmed as the confirmed string, or the converted string can be taken as the input string in sequential conversion mode without being confirmed, and input can be continued to perform kana-kanji conversion in sequential conversion mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] Normally, the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system uses an exact match search type sequential conversion formula to convert each character in bulk, so the conversion accuracy under normal conditions is higher than that of conventional predictive conversion based on a prefix search.Although it is a sequential conversion type, this system uses an exact match search type to repeatedly convert each character in bulk, resulting in higher conversion accuracy than predictive conversion types that determine words one by one.

[0016] Conventional predictive conversion is a system-based prediction, so prediction is not possible unless all terms, including technical terms, are included in the kana-kanji conversion dictionary. The idea behind this invention is that the kana-kanji conversion dictionary contains only general terms, and technical terms are imported when needed by the user by turning on a dedicated user dictionary. If there are technical terms that are always needed, these can be registered in the conventional user dictionary. As long as the minimum number of terms required for normal conversion are registered in the kana-kanji conversion dictionary, the fewer terms used in conversion, the higher the conversion accuracy.

[0017] Conventional predictive text only includes kanji terms and does not include English translations. With the new predictive text, if you use a user dictionary with both kanji and English, you can get the English translation of the term. Nowadays, English translations can be easily obtained by using translation, but proper nouns have official English names, and the name obtained by translation is not always the official English name. Therefore, the official English name in the dictionary is important.

[0018] Writing is a way of expressing human will. Humans will no longer be able to beat AI in driving a car or playing shogi. This is convenient, but at the same time, it is frightening. However, writing, a way of expressing human will, cannot be done without human instruction, even if AI can help. Conventional predictive text conversion is similar to how AI works. Our invention is human-led predictive text conversion. The inventor believes that the predictive text conversion of our invention is more suitable for Japanese input systems, which are tools for "writing text." [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] Block diagram of the system that adds the necessary components (areas surrounded by dotted lines) to add predictive conversion functionality using a dedicated user dictionary to the "Kana-Kanji Conversion / KEARM Conversion Japanese Input System." [Figure 2] Conversion operation in the new predictive conversion mode [Figure 3] Detailed view of the new predictive conversion section in Figure 2 [Figure 4] "Kana-Kanji Conversion / KEARM Conversion Execution Unit Output Operation" explanatory diagram [Figure 5] Figure 1: Overall operation of the "Kana-Kanji Conversion / KEARM Conversion Execution Unit" 4-33 [Figure 6] The kana-kanji conversion and ANS conversion operations of the "Kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution unit" 4 to 33 in Figure 1 are explained below. [Figure 7] Fig. 1: New predictive conversion operation of "Kana-Kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution unit" 4-33 [Figure 8] Detailed explanation of the "kana input processing section" 19 in Figures 5 to 7 [Figure 9] Detailed explanation of the "Conversion Unit" 9 in Figures 5-6, the "KEARM Conversion" 13 in Figure 5, and the "Automatically Generated Dictionary" 26 in Figure 6 (for Katakana, full-width alphanumeric symbols, and code conversion) [Figure 10] Detailed explanation of the "conversion unit" 9 in Figures 5 and 7, and the "automatic generation dictionary" 26 in Figure 7 (for half-width alphanumeric symbols, codes, and kanji conversion) [Figure 11] Figure 8: Explanation of the operation of "Fast forward character string?" 19g [Figure 12] "Transition to conversion candidate list screen" explanatory diagram [Figure 13] Kana-kanji conversion dictionary and user dictionary [Figure 14] Dedicated user dictionary 100 famous mountains External dictionary [Figure 15] Dedicated user dictionary Chinese medicine internal dictionary [Figure 16] "Dictionary Integration / Term Registration Tool" Screen Example 2 [Figure 17] "Dictionary Integration / Term Registration Tool" Screen Example 3 [Figure 18] Example 1: Input and conversion result display in successive conversion mode [Figure 19] Example 2: Input and conversion result display in new predictive conversion mode [Figure 20] Example 3: Importing desired kanji characters using the new predictive conversion mode (1 / 2) [Figure 21] Example 3: Continuing input and displaying conversion results in successive conversion mode (2 / 2) [Figure 22] How to resume conversion in the new predictive conversion mode [Figure 23] Block diagram of a multi-functional Japanese input system DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] This book uses a variety of terminology, so we will explain the terms first. JISX4064-defined terms and computer terminology are not included here. Only the kana-kanji conversion function of the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system is combined with the new predictive conversion function of this invention; other functions such as KEARM conversion and pronunciation functions are not included. Therefore, this book omits explanations of the KEARM conversion and pronunciation functions of the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system. For convenience, paid or free kana-kanji conversion Japanese input systems provided by other companies or organizations will be referred to as "commercially available ~".

[0021] (A) Summary of terms The terms are explained individually and in no particular order. (a) Japanese input system It is a Japanese input system for personal computers that uses a kana-kanji conversion method (specified in JISX4064 or a system conforming to it) in combination with a computer keyboard and a sufficiently large monitor. There are two search methods: a "batch conversion method" using an exact match search, and a "predictive conversion method" using a forward match search. The kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system is a batch conversion method, but it has a conversion starter and is a "sequential conversion method" that repeats batch conversion using an exact match search for each character entered. The "predictive conversion method" is also a sequential conversion method using a forward match search, but here we refer to the sequential conversion method using an exact match search as the "sequential conversion method." (a) Bulk conversion formula After entering a string, the JISX4064 kana-kanji conversion system breaks the input string into phrases based on the kanji readings when the user presses the conversion key, and performs an exact match search and conversion starting from the beginning of the sentence. After conversion, the user can also edit the string by changing the segment break position or selecting different candidates for each phrase. Finally, the user presses the confirm key, and the converted string for each phrase is entered into the application program as the confirmed string. (a)(b) Predictive conversion type After entering 1 to 3 characters, the system automatically starts conversion, treats the input string as the reading of kanji, and presents multiple predictive conversion candidates based on a forward match search. The user selects the desired candidate in order to create the final string. However, if the user continues to enter without selecting a candidate, the number of predictive conversion candidates will gradually decrease, until finally there is only one candidate based on an exact match search, and the system operates in the same way as (c) sequential conversion method. (a)(c) Successive transformation formula This is an exact match search sequential conversion system that follows the exact match search and batch conversion method of JISX4064 and adds a conversion startup section that starts a new conversion for each character input. The feature of this system is that it can sequentially display conversion candidates that perfectly match the input string. As with batch conversion systems, it can also be edited after conversion. (a) Input mode There are six modes: Hiragana, Katakana, Full-width Alphanumeric, Half-width Katakana, Half-width Alphanumeric, and MP mode, as well as a direct input mode in which the Japanese input system does not intervene. The first five modes are the same as commercially available systems, and MP mode is not used in this invention. (c) Output language This is for KEARM conversion and is not used in this invention. (D) Dictionary This invention uses a kana-kanji conversion dictionary, a user dictionary, an automatically generated dictionary, and a dedicated user dictionary. The kana-kanji conversion dictionary has standard contents and cannot be changed. The user dictionary is called a general user dictionary when distinguishing it from the dedicated user dictionary, but is usually simply called a user dictionary. Tools are provided for the user dictionary, allowing users to add, change, and delete registered words. The automatically generated dictionary is automatically created and deleted by the system as needed. (D) (a) Kana-kanji conversion dictionary This dictionary has the structure shown in "Kana-Kanji Conversion Dictionary" 36 in FIG. 13 and is used for kana-kanji conversion in the sequential conversion mode. (D)(b) User Dictionary This dictionary, shown as "User Dictionary" 37 in Figure 13, has the same structure as the kana-kanji conversion dictionary and is used as an auxiliary dictionary for kana-kanji conversion in the sequential conversion mode. (D)(c) Automatically generated dictionary In order to process alphanumeric symbols, codes, kanji, etc., the system automatically registers the character string in a dedicated dictionary. It is used in sequential conversion mode and is not updated, but is overwritten and deleted after conversion is complete. (D) (d) Dedicated user dictionary The dictionary has the structure shown in Figures 14 and 15 and is used for kana-kanji conversion in the new predictive conversion mode. (E) Conversion mode There are successive conversion, novel predictive conversion, KEARM priority conversion and MP mode, but in the present invention, only the successive conversion mode and novel predictive conversion mode are used. (e)(a) Successive conversion mode This mode performs conversion by searching for an exact match for each character entered, and performs kana-kanji conversion, ANS conversion, KEARM conversion, and auto-generated dictionary conversion. KEARM conversion is not used in this invention. (E) (b) New predictive conversion mode Using a dedicated user dictionary, kana-kanji conversion is performed using three search methods: exact match, forward match, and backward match. (F) Operation mode There are ND, ADP, AD and ARP modes. Only ND mode is used for conversion of single phrases such as words and phrases, and for sentence conversion, conversion is performed in the order of ND --> ADP --> AD mode. ARP mode is not used in this invention. Conversion in the new predictive conversion mode is structurally limited to ND mode. (Ka)(a)ND(Non-Div) Used to convert simple phrases such as words and phrases. Even when converting strings that are multi-phrases, conversion starts in ND mode because it is necessary to first check whether the string is a simple phrase or not. (b) ADP (AutoDivProcess) A string of characters that form multiple phrases is divided into phrases, starting from the first phrase, and kana-kanji conversion, ANS conversion, KEARM conversion, or auto-generated dictionary conversion is performed. The purpose of conversion in ADP mode is to select the most appropriate conversion candidate for each phrase. KEARM conversion is not used in this invention. (c) AD(AutoDiv) After the conversion in ADP is complete, the program returns to the first segment in AD mode and converts again using input buffer ss11[0] as the conversion string. After that, even if you move between segments using the left and right arrow keys, the conversion will continue in the same way, using input buffer ss11[n] (n is segment number 0 to 49) as the conversion string. Conversion in AD mode is called AD conversion. The purpose of AD conversion is to obtain the maximum number of conversion candidates. However, by default, this is limited to five candidates. (G) Input / output character display This is the part of the application program screen that displays input and output strings. This part does not have a screen frame, but is a screen with a display structure, and the displayed string is underlined according to the display attributes. The input string becomes a display string of the same character type and is used to display the input string. In sequential conversion mode, after transitioning to the conversion candidate list screen, the conversion result is displayed instead of the display string. In new predictive conversion mode, even if transitioning to the conversion candidate list screen, it remains the display string until the import operation is performed. (g)(a) Input string A character string is input to this system from the keyboard, but is divided into a display character string and a conversion character string in the input processing section, and the display character string of the same character type is actually used for input and display. (g)(b) Display string It is the same character type as the input string and is used to display the input string on the input / output character display screen of the application program. (g)(c) Conversion string This is the string used as search input when converting in sequential conversion mode. If the input string is kana, full-width katakana will be used. If the input string is alphanumeric characters, symbols, or codes, the input string will be used as is for conversion. (g)(d) Search string In the new predictive conversion mode, (g)(c) uses the same character type as the conversion string, but stores it in the variable CandidateIn and calls it the search string. (g)(e) Display attributes In the successive conversion mode, input and output characters are displayed with a distinctive underline by specifying the display attribute. In the standard setting, the display attribute on the successive conversion screen is "input" (dotted line), and on the conversion candidate list screen, the segment the user is working on is displayed as "converted phrase of interest" (thick solid line), and other phrases are distinguished as "converted phrases" (thin solid line). In the new predictive conversion mode, if the reading of the search string does not match that of the registered word in the dedicated user dictionary, the display attribute will be "input" (dotted line), but if there is a match, a solid underline specific to the string will be drawn. If there is an exact match of one or more characters, the underline will be red, if there is a prefix match of one or more characters, the underline will be green, and if there is a backward match of two or more characters, the underline will be light red. If there is a forward match, the underline will be thick or thin depending on the number of matches. (Ki)(f) Conversion result After transitioning from the sequential conversion screen to the conversion candidate list screen, the string displayed in the input / output character display is the selected candidate and is called the conversion result. When the conversion operation transition key is used as the initial operation, the first conversion candidate will be the conversion result, but other candidates can also be selected directly with the mouse. For compound phrases, the string will be a combination of not only the phrase in question but also the output buffer ss12[n] (n is phrase number 0-49) from the first phrase to the final phrase. In the case of the new predictive conversion screen, the conversion result will not be obtained simply by transitioning to the conversion candidate list screen; after selecting a candidate on the conversion candidate list screen, you must press the import operation key. When you press the confirm key, the conversion result string will become the confirmed string. (H) Successive conversion screen This is the screen where a string is simply entered in sequential conversion mode, but the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system has a conversion starter, so it performs sequential conversion for each character entered, displays a list of conversion candidates for simple phrases, and displays a string combining the first conversion candidates for each phrase for complex phrases. The search method for kana-kanji conversion is exact match search only. The input / output character display shows the display string, which is the same character type as the input string. (H) (a) Conversion output (for successive conversion screen) The conversion output is the string obtained by conversion, and is processed as follows in kana-kanji conversion and ANS conversion: The unified output obtained by integrating one or more conversion outputs becomes the conversion information szBufz. (1) In kana-kanji conversion, a kana-kanji conversion dictionary and a user dictionary are used, and search and conversion are performed for each input character using the conversion string as input. For example, if the conversion character is "shi" and the obtained conversion candidates are "shi," "shi," "shi," "shi," "shi," etc., these conversion candidates are arranged in chronological order and saved in character variables, and the string information "shi shi shi..." is obtained. This string information becomes the conversion output. A control character \0 is placed at the end of each candidate in the conversion output. The conversion output is classified (called item numbers) according to the dictionary's parts of speech, etc., with adverbs and nouns (item number 4) saved in the character variable szBufa, nouns + particles (item number 5) saved in the character variable szBufb, verbs (item number 8) saved in the character variable szBufc, and user dictionaries (mainly item number 2) saved in the character variable UserDic. (2) ANS conversion is the conversion of alphanumeric symbols and codes that cannot be converted to kana-kanji characters. Similar to the JIS standard, ANS conversion is broadly considered a kana-kanji conversion function. It uses a user dictionary, an automatically generated dictionary, or a dedicated program without a dictionary. Numbers and symbols are converted from full-width to half-width or half-width to full-width. Numbers are also converted to kanji characters, but symbols such as parentheses are converted to similar symbols. The converted strings are compiled as candidates and the string information becomes the conversion output. A control character \0 is placed at the end of each candidate in the conversion output. Nouns (item 4) are stored in the character variable szBufa, noun + particle (item 5) in the character variable szBufb, user dictionaries (mainly item 2) in the character variable UserDic, and the conversion output from program conversion of single phrases (items 1 and 6) in the character variable szSymbol. (H) (b) Sequential conversion confirmation key The first conversion candidate on the successive conversion screen is the output that corresponds one-to-one with the input string (and the display string) at the time of conversion, and is the most suitable conversion candidate. In addition, since the first conversion candidate is the selection candidate, in this system, pressing this logical key (the physical key is Shift+Enter) can output the first conversion candidate as the confirmed string. Commercially available predictive conversion types do not have a one-to-one correspondence between input and output, so the user must always take the step of selecting a candidate. (I) New predictive text screen On the screen where a string has only been entered in the new predictive conversion mode, before a search or if no matches are found after a search, the display characters are displayed with the same display attribute as in the sequential conversion mode, with the "input" (dotted line). The search is performed using a search string based on the conversion string obtained by the input processing unit, and for each character entered, the "reading" of the registered word in the dedicated user dictionary is checked using three search methods: exact match, forward match, and backward match. If there is a match, the string is underlined with a solid line that is unique to the string. If there is an exact match of one or more characters, the underline is red, if there is a forward match of one or more characters, the underline is green, and if there is a backward match of two or more characters, the underline is light red. In the case of a forward match, the underline is further thick or thin depending on the number of matches. By default, the conversion candidate list screen is not displayed even if a match is found. (i)(a) Search string The conversion string obtained by the input processing section is stored in the variable CandidateIn, and the dedicated user dictionary entry "reading" is searched for as the search string for the new predictive conversion mode. If there is not only an exact match, but also a partial match such as a forward or backward match, the registered phrase kanji and kana, or kanji, kana and English string, is extracted and used as conversion information. By default, the list of conversion candidates based on the conversion information is not displayed until the conversion confirmation key or confirmation key is pressed. (I)(b) Conversion confirmation key This is the logical key that transitions from the new predictive conversion screen to the conversion candidate list screen, and the physical key is the "↓" key. (I)(c) Confirmation key (Ke) As with (b), this is the logical key that transitions from the new predictive conversion screen to the conversion candidate list screen, and the physical key is the Shift key. (I)(d) Import operation key The conversion candidates displayed in the new predictive conversion mode cannot be imported as the conversion result by simply selecting them with the up and down arrow keys, as in the sequential conversion mode. By pressing the logical import operation key (the physical key is the Tab key), the selected candidate string can be imported as the conversion result string. (I)(e) New predictive text resume key When the character string of the conversion result is determined in the new prediction conversion mode to obtain the determined character string, the conversion mode returns to the sequential conversion mode. When the new prediction conversion restart key (physical key: Shift key), which is a logical key, is pressed instantaneously, a low sound of "puchi" is emitted, and the single or multiple dedicated user dictionaries set last time can be turned on to resume the conversion in the new prediction conversion mode. (C) Conversion candidate list screen (also called conversion operation screen) When the conversion operation transition key (in the new prediction conversion mode, the conversion confirmation key or the confirmation key) is pressed from the sequential conversion screen or the new prediction conversion screen, AD conversion is performed, and the screen becomes the conversion candidate list screen, which is the conversion operation screen. In the case of a single clause, since the conversion information szBufz or szBuf obtained in the sequential conversion mode or the new prediction conversion mode is used, AD conversion is not performed. (C)(a) Output order (for conversion candidate list screen) The output order of the conversion candidates on the conversion candidate list screen (the arrangement order with the first conversion candidate at the top) is the same as the output order of the sequential conversion screen or the new prediction conversion screen when the conversion operation transition key (or the conversion confirmation key or the confirmation key in the new prediction conversion mode) is pressed to transition to the conversion candidate list screen. (C)(b) Conversion output (for conversion candidate list screen) On the conversion candidate list screen, when moving the clause left or right or clicking an arbitrary clause with the mouse, AD conversion is performed with the character string of each clause's input buffer ss11[n] (n is 0 to 49) as the input. When this operation is performed, the new prediction conversion mode becomes the sequential conversion mode. Similar to the conversion on the sequential conversion screen, the candidate character strings obtained by AD conversion are arranged in time series order and saved in a character variable as the conversion output. For example, in kana-kanji conversion, it is saved in the character variable as "shi shi shi shi shi ···" and used as the conversion output. In ANS conversion, it is the conversion output by full-width / half-width conversion or half-width / full-width conversion, kanji numeral conversion, or various character type conversions. For any conversion output, a control character \0 is placed at the end of each candidate. In kana input, it is kana-kanji conversion, and in alphanumeric symbol input, it is ANS conversion or KEARM conversion. However, KEARM conversion is not used in the present invention. The method of summarizing the conversion output is almost the same as (C)(a) Conversion output (for sequential conversion screen), and the final conversion output is saved in the character variable szBufz as the conversion information. (c) Transformation operation transition This operation transitions from the sequential conversion screen or new predictive conversion screen to the conversion candidate list screen. The conversion operation transition keys are logical keys, and the physical keys differ depending on the purpose. In sequential conversion mode, use the Space key, etc. You can also select a candidate by clicking the desired candidate directly with the mouse, which has the same effect. By default, the conversion candidates are the same as in sequential conversion, and a list of up to five conversion candidates is displayed. To display the maximum number of conversion candidates, use the [Convert] key as a physical key. In the new predictive conversion screen, use the conversion confirmation key (physical key: arrow down key) or the confirmation key (physical key: Shift key). In new predictive conversion mode, the conversion candidate list screen displays nine candidates. (ko)(d) Selection candidate On the conversion candidate list screen, you can select the desired candidate using the up and down arrow keys or the mouse. The selected candidate is called the selected candidate. The background color of a single selected candidate will be light blue. In sequential conversion mode, the selected candidate will become the conversion result, but in new predictive conversion mode, the selected candidate will not become the conversion result until you press the import operation key. (K) Kana-kanji conversion Enter kana and convert it to mixed kanji text. In sequential conversion mode, the kana-kanji conversion specified in JISX4064 includes conversion of alphanumeric symbols and codes, so kana-kanji conversion in the broad sense also includes (Shi)ANS conversion. In new predictive conversion mode, ANS conversion is not performed. (C)ANS conversion In sequential conversion mode, alphanumeric symbols and codes are called ANS (AlphaNumeric and Symbol). Full-width ANS alphanumeric symbols are converted to half-width alphanumeric symbols (full-width / half-width conversion), and half-width alphanumeric symbols are converted to full-width alphanumeric symbols (half-width / full-width conversion), and are paired with the respective conversion strings to create two conversion candidates. Numbers are also converted to kanji numerals. Symbols such as parentheses are converted to various similar symbols. ANS conversion is not performed in new predictive conversion mode. (Su) Kanji information conversion, (Se) Conversational sentence conversion, (So) Reconversion function, (Ta) Memo function, (Chi) Kanji to kana conversion, (Tsu) Kanji lookup to kana conversion, (Te) Sentence division and conversion, (To) KEARM conversion, (Na) Term attributes, (Ni) KEARM learning conversion, (Nu) KEARM standard conversion, (Ne) KEARM detailed conversion, (No) KEARM priority conversion Neither is used in the present invention. (c) Terminology information Terminology information is used in successive conversion mode only. Alphanumeric symbols and signs are distinguished by ANS (Alpha-Numeric and Symbol) codes 1 through 4, as shown below. Terms registered in the kana-kanji conversion dictionary and user dictionary are assigned a yougoCode (a through ?) as element information, as shown below, which corresponds to a numerical value of 5 through 33. The combination of these two codes, 1 through 33, is used as static information, and 1 through 256, which adds dynamic information (determination of noun, verb, adjective, etc.) obtained from the conversion output szBufa through szBufc, is stored as term information in szBufzcode[n] (n is the candidate number between 0 and 499) for each conversion candidate. prevCode is the term information for the first conversion candidate, szBufzcode[0], and is used as information when converting the next phrase. There is also prevCode1, which is used when a case particle is involved in the relationship with the next phrase. szBufzcode[n] is used to underline or change the background color when displaying conversion candidates on the screen. (c) (a) ANS code (Alpha-Numeric and Symbol) corresponds to numbers 1 to 4. 1: Numbers 2: Letters 3: Symbols (#$, etc.) 4: Signs (" ", etc.) (c) (b) yougoCode (I use it as needed, so I don't use all of it) The following codes (a ~ ?) correspond to numbers 5 to 33. a: Family name b: Given name c: Country name or place name in Tokyo d: Place name outside Tokyo e: Family name, combined given name, neuter noun f: Human noun 1 (e.g., ~director, ~kun) g: Human noun 2 (e.g., victim, carpenter) h: Human body parts i: Edible plants j: Vehicles k: Period (e.g., ~weeks) l: Animals m: Season (e.g., March) n: Natural phenomenon o: Landform, historic site p: Attack, conjunction q: Chinese r: Katakana onomatopoeia s: Memo function t: Chinese numerals v: General verb w: Verb of the fifth conjugation conjugation 2 x: Adjective y: Adjectival verb z: Verb-based noun (e.g., surprise) Omission of subsequent words ?: Former name of city, town, or village (e.g., Yono City) The following codes (* and +) can be used in conjunction with the above codes (a ~ ?). *: Used in KEARM information conversion. When added, the value is increased by +120 and the background color of the conversion candidate becomes light yellow. +: Added when the kana-kanji conversion is confirmed twice. When added, the value increases by +80, and the corresponding term will be used preferentially. (c) prevCode (Use as needed, not all of them will be used) 0: None 1: Number 2: English letter 3: Symbol (e.g. $) 4: Sign (e.g. ", {) 5: Surname 6: Given name 7: Country name or place name in Tokyo 8: Other place name 9: Surname, combined given name, neuter noun 10: Human noun 1 (e.g. ~san, ~kun) 11: Human noun 2 (e.g. victim, carpenter) 12: Part of the human body 13: Edible plants 14: Vehicle 15: Period (e.g. ~weeks) 16: Animal 17: Season (e.g. March) 18: Natural phenomenon 19: Landform, historic site 20: Attributive verb, conjunction 21: Surname other than the first choice 22: Memo function 39: Noun clause 40: Kanji numerals 60: Verb (including imperfective form) 61: Verb (conjunctive form) 62: Verb (final, attributive form) 70: Adjective 1 (next clause is noun form) 71: Adjective 2 (next clause is verb or noun form) 80: Adverb equivalent 81: Verb form adverb (~te, ~de) and subsequent sections omitted 94: KEARM conversion section 97: AR conversion section 102-118: Processing of compound verbs (continue buying, etc.) 126: KEARM fixed form conversion section 130: Kanji-kana conversion section (c) (d) prevCode1 (Used when a case particle is involved in the relationship with the next clause. Use only when necessary.) 0: None 1: Human noun + case particle (victims attend) 2: Quantity noun + case particle (there are three) 3: Human body parts + case particle (holding the feet) 5: Edible plant + case particle (tangerine peel) 6: Vehicle + case particle (inside the bus) 7: Region + case particle (earthquake in Niigata) 8: Time / period + case particle (meet in March) 11: Not used 12: Topography / historic site + case particle (castle ruins) (c) (e) szBufzcode[n] (n is the candidate number 0 to 499) szBufzcode[n] is the term information of all converted candidates, and is used to change the background color or underline the nth candidate. (Hi) Conversion information In successive conversion mode, the final conversion output obtained from the strings szBufa to szBufc, UserDic, and szSymbol of the successive conversion obtained from kana-kanji conversion, KEARM conversion, and ANS conversion becomes the conversion information szBufz. KEARM conversion is not used in this invention. In new predictive conversion mode, szBuf is used as the conversion information. When a conversion operation transition key (such as the Space key or the down arrow key) is pressed from the successive conversion screen for a compound phrase, AD conversion is performed. When the left or right arrow key is pressed, the phrase moves and AD conversion is performed in the same way. In AD conversion as well, the final conversion output obtained from the string information of the conversion output szBufa to szBufc and UserDic becomes the conversion information szBufz. The conversion information is string information that indicates a list of conversion candidates. (f) Output information The output information for the new predictive conversion mode is only the conversion information szBuf for single phrases, but the output information for the sequential conversion mode differs depending on whether it is conversion information szBufz, which indicates a list of conversion candidates for single phrases, or string information indicating ss12[0] to ss12[n] (n is the phrase number 0 to 49), which lists the first conversion candidates for the conversion output of each phrase in a multi-phrase. The output information is saved in the character variable szBufCan, determining whether it is conversion information for a single phrase or string information for a multi-phrase. In this case, the conversion candidates for the conversion information are limited to a maximum of five by default. The output information for AD conversion is conversion information szBufz, which indicates a list of conversion candidates for each phrase. (F) Clause information (excerpt only) Term information is information about each phrase and has information for each candidate, but phrase information is information for a representative phrase. The character variable that indicates phrase information is ArrayAuto[n][m]. n is the phrase number and ranges from 0 to 49, and m is 0 to 12. (f) (a) ArrayAuto[n][2]: clause information Save term information yougoCode. (f)(b)ArrayAuto[n][5]: clause information Saves term information prevCode. (f)(c)ArrayAuto[n][6]: Phrase information Save term information prevCode1. (e) Input buffer / output buffer When converting multiple phrases, the conversion string for each phrase and the first or selected conversion candidate for the conversion information obtained after conversion must be saved for each phrase. This is a buffer for saving strings for each phrase. There is a KER buffer for input, output and auxiliary purposes, and up to 50 phrases can be divided (n is the phrase number 0 to 49). Up to 128 strings can be saved. Input buffer ss11[n]

[0128] : Stores the conversion string for each phrase. Output buffer ss12[n]

[0128] : Saves the first conversion candidate or selected candidate for each phrase. KER buffer ss12k[n]

[0128] : Auxiliary. Used to store kana characters in the new predictive conversion. (M) Function list (excerpt only, does not include standard functions) Most of them were newly developed for this invention, and some were functions added to existing functions. (a) AddCharN: Function for displaying output characters (b) ConvCandidate: Conversion candidate display execution function (c) ConvPhrase: Kana-Kanji conversion / ANS conversion / KEARM conversion / Kanji-Kana conversion / Kanji information conversion execution function (d) DicWrite: A function for registering user dictionaries. It is also used to register automatically generated dictionaries. (e)GetRefWord: Function for obtaining kana-kanji combination information (M) Variables (excerpt only) (a) ARHenkan: English, English abbreviation, romaji input, when converted, becomes 1 (b) ArrayStart: -1 for the sequential conversion screen, and the target phrase number (n is 0 to 49) for the conversion operation screen. (c)CandidateIn: Character variable used for the search string of the new predictive conversion (d) Checked: The kana input processing section has been searched and is set to 1. (e) FullyMatched: 1 when there is a perfect match (f) nArray: clause number integer 0 to 49 (g)nComp: Number of string matches during search (h)nEnable: Integer for document parsing (i)nLength: auxiliary integer for document analysis (j)nSenUserTerm: Character length of the term imported from the new predictive conversion dictionary (k) n1: Character length of the character variable ss1 for conversion in ND mode (l)n1Auto: Character length of ss1Auto (m)n1AutoANS: For example, when detecting the pattern "12 years old", the integer that indicates the character length of "12" (2) (n)n9: Character length of the term imported from the new predictive conversion dictionary (o)SenUsr: Set to 1 when in new predictive conversion mode. (p)SenyouZenpou: Set to 1 when the new predictive conversion matches the beginning of the string. (q)ss1: Multipurpose use as a character variable (r)ss1Auto: Conversion string variable for ADP and ARP modes (s)ss1Cand: Character variable for output character display (t)ss5[n]: Character variable for displaying conversion candidates, n is the candidate number 0 to 499 (u)szBuf: Character variable for collecting converted strings (for collecting individual information) (v) szBuf3: Character variable for auxiliary conversion information (w)szBufCan: Character variable for output information at the end of conversion (after search / extraction in new predictive conversion) (x)szBufa: Character variable for converting and outputting nouns (item 4) (y)szBufb: Character variable for conversion output of noun + particle (item 5) (z)szBufc: Character variable for conversion output of verb (item 8) (α) szBufz: Character variable for final conversion output (unified information of conversion output) (β) szBufzcode[n]: Terminology information at the end of conversion, n is the candidate number 0 to 499 (γ)szSymbol: Character variable for program conversion output (δ)UserDic: Character variable for user dictionary conversion output (ε)yougotitle: Character variable 1 for writing string substitution (ζ)yougo: Character variable 2 for writing string assignment (η)yougomode: Integer for user dictionary writing mode (B) Operational explanation and practical example

[0022] In conventional predictive conversion, if there are 1 to 3 characters input based on information such as conversion history, the system makes a prediction based on a forward match search and presents conversion candidates, but in this invention, the normal operation is always an exact match search type sequential conversion method (not predictive conversion), and the conversion mode is switched to a new predictive conversion mode at any time selected by the user, and the system searches for the reading of a matching term using three search methods: exact match, forward match, and backward match based on a dedicated user dictionary, and if there is a matching reading, the kanji and kana, or kanji, kana, and English strings corresponding to that reading are extracted and made into a list of conversion candidates, the desired candidate can be selected from the list of conversion candidates, the selected candidate can be made into the conversion result string by an import operation, and the conversion result string can be made into the confirmed string by a confirm operation, or the conversion result string can be imported as the input string in sequential conversion mode, and further input can be continued in sequential conversion mode.

[0023] Given its purpose, the terms included in the dedicated user dictionary will primarily be technical terms, rather than general terms in regular use. Technical terms are originally used by people in specialized fields to describe matters specific to that field, and the same term may be used differently depending on the field. If technical terms are registered in a kana-kanji conversion dictionary used by the general public, there is a risk of them being misused. If there are technical terms that a user needs on a regular basis, the user can simply register them in the standard "user dictionary" 37 in Figure 1. The idea behind this invention is that for technical terms that are not needed on a regular basis, the user can turn on the required dedicated user dictionary and import the terms when needed. An overview of the operation of the new predictive conversion mode is explained in Figure 2.

[0024] To use the new predictive conversion mode for kana-kanji conversion, you must first create a dedicated user dictionary and then incorporate it into the system. To create a dedicated user dictionary, create it as a Unicode text file, as shown in Figure 14 or Figure 15. It can be either a (a) kanji-only version, as shown in Figure 14, or a (b) kanji-English version, which includes English, as shown in Figure 15. Depending on where the dictionary is located, it can be an external dictionary that anyone can easily edit, or an internal dictionary that cannot be edited without administrator privileges. As an example of an external dictionary, the (a) kanji version of "100 Famous Mountains" in Figure 14 can be placed under the user folder ("Users"), with the user name (e.g., "kono") and a folder named "SEP" for the company name. Then, create folders for each purpose, such as "Dic" and "Usr," and place the file alkaimeuser1.dic in the "Usr" folder. The "Dictionary Integration / Term Registration Tool" screen in Figure 16 allows you to edit the dictionary name from the actual file name (alkaimeuser1) to the desired display name. Therefore, we entered "Hyakumeisan" (100 famous mountains) into the user dictionary name field on the screen in Figure 16 and converted it to kana-kanji ("100 famous mountains"). The actual file name remains alkaimeuser1.dic. As an example of an internal dictionary, the kanji-English version file (Figure 15(b)) is placed in a folder named after the company (SEP in our case) under the program data folder on the C: drive. Under that, folders are created for each purpose ("Dic" and "Usr"), and the file alkaimeuserK.dic is placed in the "Usr" folder as a term for the "K" category. This concludes the preparatory steps for performing kana-kanji conversion in the new predictive conversion mode. The new predictive conversion is unique in that it not only performs kana-kanji conversion in the new predictive conversion mode, but also allows kana-kanji conversion in combination with kana-kanji conversion in the sequential conversion mode. First, as a first embodiment, an example of kana-kanji conversion in the normal sequential conversion mode by this system will be shown. [Example]

[0025] Example 1 is a document that proves that, of the three kana-kanji conversion methods (1) to (3) described in claim 1, "(1) kana-kanji conversion is possible only in sequential conversion mode." The screen display and behavior of the sequential conversion of each character when entering "shinsa" in kana are shown below. The input is made in hiragana mode using the romaji input method, and no related words or phrases are registered in the user dictionary. The input behavior is explained in Figure 2.

[0026] Press the alphabet key [S] on the "keyboard" in the upper right corner of Figure 2. A scan code equivalent to the full-width lowercase English letter "s" is obtained. This scan code is passed through the computer as a virtual key code equivalent to the full-width lowercase English letter "s" and is entered into the "Execute various functions?" 1a judgment of the "input processing unit" 1. Since "s" is a character code, it exits N and enters the "Input character?" 1c judgment. Since "s" is an input character, it exits Y and enters the "Character type conversion based on input mode" 1d. However, in the case of alphanumeric symbols and signs, no character type conversion is performed, and both the display character and the conversion character are output as the full-width lowercase English letter "s". Based on the output of "Character type conversion based on input mode" 1d, the "input processing unit" 1 sends an "Input character display initialization request" 1e to the application program via the computer, and initializes the "Input / output character display" 49 on the screen. Furthermore, the "input processing unit" 1 sends the display character and conversion character to the computer-managed editing structure via the "input character display character addition / change request" 1f, and after determining the size and position of the application program's "input / output character display" 49 screen via the various functions of the "functions for drawing input / output character display, etc." 47, the display character displayed on the screen is the "s" 80 on the sequential conversion screen (1) in Figure 18, displayed with a dotted underline. The vertical line at the end indicates the cursor. Returning to Figure 2, the output from "character type conversion based on input mode" 1d is passed to the "conversion mode switching unit" 3a for judgment. Since the normal conversion mode is sequential conversion mode, it exits sequential conversion and enters the "conversion startup unit" 2, where the application program's "conversion candidate list display" 50 screen is initialized via the computer via the "conversion candidate list display initialization request" 2a. Next, the "one or more characters?" 2b is judged. Since there is one or more characters, it exits Y and becomes the "conversion startup unit output" 2c. This "Conversion startup unit output" 2c starts the "Kana-to-Kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution units" 4 to 33 in Figure 4. The "Kana-to-Kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution units" 4 to 33 use the function ConvPhrase to perform kana-to-kanji conversion. Next, the conversion operation of the "Kana-to-Kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution units" 4 to 33 will be explained using Figures 5 to 9.

[0027] In the "Kana-Kanji Conversion / KEARM Conversion Execution Unit" 4-33, which is started by "Conversion Start Unit Output" 2c in Figure 2, the new input ND in Figure 5 triggers "Conversion Start" and the "Operation Mode" 4 is determined. The process exits ND and enters the next "Input Read" 5. As described in paragraph 0026, the conversion character is sent to the computer-managed editing structure, so communication with the computer is performed here, the conversion character "s" is read from the editing structure and stored in character variable ss1, setting the character length n1 = 1. Next, the process enters the "New Prediction?" 5a determination. Since this is a sequential conversion, the process exits N and enters the "Character Type" 6 determination. Since the conversion character is a full-width lowercase English letter "s," the process exits from the alphanumeric symbol in "Character Type" 6 and enters the "Full-width / Half-width" 6a or 6b determination. This determination results in the full-width character being output in "Full-width / Half-width" 6a or 6b, but the rest of this will be explained in Figure 6. The separate diagrams are used here because the kana-kanji conversion, ANS conversion, and new predictive conversion processes in the "Kana-Kanji Conversion / KEARM Conversion Execution Unit" 4-33 are different. From here on, we will use the diagrams in Figures 5-7 depending on the character type of the conversion string. Here, the conversion character "s" exits the full-width field in "Full-width / Half-width" 6a in Figure 6 and enters the "Single-type?" checkbox 31. Since the conversion character "s" is a single-type character, it exits the "Single-type?" checkbox 31 Y and enters the "Conversion Unit" 9 via the ANS conversion ND. The conversion operation is explained in the table (lines 1-10) in Figure 9, which is a detailed explanation of the "Conversion Unit" 9. The operating mode is ND, the conversion string is full-width alphanumeric, and the ANS conversion items are the target for conversion. The following conversion is performed using a program in line 1 (item 1): The conversion character "s" and the half-width character "s" converted from full-width to half-width are created, and the string "ss" consisting of the two characters is stored as the conversion output in the variable szSymbol. A control character \0 is placed at the end of each candidate for the conversion output. A search is performed on the third line (item number 2), but there is no user dictionary registration, and the following lines are not subject to conversion, so we return to Figure 6 and exit the ND of the single phrase for ANS conversion in "Conversion section" 9, and enter "Output selection" 14b with an OR input. The input part of "Output selection" 14b is shown with two parallel lines, which is a simplified representation of an OR gate, and will be used in the same way in all subsequent drawings.In "output selection" 14b, the conversion output szSymbol is saved as conversion information szBufz, and the conversion character, full-width lowercase English letter "s", is saved in input buffer ss11[0], and the first candidate, full-width lowercase English letter "s", is saved in output buffer ss12[0]. In the next "single / multiple output selection" 21, since the result of the sequential conversion is a single phrase, the conversion information szBufz becomes the output information szBufCan of "kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution units" 4-33 as is, and the process ends with "conversion successful". Next, the output operation of "kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution units" 4-33 is shown in Figure 4 "Output operation of kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution units".

[0028] The output information szBufCan of the "Kana-Kanji Conversion / KEARM Conversion Execution Unit" 4-33 in Figure 4 goes to the "Conversion Candidate Display Unit / Character Output Unit" 34-35, which is an interface unit for sequentially displaying the output information and sending it to the application program, and then goes to the "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 34a of the first unit, "Conversion Candidate Display Unit" 34. The "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 34a executes the function ConvCandidate and sends the output information to the computer-managed conversion candidate structure. Based on the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] to ss5[n] (where n is the number of candidates minus 1, 1 in this example, and 4 by default) obtained by the "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 34a, the "Conversion Candidate Display Unit" 34 sends a "Conversion Candidate List Display Request" 34c to the computer, which determines the size and position of the application program screen "Conversion Candidate List Display" 50 using "Functions, etc. for Drawing Conversion Candidate List Display" 48, and displays the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] to ss5[1] on that screen, as shown in Figure 18 (1) Sequential Conversion Screen "ss" 81. Because the control character \0 is at the end of the conversion candidates, each conversion candidate is displayed on a new line. The operation from the "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 34a to the next section, "Character Display Unit" 35 in Figure 4, is dependent on the conversion candidate list screen, so here, exit from "Conversion Operation?" 35a and end the operation. Return to Figure 2 to enter "shi" next.

[0029] When the English key [I] on the keyboard in Figure 2 is pressed, the input string becomes "si," which passes through the computer to the "Input Processor" 1's "Execute Functions?" 1a decision, exits via N, and enters the "Input Character?" 1c decision. The "Input Character?" 1c exits via Y and enters the "Character Type Conversion Based on Input Mode" 1d. Here, the input string "si" is converted to romaji (Japanese alphabet) and becomes the display character "shi" and the conversion character "shi." Because this is not the first character, the "Input / Output Character Display Initialization Request" 1e is not executed. Next, based on the output of the "Character Type Conversion Based on Input Mode" 1d, the "Input Processor" 1 sends the display character and conversion character to the computer-managed editing structure via the "Input Character Display Character Addition / Change Request" 1f. After determining the size and position of the application program's "Input / Output Character Display" 49 screen via the various functions of the "Functions for Drawing Input / Output Character Display, etc." 47, the display character displayed on the screen is "shi" 80 in the sequential conversion screen (2) in Figure 18, and is displayed with a dotted underline. Returning to Figure 2, the output from "Character type conversion based on input mode" 1d enters "Conversion mode switching unit" 3a, exits sequential conversion, and is initialized via the computer by "Conversion candidate display initialization request" 2a of "Conversion startup unit" 2, which initializes the application program's conversion candidate list display and erases the currently displayed "ss". Next, it enters "One or more characters?" 2b, exits Y, and becomes "Conversion startup unit output" 2c. This "Conversion startup unit output" 2c starts the "Kana-Kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution units" 4-33 in Figure 4. Next, the conversion operation of "Kana-Kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution units" 4-33 will be explained using Figures 5 and 9.

[0030] In the "Kana-Kanji Conversion / KEARM Conversion Execution Unit" 4-33, which is started by "Conversion Start Unit Output" 2c in Figure 2, the new input ND in Figure 5 triggers "Conversion Start" and enters "Operation Mode" 4 judgment. Exiting ND, it enters "Input Read" 5, where it communicates with the computer and reads the conversion character "shi" from the editing structure, stores it in character variable ss1, and sets character length n1 = 1. Next, it enters "New Prediction?" 5a judgment. Since this is a sequential conversion, it exits N and enters "Character Type" 6 judgment. Exiting from "Character Type" 6, it enters "More than 12 characters?" 7 judgment, exiting N and entering "Attribute 1" 8. No attribute information is obtained for "shi," so it exits "Attribute 1" 8 and enters the "Conversion Unit" 9 from ND for kana-kanji conversion. The conversion operation is explained in the table (lines 1-10) in Figure 9, which is a detailed explanation of the "Conversion Unit" 9. When the operation mode is ND, the conversion string is katakana, and the kana-kanji conversion item is the conversion target. In the second row of the table, there is no user dictionary entry; in the fourth row (item 4), "shi" is registered in the dictionary (adverbs, conjunctions, and other sections); and in the fifth row (also item 4), "shi shi shi..." is registered in the dictionary (nouns). Therefore, in item 4, the conversion output of the two entries combined, "shi shi shi shi...", is saved in szBufa. A control character \0 is placed at the end of each candidate in the conversion output. Since the fourth candidate in the conversion output, "shi," is katakana, line 8 checks whether it can be converted to a katakana word using the GetDatabaseWord function, but since "shi" cannot be converted, it remains unchanged. Since line 10 is a conversion of more than two characters, no search is performed and the process ends. Returning to Figure 5, the "Conversion Section" 9 kana-kanji conversion single phrase ND exits, enters the "Success?" 10 decision, exits Y, and then enters the "End?" 11 decision. Since this is the end, it exits Y and moves on to judge the next "Kana?" 12. As the conversion output is not katakana only, it exits N and enters "Output Selection" 14b via OR input. Here, the conversion output szBufa is saved as conversion information in the character variable szBufz, the conversion character "shi" is saved in the input buffer ss11[0], and the first conversion candidate "shi" is saved in the output buffer ss12[0]. In the next "Single / Plural Output Selection" 21, the result of the successive conversion is a single phrase, so the conversion information szBufz becomes the output information szBufCan as is. However, the conversion candidates are limited to a maximum of five. This ends with "Conversion successful".Thereafter, as described in paragraph number 0028, the "conversion candidate display section" 34 in FIG. 4 displays the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] to ss5[4] as in "Shi Shi Shi Shi Shi" 81 on the sequential conversion screen of (2) in FIG. 18. Since there is a control character \0 at the end of the conversion candidate, each conversion candidate is displayed with a line break. Next, the operation of pressing the alphabet key [N] to input "Shin" will be described in FIG. 2.

[0031] When the alphabet key [N] on the "keyboard" in the upper right of FIG. 2 is pressed, the input character string becomes "Shin", enters the judgment of "Execute various functions?" 1a in the "input processing unit" 1 via the computer, and exits from N to enter the judgment of "Input character?" 1c. Exiting from Y of "Input character?" 1c enters "Character type conversion based on input mode" 1d. The character string obtained by Romanization-kana conversion has a display character string of "Shin" and a conversion character string of "SHIN". Based on the output of "Character type conversion based on input mode" 1d, the "input processing unit" 1 sends the display character string and the conversion character string to the editing structure managed by the computer through "Input character display character addition / change request" 1f, and after determining the size and position of the "input / output character display" 49 on the application program screen by various functions of "Functions such as functions for drawing input / output character display" 47, the display character string displayed on the screen is "Shin" 80 on the sequential conversion screen of (3) in FIG. 18, and is displayed with a dotted underline. Next, returning to FIG. 2, the output from "Character type conversion based on input mode" 1d enters the "conversion mode switching section" 3a, exits from sequential conversion and enters the "conversion start section" 2, and initializes the conversion candidate list screen of the application program via the computer by "Conversion candidate list display initialization request" 2a to clear the currently displayed conversion candidate list. Next, exiting from Y of "One or more characters?" 2b becomes "Conversion start section output" 2c. "Conversion start section output" 2c activates the "Kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution section" in FIG. 4. Next, the conversion operations of 4 to 33 in the "Kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution section" will be described in FIGS. 5 to 11.

[0032] In the "Kana-Kanji Conversion / KEARM Conversion Execution Unit" 4-33, which is started by "Conversion Start Unit Output" 2c in Figure 2, the new input ND in Figure 5 triggers "Conversion Start" and the "Operation Mode" 4 is determined. It exits ND and then enters "Input Read" 5, where it communicates with the computer and reads the conversion string "Shi n" from the editing structure, stores it in character variable ss1, and the character length n1 = 2. It then enters the "New Prediction?" 5a determination. Since this is a sequential conversion, it exits N and enters "Character Type" 6. Since the first character of the conversion string is kana, it exits "Character Type" 6 kana and enters the "More than 12 characters?" 7 determination, then exits N and enters "Attribute 1" 8. No string information can be obtained from "Shi n", so it exits "Attribute 1" 8 and enters "Conversion Unit" 9 from the kana-kanji conversion ND. In the table in Figure 9 (lines 1-10), which is a detailed explanation of the "conversion unit" 9, the operation mode is ND, the conversion string is katakana, and the kana-kanji conversion item is the conversion target. In the second line of the table, there is no user dictionary registration, and searches are performed on the following lines, but no conversion is found, so the process ends. Returning to Figure 5, the "conversion unit" 9 kana-kanji conversion single phrase ND is exited, the "success?" 10 decision is made, the N is exited, and an OR input is used to enter "kana character forwarding" 18. Here, only "shi" is separated from "shin" and stored in the conversion character variable ss1Auto, and the character length n1Auto = 1. The operation mode also changes to ADP mode. The ADP output of "kana character forwarding" 18 is output, and conversion in ADP mode begins.

[0033] In the conversion of ADP mode, it first enters the "Kana Input Processing Unit" 19. Since the "Kana Input Processing Unit" 19 targets two or more characters, it passes through and exits from the bottom, and enters the "Conversion Unit" 9 from ADP of kana-kanji conversion through an OR input. The conversion operation will be explained in the table (lines 1 to 10) of FIG. 9, which is a detailed explanatory diagram of the "Conversion Unit" 9. For the operation mode ADP, the conversion string is in katakana, and the kana-kanji conversion item is the conversion target. In the second line of the table, there is no registration in the user dictionary. In the dictionary (adverb / conjunction / others section) in the fourth line (item number 4), "し" is registered, and in the dictionary (noun section) in the fifth line (also item number 4), "市 氏 シ 死···" is registered. Therefore, the conversion output of "し 市 氏 シ 死 ···" combined from the two in item number 4 is saved in szBufa. A control character \0 is placed at the end of each candidate of the conversion output. Since the fourth candidate "シ" of the conversion output is in katakana, a check for whether it can be converted to a katakana word is performed in the KEARM conversion in the eighth line. However, since "シ" cannot be converted, it remains as it is. The tenth line is for the conversion of two or more characters, so the search is not performed and it ends. Then it returns to FIG. 5, exits from the kana-kanji conversion of the complex clause of the "Conversion Unit" 9 in ADP, enters the judgment of "Successful?" 10, exits from Y, and enters "Output Selection" 14a through an OR input. Here, the conversion output szBufa becomes the conversion output szBufz of the current clause, and then enters the judgment of "Kana?" 12. Since it is not a conversion output of only katakana, it exits from N and enters the judgment of "End?" 11. At the same time, in the input buffer ss11[0] of the first clause, the conversion character "シ" is saved, and in the output buffer ss12[0], the first conversion candidate "し" is saved. Since it is not the end, it exits from N of "End?" 11 and enters "prevCode Judgment" 15. Here, the term information of the first clause is judged to be equivalent to an adverb, and prevCode = 80. The equivalent of an adverb not only includes adverbs but also has a wide range of roles. Next, the conversion of the second clause starts.

[0034] It exits "prevCode judgement" 15 and enters "next string detection" 16 with OR input, obtaining the full-width lowercase English character "n." Next, in "character type" 17 judgement, it exits from alphanumeric symbols, enters "full-width / half-width" 17a or 17b judgement, and exits from full-width. The rest of this is explained in Figure 6. In Figure 6, it exits from "full-width / half-width" 17a with full-width and enters "full-width string forwarding" 33. Because this is the first search for this clause, it exits directly and jumps to the top via X7, and enters "automatically generated dictionary" 26 with OR input from X7 at the top. The detailed operation of "automatically generated dictionary" 26 is explained in the table in Figure 9. In the automatically generated dictionary registration on the sixth line of the table, the conversion character "n" is converted by the program, and the string "nn," consisting of the conversion character "n" and the converted half-width English character "n" is registered as the registered phrase, and the reading is the conversion character "n," and this is registered in the automatically generated dictionary using the DicWrite function. Returning to Figure 6, the process enters the "following?" 27 judgment, but since the conversion character "n" has no subsequent string, it exits N and enters the "Conversion Unit" 9 from the ADP for ANS conversion. The conversion operation is explained in the table (lines 1-10) in Figure 9, which is a detailed explanation of the "Conversion Unit" 9. When the operation mode is ADP, the conversion character string is full-width alphanumeric characters, and the ANS conversion items are the conversion targets. The user dictionary in line 3 of the table is not registered, and in line 7 (item 4), ANS conversion is performed using the automatically generated dictionary, obtaining the conversion output of two candidates "nn", full-width "n" and half-width "n", and saving them in szBufa. A control character \0 is placed at the end of each candidate in the conversion output. Subsequent lines are not subject to conversion, so the process ends. Returning to Figure 6, it exits the ADP for the compound phrase for ANS conversion in "Conversion Unit" 9 and enters "Output Selection" 14a via OR input. Here, szBufa is saved as the conversion output szBufz for the main clause, and the program enters the "kana?" 18 judgment. However, since this is not a katakana conversion output, it exits N and enters the "end?" 11 judgment. At the same time, the conversion character, full-width English character "n," is saved in the input buffer ss11[1] for the second clause, and the first conversion candidate, full-width English character "n," is saved in the output buffer ss12[1], and the conversion ends. At this point, the mode also changes from ADP mode to AD mode. Next, it returns to the first clause (first clause), exits Y for "end?" 11, jumps to the top with X5, and enters AD conversion in the "conversion unit" 9 via OR input from X5 at the top. The conversion character is "shi" in ss11[0]. The conversion operation is explained in the table (lines 1-10) in Figure 9, which is a detailed explanation of the "conversion unit" 9.In operation mode AD, the conversion string is in katakana, and the kana-kanji conversion item is the target for conversion. The second line of the table has no user dictionary entries, and "shi" is registered in the dictionary (adverbs, conjunctions, and other items) in line 4 (item 4), and "shi shi shi shi..." is registered in the dictionary (nouns) in line 5 (also item 4), so the conversion output szBufa for item 4 as a whole is "shi shi shi shi...". A control character \0 is placed at the end of each candidate for the conversion output. Line 10 is a conversion of two or more characters, so no search is performed and the process ends. Returning to Figure 6, it exits AD of "Conversion Unit" 9 and enters "Output Selection" 14b via OR input, where the conversion output of szBufa is saved as conversion information in szBufz. In the next step, "Single / Double Output Selection" 21, the result of successive conversion is a compound phrase, so the output information szBufCan becomes "shi n" which is a combination of the character strings in the output buffer, ss12[0] to ss12[1], and the process ends with "Conversion Successful." The rest of the process is as described in paragraph number 0028, but because the result of successive conversion is a compound phrase, there is only one conversion candidate, and the "Conversion Candidate Display Unit" 34 in Figure 4 displays the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] (corresponding to ss12[0] to ss12[1]) as "shi n" 81 on the successive conversion screen (3) in Figure 18. The next step is to press the alphabet key [S], which is the same as the operation described above and will be briefly explained in Figure 2.

[0035] When the alphabet key [S] is pressed on the keyboard in Figure 2, the input string becomes "shins." Because "shins" is a combination of the kana "shin" and the full-width alphabet "s," it has the same configuration and operation as the input string "shin" described in paragraphs 0031 to 0034. The "input processing unit" 1 in Figure 2 displays the display string with a dotted underline, such as "shins" 80, on the successive conversion screen (4) in Figure 18, and the "conversion candidate display unit" 34 in Figure 4 displays the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] (corresponding to ss12[0] to ss12[1]) on the screen, such as "shins" 81. Return to Figure 2 to continue entering "shinsa."

[0036] Pressing the alphabet key [A] on the keyboard in Figure 2 results in the input string "shinsa." Because "shinsa" is a kana-only string and is a single-phrase conversion, the behavior is nearly identical to that of "shi" in paragraphs 0029-0030. The "input processing unit" 1 in Figure 2 displays the display string with a dotted underline, such as "shinsa" 80 on the sequential conversion screen (5) in Figure 18. The "conversion candidate display unit" 34 in Figure 4 displays the conversion candidate display information ss5[0]-ss5[4] on the screen, such as "Shuei Shinsa Shinsa Shinsa Shinsa" 81. Because the control character \0 is at the end of the conversion candidate, each candidate is displayed on a new line. Next, Figure 12 explains the "transition operation to the conversion candidate list screen," which transitions the sequential conversion screen to the conversion candidate list screen, which is the conversion operation screen, by pressing the conversion operation transition key.

[0037] When a conversion operation transition key is pressed in "Conversion operation transition key operation" 70a in Figure 12, "Setting variables required for transition to conversion candidate list screen" 70b is performed. On the single-phrase sequential conversion screen, the operation mode is ND, but when transitioning to the conversion candidate list screen, which is the conversion operation screen, the operation mode changes to AD. After transitioning to the conversion candidate list screen, the mode remains AD, and if the converted character string is a compound phrase, the same operation is performed when the left or right arrow key, which is the phrase movement key, is pressed. In AD mode, the conversion character string is the character string in input buffer ss11[n] (n is phrase number 0 to 49), and in the initial operation, the phrase is the character string in input buffer ss11[0] of the first phrase. In Example 1, ss11[0] is "shinsa," so the variable ARHenkan, which indicates English, English abbreviation, and Roman alphabet English character input, is 0. Next, the variable ArrayStart, which indicates the phrase number of interest, is -1 on the successive conversion screen, but becomes 0 on the conversion candidate list screen, indicating the first phrase. As phrases are subsequently moved to the right, ArrayStart becomes an integer indicating the phrase number 0 through 49 of the phrase of interest. In the "Conversion Operation Transition Key Operation" 70a in Figure 12, using the mouse instead of the conversion operation transition keys to click on the corresponding position (assuming phrase n) of the successive conversion candidate moves to the phrase number (n = 0 through 49), and the conversion string becomes the string in input buffer ss11[n], with ArrayStart = n. Next, the "Kana-Kanji Conversion / KEARM Conversion Execution Unit" 4 through 33 is started in AD mode. However, if the result of successive conversion is a single phrase, as in Example 1, the conversion information in ND mode by successive conversion remains in the character variable szBufz at the time the conversion operation transition key is pressed and can be used as output information szBufCan, so conversion in AD mode is not performed. However, the number of conversion candidates is limited to a maximum of five by default. Next, the output information szBufCan of the "Kana-Kanji Conversion / KEARM Conversion Execution Unit" 4-33 enters the "Conversion Candidate Display Unit / Character Output" 34-35, which is an interface unit for sequentially displaying the output information and sending it to the application program, and then enters the "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 34a of the first division, "Conversion Candidate Display Unit" 34. The "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 34a executes the function ConvCandidate and sends the output information to the computer-managed conversion candidate structure.Based on the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] through ss5[n] (where n is the number of candidates minus 1) obtained by the "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 34a, the "Conversion Candidate Display Unit" 34 sends a "Conversion Candidate List Display Request" 34c to the computer. The "Functions for Drawing the Conversion Candidate List Display" 48 determines the size and position of the application program's "Conversion Candidate List Display" 50 screen, and displays the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] through ss5[4] on the screen as shown in Figure 18(6) on the Conversion Candidate List Screen (Conversion Result Display). Because the control character \0 is at the end of the conversion candidate, each candidate is displayed on a new line. The display format is the same as the sequential conversion screen described in paragraph 0028, except that the first conversion candidate, "Conversion" 82a, is selected and its background color is light blue. Next, the second division, "Character Output Unit" 35, determines the "Conversion Operation?" 35a, exits Y, and enters "String Output Selection" 35b. Since the result of the sequential conversion is a single phrase, "String Output Selection" 35b selects "Sei" from the first conversion candidate ss5[0] and stores it in the variable ss1Cand. Next, "Output Character Display Execution Unit" 35c executes the AddCharN function to send the selected candidate "Sei" from ss1Cand to the computer-managed editing structure. Based on these results, "Character Output Unit" 35 sends "Output Character Display Request" 35d to the computer, which determines the size and position of the application program's "Input / Output Character Display" 49 screen using the functions of "Functions for Drawing Input / Output Character Display, etc." 47. The selected candidate is then displayed on the screen as the conversion result, underlined in bold, as in "Sei" 83 on the Conversion Candidate List Screen (Conversion Result Display) in Figure 18(6). Pressing the Confirm key (a logical key, not a physical key like the Enter key) on this screen makes the converted string the confirmed string. Next, as Example 2, the kanji version of the dictionary "100 Famous Mountains" in Figure 14(a) is incorporated into this system, and "take" is entered in the new predictive conversion mode, and the kana-kanji conversion to "Echigo Komagatake" (Echigo Komagatake) is performed using a backward match search. [Example]

[0038] Example 2 is a document that proves that, of the three kana-kanji conversion methods (1) to (3) described in claim 1, "kana-kanji conversion is possible only in (2) new predictive conversion mode." This system is designed so that pressing Ctrl+Insert displays the "Dictionary Integration / Term Registration Tool" screen shown in Figure 16. Clicking the mouse in the check box for "100 Famous Mountains" in Dictionary 1 of the dedicated user dictionary (external) in the center of the screen in Figure 16 allows you to integrate the dedicated user dictionary for "100 Famous Mountains" in Figure 14. Clicking "OK" in this state integrates the dictionary into the system, setting the variable SenUsr = 1, and the output from the "Input Processing Unit" 1 in Figure 2 is output from the new predictive conversion at the discretion of the "Conversion Mode Switching Unit" 3a, activating the "New Predictive Conversion Unit" 3. Because the "Do not display conversion candidates until the conversion confirmation key or confirmation key is pressed" option below the dedicated user dictionary (external) in the center of the screen in Figure 16 is checked, even if conversion candidates are found in the new predictive conversion mode, the displayed string is underlined, but the conversion candidate list screen is not displayed until the conversion confirmation key (e.g., the "↓" key) or confirmation key (e.g., the Shift key) is pressed. The specific operation of the kana-kanji conversion in the new predictive conversion mode begins with the "input processing unit" 1 in Figure 2. The input method is the Roman alphabet input method, and the input mode is hiragana mode.

[0039] Press the alphabet key [T] on the "keyboard" in the upper right corner of Figure 2. A scan code equivalent to the full-width lowercase English letter "t" is obtained. This scan code is passed through the computer as a virtual key code equivalent to the full-width lowercase English letter "t" and is entered into the "Execute various functions?" 1a judgment of the "Input processing unit" 1. Since "t" is a character code, it exits N and enters the "Input character?" 1c judgment. Since "t" is an input character, it exits Y and enters the "Character type conversion based on input mode" 1d. However, in the case of alphanumeric symbols and signs, no character type conversion is performed, and both the display character and the conversion character are output as the full-width lowercase English letter "t". Based on the output of "Character type conversion based on input mode" 1d, the "Input processing unit" 1 sends an "Input character display initialization request" 1e to the application program via the computer, and initializes the "Input / output character display" 49 on the screen. Furthermore, the "input processing unit" 1 sends the display character and conversion character to the computer-managed editing structure via the "input character display character addition / change request" 1f, and determines the size and position of the application program's "input / output character display" 49 screen via the various functions of the "functions for drawing input / output character display, etc." 47. The display character displayed on the screen is the "t" 80 on the new predictive conversion screen (1) in Figure 19, and is displayed with a black dotted underline, which is the default setting for the "input" display attribute. Returning to Figure 2, the output from "character type conversion based on input mode" 1d is subjected to judgment by the "conversion mode switching unit" 3a. As described in paragraph 0038, since the variable SenUsr = 1, the output exits the new predictive conversion and enters the "new predictive conversion unit" 3. Details of the "new predictive conversion unit" 3 are explained in Figure 3.

[0040] In the "New predictive conversion unit" 3 in Figure 3, first the application program "Conversion candidate list display" 50 is initialized via the computer by "Conversion candidate list display initialization request" 3b. Next, it enters "Dedicated user dictionary search and conversion" 3c, where the conversion character "t" is stored as the search character in the character variable CandidateIn, and a search for the "reading" which is the entry in the dedicated user dictionary is performed using the kana-kanji conversion function GetCandiateStringsFromDictionary. Since "t" is not registered in the dedicated user dictionary "100 Famous Mountains," the next "Success?" 3e is judged, and the process exits N, reporting completion to the computer and ending. Since no conversion is performed, "Conversion candidate list display" 50 is not displayed. Return to Figure 2.

[0041] Next, the user presses the "A" alphabet key. The input string, "ta," passes through the computer to the "Input Processor" 1's "Execute Functions?" 1a decision, exits via N, and enters the "Input Character?" 1c decision. The "Input Character?" 1c exits via Y and enters the "Character Type Conversion Based on Input Mode" 1d, where the input string "ta" is converted to romaji and kana, with the display character being "ta" and the conversion character being "ta." Because the "A" key input is the second character, the "Input Processor" 1 does not execute the "Input Character Display Initialization Request" 1e. The "Input Character Display Character Addition / Change Request" 1f sends the display character and conversion character to the computer-managed editing structure. After determining the size and position of the application program's "Input / Output Character Display" 49 screen using the various functions of "Functions for Drawing Input / Output Character Display, etc." 47, the display character is displayed on the screen as shown in the new predictive conversion screen (underlined in green) in Figure 19(2). On this screen, "ta" is underlined in green, but at this point the search for the new predictive conversion mode has not yet begun, so the display attribute is actually "input" and the underline is a black dotted line. However, the search for the new predictive conversion mode is completed within 300 milliseconds from this point, and as will be explained later, the search is successful, so the screen display will ultimately show a solid green line. From here, the "input processing unit" 1 in Figure 2 is exited, so this will be explained next in Figure 3. The output from "character type conversion based on input mode" 1d enters the judgment of the "conversion mode switching unit" 3a. Since SenUsr = 1 and the conversion mode is new predictive conversion mode, it exits new predictive conversion and enters the "new predictive conversion unit" 3 as a startup output. This will be explained next in Figure 3.

[0042] The "New Predictive Conversion Unit" 3 in Figure 3 first initializes the application program's conversion candidate list display via the computer with "Conversion Candidate List Display Initialization Request" 3b. Next, the "Dedicated User Dictionary Search and Conversion" 3c is entered, where the conversion character "ta" is stored as the search character in the character variable CandidateIn, and the kana-kanji conversion function GetCandiateStringsFromDictionary searches the dedicated user dictionary's "reading." In the "User Dictionary" 37 in Figure 13 used in a typical kana-kanji conversion system, the only registered word corresponding to the "reading" (heading) "shinsai" 37a is the kanji "shishiki" 37b. However, in a dedicated user dictionary, registered words must contain not only kanji but also kana representing the reading of the kanji. Because partial matches, such as those found in forward and backward searches, make it impossible to determine the entire reading of the registered word, the kana representing the entire reading is registered. There are three search methods: exact match, forward match, and backward match. For exact match and forward match searches, a match is established when at least one character matches, and for backward match searches, a match is established when at least two characters match. Exact match takes priority, followed by forward match, and finally backward match. For example, if both an exact match and a forward match are established, it is considered an exact match. When a match is found, the displayed string is underlined with a solid line, and the characters are displayed in red for exact matches, green for forward matches, and light red for backward matches. For forward match searches, the number of matches increases, resulting in a larger number of candidates displayed on the conversion candidate list screen, extracted from the dictionary's registered terms. For example, if 10 "readings" match, the number of candidates will be 20 because the kanji version of the dictionary pairs kanji and kana. When the number of matches is large, it can take a long time to select the desired candidate even after opening the conversion candidate list screen. Therefore, it is useful to be able to know whether there are many matches or not before opening the conversion candidate list screen. In this system, if there are fewer than 10 matches for the reading, it is displayed with a thin green underline, and if there are 10 or more matches, it is displayed with a thick green underline. If a thick green underline appears, there are many matches, so if you continue typing without opening the conversion candidate list screen and wait until it becomes a thin green underline, it will be easier to select the candidate you want.In the dedicated user dictionary "Hyakumeizan" (100 famous mountains) in Figure 14, six "readings," such as "Taisetsuzan" 41c, match the first character of the search character "ta" in a forward match search. Therefore, a thin green underline is drawn around "ta," resulting in "ta" 80a on the new predictive conversion screen (green underline display) in Figure 19(2). The search method is determined by substituting the number of matching characters into the variable nComp. If nComp is 1 or greater, it is determined to be an exact match (variable FullyMatched = 1) or a forward match (variable SenyouZenpou = 1). If nComp is 2 or greater, it is neither an exact match nor a forward match, resulting in a backward match. The underline display is performed by the "functions, etc., for drawing input / output character display" 47. Since Example 2 is a search for "take" (rather than a search for a single character "ta"), the match in the forward match search for "ta" is ignored and input continues. Return to Figure 2.

[0043] Next, if you press the alphabet key "K" to enter "ta k", the new predictive conversion screen in Figure 19 (3) will display "ta k" 80, with no matching candidates. The display attribute is also set to "input", and the underline remains dotted. Next, press the alphabet key "E". The input string becomes "take", and goes through the computer to the "input processing unit" 1's "execute functions?" 1a decision, exits from N, and enters the "input character?" 1c decision. "input character?" 1c exits from Y and enters "character type conversion based on input mode" 1d, where the input string "take" is converted to romaji and kana, with the display string becoming "take" and the conversion string becoming "take". Since the "E" key is the fourth character, there is no "Input Character Display Initialization Request" 1e. The "Input Processing Unit" 1 then sends the display string and conversion string to the computer-managed editing structure via the "Input Character Display Character Addition / Change Request" 1f. After determining the size and position of the application program's "Input / Output Character Display" 49 screen via the various functions in the "Functions for Drawing Input / Output Character Display, etc." 47, the display string is displayed on the screen as shown in Figure 19(4) (underlined in light red). While a light red solid line is drawn around "Take" on this screen, since the search for the new predictive conversion mode has not yet begun, the display attribute is actually "input" and the underline is a dotted black line. From here, the "Input Processing Unit" 1 in Figure 2 exits, which will be explained next in Figure 3. The output from the "Character Type Conversion Based on Input Mode" 1d is input to the "Conversion Mode Switching Unit" 3a for judgment. Since SenUsr = 1, the conversion mode is new predictive conversion mode, so the output exits new predictive conversion and enters the "New Predictive Conversion Unit" 3 as startup output.

[0044] The "New Predictive Conversion Unit" 3 in Figure 3 first initializes the application program's conversion candidate list display via the computer with "Conversion Candidate List Display Initialization Request" 3b. Next, the "Dedicated User Dictionary Search and Conversion" 3c is entered, where the conversion string "Take" is stored as the search string in the character variable CandidateIn, and the kana-kanji conversion function GetCandiateStringsFromDictionary searches for the "reading" entry in the dedicated user dictionary. In the dedicated user dictionary "Hyakunomeyama" (100 Famous Mountains) in Figure 14, "Aidukomagatake" and other characters are found to be backward matches. The kanji and kana strings corresponding to the matching "reading" are extracted and saved as conversion information in szBuf, and then saved as output information in the character variable szBufCan. Since the conversion was successful, the next "Success?" 3e is judged to be successful, and the process exits Y, where the "Output Character Display Execution Unit" 3f executes the output character display execution function AddCharN, sending the character data "Take" to the computer-managed editing structure. Based on the results of the above, the "new predictive conversion unit" 3 sends an "output character display request" 3g to the computer. After determining the size and position of the application program's "input / output character display" 49 screen using the various functions of the "functions for drawing input / output character display, etc." 47, the "new predictive conversion unit" 3 displays the character on the screen with a light red underline, such as "たけ" 80a in Figure 19(4) New Predictive Conversion Screen (light red underline). Next, the "Display?" 3h decision in Figure 3 is made. This involves determining whether to display a list of conversion candidates for the new predictive conversion output information szBufCan each time. Since the "Do not display conversion candidates until the conversion confirmation key or confirmation key is pressed" option is checked near the center of the screen in Figure 16, even if the output information szBufCan is detected, the conversion candidates will not be displayed until the conversion confirmation key (such as the "↓" key) or confirmation key (such as the Shift key) is pressed. The following explains how to display a list of conversion candidates by pressing the conversion confirmation key from this state.

[0045] When the conversion confirmation key (such as the "↓" key) or confirmation key (such as the Shift key) is pressed in the "Conversion confirmation key or confirmation key" 3d in Figure 3, the output information szBufCan of the "dedicated user dictionary search and conversion" 3c enters the "conversion candidate display execution unit" 3i, which executes the function ConvCandidate and sends the output information to the computer-managed conversion candidate structure. The conversion candidate display information obtained by the "conversion candidate display execution unit" 3i is ss5[0] to ss5[n] (n is the number of candidates minus 1), and since the maximum number of candidates to be displayed on the screen is 9, the "new predictive conversion unit" 3 sends a "conversion candidate list display request" 3j to the computer, which determines the size and position of the application program screen "conversion candidate list display" 50 using the functions of "functions for drawing conversion candidate list display, etc." 48, and then displays the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] to ss5[8] on the screen as shown in Figure 19(5) New predictive conversion screen (conversion candidate display) 81, "Aizu-Komagatake, Ainotake, Echigo-Komagatake, Ontake-san, Kaikoma-ga-take." "Kai-Koma-ga-take" and subsequent words are displayed on the second page and onwards.

[0046] Next, in Figure 3, pressing the "↓" key five times in "Up / Down Arrow Key Operation" 3k will result in the screen shown in Figure 19(6) where "Echigo Komagatake" 82e is selected on the new predictive conversion screen (conversion candidate selection), and the kana reading "Echigo Komagatake" 82f is saved in the auxiliary KER buffer ss12k[n] (n is the phrase number). Next, in "Import Operation Key Operation" 3l, pressing the import operation key (a logical key; the physical key is the Tab key) will execute the output character display execution function AddCharN, and the selected candidate "Echigo Komagatake" will be sent to the computer-managed editing structure. Based on the results of the above, the "new predictive conversion unit" 3 sends an "output character display request" 3m to the computer, which determines the size and position of the "input / output character display" 49 screen using the functions of the "functions for drawing input / output character display, etc." 47. The selected candidate is then displayed on the screen as a conversion result string, underlined with a dotted line, such as "Echigo-Komagatake" 83 on the new predictive conversion screen (conversion result display) in Figure 19(7). Pressing the confirmation key (a logical key, not a physical key) allows the conversion result string "Echigo-Komagatake" to be confirmed. Next, as a third embodiment, the system incorporates the kanji-English version of the "herbal medicine" dictionary in Figure 15(b) and performs kana-kanji conversion in the new predictive conversion mode. However, instead of confirming the conversion result string obtained in the new predictive conversion mode as in the second embodiment, the conversion result string is taken as an input string in the sequential conversion mode, and further input is continued, allowing kana-kanji conversion in the sequential conversion mode. [Example]

[0047] Example 3 is a document that proves that, of the three methods (1) to (3) described in claim 1, "(3) the character string resulting from the conversion obtained in the new predictive conversion mode can be taken as the input character string in the sequential conversion mode, and further input can be continued to perform kana-kanji conversion in the sequential conversion mode." Here is an example of inputting "goshakusan wo no mu" (drink goshakusan) by combining conversion in the new predictive conversion mode and conversion in the sequential conversion mode. The term "goshakusan" (goshakusan) is used in herbal medicine. While some manufacturers of commercially available systems incorporate terms related to herbal medicine into their kana-kanji conversion dictionaries, this system does not incorporate them into its kana-kanji conversion dictionary. Instead, this system incorporates them as a dedicated user dictionary for "herbal medicine." Simply entering "go" in the new predictive conversion mode retrieves the kanji for "goshakusan," and the user then switches back to sequential conversion mode to continue input.

[0048] The desired dedicated user dictionary must be incorporated into this system in advance. In the "Dictionary Integration / Term Registration Tool" screen in Figure 17, the "K. Herbal Medicine" dedicated user dictionary is checked, indicating that the dedicated user dictionary for herbal medicine described in paragraph 0046 can be incorporated. Pressing "OK" in the screen shown in Figure 17 will incorporate the "K. Herbal Medicine" dictionary, set the variable SenUsr to 1, and the system can begin in the new predictive conversion mode. The "Do not display conversion candidates until the conversion confirmation key or confirmation key is pressed" checkbox in the center of the screen in Figure 17 is checked. Therefore, in the new predictive conversion mode, even if a conversion candidate is found, the displayed text will be underlined, but the conversion candidate will not be displayed until the conversion confirmation key (e.g., the "↓" key) or confirmation key (e.g., the Shift key) is pressed. The specific operation of the new predictive conversion mode begins with "Input Processor" 1 in Figure 2. Input is performed using the romaji input method in hiragana mode.

[0049] Press the English key [G] on the "keyboard" in the upper right corner of Figure 2. A scan code equivalent to the full-width lowercase English letter "g" is obtained. This scan code is passed through the computer as a virtual key code equivalent to the full-width lowercase English letter "g" and is entered into the "Execute various functions?" 1a judgment of the "Input processing unit" 1. Since "g" is a character code, it exits N and enters the "Input character?" 1c judgment. Since "g" is an input character, it exits Y and enters the "Character type conversion based on input mode" 1d. However, in the case of alphanumeric symbols and signs, no character type conversion is performed, and both the display character and the conversion character are output as the full-width lowercase English letter "g". Based on the output of "Character type conversion based on input mode" 1d, the "Input processing unit" 1 sends an "Input character display initialization request" 1e to the application program via the computer, and initializes the "Input / output character display" 49 on the screen. Furthermore, the "input processing unit" 1 sends the display character and the conversion character to the computer-managed editing structure by "input character display character addition / change request" 1f, and after determining the size and position of the application program screen "input / output character display" 49 by the functions of "functions for drawing input / output character display, etc." 47, the display character displayed on the screen is "g" 80 on the new predictive conversion screen in Figure 20(1), and is displayed with a dotted underline. Returning to Figure 2, the output from "character type conversion based on input mode" 1d is subjected to judgment by the "conversion mode switching unit" 3a. As described in paragraph 0048, since the variable SenUsr = 1, it leaves the new predictive conversion and enters the "new predictive conversion unit" 3.

[0050] In the "New Predictive Conversion Unit" 3 in Figure 3, first the "Conversion Candidate List Display Initialization Request" 3b initializes the application program's "Conversion Candidate List Display" 50 via the computer. Next, it enters "Dedicated User Dictionary Search and Conversion" 3c, where the conversion character "g" output from the "Input Processing Unit" 1 is stored as the search character in the character variable CandidateIn, and a search for the "reading" in the dedicated user dictionary is performed using the kana-kanji conversion function GetCandiateStringsFromDictionary. Since "g" is not registered in the "herbal medicine" section of the dedicated user dictionary, the next "Success?" 3e determines that the process is complete, and the process exits N, reporting completion to the computer and ending. Since no conversion is performed, the "Conversion Candidate List Display" 50 is not displayed. Return to Figure 2.

[0051] Next, the user presses the "O" key. The input string becomes "go," which is passed through the computer to the "Input Processor" 1's "Execute Functions?" 1a decision block, exiting at N and entering the "Input Character?" 1c decision block. The "Input Character?" 1c's "Input Character?" 1c exits at Y and enters the "Character Type Conversion Based on Input Mode" 1d, where the input string "go" is converted to romaji and kana, with the display character being "go" and the conversion character being "go." Because the "O" key is the second character entered, the "Input Character Display Initialization Request" 1e is not executed. Based on the output of the "Character Type Conversion Based on Input Mode" 1d, the "Input Processor" 1 sends the display character and conversion character to the computer-managed editing structure via the "Input Character Display Character Addition / Change Request" 1f. After determining the size and position of the application program's "Input / Output Character Display" 49 screen via the various functions of the "Functions for Drawing Input / Output Character Display, etc." 47, the display character is displayed on the screen as shown in the "Go" character in Figure 20 (2) New Predictive Conversion Screen (underlined in green). On this screen, a solid green line is drawn under "go," but at this point, the new predictive conversion has not yet started, so the display attribute is actually "input" and the underline is a black dotted line. Returning to Figure 2, the output from "Character type conversion based on input mode" 1d goes to the "Conversion mode switching unit" 3a for judgment. As described in paragraph 0048, the variable SenUsr = 1, so it leaves the new predictive conversion and enters the "New predictive conversion unit" 3.

[0052] The "New Predictive Conversion Unit" 3 in Figure 3 first initializes the application program's conversion candidate list display via the computer with "Conversion Candidate List Display Initialization Request" 3b. Next, it enters "Dedicated User Dictionary Search and Conversion" 3c, where the conversion character "go" output from the "Input Processing Unit" 2 is stored as the search character in the character variable CandidateIn, and the kana-kanji conversion function GetCandiateStringsFromDictionary searches the dedicated user dictionary entry for "reading." The search is performed using three methods: exact match, forward match, and backward match. Exact match and forward match searches are successful if there is a match of one or more characters, while backward match searches require a match of two or more characters. An exact match takes top priority, followed by a forward match, and finally a backward match. If a match occurs, the displayed string is underlined, and the characters are displayed in red for an exact match, green for a forward match, and light red for a backward match. In the case of a prefix search, if there are 10 or more matches, the display will be a thick green underline, and if there are fewer than 10 matches, the display will be a thin green underline. The built-in dedicated user dictionary for "herbal medicine" has a structure like the kanji-English version in Figure 15 (b). The search target is the heading, which is the reading of the kanji. For example, in the case of the kanji "Five Tiger Decoction," the heading "Go Koto" 41c is the search target for the reading. The "Registered Words" 41d must contain not only the kanji "Five Tiger Decoction" but also the kana "Go Koto" which represents the reading of the kanji. In the kanji-English version, the English equivalent of the kanji is "five tiger decoction." Since the search character is the single character "go", backward matches, which require a match of two or more characters, are not considered, and since there is no reading that is an exact match with one character, the kanji, kana, and English strings corresponding to the reading that matches the beginning, such as "go kotou", are saved in szBuf as conversion information, and are also saved as output information in szBufCan. There are eight readings that match the beginning of "go". Since the conversion was successful, the next step, "Success?" 3e, determines whether the conversion is successful, and the output character display execution function AddCharN is executed in the "output character display execution unit" 3f, sending the character data "go" to the computer-managed editing structure.Based on these results, the "new predictive conversion unit" 3 sends an "output character display request" 3g to the computer, which determines the size and position of the application program's "input / output character display" 49 screen using the various functions of the "functions for drawing input / output character displays, etc." 47. Since there are eight matching readings, the "go" 80a is displayed on the screen with a thin green underline, as in the new predictive conversion screen (green underlined) in Figure 20(2). Next, the "display?" 3h decision in Figure 3 is made. This involves determining whether to display the list of conversion candidates for the new predictive conversion output information szBufCan each time. Since the "Do not display conversion candidates until the conversion confirmation key or confirmation key is pressed" option is checked near the center of the screen in Figure 17, even if the output information szBufCan is obtained, the list will not be displayed until the conversion confirmation key (such as the "↓" key) or confirmation key (such as the Shift key) is pressed. The following explains how to display the list of conversion candidates from this state by pressing the conversion confirmation key.

[0053] When the user presses the conversion confirmation key (such as the "↓" key) or confirmation key (such as the Shift key) in the "Conversion Confirmation Key or Confirmation Key" 3d in Figure 3, the output information szBufCan of the "Dedicated User Dictionary Search and Conversion" 3c is entered into the "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 3i, which executes the function ConvCandidate and sends the output information to a computer-managed conversion candidate structure. Based on the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] to ss5[n] (n is the number of candidates minus 1) obtained by the "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 3i and the fact that the maximum number of candidates displayed on the screen is nine, the "New Predictive Conversion Unit" 3 sends a "Conversion Candidate List Display Request" 3j to the computer, and determines the size and position of the application program's "Conversion Candidate List Display" 50 screen using the various functions in the "Functions for Drawing the Conversion Candidate List Display, etc." 48. Then, the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] to ss5[8] is displayed on the screen as shown in Figure 20(3) "Gokoto five tiger decoction..." 81.

[0054] Next, pressing the "↓" key seven times using the "up and down arrow keys" 3k in Figure 3 displays the screen shown in Figure 20(4) when "Gosekisan" 82g is selected from "Gokotou five tiger decoction..." 82 on the conversion candidate list screen (conversion candidate selection), and the kana reading "Goshakusan" 82h is saved in the auxiliary KER buffer ss12k[n] (n is the phrase number). When English is selected instead of kanji, "powder for five kinds of stagnations" 82i is selected. In this case, the kana reading "Goshakusan" 82h is still required, so it is saved in the auxiliary KER buffer ss12k[n] (n is the phrase number). Each time the selected candidate changes, the "conversion candidate display execution unit" 3i sends the output information to the computer-managed conversion candidate structure, and the "new predictive conversion unit" 3 sends a "conversion candidate list display request" 3j to the computer, causing the latest information to be displayed on the application program's "conversion candidate list display" 50 screen. Next, pressing the import operation key (a logical key, not a physical key, but the Tab key) in "Import Operation Key Operation" 3l executes the output character display execution function AddCharN, sending the character string "gosokusan" (five-point san) as a candidate for selection to the computer-managed editing structure. Based on the above results, the "new predictive conversion unit" 3 sends an "output character display request" 3m to the computer, which determines the size and position of the "input / output character display" 49 screen using the functions in "functions for drawing input / output character display, etc." 47, and then displays the candidate for selection on the screen as "gosokusan" 83 on the new predictive conversion screen (importing kanji) in Figure 20(5). Next, "new predictive conversion end" sets the variable SenUsr to 0, and the conversion mode returns from new predictive conversion mode to sequential conversion mode. Hereafter, the sequential conversion mode screen will be explained using Figure 21.

[0055] Next, when the alphabet key "W" is pressed to input "wo", the screen displayed is the sequential conversion screen in Figure 21(1) (input begins after kanji is taken in). Next, when the alphabet key "O" is pressed to input "wo", the screen displayed is the sequential conversion screen in Figure 21(2) (input is added after kanji is taken in), and when "wo no mu" is subsequently input, the screen displayed is the sequential conversion screen in Figure 21(3) (input continues after kanji is taken in). The operation of sequential conversion after the new predictive conversion mode is the same in both cases, so we will explain the operation when inputting on the sequential conversion screen in Figure 21(3) (input continues after kanji is taken in). We will start by explaining the "input processing unit" 1 in Figure 2.

[0056] The input string from the "keyboard" in Figure 2 is "wo no mu" which is entered after the system switches to sequential conversion mode. It goes through the "computer" to the "input processing section" 1's "execute functions?" 1a decision, exits from N, and goes to the "input character?" 1c decision. It comes out from Y of "input character?" 1c and goes to "character type conversion based on input mode" 1d. The input string and "gosekisan" which were taken into the editing structure in "take-in operation key operation" 3l in Figure 3 are added, and the display string becomes "gosekisan wo no mu" and the conversion string becomes "gosekisan wo no mu". The "input processing unit" 1 sends the display string and conversion string to the computer-managed editing structure via the "input character display character addition / change request" 1f, and then determines the size and position of the application program's "input / output character display" 49 screen via the various functions of the "functions for drawing input / output character display, etc." 47. The display string is then displayed on the screen as shown in Figure 21(3) on the sequential conversion screen (after kanji is imported, input continues), as in "Drink Gosetsusan wo no mo" 80. Next, the "conversion mode switching unit" 3a executes a decision. Since SenUsr = 0, the system exits sequential conversion and enters the "conversion startup unit" 2, which initializes the application program's "conversion candidate list display" 50 via the computer via the "conversion candidate list display initialization request" 2a. Next, the system executes the "one or more characters?" 2b decision, exits Y, issues a "conversion startup unit output," and enters ND in Figure 4 to start the "kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution unit" 4-33. The operation of the "kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution unit" 4-33 is explained below with reference to Figures 5 and 7.

[0057] Starting with new input ND in Figure 5, the process enters "Start Conversion" and then "Operation Mode" 4 for judgment. Exiting ND, the process enters "Read Input" 5, where the conversion string "Gosekisanwoyomu" (five-segmented digits) in the editing structure is read from the computer. Next, the process enters "New Prediction?" 5a for judgment. As mentioned above, although SenUsr = 0, the kanji from the dedicated user dictionary have already been imported, and nSenUsrTerm > 0, so the process exits Y. The character length of "Gosekisan," nSenUsrTerm = 3, is assigned to n9. Exiting Y from "New Prediction?" 5a, the process proceeds to Figure 7. The rest of the process is explained in Figure 7. Entering "Automatically Generated Dictionary" 26 in Figure 7 with OR input. A detailed explanation of the automatically generated dictionary is given in line 6 of Figure 10. Since the conversion string is kanji and "Gosekisan" obtained by the new predictive conversion is specified, the kanji "Gosekisan" is registered in item 4. Next, the process returns to Figure 7 and enters "Subsequent?" 27 for judgment. Since there is a subsequent string, the output is Y, and a determination is made as to whether "o no mu" is a case particle. The character variable ss1Auto is set to "goseki san wo" via "Split & Attribute" 28, and n1Auto = 4. The operating mode also changes to ADP. Next, the ADP in "Conversion Unit" 9 enters KEARM / ANS / New Predictive Conversion via OR input. Because ss1Auto has a particle at the end, the ADP in operation mode (Figure 10) in the detailed diagram of the conversion unit performs New Predictive Conversion on line 7, where the conversion string becomes kanji, and uses "goseki san" from the automatically generated dictionary to obtain the output "goseki san wo." At this point, the kana reading string "goshakusan" in ss12k[n] is added, and the conversion output szBufb for "goseki san wo goshakusan wo" is obtained, and the process returns to Figure 7. The output is then exited from the ADP in "Conversion Unit" 9's KEARM / ANS / New Predictive Conversion via OR input and enters "Output Selection" 14a. Here, szBufb is output as conversion information szBufz and enters "Kana?" 12, but in the case of new predictive conversion, it exits N and enters the "End?" 11 decision, and at the same time, "Gosekisanwo" is saved in the input buffer ss11[0] and "Gosekisanwo" is saved in the output buffer ss12[0], and it exits N of "End?" 11 and enters "prevCode decision" 15. In the case of new predictive conversion, prevCode = 0, and the next "next string detection" 16 obtains "nom". This string is stored in the conversion input character variable ss1Auto, and the character length n1Auto = 2. Next, it enters the "character type" 17 decision.At this point, processing of the first segment is complete, so we move on to converting the second segment. Returning to the normal kana-kanji conversion, we will explain this in Figure 5 of the general operation manual.

[0058] The conversion string "nom" in the second segment is kana, so it is entered into the next "kana character forwarding" 18 by OR input. Since this is the first search in this segment, no character forwarding is performed and "nom" is sent as is to the "kana input processing unit" 19. The following is an explanation of Figure 8, which is a detailed diagram of the "kana input processing unit" 19.

[0059] "n1AutoANS?" 19a in Figure 8 is the setting for the "~" part detected by "*~*?" 19l in the center of Figure 8. In this embodiment, nothing was detected in the previous segment, so it exits N and enters "GetRefWord" 19c. GetRefWord is a function for obtaining kana-kanji combination information, and any combination kanji can be registered here, but in this embodiment, no information is obtained, so it exits N with a judgment of "Success?" 19d and enters the next judgment of "n1Auto > 1 else?" 19f. Since n1Auto = 2, it exits Y and enters the judgment of "Fast forward string?" 19g. Since the character length of this section is 2, there is no fast forwarding, so it exits N and enters "Cancel?" 19h. There are no prohibited items in the main section, so it exits N and enters "pCode=40?" 19i. Since prevCode = 0 for the main section, it exits N. Since this clause is not a fixed pattern string, it exits N of "*~?" 19k, N of "*~*?" 19l, and enters "prevCode=39?" 19m. Since prevCode = 0 for this clause, it exits N and enters the "precompound verb?" 19o decision. Since this clause is not a compound verb, it exits N and enters the "prefix / suffix?" 19p decision. Since no prefixes or suffixes are detected and there is no registered information in "Attributes" 19e, it exits N of "Processed?" and enters the "compound verb?" 19s decision. Since this clause is not a compound verb, it exits N and exits the lower part of the "kana input processing unit" 19. Next, it enters the "conversion unit" 9 from the ADP of the compound phrase for kana-kanji conversion in Figure 5. In Figure 9, a detailed diagram of the conversion unit, the kana-kanji conversion in ADP mode is performed without registering a user dictionary on line 2, and lines 3 and 4 yield no conversion results. Line 10 uses the godan conjugation dictionary to obtain the conversion output szBufc for "drink drunmu..." and then ends. Returning to Figure 5, the kana-kanji conversion compound phrase in "Conversion Unit" 9 exits ADP, exits "Success?" 10, and enters "Output Selection" 14a via OR input. Here, szBufc becomes the conversion information szBufz for the main phrase. Next, the "Kana?" 18 decision is entered. Since it is kanji, the "Kana?" 18 decision is entered as N, and then the "End?" 11 decision is entered. At the same time, "Nomu" is saved in the input buffer ss11[1] for the second phrase, and the first conversion candidate "drunmu" is saved in the output buffer ss12[1]. This completes the conversion, and the operation mode changes from ADP mode to AD mode."End?" exits Y in 11, jumps to the top via X5, and enters AD conversion in "Conversion Unit" 9 via OR input from X5 at the top. The conversion character is "Gosekisanwo" in ss11[0]. The conversion operation is explained in the table (lines 1-7) in Figure 10, which is a detailed explanation of "Conversion Unit" 9. The operation mode is AD, the conversion character string is kanji, and the new predictive conversion item is the conversion target. "Gosekisan" registered in the automatically generated dictionary in line 7 (item number 5) and "Goshakusan" stored in the KER buffer ss12k[0] are each given a suffix, resulting in "Gosekisanwo Goshakusanwo" as the conversion candidate, and the conversion output szBufb is obtained. Returning to Figure 5, the conversion exits AD in "Conversion Unit" 9 via OR input and enters "Output Selection" 14b, where the conversion output of szBufb is saved as conversion information in szBufz. In the next step, "Single / Plural Output Selection" 21, the result of the sequential conversion is a compound phrase, so the output information is "drink Gosetsusan," which is ss12[0]~ss12[1], which is the combination of the output buffers for the first and second phrases. This is saved as output information in the character variable szBufCan, and the process ends with "conversion successful." Next, the output information szBufCan enters the "Conversion Candidate Display Unit / Character Output Unit" 34~35 in Figure 4, which is the interface unit for sequentially displaying output information and sending it to the application program, and then enters the "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 34a of the first section, "Conversion Candidate Display Unit" 34. The "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 34a executes the function ConvCandidate and sends the output information to the computer-managed conversion candidate structure. Since the result of successive conversion is a compound phrase, there is only one conversion candidate. Based on the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] (corresponding to ss12[0] to ss12[1]) obtained by the "conversion candidate display execution unit" 34a, the "conversion candidate display unit" 34 sends a "conversion candidate list display request" 34c to the computer, and the "functions, etc. for drawing the conversion candidate list display" 48 determines the size and position of the application program screen "conversion candidate list display" 50, and displays the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] (corresponding to ss12[0] to ss12[1]) on the screen as shown in "drink Gosekisan" 81 on the successive conversion screen (continue input after capturing kanji) in Figure 21(3). Next, the operation of pressing the conversion operation transition key to transition from the successive conversion screen to the conversion candidate list screen, which is the conversion operation screen, will be explained using Figure 12.

[0060] When a conversion operation transition key (such as the Space key) is pressed in "Conversion operation transition key operation" 70a in Figure 12, the necessary settings are made in "Setting variables required for transition to conversion candidate list screen" 70b, and the "Kana-Kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution units" 4 to 33 are started in AD mode. Next, the conversion operation of the "Kana-Kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution units" 4 to 33 will be explained using Figures 5 and 9.

[0061] It starts with the specified input AD in Figure 5, and then goes to "Start Conversion" and determines "Operation Mode" 4. It exits AD and enters AD conversion in "Conversion Unit" 9 via OR input. Since the conversion string is the kanji "Goshakusanwo" in ss11[0], a detailed explanation of "Conversion Unit" 9 is shown in the table in Figure 10 (lines 1-7). Operation mode AD, conversion string is kanji, and the new predictive conversion item is the conversion target. Using the automatically generated dictionary in the seventh line of the table (item 5) and the kana string in ss12k[0], the conversion output szBufb for "Goshakusanwo Goshakusanwo" is obtained. A control character \0 is placed at the end of each candidate for each conversion output. Returning to Figure 5, it exits AD from AD conversion in "Conversion Unit" 9 and enters "Output Selection" 14b via OR input. Here, szBufb becomes the conversion information szBufz. In the next "Single / Double Output Selection" 21, since this is a conversion candidate list screen, the conversion information szBufz becomes the output information szBufCan as is. This ends the process with "Conversion Successful". Next, the output information szBufCan enters the "Conversion Candidate Display Section - Character Output" 34-35 in Figure 12, which is the interface section for sequentially displaying output information and sending it to the application program, and then enters the "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Section" 34a of the first section, "Conversion Candidate Display Section" 34. The "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Section" 34a executes the function ConvCandidate and sends the output information to the computer-managed conversion candidate structure. Based on the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] to ss5[1] obtained by the "Conversion Candidate Display Execution Unit" 34a, the "Conversion Candidate Display Unit" 34 sends a "Conversion Candidate List Display Request" 34c to the computer, which determines the size and position of the application program's "Conversion Candidate List Display" 50 screen using the functions of the "Functions for Drawing Conversion Candidate List Display, etc." 48, and displays the conversion candidate display information ss5[0] to ss5[1] on the screen as shown in Figure 21(4) on the conversion candidate list screen (conversion result display) as "Gosakusan o goshakusan o" 82. Because the control character \0 is at the end of the conversion candidate, each conversion candidate is displayed on a new line. "Gosakusan o" 82a becomes the first conversion candidate, and the background color indicating the selected candidate becomes light blue. Next, the second division, "Character Output Unit" 35, determines the "Conversion Operation?" 35a, exits Y, and enters "String Output Selection" 35b. Since the result of successive conversion is a compound phrase, the string output by "string output selection" 35b is "drink Gosetsusan" which is a combination of output buffers ss12[0] to ss12[1], and is stored in variable ss1Cand.Next, the "Output Character Display Execution Unit" 35c executes the AddCharN function and sends the string output "Gosekisan drink" to the computer-managed editing structure. Based on these results, the "Character Output Unit" 35 sends an "Output Character Display Request" 35d to the computer, which determines the size and position of the application program's "Input / Output Character Display" 49 screen using the functions of "Functions for Drawing Input / Output Character Display, etc." 47. The string output from ss12[0] to ss12[1] is then displayed on the screen as the conversion result, such as "Gosekisan drink" 83 on the conversion candidate list screen (conversion result display) in Figure 21(4). The display attributes are such that "Gosekisan wo" is the focused phrase and is underlined in a thick solid line, while the other phrase "drink" is underlined in a thin solid line. The above demonstrates that inputting "gowonomu" into the system and combining the new predictive conversion mode and the sequential conversion mode results in the conversion result string "Gosekisan drink." When you press the Confirm key (logical key, physical key is Enter key) from this screen, the converted string becomes the confirmed string. Next, we will explain how to resume conversion in the new predictive conversion mode.

[0062] FIG. 22 illustrates a method for resuming conversion in the new predictive conversion mode. Starting from "Start" in FIG. 22, when using the same combination of dedicated user dictionaries as in Example 3, "Same Dictionary" 71a determines that Y is exited and enters "New predictive conversion resume key operation" 71b, and when the new predictive conversion resume key (a logical key, the physical key is the Shift key) is pressed instantaneously, the variable SenUsr becomes 1 and the conversion mode changes to the new predictive conversion mode. Next, in "Confirm electronic sound" 71c, a low electronic sound, "beep," that is easy for the user to distinguish and that does not disturb those around the user, is emitted so as to allow the user to recognize the mode change. The electronic sound for confirming the mode change is adapted from Patent Document 1. On the other hand, if you want to perform conversion in the new predictive conversion mode using a different combination of dedicated user dictionaries, press Ctrl+Insert to display the "Dictionary Integration / Dictionary Registration" screen in Figure 17, and if necessary, create a new dedicated user dictionary in advance according to the procedure explained in paragraph 0024 and place it in the specified location. Select the new dedicated user dictionary by clicking the checkbox for the new dedicated user dictionary displayed on the screen in Figure 17, and press OK at the bottom of the screen. The selected dedicated user dictionary will then be incorporated into the system. Once a valid dedicated user dictionary has been incorporated, the variable SenUsr will be set to 1 and the conversion mode will be new predictive conversion mode. If the variable SenUsr is 1, you can input from the keyboard in new predictive conversion mode, as shown in "Resume Input" 71e. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 to 62 are configuration numbers 1~3 Input section 1 Input processing section 1a Determining whether or not various functions are performed 1b Execution of the program for the function 1c Determine whether it is an input character 1d Character type conversion based on input mode 1e Input character display initialization request 1f Input character display character addition / change request 2 Conversion startup section 2a Conversion candidate list display initialization request 2b Determine whether it is one or more characters 2c Conversion starter output 3 New predictive conversion section 3a Conversion mode switching section 3b Conversion candidate list display initialization request 3c Dedicated user dictionary search and conversion 3D conversion confirmation key or confirmation key operation 3e Determining success or failure 3f Output character display execution unit 3g output character display request 3h Determine whether to display conversion candidates 3i Conversion candidate display execution unit 3j Conversion candidate list display request 3k Up and down arrow key operation (select conversion candidate) 3l Import operation key operation 3m Output character display request 4~33 Kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion execution unit 4. Determining the operating mode 5 Reading input 5a Determining whether a prediction is new or not 6. Input character type determination 6a Full-width / Half-width determination (kana-kanji conversion and ANS conversion) 6b Full-width / half-width character determination (KEARM conversion) 7. Determining whether the number of characters exceeds 12 8 Attribute 1 (for information gathering) 9 Conversion section (for search and conversion) 10 Determining whether the conversion was successful 11 Determining whether conversion is complete 12 Determining whether the conversion output is katakana only 13 Acquire English combination information and execute KEARM conversion 14a Selecting conversion output for each phrase 14b Obtaining conversion information by selecting the final conversion output 15 PrevCode Judgment 16 Detecting the next phrase conversion string 17 Determining the character type of the conversion string 17a Full-width / Half-width determination (kana-kanji conversion and ANS conversion) 17b Full-width / half-width character determination (KEARM conversion) 18 Forward the specified number of kana characters 19 Kana input processing section 19a Determine whether n1AutoANS is 0 or greater 19b Split string by specified number 19c Kana-kanji combination information acquisition 19d Determining whether information has been acquired 19e Store the acquired information in szBuf3 19f n1Auto judgement whether it is 2 or more, etc. 19g Determine whether the string fast-forward count was successfully detected Determining whether to stop searching after 19:00 19i Determine whether term information preCode=40 19j Store the counter (book, piece, type, etc.) in szBuf3 19k *~(*books, *sheets, *types, etc.) detection or not 19l *~* (full age, etc.) detection 19m n1AutoANS (Setting the number of characters in the ~ part of the ~ years old 19n Determine whether term information prevCode=39 19o pre-compound verbs (pre-determining whether a verb is compound or not) 19p Judging whether prefix or suffix detection was successful 19q Determining whether or not the matter has been processed 19r Determine whether suffix detection was successful or not 19s Determine whether it is a compound verb (e.g., start walking) 20 Input / Output Buffers 21 Output information selection based on whether the result of successive conversion is a simple phrase or a compound phrase 22 Word Determination 23 Detecting the number of leading characters 24 Acquisition of English combination information 25. Determine whether the number of leading characters was detected successfully 26 Registering words in an automatically generated dictionary 27 Determining whether a subsequent string exists 28 Splitting the following string and obtaining string information 29 Acquire English combination information 30 English word forwarding 31 Determining whether a character is a single character type 32 Split by character type 33 Full-width character string forward 34~35 Conversion candidate display area / character output area 34 Conversion candidate display section 34a Conversion candidate display execution unit 34b Up and down arrow key operation (select conversion candidate) 34c Conversion candidate list display request 35 Character output section 35a Determining whether or not a conversion operation 35b String output selection 35c Output character display execution unit 35d Output character display request 36 Kana-kanji conversion dictionary 36a Reading (heading) 36b Registered words 37 User Dictionary 37a Reading (heading) 37b Registered words 38 KEARM conversion dictionary (not used in this invention) 39 Output language selection switch (not used in this invention) 40 KEARM conversion audio output section (not used in this invention) 41 Dedicated User Dictionary 41a Reading (heading) 41b Registered words (Kanji, Kana, English) 41c Reading (heading) 41d Registered words (Kanji, Kana, English) 42-46 Not used in this invention 47 Functions for drawing input / output character displays 48 Functions for drawing a list of conversion candidates 49 Input / output character display 50 Conversion candidate list display 51 Dictionary integration / term registration tool 51a Dictionary integration / term registration tool screen 52-62 Not used in this invention 63~69 Vacant numbers 70~79 Operation and operation explanation numbers 70a Conversion operation transition key operation 70b Setting variables required for transition to the conversion candidate list screen 71a Determining whether the same dedicated user dictionary exists 71b Pressing the new predictive conversion resume key 71c Confirm with an electronic sound 71d New dedicated user dictionary 71e Resume conversion in new predictive conversion mode 72~79 Vacant numbers 80~91 Screen explanation numbers 80~83 Screen numbers for Kana-Kanji conversion, ANS conversion and new predictive conversion 80 Display string 80a Display string indicating search match (new predictive conversion screen) 81 Conversion candidate list (for sequential conversion screen, new predictive conversion screen) 82 Conversion candidate list (for conversion candidate list screen) 82a Selection candidate (first conversion candidate) 82e Conversion candidate (Kanji) 82f Conversion candidate (Hiragana) 82g Conversion candidate (Kanji) 82h Conversion candidate (hiragana) 82i conversion candidates (English) 83 Conversion result 84-91 Not used in this invention

Claims

1. A Japanese input system (hereinafter referred to as this system) that incorporates a "kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion type Japanese input system" (hereinafter referred to as the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system) for inputting character strings into an application program running on a computer, a "conversion mode switching unit", a "dedicated user dictionary" (multiple options possible), a "new predictive conversion unit", and a "dictionary incorporation / terminology registration tool" to add a predictive conversion function using a dedicated user dictionary and a new predictive conversion mode that executes said predictive conversion function, and further adds logical keys required for operation: a "conversion confirmation key", a "confirmation key", a "capture operation key", and a "new predictive conversion resume key", The "conversion mode switching unit" is the part that switches between the sequential conversion mode, which is the normal conversion mode of the kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system, and the new predictive conversion mode that has been added. When incorporating this into a kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion system, the built-in "conversion mode switching unit" is reused, but when incorporating it into a system that does not have a built-in "conversion mode switching unit," a new "conversion mode switching unit" is created. The "dedicated user dictionary" is a dictionary in which the "phrase" part, which is the registered word for the "reading" of the entry, is not only in kanji but also in kana (English can also be added), like a conventional user dictionary. The "new predictive conversion unit" can search and convert using three search methods: exact match, forward match, and backward match based on the search string entered from the keyboard and the reading of the "dedicated user dictionary." The "Dictionary Integration / Term Registration Tool" is a tool that allows you to turn individual "dedicated user dictionaries" on and off, register terms for each dictionary, and disable predictive conversion if all "dedicated user dictionaries" are off. In this system, By combining conversion in the sequential conversion mode and conversion in the newly added predictive conversion mode, kana-kanji conversion can be performed in the following three ways (1) to (3), and the obtained determined character string can be input to an application program: (1) In kana-kanji conversion performed only in sequential conversion mode, a conversion string (kana) is searched for the "reading" in a conventional kana-kanji conversion dictionary or a user dictionary, and the string of kanji (multiple characters are possible) corresponding to the "reading" that matches perfectly is extracted and displayed as a list screen of conversion candidates for kana-kanji conversion, and the desired candidate string is selected from the list screen of conversion candidates using the up and down arrow keys to be used as the conversion result string, and the string is confirmed by pressing the confirm key. (2) In kana-kanji conversion that is performed only in the new predictive conversion mode, after opening the "Dictionary Integration / Term Registration Tool" and selecting the desired dedicated user dictionary or dictionaries, the user can start the system in the new predictive conversion mode by closing the tool and incorporating the dedicated user dictionary. The search string (kana) is searched for the "reading" in the dedicated user dictionary using three search methods: exact match, forward match, and backward match. The search method that resulted in a match is displayed by underlining the input string (or a displayed string instead) in a different color, and the forward match with the most matches is also displayed. In the match search, the underline is made thick or thin depending on the number of matches, and the kanji and kana, or kanji, kana and English strings corresponding to the matching "reading" (multiple strings are possible), are extracted and used as conversion information for kana-kanji conversion, the conversion confirmation key or confirmation key is pressed to display the conversion information and show a conversion candidate list screen, the desired candidate is selected from the conversion candidate list screen using the up and down arrow keys, the candidate string is taken in and used as the conversion result string by pressing the operation key, the string is used as the confirmed string by pressing the confirmation key, and finally the conversion mode is returned to the sequential conversion mode. (3) is a method in which, by continuing to input the character string resulting from the conversion in the new predictive conversion mode of (2) without pressing the confirm key, the character string is taken in as an input character string in the sequential conversion mode, and by continuing to input the character string, kana-kanji conversion is performed in the sequential conversion mode as in (1), and the character string resulting from the conversion finally obtained is made into a confirmed character string by pressing the confirm key; Regarding (2) and (3) above, to resume the next conversion in the new predictive conversion mode using the same dedicated user dictionary combination as the previous time, simply press the logical key "New predictive conversion resume key" and an electronic sound will sound to resume kana-kanji conversion in the new predictive conversion mode. To resume using a different user dictionary combination, open the "Dictionary integration / Terminology registration tool", select the desired dedicated user dictionary or dictionaries, and close the tool, and kana-kanji conversion will begin in the new predictive conversion mode using the user dictionary combination. method.

2. The method described in claim 1 in a system in which the "kana-kanji conversion / KEARM conversion type Japanese input system" described in claim 1 is replaced with an exact match search type sequential conversion type Japanese input system that adds a conversion start unit to the conventional JISX4064 exact match search type batch conversion type Japanese input system that starts conversion with the conversion key.

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