Document processing program

Abstract

To provide a document processing program for supporting creation of a document such as a patent application document.SOLUTION: The document processing program causes a computer to perform a registration step of registering a code character string and a word character string in relation to each other into a database, the code character string being a character string made of words and codes in a document and the word character string being a character string made of words in a document; and an output step of outputting the relation between the code character string and the word character string on the basis of the content of registration in the database.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 31

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a document processing program.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a method for outputting and displaying an overall claim structure representing a relationship between claims described in the claims attached to a patent application so that the hierarchical structure can be easily grasped.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a document processing program that assists the creation of documents such as patent applications.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a document processing program causes a computer to execute: a registration step of registering, in a database in association with each other, a code character string which is a character string in a document and is composed of a word and a code, and a word character string which is a character string in a document and is composed of words; and an output step of outputting a correspondence relationship between the code character string and the word character string based on registered content of the database.

[0006] Preferably, the registration step includes a first selection acceptance step for accepting the selection of a string; a first dictionary registration step for registering the code string extracted from the string selected in the first selection acceptance step into the dictionary of the input method editor; a first database registration step for registering the code string extracted from the string selected in the first selection acceptance step into the database; a second selection acceptance step for accepting the selection of a string; a second dictionary registration step for registering the word string extracted from the string selected in the second selection acceptance step into the dictionary of the input method editor; a second database registration step for registering the word string extracted from the string selected in the second selection acceptance step into the database; and a mapping step for associating the code string and the word string with each other in the database.

[0007] Preferably, the registration step further includes a first candidate display step that displays strings extracted from the strings selected in the first selection acceptance step as candidates for a coded string, and a first modification acceptance step that accepts modifications to the candidates for the coded string, and in each of the first dictionary registration step and the first database registration step, a coded string that reflects the modifications accepted in the first modification acceptance step is registered.

[0008] Preferably, the registration step further includes a second candidate display step that displays strings extracted from the strings selected in the second selection acceptance step as candidate word strings, and a second modification acceptance step that accepts modifications to the candidate word strings, and in each of the second dictionary registration step and the second database registration step, the word strings that reflect the modifications accepted by the second modification acceptance means are registered.

[0009] Preferably, the dictionary of the input method editor includes reading entries and word entries, and in the first dictionary registration step, the code of the code string is registered in the reading entry and the code string is registered in the word entry, and in the second dictionary registration step, the reading of the word string is registered in the reading entry and the word string is registered in the word entry.

[0010] Preferably, in a window of a text-input application, the computer further performs an input conversion step in which the code or reading of at least one string extracted from the code strings and word strings registered in the database is entered and converted into a single string.

[0011] Preferably, the document processing program causes the computer to perform a further decoupling step after the mapping step, which involves accepting a setting to decouple the mapping between a code string and a word string, and then, based on the setting accepted in the decoupling step, decoupling the mapping between the code string and the word string in the database.

[0012] Preferably, in the output step, output is performed in at least one of the first, second, and third output formats, wherein the first output format is a format in which a code string or a code contained in a code string is inserted immediately after a word string in a document containing a word string, the second output format is a format in which a word string is inserted into a document that explains the relationship between the code of the code string and the word in the code string, and the third output format is a format in which a word string is inserted immediately after a code string in a document containing a code string. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This invention can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a document processing system in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the document processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a data structure stored in a database 207. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a data structure stored in a database 207. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing IME registration and DB registration processing of a computer program included in the document processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a screen configuration of a patent specification editor included in the document processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a window configuration of a patent specification editor included in the document processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a first diagram showing a window of a patent specification editor when registering a reference character string in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a second diagram showing a window of a patent specification editor when registering a reference character string in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the content of the database 207 after registering data related to the reference character string shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a window of a patent specification editor after registering the reference character string shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing registration processing of a reference character string according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a first diagram showing a window of a patent specification editor when registering a word character string in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a second diagram showing a window of a patent specification editor when registering a word character string in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing the contents of the database 207 after registering data related to the word string shown in FIG. 15 [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing the window of the patent specification editor after registering the word string shown in FIG. 15 [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing the registration processing of data related to a word string in the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing the window of the patent specification editor when associating a reference string with a word string in the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing the contents of the database 207 after associating data related to a reference string with data related to a word string with each other [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing the window of the patent specification editor after associating a reference string with a word string with each other in the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing the window of the patent specification editor when canceling the association between a reference string and a word string in the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing the contents of the database 207 after canceling the association between a reference string and a word string in the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing the window of the patent specification editor after canceling the association between a reference string and a word string in the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 25] It is a flowchart showing the string association processing of the database 207 in the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 26] It is a diagram showing the window of the patent specification editor when outputting the correspondence between a reference string and a word string in the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 27] It is a diagram showing the window of the patent specification editor when the correspondence of character strings registered in the database 207 is output in a first output format in the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 28] This figure shows the window of the patent specification editor when the correspondence between strings registered in the database 207 is output in the second output format in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] This figure shows the window of the patent specification editor when the correspondence between strings registered in the database 207 is output in a third output format in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] This figure shows the window of the patent specification editor when the correspondence between strings registered in the database 207 is output in the fourth output format in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] This is a flowchart illustrating the output process for the correspondence between a code string and a word string in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] The first figure shows the screen of PC100 when registering a code string and a word string into a predictive text dictionary in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] This is a second figure showing the screen of PC100 when registering a code string and a word string into a predictive text dictionary in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] This is a flowchart showing the process of registering to the predictive text dictionary in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] This figure shows the window of the patent specification editor immediately after registering a pair of a string code or reading and a string in the predictive text dictionary, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] [First Embodiment]

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a document processing system in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Referring to the diagram, the document processing system consists of a computer 100 operated by the user (system user), a LAN (Local Area Network) 300, the Internet 400, third-party computer resources 200, and the company's own computer resources 500.

[0019] The user-operated computer 100 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a communication unit 103, an I / O unit 105, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 107, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 109, a storage device 111, an audio input / output unit 113, a display 115, a graphics unit 117, a keyboard 119, and a mouse 121.

[0020] Computer 100 is connected to LAN 300, and LAN 300 is connected to the Internet 400. LAN 300 is connected to the company's own computer resources 500, and the Internet 400 is connected to third-party computer resources 200.

[0021] Here, computer resources refer to servers, personal computers, storage devices (such as in-computer storage and NAS (Network Attached Storage)), and information and communication paths (such as networks, load balancers, switches, and routers), as well as the CPUs, memory, storage devices (hard disks, optical or magnetic storage devices, SSDs, and other semiconductor devices) that constitute them, ROMs, motherboards, keyboards, mice, microphones and other input devices, displays, and speakers and other output devices, and all or part of the software, such as computer programs and data, that are read from storage devices and generally run in memory.

[0022] "Company computer resources 500" refers to the computer resources owned by the user (or the organization to which the user belongs). The organization may consist of one user or multiple members.

[0023] The company's own computer resources 500 and computer 100 are not directly connected to the Internet 400, but are connected to the Internet 400 via a LAN 300 router (not shown). Furthermore, firewall functionality is provided on the router, the company's own computer resources 500, and computer 100, preventing access to the company's own computer resources 500 and computer 100 from the Internet 400. As a result, the company's own computer resources 500 and computer 100 cannot be operated from outside via the Internet 400, and external access to data stored on the company's own computer resources 500 and computer 100 is prohibited.

[0024] Third-party computer resources 200 are computer resources not owned by the user (or the organization to which the user belongs). The user can temporarily borrow the computing power and storage of third-party computer resources 200 by accessing them from computer 100. This borrowing can be paid or free of charge.

[0025] Document data is saved as files processed by a word processor, HTML files, or plain text files, and recorded on the company's computer resources 500 and computer 100. If the document data is an image, it is converted into an HTML document or text document by OCR (Optical Character Recognition / Reader) software recorded on the company's computer resources 500 and computer 100, and then processed.

[0026] The communication protocol between our company's computer resources 500 and computer 100 and the other company's computer resources 200 is HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), etc. That is, HTTP communication is performed over secure encryption (data encryption method using private and public keys) provided by the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) / TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol, so the content of communication between our company's computer resources 500 and computer 100 and the other company's computer resources 200 can be kept confidential, and the leakage of that communication content to third parties is prevented. Encrypted communication other than HTTPS may be used as long as the leakage of communication content to third parties is prevented.

[0027] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a document processing system in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The storage device 111 in Figure 1 contains multiple computer-readable executable programs that are executed sequentially by the CPU 101 to operate the computer 100 as a document processing device. The programs are read from the storage device 111 and loaded onto the RAM 109. The programs are then executed on the RAM 109 by the CPU 101.

[0029] As the program is executed, the computer 100 performs the functions of a control unit 201, a communication unit 103, a search and replace unit 203, a document editing and word registration unit 205, a database 207, a memory 209, a storage device 111, a display / output unit 211, and an input unit 213, as shown in Figure 2.

[0030] The control unit 201 is a functional block that performs various controls on the entire device. The communication unit 103 is a functional block for communicating with internal and external computer resources. The search and replace unit 203 is a functional block that searches for specific elements (words, phrases, etc.) in a document and replaces the found elements with corresponding strings or codes. The document editing and word registration unit 205 is a functional block that edits documents and registers dictionaries for word conversion.

[0031] Database 207 is primarily a database for registering word dictionaries. Database 207 can use database server software, or it can be created by recording data in simple text files such as CSV files or spreadsheet software tables (such as Excel), searching through them, and retrieving the corresponding data.

[0032] Memory 209 is a working area for temporarily recording data. Storage device 111 is a non-volatile storage device that stores document data, data recorded in the database, data from memory 209, etc. Display / output unit 211 is a user interface such as a display and speaker. Input unit 213 is a user interface such as a mouse, keyboard, and microphone.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a specific example of a data structure stored in database 207.

[0034] Here, database 207 consists of tables with column names (field names) such as ID (record number, sequential number of data), code (reading), word, converted word, attribute, and correspondence. Figure 3 shows an example where words (strings) associated with codes are registered in database 207.

[0035] A code is a string of characters, such as numbers or letters, that appears immediately after a word in a document such as a patent application specification. It is used to associate the word with the element in the drawing that the word refers to. For example, if an electric vehicle (an example of an element in a drawing) is shown in a drawing and has a leader line attached to it, numbered "101," and this electric vehicle is described in the specification as "electric vehicle 101," then "101" is the code. In this case, "electric vehicle" is the word corresponding to the code "101."

[0036] The word column registers the word corresponding to the code (for example, if the string "electric vehicle 101" appears in the specification, then "electric vehicle" from that string will be registered). Generally, nouns are registered in the word column, but verbs, adverbs, adjectives, etc., may also be registered. Nouns also include compound nouns consisting of multiple nouns (such as "electric vehicle," which is "electric" + "vehicle").

[0037] The ID column records a sequential number for each record.

[0038] The "Converted Word" column records the string consisting of the word and the code in that record. For example, in the record with ID=0 in Figure 3, the code is "101" and the word is "electric vehicle", so "electric vehicle 101" is registered in the "Converted Word" column.

[0039] The attribute column records attributes such as "0" if the "word" appears in the embodiment described in the patent application specification, and "1" if it appears in the claims.

[0040] The correspondence column records the IDs of other words that correspond to the word in that record, and the correspondence relationship (multiple correspondences may be made). For example, if the word "signal input unit" corresponds to another word, "signal input means," the relationship between those words and their correspondence relationship (for example, a code indicating the relationship between a word appearing in a claim and a word appearing in the corresponding embodiment) are recorded.

[0041] In this embodiment, the code is also registered in the user dictionary of an IME (Input Method Editor) as the reading of the "converted word" corresponding to said "code".

[0042] An IME is software used for inputting characters that are not present on a keyboard, such as kanji, Hangul, and kana characters, via a limited combination of keys on a hardware keyboard (physical keyboard) or a software keyboard (virtual keyboard) displayed on a screen, in information devices such as personal computers (PCs), tablet terminals, and smartphone terminals. The IME performs processing to convert a character string input from a hardware keyboard or a software keyboard into a character string corresponding to the input character string. An IME may also be called an input method editor or kana-kanji conversion software.

[0043] An IME performs character string conversion using dictionary files. Dictionary files include a basic dictionary used by all users, an additionally added optional dictionary, a predictive conversion dictionary, and a user dictionary created for each user. Words commonly used by everyone, such as "世界 (world)" corresponding to "せかい (sekai)", for example, are registered in the basic dictionary. An additional dictionary is a dictionary added according to the user's usage environment, and is, for example, a dictionary collecting technical terms. A user dictionary is a dictionary that allows each user to register, edit, and delete words and their readings, and functions as an individual dictionary for each user.

[0044] The basic function of an IME is that when a conversion key is pressed after a character string such as hiragana is input, the IME converts the input character string into a character string registered in the dictionary corresponding to the input character string. When there are a plurality of dictionary entries registered for one character string, the next candidate character string is displayed each time the conversion key is pressed or the like. When a confirmation key is pressed or the like, the currently displayed character string becomes the confirmed input character string. The confirmed character string is preferentially displayed as a conversion candidate in the next conversion. Furthermore, conversion via the user dictionary may be performed with higher priority than conversion via other dictionaries (such as the basic dictionary). This is to allow frequently used candidates to be displayed quickly.

[0045] An IME (Input Method Editor) can display input and conversion candidates picked from a dictionary based on the currently being typed string (unconfirmed string) (predictive text function). Furthermore, the IME can learn from the user's input history to improve the accuracy of its dictionary and input / conversion candidates.

[0046] As described above, the "code" in Figure 3 is also registered in the IME's user dictionary as the reading of the "converted word" corresponding to that code. Therefore, a user can, for example, input "101" from the keyboard and press the conversion key to obtain the IME conversion result "electric vehicle 101". Furthermore, by using the IME's predictive text function, the IME conversion result "electric vehicle 101" can be obtained before or after inputting "101". This reduces the effort required for user input. It also prevents errors in the consistency between codes and words (incorrect input, typos). In other words, users can quickly and accurately input strings consisting of words and codes.

[0047] Furthermore, it is possible to register a "symbol" as the reading of its corresponding "word" in the IME. In this case, the user can, for example, input "101" from the keyboard and press the conversion key to obtain the IME's conversion result for "electric vehicle." This also helps to save effort and reduce input errors.

[0048] If database 207 contains multiple records, all of those code and converted word pairs will be registered in the dictionary.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a specific example of a data structure stored in database 207.

[0050] The configuration of database 207 shown in Figure 4 is the same as in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows an example in which words not associated with symbols (strings without symbols) are registered in database 207. For example, in a patent application, words associated with symbols often appear in the embodiments and abstract of the invention in the specification, while words not associated with symbols often appear in the claims. The former words are registered in the database as shown in Figure 3, and the latter words as shown in Figure 4, and they are associated using the data in the corresponding column.

[0051] Unlike Figure 3, Figure 4 displays the hiragana reading of the word in the "Code (Reading)" column. For example, the word in the record with ID=250 is "detection means," so the string "kenshutsu shudan" is recorded in its "Code (Reading)" column. The hiragana reading can be entered by the user, or it can be determined from the word through morphological analysis or other means. Alternatively, the reading obtained through morphological analysis or other means can be presented to the user, and any errors can be corrected.

[0052] Furthermore, in Figure 4, only words without symbols are registered as converted words (both the word column and the converted word column will be the same).

[0053] In Figure 4, the codes (readings) registered in database 207 and the corresponding converted words are registered in the IME dictionary as words and their readings.

[0054] As a result, in the state where the registration shown in Figure 4 is in place, the user can input the reading of the word "kenshutsu shudan" on the keyboard and convert it using the IME by pressing the conversion key, thereby obtaining the conversion result "detection means". Furthermore, by using the predictive text function, the conversion result "detection means" can be obtained while typing "kenshutsu shudan". This enables quick and error-free input of word strings.

[0055] Hereafter, a string consisting of words and symbols may be referred to as a symbol string. A string consisting of words (without symbols) may be referred to as a word string.

[0056] Typically, a code string consists of a word (component) described in the embodiment of the patent application specification and a code immediately following that word. A word string consists of a word described in the claims of the patent application (a higher-level conceptualization of the word described in the embodiment). The data in Figure 3 corresponds to data related to code strings. The data in Figure 4 corresponds to data related to word strings.

[0057] The IME may be one included with word processing software (such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice, which is released as open source), one included with the OS, or one that is installed independently. The present invention may also be implemented by executing a flowchart program such as those shown in Figures 5 and 6 using a macro (such as VBA: Visual Basic for Applications) in word processing software. The present invention may also be implemented by executing a flowchart program such as those shown in Figures 5 and 6 using proprietary editor software. The database may be a dedicated database (such as MySQL or SQLite), a CSV file, or a database may be formed using spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel, with access to the database performed using VBA in word processing software. The type of word processing software, text editor, or programming language used is not limited in the implementation of the invention.

[0058] The document files to be processed may be plain text files, word processing files, or HTML files. They may also be files where text within an image has been converted to text using OCR. Alternatively, an image file may be input, and a file may be created by converting the text portion into text data using OCR functionality. Furthermore, the file format is not limited to any specific format as long as it allows for the writing of text. Documents may be received from other computers using file transfer protocols or email software, or input from storage devices such as USB memory. They may also be input via keyboard 119 or microphone. Documents may also be downloaded from the internet.

[0059] The process shown in the following flowchart is executed by reading the computer program stored in the memory device 111 onto the RAM 109, and then having the CPU 101 execute it sequentially. The program may be saved in compiled machine code executable format, in a format where the source code is executed sequentially by an interpreter, or in a format written in intermediate language.

[0060] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the IME registration and DB registration processes of a computer program included in the document processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a flowchart following Figure 5.

[0061] Step S101 assumes that word processing software or text editor software installed on computer 100 is running. When text such as a document or words is displayed in the software, the user selects the portion they want to register. Selection can be done by dragging from the start to the end point of the selection using the left mouse click, or by aligning the cursor position to the start point and moving the cursor using Shift + arrow keys. The computer 100 may also automatically determine word boundaries through morphological analysis and automatically determine the selection range, or provide assistance in range selection.

[0062] If a trigger for the registration process occurred after text selection in step S101, proceed to step S103. The trigger for the registration process may be triggered by, for example, pressing a specific shortcut key, selecting a specific item in a menu, right-clicking the mouse, or entering a specific voice command. Alternatively, the trigger may be automatically generated when the portion to be registered is selected (or after a predetermined time has elapsed since selection).

[0063] In step S103, it is determined whether the selected range contains pairs consisting of "words" and "codes". If YES, proceed to step S105; otherwise, proceed to S205 (Figure 6). If YES, a pair of words and codes is included in the selection range, and the process is to register them in database 207 in the format shown in Figure 3. If NO, only words are included in the selection range, and the process is to register them in database 207 in the format shown in Figure 4.

[0064] In step S105, it is determined whether the selected range contains multiple pairs consisting of a "word" and a "symbol." For example, it is determined whether only one pair of a "word" and its corresponding "symbol" in the document is selected and registered, or whether, in the case of a patent application specification, multiple sections containing pairs of one "word" and its corresponding "symbol," such as those described in the "[Explanation of Symbols]" section, are selected and all of those pairs are registered.

[0065] In step S107, the string within the selected range is retrieved to be registered as a new record in the "Converted Word" column of Figure 3, the string of the word portion within the selected range is retrieved in the "Word" column of Figure 3, and the string of the symbol portion within the selected range is retrieved in the "Symbol (Reading)" column of Figure 3. The new record is assigned a serial number, which is an ID. Additionally, attributes such as "This is a word in the example that has a symbol" are assigned for the "Attributes" column. If there are other corresponding records, they may be entered by the user or automatically detected and recorded in the "Correspondence" column.

[0066] In step S107, if a section is selected that contains multiple pairs of one "word" and one corresponding "symbol," such as the "[Explanation of Symbols]" section in a patent application specification, each pair will be registered as one record, and multiple records will be registered in the database 207 shown in Figure 3.

[0067] Whether or not a character is included within the selected range can be determined, for example, by morphological analysis or regular expression searching of the string within the selected range, checking whether or not it ends with a number or letter. Furthermore, by identifying consecutive numbers or letters, the character string within the selected range can be obtained, while the remaining parts can be obtained as the word string within the selected range.

[0068] In step S109, the user dictionary of the IME is registered. More specifically, a record is registered in the dictionary with the following settings: "Reading" is the string of the symbol portion within the selected area, "Word" is the string within the selected area, and "Part of Speech" is set to "Abbreviated Reading," etc. "Part of Speech" is not limited to "Abbreviated Reading"; it can also be "Noun," "Proper Noun," etc.

[0069] For example, if a section of a patent application specification contains multiple pairs of one "word" and one corresponding "symbol," such as those found in the "[Explanation of Symbols]" section, then each pair will be registered as a separate record, and multiple records will be registered in the IME.

[0070] In step S111, registration to database 207 is confirmed.

[0071] Next, we will explain the steps from step S205 onwards in Figure 6. The process in Figure 6 is to register the word in database 207 and also register it in the IME, as shown in Figure 4, when the selected area does not contain any symbols and only contains words.

[0072] In step S205, it is determined whether the selected range contains multiple words. This process determines, for example, whether the selected range contains multiple words separated by newline characters, commas, spaces, or tab characters.

[0073] In step S207, one word within the selection range and its hiragana reading are obtained. The hiragana reading can be entered by the user, or it can be determined from the word through morphological analysis or other means. Alternatively, the reading obtained through morphological analysis or other means may be presented to the user, and errors may be corrected. If there are multiple words, the hiragana readings of all words will be obtained.

[0074] In step S209, register the word in the IME dictionary by setting "Reading" to hiragana reading, "Word" to the word within the selected range, and "Part of Speech" to either "Abbreviated Reading" or "Noun".

[0075] If a section containing multiple words is selected, the process in step S209 is performed for each word, and multiple records are registered in the IME.

[0076] In step S211, registration to database 207 is confirmed.

[0077] Figure 7 shows the screen configuration of a patent specification editor included in the document processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] This screen shows the patent specification editor window. The title bar is located at the top of the window, and the menu bar is located below it. The menu includes "File," "Edit," "Functions," "Find / Replace," "Manage," and "Analyze."

[0079] The search / replace bar is located below the menu bar. The search / replace bar includes a first text box for entering the text to search for, a "Search" button that triggers a search for the text entered in the first text box within the document, a second text box for entering the text to be replaced, a "Replace + Next" button that replaces the search results for the text entered in the first text box with the text entered in the second text box and triggers the next search, and a "Replace All" button that searches for all instances of the text entered in the first text box within the document and replaces them all with the text entered in the second text box.

[0080] The screen below the search / replace bar is divided into four sections: top left, bottom left, top right, and bottom right. The top left is a text box that displays the specification of the patent application. The bottom left is a text box that displays the claims and abstract of the patent application. The top right is a list control that displays, in a table format, the symbols, words, IDs, and corresponding information for the coded words (code strings) described in the embodiments of the patent application specification. The bottom right is a list control that displays, in a table format, the readings, words, IDs, and corresponding information for the uncoded words (word strings) described in the claims of the patent application. Below the list control in the bottom right, there is a delete button to remove the selected elements in the list control, a cancel button to cancel the selection, and a "register" button to record the elements as they are associated when two or more elements are selected in the list control.

[0081] If the content exceeds the display area of ​​a text box or list control, a scroll bar will appear to the right of that text box or list control. Users can use the scroll bar to change the visible portion of the content.

[0082] Users can select text boxes and list controls by clicking the mouse or the Tab key. Within each text box, users can input, edit (copy, paste, etc.), and delete text. They can also register selected ranges. Within each list control, users can select desired elements. Multiple elements can be selected simultaneously.

[0083] In the upper right list control, the entries in the database shown in Figure 3 are displayed sorted in ascending order of their codes. In the lower right list control, the entries in the database shown in Figure 4 are displayed sorted in ascending order of their codes (readings). The contents of both list controls are updated in real time each time the database is updated.

[0084] For example, if a user wants to input the string "Water tray 2", they can look at the list control in the upper right of Figure 7 and understand that "2" is the corresponding code. With the cursor in the text control, the user can type "2" and press the conversion key (or, if the predictive text function is available, without pressing the conversion key) to input the text "Water tray 2".

[0085] Furthermore, if a user wants to input the string "balance ring mounting part," for example, they can type "balance ring mounting part" and press the conversion key (or, depending on the predictive text function, input without pressing the conversion key during input) to enter the text "balance ring mounting part."

[0086] Furthermore, when a database entry is deleted, it is desirable to also delete the corresponding dictionary entry in the input method editor. This is to remove unused word entries and prevent incorrect conversions by the IME.

[0087] Alternatively, a database could be associated with each document, and when a document is edited, the corresponding database could be retrieved, and the codes (readings) and words (or words + codes) recorded therein could be registered in the IME dictionary. Each document would use its own unique database and its own IME dictionary. Furthermore, when editing a document is finished, the corresponding database could be retrieved, and the codes (readings) and words (or words + codes) recorded therein could be deleted from the IME dictionary.

[0088] Furthermore, the system may register the codes (readings) and words (or words + codes) recorded in the database to the IME, either through user input or automatically. The contents of the database and the user dictionary registered in the IME may also be synchronized.

[0089] Dictionary registration in the IME can be done by directly registering data in the IME's database, or by designing a program that uses desktop automation software to automatically input the necessary information into a dialog box after the IME is launched and press the "Register" button. The IME can be launched by running the IME's exe file (executable file), or by using desktop automation software to automate key and mouse operations.

[0090] A function may be provided that allows the computer to retrieve multiple pairs of symbols and corresponding words from a database, either through user input or automatically, and output a symbol table that lists them in the order of the symbols (e.g., in ascending numerical order). In the case of a patent application specification, this would automatically draft the "explanation of the symbols." Alternatively, the system may count the number of times each word appears in a document and output only the words with a predetermined number of occurrences or more as part of the symbol table.

[0091] [Second Embodiment]

[0092] This embodiment describes the specific operation of the document processing system when a user creates a patent application document using a patent specification editor. The configuration and operation of the document processing system in this embodiment, other than those described below, are the same as those in the first embodiment, so that description will not be repeated.

[0093] (Screen layout of the patent specification editor)

[0094] Figure 8 shows the configuration of the window of the patent specification editor included in the document processing system in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Referring to Figure 8, the patent specification editor window is displayed on the display 115 when a predetermined operation is performed on the PC 100. As a premise of this embodiment, the user starts the patent specification editor and opens the document data of the patent application being created within the patent specification editor. The document data of the patent application being created is text data in which the specification, claims, and abstract are written (or will be written) in this order. When the document processing system receives these operations, it displays the document data of the patent application being created in the patent specification editor window in the manner shown in Figure 8.

[0096] The patent specification editor window includes a title bar BR1, a menu bar BR2, a search / replace bar BR3, text boxes TX1 and TX2, list controls LC1 and LC2, tabs TB1, TB2, and TB3, and a list control editing bar BR4.

[0097] The title bar BR1 is located at the very top of the window. The title bar BR1 displays the filename of the patent application document data being created.

[0098] The menu bar BR2 is located below the title bar BR1. The menu bar BR2 includes various operation menus such as "File," "Edit," "Find / Replace," "Input Assistance," "IME & DB Registration," "Check," "Manage," and "Analyze."

[0099] The Search / Replace bar BR3 is located below the menu bar BR2. The Search / Replace bar BR3 contains buttons for searching for and replacing characters in the document being edited. Specifically, the Search / Replace bar BR3 includes a text box TX31, a "Search" button BT31, a text box TX32, a "Replace + Next" button BT32, and a "Replace All" button BT33. Text box TX31 accepts input for the string to be searched for. The "Search" button BT31 triggers a search for the string entered in text box TX31 within the document. Text box TX32 accepts input for the replacement string. The "Replace + Next" button BT32 replaces the search results for the string entered in text box TX31 with the string entered in text box TX32 and triggers the next search. The "Replace All" button BT33 triggers a search for all occurrences of the string entered in text box TX31 within the document and replaces all occurrences with the string entered in text box TX32.

[0100] The screen below the search / replace bar BR3 is divided into four sections: top left, bottom left, top right, and bottom right. The top left section is text box TX1. The bottom left section is text box TX2. The top right section is list control LC1. The bottom right section is list control LC2.

[0101] Text box TX1 displays the portion of the specification section (including the embodiments) of the patent application document data being created.

[0102] Text box TX2 displays the claims and abstract sections of the patent application document data being created.

[0103] List control LC1 displays data related to code strings registered in database 207. List control LC2 displays data related to word strings registered in database 207. Each of list controls LC1 and LC2 contains fields for code, word, ID, corresponding ID, and corresponding word. The code field displays the reading of the code or word string of the code string. The word field displays the word or word string of the code string. The ID field displays the ID assigned to the code string or word string. The corresponding ID field displays the ID of the string associated with that string. The corresponding word field displays the string associated with that string.

[0104] Tabs TB1, TB2, and TB3 are tabs that accept settings for the display modes of list controls LC1 and LC2, and are located above list control LC1. The "Request / Act" tab TB1 is for displaying list control LC1 and list control LC2 side by side in a vertical direction. The "Example" tab TB2 is for displaying list control LC1 and not list control LC2. The "Claim" tab TB3 is for displaying list control LC2 and not list control LC1. In Figure 8, the "Request / Act" tab TB1 is pressed.

[0105] The list control editing bar BR4 is located below the list control LC2. The list control editing bar BR4 includes a "Link" button BT41, a "Release" button BT42, a "Delete" button BT43, and a "Cancel" button BT44. The "Link" button BT41 is used to associate code strings and word strings with each other in the database 207. The "Release" button BT42 is used to remove the association between code strings and word strings in the database 207. The "Delete" button BT43 is used to delete the data related to the selected code string or word string from both the database 207 and the IME dictionary. The "Cancel" button BT44 is used to deselect the code string in the list control LC1 and the word string in the list control LC2.

[0106] If the content exceeds the display area of ​​a text box or list control, a scroll bar will appear to the right of that text box or list control. Users can use the scroll bar to change the visible portion of the content.

[0107] Users can select text boxes and list controls by clicking the mouse or the Tab key. Within each text box, users can input, edit (copy, paste, etc.), and delete text. They can also register selected ranges. Within each list control, users can select desired elements. Multiple elements can be selected simultaneously.

[0108] (Registering a coded string)

[0109] Next, we will explain how to register data related to code strings in the IME dictionary and database 207, respectively.

[0110] Figures 9 and 10 show the windows of the patent specification editor when registering a code string in a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to Figure 9, when the patent specification editor is launched and the patent application document data is opened, it is assumed that no data is registered in database 207. The user enters text into the "Embodiments" field in the specification, which is displayed in text box TX1. Once the user has finished entering any amount of text into the "Embodiments" field, they use the mouse or keyboard to select part or all of the entered text. In Figure 9, the text "In Figure 1, the water receiving basket 2 is fixed inside the outer casing 1 of the centrifugal dehydrator with screws 3." is selected from the entered text, and the selected text is marked in a different color from the other texts.

[0112] Next, with the string selected, the user presses the button for registering the code string (in this case, the button "[Multiple Words + Codes] Multiple IME&DB Registration for Selected Range" in the "IME&DB Registration" operation menu on the menu bar BR2) BT51. Pressing button BT51 triggers the start of the code string registration process. The trigger for starting the code string registration process may also occur by pressing a specific shortcut key, selecting a specific item by right-clicking the mouse, or entering a command such as a specific voice input.

[0113] When a trigger occurs to start the code string registration process after a string selection has been accepted (an example of the first selection acceptance step), the document processing system performs morphological analysis on the selected string to extract strings consisting of words and codes from the selected string. The extracted strings are considered candidates for code strings. The number of strings extracted is arbitrary, and if there are multiple matching strings in the selected string, multiple candidate code strings are extracted. In Figure 9, three candidate code strings, "Outer Box 1," "Water Receiving Basket 2," and "Screw 3," are extracted from the selected string.

[0114] Referring to Figure 10, the document processing system then displays a pop-up screen PP1 on the patent specification editor window (an example of the first candidate display step). The pop-up screen PP1 includes a text box TX51, a "Register to IME" button BT52, and a "Close" button BT53. The text box TX51 displays the extracted code string candidates, for example, separated into a code and a word. In Figure 10, for example, the code string candidate "Outer Box 1" is displayed separated into the code "1" and the word "Outer Box".

[0115] Text box TX51 accepts modifications to the displayed code string candidates (an example of the first modification acceptance step). By typing in text box TX51, the user can modify the words or codes in the code string candidates, or delete the code string candidates.

[0116] Pressing the "Register to IME" button BT52 triggers the registration of data related to the code string. The trigger for registering data related to the code string may also occur by pressing a specific shortcut key, selecting a predetermined item by right-clicking the mouse, or entering a command such as a specific voice input.

[0117] When a trigger occurs to register data related to a code string, the document processing system confirms the candidate code string displayed on the pop-up screen PP1 and registers the data related to the confirmed code string in both the database 207 and the IME dictionary (an example of the first dictionary registration step and the first database registration step). If the content displayed on the pop-up screen PP1 has been modified, the document processing system registers the data related to the code string reflecting the modification in both the database 207 and the IME dictionary.

[0118] When registering a code string to the IME dictionary, the code of the code string is registered in the reading entry of the IME dictionary, and the entire code string is registered in the word entry of the IME dictionary.

[0119] When the "Close" button BT53 is pressed, the document processing system discards all candidate code strings displayed on the pop-up screen PP1 and closes the pop-up screen PP1.

[0120] Alternatively, the data concerning the word and symbol string extracted from the selected string may be registered as is in database 207 and the IME dictionary, respectively, without accepting any modifications to the word and symbol string extracted from the selected string.

[0121] Figure 11 shows the contents of database 207 after registering the data related to the code string shown in Figure 10.

[0122] Referring to Figure 11, the data for a code string includes the following items: ID, Code (Reading), Word, Converted Word, Attribute, and Correspondence. The ID item contains the serial number assigned to the code strings and word strings registered in database 207 in the order of registration. The Code (Reading) item contains the code of the code string. The Word item contains the words included in the code string. The Converted Word item contains the entire code string. The Attribute item is assigned the number "0" to indicate that it is a code string. The Correspondence item contains the ID of the word string associated with the code string. For example, for the code string "Outer Box 1", the ID is "0", the code is "1" in the Code item, the word is "Outer Box" in the Word item, and the string "Outer Box 1" is registered in the Converted Word item. The Correspondence item is left blank until a correspondence with another string is set.

[0123] Figure 12 shows the window of the patent specification editor after registering the code string shown in Figure 10.

[0124] Referring to Figure 12, when the code strings shown in Figure 10 are registered in database 207, the display content of list control LC1 is updated, and new data related to the registered code strings is displayed in list control LC1. In Figure 12, new data is displayed for each of the three code strings: "Outer Box 1", "Water Receiving Basket 2", and "Screw 3". For the code string "Outer Box 1", the code field displays the code "1", the word field displays the word "Outer Box", and the ID field displays the ID "0". Since no corresponding string exists yet for each of the newly displayed code strings, the corresponding ID field and corresponding word field for the data of the newly displayed code strings are either blank or display the character "none", which means no registration. Note that since no data related to word strings has been registered in database 207 yet, nothing is displayed in list control LC2.

[0125] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the code string registration process in a second embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in the storage device 111.

[0126] Referring to Figure 13, the CPU 101 determines whether a string has been selected in the patent specification editor and whether a trigger for the registration of a code string has occurred (S301). The CPU 101 repeats the process in step S301 until it determines in step S301 that a string has been selected in the patent specification editor and a trigger for the registration of a code string has occurred.

[0127] In step S301, if it is determined that a string has been selected in the patent specification editor and that a trigger for the registration process of a code string has occurred (YES in S301), the CPU 101 extracts a string consisting of a word and a code from the selected string as a candidate for a code string (S303), and determines whether or not a candidate for a code string has been extracted (S305).

[0128] If, in step S305, it is determined that no candidate code strings are to be extracted (NO in S305), then no code strings exist among the selected strings. In this case, CPU 101 terminates the process.

[0129] If it is determined in step S305 that a candidate for the code string has been extracted (YES in S305), the CPU 101 displays the candidate for the code string (S307) and determines whether or not it has accepted an operation to modify the candidate for the code string (S309).

[0130] If the CPU determines in step S309 that it has received an operation to modify the candidate code string (YES in S309), the CPU 101 modifies the displayed candidate code string (S311) and proceeds to step S307.

[0131] If, in step S309, it is determined that the operation to modify the candidate code string is not accepted (NO in S309), the CPU 101 determines whether or not a trigger has occurred to register data related to the code string (S313).

[0132] If, in step S313, it is determined that no trigger for registering data related to the code string has occurred (NO in S313), then the candidate code string has been discarded. In this case, the CPU 101 terminates processing.

[0133] In step S313, if it is determined that a trigger has occurred to register data related to the code string (YES in S313), the CPU 101 confirms the displayed code string candidate and registers the data related to the displayed code string in the IME dictionary and database 207 respectively (S315 and S317). Next, the CPU 101 reflects the registered contents of database 207 in list control LC1 (S319) and terminates the process.

[0134] As described above, data relating to code strings registered in an IME dictionary is registered in the database 207. Data relating to code strings registered in the database 207 is displayed in the list control LC1. Accordingly, by referring to the display content of the list control LC1, the user can grasp the code strings registered in the IME dictionary while proceeding with the preparation of a patent application, and can grasp what kind of character string the code input by the user will be converted into by the IME dictionary function.

[0135] When data relating to a code string is registered in the IME dictionary, the user can, for example, input a code "1" from a keyboard or the like and press a conversion key to obtain a conversion result "outer box 1". Further, using the predictive conversion function of the IME, by inputting "1", the conversion result "outer box 1" by the IME can be obtained. This makes it possible to reduce the labor of input by the user. In addition, errors in consistency between codes and words (erroneous input, typos) can be prevented.

[0136] (Registration of Word Strings)

[0137] Next, a method for registering data relating to word strings in each of the IME dictionary and the database 207 will be described.

[0138] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams showing windows of a patent specification editor when registering word strings in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 14, a user inputs a document into a claims column or an abstract column displayed in a text box TX2. When the user finishes inputting an arbitrary amount of document in the claims column or the abstract column, the user uses a mouse or a keyboard to select a part or the whole character string of the input document. In FIG. 14, all character strings of [Claim 1] among the input documents are selected, and the selected character string is displayed in a different color from other character strings.

[0140] Next, with the text selected, the user presses the button for registering the word string (in this case, the "Register Word in Claim to IME&DB" button in the "IME&DB Registration" operation menu on the menu bar BR2) BT61. Pressing button BT61 triggers the start of the word string registration process. The trigger for starting the word string registration process may also occur by pressing a specific shortcut key, selecting a specific item by right-clicking the mouse, or entering a command such as a specific voice input.

[0141] When a trigger occurs to start the word string registration process after a string selection has been accepted (an example of the second selection acceptance step), the document processing system extracts strings consisting of words from the selected string by performing morphological analysis. The extracted strings are considered candidate word strings. The number of strings extracted is arbitrary, and if there are multiple matching strings in the selected string, multiple word string candidates are extracted. In Figure 14, a total of eight word string candidates are extracted from the selected string, including "outer box," "spring," "drive motor," "rotating shaft," and "dehydration basket."

[0142] Referring to Figure 15, the document processing system then displays a pop-up screen PP2 on the patent specification editor window (an example of the second candidate display step). The pop-up screen PP2 includes a text box TX61, a "Register to IME" button BT62, and a "Close" button BT63. The text box TX61 displays the extracted word string candidates, separated into the reading of the word string and the word string (the word in the word string). In Figure 15, for example, the word string candidate "outer box" is displayed separated into the reading of the word string "sotobako" and the word string "outer box" (the word in the word string).

[0143] Text box TX61 accepts modifications to the displayed word string candidates (an example of the second modification acceptance step). By typing in text box TX61, the user can modify the reading or word string of a word string, or delete the word string candidates.

[0144] Pressing the "Register to IME" button BT62 triggers the registration of data related to word strings. The trigger for registering data related to word strings may also occur through pressing a specific shortcut key, selecting a designated item by right-clicking the mouse, or entering a command such as a specific voice input.

[0145] When a trigger occurs to register data related to word strings, the document processing system confirms the candidate word strings displayed on the popup screen PP2 (eight candidate word strings in Figure 15) and registers the data related to the confirmed word strings in database 207 and the IME dictionary, respectively (an example of the second dictionary registration step and the second database registration step). If the content displayed on the popup screen PP2 has been modified, the document processing system registers the modified word string data in database 207 and the IME dictionary, respectively.

[0146] When registering a word string to the IME dictionary, the reading of the word string is registered in the "reading" field of the IME dictionary, while the entire word string is registered in the "phrase (word)" field of the IME dictionary.

[0147] When the "Close" button BT63 is pressed, the document processing system discards all word string candidates displayed in the pop-up screen PP2 and closes the pop-up screen PP2.

[0148] Alternatively, the data concerning the string of words extracted from the selected string may be registered as is in database 207 and the IME dictionary, respectively, without accepting any modifications to the string of words extracted from the selected string.

[0149] Figure 16 shows the contents of database 207 after registering the word string data shown in Figure 15.

[0150] Referring to Figure 16, the data for a word string includes the following items: ID, Code (Reading), Word, Converted Word, Attribute, and Correspondence. The ID item contains the sequential number assigned to the code string and word string registered in database 207 in the order of registration. The Code (Reading) item contains the reading of the word string. The Word and Converted Word items contain the word string. The Attribute item is assigned the number "1" to indicate that it is a word string. The Correspondence item contains the ID of the code string associated with the word string. For example, for the word string "outer box," the ID "3" is assigned, the Code (Reading) item contains the reading "sotobako," and the Word and Converted Word item contains the word "outer box." The Correspondence item is left blank until a correspondence with another string is set.

[0151] Figure 17 shows the window of the patent specification editor after registering the word string shown in Figure 15.

[0152] Referring to Figure 17, when the word strings shown in Figure 15 are registered in database 207, the display content of list control LC2 is updated, and new data related to the registered word strings is displayed in list control LC2. In Figure 17, data related to eight word strings such as "outer box," "spring," "drive motor," "rotating shaft," and "dehydration basket" is newly displayed. For the word string "outer box," the reading of the word string "sotobako" is displayed in the code field, the word string "outer box" is displayed in the word field, and the ID "4" is displayed in the ID field. Since no corresponding string exists yet for each of the newly displayed word strings, the corresponding ID field and corresponding word field of the data for the newly displayed word string are either blank or display the character "none," which means that it is not registered.

[0153] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the data registration process for word strings in a second embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in the storage device 111.

[0154] Referring to Figure 18, the CPU 101 determines whether a string has been selected in the patent specification editor and whether a trigger for the word string registration process has occurred (S401). The CPU 101 repeats the process in step S401 until it determines in step S401 that a string has been selected in the patent specification editor and a trigger for the word string registration process has occurred.

[0155] In step S401, if it is determined that a string has been selected in the patent specification editor and that a trigger for the word string registration process has occurred (YES in S401), the CPU 101 extracts strings consisting of words from the selected string as candidate word strings (S403), and determines whether or not a candidate word string has been extracted (S405).

[0156] If, in step S405, it is determined that no word string candidates should be extracted (NO in S405), then no word strings exist in the selected strings. In this case, CPU 101 terminates the process.

[0157] If it is determined in step S405 that a candidate word string has been extracted (YES in S405), the CPU 101 displays the candidate word string (S407) and determines whether or not it has accepted an operation to modify the candidate word string (S409).

[0158] If the CPU determines in step S409 that it has received an operation to modify the candidate word string (YES in S409), the CPU modifies the displayed candidate word string (S411) and proceeds to step S407.

[0159] If, in step S409, it is determined that the operation to modify the candidate word string is not accepted (NO in S409), the CPU 101 determines whether or not a trigger has occurred to register data related to the word string (S413).

[0160] If, in step S413, it is determined that no trigger for registering data related to word strings has occurred (NO in S413), then the word string candidates have been discarded. In this case, CPU 101 terminates processing.

[0161] In step S413, if it is determined that a trigger has occurred to register data related to word strings (YES in S413), the CPU 101 confirms the displayed word string candidates and registers the data related to the displayed word strings in the IME dictionary and database 207 respectively (S415 and S417). Next, the CPU 101 reflects the registered contents of database 207 in the list control LC2 (S419) and terminates the process.

[0162] As described above, data relating to word strings registered in the IME dictionary is registered in the database 207. Data relating to word strings registered in the database 207 is displayed in the list control LC2. Therefore, by referring to the display content of the list control LC2, the user can grasp the word strings registered in the IME dictionary while proceeding with the preparation of a patent application, and can grasp what kind of character string the reading (kana) input by the user will be converted into by the IME dictionary function.

[0163] When data relating to a word string is registered in the IME dictionary, the user can, for example, input the reading "sotobako" from a keyboard or the like and press the conversion key to obtain the conversion result "outer box" by the IME. Further, when using the predictive conversion function of the IME, by inputting "so", the conversion result "outer box" by the IME can be obtained. This makes it possible to save the labor of input by the user. In addition, errors in consistency between the description of the claims and the description of the specification (for example, an error such as erroneously converting the description of "outer box" (sotobako) in the claims into "outer casing" or erroneously inputting "satobako" in the specification) can be prevented. Particularly in patent applications, there are many opportunities to use difficult words and non-common words, and it tends to be difficult to obtain accurate conversion for these words. By registering data relating to word strings in the IME dictionary, words used in patent applications can be obtained accurately and quickly.

[0164] (Association of character strings)

[0165] Next, a method for associating character strings in the database 207 will be described.

[0166] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a window of a patent specification editor when associating a code character string and a word string with each other in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Referring to Figure 19, database 207 stores data related to code strings and data related to word strings. List controls LC1 and LC2 each display data related to code strings and word strings, respectively.

[0168] The user selects at least one code string from the code strings displayed in list control LC1 and at least one word string from the word strings displayed in list control LC2, and then presses the "Link" button BT41 on the list control editing bar BR4. In Figure 19, the code strings "Outer Box 1" and "Outer Box 20" in list control LC1 and the word string "Outer Box" in list control LC1 are selected. Pressing button BT41 triggers the process of associating the code strings with the word strings. The trigger for starting the process of associating the code strings with the word strings may also occur by pressing a specific shortcut key, selecting a predetermined item by right-clicking the mouse, or entering a command such as a specific voice input.

[0169] Figure 20 shows the contents of database 207 after the data related to coded strings and the data related to word strings have been mapped to each other.

[0170] Referring to Figure 20, when a trigger occurs to start the process of associating the code strings and word strings with each other, with at least one code string selected from the code strings displayed in list control LC1 and at least one word string selected from the word strings displayed in list control LC2, the document processing system associates the data for the selected code string with the data for the selected word string in database 207 (an example of a registration step and an association step). Specifically, the IDs of the word string and code string to be associated are registered in the correspondence item of the data for the selected code string in database 207, and the IDs of the code string and word string to be associated are registered in the correspondence item of the data for the selected word string in database 207. Note that the selection of the code string and word string to be associated may be performed by the document processing system.

[0171] In Figure 20, the data correspondence item for the code string "Outer Box 1" registers the IDs of the code string "22" for "Outer Box 20" and "4" for the word string "Outer Box". The data correspondence item for the code string "Outer Box 20" registers "1" for the code string "Outer Box 1" and "4" for the word string "Outer Box". The data correspondence item for the word string "Outer Box" registers "1" for the code string "Outer Box 1" and "22" for the code string "Outer Box 20".

[0172] Figure 21 shows the window of the patent specification editor after the code string and word string have been associated with each other in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] Referring to Figure 21, when the data for the selected code string and the data for the selected word string in database 207 are associated with each other, the display content of the associated code string in list control LC1 and the associated word string in list control LC2 are updated. The corresponding ID field for each associated code string and word string displays the IDs of all associated word strings and code strings. The corresponding word field for each associated code string and word string displays all associated word strings and code strings. In Figure 21, for the code strings "Outer Box 1" and "Outer Box 20" in list control LC1, and for the word string "Outer Box" in list control LC2, the corresponding ID field displays "1, 22, 4", which are the IDs of all associated word strings and code strings, and the corresponding word field displays "Outer Box 1, Outer Box 20, Outer Box", which are all associated word strings and code strings, and these strings are displayed in association with each other.

[0174] Figure 22 shows the window of the patent specification editor when the correspondence between a code string and a word string is removed in a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Referring to Figure 22, the user selects at least one of the code string and word string in list control LC1 or LC2, and then presses the "Release" button BT42 on the list control editing bar BR4. In Figure 22, the code string "Outer Box 1" is selected. Pressing button BT42 triggers the process of releasing the association between the code string and the word string. The trigger for releasing the association between the code string and the word string may also occur by pressing a specific shortcut key, selecting a predetermined item by right-clicking the mouse, or entering a command such as a specific voice input.

[0176] Figure 23 shows the contents of the database 207 after the correspondence between code strings and word strings has been removed in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0177] Referring to Figure 23, when a trigger occurs to initiate the process of unlinking a code string from a word string while at least one of a code string or word string is selected in list control LC1 or LC2 (an example of an unlinking acceptance step), the document processing system unlinks the selected string from the string associated with it in database 207 (an example of an unlinking step). The document processing system deletes the corresponding entries in database 207 for the data related to the selected code string or word string and for all word strings and code strings associated with the selected code string or word string. In Figure 23, the corresponding entries for the data related to the code string "Outer Box 1", the data related to the code string "Outer Box 20", and the data related to the word string "Outer Box" are deleted and left blank.

[0178] Figure 24 shows the window of the patent specification editor after the correspondence between the code string and the word string has been removed in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] Referring to Figure 24, when the corresponding entries for the required data in database 207 are deleted, the changes in database 207 are reflected in the display content of list controls LC1 and LC2, respectively. In Figure 24, the display content of the corresponding ID and corresponding word for the data related to the code string "Outer Box 1" and the code string "Outer Box 20" in list control LC1, and the display of the correspondence between these strings is deleted for each of them, and the display of the correspondence between these strings is deleted.

[0180] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating the string mapping process in the database 207 in a second embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in the storage device 111.

[0181] Referring to Figure 25, the CPU 101 determines whether at least one code string displayed in list control LC1 and at least one word string displayed in list control LC2 have been selected, and whether a trigger has occurred to start the process of associating the code strings and word strings with each other (S501).

[0182] In step S501, if it is determined that at least one code string displayed in list control LC1 and at least one word string displayed in list control LC2 are not selected, or that no trigger occurs to start the process of associating the code strings and word strings with each other (NO in S501), the CPU 101 proceeds to process S507.

[0183] In step S501, if it is determined that at least one code string from the code strings displayed in list control LC1 and at least one word string from the word strings displayed in list control LC2 have been selected, and that a trigger has occurred to start the process of associating the code strings and word strings with each other (YES in S501), the CPU 101 associates the data related to the selected strings with each other in database 207 (S503). Next, the CPU 101 reflects the contents of database 207 in list controls LC1 and LC2 (S505), and proceeds to the process in step S507.

[0184] In step S507, the CPU 101 determines whether at least one of the associated code strings and word strings in the list controls LC1 and LC2 has been selected, and whether a trigger has occurred to start the process of unassociating the code string and the word string (S507).

[0185] In step S507, if it is determined that at least one of the associated code strings and word strings in list controls LC1 and LC2 is not selected, or that no trigger occurs to start the process of unassociating the code string and word string (NO in S507), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process in step S501.

[0186] In step S507, if it is determined that at least one of the associated code strings and word strings in list controls LC1 and LC2 has been selected, and that a trigger has occurred to start the process of unassociating the code strings and word strings (YES in S507), the CPU 101 deletes the data association for the selected strings in database 207 (S509). Next, the CPU 101 reflects the contents of database 207 in list controls LC1 and LC2 (S511), and proceeds to the process in step S501.

[0187] As described above, the database 207 stores the correspondence between strings. The list controls LC1 and LC2 display the correspondence between strings. Therefore, by referring to the contents displayed in list controls LC1 and LC2, the user can understand the correspondence between words in the claims and words and symbols in the embodiments while proceeding with the creation of the patent application. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0188] (Output of correspondence)

[0189] Next, we will explain how to output the correspondence between coded strings and word strings.

[0190] Figure 26 shows the window of the patent specification editor when outputting the correspondence between code strings and word strings in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0191] Referring to Figure 26, database 207 stores data related to code strings and word strings, and registers several correspondences between code strings and word strings. The list controls LC1 and LC2 each display data related to code strings and word strings, respectively.

[0192] The user presses a button to output the correspondence between a code string and a word string. In this case, the user presses the "Insert Correspondence in Claim" button BT70, the "Insert Correspondence in Code Description" button BT71, the "Add Claim Text to Embodiment" button BT72, or the "Create Claim → Means + Correspondence" button BT73 from the "Input Assistance" operation menu on the menu bar BR2. Pressing buttons BT70, BT71, BT72, or BT73 triggers the output of the correspondence between the code string and the word string. The trigger for outputting the correspondence between the code string and the word string may also occur by pressing a specific shortcut key, selecting a predetermined item by right-clicking the mouse, or entering a command such as a specific voice input.

[0193] When a trigger occurs that outputs the correspondence between a code string and a word string, the document processing system outputs the correspondence between the code string and the word string based on the registered contents in database 207 (example of output step). Depending on the type of button (trigger) pressed from among buttons BT70, BT71, BT72, and BT73, the document processing system outputs the correspondence between the code of the code string and the word string in different output formats. The method of outputting the correspondence between the code of the code string and the word string is arbitrary and may include an output method that displays a pop-up screen containing the correspondence, or an output method that inserts the correspondence into the data of the patent application being created.

[0194] Figure 27 shows the window of the patent specification editor when the correspondence between strings registered in the database 207 is output in the first output format in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0195] Referring to Figure 27, when the "Insert Corresponding Claim" button BT70 is pressed, the document processing system displays a pop-up screen PP3 on the patent specification editor window and outputs the correspondence of strings registered in database 207 in a first output format. The first output format is a format in which a code string or a code contained in a code string is inserted immediately after a word string in a document containing a word string.

[0196] The pop-up screen PP3 includes a text box TX71 and a "Close" button BT74. Text box TX71 displays the same document as the one described in the claims and abstract sections of the document being created in the patent specification editor. Immediately following each word string in the displayed document, the corresponding code string is inserted in parentheses. Alternatively, only the code of the corresponding code string may be inserted immediately following each word string in text box TX71.

[0197] In the text box TX71 of Figure 27, the code strings "Outer Box 1" and "Outer Box 20," which are associated with the word string "Outer Box," are inserted in parentheses immediately after the word string "Outer Box" in the same document as the document described in the claims and abstract section. In a similar manner, the code strings "Spring 4," "Drive Motor," "Rotating Shaft," "Dehydration Basket," "Balance Ring," and "Balance Ring Mounting Part" are inserted in parentheses immediately after each of the word strings "Spring," "Drive Motor," "Rotating Shaft," "Dehydration Basket 11," "Balance Ring 13," and "Balance Ring Mounting Part 12."

[0198] Users can create documents showing the correspondence between the configuration described in the claims and the configuration described in the embodiments by copying the document displayed in text box TX71 and pasting it into other documents. Furthermore, users can easily create the claims and abstract sections of a patent application specification by copying the document displayed in text box TX71 and pasting it into the claims and abstract sections of the patent application specification. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0199] When the "Close" button BT74 is pressed, the document processing system closes the pop-up screen PP3.

[0200] Figure 28 shows the window of the patent specification editor when the correspondence between strings registered in the database 207 is output in the second output format in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0201] Referring to Figure 28, when the "Insert Correspondence to Symbol Description" button BT71 is pressed, the document processing system displays a pop-up screen PP4 on the patent specification editor window and outputs the correspondence between the strings registered in database 207 in a second output format. The second output format is a document that explains the relationship between the symbols of the symbol strings and the words in the symbol strings, with the word strings inserted.

[0202] The pop-up screen PP4 includes a text box TX72 and a "Close" button BT75. Text box TX72 displays a document explaining the relationship between the symbols and words in a symbol string, following the common practice of describing symbols in the specification of a patent application. That is, in the displayed document, the symbols and words of the symbol string are listed on the same line, spaced apart from each other. The word string associated with the symbol string is inserted on the line directly below the line containing the symbols and words of the symbol string.

[0203] In the second output format, the word string associated with the code string should be inserted into the document explaining the relationship between the code of the code string and the word in the code string. Alternatively, the code string associated with the code string may be inserted immediately after the description explaining the relationship between the code of the code string and the word in the code string in the displayed document, along with the word string associated with the code string.

[0204] In the text box TX72 in Figure 28, for example, immediately after the description "1 Outer box," which explains the relationship between the code of the code string and the word of the code string, the code string "Outer box 20" is inserted by the description "→Related element: "Outer box 20"," and the word string "Outer box" is inserted by the description "→Corresponding claim wording: "Outer box"," which is associated with the code string "Outer box 1."

[0205] Users can create documents showing the correspondence between the configuration described in the claims and the configuration described in the embodiments by copying the document displayed in text box TX72 and pasting it into other documents. Furthermore, users can easily create the section for explaining reference numerals in the specification of a patent application by copying the document displayed in text box TX72 and pasting it into the section for explaining reference numerals in the specification of the patent application being created. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0206] When the "Close" button BT75 is pressed, the document processing system closes the pop-up screen PP4.

[0207] Figure 29 shows the window of the patent specification editor when the correspondence between strings registered in the database 207 is output in a third output format in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0208] Referring to Figure 29, if the "Add Claims to Embodiment" button BT72 is pressed, the document processing system outputs the correspondence of strings registered in database 207 in a third output format. The third output format is one in which a word string is inserted immediately after a code string in a document containing a code string.

[0209] In Figure 29, the text box TX1 displays the specification section of the patent application document data being created. Immediately after the first occurrence of a code string in the document displayed in text box TX1, a word string is inserted in parentheses. Specifically, immediately after the first occurrence of the code string "outer box 1", the word string "outer box" is inserted with the notation "(example of outer box)", corresponding to the code string "outer box 1". Similarly, for each of the code strings "spring 4", "drive motor 5", and "rotating shaft 6", the word strings "spring", "drive motor", and "rotating shaft", respectively are inserted immediately after the first occurrence.

[0210] Thus, when a word string is inserted in parentheses immediately after a code string in the documentation of an embodiment, users and readers of the patent application can easily understand how the configuration described in the claims is supported in the embodiment. As a result, user and reader convenience is improved.

[0211] Figure 30 shows the window of the patent specification editor when the correspondence between strings registered in the database 207 is output in the fourth output format in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0212] Referring to Figure 30, when the "Claim → Means + Correspondence Creation" button BT73 is pressed, the document processing system displays a pop-up screen PP5 on the patent specification editor window and outputs the correspondence of strings registered in database 207 in a fourth output format. The fourth output format is similar to the first output format, and is a format in which a code string or a code contained in a code string is inserted immediately after a word string in a document containing a word string.

[0213] The pop-up screen PP5 includes a text box TX73 and a "Close" button BT76. Text box TX73 displays a document describing the invention as claimed in the patent claims, following the general practice of describing the means for solving the problem in the patent application specification. Immediately following each word string in the displayed document, a corresponding code string is inserted in parentheses. Alternatively, only the code from the code string may be inserted immediately after each word string in the displayed document in text box TX73.

[0214] In the text box TX73 of Figure 30, the code strings "Outer Box 1" and "Outer Box 20," which are associated with the word string "Outer Box," are inserted in parentheses immediately after the word string "Outer Box" in the document describing the claims. In a similar manner, the code strings "Spring 4," "Drive Motor 5," "Rotating Shaft," "Dehydration Basket," "Balance Ring," and "Balance Ring Mounting Part," respectively, are inserted in parentheses immediately after the word strings "Spring 4," "Drive Motor 5," "Dehydration Basket 11," "Balance Ring 13," and "Balance Ring Mounting Part 12," respectively, in the text strings described in the section for means to solve the problem.

[0215] Users can create documents showing the correspondence between the configuration described in the claims and the configuration described in the embodiments by copying the document displayed in text box TX73 and pasting it into other documents. Furthermore, users can easily create the "means for solving the problem" section of the patent application specification by copying the document displayed in text box TX72 and pasting it into the "means for solving the problem" section of the patent application specification. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0216] When the "Close" button BT76 is pressed, the document processing system closes the pop-up screen PP5.

[0217] Figure 31 is a flowchart showing the output process for the correspondence between a code string and a word string in a second embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in the storage device 111.

[0218] Referring to Figure 31, the CPU 101 determines whether a trigger has occurred to start the process of outputting the correspondence between the code string and the word string (S601). The CPU 101 repeats the process in step S601 until it determines that a trigger has occurred to start the process of outputting the correspondence between the code string and the word string.

[0219] In step S601, if it is determined that a trigger has occurred to start the process of outputting the correspondence between the code string and the word string (YES in S601), the CPU 101 outputs the correspondence between the code string and the word string in a format according to the type of trigger (S603), and then terminates the process.

[0220] (Process of registering in the predictive text dictionary)

[0221] Next, we will explain how to register words in the predictive text dictionary.

[0222] When a code string is registered in the IME dictionary, the user can obtain the converted code string by typing the code of the code string and pressing the conversion key. Similarly, when a word string is registered in the IME dictionary, the user can obtain the converted word string by typing the reading of the word string and pressing the conversion key.

[0223] By the way, IME (Input Method Editor) has a function that registers past input history in a predictive text dictionary and displays conversion candidates picked from the predictive text dictionary according to the string being entered (unconfirmed string) (predictive text function). The input history stored in the predictive text dictionary is basically first-in, first-out. In the predictive text dictionary, each time a new input history is stored, the old input history is erased. The predictive text candidates displayed during input are displayed with priority (higher up) the more recent the input history (the date and time it was entered and registered in the predictive text dictionary). Users can select a predictive text candidate by pressing the Tab key and confirm the selection by pressing a key to confirm the prediction candidate.

[0224] Therefore, the document processing system registers the new input history related to the code strings and word strings registered in database 207 into the IME's predictive text dictionary by performing the registration process for the predictive text dictionary described below.

[0225] Figures 32 and 33 show the screen of PC100 when registering a code string and a word string into a predictive text dictionary in a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0226] Referring to Figure 32, the user presses button BT77 (in this case, the "Register to DB → Predictive Conversion" button in the "IME & DB Registration" operation menu on the menu bar BR2) to register the code string and word string to the predictive conversion dictionary. Pressing button BT77 triggers the start of the registration process to the predictive conversion dictionary. The trigger for starting the registration process to the predictive conversion dictionary may also occur by pressing a specific shortcut key, right-clicking the mouse, entering a command such as a specific voice input, registering a new string in database 207, or launching the patent specification editor.

[0227] Referring to Figure 33, when a trigger occurs to start the process of registering to the predictive text dictionary, the document processing system launches a text-input application (such as a text editor) installed on PC100. The window WD1 of the launched application is displayed above the patent specification editor window. The document processing system extracts strings one by one from the code strings and word strings registered in database 207. In window WD, the document processing system inputs the code or reading of the extracted string, converts the input code or reading to the extracted string, and confirms the conversion (an example of an input conversion step). As a result, the pair of the extracted string's code or reading and the extracted string is registered in the IME's predictive text dictionary.

[0228] Furthermore, when extracting strings one by one from the code strings and word strings registered in database 207, it is preferable for the document processing system to extract strings with more characters before strings with fewer characters. This ensures that the registration date and time of strings with fewer characters in the predictive text dictionary is newer than that of strings with more characters. As a result, when multiple strings starting with the same input character are registered in the predictive text dictionary, strings with fewer characters can be displayed with higher priority (higher ranking) than strings with more characters, improving usability. In addition, it is not necessary for all code strings and word strings registered in database 207 to be registered in the predictive text dictionary; it is sufficient for at least one string from among the code strings and word strings registered in database 207 to be registered in the predictive text dictionary.

[0229] Figure 34 is a flowchart showing the process of registering to a predictive text dictionary in a second embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in the storage device 111.

[0230] Referring to Figure 34, the CPU 101 determines whether a trigger has occurred to start the process of registering to the predictive text dictionary (S701). The CPU 101 repeats the process in step S701 until it determines that a trigger has occurred to start the process of registering to the predictive text dictionary.

[0231] In step S701, if it is determined that a trigger has occurred to start the process of registering to the predictive text dictionary (YES in S701), the CPU 101 launches a text editor (S703) and extracts one unextracted code string or word string from the database 207 (S705). Next, the CPU 101 inputs the code or reading of the extracted string into the text editor window and converts it into the extracted string (S707). Next, the CPU 101 determines whether all strings have been extracted from the database 207 (S709).

[0232] In step S709, if it is determined that not all character strings have been extracted from the database 207 (NO in S709), the CPU 101 proceeds to the processing of step S705. In step S709, if it is determined that all character strings have been extracted from the database 207 (YES in S709), the CPU 101 terminates the processing.

[0233] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a window of a patent specification editor immediately after a pair of a code or reading of a character string and the character string is registered in a predictive conversion dictionary according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0234] Referring to FIG. 35, when a user attempts to input a character string immediately after a pair of a code or reading of the character string and the character string is registered in the predictive conversion dictionary, a predictive conversion candidate for the character string is displayed during the input of the character string. As a result, the user can obtain conversion to a desired code character string or word character string before inputting all codes or readings registered in the database 207. Consequently, the user can easily and reliably perform conversion to a code character string or a word character string.

[0235] As an example, in FIG. 35, the character "ku" is input in the text box TX1. In this case, predictive conversion candidates including the word character string "drive motor" with the reading "kudou-mo-ta" and the word character string "oscillation preventing device" with the reading "kubifuri-bousi-souchi" are displayed. Here, since the registration date and time of the word character string "drive motor" in the predictive conversion dictionary is newer than that of the word character string "oscillation preventing device" in the predictive conversion dictionary, the word character string "drive motor" is displayed with higher priority (at a higher position) than the word character string "oscillation preventing device". As a result, the user can easily and reliably convert a partial input of the reading "kudou-mo-ta" or "kubifuri-bousi-souchi" into the desired word character string "drive motor" or "oscillation preventing device".

[0236] [Other]

[0237] The registered content in the database 207 may be associated with the document data of the patent application under preparation opened in a patent specification editor. That is, when saving the document data of the patent application under preparation in the patent specification editor, the document processing system may save the document data of the patent application under preparation in association with the registered content of the database 207, and delete the registered content of the IME and the database 207. Furthermore, when opening the document data of the patent application under preparation in the patent specification editor, the document processing system may read the registered content of the database 207 associated with the document data of the patent application under preparation, and register the read content in the IME dictionary and the database 207.

[0238] Using the association, a user may be presented in which paragraph of the specification the term corresponding to a term in a claim is described. For example, a message such as "The term 'outer box 1' in the embodiment corresponding to 'outer box' in claim 1 is described in paragraphs

[0021] and

[0033] ." is output. This retrieves words that have been associated from within a claim, retrieves words corresponding to the retrieved words from portions other than the claims of a patent specification, and outputs the portions where the words are present.

[0239] When registering to the IME, it is desirable that the reading be registered using full-width characters. For example, in the case of "outer box 1", instead of setting the reading to have a half-width "1", the reading is converted to a full-width "1" for registration. This is because Japanese IMEs function for full-width input.

[0240] In FIG. 33, when performing registration for predictive conversion, a signal for typing readings and codes using RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is generated in a window WD1 (a window of text input software such as a notepad). After the readings and codes are typed, pressing the "convert" key performs conversion to a word registered in the dictionary. It is desirable that the reading of the registered word be converted to Romaji and typed by RPA.

[0241] In Figures 9 and 14, words are extracted and registered from a range selected by the user. However, it is also possible to search for and register words from the entire document without any user selection (i.e., everything is selected, and words are searched (extracted) from all of them and registered). Also, in Figure 9, all documents contained in text box TX1 may be included in the search, and in Figure 14, all documents contained in text box TX2 may be included in the search.

[0242] By combining or substituting the above-described embodiments and their elements (some configurations, some processes), new and different embodiments can be created.

[0243] In the above embodiment, document processing may be performed using an external server, or it may be performed on a standalone PC or a PC within a LAN.

[0244] The processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or by hardware circuitry. Furthermore, a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment can be provided, or the program may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk, hard disk, ROM, RAM, or memory card and provided to the user. The program is executed by a computer such as a CPU. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded to the device via a communication line such as the internet.

[0245] The embodiments described above should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0246] 100 Computers 101 CPU(Central Processing Unit) 103 Communications Department 107 ROM (Read Only Memory) 109 RAM (Random Access Memory) 111 Storage device 113 Output section 115 displays 117 Graphics Unit 119-key keyboard 121 mice 200 Third-party computer resources 201 Control Unit 203 Replacement part 205 Word Registration Department 207 Databases 209 memory 211 Output section 213 Input section 300 LAN (Local Area Network) 400 Internet 500 In-house computer resources BR1 Title Bar BR2 Menu Bar BR3 Search / Replace Bar BR4 List Control Editing Bar BT31, BT32, BT33, BT41, BT42, BT43, BT44, BT51, BT52, BT53, BT61, BT62, BT63, BT70, BT71, BT72, BT73, BT74, BT75, BT76, BT77 buttons LC1, LC2 List Control PP1, PP2, PP3, PP4, PP5 Pop-up screen TB1, TB2, TB3 tabs TX1,TX2,TX31,TX32,TX51,TX61,TX71,TX72,TX73 Text Box WD1 window

Claims

1. A registration step involves registering in a database a code string, which is a string of characters in a document consisting of words and symbols, and a word string, which is a string of characters in a document consisting of words, in correspondence with each other. The computer is instructed to perform an output step that outputs the correspondence between the code string and the word string based on the contents registered in the database. The aforementioned registration step is, A first selection acceptance step that accepts the selection of a string, A first dictionary registration step involves registering the code string extracted from the string selected in the first selection acceptance step into the dictionary of the input method editor, A first database registration step in which the code string extracted from the string selected in the first selection acceptance step is registered in the database, A second selection acceptance step accepts the selection of a string, A second dictionary registration step involves registering the word string extracted from the string selected in the second selection acceptance step into the dictionary of the input method editor, A second database registration step involves registering the word string extracted from the string selected in the second selection acceptance step into the database, A document processing program that includes a mapping step of associating the code string with the word string within the database.

2. The aforementioned registration step is, A first candidate display step in which the strings extracted from the strings selected in the first selection acceptance step are displayed as candidates for the coded string, The method further includes a first modification acceptance step for accepting modifications to the candidate code string, The document processing program according to claim 1, wherein in each of the first dictionary registration step and the first database registration step, the code string reflecting the correction received in the first correction acceptance step is registered.

3. The aforementioned registration step is, A second candidate display step displays the strings extracted from the strings selected in the second selection acceptance step as candidate word strings, The method further includes a second correction acceptance step for accepting corrections to the candidate word string, The document processing program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in each of the second dictionary registration step and the second database registration step, the word string reflecting the corrections received in the second correction acceptance step is registered.

4. The dictionary of the aforementioned input method editor includes entries for readings and entries for words. In the first dictionary registration step, the code of the code string is registered in the reading entry, and the code string is registered in the word entry, A document processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the second dictionary registration step, the reading of the word string is registered in the reading entry, and the word string is registered in the word entry.

5. The document processing program according to claim 4, further causing the computer to perform an input conversion step in which, in a window of a text-inputable application, the code or reading of at least one string extracted from the code string and word string registered in the database is input and converted into the single string.

6. After the aforementioned mapping step, a deactivation acceptance step accepts a setting to deactivate the mapping between the code string and the word string, A document processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further causing the computer to execute a deactivation step of deactivating the association between the code string and the word string in the database based on the settings received in the deactivation acceptance step.

7. A registration step involves registering in a database a code string, which is a string of characters in a document consisting of words and symbols, and a word string, which is a string of characters in a document consisting of words, in correspondence with each other. The computer is instructed to perform an output step that outputs the correspondence between the code string and the word string based on the contents registered in the database. In the output step, output is performed in at least one of the first and second output formats. The first output format is a format in which the word string is inserted into a document that explains the relationship between the code of the code string and the word of the code string. A document processing program in which the second output format is a format in which the word string is inserted immediately after the code string in a document containing the code string.

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