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

Abstract

To provide a technique that can appropriately grasp if a user correctly memorizes an added kana to a Chinese character even when the user inputs the characters through key operation, and can efficiently carry out learning to allow the user to correctly memorize the added kana to the Chinese character.SOLUTION: A first character string acquisition unit acquires a first character string associated with an input character string input through key operation. A second character string creation unit determines a character belonging to the first character string and not belonging to the input character string as a specific character, and creates a second character string obtained by combining the specific character and some characters belonging to the input character string. A conversion candidate output unit outputs the first character string and the second character string as conversion candidates for the input character string.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for conducting a test to grasp the academic ability of a user and for supporting the learning of the user.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the use of CBT (Computer Based Testing) for conducting a test to grasp the academic ability of a user (test taker) by a computer has been spreading. In CBT, test questions are displayed on the display of a terminal (computer). The user operates an input device such as a mouse or keyboard provided on the terminal to answer the test questions displayed on the display.

[0003] Also, Patent Document 1 describes a system for conducting a written test in CBT by using a tablet terminal capable of handwriting input.

[0004] Moreover, not only in CBT, but also the use of digital learning materials for supporting the learning of a user on a terminal has been spreading. The digital learning materials display exercise questions and the like on the display of the distributed terminal and cause the user to answer them.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, when inputting text on a terminal involves keystrokes using a keyboard (including a software keyboard), it has been difficult to determine through CBT whether the user has correctly memorized the okurigana (suffixes) of kanji, or to effectively teach the user how to correctly memorize kanji okurigana using digital learning materials. For example, with keystrokes, the okurigana of the conversion candidates output by a known kana-kanji conversion function for the reading (kana string) entered by the user is correct. Therefore, even if the user has not correctly memorized the okurigana, they can input characters with the correct okurigana.

[0007] On the other hand, if the system uses handwriting input for character input, users will distinguish between kanji and okurigana (suffixes) when inputting (handwriting), allowing for monitoring whether users have correctly memorized kanji okurigana and enabling digital learning materials to help users correctly memorize them. In this case, the terminal must be configured to allow handwriting input of character strings. Consequently, compared to terminals that use keyboard input, these terminals will be larger, more expensive, and increase the burden on the user.

[0008] The objective of this invention is to provide a technology that can properly determine whether a user has correctly memorized the okurigana (suffixes) of kanji characters, even when text input is done via keyboard, and that can also effectively teach the user how to correctly memorize the okurigana of kanji characters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the character input device of this invention is configured as follows.

[0010] The first string acquisition unit acquires a first string associated with the input string entered by a key operation. The key operation referred to here is not limited to key operations on a hardware keyboard, but may also be a key operation on a software keyboard. The input string is, for example, a phonetic transcription (kana string). The first string is a converted string registered in a dictionary or similar system, associated with the input string. For example, the first string is a string obtained from the input string using a known kana-kanji conversion function.

[0011] The second string generation unit identifies a character belonging to the first string but not belonging to the input string as a specific character, and generates a second string by combining this specific character with some characters belonging to the input string. For example, if the input string is "osanai" and the first string is "young", the specific character is "young". In this case, the second string generation unit generates, for example, "young" or "young-sanai" as the second string. Alternatively, the second string generation unit may also generate "young" as the second string.

[0012] The conversion candidate output unit outputs the first string and the second string as conversion candidates for the input string.

[0013] With this configuration, multiple conversion candidates with different okurigana (suffixes) are output for the input string entered via key operations. Therefore, users who have not correctly memorized the okurigana will select the conversion candidate with the incorrectly memorized okurigana. Thus, even when characters are entered using key operations, it is possible to properly ascertain whether the user has correctly memorized the okurigana of kanji, and to effectively teach the user to correctly memorize the okurigana of kanji.

[0014] Furthermore, users do not need to prepare a handwriting input device for manually entering strings. In addition, by incorporating a second string generation unit, the number of strings to be registered in the dictionary does not need to be increased (strings with incorrect okurigana do not need to be registered in the dictionary), and the increase in the capacity of the storage medium that stores the dictionary is also suppressed. This also helps to suppress the increase in size and cost of the terminal operated by the user.

[0015] Furthermore, the second string generation unit may, for example, generate a second string for each first string selected from the multiple first strings obtained by the first string acquisition unit.

[0016] For example, if the input string is "osanai" and the first string obtained is "young", "don't press", "don't push", etc., the second string generation unit may generate "young", "don't press", "pushing", or "don't push" as the second string. In this example, the second string generation unit selects "young" and "don't push" from the first string obtained and does not select "don't press".

[0017] Furthermore, if "Do not press" is also selected, the second string generation unit will generate "Press" and "Do not press" as the second string.

[0018] The number of first strings (first strings used to generate the second string) that the second string generation unit selects from among multiple first strings obtained for the input string may be set in advance, or it may be configured to be determined based on the number of first strings obtained.

[0019] This configuration allows for accurate assessment of whether users have correctly memorized homophones, and also enables effective learning to help users correctly memorize kanji characters.

[0020] Further, for example, a third string generation unit that extracts similar characters whose shapes are similar to a specific character and generates a third string in which the specific characters belonging to the first string and the second string are replaced with the similar characters may be additionally provided, and the conversion candidate output unit may output the third string in addition to the conversion candidates of the input string.

[0021] For example, when the third string generation unit extracts "幻" as a similar character of "幼", the third string generation unit generates "幻い", "幻ない", and "幻さない" as the third string.

[0022] According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the user correctly remembers the specific character, and effective learning can also be performed to make the user remember the correct specific character.

[0023] Further, for example, an adjustment unit that adjusts the order of the first string and the second string output by the conversion candidate output unit as conversion candidates of the input string, or an adjustment unit that adjusts the order of the first string, the second string, and the third string output by the conversion candidate output unit as conversion candidates of the input string may be provided.

[0024] With this configuration, since the position of the correct answer in the output conversion candidates does not always remain the same, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the user correctly remembers the ruby of the Chinese character. Also, in learning using a digital learning material, effective learning can be performed to make the user correctly remember the ruby of the Chinese character.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to this invention, even when character input is performed by key operation, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the user correctly remembers the ruby of the Chinese character, and effective learning can also be performed to make the user correctly remember the ruby of the Chinese character.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram showing the network system used for conducting CBT (Computer Based Testing). [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of how a problem delivered from the server device is displayed on the user terminal's display. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of how a user terminal display shows a question delivered from a server device when a kana string is entered in the answer field. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of how the display on a user terminal shows suggested changes to the kana string entered in the answer field for a question delivered from the server device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main components of a server device. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the main components of a user terminal. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the user terminal. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device in variation 1. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the server device in the modified example 2. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device in variation 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments of this invention will be described below.

[0028] <1. Application Examples> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a network system for conducting CBT (Computer Based Testing). As shown in Figure 1, the network system in this example is configured such that multiple user terminals 2 are connected to a server device 1 via a network 5, enabling data communication.

[0029] User terminal 2 is a personal computer or tablet device operated by a user who is taking the CBT (Computer-Based Testing). Server device 1 distributes the questions to be administered in the CBT to user terminal 2 and scores the answers sent from user terminal 2.

[0030] In this example, the character input device according to this invention is described as being applied to a server device 1, but it may also be applied to a user terminal 2.

[0031] Server device 1 distributes CBT questions to user terminal 2.

[0032] User terminal 2 displays the problem delivered from server device 1 on the display screen. The user inputs the answer to the problem by operating the keyboard, which is the input device. In this example, the user inputs kana characters by key operations. The keyboard may be a hardware keyboard or a software keyboard.

[0033] Server device 1 is, for example, "Grandpa was exhausted from playing with his two young grandchildren." Replace the katakana parts with a single kanji character and their corresponding okurigana (suffixes).

[0034] This issue is then distributed to user terminal 2. Furthermore, the problem of server device 1 distributing to user terminal 2 is, Please provide the kanji and okurigana spelling for "osanai," which means "small child." This could also be considered a problem.

[0035] Please note that the above problem is merely an example and does not mean that it must be this specific problem, nor does it mean that server device 1 will deliver only one problem to user terminal 2.

[0036] The user terminal 2 displays the problems distributed from the server device 1 on the display. For example, the user terminal 2 displays the problems distributed from the server device 1 on the display as shown in FIGS. 2(A) and (B). A user who is a CBT examinee operates the keyboard of the user terminal 2 and inputs, in the answer field, the phonetic notation (kana character string) of the character string related to the answer to the problem distributed from the server device 1. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3(A) and (B), the user inputs "おさない" in kana character string in the answer field. The user terminal 2 transmits the kana character string (for example, "おさない") input in the answer field to the server device 1.

[0037] In this example, the kana character string input by the user operating the keyboard of the user terminal 2 corresponds to the input character string referred to in this invention.

[0038] The server device 1 generates conversion candidates according to the kana character string received from the user terminal 2. For example, the server device 1 performs known kana-kanji conversion processing to search a dictionary using the received kana character string, and obtains the kana-kanji converted "幼い" (converted character string). As is well known, in the dictionary, for each word, the kana character string (phonetic notation) that is the reading of the word, the part of speech, the converted character string, etc. are registered in association with each other. Usually, in the dictionary, the converted character string with correct furigana is registered. In other words, in the dictionary, the converted character string is not registered with incorrect furigana. In this example, the converted character string corresponds to the first character string referred to in this invention.

[0039] The server device 1 extracts, as specific characters, the characters (including the included characters) belonging to the converted character string obtained by the kana-kanji conversion processing and not belonging to the input kana character string. In the example shown here, since the kana character string is "おさない" and the converted character string is "幼い", "幼" is extracted as a specific character. The specific character is not necessarily one character.

[0040] The server device 1 generates a combined character string by combining a specific character with some of the characters belonging to the input kana character string. In this example, the combined character string corresponds to the second character string referred to in this invention. In the example shown here, "otosanai" which is a combination of the specific character string "otoshi" and some of the characters "sanai" of the kana character string, and "otona" which is a combination of the specific character string "otoshi" and some of the characters "nai" of the kana character string are generated as the combined character strings.

[0041] In this example, since "otona" which is a combination of the specific character string "otoshi" and some of the characters "i" of the kana character string is the same as the conversion character string, the server device 1 does not generate "otona" as the combined character string. The server device 1 may be configured to generate "otoshi" as the combined character string as well.

[0042] As is clear from the above description, the server device 1 generates a character string with incorrect furigana as the combined character string.

[0043] The server device 1 returns (outputs) the conversion character string and the combined character string to the user terminal 2 as conversion candidates for the input character string. At this time, the server device 1 notifies the user terminal 2 of the display order of each determined conversion candidate. For example, the server device 1 determines the display order of each conversion candidate based on a random number generated at the time of receiving the input character string, the time of obtaining the conversion character string, or the time when the generation of the combined character string is completed. As long as the server device 1 is configured not to always keep the display order of each conversion candidate the same (the display order of each conversion candidate can be changed), it may have a configuration other than generating the above-described random number.

[0044] The user terminal 2 displays conversion candidates according to the notification from the server device 1. For example, when the display order of the notified conversion candidates is "young", "not young", "not being young", the user terminal 2 displays the conversion candidates in the notified order as shown in FIG. 4(A). Also, when the display order of the notified conversion candidates is "not young", "not being young", "young", the user terminal 2 displays the conversion candidates in the notified order as shown in FIG. 4(B). In FIGS. 4(A) and (B), the conversion candidates indicated by hatching (in FIG. 4(A), "young"; in FIG. 4(B), "not being young") are the conversion candidates selected at that time. The user performs the selection of the conversion candidate, for example, by aligning the cursor with the conversion candidate to be selected.

[0045] When an operation related to the confirmation of the conversion candidate (for example, the operation of the ENTER key) is performed on the user terminal 2, the conversion candidate selected at that time is confirmed as the confirmed character string. The user terminal 2 transmits the confirmed character string to the server device 1 as the user's answer to this question. For example, when the confirmed character string is "young", the user terminal 2 transmits "young" to the server device 1 as the user's answer. Also, when the confirmed character string is "not young", the user terminal 2 transmits "not young" to the server device 1 as the user's answer. Further, when the confirmed character string is "not being young", the user terminal 2 transmits "not being young" to the server device 1 as the user's answer.

[0046] The server device 1 grades the answer to the question transmitted from the user terminal 2. Therefore, even if the user terminal 2 performs character input by key operation, it is possible to appropriately grasp whether the user correctly remembers the kana of Chinese characters.

[0047] Also, in the above description, although CBT is taken as an example, by utilizing digital learning materials, learning that enables the user to correctly remember the kana of Chinese characters can be effectively carried out.

[0048] Furthermore, in this network system, users do not need to prepare a handwriting input device to manually input strings of characters. This also helps to reduce the size and cost of the user terminal 2. In addition, since the server device 1 does not need to register strings with incorrect okurigana (suffixes) in its dictionary, the increase in the storage capacity of the storage medium that stores this dictionary is also reduced.

[0049] <2. Example Configuration> Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main components of the server device in this example. The server device 1 comprises a control unit 11, a dictionary database 12 (dictionary DB12), and a communication unit 13.

[0050] The control unit 11 controls each part of the main body of the server device 1. The control unit 11 also includes a kana-kanji conversion unit 11a, a combined string generation unit 11b, an adjustment unit 11c, and a scoring unit 11d. The kana-kanji conversion unit 11a, the combined string generation unit 11b, the adjustment unit 11c, and the scoring unit 11d of the control unit 11 will be described later.

[0051] Dictionary DB12 stores each word, associating it with its kana string (pronunciation notation), part of speech, and converted string. Dictionary DB12 can be stored on an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or any other storage medium.

[0052] The communication unit 13 performs data communication with the user terminal 2 connected via the network 5. In this example, the communication unit 13 has a configuration corresponding to the conversion candidate output unit as referred to in this invention.

[0053] Next, the kana-kanji conversion unit 11a, the combined string generation unit 11b, the adjustment unit 11c, and the scoring unit 11d of the control unit 11 will be described.

[0054] The kana-kanji conversion unit 11a refers to the dictionary DB12 and acquires a conversion string associated with the kana character string received from the user terminal 2. The kana-kanji conversion unit 11a executes known kana-kanji conversion processing. The kana-kanji conversion unit 11a corresponds to the first character string acquisition unit referred to in this invention.

[0055] The combination string generation unit 11b extracts, as specific characters, characters (including the characters contained) that belong to the conversion string acquired by the kana-kanji conversion unit 11a and do not belong to (are not included in) the kana character string received from the user terminal 2. For example, when the kana character string is "osanai" and the conversion string is "幼い (wadai)", the combination string generation unit 11b extracts "幼 (wa)" as a specific character. The specific character is not necessarily one character.

[0056] Also, the combination string generation unit 11b generates a combination string by combining the extracted specific characters with some of the characters belonging to the input kana character string. For example, "幼さない (wasanai)" obtained by combining the specific character string "幼 (wa)" with some of the characters "さない (sanai)" of the kana character string, and "幼ない (wana)" obtained by combining the specific character string "幼 (wa)" with some of the characters "ない (nai)" of the kana character string are generated as combination strings. The combination string generation unit 11b corresponds to the second character string generation unit referred to in this invention.

[0057] In this example, since "幼い (wadai)", which is obtained by combining the specific character string "幼 (wa)" with some of the characters "い (i)" of the kana character string, is the same as the conversion string, the combination string generation unit 11b does not generate "幼い (wadai)" as a combination string. The combination string generation unit 11b may also generate "幼 (wa)" as a combination string.

[0058] The adjustment unit 11c uses the converted string acquired by the kana-kanji conversion unit 11a and the combined string generated by the combined string generation unit 11b as conversion candidates for the kana string received from the user terminal 2, and determines the order in which they are displayed as conversion candidates on the user terminal 2. For example, the adjustment unit 11c determines the order of each conversion candidate based on a random number generated at the time the input string is received, the time the converted string is acquired, or the time the combined string generation is completed. The adjustment unit 11c may use a configuration other than the one that generates the random number described above, as long as the display order of each conversion candidate is not always the same (the display order of each conversion candidate can be changed).

[0059] The scoring unit 11d scores the user's answers received from the user terminal 2, including whether they are correct or incorrect.

[0060] The control unit 11 of the server device 1 is composed of a hardware CPU, memory, and other electronic circuits. When the hardware CPU executes the character input program according to this invention, it operates as a kana-kanji conversion unit 11a, a combined string generation unit 11b, an adjustment unit 11c, and a scoring unit 11d. The memory also has an area for deploying the character input program according to this invention and an area for temporarily storing data generated during the execution of the character input program. The control unit 11 may be an LSI integrating the hardware CPU, memory, etc. Furthermore, the hardware CPU is a computer that executes the character input method according to this invention.

[0061] Although not specifically shown in Figure 5, server device 1 stores the CBT questions and their correct answers that are distributed to user terminal 2.

[0062] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main components of the user terminal in this example. User terminal 2 comprises a control unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. User terminal 2 is a typical personal computer or tablet terminal.

[0063] The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the user terminal 2 main unit.

[0064] The display unit 22 displays CBT questions and other information distributed from the server device 1. The operation unit 23 has input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. The operation unit 23 accepts user input operations to the user terminal 2. The communication unit 24 performs data communication with the server device 1, which is connected via the network 5. The keyboard on the operation unit 23 may be a hardware keyboard or a software keyboard.

[0065] The control unit 21 of the user terminal 2 is composed of a hardware CPU, memory, and other electronic circuits. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may be an LSI that integrates the hardware CPU, memory, etc.

[0066] <3. Example of operation> The following describes the operation of Server Device 1 and User Terminal 2 during the implementation of CBT. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device, and Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the user terminal.

[0067] Server device 1 distributes CBT questions to user terminal 2 via its communication unit 13 (s1). The questions distributed by server device 1 are received by the communication unit 24 of user terminal 2 via the network 5. Server device 1, for example, "Grandpa is tired from playing with his two young grandchildren." Replace the katakana parts with a single kanji character and their corresponding okurigana (suffixes).

[0068] This issue is then distributed to user terminal 2.

[0069] When the user terminal 2 receives a problem distributed from the server device 1 via the communication unit 24, it displays the received problem on the display unit 22 (s21, s22) (see Figure 2(A)). The user answers the problem displayed on the display unit 22 by operating an input device such as a keyboard provided on the operation unit 23. Specifically, the user enters the phonetic transcription (kana string) of the string they determine to be the answer to the problem into the answer field. For example, the user enters "osanai" into the answer field for the problem shown in Figure 2(A).

[0070] The user terminal 2 transmits the entered kana string to the server device 1 via the communication unit 24 (s23, s24). The user terminal 2 waits to receive conversion candidates from the server device 1 (s25).

[0071] When server device 1 distributes a problem to user terminal 2 in s1 as described above, it waits for the server device 1 to receive a kana string from user terminal 2 (s2). When server device 1 receives the kana string sent by user terminal 2 in s24 in communication unit 13, the kana-kanji conversion unit 11a obtains the converted string of the received kana string (s3). The kana-kanji conversion unit 11a performs a known kana-kanji conversion process and obtains the converted string corresponding to the kana string received from user terminal 2. For example, if the kana string received from user terminal 2 is "osanai", the kana-kanji conversion unit 11a obtains "young" as the converted string.

[0072] The combined string generation unit 11b extracts a specific character that is included in the converted string obtained in s3 and is not included in the kana string received from the user terminal 2 in s2 (s4). For example, if the kana string received from the user terminal 2 is "osanai" and the converted string obtained by the kana-kanji conversion unit 11a is "young", the combined string generation unit 11b extracts "young" as the specific character.

[0073] The combination string generation unit 11b generates a combination string by combining the specific characters extracted in s4 and some of the characters belonging to the kana string received from the user terminal 2 in s2 (s5). For example, the combination string generation unit 11b generates "osanai" by combining the specific character string "you" and some of the characters "osanai" of the kana string, and generates "nai" by combining the specific character string "you" and some of the characters "nai" of the kana string as the combination string. The combination string generation unit 11b generates one or more combination strings.

[0074] The adjustment unit 11c uses the conversion string obtained in s3 and the combination string generated in s5 as conversion candidates, and determines the order of these conversion candidates (s6). For example, the adjustment unit 11c determines the order of the conversion candidates based on a random number generated at the time of receiving the input character string, the time of obtaining the conversion string, or the time when the generation of the combination string is completed.

[0075] The server device 1 transmits the conversion candidates for the answer to this question to the user terminal 2 which is the transmission source of the kana string received in s2 (s7). At this time, the server device 1 instructs the user terminal 2 to display the conversion candidates for the answer to this question in the order determined in s6.

[0076] When the user terminal 2 receives the conversion candidates for the answer to the question in the communication unit 24, the user terminal 2 displays the received conversion candidates on the display 22 in the order instructed by the server device 1 (s25, s26). For example, if the conversion candidates received from the server device 1 are three, namely "you", "younai", and "yosanai", and the display order of these conversion candidates is "you", "younai", and "yosanai", the user terminal 2 displays the screen shown in FIG. 4(A) on the display 22. For example, if the conversion candidates received from the server device 1 are three, namely "you", "younai", and "yosanai", and the display order of these conversion candidates is "younai", "yosanai", and "you", the user terminal 2 displays the screen shown in FIG. 4(B) on the display 22.

[0077] When user terminal 2 receives a confirmation operation from the user to confirm one of the conversion candidates as the answer to this problem, it sends the confirmed answer to server device 1 (s27, s28) and returns to s21. For example, if the user confirms "young" as the answer, user terminal 2 sends "young" to server device 1; if the user confirms "not young" as the answer, it sends "not young" to server device 1; and if the user confirms "does not young" as the answer, it sends "does not young" to server device 1.

[0078] When server device 1 receives the answer to the problem from user terminal 2, it scores the problem (s8, s9) and returns to s1.

[0079] In this network system, multiple conversion candidates with different okurigana (suffixes) are presented to the user for the input string entered via key operations. Therefore, users who have not correctly memorized the okurigana will select (confirm) the conversion candidate with the incorrectly memorized okurigana as the answer. Thus, even when characters are entered using key operations, it is possible to properly ascertain whether the user has correctly memorized the okurigana of kanji. Furthermore, in the case of digital learning materials, presenting the user with multiple conversion candidates with different okurigana allows for effective learning that helps users correctly memorize the okurigana of kanji.

[0080] Furthermore, users do not need to prepare a handwriting input device for manually entering strings. In addition, the number of strings to be registered in the dictionary does not need to be increased (strings with incorrect okurigana do not need to be registered in the dictionary), and the increase in the storage capacity of dictionary DB12 is also suppressed. As a result, the size and cost of user terminal 2 are also suppressed.

[0081] In the above explanation, we used the example of server device 1 distributing problems one by one to user terminal 2. However, server device 1 may also be configured to distribute multiple problems to user terminal 2 at once and then perform the processing of reading each problem and receiving the answers from user terminal 2.

[0082] <4. Variation> ·Variant Example 1 In the above example, it was assumed that the server device 1 acquired "young," which is the correct answer to the question in s3, as the conversion string. However, the server device 1 may be configured to acquire, as conversion strings, "young," which is the correct answer, and homophones such as "don't push" and "don't shove," which are incorrect answers but have correct kana readings. The server device 1 of this Variant Example 1 has the same configuration as shown in FIG. 5 as in the above example. Also, the user terminal 2 of this Variant Example 1 has the same configuration as shown in FIG. 6 as in the above example.

[0083] In this case, the combined string generation unit 11b may generate, in s5 described above, "not young," "young," in addition to "don't push," "push," "don't shove," "shove" as combined strings. Also, the combined string generation unit 11b may be configured to generate a combined string for one of the conversion strings "don't push" or "don't shove" acquired in s3 and not generate a combined string for the other conversion string. Also, the combined string generation unit 11b may be configured to generate "don't push" and "don't shove" as combined strings and not generate "push" and "shove" as combined strings.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device of this Variant Example 1. In FIG. 9, the same processing as that shown in FIG. 7 is given the same step numbers.

[0085] Note that the user terminal 2 executes the processing shown in FIG. 8.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 9, when the server device 1 of this Variant Example 1 acquires a plurality of conversion strings in s3, it selects a conversion string for generating a combined string (s11). In s11, usually, a conversion string that is the correct answer to the question and one or more conversion strings that are incorrect answers to the question are selected.

[0087] Here, an example is given in which the kana-kanji conversion unit 11a acquires, in s3, three conversion strings: "young," which is the correct answer to the question, and "don't push" and "don't shove," which are incorrect answers to the question.

[0088] The combination string generation unit 11b may select all of the three converted strings ("young", "do not push", "do not shove") acquired by the kana-kanji conversion unit 11a as the converted strings for generating the combination string, or may select "young", which is the correct answer to the question, and either "do not push" or "do not shove", which are incorrect answers to the question, as the converted strings for generating the combination string.

[0089] The server device 1 of this Modification 1 performs the processes according to s4 and s5 for each of the converted strings that generate the combination string selected in s11.

[0090] This network system of Modification 1 can also appropriately determine whether the user correctly remembers the furigana of kanji characters even when character input is performed by key operations, and can effectively conduct learning to make the user correctly remember the furigana of kanji characters, similar to the above example.

[0091] Also, in this Modification 1, the conversion candidates presented to the user are, for example, nine in number: "young", "osanai", "osasnai", "oshi", "oshinai", "osana", "oishi", "oishinai", "oisasnai", and it is possible to appropriately determine whether the user correctly remembers homophonic words, and effective learning can also be conducted to make the user correctly remember kanji characters.

[0092] ·Modification 2 This network system of Modification 2 also has the configuration shown in FIG. 1. In this Modification 2, the configuration of the server device 1A is different from the above example. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the server device of Modification 2.

[0093] The server device 1A of this second modification example additionally includes a similar character database 14 (similar character DB14). This similar character DB14 is a database that groups and stores characters with similar shapes. The similar character DB14 is, for example, a database that groups and stores a group of characters (a group of characters with similar shape feature amounts) extracted as candidates for a certain recognized character in character recognition by a known OCR (Optical Character Reader).

[0094] Also, the control unit 11A of the server device 1A of this second modification example has a similar character replacement unit 11e in addition to the Chinese character conversion unit 11a, combination string generation unit 11b, adjustment unit 11c, and scoring unit 11d described in the above example. This similar character replacement unit 11e extracts similar characters whose shapes are similar to the specific character extracted by the combination string generation unit 11b. The similar character replacement unit 11e refers to the similar character DB14 to extract similar characters. Also, for each conversion candidate, the similar character replacement unit 11e generates a conversion candidate in which the specific character included in the conversion candidate is replaced with the similar character extracted for that specific character. The similar character replacement unit 11e corresponds to the third string generation unit referred to in this invention.

[0095] For example, when the specific character is "幼 (young)", the similar character replacement unit 11e extracts "幻 (illusion)" as a similar character. Also, when the conversion candidates are "幼い (young)", "幼ない (not young)", and "幼さない (not young)", the similar character replacement unit 11e generates "幻い (illusion)", "幻ない (not illusion)", and "幻さない (not illusion)" with "幼 (young)" replaced by "幻 (illusion)" as new conversion candidates.

[0096] Also, for example, when the specific character is "押 (push)", the similar character replacement unit 11e extracts "岬 (cape)" as a similar character. Also, when "押い (push)", "押ない (not push)", and "押さない (not push)" are conversion candidates, the similar character replacement unit 11e generates "岬い (cape)", "岬ない (not cape)", and "岬さない (not cape)" with "押 (push)" replaced by "岬 (cape)" as new conversion candidates.

[0097] Further, for example, when the specific character is "推", the similar character replacement unit 11e extracts "椎" as a similar character. Also, when "推い", "推ない", or "推さない" are conversion candidates, the similar character replacement unit 11e generates new conversion candidates of "椎い", "椎ない", and "椎さない" by replacing "推" with "椎".

[0098] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device of this modification example 2. In FIG. 11, the same process numbers are assigned to the same processes as those shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 9.

[0099] Note that the user terminal 2 executes the process shown in FIG. 8.

[0100] When the server device 1A of this modification example 2 performs the processes according to s1 to s5 described above, the similar character replacement unit 11e extracts similar characters whose shapes are similar to the specific characters included in the conversion character string for each conversion character string generated by the combination character string in s5 (s13). The similar character replacement unit 11e generates a replacement character string by replacing the specific characters included in the conversion character string generated in s5 and the generated combination character string with the similar characters extracted in s13 for the specific characters (s14).

[0101] As described above, for example, when the specific character is "幼", the similar character replacement unit 11e extracts "幻" as a similar character. Also, when the conversion candidates are "幼い", "幼ない", or "幼さない", the similar character replacement unit 11e generates new conversion candidates of "幻い", "幻ない", and "幻さない" by replacing "幼" with "幻".

[0102] Further, for example, when the specific character is "押", the similar character replacement unit 11e extracts "岬" as a similar character. Also, when "押い", "押ない", or "押さない" are conversion candidates, the similar character replacement unit 11e generates new conversion candidates of "岬い", "岬ない", and "岬さない" by replacing "押" with "岬".

[0103] Furthermore, the similar character replacement unit 11e extracts "shii" as a similar character if, for example, the specific character is "osui". Also, if "osui", "osunai", and "osanai" are conversion candidates, the similar character replacement unit 11e generates "shiii", "shiinai", and "shiinasai" as new conversion candidates by replacing "osui" with "shii".

[0104] In this modified version 2, the configuration may not generate combined strings and replacement strings for "don't press" and "don't push," which are not the correct answers to the problem. In other words, in this modified version 2, the configuration may only generate combined strings and replacement strings for "young," which is the correct answer to the problem.

[0105] Once the processing related to s14 is complete, server device 1A will execute the processing from s6 onwards.

[0106] Thus, in this modified version 2, the conversion candidates presented to the user include not only conversion candidates with incorrect okurigana (suffixes), but also conversion candidates where the characters are replaced with similar-looking characters. Therefore, the user can be accurately assessed not only for the okurigana but also for whether they remember the shape of the characters, and learning to correctly memorize kanji can be effectively facilitated.

[0107] The server device 1 may also notify the user terminal 2 of the scoring results for the CBT questions.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above example, the server device 1 is equipped with a dictionary DB 12, and the control unit 11 is equipped with a kana-kanji conversion unit 11a, a combined string generation unit 11b, an adjustment unit 11c, and a scoring unit 11d. However, these components may be provided in the user terminal 2, or some of these components may be provided in the server device 1 and the remaining components in the user terminal 2.

[0109] With this configuration, the user terminal can also be used as a learning terminal for users to prepare for and review lessons.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above example, the similar character replacement unit 11e is configured to extract characters that are similar in shape to a specific character from among existing characters as similar characters. However, it may also be configured to extract characters (which may not exist) that are generated by, for example, replacing the radical of a character, adding or deleting dots to the structure of a character, or adding or deleting horizontal or vertical lines, as similar characters.

[0111] Furthermore, this invention allows for the implementation of written examinations via CBT (Computer-Based Testing), not limited to specific types of certification exams or subjects.

[0112] It should be noted that this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the components can be modified and implemented in practice without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. In addition, the order of each step in the flowcharts shown in the descriptions of all the examples above is merely an example, and may be rearranged as appropriate to the extent possible.

[0113] Furthermore, the correspondence between the configuration of this invention and the configuration of the embodiment described above can be described as follows. <Note> A first string acquisition unit (11a) acquires a first string associated with an input string entered by key operations, A second string generation unit (11b) generates a second string by combining a character belonging to the first string that does not belong to the input string, with a specific character, and a part of the characters belonging to the input string. A character input device (1) comprising: a conversion candidate output unit (13) that outputs the first string and the second string as conversion candidates for the input string. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1, 1A…Server equipment 2…User terminal 5…Network 11, 11A… Control Unit 11a... Kana-Kanji Conversion Section 11b...Combined string generation unit 11c...Adjustment section 11d... Grading Department 11e…Similar character replacement section 12…Dictionary Database (Dictionary DB) 13… Communications Department 14… Similar Character Database (Similar Character DB) 21... Control Unit 22...Indicator 23...Operation unit 24... Communications Department

Claims

1. A first string acquisition unit that acquires a first string associated with an input string entered by key operations, A second string generation unit generates a string with incorrect okurigana (suffixes) by combining a character belonging to the first string that does not belong to the input string with a specific character, and a part of the characters belonging to the input string as the second string. A character input device comprising: a conversion candidate output unit that outputs the first string and the second string as conversion candidates for the input string.

2. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the second string generation unit generates a second string for each first string selected from the multiple first strings obtained by the first string acquisition unit.

3. The third string generation unit extracts similar characters with similar shapes to the specified character and generates a third string by replacing the specified character belonging to the first string and the second string with the similar characters. The character input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conversion candidate output unit also outputs the third character string in addition to the conversion candidates for the input character string.

4. The character input device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an adjustment unit for adjusting the arrangement of the first string and the second string output by the conversion candidate output unit as conversion candidates for the input string.

5. The character input device according to claim 3, further comprising an adjustment unit for adjusting the order of the first string, second string, and third string output by the conversion candidate output unit as conversion candidates for the input string.

6. The aforementioned input string is a kana string, The character input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first string is a string obtained by converting the input string into Japanese characters.

7. A first string acquisition step which obtains a first string associated with an input string entered by key operations, A second string generation step involves generating a string with incorrect okurigana (suffixes) by combining a character belonging to the first string that does not belong to the input string with a specific character, and a part of the characters belonging to the input string as the second string. A character input method in which a computer performs a conversion candidate output step of outputting the first string and the second string as conversion candidates for the input string.

8. A first string acquisition step which obtains a first string associated with an input string entered by key operations, A second string generation step involves generating a string with incorrect okurigana (suffixes) by combining a character belonging to the first string that does not belong to the input string with a specific character, and a part of the characters belonging to the input string as the second string. A character input program that causes a computer to perform a conversion candidate output step, which outputs the first string and the second string as conversion candidates for the input string.

Images