Character input device, character input method, and character input program

Abstract

To provide a function to easily learn a character along a flow of performing character input.SOLUTION: A character input device includes a character input unit, a candidate acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a registration unit. An input string is inputted to the character input unit. The candidate acquisition unit acquires a candidate character string registered in a dictionary corresponding to the input string entered into the character input unit. The determination unit determines the candidate character string obtained by the candidate acquisition unit and selected as the final character string of the input string entered into the character input unit. The registration unit causes the remaining character strings that have not been deleted to be registered in the dictionary by associating them with the input character string entered into the character input unit when some character strings are deleted from the finalized character string determined by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for assisting character input.

Background Art

[0002] Various character input methods have been devised using a software keyboard installed in an electronic device such as a smartphone. For example, in Patent Document 1, an input character and conversion candidates for this input character are extracted. The input character and the conversion candidates are associated with each other and stored in a conversion learning database. When a user performs character input, this conversion learning database is referred to and conversion candidates are read out.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when registering a word in a conversion learning dictionary database using the configuration described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of procedures are required. For example, when a user registers a person's name, the desired character string may not be registered for the input reading. The user obtains the desired character string by inputting the person's name in a short segment.

[0005] When it is difficult to obtain the desired character string for the reading in this way, the user uses a tool for creating a conversion learning dictionary database (hereinafter referred to as a dictionary tool). Next, the user needs to associate and save the reading for the desired character string and the character string corresponding to this reading in this dictionary tool.

[0006] In other words, because these processes are cumbersome for users, they often do not use this dictionary tool. When the dictionary tool is not used, users have to repeatedly perform the task of converting short, segmented strings. Therefore, this may be inconvenient for users.

[0007] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a function that allows for easy learning of characters in accordance with the flow of character input. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the character input device of this invention is configured as follows.

[0009] This character input device comprises a character input unit, a candidate acquisition unit, a confirmation unit, and a registration unit. An input string is entered into the character input unit. The candidate acquisition unit acquires candidate strings registered in the dictionary that correspond to the input string entered into the character input unit. The confirmation unit confirms the selected candidate string acquired by the candidate acquisition unit as the confirmed string for the input string entered into the character input unit. If some characters are deleted from the confirmed string confirmed by the confirmation unit, the registration unit registers the remaining characters that were not deleted in the dictionary, associating them with the input string entered into the character input unit.

[0010] In this configuration, users can train the system to learn desired characters by following the normal text input process, such as typing and deleting characters.

[0011] If a portion of a confirmed string is deleted from a confirmed string entered into the character input device, the registration unit of this character input device registers the confirmed string entered into the character input unit, which follows the deleted string, as a candidate for a continuation of the remaining string.

[0012] The registration unit of this character input device associates the input string entered into the character input unit with a series of strings in the dictionary, which consist of the remaining string obtained by deleting some characters from the confirmed string confirmed by the confirmation unit for this input string, and candidate strings for connecting this remaining string that have been registered in the dictionary.

[0013] This character input device includes a counting unit. The counting unit counts the number of occurrences for each combination of the input string entered into the character input unit, the remaining string obtained by deleting some characters from the confirmed string determined by the confirmation unit for the input string, and candidate strings for connecting to the remaining string that are registered in the dictionary. For combinations in which the number of occurrences counted by the counting unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the registration unit registers in the dictionary a series of strings consisting of the input string entered into the character input unit, the remaining string obtained by deleting some characters from the confirmed string determined by the confirmation unit for the input string, and candidate strings for connecting to the remaining string that are registered in the dictionary.

[0014] The registration unit of this character input device prohibits the process of registering a character in the dictionary if the remaining string is not a single character. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to this invention, the objective of the present invention is to provide a function that allows for easy learning of characters in accordance with the flow of character input. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram showing how to input text using a text input device as an example of its application. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the character input device in Configuration Example 1. [Figure 3] Figures 3(A) and 3(B) are illustrative diagrams showing how to input text using the text input device of Configuration Example 1. [Figure 4] Figures 4(A) and 4(B) are illustrative diagrams showing how to input text using the text input device of Configuration Example 1. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the character input device in the operation example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the character input device in Modification Example 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the character input device in Modification Example 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the character input device in Modification Example 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an image diagram showing character input by the character input device in Modification Example 3. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the character input device in Modification Example 3.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to several drawings.

[0018] <1. Application Example> FIG. 1 is an image diagram showing character input by the character input device 10. The user creates an email using the character input device 10. The user inputs characters into the mail application.

[0019] [[ID=3​​​​​​​​The user, for example, launches a mail application. The user inputs a character string into the input field 200. In this example, a mail application is used for explanation, but any application having a function capable of performing character input may be used, and the type of the application is not limited.

[0022] The character input device 10 receives the result of the user's operation on the touch panel of the smartphone 80. For example, the user launches a mail application to create a mail and performs character input. The character input device 10 detects an operation for starting the user's character input. By detecting this operation of performing character input, the character input device 10 activates the display unit 20 (character input unit 21, candidate display unit 22).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, an example in which the user inputs the character string "Sounmi" into the input field 200 will be used for explanation. First, the user uses the character input unit 21 to input the character string "kanaderu" into the input field 200. The character input device 10 outputs "odoru" as a conversion candidate.

[0024] The user selects and confirms the candidate character string "odoru". Next, the user uses a delete button or the like to delete the character string "oru", which is a part of the confirmed character string "odoru". At this time, the character input device 10 associates the character string "kanaderu" with the partial character string "sou" of the character string "odoru" and stores them in the dictionary database 50.

[0025] Next, the user inputs the character "minoru" using the character input unit 21. The character input device 10 displays the character "mi" as a conversion candidate.

[0026] By performing these operations, the user can obtain the desired character string "Sounmi".

[0027] This configuration allows users to register strings in the dictionary database in a straightforward manner, following the flow of text input and deletion of unnecessary strings. In other words, registration in the dictionary database becomes possible without the user having to intentionally read and register the corresponding strings. Therefore, users can input text efficiently.

[0028] <2. Configuration Example 1> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the character input device in Configuration Example 1. Figures 3(A) and 3(B) are illustrative diagrams showing character input using the character input device in Configuration Example 1. Figures 4(A) and 4(B) are illustrative diagrams showing character input using the character input device in Configuration Example 1. Note that the character input device 10 is not limited to smartphones; any other electronic device capable of character input may be used.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the character input device 10 includes a display unit 20, an operation detection unit 30, a display control unit 35, a control unit 40, and a dictionary database 50.

[0030] As described above, the display unit 20 includes a character input unit 21 and a candidate display unit 22. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the character input unit 21 and the candidate display unit 22 are arranged on the screen of the smartphone 80. The character input unit 21 displays various keys for character input. The candidate display unit 22 displays conversion candidates acquired by the method described later, as well as narrowed-down conversion candidates. For example, the character input unit 21 is a software keyboard.

[0031] The smartphone 80 is equipped with a touch panel. This touch panel detects user operations. More specifically, the touch panel detects operations on the input field 200 of the email application, and on the character input unit 21 and candidate display unit 22 provided on the display unit 20. Operation detection includes, for example, the position of the operation, the duration of the operation, and the temporal change of the position of the operation. The results of these operation detections are output to the operation detection unit 30. The operation detection unit 30 outputs these results to the display control unit 35 and the control unit 40 according to the results input from the touch panel. The display control unit 35 outputs to the display unit 20 to display according to the operation results.

[0032] The control unit 40 comprises a candidate acquisition unit 41, a confirmation unit 42, and a registration unit 43. The control unit 40 is composed of a hardware CPU, memory, and other electronic circuits. When the hardware CPU executes the character input program according to this invention, the control unit 40 operates as the candidate acquisition unit 41, the confirmation unit 42, and the registration unit 43. The memory has an area for deploying the character input program according to this invention and an area for temporarily storing data generated during the execution of the character input program. The control unit 40 may be an LSI integrating the hardware CPU, memory, etc. The hardware CPU is a computer that executes the character input method according to this invention.

[0033] The candidate acquisition unit 41 searches the dictionary database 50 for multiple conversion candidates that match the reading and acquires them. At this time, the candidate acquisition unit 41 also acquires the priority of each of the multiple conversion candidates as a normal conversion candidate. The priority of each normal conversion candidate is set based on the user's usage history and general usage frequency, and can be set by various known methods. The candidate acquisition unit 41 outputs the multiple conversion candidates to the candidate display unit 22 according to their priority as normal conversion candidates.

[0034] The confirmation unit 42 confirms the selected candidate string from among the candidate strings displayed in the candidate display unit 22 as the confirmed string.

[0035] The registration unit 43 associates the input character string entered by the user using the character input unit 21 with the remaining character string with a part of the input character string deleted, and stores them in the dictionary database 50. Details will be described later.

[0036] In the dictionary database 50, readings, conversion candidates for the readings, display priorities for each conversion candidate in normal conversion processing, etc. are stored.

[0037] As a more specific example, using FIGS. 2, 3(A), 3(B), 4(A), and 4(B), the procedure for the user to input characters will be described. The user operates the character input unit 21 and inputs the character string "奏実". This character string is, for example, a person's name, and the reading is "かなみ".

[0038] Conventionally, when inputting the reading "かなみ" with the character string "奏実", it is presumed that the user performs the following procedure. In the present invention as well, character input is performed in the following similar procedure.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the user uses the character input unit 21 to input the character string "かなでる" (or "かなで"). The candidate acquisition unit 41 acquires conversion candidates for the character string "かなでる" by searching the dictionary database 50. This reading character string "かなでる" corresponds to the "input character string" of the present invention. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3(B), the character input device 10 causes the candidate display unit 22 to display conversion candidates such as "奏でる", "かなでる", "カナデル", etc. At this time, the candidate acquisition unit 41 outputs the reading character string "かなでる" to the registration unit 43.

[0040] Next, as shown in FIG. 3(B), the user selects the character string "奏でる" displayed on the candidate display unit 22.

[0041] As a result, the operation detection unit 30 detects that the character string "奏でる" has been selected, and outputs this character string "奏でる" to the determination unit 42. The determination unit 42 outputs the character string "奏でる" to the display control unit 35 as the determined character string. The display control unit 35 displays the determined character string "奏でる" in the input field 200.

[0042] Here, the user deletes the character string "deru", which is part of the confirmed character string "kanaderu" in the input field 200. More specifically, the user taps the delete button in the character input section 21. At this time, the operation detection unit 30 detects that a part "deru" of the confirmed character string "kanaderu" has been deleted. The remaining character string after deleting the part "deru" of the confirmed character string "kanaderu" is the character string "kan".

[0043] The operation detection unit 30 outputs the remaining character string "kan" to the registration unit 43. The registration unit 43 associates the read character string "kanaderu" with the remaining character string "kan" and stores it in the dictionary database 50.

[0044] Next, the user inputs the character string "minoru" using the character input section 21. As a result, the candidate acquisition unit 41 searches the dictionary database 50 and acquires conversion candidates for the character string "minoru". At this time, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the character input device 10 displays conversion candidates such as "実", "稔", "minoru", etc. on the candidate display section 22. The user selects the character string "実" on the candidate display section 22.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4(B), the character input device 10 outputs the character string "実" to the input field 200. By configuring it in this way, the user can obtain the desired character string "奏実".

[0046] In the above procedure, the operation detection unit 30 detects an operation of deleting a part "deru" of the confirmed character string "kanaderu". The registration unit 43 associates and stores the read character string "kanaderu" with the remaining character string "kan" in response to this operation. That is, even if the user does not intentionally perform dictionary registration, characters can be easily learned. In other words, the user can register the desired character string in the dictionary in the process of normal character input. Therefore, the user can perform character input efficiently.

[0047] <3. Operation Example> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the character input device 10 in an operation example. The processing flow of the character input device 10 will be described using FIGS. 1, 2, 3(A), 3(B), 4(A), 4(B), and 5.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the user inputs the read string "かなでる" using the character input unit 21 (S101). The candidate acquisition unit 41 acquires conversion candidates for the read string "かなでる" by searching the dictionary database 50. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3(B), the character input device 10 causes the candidate display unit 22 to display candidate strings such as "奏でる", "かなでる", "カナデル", etc.

[0049] The character input device 10 determines whether the string "奏でる" is confirmed (S102). When the character input device 10 determines that the string "奏でる" is confirmed (S102: Yes), the confirmation unit 42 outputs this string "奏でる" as the confirmed string to the input field 200 (S103).

[0050] Next, since the string "奏でる" (confirmed string) is confirmed, the candidate acquisition unit 41 outputs the read string "かなでる" to the registration unit 43 (S104).

[0051] The user deletes the string "でる", which is a part of the confirmed string "奏でる" in the input field 200 (S105). More specifically, the user taps the delete button of the character input unit 21. At this time, the operation detection unit 30 detects that a part "でる" of the confirmed string "奏でる" has been deleted. As a result, the remaining string "奏" is obtained.

[0052] When the operation detection unit 30 detects that a part "でる" of the confirmed string "奏でる" has been deleted, the remaining string "奏" is output to the registration unit 43 (S106).

[0053] The registration unit 43 associates the read string "かなでる" with the remaining string "奏" and stores them in the dictionary database 50 (S107). <##

[0054] Next, the user inputs the character string "minoru" using the character input unit 21 (S108). By doing this, the candidate acquisition unit 41 searches the dictionary database 50 and acquires conversion candidates for the character string "minoru". At this time, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the character input device 10 causes the candidate display unit 22 to display conversion candidates such as "実", "稔", "minoru", etc.

[0055] The user selects the character string "実" in the candidate display unit 22 (S109). As shown in FIG. 4(B), the character input device 10 outputs the character string "実" to the input field 200. By configuring it in this way, the user can acquire the desired character string "奏実".

[0056] Note that when the character input device 10 determines that the character string "奏でる" has not been determined (S102: No), it executes step S101 again.

[0057] In this way, even if the user does not intentionally perform dictionary registration, characters can be easily learned. In other words, the user can register the desired character string in the dictionary in the process of normal character input. Therefore, the user can perform character input efficiently.

[0058] Note that in the above example, it has been described assuming that the reading character string is "かなでる". However, the reading character string may not be "かなでる", but may be characters used by the user to output predictive conversion such as "か", "かな", "かなで" in order to acquire candidate character strings. That is, for example, the registration unit 43 may save the association between the reading character string "か" and the determined character string "奏".

[0059] <4. Modified Example 1> Next, the character input device according to Modified Example 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. In Configuration Example 1, the processing is performed in the order of step S107 and step S108, whereas in Modified Example 1, the difference lies in that the processing is performed in the order of step S108 and step S107. Other configurations are the same as those of the character input device 10, and the description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the character input device 10 of Modification 1. Step S108 in Configuration Example 1 corresponds to step S201 in Modification 1, and step S107 corresponds to step S202 in Modification 1.

[0061] That is, in step S106, when the operation detection unit 30 detects that a part "deru" of the determined character string "kanaderu" has been deleted, the remaining character string "kan" is output to the registration unit 43. Next, the user inputs the read character string "minoru" using the character input unit 21 (S201).

[0062] The operation detection unit 30 detects that the character string "minoru" has been input. As a result, the registration unit 43 associates the read character string "kanaderu" with the remaining character string "kan" and stores them in the dictionary database 50 (S202).

[0063] The user selects the character string "実" in the candidate display unit 22 (S109). The character input device 10 outputs the character string "実" to the input field 200. With this configuration, the user can obtain the desired character string "奏実".

[0064] With this configuration, the character input device 10A can clearly recognize the user's intention to associate the remaining character string "kan" with the character string "実". In other words, it is possible to suppress the incorrect association of the second and third characters due to the user's operation error or the like. That is, an increase in the dictionary database 50 can be suppressed.

[0065] <5. Modification 2> Next, the character input device according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. Modification 2 is different from Configuration Example 1 in that the control unit 40B of the character input device 10B includes a counting unit 44. Other configurations are the same as those of the character input device 10, and descriptions of the same parts are omitted.

[0066] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the character input device in Modification 2. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the character input device in Modification 2.

[0067] The control unit 40B includes a candidate acquisition unit 41, a confirmation unit 42, a registration unit 43, and a counting unit 44. The counting unit 44 acquires the remaining string when the user deletes part of the confirmed string, counts the number of times the combination of the read string and the remaining string occurs (hereinafter referred to as the number of occurrences), and records that number. In other words, the confirmation unit 42 counts the number of times a part of the confirmed string acquired from the read string is deleted, and records that number.

[0068] The counting unit 44 records the number of occurrences and determines whether the number of occurrences is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. If the counting unit 44 determines that the number of occurrences is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 3 times), it outputs the result to the registration unit 43.

[0069] The registration unit 43 associates the reading string with the remaining string according to this result and stores it in the dictionary database 50.

[0070] Next, Figure 8 will be used to explain the processing flow of the character input device 10B in modified example 2. Steps S101 to S106 are the same as in configuration example 1 and will therefore be omitted.

[0071] The counting unit 44 obtains the remaining string by deleting part of the confirmed string by the user and records the number of times the combination of the read string and the remaining string occurred (number of occurrences) (S301).

[0072] The counting unit 44 determines whether the number of occurrences has exceeded a predetermined number (S302). This predetermined number is, for example, 3 times.

[0073] If the counting unit 44 determines that the number of acquisitions has been three or more (S302: Yes), it outputs the result to the registration unit 43. The registration unit 43 associates the reading string and the remaining string and saves them in the dictionary database 50 (S107).

[0074] Next, the user inputs a string using the character input unit 21 (S108). This causes the candidate acquisition unit 41 to search the dictionary database 50 and obtain conversion candidates for the string. The character input device 10 then displays the conversion candidates in the candidate display unit 22.

[0075] The user selects a conversion candidate from the candidate display unit 22 (S109). The character input device 10 outputs this selected string to the input field 200.

[0076] In step S302, if the counting unit 44 determines that the number of occurrences is less than 3 (S302: No), the counting unit 44 increments the acquisition count by 1 and terminates this process.

[0077] In other words, the character input device 10B can associate and save the read string and the remaining string by having the user repeatedly delete a portion of the confirmed string. That is, it can further learn in accordance with the user's intentions.

[0078] Furthermore, the above example described a case where the number of occurrences was three or more. However, the number of occurrences is not limited to three; any number can be set.

[0079] Furthermore, the predetermined number of deletions used as a standard may take into account the user's history of incorrect inputs and character deletions during text input. In other words, if a user frequently deletes characters due to habits or other reasons, it is advisable to increase the predetermined number of deletions to determine whether the operation of deleting part of the confirmed string to leave a remaining string was intended. For example, if it is determined that a user tends to delete characters frequently during text input, it is advisable to increase this predetermined number to 5 or 6 times.

[0080] <6. Variation 3> Next, the character input device according to Modification 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. Modification 3 is different from Configuration Example 1 in that it is possible to obtain connection candidates for the remaining character string with respect to the remaining character string by inputting a reading string. Other configurations are the same as those of the character input device 10, and descriptions of the same parts will be omitted.

[0081] FIG. 9 is an image diagram showing character input by the character input device 10C according to Modification 3. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the character input device 10C according to Modification 3.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 9, the user inputs the reading string "かなでる" into the input field 200. By doing so, the candidate acquisition unit 41 acquires the desired character string "奏実" (the remaining character string and connection candidates for the remaining character string) stored in the dictionary database 50 in association with the reading string "かなでる". By this, it is possible to acquire the desired character string "奏実" only by inputting the characters of the reading string "かなでる".

[0083] Thus, in order to acquire the desired character string "奏実" by inputting the reading string "かなでる", the procedure of storing in the dictionary database 50 using the character input device 10C as shown in FIG. 10 is executed. Note that steps S101 to S106 in FIG. 10 are the same as the configuration of Configuration Example 1, and thus are omitted.

[0084] The candidate acquisition unit 41 searches the dictionary database 50 and acquires connection candidates for the remaining character string "奏" (S401). At this time, the character input device 10 causes the candidate display unit 22 to display conversion candidates such as "実", "稔", "みのる", etc.

[0085] The user selects the character string "実" in the candidate display unit 22 (S402). The character input device 10 outputs the character string "実" to the input field 200.

[0086] The operation detection unit 30 detects that the character string "実" of the candidate display unit 22 has been selected, and outputs the character string to the registration unit 43 (S403).

[0087] The registration unit 43 associates the read character string with the remaining character string and the connection candidates for the remaining character string, and stores them in the dictionary database 50 (S404).

[0088] As described above, the candidate acquisition unit 41 can acquire connection candidates for the remaining character string. More specifically, the candidate acquisition unit 41 acquires the character string "実" as a connection candidate for the remaining character string "奏". The user selects this character string "実". Therefore, the user can obtain the desired character string "奏実" by inputting the read character string.

[0089] In this way, even if the user does not intentionally perform dictionary registration, the characters can be easily learned. In other words, the user can register the desired character string in the dictionary in the process of normal character input. Therefore, the user can input characters efficiently.

[0090] Furthermore, by inputting the read character string, the user can easily obtain a character string that combines the remaining character string, which is the desired character string, and the character string connected to the remaining character string.

[0091] <7. Modified Example 4> Next, the character input device according to Modified Example 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. Modified Example 4 is different from Configuration Example 1 in that the registration unit checks the number of characters in the remaining character string. Other configurations are the same as those of the character input device 10, and the description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0092] The registration unit 43 checks the number of characters in the remaining character string. If the remaining character string is 1 character, the remaining character string is registered in the dictionary database 50. On the other hand, if the remaining character string is 0 characters or 2 or more characters, registering the remaining character string in the dictionary database 50 is prohibited.

[0093] This configuration allows the dictionary database 50 to be updated according to the user's intentions. More specifically, if the registration unit 43 determines that there are 0 remaining characters, it will not register the remaining characters in the dictionary database 50, considering the user's operation to be incorrect. Similarly, if it determines that there are 2 or more remaining characters, it will not register the remaining characters in the dictionary database 50, considering the user's operation to be incorrect.

[0094] Even with this configuration, it becomes possible to create a dictionary database 50 that meets the user's intentions, thereby improving user convenience.

[0095] Furthermore, this invention is not limited to the above example, and in the implementation stage, the components can be modified and materialized without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above example. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above example. Furthermore, components from different examples may be appropriately combined.

[0096] Furthermore, the correspondence between the configuration of this invention and the configuration described above can be described as follows: <Note> The character input device (10) comprises a character input unit (21), a candidate acquisition unit (41), a confirmation unit (42), and a registration unit (43). An input string is entered into the character input unit (21). The candidate acquisition unit acquires candidate strings registered in the dictionary that correspond to the input string entered into the character input unit (21). The confirmation unit (42) confirms the selected candidate string acquired by the candidate acquisition unit (41) as the confirmed string for the input string entered into the character input unit. If some characters are deleted from the confirmed string confirmed by the confirmation unit (42), the registration unit (43) registers the remaining characters that were not deleted in the dictionary, associating them with the input string entered into the character input unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C... Character input devices 20...Display section 21...Text input section 22...Candidate display area 30... Operation detection unit 35…Display Control Unit 40, 40B... Control Unit 41...Candidate acquisition section 42...Determined part 43…Registration Department 44…Counting section 50…Dictionary Database 80... Smartphone 200... Input field

Claims

1. A character input area where the input string is entered, A candidate acquisition unit that acquires candidate strings that correspond to the input string entered in the character input unit, which are registered in the dictionary, A confirmation unit confirms the candidate strings acquired by the candidate acquisition unit and selected as the confirmed string of the input string entered into the character input unit, A character input device comprising: a registration unit that, when a portion of a confirmed string determined by the confirmation unit is deleted, registers the remaining string that was not deleted in the dictionary in association with the input string entered in the character input unit; If a portion of the confirmed string determined by the confirmation unit is deleted, the registration unit registers the confirmed string determined by the confirmation unit, following the remaining string that was entered into the character input unit, as a candidate for continuation in the dictionary. The character input device includes a counting unit that counts the number of occurrences for each combination of the input string entered into the character input unit, the remaining string obtained by deleting some characters from the confirmed string confirmed by the confirmation unit for the input string, and candidate strings for connecting the remaining string that are registered in the dictionary. The registration unit registers in the dictionary, for combinations whose occurrence count by the counting unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times, a series of strings consisting of the input string entered in the character input unit, the remaining string obtained by deleting some characters from the confirmed string confirmed by the confirmation unit for this input string, and candidate strings for connecting this remaining string that have been registered in the dictionary. Text input device.

2. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit prohibits the process of registering the remaining character in the dictionary if there is not one character remaining.

3. An input step in which the input string is entered into the character input field, A candidate acquisition step of acquiring candidate strings that correspond to the input string entered in the character input section, which are registered in the dictionary, A confirmation step in which the candidate strings obtained in the candidate acquisition step are selected as the confirmed string of the input string entered in the character input unit, A character input method in which a computer performs a registration step in which, if some characters are deleted from the confirmed string confirmed in the confirmation step, the remaining characters that were not deleted are registered in the dictionary in association with the input string entered in the character input unit, If some characters are deleted from the confirmed string confirmed in the confirmation step, the registration step registers the confirmed string confirmed in the confirmation step, following the remaining characters that were not deleted and entered into the character input section, as a candidate for continuation in the dictionary. The character input method involves the computer executing a counting step to count the number of occurrences for each combination of the input string entered into the character input unit, the remaining string obtained by deleting some characters from the confirmed string confirmed in the confirmation step, and the candidate strings for connecting the remaining string that are registered in the dictionary. The registration step involves registering in the dictionary, for combinations whose occurrence count in the counting step is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times, a series of strings consisting of the input string entered in the character input unit, the remaining string obtained by deleting some characters from the confirmed string confirmed in the confirmation step for this input string, and candidate strings for connecting this remaining string that have been registered in the dictionary, in association with the input string entered in the character input unit. Text input method.

4. An input step in which the input string is entered into the character input field, A candidate acquisition step of acquiring candidate strings that correspond to the input string entered in the character input section, which are registered in the dictionary, A confirmation step in which the candidate strings obtained in the candidate acquisition step are selected as the confirmed string of the input string entered in the character input unit, A character input program that causes a computer to perform a registration step in which, if some characters are deleted from the confirmed string confirmed in the confirmation step, the remaining characters that were not deleted are registered in the dictionary in association with the input string entered in the character input unit, If some characters are deleted from the confirmed string confirmed in the confirmation step, the registration step registers the confirmed string confirmed in the confirmation step, following the remaining characters that were not deleted and entered into the character input section, as a candidate for continuation in the dictionary. The character input program causes the computer to execute a counting step to count the number of occurrences for each combination of the input string entered into the character input unit, the remaining string obtained by deleting some characters from the confirmed string confirmed in the confirmation step, and the candidate strings for connecting the remaining string that are registered in the dictionary. The registration step involves registering in the dictionary, for combinations whose occurrence count in the counting step is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times, a series of strings consisting of the input string entered in the character input unit, the remaining string obtained by deleting some characters from the confirmed string confirmed in the confirmation step for this input string, and candidate strings for connecting this remaining string that have been registered in the dictionary, in association with the input string entered in the character input unit. A text input program.

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