Device and method

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a device and a method that improve the convenience of character input for a user. A device (keyboard 20) according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a communication unit 21 that is capable of transmission / reception of character information via short-range wireless communication with a terminal 10; a detection unit 22 that detects whether a usage state is a first state, in which deformation has not occurred, or a second state, in which deformation has occurred; and a determination unit 23 that determines a predictive conversion mode for character input on the basis of the usage state.

Description

Apparatus and method

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method.

[0002] In small devices such as wearable terminals, the screen size is limited, and it can be difficult to input characters on such small devices. Approaches to assist in inputting characters include the use of an external keyboard or predictive character conversion.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a keyboard with improved portability. The technology described in Patent Document 1 generates a virtual keyboard using a holographic film. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology that presents input candidates to a user depending on the status of an information processing device. The technology described in Patent Document 2 determines input candidates depending on whether the status at the time of input is similar to past statuses.

[0004] JP 2013-531858 A JP 2015-45973 A

[0005] As the types of external keyboards become more diverse, the state of the external keyboard itself may change, and it is desired to be able to input characters easily even if the usage of the external keyboard changes.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an apparatus and method for improving user convenience in character input.

[0007] An apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving character information via short-range wireless communication with a terminal, a detection unit that detects whether the usage state is a first state in which the terminal is not deformed or a second state in which the terminal is deformed, and a determination unit that determines a predictive conversion mode for character input based on the usage state.

[0008] In a device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a predictive conversion mode for character input is determined based on detection of a first state or a second state. The presence or absence of deformation may differ depending on the situation of the user entering characters. The expression of the input sentence may also differ depending on the user's situation. In the device of the present disclosure, the predictive conversion mode is automatically switched depending on the presence or absence of deformation. Character information is shared between the device and the terminal via short-range wireless communication. As a result, user convenience in character input can be improved. In addition, it is possible to select or use the most effective algorithm in accordance with the predictive conversion mode. As a result, the performance and accuracy of the entire system are improved.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve user convenience in character input.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an input support system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a predictive conversion mode. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a first state of a keyboard. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a second state of a keyboard. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the input support system. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the input support system.

[0011] The present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0012] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an input support system 1. The input support system 1 includes a terminal 10 and a keyboard 20 (device). The terminal 10 and the keyboard 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication. An example of short-range wireless communication is Bluetooth (registered trademark), but is not limited to this.

[0013] The terminal 10 is a computer used by a user who uses the input support system 1. The terminal 10 is a small, portable device. The type of the terminal 10 is not limited. For example, the terminal 10 may be a wearable terminal, a high-function mobile phone (smartphone), a tablet terminal, a notebook personal computer, or the like. In the present disclosure, the terminal 10 will be described as being a wristwatch-type wearable terminal.

[0014] The keyboard 20 is an input device for inputting characters. The keyboard 20 may be, for example, a flexible keyboard or a projection keyboard. A flexible keyboard is, for example, a flexible, band-like keyboard. A flexible keyboard may include electronic paper as a display device. A projection keyboard is, for example, a bracelet-type keyboard. A projection keyboard may have, for example, a projection unit that projects virtual keys and a flexible, band-like band unit. The virtual keys are images used to input characters.

[0015] The keyboard 20 can be in an undeformed state (hereinafter referred to as the "first state") and a deformed state (hereinafter referred to as the "second state"). The first state may be a state in which the keyboard 20 is not rolled up. The second state may be a state in which the keyboard 20 is rolled up. The keyboard 20 may be provided with a fixing part (a fastener such as a hook or buckle) for maintaining the rolled up state. Characters can be input from the keyboard 20 even in the rolled up state. In one example, each key of a flexible keyboard may be wrapped around the wrist so as to protrude. In another example, a projection keyboard may project virtual keys onto the forearm.

[0016] An example of the first state may be a state in which the keyboard 20 is placed on a desk or the like. In one example, the first state may be a state in which a flexible keyboard is spread out on a desk. In another example, the first state may be a state in which a band portion of a projection keyboard is stretched out on the desk.

[0017] An example of the second state may be a state in which the keyboard 20 is worn on the user's body. The keyboard 20 may be wrapped around the user's arm. In one example, the second state may be a state in which the flexible keyboard is wrapped around the wrist. In another example, the second state may be a state in which the projection portion and band portion of a projection keyboard are wrapped around the wrist. The keyboard 20 may have a shape (ring-shaped or cylindrical) similar to a wristband or bracelet.

[0018] The keyboard 20 may be charged by contactless charging while placed on a desk. The keyboard 20 may have, for example, a key arrangement that fits around the wrist. The keyboard 20 may have a minimum number of keys, assuming flick input. The keyboard 20 may support handwriting input. The keyboard 20 may have a key arrangement or shape that conforms to an ergonomic design. The terminal 10 may be able to set either the characters before conversion or the characters after conversion when receiving characters from the keyboard 20. For example, the terminal 10 may use a profile for Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection to configure settings related to character reception.

[0019] The terminal 10 includes, as functional elements, a terminal communication unit 11 and a terminal display unit 12. The terminal communication unit 11 establishes short-range wireless communication with the keyboard 20. The terminal communication unit 11 transmits and receives character information via the short-range wireless communication. The terminal display unit 12 displays any information on the display device. For example, the terminal display unit 12 displays characters input via the keyboard 20 on the display device.

[0020] The keyboard 20 includes, as functional elements, a communication unit 21, a detection unit 22, a determination unit 23, an input unit 24, a display unit 25, and a storage unit 26.

[0021] The communication unit 21 establishes short-range wireless communication with the terminal 10 to transmit and receive information. For example, the communication unit 21 transmits information related to input characters to the terminal 10.

[0022] The detection unit 22 detects the usage state of the keyboard 20. For example, the detection unit 22 detects whether the usage state is a first state or a second state. The detection unit 22 may detect a state in which the keyboard 20 is spread out on a flat surface as the first state, and a state in which the keyboard 20 is rolled up as the second state. A flat surface is a concept that includes an approximately flat surface. Alternatively, the detection unit 22 may detect a state in which the keyboard 20 is not rolled up as the first state. The detection unit 22 may detect a state in which the keyboard 20 is not worn on the user's body as the first state, and a state in which the keyboard 20 is worn on the user's body as the second state.

[0023] The detection unit 22 may be configured with, for example, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric element, a body temperature sensor, a capacitance sensor, an acceleration sensor, an optical heart rate sensor, or a combination of these. For example, the pressure sensor or the piezoelectric element is disposed at a position where pressure is applied when the keyboard 20 is rolled up. The detection unit 22 may determine whether the keyboard is in the first state or the second state based on the pressure or voltage value.

[0024] The determination unit 23 determines a predictive conversion mode based on the usage state of the keyboard 20. The predictive conversion mode defines variations of conversion candidates in predictive conversion of character input. The predictive conversion mode may include a business mode and a private mode. The business mode is a mode that prioritizes predictive conversion of formal text. The private mode is a mode that prioritizes predictive conversion of casual text.

[0025] The determination unit 23 may determine the business mode as the predictive conversion mode when the keyboard 20 is in the first state. The determination unit 23 may determine the private mode as the predictive conversion mode when the keyboard 20 is in the second state.

[0026] The determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode by subdividing it. For example, the business mode and the private mode may include mode details. For example, the business mode may include an in-house mode, an outside-house mode, and a colleague mode as the mode details. The private mode may include a family mode, a friend mode, and a lover mode as the mode details. The determination unit 23 may determine the business-in-house mode, business-outside-house mode, business-colleague mode, private-family mode, private-friend mode, or private-colleague mode as the predictive conversion mode.

[0027] The input unit 24 accepts character input from a user. In one example, the input unit 24 may accept character input in response to pressing each key on a flexible keyboard. In another example, the input unit 24 may accept character input in response to touching each virtual key projected by a projection keyboard.

[0028] The display unit 25 displays the input characters. For example, the display unit 25 displays the characters being input and predictive conversion candidates. In one example, the display unit 25 may display the characters on electronic paper provided in a flexible keyboard. In another example, the display unit 25 may display the characters in a predetermined area projected by a projection keyboard.

[0029] The storage unit 26 is a non-transitory storage medium or storage device that stores information related to predictive character conversion. The storage unit 26 may store predicted candidates for each predictive conversion mode.

[0030] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a predictive conversion mode. This figure shows a process for determining a predictive conversion mode and a process for storing predicted candidates. The determination unit 23 may determine the mode details according to the recipient of the message, and may further use the mode details to subdivide and determine the predictive conversion mode.

[0031] In process P1, the determination unit 23 determines a mode ID that is an identifier of a predictive conversion mode. For example, the mode ID "1" may be assigned to business mode. The mode ID "2" may be assigned to private mode. The determination unit 23 may determine the mode ID based on the usage state of the keyboard 20. For example, when the keyboard 20 is in a first state, the determination unit 23 may determine the mode ID "1." When the keyboard 20 is in a second state, the determination unit 23 may determine the mode ID "2."

[0032] In process P2, the determination unit 23 determines a detailed mode ID, which is an identifier of the detailed mode. For example, the detailed mode ID "A" may be assigned to the in-house mode. The detailed mode ID "B" may be assigned to the out-of-house mode. The detailed mode ID "C" may be assigned to the colleague mode. The detailed mode ID "D" may be assigned to the family mode. The detailed mode ID "E" may be assigned to the friend mode. The detailed mode ID "F" may be assigned to the lover mode.

[0033] The determination unit 23 determines the recipient of the message. The determination unit 23 may accept a selection of the detailed mode ID from the user. For example, the determination unit 23 may accept an input via a user interface for selecting the detailed mode ID. The determination unit 23 may determine the detailed mode ID using a machine learning model that has been trained by associating the destination and content of a message or the like. The determination unit 23 may determine the detailed mode ID by associating position information of the terminal 10 or the keyboard 20 with time. The determination unit 23 may analyze the content of a message that has already been input to determine the detailed mode ID.

[0034] In process P3, the determination unit 23 determines a predictive conversion mode. The determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode based on a combination of a mode ID and mode ID details (e.g., a concatenation of IDs). For example, when the combination is "1A," the determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode as business / internal mode. When the combination is "1B," the determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode as business / external mode. When the combination is "1C," the determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode as business / colleague mode. When the combination is "2D," the determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode as private / family mode. When the combination is "2E," the determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode as private / friend mode. When the combination is "2F," the determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode as private / lover mode.

[0035] The storage unit 26 may store predicted candidates by assigning a flag to each predictive conversion mode. The flag may be a combination of a mode ID and mode ID details. The storage unit 26 may store predicted candidates in databases DB1 to DB6 for each of six predictive conversion modes. Database DB1 corresponds to the business / internal mode. Database DB2 corresponds to the business / external mode. Database DB3 corresponds to the business / colleagues mode. Database DB4 corresponds to the private / family mode. Database DB5 corresponds to the private / friends mode. Database DB6 corresponds to the private / lovers mode.

[0036] The storage unit 26 may store predicted candidates learned using the user's input history, frequency of use, and the like. In one example, the storage unit 26 may store predicted candidates that have learned the user's usage trends for phrases and words that are frequently used in internal business documents. In this case, the storage unit 26 may assign a flag "1A" and store the predicted candidates in the database DB1. In another example, the storage unit 26 may store predicted candidates that have learned the user's usage trends for phrases and words that are frequently used in messages to lovers, etc. In this case, the storage unit 26 may assign a flag "2F" and store the predicted candidates in the database DB6. A specific predicted candidate A assigned the flag "1A" may be different from a specific predicted candidate A assigned the flag "2F".

[0037] Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the first state of the keyboard 20. In Fig. 3, the keyboard 20 is placed on a desk D (e.g., a tabletop). The tabletop of the desk D is an example of a flat surface. In other words, the keyboard 20 is in the first state. In the first state, the predictive conversion mode of the keyboard 20 is the business mode. The display unit 25 of the keyboard 20 displays a sentence that has been predictively converted based on the business mode.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the second state of the keyboard 20. In Fig. 4, the keyboard 20 is wrapped around the user's arm. That is, the keyboard 20 is in the second state. In the second state, the predictive conversion mode of the keyboard 20 is the private mode. The display unit 25 of the keyboard 20 displays a sentence that has been predictively converted based on the private mode.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the input support system 1.

[0040] In step S1, the terminal 10 and the keyboard 20 start mutual communication. For example, the terminal communication unit 11 of the terminal 10 and the communication unit 21 of the keyboard 20 establish short-range wireless communication. Step S1 enables the keyboard 20 to send and receive character information to and from the terminal 10 via short-range wireless communication.

[0041] In step S2, the detection unit 22 detects the usage state of the keyboard 20. For example, the detection unit 22 detects whether the usage state is a first state or a second state. In one example, the detection unit 22 may determine whether the keyboard 20 is in the first state or the second state based on a pressure or a voltage value.

[0042] In step S3, the keyboard 20 assigns processing depending on the state. If the keyboard 20 is in the first state, the processing proceeds to step S4. If the keyboard 20 is in the second state, the processing proceeds to step S5.

[0043] In step S4, the determination unit 23 determines the business mode as the predictive conversion mode. The determination unit 23 may determine the business / internal mode, the business / external mode, or the business / colleague mode as the subdivided predictive conversion mode.

[0044] In step S5, the determination unit 23 may determine the private mode as the predictive conversion mode. The determination unit 23 may determine the private-family mode, the private-friends mode, or the private-colleagues mode as the subdivided predictive conversion mode.

[0045] In step S6, the input unit 24 accepts character input from the user. In one example, the input unit 24 may accept character input in response to pressing each key on a flexible keyboard. In another example, the input unit 24 may accept character input in response to touching each virtual key projected by a projection keyboard. The display unit 25 displays the character being input.

[0046] In step S7, the input unit 24 accepts a character conversion instruction by pressing a conversion key, etc. The input unit 24 acquires predictive conversion candidates from the storage unit 26 according to the predictive conversion mode. In one example, when the predictive conversion mode is the business / internal mode, the input unit 24 acquires predictive conversion candidates with a flag "1A" attached from the database DB1 of the storage unit 26. In another example, when the predictive conversion mode is the private / lover mode, the input unit 24 acquires predictive conversion candidates with a flag "2F" attached from the database DB6 of the storage unit 26. The display unit 25 displays the predictive conversion candidates.

[0047] In step S8, the input unit 24 accepts a selection of a conversion result from the user. The conversion result is a character whose conversion has been confirmed. For example, the input unit 24 accepts a selection of a conversion result from at least one predictive conversion candidate.

[0048] In step S9, the communication unit 21 transmits the conversion result to the terminal 10. The terminal communication unit 11 receives the conversion result from the keyboard 20 via short-range wireless communication. In this way, the conversion result is shared between the terminal 10 and the keyboard 20.

[0049] In step S10, the terminal display unit 12 displays the conversion result on the display device, i.e., the terminal display unit 12 displays the characters input via the keyboard 20 on the display device.

[0050] In relation to steps S6 to S10, the characters before conversion may be transmitted from the keyboard 20 to the terminal 10.

[0051] As described above, the keyboard 20 (device) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving character information via short-range wireless communication with a terminal, a detection unit that detects whether the usage state is a first state in which the character is not deformed or a second state in which the character is deformed, and a determination unit that determines a predictive conversion mode for character input based on the usage state.

[0052] A method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a step of enabling transmission and reception of character information via short-range wireless communication with a terminal, a step of detecting whether the usage state is a first state in which the terminal is not deformed or a second state in which the terminal is deformed, and a step of determining a predictive conversion mode for character input based on the usage state.

[0053] In a device and method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a predictive conversion mode for character input is determined based on detection of a first state or a second state. The presence or absence of deformation may vary depending on the situation of the user entering characters. The expression of the input sentence may also vary depending on the user's situation. In a device according to the present disclosure, the predictive conversion mode is automatically switched depending on the presence or absence of deformation. Character information is shared between the device and the terminal via short-range wireless communication. As a result, user convenience in character input can be improved. In addition, it is possible to select or use the most effective algorithm in accordance with the predictive conversion mode. As a result, the performance and accuracy of the entire system are improved.

[0054] The detection unit detects the flattened state on a flat surface as a first state and the rolled state as a second state. When there is a high possibility that the user's situation has clearly changed due to deformation of the device, the predictive conversion mode is automatically switched. As a result, the user's convenience in character input can be further improved.

[0055] The detector 22 detects a state in which the device is not worn by the user as a first state, and a state in which the device is worn by the user as a second state. When there is a high possibility that the user's situation has clearly changed due to deformation of the device, the predictive conversion mode is automatically switched. As a result, the user's convenience in character input can be further improved.

[0056] The detector 22 determines whether the device is in the first state or the second state based on the pressure or voltage value. Since the detector 22 can detect deformation with high accuracy, the detection accuracy of the usage state is improved.

[0057] When the device is in the first state, the determination unit 23 determines a business mode that prioritizes predictive conversion of formal text as the predictive conversion mode, and when the device is in the second state, determines a private mode that prioritizes predictive conversion of casual text as the predictive conversion mode. When the device is in the first state, it is highly likely that the user is entering formal text. Also, when the device is in the second state, it is highly likely that the user is entering casual text. The business mode and the private mode are automatically switched. As a result, it is possible to further improve the user's convenience in character input.

[0058] The determination unit 23 determines mode details according to the recipient of the message, and further uses the mode details to subdivide and determine the predictive conversion mode. The mode details according to the recipient of the message are reflected in the determination of the predictive conversion mode. The predictive conversion mode can perform predictive conversion suitable for the recipient of the message. As a result, the user's convenience in character input can be further improved.

[0059] The present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0060] The determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode based on the type of the terminal 10 with which short-range wireless communication has been established. For example, the determination unit 23 may determine the type of the terminal 10 based on a Bluetooth (registered trademark) address. If the terminal 10 is a wearable terminal, the determination unit 23 may determine the private mode as the predictive conversion mode. If the terminal 10 is a notebook personal computer, the determination unit 23 may determine the business mode as the predictive conversion mode.

[0061] The determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode based on time information. The determination unit 23 may acquire the time information from, for example, the keyboard 20 or the system time of the terminal 10. For example, when the time information indicates 9:00 to 18:00, the determination unit 23 may determine the business mode as the predictive conversion mode. When the time information indicates 18:00 to 9:00, the determination unit 23 may determine the private mode as the predictive conversion mode.

[0062] The determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode based on location information. The determination unit 23 may acquire location information from, for example, the keyboard 20 or a global positioning system (GPS) of the terminal 10. For example, the determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode based on pre-registered location information. When the location information indicates a home, the determination unit 23 may determine the private mode as the predictive conversion mode. When the location information indicates a building other than a home, the determination unit 23 may determine the business mode as the predictive conversion mode.

[0063] The determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode based on a wireless communication address. The determination unit 23 may acquire, for example, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) address. For example, the determination unit 23 may determine the predictive conversion mode based on a pre-registered wireless communication address. When the wireless communication address is the address of wireless communication equipment installed at home, the determination unit 23 may determine the private mode as the predictive conversion mode. When the wireless communication address is the address of wireless communication equipment at a location other than home, such as a cafe, the determination unit 23 may determine the business mode as the predictive conversion mode.

[0064] The present disclosure may have the following configurations. [1] A device comprising: a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving character information via short-range wireless communication with a terminal; a detection unit that detects whether a usage state is a first state in which the device is not deformed or a second state in which the device is deformed; and a determination unit that determines a predictive conversion mode for character input based on the usage state. [2] The device described in [1], wherein the detection unit detects a state spread out on a flat surface as the first state and a state rolled up as the second state. [3] The device described in [1] or [2], wherein the detection unit detects a state in which the device is not worn on a user's body as the first state and a state in which the device is worn on a user's body as the second state. [4] The device described in any of [1] to [3], wherein the detection unit determines whether the device is in the first state or the second state based on a pressure or a voltage value. [5] The device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the determination unit determines a business mode that prioritizes predictive conversion of formal text as the predictive conversion mode when the device is in the first state, and determines a private mode that prioritizes predictive conversion of casual text as the predictive conversion mode when the device is in the second state. [6] The device according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines mode details according to a message recipient, and further uses the mode details to determine the predictive conversion mode by subdividing it. [7] A method comprising: enabling transmission and reception of character information via short-range wireless communication with a terminal; detecting whether the usage state is a first state in which the character is not transformed or a second state in which the character is transformed; and determining a predictive conversion mode for character input based on the usage state.

[0065] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining software with the single device or multiple devices.

[0066] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, assessment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0067] For example, the input support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs information processing according to the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the input support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal 10 and the keyboard 20 described above may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0068] In the following description, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the input support system 1 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0069] Each function in the input support system 1 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as a processor 1001 and a memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via a communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and the storage 1003.

[0070] The processor 1001, for example, runs an operating system to control the entire computer. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, each function in the input support system 1 described above may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0071] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, each function of the input support system 1 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0072] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured, for example, by at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for performing information processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] The storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be configured by at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, etc. The storage 1003 may also be called an auxiliary storage device. The storage medium provided in the input support system 1 may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of the memory 1002 and the storage 1003.

[0074] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module.

[0075] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (e.g., a touch panel).

[0076] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0077] The input support system 1 may also be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0078] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0079] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0080] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0081] The aspects / embodiments described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0082] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0083] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0084] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0085] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0086] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.

[0087] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0088] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0089] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0090] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0091] When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when the term "or" is used in this disclosure, it is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0092] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0093] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0094] 1...input support system, 10...terminal, 20...keyboard, 11...terminal communication unit, 12...terminal display unit, 21...communication unit, 22...detection unit, 23...determination unit, 24...input unit, 25...display unit, 26...storage unit.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a communication unit capable of sending and receiving character information via short-range wireless communication with a terminal; a detection unit that detects whether the usage state is a first state in which the device is not transformed or a second state in which the device is transformed; and a determination unit that determines a predictive conversion mode for character input based on the usage state.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a state in which the object is spread out on a flat surface as the first state, and detects a state in which the object is rolled up as the second state.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a state in which the device is not worn on the user's body as the first state, and detects a state in which the device is worn on the user's body as the second state.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit determines whether the device is in the first state or the second state based on a pressure or voltage value.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the determination unit, when in the first state, determines a business mode that prioritizes predictive conversion of formal text as the predictive conversion mode, and when in the second state, determines a private mode that prioritizes predictive conversion of casual text as the predictive conversion mode.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines mode details according to the recipient of the message, and further uses the mode details to subdivide and determine the predictive conversion mode.

7. A method comprising: a step of enabling transmission and reception of character information via short-range wireless communication with a terminal; a step of detecting whether the usage state is a first state in which the terminal is not transformed or a second state in which the terminal is transformed; and a step of determining a predictive conversion mode for character input based on the usage state.

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