Electronic device, control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to easily understand an exponential notation is used when the exponential notation is included in a mathematical expression. When a user performs an action to input a formula including an exponential notation and an instruction is given to perform an operation on the formula, a CPU (control unit) of a calculator (electronic device) displays, on a display unit, a formula 31 where portions related to the exponential notation are enclosed in parentheses. In addition, when the formula including the exponential notation is input and an instruction is given to perform the operation on the formula, the CPU performs the operation on the formula by prioritizing an operation in the exponential notation over operations using other operators included in the formula, and displays a calculation result 32 of the formula on the display unit.

Description

Electronic equipment, control methods, and programs

[0001] This invention relates to electronic equipment, control methods, and programs.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic computer equipped with an exponential key. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, calculations are performed according to exponential notation by pressing the exponential key after entering a number to be entered in the mantissa, and then entering a number to be entered in the exponential part.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-197907

[0004] The exponential notation (scientific notation) is "m x 10 ｎ Because "x 10" represents a single value, operations in exponential notation take precedence over operations using other operators. However, in exponential notation, "x 10" ｎ The expression "..." looked the same as multiplication by a power of 10, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Therefore, when exponential notation and other operators were mixed within a mathematical expression, there was a risk of misinterpreting the order of operations.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to make it easy to recognize that a mathematical formula contains exponential notation.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the electronic device of the present invention includes a control unit that, when a mathematical formula including exponential notation is input by the user and an operation is instructed to perform calculations on said formula, displays the formula with the exponential notation portion enclosed in parentheses on the display unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, when a mathematical formula includes exponential notation, it can be easily recognized that it is in exponential notation.

[0008] This is a plan view showing the external configuration of a calculator as an electronic device in the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the calculator. This is a flowchart showing the arithmetic processing performed in the calculator. This is a flowchart showing the input code analysis process. This is a diagram illustrating the key operations and display screen when inputting exponents. This is a diagram illustrating the key operations and display screen when inputting powers. This is a flowchart showing the exponent key assignment process performed in the calculator of the second embodiment. This is an example of the exponent key assignment setting screen. This is an example of the exponent key assignment setting screen. This is a diagram illustrating the key operations and display screen when the function for inputting powers of 10 is assigned to the exponent key. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a PC as an electronic device in the third embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the electronic device, control method, and program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. While the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the calculator 10 as an electronic device in the first embodiment is a so-called scientific calculator capable of performing calculations on mathematical formulas (expressions) that include functions. The calculator 10 has functions for basic arithmetic operations, spreadsheet functions, graphing functions, function calculation functions, statistical calculation functions, equation functions, programming functions, etc. As shown in Figure 2, the calculator 10 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a key input unit 12, a display unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 15. The CPU 11 is a control unit that controls each part of the calculator 10. The CPU 11 reads a specified program from among the various programs stored in the storage unit 14, expands it into the RAM 15, and executes various processes in cooperation with the expanded program.

[0011] The key input unit 12 is a group of keys that receive input operations from the user for numerical values, operators, and other components of calculation formulas, as well as instructions for various processes. It comprises multiple keys, each assigned a unique function. The key input unit 12 receives user press operations on various keys and outputs operation signals to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 performs various processes based on the operation signals corresponding to the user's input operations on the key input unit 12. As shown in Figure 1, the key input unit 12 includes a numeric keypad, arithmetic operation keys, cursor keys, and an OK key, as well as an EXE key (operation execution key) 21, an exponential key 22, a power key 23, and a setting key 24. The EXE key 21 is a key for instructing the execution of an operation. The exponential key 22 is a key for inputting exponential notation. The power key 23 is a key for inputting exponents. The setting key 24 is a key for making various settings in the calculator 10.

[0012] The display unit 13 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and displays various information on the display screen according to control from the CPU 11. The display unit 13 displays various data such as numbers, characters, signs, symbols, mathematical formulas, and calculation results in response to operations from the key input unit 12. The storage unit 14 is a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like, and stores various programs including the arithmetic processing program 141 according to the present invention, data used for various processes, etc. The storage unit 14 stores programs corresponding to the various functions of the calculator 10. The RAM 15 is a volatile semiconductor memory that can read and write information. The RAM 15 provides the CPU 11 with a work area for operation and temporarily stores data and programs. The RAM 15 has an input buffer 151, a copy buffer 152, etc. The input buffer 151 temporarily stores data input from the key input unit 12. The copy buffer 152 temporarily stores data copied from the data in the input buffer 151.

[0013] When the CPU 11 (control unit) receives a mathematical expression including exponential notation through user input and is instructed to perform calculations on the expression, it displays the expression with the exponential notation portion enclosed in parentheses on the display unit 13. Specifically, the CPU 11, with m being the mantissa and n being the exponent, displays "m × 10 ｎ The part " is enclosed in parentheses. In other words, CPU 11 is the part related to exponential notation, "m × 10 ｎ Insert an opening parenthesis "(" before "m × 10 ｎ The formula is displayed with a closing parenthesis ")" inserted after it. When a formula containing exponential notation is input and the CPU 11 is instructed to perform an operation on the formula, the CPU 11 performs the operation on the formula by prioritizing the operation in exponential notation over operations by other operators included in the formula. The CPU 11 displays the result of the calculation on the formula on the display unit 13. Other operators include, for example, binary operators. A binary operator is an operator that obtains one result from two variables (values).

[0014] The CPU 11 can accept operations on the exponential key 22 (see Figure 1) for inputting exponential notation. The CPU 11 displays the exponential notation on the display unit 13, with the rational number entered before the operation of the exponential key 22 as the mantissa and the integer entered after the operation of the exponential key 22 as the exponent. In other words, the CPU 11 displays the exponential notation on the display unit 13, with the numerical value entered before the instruction operation for inputting exponential notation as the mantissa and the numerical value entered after the instruction operation for inputting exponential notation as the exponent. When the user inputs a numerical value using exponential notation, they input in the order of mantissa, exponential key 22, and exponent. The exponential key 22 is a physical key (hardware key) that is provided on the calculator 10 (electronic device) so that it can be pressed.

[0015] The CPU 11 can accept input to the power key 23 (see Figure 1) for entering exponents. The CPU 11 displays the exponent on the display unit 13, using the number entered before the operation of the power key 23 as the base and the number entered after the operation of the power key 23 as the exponent. In other words, when the user enters an exponent, they input the base, the power key 23, and the exponent in that order.

[0016] Next, the operation of the calculator 10 in the first embodiment will be described. Processing in the calculator 10 is realized by software processing through the cooperation of the CPU 11 and the arithmetic processing program 141 stored in the storage unit 14. As shown in Figure 3, in the arithmetic processing, the CPU 11 accepts key input from the user via the key input unit 12 (step S1). The various keys that are input are sequentially stored in the input buffer 151. The CPU 11 determines whether or not the EXE key 21 (see Figure 1) has been pressed by the user (step S2). If it is determined that the EXE key 21 has not been pressed (step S2; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S1.

[0017] In step S2, if it is determined that the EXE key 21 has been pressed (step S2; YES), the CPU 11 performs input code analysis (step S3). In the input code analysis process, as shown in Figure 4, the CPU 11 copies the data in the input buffer 151 to the copy buffer 152 (step S11). The data copied to the copy buffer 152 is called copy data. Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is an exponential code in the copy data (step S12). The exponential code is a code that corresponds to "×10" in exponential notation.

[0018] If the CPU 11 determines that there is an exponential code in the copied data (step S12; YES), the CPU 11 reads one character code from the exponential code into the mantissa side of the copied data (step S13). The mantissa side is the data entered before the exponential key 22. At this point, the CPU 11 determines whether the character code to be processed is the beginning of the mantissa (step S14). If the CPU 11 determines that the character code to be processed is not the beginning of the mantissa (step S14; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S13. In step S14, if the CPU 11 determines that the character code to be processed is the beginning of the mantissa (step S14; YES), the CPU 11 inserts a starting parenthesis "(" before the character code to be processed (step S15). To determine whether or not it is the beginning of the mantissa, for example, if a code other than a number or decimal point (for example, an operator) appears in the mantissa, the code immediately preceding it (in data order, the code immediately following the code that appeared) should be considered the beginning. If there is a code with a negative sign indicating that the mantissa is a negative value, rather than the operator "- (minus)", the negative sign is included in the parentheses as the beginning.

[0019] Next, the CPU 11 reads one character code from the exponential code into the exponential part of the copied data (step S16). The exponential part is the data entered after the exponential key 22. Here, the CPU 11 determines whether the character code to be processed is the end of the exponential part (step S17). If it is determined that the character code to be processed is not the end of the exponential part (step S17; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S16. If it is determined in step S17 that the character code to be processed is the end of the exponential part (step S17; YES), the CPU 11 inserts a closing parenthesis ")" after the character code to be processed (step S18). To determine whether it is the end of the exponential part, for example, the end of a superscript code can be determined as the end of the exponential part. Note that some calculators do not use superscripts and display exponential notation as "m × 10^n". In that case, for example, the end can be determined to be after the number corresponding to "n", or after a combination of a "+" (plus) or "-" (minus) sign and a number. After that, the CPU 11 returns to step S12 and determines whether or not there are exponential codes in the remaining copied data. If there are exponential codes in the copied data, parentheses are inserted before and after the part related to the exponential notation. When moving from step S11 to step S12, for example, it is good to read the character codes sequentially from the beginning of the copied data (the beginning of the formula). In that case, when it is determined that there are exponential codes and the insertion of parentheses is completed and the process returns to step S12, it is possible to determine whether or not there are exponential codes in the remaining copied data by reading the character codes from the end of the exponential part where the parentheses were inserted toward the end of the copied data (the end of the formula).

[0020] In step S12, the CPU 11 reads the character code to the end of the copied data, and if it determines that there are no exponential codes in the copied data (step S12; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the data in the copy buffer 152 matches the data in the input buffer 151 (step S19). If it determines that the data in the copy buffer 152 does not match the data in the input buffer 151 (step S19; NO), the CPU 11 copies the data in the copy buffer 152 to the input buffer 151 (step S20). In other words, the CPU 11 replaces the data in the input buffer 151 with data in which parentheses are inserted before and after the parts related to exponential notation. In step S19, if it determines that the data in the copy buffer 152 matches the data in the input buffer 151 (step S19; YES), or after step S20, the input code analysis process ends. If there are no exponential codes and no parentheses are inserted in the copied data obtained in step S11, the data in the copy buffer 152 will match the data in the input buffer 151.

[0021] Returning to Figure 3, the CPU 11 performs calculations based on the data in the input buffer 151 (step S4). For example, the CPU 11 prioritizes calculations on parts enclosed in parentheses. The CPU 11 also prioritizes multiplication and division over addition and subtraction. The CPU 11 displays the mathematical expression and the calculation result on the display unit 13 (step S5). When displaying the mathematical expression, the CPU 11 displays the parentheses as well, based on the data in the input buffer 151, if any parentheses have been inserted. This completes the calculation process.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 5, the key operations and display screen during exponential input will be described. When the user presses the "1" key, the "÷" key, and the "2" key in sequence on the key input unit 12, the display screen 131A is displayed on the display unit 13. On the display screen 131A, "1÷2" is displayed. Next, when the user presses the exponent key 22 on the key input unit 12, the display screen 131B is displayed on the display unit 13. On the display screen 131B, a numerical value using exponential notation is displayed with the "2" that was last input before pressing the exponent key 22 as the mantissa part. At this stage, the exponent part of the exponential notation is blank. On the display screen 131B, the blank is indicated by a square. Next, when the user presses the "3" key on the key input unit 12, the display screen 131C is displayed on the display unit 13. On the display screen 131C, the "3" that was first input after pressing the exponent key 22 is displayed as a superscript character in the exponent part of the exponential notation. In the calculator 10, "×10" in the exponential notation is displayed in a smaller character size than the mantissa part "2". By being displayed in a smaller character size, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that it is an input in exponential notation during formula input, but it is not limited to this. For example, "×10" may have the same character size as the mantissa part. Here, when the user presses the EXE key 21 on the key input unit 12, the display screen 131D is displayed on the display unit 13. On the display screen 131D, the formula 31 is displayed with parentheses inserted before and after the part related to the exponential notation. Also, on the display screen 131D, the calculation result 32 of the formula is displayed. In the formula 31 displayed on the display screen 131D, the part related to the exponential notation, "2×10 ３ ", is enclosed in parentheses, so it can be seen at a glance that the priority of "2×10 ３ " is high. The value obtained by dividing "1" by "2×10 ３ ", which is "5×10 －４ ", becomes the calculation result 32 of the formula. In FIG. 5, the case where the exponent part is displayed as a single digit such as "3", "-4", etc. is illustrated, but the exponent part may be displayed as two digits such as "03", "-04", etc.

[0023] Referring to Figure 6, the key operations and display screens when inputting exponents will be explained. When the user presses the "1" key, the "÷" key, and the "2" key in order on the key input unit 12, display screen 132A is displayed on the display unit 13. Next, when the user presses the "×" key, the "1" key, the "0" key, and the exponent key 23 in order on the key input unit 12, display screen 132B is displayed on the display unit 13. On display screen 132B, the numbers or symbols (operators) corresponding to the pressed keys are displayed as they are up to "1÷2×10". The exponent key 23 is a key for inputting the exponent of the last number entered before pressing the exponent key 23 (in this case, "10"). At this stage, the exponent of "10" is left blank. On display screen 132B, the blank space is indicated by a rectangle. Next, when the user presses the "3" key on the key input unit 12, display screen 132C is displayed on the display unit 13. On display screen 132C, the first number entered after pressing the exponentiation key 23, "3", is displayed as a superscript, representing the exponent of "10". On calculator 10, the base of the exponentiation "10" and the multiplication operator "×" immediately preceding the exponentiation are displayed in the same font size as other numbers and operators. When the user presses the EXE key 21 on the key input unit 12, display screen 132D is displayed on the display unit 13. Display screen 132D displays the entered mathematical expression 33 and the calculation result 34 of the expression. In the mathematical expression 33 displayed on display screen 132D, the exponent is "10 ３ The highest priority is "10 ３ When we perform the calculation on "", we get "1000", so for the entire equation 33, we should perform the operation "1 ÷ 2 × 1000". Since division and multiplication have the same order of precedence, we perform the division operation first. "1 ÷ 2" gives us "0.5", and "0.5 × 1000" gives us "500", which is the result of the calculation in equation 34.

[0024] According to the first embodiment, when a mathematical expression including exponential notation is input by the user and an operation is performed on the expression, the CPU 11 of the calculator 10 displays the expression with the exponential notation enclosed in parentheses on the display unit 13. Therefore, the CPU 11 can easily recognize that the expression contains exponential notation. Furthermore, exponential notation is "m × 10 ｎ Since " represents a single value, within the calculation in the formula, "m × 10 ｎ The block of characters enclosed in parentheses takes precedence. The CPU 11 can clarify the order of operations by adding parentheses to the exponential notation. Users can easily distinguish between exponential notation and powers of 10 included in a mathematical expression. Furthermore, when a mathematical expression containing exponential notation is input and an operation on that expression is instructed, the CPU 11 executes the operation on the expression by prioritizing the operation on the exponential notation over operations on other operators included in the expression, and displays the result of the calculation on the display unit 13. This ensures that the calculation result is in line with the user's intention. In addition, the CPU 11 displays the exponential notation on the display unit 13 with the number entered before the exponential notation input instruction operation (pressing the exponential key 22) as the mantissa and the number entered after the exponential notation input instruction operation as the exponent. By using the exponential key 22, users can easily input numbers using exponential notation. Thus, the interaction process between the user and the calculator 10 can reliably support the user in performing technical tasks (calculations including exponential notation).

[0025] Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The calculator in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the calculator 10 shown in the first embodiment, so the differences from the first embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In the second embodiment, the CPU 11 (setting unit) of the calculator 10 can be assigned either a function for inputting exponential notation or a function for inputting powers of 10 to the exponential key 22 (see Figure 1). When the exponential key 22 is operated while the function for inputting exponential notation is assigned to the exponential key 22, the CPU 11 displays exponential notation on the display unit 13, with the number entered before the operation of the exponential key 22 as the mantissa and the number entered after the operation of the exponential key 22 as the exponent. At this time, the CPU 11 displays the formula with the part related to the exponential notation enclosed in parentheses on the display unit 13. When the exponential key 22 is operated while the exponential key 22 is assigned the function of inputting powers of 10, the CPU 11 displays the multiplication operator and the power of 10 with the number entered after the operation of the exponential key 22 as the exponent on the display unit 13.

[0026] Next, the operation of the calculator 10 in the second embodiment will be described. Processing in the calculator 10 is realized by software processing through the cooperation of the CPU 11 and the arithmetic processing program 141 stored in the memory unit 14. As shown in Figure 7, in the exponential key assignment process, the CPU 11 accepts the pressing of the setting key 24 (see Figure 1) by the user through the key input unit 12 (step S21). The CPU 11 displays the names of several keys as candidates for setting on the display unit 13. The CPU 11 accepts the selection of the exponential key 22 as the setting target by the user through the key input unit 12 (step S22). As shown in Figure 8, the CPU 11 displays the exponential key assignment setting screen 133A on the display unit 13 (step S23). On the exponential key assignment setting screen 133A, it is possible to select either exponentiation 41 or exponential notation 42 as the function of the exponential key 22.

[0027] Next, the CPU 11 determines, in response to the user's operation from the key input unit 12, whether to assign a function to input exponential notation or a function to input powers of 10 to the exponential key 22 (step S24). For example, the user operates the cursor keys (up arrow key, down arrow key) to select either power 41 or exponential notation 42, and confirms the selection by pressing the OK key. In the exponential key assignment setting screen 133A shown in Figure 8, exponential notation 42 is selected, and in the exponential key assignment setting screen 133B shown in Figure 9, power 41 is selected. If, in step S24, it is determined to assign a function to input exponential notation to the exponential key 22 (step S24; exponential notation), the CPU 11 associates the input of an exponential code with the pressing of the exponential key 22 (step S25). In step S24, if it is determined to assign the function of inputting powers of 10 to the exponent key 22 (step S24; powers of 10), the CPU 11 associates the input of a multiplication operator code and a power of 10 code with the pressing of the exponent key 22 (step S26). After step S25 or step S26, the exponent key assignment process ends. After the exponent key assignment process, when the exponent key 22 is pressed, the CPU 11 stores the code associated with the pressing of the exponent key 22 in the input buffer 151.

[0028] In the second embodiment, the calculation processing (see Figure 3) and input code analysis processing (see Figure 4) are the same as in the first embodiment. When the exponential key 22 is assigned the function for inputting exponential notation, the transition of the display screen in response to the key operation is the same as in Figure 5. Referring to Figure 10, the key operation and display screen when the exponential key 22 is assigned the function for inputting powers of 10 will be described. When the user presses the "1" key, the "÷" key, and the "2" key in order on the key input unit 12, the display screen 134A is displayed on the display unit 13. The display screen 134A displays "1÷2". Next, when the user presses the exponential key 22 on the key input unit 12, the display screen 134B is displayed on the display unit 13. On the display screen 134B, after "1÷2", the multiplication operator "×" and the power of 10 are displayed. At this stage, the exponent of "10" is left blank. On the display screen 134B, the blank space is indicated by a rectangle. Next, when the user presses the "3" key on the key input unit 12, display screen 134C is displayed on the display unit 13. On display screen 134C, the "3" that was first entered after pressing the exponent key 22 is displayed as a superscript, representing the exponent of "10". At this point, when the user presses the EXE key 21 on the key input unit 12, display screen 134D is displayed on the display unit 13. Display screen 134D shows the entered mathematical formula 35 and the calculation result 36 of the formula.

[0029] According to the second embodiment, the CPU 11 of the calculator 10 can assign either a function for inputting exponential notation or a function for inputting powers of 10 to the exponential key 22, depending on the user's selection. For example, when the exponential key 22 is operated while the function for inputting exponential notation is assigned to it, the CPU 11 displays the exponential notation on the display unit 13, where the number entered before the operation of the exponential key 22 is used as the mantissa and the number entered after the operation of the exponential key 22 is used as the exponent. The CPU 11 also displays the formula on the display unit 13 with the exponential notation part enclosed in parentheses. The CPU 11 makes it easy to recognize that a formula contains exponential notation. On the other hand, when the exponential key 22 is operated while the function for inputting powers of 10 is assigned to it, the CPU 11 displays the multiplication operator and the power of 10, where the number entered after the operation of the exponential key 22 is used as the exponent, on the display unit 13. The user can understand the assignment status of the exponential key 22, i.e., the technical status of the device, as well as the order of operations, based on the presence or absence of parentheses, thereby improving user convenience. The user can change the function of the exponential key 22 according to the frequency of use of exponential notation or powers of tens, etc., thereby further improving user convenience.

[0030] Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. As shown in Figure 11, the PC (Personal Computer) 50 as an electronic device in the third embodiment includes a CPU 51, an operation unit 52, a display unit 53, a storage unit 54, and RAM 55. The PC 50 is assumed to be a tablet PC. However, the PC 50 is not limited to this and may be a notebook PC, desktop PC, smartphone, etc.

[0031] The CPU 51 is a control unit that controls various parts of the PC 50. The CPU 51 reads a specified program from among the various programs stored in the memory unit 54, loads it into the RAM 55, and executes various processes in cooperation with the loaded program. The operation unit 52 has a touch panel and accepts touch operations from the user, outputting the operation signal to the CPU 51. The display unit 53 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various information on the display screen according to the control from the CPU 51. The memory unit 54 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, and is a memory unit that can read and write information. The memory unit 54 stores various data and various programs. In particular, the calculator application program 541 is stored in the memory unit 54. The RAM 55 is a volatile semiconductor memory that can read and write information. The RAM 55 provides the CPU 51 with a work area for operation and temporarily stores data and programs.

[0032] The CPU 51, in cooperation with the calculator application program 541, implements scientific calculator functionality on the PC 50. The CPU 51 displays keys on the display unit 53 that are similar to the keys that make up the key input unit 12 of the calculator 10 shown in Figure 1. That is, the CPU 51 displays various keys related to scientific calculator functionality (numeric keypad, arithmetic operation keys, exponential keys, power keys, EXE key, etc.) as soft keys. The arrangement or shape of the various keys is not limited. The user inputs mathematical formulas and performs calculations by touching the various keys on the display unit 53 using the operation unit 52 (touch panel). The operation unit 52 may include a mouse, and the user may specify (select) the target key by clicking on the various keys on the display unit 53 with the mouse. When the CPU 51 (control unit) receives input of a mathematical formula including exponential notation from the user's operation unit 52 and is instructed to perform calculations on the formula, it displays the formula with the exponential notation enclosed in parentheses on the display unit 53. When a mathematical expression including exponential notation is input to the CPU 51 and an operation on the expression is instructed, the CPU 51 executes the operation on the expression by prioritizing the operation in exponential notation over operations by other operators included in the expression. The CPU 51 displays the result of the operation on the expression on the display unit 53. Other operators include, for example, binary operators.

[0033] The CPU 51 can accept operations on the exponential keys (soft keys) for inputting exponential notation displayed on the display unit 53. The CPU 51 displays exponential notation on the display unit 53, using the number entered before the operation of the exponential keys as the mantissa and the number entered after the operation of the exponential keys as the exponent. The CPU 51 can accept operations on the power keys (soft keys) for inputting powers displayed on the display unit 53. The CPU 51 displays powers on the display unit 53, using the number entered before the operation of the power keys as the base and the number entered after the operation of the power keys as the exponent.

[0034] In the PC 50 of the third embodiment, the various keys related to the scientific calculator function are not physical keys, but soft keys displayed on the display screen of the display unit 53 by software. The operation of the PC 50 is the same as the arithmetic processing (see Figure 3) and input code analysis processing (see Figure 4) described in the first embodiment, so the explanation is omitted. However, pressing the various keys should be read as touching (or clicking) the various keys. Also, in the PC 50, a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 55 may be used instead of the input buffer 151 and copy buffer 152 in the calculator 10 of the first embodiment. The key operation and display screen when inputting exponents are the same as in Figure 5. The key operation and display screen when inputting powers are the same as in Figure 6.

[0035] According to the third embodiment, when a mathematical expression including exponential notation is input from the user's operation unit 52 and an operation is performed on the expression, the CPU 51 of the PC 50 displays the expression with the exponential notation enclosed in parentheses on the display unit 53. Therefore, the CPU 51 can easily recognize that an expression contains exponential notation. Furthermore, when a mathematical expression including exponential notation is input and an operation is performed on the expression, the CPU 51 prioritizes the operation in exponential notation over operations using other operators included in the expression, and performs the operation on the expression, displaying the calculation result on the display unit 53. This ensures that the calculation result is in line with the user's intention. In addition, since the CPU 51 displays the exponential key for inputting exponential notation as a soft key on the display unit 53, calculator functionality suitable for exponential notation can be realized even without a dedicated calculator electronic device. Thus, the interaction process between the user and the PC 50 can reliably support the user in performing technical tasks (calculations including exponential notation).

[0036] In the third embodiment, the calculator application (function calculator function) used in the PC 50 has been described. However, in a server-client system, the server device may provide the function calculator function to the client terminal. Specifically, the operation unit and display unit of the client terminal capable of data communication with the server device are used as an input device and a display device corresponding to the function calculator function in the server device. That is, the control unit of the server device causes the display unit of the client terminal to display the same keys as the various keys constituting the key input unit 12 of the calculator 10 shown in FIG. 1. Then, the control unit of the server device accepts operations on the various keys by an operation from the operation unit of the client terminal. The control unit of the server device causes the display unit of the client terminal to display a mathematical formula or an operation result in which a portion related to the exponential notation input from the operation unit of the client terminal is enclosed in parentheses.

[0037] The descriptions in the above embodiments are examples of the electronic device, control method, and program according to the present invention, and are not limited thereto. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the device can also be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the configurations or processes described in the above embodiments may be appropriately combined. The scope of the present invention includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0038] The electronic device, control method, and program according to the present invention are applicable in the technical field of function calculators.

[0039] 10... Calculator (electronic device), 11... CPU (control unit, setting unit), 13... Display unit, 50... PC (electronic device), 51... CPU (control unit), 53... Display unit

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising a control unit that, when a mathematical formula including exponential notation is input by a user and an operation is instructed to be performed on said formula, displays the formula with the exponential notation portion enclosed in parentheses on the display unit.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, when a formula including exponential notation is input to the control unit and an operation on the formula is instructed to be performed, the control unit performs an operation on the formula by prioritizing the operation in exponential notation over operations by other operators included in the formula, and displays the result of the operation on the formula on the display unit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the control unit to display the exponential notation on the display unit, with the mantissa being the number entered before the exponential notation input instruction operation and the exponent being the number entered after the exponential notation input instruction operation.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is capable of receiving operations on the exponential key, and includes a setting unit that can assign either a function for inputting the exponential notation or a function for inputting a power of 10 to the exponential key, and the control unit, when the exponential key is operated while the function for inputting a power of 10 is assigned to the exponential key, displays a multiplication operator and a power of 10 with the number entered after the operation of the exponential key as the exponent on the display unit.

5. A control method that includes the step of displaying the formula, with the portion relating to the exponential notation enclosed in parentheses, on a display unit when a formula including exponential notation is input by a user and an operation on the formula is instructed to be performed.

6. A program to cause a computer to function as a control unit that, when a user inputs a mathematical expression including exponential notation and instructs the user to perform an operation on said expression, displays the expression with the exponential notation portion enclosed in parentheses on the display unit.

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