Electronic device, display control method, and program

Abstract

To improve operability for attaching / detaching a tag to / from an arbitrary entry word.SOLUTION: When swipe operation TW is performed on a free area of a screen (such as an entry word explanation screen G3) on which an arbitrary entry word is displayed, if no tag is set in association with the entry word, data of the tag associated with the entry word is set (tag setting "present") in tag setting data, and a tag FSr of a type (for example, red) of the set tag is added and displayed in a free area in the same screen. When the tag is set in association with the displayed arbitrary entry word (the tag FSr is added in the screen), the setting of the tag associated with the same entry word in the tag setting data is changed to "absent" in response to the swipe operation TW relative to the free area in the screen, and the tag FSr is erased.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, Display control method and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in the process of students' learning, when looking up explanatory information such as word translations, semantic meanings, and example sentences, electronic dictionaries are widely used.

[0003] An electronic dictionary stores various dictionary data such as English-Japanese dictionaries and Japanese-English dictionaries in a built-in storage device such as a ROM, searches for the headword of a word input by a user from the dictionary data, and reads out and displays on a display screen the explanatory information such as the translation, semantic meaning, and example sentence associated with the searched headword, thereby enabling the user to learn words.

[0004] Generally, in the case of a book dictionary, a sticker is attached to the position of the headword on the page where the word (headword) that the user is concerned about is listed so that it can be easily confirmed later. In an electronic dictionary as well, there is a function that stores sticker data in association with an arbitrary headword in the dictionary data (attaches a sticker) to make it easier for the user to confirm the words that the user is concerned about (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is Even when sticky notes are attached and removed, the user can still see the history of when the sticky notes were attached. to provide an electronic device, a display control method, and a program.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The electronic device according to the present invention includes a display control means that, when displaying a headword at a predetermined timing, displays information indicating the number of times a sticky note image has been attached or removed in the headword description screen if the headword is a headword for which a sticky note image has been attached or removed in the headword description screen, in association with the headword. The number of times the sticky note is attached and removed is counted up each time the sticky note image is added. It is characterized by the following: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the external configuration of an electronic dictionary 10 according to an embodiment of the electronic device, control method for the electronic device, and program of the present invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuitry of electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of sticky note setting data (22d) stored in the sticky note setting data storage area 22d of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the dictionary search process corresponding to the dictionary search function of electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the display operation according to the dictionary search process of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the sticky note setting process for the sticky note function of electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the display operation associated with setting sticky notes according to the sticky note setting process for sticky notes associated with headwords in the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the display behavior when a sticky note is deleted according to the sticky note setting process of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the sticky note display process corresponding to the sticky note function of electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the display operation of the sticky note list screen G4 according to the sticky note display processing of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the display operation of the search history list screen G5 according to the search history display processing of the electronic dictionary 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings.

[0011] (Configuration of Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an electronic dictionary 10 according to an embodiment of an electronic device, a control method for an electronic device, and a program of the present invention.

[0012] The electronic dictionary 10 is configured as a dedicated electronic dictionary described below, or as a tablet-type PDA (personal digital assistants), PC (personal computer), mobile phone, e-book, portable game machine, etc. equipped with a dictionary search function.

[0013] The electronic dictionary 10 is configured to include a foldable case in which its main body case 11 and lid case 12 can be unfolded / closed via a hinge portion 13. On the surface of the main body case 11 with the foldable case unfolded, a key input unit (keyboard) 14 including a [Home] key 14a, function designation keys 14b, character input keys 14c, [Translation / Decision] key 14d, [Back / List] key 14e, cursor keys 14f, [Shift] key 14g, [History] key 14H, etc., an audio output unit 15, and an audio input unit 16 are provided.

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

[0015] At the left end of the touch panel type display unit 17, a touch icon area 17A is provided where touch icons ([Marker] icon BM, [Sticky Note] icon BF, etc.) for performing a pressing operation of some keys in the key input unit 14 and a designation operation of some functions of the electronic dictionary 10 by touch operation are displayed.

[0016] The function designating keys 14b of the key input section 14 are keys for directly designating each dictionary content ([Encyclopedia][Dictionary] etc.) written on each key, the category of dictionary content ([Japanese][Archaic language][Japanese-Chinese][English-Japanese] etc.), the category of learning content ([Learning]), [Content list], and one category of tool [Learning log].

[0017] In addition, the keys of the key input section 14 can function as keys with a frame around them instead of the key functions written without a frame on the key top when they are operated continuously after the [Shift] key 14g is operated. For example, when the [Translate / Determine] key 14d is operated (hereinafter referred to as the [Shift]+[Determine] key) after the [Shift] key 14g is operated, it becomes a [Register] key for activating the function of registering the data designated as the registration target. The [Shift]+[Delete] key becomes the [Settings] key.

[0018] The electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment has a memo function for setting or deleting memo data associated with a heading word based on a user's swipe operation on the heading word explanation screen G3 retrieved and displayed by heading word search. The above swipe operation is an example of a gesture operation.

[0019] The swipe operation includes not only a swipe operation TW (see FIGS. 7 and 8) using a touch pen P or a fingertip on the heading word explanation screen G3 displayed on the touch panel type display section 17, but also a drag operation of the mouse cursor or mouse pointer displayed on the screen.

[0020] In the electronic dictionary 10 shown in FIG. 1, on the heading word explanation screen G3 of the heading word "establish" in the "English-Japanese 1" dictionary for which memo data is set, a blue memo FSb indicating that blue (type of memo) memo data is set in association with the heading word, and a blue memo window Fsbw in which the set memo data is opened, are shown in a displayed state. In the memo area M of this blue memo window Fsbw, a handwritten memo "test" arbitrarily input by the user is written.

[0021] In sticky note FSb and sticky note window FSbw, for example, the memo area M on the left corresponds to the glued image area, and the type area K on the right corresponds to the non-glued image area.

[0022] The [History] key 14H on the key input section 14 is a key that displays a list of previously searched headwords on the touch panel display section 17 as the search history list screen G5 (see Figure 11).

[0023] The [Marker] icon BM in the touch icon area 17A is an icon used to add a marker (color in) by specifying any string displayed on the touch panel display unit 17.

[0024] The [Sticky Note] icon BF in the touch icon area 17A is an icon used to specify multiple functions related to sticky note data.

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0026] The electronic circuitry of the electronic dictionary 10 includes a control unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 21, which is a computer.

[0027] The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to a dictionary control program 22a pre-stored in a storage unit 22 such as a flash ROM, or a dictionary control program 22a read from an external recording medium 23 such as a memory card by a recording medium reading unit 24 and stored in the storage unit 22, or a dictionary control program 22a downloaded from a Web server (in this case, a program server) 30 on the communication network N via a communication unit 25 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0028] The control unit 21 is connected to the storage unit 22, the recording medium reading unit 24, and the communication unit 25 via data and control buses, as well as to the key input unit 14, the audio output unit 15, the audio input unit 16, and the touch panel display unit 17.

[0029] The memory unit 22 includes a program memory area for storing the dictionary control program 22a, as well as a dictionary data memory area 22b, a search history data memory area 22c, a sticky note setting data memory area 22d, a work data memory area 22e, and the like.

[0030] The dictionary control program 22a includes a system program that controls the overall operation of the electronic dictionary 10, a program for communicating with external electronic devices via the communication unit 25, a program for performing headword searches based on various dictionary data stored in the dictionary data storage area 22b, a program for storing the search history of the searched headwords in the search history data storage area 22c, and a program for executing sticky note functions that set, delete, or display sticky note data associated with the searched headwords.

[0031] The dictionary data storage area 22b stores various dictionary data (dictionary content), such as Japanese Dictionary 1, Japanese Dictionary 2, English-Japanese Dictionary 1, English-Japanese Dictionary 2, and Japanese-English Dictionary. The dictionary data (dictionary content) has a dictionary search function that, for example, searches the dictionary for descriptive information of headwords corresponding to characters or strings of characters that are the target of dictionary search, either by key input or specified on the display screen, and outputs it via display or audio.

[0032] The search history data storage area 22c stores information indicating the type of dictionary data in which the headword was searched (for example, dictionary name: Japanese Language 1, Japanese Language 2, etc.), associated with the headword searched by the headword search.

[0033] Figure 3 shows an example of sticky note setting data (22d) stored in the sticky note setting data storage area 22d of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0034] The sticky note setting data storage area 22d stores information about the dictionary containing the headword for which sticky note data has been set according to the sticky note function (for example, the dictionary name), information indicating whether a sticky note has been set or not ("Yes" means a sticky note has been attached (set) / "No" means a sticky note has been removed (deleted)), information on the number of times the sticky note has been set, information indicating the type (color) of the sticky note, and information on the memo written on the sticky note.

[0035] The work data storage area 22e temporarily stores (holds) various data as needed, such as data entered in response to user operations or data acquired or generated by the control unit 21, in accordance with the control of the operation of each part of the circuit by the control unit 21 according to the dictionary control program 22a.

[0036] In this configuration, the electronic dictionary 10 has a control unit 21 that controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to the instructions written in the dictionary control program 22a, and the software and hardware work together to realize dictionary search functions, sticky note functions, and the like, as described in the operation description below.

[0037] (Operation of the embodiment) Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0038] <Dictionary search processing> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the dictionary search process corresponding to the dictionary search function of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0039] Figure 5 shows the display operation according to the dictionary search process of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0040] In response to user operation, for example, as shown in Figure 5(A), when a character (or string of characters) to be searched (in this case, "provider") is entered into the headword input area AE on the headword input screen G1 displayed on the touch panel display unit 17 (step S1), the control unit 21 searches the dictionary data stored in the dictionary data storage area 22b for a headword corresponding to the string of characters entered into the headword input area AE (step S2).

[0041] As shown in Figure 5(B), the control unit 21 displays a search results list screen G2 on the touch panel display unit 17, which is a list LS that associates the dictionary names ND1, ND2, ... in which the headword "provider" was searched with the headword itself (step S3).

[0042] The control unit 21, in the list LS of the search results list screen G2, displays the dictionary name (here, "P Terminology" ND4) along with a green sticky note symbol MFg indicating the type (color) of the sticky note, if there is a dictionary headword for which sticky note data has been set ("Yes") based on the sticky note setting data (22d) (step S4).

[0043] On the search results list screen G2, the dictionary headwords selected from the list LS are highlighted by inverting the text, and the highlighted dictionary headwords and their descriptions are displayed in the preview area PV.

[0044] In the list LS of the search results list screen G2, for example, by touch operation or key operation of cursor key 14f, a headword of any dictionary (in this case, "provider" from "P Terminology" ND4) is selected and displayed for identification H, and when the [Translate / Confirm] key 14d is operated (step S5 (Yes)), the control unit 21 displays the headword explanation screen G3 on the touch panel display unit 17, which opens and associates the explanation of the headword "provider" in the selected dictionary "P Terminology" (step S6), as shown in Figure 5 (C).

[0045] On the headword explanation screen G3, the control unit 21, based on the sticky note setting data (22d), adds a green sticky note FSg indicating the type (color) of the set sticky note if sticky note data is set ("Yes") for the displayed headword (in this case, "provider" in the "P Terminology" dictionary) (step S7).

[0046] Here, for example, if an operation to open a set sticky note is performed by touching the sticky note FSg or the [Sticky Note] icon BF (step S8(Yes)), the control unit 21 displays a green sticky note window FSgw with the data of the set sticky note open, along the bottom edge of the headword description screen G3, as shown in Figure 5(C) (step S9).

[0047] On the other hand, when another key operation or touch operation is performed, the control unit 21 executes processing corresponding to that other operation (step S10).

[0048] Furthermore, the sticky note window (the green sticky note window FSgw in Figure 5(C)) that opens the sticky note data set for the headword can be displayed not only on the headword explanation screen G3 for that headword, but also in the preview area PV of the explanation for the headword on the search results list screen G2 (see Figure 5(B)) where a sticky note is set (in this case, the sticky note symbol MFg is associated with it), depending on the operation to open the set sticky note.

[0049] Furthermore, while the dictionary search process described above explained the case of a multi-dictionary search targeting multiple dictionaries without specifying which dictionaries to search for headwords, even when specifying arbitrary dictionaries, the dictionary search process is performed in the same way as described above, except that it is not necessary to add the dictionary names ND1, ND2, ... to the headwords in the list LS on the search results list screen G2 (see Figure 5(B)).

[0050] <Sticky note setting process> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the sticky note setting process corresponding to the sticky note function of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0051] Figure 7 shows the display operation associated with setting sticky notes according to the sticky note setting process for sticky notes associated with headwords in the electronic dictionary 10.

[0052] For example, following the dictionary search process described above (see Figures 4 and 5), as shown in Figure 7(A), when a swipe operation TW is performed to the right (from the sticky note memo area M (glued image area) towards the type area K (non-glued image area)) with the stylus pen P on the headword explanation screen G3 of the headword displayed on the touch panel display unit 17 (here, "a (syllable)" from the "Japanese Language 1" dictionary), the control unit 21 detects the swipe operation TW (step T1(Yes)) and determines that the detected position is a predetermined area (empty area) on the headword explanation screen G3 (step T2a(Yes)).

[0053] Here, the designated area (empty area) of the headword explanation screen G3 refers to the blank area within the explanation area, which includes the headword display line and the explanation display line.

[0054] The control unit 21 determines whether the swipe amount corresponding to the detected swipe operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount of movement (step T2b), and if it determines that it is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount of movement (step T2b(Yes)), it executes the sticky note setting process.

[0055] Furthermore, if a swipe operation is detected on an empty area in a screen other than the headword explanation screen G3, or if a swipe operation is detected on an area displaying information other than an empty area where text or other elements are displayed on the headword explanation screen G3 (step T1(Yes), T2(No)), or if the detected swipe amount is not greater than or equal to a predetermined movement amount even in an empty area of ​​the headword explanation screen G3 (step T1(Yes), T2a(Yes), T2b(No)), the control unit 21 executes other processing corresponding to the swipe operation. In other words, the control unit 21 determines whether the detected position of the swipe operation TW is within a predetermined area (empty area), and if it determines that the detected position of the swipe operation TW is within the predetermined area, it executes the processing in step T2b. If a swipe operation is detected on an area other than the predetermined area for executing the sticky note setting process (for example, the empty area of ​​the headword explanation screen G3), the control unit 21 does not execute the sticky note setting process. In one embodiment, the processing in step T2b may be omitted. In other words, the control unit 21 may execute the sticky note setting process when a swipe operation on a predetermined area for executing the sticky note setting process is detected (step T2a).

[0056] As shown in Figure 7(A), if it is determined that a swipe operation TW of a predetermined amount or more has been performed on the empty area of ​​the headword explanation screen G3 (step T2b(Yes)), the control unit 21 proceeds to the sticky note setting process and determines, based on the sticky note setting data (22d), whether sticky note data has been set in association with the headword on the headword explanation screen G3 where the swipe operation TW was performed (step T3).

[0057] Here, the state in which sticky note data is set means that in the sticky note setting data (22d), the headword from the headword explanation screen G3 is stored and the information indicating whether or not a sticky note is set is "present". Conversely, the state in which sticky note data is not set means that in the sticky note setting data (22d), the headword from the headword explanation screen G3 is not stored, or even if it is stored, the information indicating whether or not a sticky note is set is "absent".

[0058] In step T3, if it is determined that no sticky note data has been set for the headword on the headword explanation screen G3 where the swipe operation was performed (in this case, "a (syllable)" from the "Japanese Language 1" dictionary) (step T3(No)), the control unit 21 stores the information "Yes" in the sticky note setting data (22d) for the sticky note setting information associated with the headword "a (syllable)" from the "Japanese Language 1" dictionary, and also stores the information of the number of times the sticky note has been set by adding "+1". In addition, the information of the type (color) of the set sticky note is stored, for example, with "red" as the default (step T4).

[0059] The number of times a sticky note has been set is recorded as follows: for example, if a sticky note is set (attached) to a dictionary entry for the first time, it will be "1," and if the setting is deleted (removed) and then set (attached) again, it will be "2."

[0060] As shown in Figure 7(B), the control unit 21 adds and displays a red sticky note FSr, which represents the image of the set type (red by default), in the empty area where a swipe operation TW is received within the headword description screen G3 where the sticky note is set, along the direction of the swipe operation TW (the direction from the memo area (glued image area) M of the sticky note toward the type area (non-glued image area) K) (step T5).

[0061] Note that the available space within the G3 headword explanation screen where sticky notes are displayed is not limited to the available space where the swipe operation is accepted, but may also be a pre-set available space, the largest available space among multiple available spaces, or any other available space.

[0062] Here, as shown in Figure 7(C), when the memo area M of the sticky note FSr displayed on the headword explanation screen G3 is touched with the stylus pen P (step T6(Yes)), the control unit 21 displays a red sticky note window FSrw with the sticky note data set in step T4 open, along the bottom edge of the headword explanation screen G3 (step T7).

[0063] Then, when a handwritten memo is entered into the memo area M of the displayed sticky note window FSrw using the stylus pen P (step T8 (Yes)), the control unit 21 associates the entered memo data with the corresponding sticky note data in the sticky note setting data storage area 22d (in this case, the headword "a (syllable)" from the "Japanese Language 1" dictionary) and stores it (step T9).

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(C), when the area K of the sticky note FSr type (red) displayed on the headword explanation screen G3 is touched with the stylus pen P (step T10(Yes)), the control unit 21 changes the data of the corresponding sticky note type (color) each time it is touched, for example, red → yellow → light blue → green → blue → red →…, displays the sticky note of the changed type (color), and changes the type (color) information of the sticky note setting data (22d) (step T11).

[0065] Furthermore, if the configured sticky note window FSrw is displayed on the headword explanation screen G3 according to step T7, the data for the corresponding sticky note type (color) may be changed each time the area K of the sticky note window FSrw is touched, as described above.

[0066] Furthermore, the type (color) of the sticky note can be changed by altering the display of the sticky note (FSr in Figure 7) type (color) according to the distance swipe operation TW performed in the empty area of ​​the headword explanation screen G3, by changing it according to the location of the swipe operation (for example, the row in the headword explanation screen G3), by changing it according to the number of times the sticky note has been set, or by selecting and changing it from the sticky note type (color) menu.

[0067] For example, if the distance of the swipe operation TW is less than a predetermined first threshold, the sticky note color may be set to the first color (e.g., red), and if the distance of the swipe operation TW is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold but less than a predetermined second threshold, the sticky note color may be set to the second color (e.g., yellow). Similarly, when the relationship nth threshold < n+1th threshold holds (where n is a natural number), if the distance of the swipe operation TW is greater than or equal to the nth threshold but less than the n+1th threshold, the sticky note color may be set to the n+1th color (e.g., green). Additionally, if the location of the swipe operation corresponds to the line immediately below the explanatory text (explanatory information) in the headword explanation screen G3, the sticky note color may be set to the first color (for example, red); if the location of the swipe operation corresponds to the line immediately below the last line of the explanatory text in the headword explanation screen G3, the sticky note color may be set to the second color (for example, red); and if the location of the swipe operation corresponds to the nth line from the last line of the explanatory text in the headword explanation screen G3, the sticky note color may be set to the nth color (for example, blue).

[0068] Figure 8 shows the display behavior associated with the deletion of a sticky note according to the sticky note setting process of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0069] For example, following the dictionary search process described above (see Figures 4 and 5), as shown in Figure 8(A), when a swipe operation is received (steps T1(Yes), T2a(Yes), T2b(Yes)) by performing a swipe operation TW with a stylus pen P to the left (from the sticky note type area (non-glued image area) K toward the memo area (glued image area) M) on the headword explanation screen G3 of the headword for which sticky note data is set on the touch panel display unit 17, in the empty area (in this case, the empty area in the display line of the headword "a (glued image area)" on which sticky note FSr is displayed) (steps T1(Yes), T2a(Yes), T2b(Yes)), the control unit 21 proceeds to the sticky note setting process.

[0070] The control unit 21 determines, based on the sticky note setting data (22d), whether sticky note data has been set in association with the headword ("a (syllable)" in the "Japanese Language 1" dictionary) on the headword explanation screen G3 where the swipe operation TW was performed (step T3).

[0071] If it is determined that sticky note data is set in association with the headword ("a (syllable)" in the "Kokugo 1" dictionary) on the headword explanation screen G3 where the swipe operation TW was performed (step T3 (Yes)), the control unit 21 erases the sticky note FSr displayed on the headword explanation screen G3 as shown in Figure 8(B) (step T12), and changes the sticky note setting information in the sticky note setting data (22d) associated with the corresponding dictionary headword ("a (syllable)" in the "Kokugo 1" dictionary) to "none" (step T13). Also, if sticky note data is set for the headword, the above empty area may include the sticky note FSr. That is, the control unit 21 may erase the sticky note FSr even if the swipe operation TW is performed on the sticky note FSr.

[0072] Furthermore, the sticky note setting process, including setting and deleting sticky notes as described above, may also be configured to perform the same process on the preview area PV of the explanation of a selected (identification display H) headword from the list LS on the search results list screen G2 (see Figure 5(B)).

[0073] <Sticky note display processing> Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the sticky note display process corresponding to the sticky note function of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0074] Figure 10 shows the display operation of the sticky note list screen G4 according to the sticky note display processing of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0075] For example, when an operation to display sticky notes is received, such as by touching the [Sticky Notes] icon BF or by selecting the "Sticky Notes" item in the menu of the learning notebook displayed in response to the function specification key [Learning Notebook] 14b (step P1), the control unit 21 displays a sticky note list screen G4 on the touch panel display unit 17, as shown in Figure 10(A), which lists the dictionary headwords for which sticky notes are set to "Yes" in the order stored in the sticky note setting data (22d) (the order in which the sticky notes were set) (step P2).

[0076] On the sticky note list screen G4, the headwords of dictionaries with the sticky note setting "enabled" (in this case, "a", "enogu", "fugu", etc.) are displayed in a list, each associated with a sticky note symbol (MFr, MFy, MFr, etc.) indicating the type (color) of the sticky note and the dictionary name ("Kokugo 2" ND1, "Kokugo 1" ND2, "Kokugo 2" ND3, etc.).

[0077] Furthermore, on the sticky note list screen G4, the headword of the selected dictionary from the list (the first headword by default) is highlighted by inverting the display, and the sticky note window (in this case, the red sticky note window FSrw) containing the sticky note data set for the highlighted dictionary headword is displayed along the bottom edge of the sticky note list screen G4.

[0078] Here, as shown in Figure 10(B), when the sort button [Dictionary] SB1 located along the top edge of the sticky note list screen G4 is touched (second operation) (step P3 (Yes)), the control unit 21 sorts and displays the headwords of the dictionaries displayed in the list according to the type of dictionary (step P4).

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(C), when the sort button [Sticky Note] SB2 located along the top edge of the sticky note list screen G4 is touched (first operation) (step P5 (Yes)), the control unit 21 sorts and displays the dictionary headwords displayed in the list according to the set sticky note type (color) (step P6).

[0080] On the sticky note list screen G4, for example, in response to a touch operation or a key operation of the cursor key 14f, an arbitrary sticky note is set for a heading word (here, the heading word "a (syllable)" associated with the red sticky note symbol MFr and the dictionary name "Japanese 1" ND5). When the [Translation / Decision] key 14d is operated (step P7 (Yes)), as shown in FIG. 5(C), the control unit 21 causes the touch panel display unit 17 to display the heading word explanation screen G3 with the data of the corresponding sticky note opened (step P8).

[0081] In addition, in the sticky note display process described above, the sorting process for each type (color) of the sticky notes of the heading words with sticky notes set, which is executed in response to the operation of the sort button [Sticky Note] SB2, may be configured to be performed not only on the sticky note list screen G4 but also on the heading words with the sticky note symbols added and displayed in the list LS of the search result list screen G2 (see FIG. 5(B)) in the same manner as described above.

[0082] Also, in the sticky note display process described above, on the sticky note list screen G4, a list of the heading words with the sticky note settings in the sticky note setting data (22d) being "yes", that is, with sticky notes attached, was displayed. However, a list including the heading words with the sticky note settings being "no", that is, with the sticky notes peeled off (previously attached), identified and included may be displayed, and the sorting of the heading words for each dictionary type and the sorting of the heading words for each type (color) of the sticky notes may be performed in the same manner as described above.

[0083] <Search History Display Process> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the display operation of the search history list screen G5 according to the search history display process of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0084] For example, when an operation instructing the display of the heading words searched in the past is received by operating the [History] key 14H, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 21 causes the touch panel display unit 17 to display the search history list screen G5 in which the heading words of the dictionaries stored in the search history (history) data storage area 22c are listed.

[0085] Here, when a touch operation is performed on the [Sticker] button FB provided along the upper end of the search history list screen G5, if there is a so-called heading word to which a sticker has been attached and removed (i.e., for which sticker data has been set and then deleted in the past) among the heading words included in the search history, the control unit 21 determines it based on the heading word with the sticker setting "None" in the sticker setting data (22d) (here, "kashi [枷]" in the "Kokugo 1" dictionary).

[0086] Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 21 adds the setting count "3" in the sticker setting data (22d) as the sticker attachment / removal count DF to the heading word to which the sticker has been attached and removed ("kashi [枷]" in the "Kokugo 1" ND5) and causes it to be displayed.

[0087] By checking the heading words among the search history to which the sticker attachment / removal count DF has been added, the user can know, for example, that a word was important or difficult to remember for the user, and can use it for learning the word.

[0088] On the search history list screen G5, the heading words of the dictionary selected from the list are identified and displayed H by reverse display or the like, and the explanation of the same heading word as the identified and displayed heading word of the dictionary can be confirmed by being displayed in the preview area PV.

[0089] (Summary of the embodiment) According to the electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment, when a swipe operation TW is performed on the empty area (predetermined area) of a screen (such as the heading word explanation screen G3, the preview area PV of the search result list screen G2) on which an arbitrary heading word is displayed, if no sticker is set for the corresponding heading word, sticker data corresponding to the same heading word is set in the sticker setting data (22d) (sticker setting "Yes"), and a sticker FSr of the set sticker type (for example, red) is added and displayed in the empty area within the screen.

[0090] When the memo area M of sticky note FSr is touched, a sticky note window FSrw is displayed, which opens the data of the corresponding sticky note in the sticky note setting data (22d). When a handwritten memo is entered in the memo area M of the sticky note window FSrw, the entered memo data is stored in association with the corresponding heading in the sticky note setting data (22d).

[0091] When the area K of the sticky note FSr or sticky note window FSrw is touched, the type (color) is changed and displayed with each touch operation, and it is stored in association with the corresponding heading word in the sticky note setting data (22d).

[0092] On the other hand, if a sticky note is set in association with any displayed heading (a sticky note FSr is attached to the screen), the sticky note setting associated with that heading in the sticky note setting data (22d) is changed to "none" in response to a swipe operation TW on an empty area of ​​the screen, and the sticky note FSr is deleted.

[0093] This allows users to assign sticky notes of their choice to any heading word and, with extremely simple swipe gestures, set sticky notes of their desired type (color) or delete existing sticky notes. Therefore, the ease of adding and removing sticky notes to any heading word is significantly improved.

[0094] Furthermore, according to the electronic dictionary 10 of this embodiment, in the sticky note list screen G4, which displays a list of headwords for which sticky note data has been set based on the sticky note setting data (22d), operating the sort button [Dictionary] SB1 (second operation) sorts and displays the list of headwords by dictionary type, and operating the sort button [Sticky Note] SB2 (first operation) sorts and displays the list of headwords by sticky note type (color). Then, by selecting (displaying identification H) a headword from a desired type of dictionary (dictionary name ND1, etc.) or a desired type (color) of sticky note (red sticky note symbol MFr, etc.) for which a sticky note has been set (attached), and operating the [Translate / Confirm] key 14d, the headword explanation screen G3 with the corresponding sticky note data opened is displayed.

[0095] This makes it easy to find the desired heading words that have been marked with sticky notes, and to check their explanations and notes on the sticky notes. Therefore, the usability of checking heading words that have been marked with sticky notes is greatly improved.

[0096] In the above embodiment, when a swipe operation TW is performed to the right (from the sticky note memo area (glued image area) M toward the type area (non-glued image area) K) in a predetermined area (empty area) of the headword explanation screen G3, the sticky note setting process sets the sticky note setting data to "Yes" and displays the sticky note FSr. When a swipe operation TW is performed to the left (from the sticky note type area (non-glued image area) K toward the memo area (glued image area) M), the sticky note setting process changes the sticky note setting data to "No" and deletes the sticky note FSr. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. When a swipe operation TW is detected and the system proceeds to the sticky note setting process, regardless of the direction of the swipe operation TW, if the current sticky note setting data is "No", it may be set to "Yes" and the sticky note FSr may be displayed, or if the current sticky note setting data is "Yes", it may be changed to "No" and the sticky note FSr may be deleted.

[0097] The dictionary search function, sticky note function, and search history storage and display function of the electronic dictionary 10 of the above embodiment can be provided as a web application on a web server (in this case, a dictionary server) 30 on the communication network N. By using an electronic device such as a tablet terminal (PDA) that can communicate with the dictionary server 30 as an input / output terminal, the user can operate it in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0098] The methods for each process performed by the electronic dictionary 10 as described in the above embodiments, namely the dictionary search process shown in the flowchart of Figure 4, the sticky note setting process shown in the flowchart of Figure 6, the sticky note display process shown in the flowchart of Figure 9, and the search history display process explained with reference to Figure 11, can all be distributed as programs that can be executed by a computer, stored on the media of an external recording device such as a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory. The control unit (CPU) of the electronic device then reads the program recorded on the media of this external recording device into the storage device, and its operation is controlled by this read program, thereby realizing the various functions described in the embodiments and executing the same processes as described above.

[0099] Furthermore, the program data for realizing each method can be transmitted over a communication network (N) in the form of program code, and the program data can be taken into an electronic device and stored in a memory device from a computer device (program server) connected to this communication network (N), thereby realizing the various functions described above.

[0100] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. The embodiments may also be combined as appropriate, and in that case, combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple disclosed constituent elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention.

[0101] The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below.

[0102] [Note 1] Display unit and When a swipe operation is detected while the headword is displayed on the display unit, it is determined whether the detection location of the swipe operation is within a predetermined area. An electronic device comprising a control unit that, when the detection position is within a predetermined area, accepts the swipe operation as an operation for executing sticky note setting processing related to the sticky note associated with the headword.

[0103] [Note 2] The electronic device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the predetermined area is an empty area within the explanation area where the explanation of the headword, including the headword, is displayed.

[0104] [Note 3] The aforementioned sticky note setting process is: The electronic device according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, which includes a process for displaying a sticky note in the predetermined area, or a process for erasing the sticky note displayed in the predetermined area.

[0105] [Note 4] The control unit is an electronic device according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, which causes the sticky note to be displayed at the position where the swipe operation was received.

[0106] [Note 5] The control unit, when it detects the swipe operation by a predetermined amount of movement, accepts the swipe operation as an operation for executing a sticky note setting process, as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0107] [Note 6] The control unit is an electronic device according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, which causes a sticky note to be displayed in the predetermined area along the direction of the swipe operation.

[0108] [Note 7] The aforementioned sticky note has an adhesive image area and a non-adhesive image area. The control unit, When a swipe operation is received from the glued image area to the non-glued image area while no sticky note is displayed on the display unit, the sticky note is displayed on the display unit. When the sticky note is displayed on the display unit, and a swipe operation is received from the non-adhesive image area to the adhesive image area, the sticky note is deleted. Electronic equipment as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0109] [Note 8] The electronic device according to Appendix 3, wherein the control unit changes the type of sticky note in response to a specified operation on the sticky note and displays the changed type in an area indicating the type of sticky note.

[0110] [Note 9] The electronic device as described in Appendix 3, wherein the control unit changes the type of sticky note according to the distance at which the swipe operation is received, and displays the changed type in the area indicating the type of sticky note.

[0111] [Note 10] The electronic device as described in Appendix 3, wherein the control unit changes the type of sticky note according to the area where the swipe operation was received, and displays the changed type in the area indicating the type of sticky note.

[0112] [Note 11] The aforementioned sticky note setting process includes the process of setting sticky note data in association with the aforementioned heading word, The control unit displays the list of heading words for which the sticky note data has been set on the display unit, associating each heading word in the list with a symbol indicating the type of sticky note. When the first operation is received on the display unit that is displaying the list of headwords, the list of headwords is sorted and displayed according to the type of sticky note. Electronic equipment as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0113] [Note 12] The aforementioned sticky note setting process includes the process of setting sticky note data in association with the aforementioned heading word, The control unit searches for multiple headwords corresponding to characters entered by the user from multiple dictionary data, and displays a list of the searched multiple headwords on the display unit, associating a symbol indicating the type of sticky note with the headwords for which sticky note data has been set. Electronic equipment as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0114] [Note 13] The electronic device as described in Appendix 12, wherein when a first operation is received on the display unit that displays the list of headwords, the control unit sorts and displays the list of headwords based on the type of sticky note.

[0115] [Note 14] A control unit of an electronic device equipped with a display unit, When a swipe operation is detected while the headword is displayed on the display unit, it is determined whether the detection location of the swipe operation is within a predetermined area. When the detection position is within a predetermined area, the swipe operation is accepted as an operation to perform sticky note setting processing related to the sticky note associated with the headword. A method for controlling electronic devices.

[0116] [Note 15] The control unit of an electronic device equipped with a display unit, When a swipe operation is detected while the headword is displayed on the display unit, it is determined whether the detection location of the swipe operation is within a predetermined area. When the detection position is within a predetermined area, the swipe operation is accepted as an operation to perform sticky note setting processing related to the sticky note associated with the headword. A program designed to make it work in that way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 10. Electronic dictionary (electronic device) 14 ...Key input section 17 ...Touch panel display 21 ...Control Unit (CPU) 22a...Dictionary control program 22b... Dictionary data storage area 22c... Search history data storage area 22d...Sticky note settings data storage area G1 ... Headword input screen G2... Search results list screen G3... Headword explanation screen G4... Sticky note list screen G5... Search history list screen AE ... Headword input area NDn...Dictionary name FSr... Red sticky note FSg... Green sticky note MFg…Green sticky note symbol MFr… Symbol with red sticky note TW… Swipe operation FSrw...Red sticky note window FSgw...Green sticky note window M... Memo area (gluing image area) K...Type of area (non-glued image area) BF…[Sticky note icon] SB1... Sort button [Dictionary] SB2... Sort button [Sticky note] FB…[Sticky note] button DF... Number of times sticky notes are attached and removed PV…Preview area P... Touch pen

Claims

1. When displaying a headword at a predetermined timing, the system includes a display control means that, if the headword is one for which a sticky note image has been attached and removed in the headword explanation screen, displays information indicating the number of times the sticky note image has been attached and removed in association with the headword. The number of times the sticky note is attached and removed is counted up each time the sticky note image is added. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

2. When displaying a list of previously searched headwords as a search history, if the list of headwords includes headwords for which sticky note images have been attached or removed on the headword description screen, the system includes a display control means that displays information indicating the number of times the sticky note image has been attached or removed, associated with the headword for which the sticky note image has been attached or removed. The number of times the sticky note is attached and removed is counted up each time the sticky note image is added. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

3. The display control means, when displaying the search history, displays the dictionary information applied to the search in association with the headword, and also displays the information indicating the number of times alongside the dictionary information. The electronic device according to feature 2.

4. A display control method performed by an electronic device, When displaying a headword at a predetermined timing, the system includes a display control process that, if the headword is one for which a sticky note image has been attached or removed in the headword explanation screen, displays information indicating the number of times the sticky note image has been attached or removed in association with the headword. The number of times the sticky note is attached and removed is counted up each time the sticky note image is added. A display control method characterized by the following:

5. Computers, When displaying a headword at a predetermined timing, if the headword is one for which a sticky note image has been attached and removed in the headword explanation screen, the display control means will function to display information indicating the number of times the sticky note image has been attached and removed in association with the headword. The number of times the sticky note is attached and removed is counted up each time the sticky note image is added. A program characterized by the following features.

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