Mathematical formula input support device, mathematical formula input support method, and mathematical formula input support program

Abstract

To provide a device, method, and program for supporting numerical formula entry, which allow a user to notice input errors even while entering a numerical formula and easily find parts to be corrected.SOLUTION: A numerical formula input support device is provided, comprising a determination unit configured to determine the presence or absence of errors in an acknowledged numerical formula entered by a user, and a display control unit configured to display the numerical formula on a display device with erroneous parts highlighted relative to other parts when the numerical formula is determined to have errors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a mathematical formula input support device, a mathematical formula input support method, and a mathematical formula input support program.

Background Art

[0002] Among desktop electronic calculators, so-called calculators, function calculators capable of performing complex calculations such as function calculations are known. Also, application software (hereinafter referred to as an app) that realizes the same functions as a function calculator is known. In a function calculator or an app having the same functions, a user inputs a desired mathematical formula. In response to this, the function calculator or an app having the same functions returns the calculation result of the mathematical formula to the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Due to restrictions on the specifications of function calculators and the like and restrictions on mathematical functions, function calculators and the like may return an error for an input mathematical formula. In conventional function calculators and the like, in many cases, it is not known that there is an error in the input mathematical formula until the calculation is executed even if there is an error in the input mathematical formula. Therefore, when an error occurs, the input has to be redone, which is likely to be troublesome for the user. In particular, for users who are not familiar with using function calculators and the like, it is difficult to know where to correct even if an error occurs.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a mathematical formula input support device, a mathematical formula input support method, and a mathematical formula input support program that can make a user aware of an input error even during the input of a mathematical formula and that can easily identify a location to be corrected.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A mathematical formula input support device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an error in the mathematical formula that has been received by the user while the user is inputting a mathematical formula before the user is able to input the execution of a calculation, and if an error is determined to be in the mathematical formula, the device displays the erroneous part on a display device, highlighting it from the rest of the device. In addition, a message indicating the nature of the error is displayed on the line directly below the most recently entered mathematical formula in the display device. It comprises a display control unit.

[0007] A second aspect of the formula input support method of the present invention involves a determination unit of the formula input support device determining whether or not there is an error in the formula input received by the user while the formula input is being received before the user inputs the execution of a calculation, and a display control unit of the formula input support device, if it is determined that there is an error in the formula, highlighting the erroneous part on the display device relative to the rest of the formula. In addition, a message indicating the nature of the error is displayed on the line directly below the most recently entered mathematical formula in the display device. It possesses the necessary qualities.

[0008] A formula input support program in a third aspect of the present invention determines whether or not there is an error in the formula input by the user while the formula input is being accepted before the user inputs the execution of a calculation, and if an error is determined to be found in the formula, it highlights the erroneous part on the display device relative to the rest of the formula. In addition, a message indicating the nature of the error is displayed on the line directly below the most recently entered mathematical formula in the display device. To have the computer execute the task. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mathematical formula input support device, a mathematical formula input support method, and a mathematical formula input support program that can notify the user of input errors even in the middle of inputting mathematical formulas, and that make it easy to identify the parts that need to be corrected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a computer as an example of a mathematical formula input support device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external front view of an example computer. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the display of the display. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the display of the display. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an example of the display of the display. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing input processing in a computer. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing input determination processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of highlight 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of highlight 2. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of highlight 3. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of highlight 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of highlight 4. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of highlight 5. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a first example of normal display. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a second example of normal display.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer 1 as an example of a mathematical formula input support device according to an embodiment. The computer 1 has a processor 11, a memory 12, an input device 13, and a display 14. The computer 1 is, for example, a desktop electronic calculator having a function calculation function, a so-called function calculator. The computer 1 can be various electronic devices having a function calculation function other than a function calculator. Here, the computer 1 may have elements other than those shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] Processor 11 is a processor that controls various operations of computer 1. Processor 11 may be a CPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc. Also, Processor 11 may be composed of two or more processors. Processor 11 operates as a determination unit that determines whether there is an error in the mathematical formula input by the user. Also, Processor 11 operates as a display control unit that controls the display on display 14 according to the determination result of the determination unit.

[0013] Memory 12 includes a RAM and a ROM. The RAM is a volatile memory and can operate as a storage unit. The RAM is used as a working memory or the like for temporarily storing various data in Processor 11. In the embodiment, the RAM has a storage area for storing function arguments input via a numeric key or the like, calculation results of mathematical formulas, and the like. The ROM is a non-volatile memory. In the ROM, a startup program of computer 1, a computer program, etc. are stored. The computer program in the embodiment is a program for calculating a mathematical formula input by the user and presenting the calculation result to the user. The computer program in the embodiment includes a mathematical formula input support program. The mathematical formula input support program is a program for executing a process of notifying the user when there is an error in the mathematical formula input during the input of the mathematical formula by the user.

[0014] Input device 13 is various operation interfaces for the user to operate computer 1. When an operation using input device 13 is received, an input signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted to Processor 11.

[0015] Display 14 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display. Display 14 performs various displays related to the calculator function. Display 14 may be a display capable of color display. Also, display 14 may be integrally configured with a touch panel.

[0016] Figure 2 is an external front view of an example computer 1. As shown in Figure 2, an input device 13 and a display 14 are provided on the front of the computer 1's casing.

[0017] The input device 13 has a keypad 131 and function keys 132. The keypad 131 is an operating section that includes various keys used for inputting mathematical formulas, etc. The function keys 132 are a group of keys for performing various functions of the computer 1.

[0018] The keypad 131 includes, for example, numeric keys 131a, character keys 131b, operator keys 131c, and an execution key 131d. The numeric keys 131a are keys used for inputting numbers and include, for example, keys corresponding to each number from 0 to 9, keys for inputting predefined numbers such as Napier's constant, and keys for inputting decimal points. The character keys 131b are keys used for inputting character expressions and include, for example, keys corresponding to each character x, y, and z. The operator keys 131c are keys used for inputting simple mathematical expressions such as arithmetic operations and include, for example, keys corresponding to each operator such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation, equality sign, comma, and parentheses. The execution key 131d is a key used to instruct the execution of calculations in the entered mathematical expression.

[0019] The function keys 132 include, for example, cursor keys 132a, keyboard keys 132b, arrow keys 132c, clear key 132d, and shift key 132e. The cursor keys 132a are used to move the cursor displayed on the display 14. The keyboard keys 132b are used to toggle the display of the software keyboard on the display 14. The arrow keys 132c are used to undo the last input on the display 14. The clear key 132d is used to clear the calculation results. The shift key 132e is used in conjunction with other keys to activate another function assigned to the key pressed after it. For example, if the clear key 132d is pressed after the shift key 132e, the clear key 132d acts as the power-off key for the computer 1.

[0020] The input device 13 shown in Figure 2 is just one example. Computer 1 does not necessarily have to have the same input device as shown in Figure 2. For example, some of the keys shown in Figure 2 may be omitted, or other keys may be added.

[0021] Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C show examples of the display on the display 14. After the computer 1 is started up, the display 14 shows a work area 141 as shown in Figure 3A. Outside the work area 141, a status bar 142 is displayed. The status bar 142 displays various status indicators 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, and 142e of the computer 1.

[0022] For example, status indicator 142a indicates which mode, "Algebra (Alg) mode" or "Assistant (Assist) mode," is currently active. "Algebra mode" is a mode in which the mathematical formula entered by the user is organized before being displayed on the work area 141 of the display 14. "Assistant mode" is a mode in which the mathematical formula entered by the user is displayed directly on the work area 141 of the display 14. Status indicator 142a may also be configured as a software button for switching between modes.

[0023] Status indicator 142b is an indicator that shows the status of the display format for the calculation result of a mathematical expression. For example, the display format may include a format that displays the result calculated as a decimal as a decimal, or a format that displays the result calculated as a decimal according to mathematical notation. Status indicator 142b may also be configured as a software button for switching the display format.

[0024] Status indicator 142c indicates which mode, "Real mode" or "Complex (Cplx) mode," is currently active. "Real mode" is a real number mode for real number calculations. In "Real mode," only calculations in the real number domain are permitted. In other words, in this embodiment, an error is displayed when a mathematical expression that results in a complex number solution is entered in "Real mode." "Complex mode" is a complex number mode for complex number calculations. In "Complex mode," calculations in the complex number domain are permitted in addition to calculations in the real number domain. In this embodiment, status indicator 142c may be configured as a software button for switching modes.

[0025] Status indicator 142d is an indicator that shows the setting of the angle unit. The angle unit includes degrees, radians, and grades. Status indicator 142d may also be configured as a software button for switching the angle unit.

[0026] Status display 142e indicates the battery level status of computer 1.

[0027] Furthermore, when the user presses keyboard key 132b, a software keyboard 143 appears at the bottom of the work area 141, as shown in Figure 3B. The software keyboard 143 has multiple software keyboards 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d, 143e, and 143f, each with a different key layout depending on the application.

[0028] For example, the Math1 keyboard 143a, as shown in Figure 3B, is a keyboard with keys arranged for inputting various real number calculations. The Math1 keyboard 143a includes keys with pre-assigned functions used for various calculations such as arithmetic operations, fraction calculations, square root calculations, exponential calculations, and logarithmic calculations. The Math2 keyboard 143b is a keyboard with many keys used for inputting specific function calculations such as differential calculations, integral calculations, limit calculations, and complex number calculations. The Math3 keyboard 143c is a keyboard with many keys used for inputting operators such as equality signs, inequality signs, and parentheses. The Torigonometric (Trig) keyboard 143d is a keyboard with many keys used for inputting trigonometric function calculations. The Variable (Var) keyboard 143e is a keyboard with many character keys used for inputting variable names. The abc keyboard 143f is a keyboard with many keys used for inputting characters and numbers.

[0029] The Math1 keyboard 143a, Math2 keyboard 143b, Math3 keyboard 143c, Torigonometric keyboard 143d, Variable keyboard 143e, and abc keyboard 143f are configured to be switchable via tabs. For example, when the user selects the tab for the Math2 keyboard 143b, the keyboard displayed on the display 14 switches from the Math1 keyboard 143a shown in Figure 3B to the Math2 keyboard 143b shown in Figure 3C.

[0030] The operation of Computer 1 is described below. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the input processing in Computer 1. The processing in Figure 4 is executed by the processor 11 according to the computer program stored in memory 12. During input processing, the mathematical formula entered by the user is displayed in the work area 141 of the display 14. During the input processing of the mathematical formula, the processor 11 determines whether the user's input is incorrect according to mathematical rules, the specifications of Computer 1, and the operating mode. When an input is found to be incorrect, the processor 11 notifies the user.

[0031] In step S1, the processor 11 determines whether or not there is user input. The keys in step S1 include both hardware keys and software keys. If it is determined that there is input in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2. If it is not determined that there is input in step S1, the processor 11 terminates the process shown in Figure 4. In this case, the processor 11 waits for input at the timing of the next process shown in Figure 4.

[0032] In step S2, the processor 11 determines whether the input is an input for a mathematical function key. A mathematical function key is a key to which a specific function, such as a trigonometric function, matrix, exponential function, or logarithmic function, is pre-assigned. If it is determined in step S2 that the input is an input for a mathematical function key, the process proceeds to step S3. If it is not determined in step S2 that the input is an input for a mathematical function key, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0033] In step S3, the processor 11 displays a mathematical function corresponding to the input in the work area 141 of the display 14.

[0034] In step S4, the processor 11 stores the mathematical function type of the mathematical function that was entered as a key, for example, in the RAM of memory 12. After that, the processor 11 terminates the process shown in Figure 4. The mathematical function type is information used to identify various functions used in computer 1, such as trigonometric functions, matrices, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. The mathematical function type is, for example, an ID number assigned to each function.

[0035] In step S5, the processor 11 determines whether the input is a mode change input. A mode change input is, for example, the operation of selecting one of the status indicators 142a, 142b, 142c, or 142d. If it is determined in step S5 that the input is a mode change input, the process proceeds to step S6. If it is not determined that the input is a mode change input, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0036] In step S6, the processor 11 changes the mode in response to the input. For example, when status indicator 142c is selected by the user, the processor 11 switches between Real mode and Complex mode. The processor 11 also updates status indicator 142c.

[0037] In step S7, the processor 11 stores the changed mode settings in, for example, the RAM of memory 12. After that, the processor 11 terminates the process shown in Figure 4. The mode settings are information about the various modes of the computer 1, such as whether the Real mode or Complex mode is currently running.

[0038] In step S8, the processor 11 determines whether the input is an argument input. An argument input is, for example, a number or an operator input. If it is determined in step S8 that the input is an argument input, the process proceeds to step S9. If it is not determined in step S8 that the input is an argument input, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0039] In step S9, the processor 11 performs an input judgment process. After the input judgment process, the processor 11 terminates the process shown in Figure 4. The input judgment process determines whether the user's arguments have been entered correctly. An input error in this embodiment is an error that causes the computer 1 to return an error. Details of the input judgment process will be explained later.

[0040] In step S10, the processor 11 performs processing according to other inputs. After processing according to other inputs, the processor 11 terminates the process shown in Figure 4. Processing according to other inputs includes, for example, the process of executing a calculation when the execute key 131d is selected, and the process of clearing the calculation result when the clear key 132d is selected.

[0041] Next, the input detection process will be explained. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the input detection process. In step S101, the processor 11 retrieves, for example, the mathematical type and mode settings stored in the RAM of memory 12.

[0042] In step S102, the processor 11 determines whether or not there is a syntax error in the mathematical expression. For example, in a normal mathematical expression, operators such as addition symbols do not appear consecutively, so if such consecutive operators are entered, it is determined that there is a syntax error in the mathematical expression. If it is determined in step S102 that there is a syntax error in the mathematical expression, the process proceeds to step S103. If it is not determined in step S102 that there is a syntax error in the mathematical expression, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0043] In step S103, the processor 11 performs highlighting 1 in the work area 141 of the display 14. After that, the processor 11 terminates the processing in Figure 5 and returns to the processing in Figure 4. Highlighting 1 is a display to notify the user of a possible syntax error in a mathematical formula. Figure 6 shows an example of highlighting 1. In highlighting 1, an underline UL1 is displayed under the part that is suspected to be a syntax error. For example, in Figure 6, an underline UL1 is displayed under the second of two consecutive "+" symbols. In addition, highlighting 1 also displays an error message M1, "Invalid Syntax," indicating that there is a syntax error. The error message M1 is displayed, for example, on the line immediately below the most recently entered mathematical formula.

[0044] In step S104, the processor 11 determines whether Real mode is active based on the acquired mode setting. If it is determined in step S104 that Real mode is active, the process proceeds to step S105. If it is determined in step S104 that Real mode is not active, i.e., that Complex mode is active, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0045] In step S105, the processor 11 determines whether or not an input resulting in a complex number has been received. In other words, during Real mode startup, inputs resulting in a complex number are prohibited because they result in an error. For example, if the imaginary unit i or j is entered, if a negative number is entered as the base of an exponential or logarithmic function, or if a negative number is entered as the argument of a logarithmic function, it is determined that an input resulting in a complex number has been received. If it is determined in step S105 that an input resulting in a complex number has been received, the process proceeds to step S106. If it is not determined in step S105 that an input resulting in a complex number has been received, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0046] In step S106, the processor 11 performs highlighting 2 in the work area 141 of the display 14. After that, the processor 11 terminates the processing in Figure 5 and returns to the processing in Figure 4. Highlighting 2 is a display to notify the user that there is a possibility that the input may result in a complex number. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of highlighting 2. In highlighting 2, an underline UL2 is displayed for input locations where there is a possibility that the calculation result will be a complex number. For example, in Figure 7, an underline UL2 is displayed for the sign "-" of "-1" entered as the argument of the logarithmic function. In addition, highlighting 2 also displays an error message M2, "Non-real in Calc," indicating that there is a possibility that the calculation result will be a complex number. The location where the error message M2 is displayed is, for example, the line directly below the most recently entered formula.

[0047] In step S107, the processor 11 determines, based on the acquired mathematical function type, whether or not an argument not permitted for the mathematical function type of the currently displayed mathematical function has been entered. The arguments that are not permitted are determined for each mathematical function type. For example, a certain function P(x) accepts only integers as arguments, a certain function Q(x) accepts only real numbers as arguments, a certain function R(x) does not accept matrices as arguments, a certain function S(x) does not accept strings as arguments, and a certain function T(x) does not accept sequences as arguments. The arguments that are not permitted are predetermined for each function. Not permitted arguments include not only those that are not permitted by mathematical rules, but also those that are not permitted by the specifications of the computer 1, etc. If it is determined in step S107 that an argument not permitted for the mathematical function type of the currently displayed mathematical function has been entered, the process proceeds to step S108. If it is not determined in step S107 that an argument not permitted for the mathematical function type of the currently displayed mathematical function has been entered, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0048] In step S108, the processor 11 performs highlighting 3 in the work area 141 of the display 14. After that, the processor 11 terminates the processing in Figure 5 and returns to the processing in Figure 4. Highlighting 3 is a display to inform the user that the input argument is not an argument that is accepted by the currently displayed mathematical function. Figures 8A and 8B show examples of highlighting 3. In highlighting 3, an underline UL3 is displayed at the location of the argument that is not accepted by the currently displayed mathematical function. For example, when a matrix is ​​not accepted as an argument to an integral function in computer 1, an underline UL3 is displayed at the location of the matrix, as shown in Figure 8A. In addition, highlighting 3 also displays an error message M3, "Wrong Argument Type," indicating that the argument is not accepted. The location where the error message M3 is displayed is, for example, the line directly below the most recently entered mathematical expression. Similarly, for example, when a string is not accepted as an argument to a trigonometric function in computer 1, an underline UL3 is displayed at the location of the string, as shown in Figure 8B. Additionally, an error message M3, "Wrong Argument Type," is displayed to indicate that the argument is not valid.

[0049] In step S109, the processor 11 determines whether the input formula contains a circular reference. If it is determined in step S109 that the input formula contains a circular reference, the process proceeds to step S110. If it is not determined in step S109 that the input formula contains a circular reference, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0050] In step S110, the processor 11 performs highlighting 4 in the work area 141 of the display 14. After that, the processor 11 terminates the processing in Figure 5 and returns to the processing in Figure 4. Highlighting 4 is a display to inform the user that the entered formula contains a circular reference. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of highlighting 4. In highlighting 4, an underline UL4 is displayed under the part of f(x) on the right side of the defined function f(x)=f(x). In addition, highlighting 4 also displays an error message M4, "Circular Reference," indicating that a circular reference is present. The error message M4 is displayed, for example, on the line directly below the most recently entered formula.

[0051] In step S111, the processor 11 determines, based on the acquired mathematical function type, whether the arguments entered for the currently displayed mathematical function are outside the domain. If it is determined in step S111 that the arguments entered for the currently displayed mathematical function are outside the domain, the process proceeds to step S112. If it is not determined in step S111 that the arguments entered for the currently displayed mathematical function are outside the domain, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0052] In step S112, the processor 11 performs highlighting 5 in the work area 141 of the display 14. After that, the processor 11 terminates the processing in Figure 5 and returns to the processing in Figure 4. Highlighting 5 is a display to inform the user that the input argument is outside the domain. Figure 10 shows an example of highlighting 5. In highlighting 5, an underline UL5 is displayed where the argument is outside the domain. For example, in Figure 10, an underline UL5 is displayed where the number inside the parentheses of the trigonometric function is. In addition, highlighting 5 also displays an error message M5, "Domain," indicating that the argument is outside the domain. The error message M5 is displayed, for example, on the line directly below the most recently entered formula.

[0053] In step S113, normal display is performed in the work area 141 of the display 14. After that, the processor 11 terminates the processing in Figure 5 and returns to the processing in Figure 4. In normal display, the numbers or operators entered by the user are displayed as they are without highlighting. Figure 11A shows a first example of normal display. Unlike, for example, when the imaginary unit i is entered in Real mode, in Complex mode, even if the input results in a complex number, normal display is performed. As shown in Figure 11A, no underline is displayed in normal display. Figure 11B shows a second example of normal display. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, when a negative number is entered in the logarithmic function, highlighting 2 is performed. Conversely, if the condition for highlighting 2 is removed in subsequent input, normal display is performed. For example, as shown in Figure 11B, if "-1" is entered followed by "2" as an argument to the logarithmic function, and as a result the argument to the logarithmic function becomes "2-1", normal display is performed. In this case, the underlined line UL2 and error message M2 displayed at the location of the sign "-" are removed. In this case, when the user presses the execute key 131d, program 11 displays the calculation result "0" in the work area 141.

[0054] As described above, according to this embodiment, the presence or absence of input errors based on mathematical functions and mode settings is determined during the input of a mathematical formula. When an input error is suspected, the suspected error is highlighted along with an error message. This allows the user to notice input errors without actually performing calculations. Furthermore, because the suspected error is highlighted, the user can easily identify the part that needs to be corrected.

[0055] [Differentiation] The following describes modifications of the embodiment. In the embodiment described above, highlighting is performed by displaying an underline. In contrast, highlighting may be any display that can make the user aware of the part that is presumed to be an error. For example, highlighting may be performed by various displays such as changing the color of the part that is presumed to be an error, changing the gradation, or making it blink.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, highlighting is performed when the user inputs arguments. However, highlighting may be performed at other times. For example, highlighting may be performed when the calculation is executed. For instance, the display of a calculation result overflow may be performed when the calculation is executed.

[0057] Furthermore, the error messages shown in the embodiments described above are not limited to being displayed below the mathematical formula. For example, the error messages may be displayed in a dialog box.

[0058] Furthermore, the error messages shown in the embodiments described above are merely examples. Error messages may be set appropriately based on mathematical rules, the specifications of computer 1, and the mode being used. For example, when a division by zero is included in the input mathematical expression, the part where the division by zero occurs may be underlined, and an error message indicating that division by zero has occurred may be displayed.

[0059] Furthermore, each process according to the above-described embodiment can be stored as a program that can be executed by a computer. In addition, it can be stored and distributed on a storage medium such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory. In this case, the computer 1 may not be a scientific calculator, but a personal computer, smartphone, or other terminal device on which a computer application that provides the same functionality as the aforementioned computer program is installed. Also, the computer program in the embodiment may be a web application executed through cooperation between a server and a terminal. Furthermore, the formula input support program in the embodiment is included in the computer program. However, the formula input support program in the embodiment may be a separate program from the computer program.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. 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 embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention.

[0061] The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] A determination unit that determines whether or not there is an error in the mathematical formula that has been accepted as input by the user, If an error is detected in the aforementioned formula, a display control unit will highlight the erroneous part on the display device and display it in a manner that highlights it from other parts. A mathematical formula input support device equipped with the following features. [2] The mathematical formula input support device according to [1], wherein the display control unit further displays a message indicating the content of the error on the display device. [3] The formula input support device according to [1] or [2], wherein the determination unit determines whether or not there is an error in the formula for which the input has been received, based on the determination of whether or not there is an input in the formula for which the input has been received that is not permitted in the function type set for each formula. [4] Inputs not permitted in the function type are defined according to the specifications of the machine that calculates the input formula, as described in [3]. [5] The formula input support device according to [3] or [4], wherein the display control unit highlights the location where an input not permitted in the function type has been made as the location of the error, in relation to the other locations, on the display device. [6] The formula input support device according to any one of [1]-[5], wherein the determination unit determines whether or not there is an error in the formula for which the input was received, based on the determination of whether or not there is an input in which an input not permitted in the setting of the mode of the machine is present. [7] The computer has a real number mode that allows only calculations of real numbers, and a complex number mode that allows calculations of complex numbers in addition to real numbers, The formula input support device according to [6], wherein the determination unit determines whether or not there is an error in the formula input received, based on whether or not the mode setting is the real number mode and whether or not there is an input in which the calculation result is a complex number. [8] The mathematical formula input support device according to [6] or [7], wherein the display control unit highlights the location where an input not permitted in the mode setting has been made as the location of the error, in relation to the other locations, on the display device. [9] The determination unit of the formula input support device determines whether or not there is an error in the formula input by the user, When the display control unit of the formula input support device determines that there is an error in the formula, it highlights the erroneous part on the display device, compared to other parts. A mathematical formula input support method equipped with the following features.

[10] To determine whether or not there is an error in the formula that has been accepted as input by the user, If an error is detected in the aforementioned formula, the erroneous part will be highlighted on the display device compared to the rest of the formula. A mathematical formula input assistance program to enable a computer to execute a mathematical expression. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1 Calculator, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Input device, 14 Display, 131 Keypad, 131a Numeric keys, 131b Character keys, 131c Operator keys, 131d Run key, 132 Function keys, 132a Cursor keys, 132b Keyboard keys, 132c Arrow keys, 132d Clear key, 132e Shift key.

Claims

1. A determination unit determines whether or not there is an error in the formula that has been accepted as input by the user, while the formula is being input by the user before the user inputs the calculation to be performed. If an error is determined in the formula, the display control unit highlights the erroneous part on the display device, and displays a message indicating the nature of the error on the line directly below the most recently entered formula on the display device. A mathematical formula input support device equipped with the following features.

2. The formula input support device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not there is an error in the formula for which the input has been received, based on the determination of whether or not there is an input in the formula for which the input has been received that is not permitted in the function type set for each formula.

3. The formula input support device according to claim 2, wherein inputs not permitted in the function type are determined according to the specifications of the machine that calculates the input formula.

4. The formula input support device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the display control unit highlights the location where an input not permitted in the function type has been made as the location of the error, in relation to the other locations, and displays it on the display device.

5. The formula input support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not there is an error in the formula for which the input was received, based on the determination of whether or not there is an input in the formula for which the input was received that is not permitted in the setting of the mode of the machine.

6. The aforementioned modes include a real number mode that allows only calculations involving real numbers, and a complex number mode that allows calculations involving both real and complex numbers. The formula input support device according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not there is an error in the formula input received, based on whether or not the mode setting is the real number mode and whether or not there is an input in the formula input that results in a complex number.

7. The mathematical formula input support device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the display control unit highlights the location where an input not permitted in the mode setting has been made as the location of the error, in relation to the other locations, and displays it on the display device.

8. The determination unit of the formula input support device determines whether or not there is an error in the formula input received by the user while the formula input is being received before the user inputs the calculation to be executed. When the display control unit of the formula input support device determines that there is an error in the formula, it highlights the erroneous part on the display device, and also displays a message indicating the nature of the error on the line directly below the most recently entered formula on the display device. A mathematical formula input support method equipped with the following features.

9. During the input of a mathematical formula before the user inputs the calculation to be executed, it is determined whether or not there is an error in the mathematical formula that has been accepted as input by the user. If an error is detected in the aforementioned formula, the erroneous part will be highlighted on the display device compared to other parts, and a message indicating the nature of the error will be displayed on the line directly below the most recently entered formula on the display device. A mathematical formula input assistance program to enable a computer to execute a mathematical expression.

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