JP5202242B2 - Information processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and in particular, a character string selection function capable of selecting only a function applicable to a selected character string from among a plurality of functions after selecting a character string displayed on a screen. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electronic device having an information search function such as an electronic dictionary or PDA, a touch panel, a pointing device such as a mouse or a pen is used as an input device.
In addition, a large number of functions that can be executed on a character string displayed on the screen for information retrieval or the like are installed in advance. For example, if you want to examine the meaning of a specific character string in the text displayed on the screen, search the semantic content corresponding to the specific character string from the dictionary data installed in the electronic dictionary and display it. Some have a “jump” function.

  Conventionally, in order to execute this “jump” function, first, a function to be executed is determined by depressing a specific key for executing the “jump” function, and then the user starts and ends the desired character string. An operation for designating the end position with a pen or the like was performed, and finally an operation for depressing a decision (execution) key, which means execution of a function, was performed.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, after the user performs an operation of designating a desired character string that the user wants to edit, the character string is highlighted, and the highlighted character is displayed separately from the fixed editing function menu. Information that causes a pop-up menu to be displayed in the vicinity of a column, and allows the user to intentionally perform an operation to select the desired function from among the many functions displayed in this pop-up menu. A processing device has been proposed.

By the way, in addition to the above-described “jump” function, an electronic dictionary or the like is prepared in advance with a number of functions that can be used by the user, such as a voice playback function and a marker function for coloring and displaying a specific character string.
However, generally, the types of character strings that can be executed are determined in advance for each function, and the functions that can be executed on the character string specified by the user are limited. For example, the character string that can execute the “jump” function is limited to English characters such as alphabets or Japanese characters such as hiragana and katakana. When symbols such as punctuation marks are specified, the jump function is executed. Not.

Also, in the voice playback function for English words, the executable character string is limited to one English word consisting of alphabets, and when a character string other than that (for example, a character string including hiragana) is designated, The playback function was not performed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-189149

  However, as described above, when selecting a function first and then specifying a character string to execute that function, specifying the start position of the character string, selecting a range of the character string, and pressing the function execution key, etc. It is necessary to perform a large number of operations in the specified order, and the operations may be complicated. From the viewpoint of improving the operability for the user, it is preferable to specify a character string before selecting a function.

However, in the thing of patent document 1, although the designation | designated of a character string is performed before a function selection, since the function displayed on the pop-up menu displays all the preset functions, the designated character is displayed. A function that can be executed on a column is not always selected.
In other words, the pop-up menu also displays functions that cannot be executed for the specified character string, and the user may accidentally select such an inexecutable function. In some cases, the operability is bad for the person.

  In addition, even if the user specifies a character string that includes a large number of character types such as alphabets, hiragana characters, and symbols, and then performs an operation of selecting a desired function, the function is included to include the non-target character types. May not be able to be executed, and unfamiliar users do not know why it cannot be executed, and it is necessary to re-select the character string.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and after selecting a desired character string first, a function executable on the selected character string is automatically selected. Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus having a character string selection function capable of improving operability when executing a function desired by a user.

  The present invention relates to a storage unit that stores character type function correspondence information in which a character string display unit that displays content information including a character string, an executable function, and a character type of a character to be executed for each function are associated with each other. And a character selection unit that selects a desired character string in the content information displayed on the character string display unit, a character type acquisition unit that acquires a character type of the first character of the selected character string, and A function acquisition unit that acquires an executable function associated with the acquired character type from the character type function correspondence information after selecting a character string by the character selection unit, and for each acquired executable function Among the selected character strings selected by the character selection unit, an effective character string determination unit that determines an effective character string for executing the function, and among the acquired executable functions There is provided an information processing apparatus that includes a function selection unit for selecting the capacity.

  According to this, after selecting a selected character string, an executable function is acquired, and further, an effective character string for executing the function is determined. It can be reduced and the operability for the user can be improved.

In addition, a function selection screen display unit that displays items of executable functions acquired by the function acquisition unit are further provided, and the character string display unit and the function selection screen display unit are different in one display device. You may make it display on a screen or each screen of a different display apparatus. According to this, the user can easily confirm the executable functions.
Here, the function selection unit causes a desired function to be executed to be selected from items displayed on the function selection screen display unit.
Furthermore, the character string selected by the character selection unit may be displayed on the character string display unit in a display form different from that of the character string not selected.

  The character type acquisition unit may acquire the character type of the first non-blank character that appears in the character string selected by the character selection unit when the acquired character type is a blank. . Thereby, even when a character string including a blank character at the head is selected due to an erroneous operation, the function intended by the user can be executed.

  And a function execution unit that causes the function to be executed selected by the function selection unit to be executed on the effective character string of the function to be executed determined by the effective character string determination unit. And

The executable functions stored in the storage unit include, for example, a voice reproduction function, an S jump function, a reading function, and a marker function.
Here, the character types stored in the storage unit include alphabets and Japanese characters, and one or a plurality of character types to be executed are preset for each of the executable functions.

The effective character string determined by the effective character string determination unit is one or more character strings included in the selected character string.
Here, when the determined effective character string is one, the effective character string may be a character string including the first character.
Further, when there are a plurality of determined effective character strings, the display device further includes an effective character string selection screen display unit that displays the items of the plurality of effective character strings in a selectable manner. The valid character string selection screen display unit may be displayed on a screen different from the display screen.

  The present invention also stores character type function correspondence information in which character string display means for displaying content information including character strings, executable functions, and character types of characters to be executed for each function are associated with each other. Storage means; character selection means for selecting a desired character string from the content information displayed on the character string display means; and character type acquisition means for acquiring the character type of the first character of the selected character string. A function acquisition unit that acquires an executable function associated with the acquired character type from the character type function correspondence information after the character selection unit selects a character string; and the acquired executable type Effective character string determining means for determining an effective character string for executing the function from the selected character string selected by the character selecting means for each function, and the acquired executable Among the functions, as a function selecting means for selecting a function to be performed, there is provided a program of an information processing apparatus for causing a computer to function.

  The present invention includes a character string display unit that displays content information including a character string, a storage unit that stores character type function correspondence information in which a function and a character type of a character to be executed for each function are associated, and a character selection Section, a character acquisition unit, a function acquisition unit, an effective character string determination unit, and a function execution unit. A desired character string is selected from the content information displayed on the column display unit, the character type acquisition unit acquires the character type of the first character of the selected character string, and the character selection unit selects the character string. The function acquisition unit acquires the executable function associated with the acquired character type from the character type function correspondence information, and the valid character string determination unit acquires the executable function acquired. For each function, An effective character string for executing the function is determined from the selected character string, and the function selecting unit selects a function to be executed from the acquired executable functions. A method for selecting a character string and a function of an information processing apparatus is provided.

  According to the present invention, after a desired character string is selected, a function that can be executed on the selected character string is selected, so that the operation is easy and understandable for the user, and erroneous operations are reduced. It is possible to improve user operability.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by description of the following examples.
<Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus of the Invention>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
In FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus of the present invention mainly comprises an input unit 10, a display unit 20, a storage unit 30, a character type acquisition unit 40, an effective character string determination unit 50, a function acquisition unit 60, and a function execution unit 70. Is done.

Here, the information processing apparatus is realized by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O controller, a timer, and the like, and the function of each functional block is based on a control program stored in the ROM or the like. It is executed by operating various hardware. The CPU corresponds to a control unit that operates each functional block of FIG. 1, and executes the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.
The information processing apparatus is used by being incorporated in an electronic device such as an electronic dictionary, a PDA, a mobile phone, and a notebook personal computer.

The input unit 10 is a part for inputting characters, figures, symbols, and the like and selecting functions, and a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse or a pen is used.
From the viewpoint of the input function, the input unit 10 according to the present invention includes the character selection unit 11 for selecting a desired character string from the displayed content information and the execution acquired by the function acquisition unit 60. A function selection unit 12 that selects a function to be executed among possible functions is provided.
Both functions of the character selection unit 11 and the function selection unit 12 are executed using a keyboard, a pen, or the like. For example, the character selection unit 11 is a functional block that selects a “abc” portion of the character string displayed on the display screen 101 of FIG. The selected character string “abc” is stored in the storage unit 30 as the selected character string 33.
Further, the function selection unit 12 uses, for example, a pen to select a function item to be executed (S jump function) from the function items displayed on the “function selection screen 102” shown in FIG. Etc.).

The display unit 20 is a part that displays character strings, figures, symbols, and the like, and may include one display screen or a plurality of display screens.
In addition, the display unit 20 arranges a touch panel on the display screen so that information displayed at a touched position on the display screen with a pen or the like is input.
Further, from the viewpoint of the display function, the display unit 20 of the present invention includes a character string display unit 21 that displays content information including character strings, and a function selection screen display unit 22 that displays items of executable functions. Is provided.

For example, reference numeral 101 in FIG. 3A corresponds to the character string display unit 21, and reference numeral 102 in FIG. 3B corresponds to the function selection screen display unit 22. The function selection screen 102 is not always displayed on the screen, but from the viewpoint of improving the operability for the user, after selecting a desired character string from the content information displayed on the character string display unit, It is preferable to display automatically.
In addition, the function items displayed on the function selection screen 102 do not always display a large number of items, but an executable function item can be selected according to the type (character type) of the selected character string. It is preferable to display as follows.

Further, the item displayed on the function selection screen display unit 22 is an item of “executable function” acquired by the function acquisition unit 60, and the content to be displayed uses a predetermined name of the function. That's fine.
The content information displayed on the character string display unit 21 includes various information such as symbols, graphics, and photographs in addition to the character string. In the present invention, information mainly composed of character strings is displayed. To do.
In addition, the two display units (21, 22) may be displayed on the same screen in one display device such as an LCD or CRT, but the two display units are clearly distinguished for easy understanding by the user. Therefore, it may be displayed on a different screen (window) in the display device. Alternatively, when the information processing apparatus of the present invention includes two different display devices, the character string display unit 21 and the function selection screen display unit 22 are separately displayed on each screen of the display device. Also good.

Further, the selected character string selected by the character selection unit is preferably displayed in a display form different from that of the character string that was not selected, in order to make it easier for the user to see visually. For example, the display may be reversed.
Further, as will be described later, when there are a plurality of effective character strings determined by the effective character string determining unit, an effective character string selection screen display unit is provided that displays the items of the plurality of effective character strings in a selectable manner. .
This display unit is, for example, a screen denoted by reference numeral 103 shown in FIG. 12D, and is displayed on a screen (window) different from other display screens (101, 102) in one display device.

The character type acquisition unit 40 is a part that acquires the character type (character type) of the character string selected by the character selection unit 12. Here, the character type is a character type, and means, for example, an alphabet (English character), a Japanese character (Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana), a symbol, or another language character.
For example, if “abc” is selected in the display screen state of FIG. 3A, the character type of the selected character string is determined to be alphabet by identifying the character code value of the character. The The acquired character type information is used when acquiring an executable function.

In addition, there are cases where a plurality of character types are included in the selected character string, but in principle, the present invention acquires the character type of the first character of the selected character string.
For example, if “def aiueo” is selected in FIG. 3A, “alphabet” that is the character type of the first character “d” is acquired as the first character type 35.
If “Aiueo gh” is selected, “Hiragana”, which is the character type of the first character “A”, is acquired.

The valid character string determination unit 50 is a part that analyzes the selected character string selected by the character selection unit 11, and determines a target effective character string to be executed as an executable function acquired as a selection candidate by the function acquisition unit. It is a part to do. Here, for each acquired executable function, an effective character string for executing the function is determined.
For example, if the selected character string is “abc”, it is determined that the character type is only the alphabet, and the valid character string for executing a specific function is determined as “abc”.
When the selected character string is “def”, the selected character string includes two character types, alphabet and hiragana, so it is necessary to determine which one should be acquired as a valid character string. There is. In this case, only “def” is a valid character string, only “a” is a valid character string, “def” and “a” are two valid character strings, or “def is said” It is necessary to decide whether or not the whole should be a valid character string. This is because the executable function varies depending on the determined effective character string.
The effective character string determined by the effective character string determination unit is one or more character strings included in the selected character string.
In addition, when there is one determined effective character string, a character string including the first character may be used as the effective character string.

For example, when the selected character string is a character string “def aiueo” starting with an alphabet, four functions of a voice reproduction function, an S jump function, a reading function, and a marker function can be executed. Here, if the “sound reproduction function” is a function that is executed only for the alphabet, the effective character string that can be executed is determined to be “def”. In this case, “aiueo” in the selected character string is excluded from the valid character string.
Also, the effective character string that can be executed by the “marker function” is determined to be “def aiueo” as a whole.
Functions that can be executed in an electronic dictionary or the like are not limited to the above four functions, and there are many functions. However, in the following embodiments of the present invention, attention is paid to the above four functions for explanation.

The function acquisition unit 60 is a part that acquires an executable function associated with the character type based on the character type acquired by the character type acquisition unit 40.
For example, if “alphabet” is acquired as a character type, four functions of “voice reproduction”, “S jump”, “read out”, and “marker” are acquired as executable functions.
In addition, when “Hiragana” is acquired as a character type, two functions of “S jump” and “marker” are acquired as executable functions, and “sound playback” and “speech” functions are not acquired. The function is not executed.
The acquisition of this function is performed, for example, by referring to the character type function correspondence information 32 as shown in FIG. The function acquisition process is performed after the character selection unit has selected a character string.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the character type function correspondence information 32 showing the character types effective for the four functions. The character type function correspondence information is information in which an executable function is associated with a character type of a character to be executed for each function.
In FIG. 2, for example, when the character type of the portion selected as a valid character string is “English (alphabet),” the acquirable functions include an audio playback function, an S jump function, a reading function, and a marker function. I know that there is.
Further, when the character type of the effective character string is “Katakana”, two functions that can be acquired are the S jump function and the marker function.

In the present invention, the “voice reproduction function” is a function of outputting a single English word reading by voice, which is a character string composed only of a selected alphabet (English letter).
The “S jump function” is a national dictionary installed using one word consisting of only selected English letters or a selected Japanese character string (for example, a character string including kanji, hiragana, and katakana) as a headword. This is a function for searching information corresponding to the headword from the above.
Note that the selected character string is not limited to Japanese characters, and any other language can be selected as long as it is displayed. In that case, the content information corresponding to the language can be searched. is there.

The “reading function” is a function for outputting a text composed of a plurality of selected English words with synthesized speech.
The “marker function” is a function that displays the background of all selected characters and symbol parts in a color different from the character display color.
If a dictionary other than English (such as Chinese) is installed in an electronic dictionary, etc., executable functions are determined in advance for words and sentences in other languages as well as English words and English sentences. It is assumed that a specific function is executed corresponding to the selected character string.
In the following embodiments, explanation will be made by paying attention to English characters and Japanese characters.

  There may be one or more functions acquired by the function selection unit 60. For example, in the case of one function, the function that can be executed with respect to the selected character string is determined as one of the functions. Therefore, when a determination key or the like is subsequently pressed, the function is immediately executed. May be.

On the other hand, when a plurality of functions can be executed, immediately after the character string is selected by the user, the function selection screen 102 including the item names of the plurality of functions is automatically displayed on the display unit 20 (see FIG. 3 (b)).
The user who sees the function selection screen 102 can identify which functions can be executed for the character string selected by the user.
Thereafter, when the user touches and inputs a display portion of a function to be executed among the displayed functions with a pen or the like, the touched function is executed.
When there is a function that cannot be executed with respect to the selected character string, the function item is not displayed on the function display screen 102, or a display (see FIG. 3C) showing that the function cannot be selected ( Just fill it out or display it in thin characters).

The function execution unit 70 is a part that executes a function selected by the user.
Specifically, this is a part for executing the function to be executed selected by the function selection unit on the effective character string of the function to be executed determined by the effective character string determination unit.
For example, assuming that “S jump” is selected and input by the user in the selection screen 102 shown in FIG. 3B, an effective character string that can execute the S jump function is selected among the selected character strings. , S jump function is executed. If the valid character string is “abc”, a dictionary search is performed using “abc” as an entry word, and the information stored corresponding to “abc” is displayed.

The storage unit 30 is a part that stores various information, and a semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, and a flash memory, a storage device such as a hard disk, and a storage medium such as a CD-R can be used.
The storage unit 30 stores, for example, character type function correspondence information 32, a selected character string 33, an effective character string 34, a head character type 35, function selection analysis information 36, content information 37, and the like.
Here, the function selection analysis information 36 is, for example, information as shown in FIG. 10, and is used when acquiring an executable function for a selected character string and determining an effective character string. Information. The content information 37 is information included in a Japanese language dictionary or an English-Japanese dictionary.
In addition, the storage unit 30 stores a control program that causes the computer to function so as to realize each functional block of the information processing apparatus. This control program is provided by being stored in various storage devices or storage media, or provided by downloading via a network.

<Overview of character string and function selection processing>
FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram of one embodiment of character string selection and function selection according to the present invention.
FIG. 3A shows a state in which a character string “abc def aiou gh” of certain content information 37 is displayed on the display screen 101 of the display unit 20.
In this state, the user selects a character by performing an operation (character string selection operation) of tracing on the display screen 101 using a pen or the like. The selected character is displayed separately from other non-selected characters by, for example, reverse display.
FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C show examples in which the selected character strings are distinguished and displayed by performing such a character string selection operation.
FIG. 3B shows a case where “abc def Aiueo” is selected, and FIG. 3C shows a case where “Aiueo gh” is selected.

In FIG. 3B, for example, when the user traces the display screen and selects a character string from “a” to “O” and then releases the pen from the screen, a character string analysis process is performed. At this time, the character type of the first character of the selected character string is identified, an effective character string is determined, an executable function is acquired, and the function selection screen 102 is displayed.
In the case of FIG. 3B, since the first character “a” of the selected character string is an alphabet (English letter), it is determined that there are four functions that can be executed from the character type function correspondence information 32 shown in FIG. The item names (function items) of the four functions are displayed on the function selection screen 102. The function selection screen 102 may be displayed in another display area as another window so that the selected character string in the display screen 101 is not lost, for example.
When the user looks at this function selection screen 102 and touches the display portion of the function to be executed among the four function items with a pen or the like, the touched function is executed on the valid character string.

In the case of FIG. 3B, when an executable function is acquired, an effective character string for each function is also determined. For example, when the “voice playback function” is acquired as an executable function, only “abc” is valid among the selected character strings “abc def aiueo” as a target effective character string for executing this function. It has been determined. Similarly, for “S jump function”, only “abc” is a valid character string.
Further, when the “reading function” is acquired, “abc def” becomes an effective character string as a target for executing this function. Further, in the case of the “marker function”, the entire selected character string “abc def Aiueo” becomes an effective character string. In other words, the effective decision character string to be executed differs depending on the executable function.
Thereafter, when a function to be executed by the user is instructed by touch input, the function is executed for the determined effective character string associated with the instructed function.

In the case of FIG. 3C, since the character type of the first character “A” is “Hiragana” for the selected character string “Aiueo gh”, “S jump function” is obtained by referring to the character type function correspondence information 32. Only two functions of “marker function” are acquired as executable functions.
Thereafter, the function selection screen 102 displays only two functions “S jump” and “marker”.
In addition, in the “S jump function” acquired as an executable function, the portion of “Aiueo” in the selected character string “Aiueo gh” is determined as a valid character string as a valid character string to be executed. The
In the case of the “marker function”, the entire selected character string “aiueo gh” is determined as an effective character string. In this case, only “gh” that is not at the head position is not selected as a valid character string, and the sound reproduction function and the reading function cannot be selected.

As described above, in the present invention, after the user selects a character string by his / her own intention, a function executable for the selected character string is acquired, and the acquired function item is automatically displayed. The function selection operation by the user is easy and easy to understand, and erroneous operations can be reduced.
In addition, since an executable function is acquired according to the character type of the first character of the selected character string, and an effective character string on which the function is to be executed is determined, a user who includes an unintended character, etc. Even if the character string selection operation is inappropriate, it is possible to select an appropriate function intended by the user as long as the first character is the intended character type, and the operability of the user can be improved.

<Example 1 of character string selection and function selection>
FIG. 4 shows an overall flowchart of an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.
In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the user has already selected content information 37 to be used and desired information (for example, a character string) of the content information 37 is displayed on the display screen 101.
In step S1, a character string selection process is executed.
Here, for example, when the user selects a desired character string from the displayed character strings using the character selection unit 11 such as a pen in the display state as shown in FIG. It is stored in the storage unit 30 and is displayed in a distinguishable manner (for example, reverse display) on the character string display unit 21.
When it is detected that the user has removed the pen from the screen after the character string is selected, a character string analysis process is executed in step S2. Here, after the character type is acquired by the character type acquisition unit 40 for the selected character string, the function corresponding to the character type is acquired by the function acquisition unit 60, and the effective character string determination unit 50 determines the effective character string. The

Next, in step S3, a function selection screen display process is executed.
Here, a function selection screen 102 in which item names (function items) of the acquired functions are listed is displayed.
Thereafter, when the user touch-inputs the part of the display area of the function to be executed from the function items displayed on the function selection screen with the pen, the function selection and execution process is executed in step S4. Here, the function of the touched part is selected, and the function execution unit 70 executes the selected function on the valid character string in the selected character string.
The above is the overall schematic flow of the processing relating to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the character string selection process in step S1.
In step S10, it is assumed that the user places a pen on a character that the user wants to select on the display screen 101. At this time, the character selection unit 11 of the input unit 10 detects the input coordinates of the pen and stores the input coordinates in the storage unit 30 as the start position of the selected character string.
In step S20, it is assumed that the user traces the pen to the last character to be selected. At this time, position information from the start position to the coordinates of the end position of the last character is stored in the storage unit 30.

In step S 30, the character displayed at the position is determined from the stored position information, and the selected character string 33 is acquired and stored in the storage unit 30.
In step S40, information on the characters at the pen start position and end position input by the user is stored as marker function information. This information is used when executing the marker function.
Thereafter, when the pen is released from the screen, the process proceeds to the character string analysis process in step S2.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the process for acquiring the start position of the character designated by the pen in step S10 of FIG.
In step S11, the coordinates where the pen is placed are detected. This detection can be performed by, for example, coordinate detection using a resistive film or a method of calculating absolute coordinates of a touched position on the screen.
In step S12, it is checked whether or not the detected coordinate is on a character displayed on the display screen. If the position where the pen is placed is not on the character, the process is terminated.
On the other hand, if the pen is placed on the character, the process proceeds to step S13, and the character displayed at this position is determined as the first character of the selected character string 33 and stored. At this time, the character type of the first character (first character type 35) may be stored by the character type acquisition unit 40.
Further, in order to notify the user that a character has been selected, a display (for example, reverse display) that distinguishes the character from other characters may be performed.
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S20.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of processing when the character in step S20 of FIG. 5 is traced.
In step S21, it is checked whether or not the pen is not separated from the display screen. If it is away, it is determined that the selection input has been completed, and the process proceeds to step S26.
On the other hand, if not yet separated, the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, it is checked whether or not the pen position has moved. If not, the process returns to step S21. If it has moved, the process proceeds to step S23 to detect the position coordinates of the pen after the movement.
In step S24, it is checked whether or not the detected position coordinate of the pen is above the display position of the displayed character. If not on the character, the process returns to step S21. If it is above the character, the process proceeds to step S25, where the character area existing from the head position coordinate to the current pen position coordinate is highlighted, and the process returns to step S21.

On the other hand, when the pen leaves the screen, in step S26, it is checked whether or not there is a selected character string 33, that is, whether or not there is a highlighted character string.
If there is no character string, the process ends. If there is a selected character string 33, the process proceeds to a character string acquisition and storage process in step S30.
When step S1 is completed and the selected character string 33 is present in step S26, the character string is stored in the storage unit 30, and the character type 35 of the first character is also stored in the storage unit 30.

8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an embodiment of the character string analysis process shown in step S2 of the present invention.
In this character string analysis process, an executable function acquisition by the function acquisition unit 60 and an effective character string determination process for the acquired function by the effective character string determination unit 50 are mainly performed. In this process, the “valid flag” and “copy flag” set for each function are used.
Here, the valid flag is a flag indicating whether or not the corresponding function can be executed. When the flag is “ON”, the function is executable. When the flag is “OFF” It shall not be possible.
The copy flag is a flag indicating whether it is possible to store an effective character string to be executed when the corresponding function is executed. “On” means that a valid character string can be stored, and “Off” means that a valid character string cannot be stored. Means that.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the function selection analysis information 36 including these flags.
Here, information stored for four functions is shown, and each function includes a valid flag, a copy flag, and a data storage area for storing a valid character string. Here, one effective character string can be stored. However, the number of valid character strings is not limited to one.
In FIG. 10, the initial values of all valid flags are “ON”, and the initial values of all copy flags are “ON”.
For the marker function, since the entire selected character string is the target for executing the function, the copy flag is not set, but information on the start position and end position of the selected character string (for example, the start position of a certain line) The sequence number of the character from).

In FIG. 8, when the character string analysis process is started, first, in step S51, all the valid flags of each function are initially set to ON.
In step S52, the invalid flag of the invalid function set in advance for the currently used content is turned off.
For example, in the case of content in which the marker function is disabled, the marker function cannot be executed, so the valid flag for that function is set to OFF.

In step S53, all the copy flags for each function are initially set to “ON”.
In step S54, the first character is read from the selected character string 33. At this time, the character type acquisition unit 40 acquires the character type of the first character.
However, if there is a space character at the beginning, the acquired character type is a space, and the space character is skipped. Then, a character other than the blank character that first appears behind the character is read, and the character type of the character that is not the blank is acquired. This is because if there is a space character at the beginning, the space is not a valid character in executing the function, and the user may have made a selection error.

In step S55, it is checked whether or not the acquired first character is a valid character that can execute the sound reproduction function. Whether or not the character is a valid character is checked by using the character type function correspondence information 32 shown in FIG. 2 to check whether or not the character type of the first character is a valid character type corresponding to the voice reproduction function.
If it is not a valid character that can be executed by the voice reproduction function, the process proceeds to step S56, the voice reproduction function valid flag is turned off (OFF), and the copy flag is turned off (OFF).
After step S56, or if it is a valid character that can be executed by the voice reproduction function, the process proceeds to step S57.

In step S57, it is checked whether or not the first character is a valid character that can execute the S jump function. Here again, the check is performed using the character type function correspondence information 32 in the same manner as in step S55. If it is not a valid character, the process proceeds to step S58, and both the valid flag and copy flag of the S jump function are turned off (OFF).
Next, in step S59, it is checked whether or not the first character is a valid character that can execute the reading function. If it is not a valid character, the process proceeds to step S60, and both the valid flag and copy flag of the reading function are turned off (OFF).

In FIG. 3A, for example, when the selected character string is “abc def aiue”, the first character “a” is alphabetic, so when the above processing ends, the function selection analysis information 36 is A state as shown in FIG.
When the selected character string is “Aiueo gh”, the first character “A” is “Hiragana”, and thus the function selection analysis information 36 is in a state as shown in FIG.
In the case of FIG. 10A, all valid flags are on (ON), and all four functions are acquired as executable functions. However, in the case of FIG. 10B, only two functions “S jump” and “marker” whose valid flag is on (ON) are acquired as executable functions.

After step S59 or S60 in FIG. 8, the process proceeds to step S61 in FIG.
In step S61, it is checked whether the copy flag of the audio reproduction function is “ON”. Here, if the copy flag is on, the process proceeds to step S62, and it is checked whether or not the currently read character is a character for which the sound reproduction function is valid.
If the voice playback function is not a valid character, the process proceeds to step S64, and the copy flag corresponding to the voice playback function is turned off.
If the voice reproduction function is valid, the process proceeds to step S 63, and the currently read character is stored in the data area of the voice reproduction function in the function selection analysis information 36. For example, if the read character is “a”, it is an alphabetic character that can execute the voice reproduction function, and therefore “a” is stored in the data storage area of the voice reproduction function.

Next, when any of steps S61, S63, and S64 is performed, the process proceeds to step S65.
In step S65, it is checked whether or not the copy flag of the S jump function is “ON”. When the copy flag is on, the process proceeds to step S66, and when it is not on, the process proceeds to step S69.
In step S66, it is checked whether or not the currently read character is a character for which the S jump function is valid. If it is a valid character, the process proceeds to step S67, where the character is stored in the data storage area of the S jump function.
On the other hand, if it is not a valid character, the copy flag of the S jump function is turned off.

Thereafter, in step S69, it is checked whether or not the copy flag of the reading function is on. If the copy flag is on, the process proceeds to step S70, and if not, the process proceeds to step S73.
If the currently read character is a character that can be read out in step S70, the process proceeds to step S71. If the character cannot be executed, the process proceeds to step S72.
In step S71, the currently read character is stored in the data storage area of the reading function. In step S72, the copy flag of the reading function is set to OFF.

After executing step S69, S71, or S72, in step S73, it is checked whether or not the read character is the last character in the selected character string.
If it is the last character, the process is terminated. If it is not the last character, the process proceeds to step S74, the next character in the selected character string is read, and the process returns to step S61.
When character analysis is performed on all characters in the selected character string in this way, valid character strings to be executed for executable functions are stored in the respective data storage areas. For example, when the selected character string is “abc def aiue”, the information 36 is determined as shown in FIG.

Here, focusing on the S jump function, “abc” is stored as an effective character string to be executed by the function. When attention is paid to the voice reproduction function, “abc” is an effective character string.
In the case of the read-out function, a character string “abc def” is stored as an effective character string.
Further, when the selected character string is “Aiueo gh”, information 36 is set as shown in FIG.

Further, the marker data shown in FIG. 10E is set when step S4 is executed. FIG. 10E shows a case where the selected character string is “abc def aiue”.
Here, “10” of “WordNo” means a number assigned one-to-one for each headword, and the position of the first character of the selected character string is the “1” -th character, and the end character The position is the “12” th character, and the background color to be colored as the marker is set to “red”.

  After the character string analysis process (step S2) as described above, the processes of steps S3 and S4 are executed, and the function instructed by the user after selecting the character is executed.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the function selection screen display process (step S3).
In step S81, it is checked whether the audio playback function is valid. Here, it is checked whether the valid flag of the audio reproduction function of the information 36 is on (ON). If it is on, the process proceeds to step S83, and the function item for audio reproduction in the function selection screen 102 is displayed darkly.
On the other hand, if it is not ON, the process proceeds to step S82, and the audio playback function item is displayed lightly. By making the display light, the user is informed that this function cannot be selected. Alternatively, the audio playback function item itself may not be displayed, or another distinction display indicating that the function item cannot be selected may be displayed.

Next, in step S84, it is checked whether or not the S jump function is valid. If it is valid, the process proceeds to step S86, and the function item of S jump is displayed darkly. If it is not valid, the process proceeds to step S85, and the S jump function item is displayed lightly.
Similarly, in steps S87 and S90, it is checked whether or not the reading function and the marker function are valid. If it is valid, the process proceeds to step S89 and step S92, respectively, and the reading or marker function item is displayed darkly.
If it is not valid, the process proceeds to step S88 and step S91, respectively, and the respective function items are displayed lightly. As a result, a function selection screen as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C is displayed. Then, it progresses to step S4.

  In this invention, the user needs a character string selection operation and a subsequent function selection operation. However, after performing the character string selection operation, as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. The function selection screen 102 is displayed, and only the functions that can be executed corresponding to the character type of the first character of the selected character string are displayed on the screen so as to be selectable. Therefore, the user's operation until a desired function is executed is easy, and is easier to understand than when the function is selected first. In addition, since it is impossible to select a function that cannot be executed for the selected character string, it is possible to prevent an unintended function from being executed and to reduce erroneous operations by the user.

<Example 2 of character string selection and function selection>
12 and 13 are schematic explanatory views of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
Here, the character string selection process is the same as in the first embodiment, but the character string analysis process for the selected character string is different. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the number of valid character strings to be executed for executable functions is limited to one, but in the second embodiment, the selected character strings are separated by blank characters. If there are a plurality of character strings, not only the first character string but also the plurality of character strings are considered as valid character strings.

Assume that “abc def aiou” is selected as shown in FIG. 12B for the character string (abc def aiou gh) displayed on the display screen 101 as shown in FIG.
At this time, since the first character “a” is an alphabet, all four functions are acquired as executable functions, and four function items are displayed on the function selection screen 102.

In addition, in the selected character string, “abc”, “def”, and “Aiue” are considered to be independent character strings separated by a space character, and therefore each of these character strings is regarded as a valid character. Can also be a candidate column.
Therefore, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12C, a plurality of valid character strings can be stored in the data storage area for each function.

For example, for the audio reproduction function of FIG. 12C, character strings “abc” and “def” starting with alphabets are set as valid character strings.
For the S jump function, three character strings including the character string “Aiue” starting with hiragana are set as valid character strings. For the reading function, one character string “abc def” is set as an effective character string.
Further, the marker function sets one character string “abc def aiue” as an effective character string.

Assume that the user selects and inputs the “voice reproduction function” with a pen in the state of FIG.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 12C, there are two character strings “abc” and “def” as valid character strings that are targets for executing the “voice reproduction function”. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12D, in order to allow the user to select which of the effective character strings the “sound reproduction function” should be executed, the effective character string selection screen for the sound reproduction function. 103 is further displayed.
After the effective character string selection screen 103 is displayed, when the user selects either the “abc” or “def” display area with a pen, an effective character string for executing the voice reproduction function is determined. Then, the voice reproduction function is executed for the determined effective character string.
According to this, although the operation of displaying the selection screen 103 and having the user select is increased, since an effective character string is selected from the already selected character strings, it is more preferable than reselecting the selected character string. The series of operations is considered easy and easy for the user to understand.

FIG. 13 shows a case where “Aiueo gh” is selected as the selected character string. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13B, as in FIG. 3C, the function selection screen 102 is displayed so that four functions can be selected.
However, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13C, an effective character string is determined for each function. For example, for the S jump function, two character strings “aiueo” and “gh” are effective character strings.
Therefore, when the S jump function is selected on the display screen 102, a screen for selecting one of the valid character strings “aiueo” and “gh” is displayed.

14 and 15 are flowcharts of the character string analysis process (S2) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Steps S101 and S102 are the same processes as steps S51 and S52 of FIG. 8, respectively.
In step S103, the copy flag of each function is initially set to “1”. In the second embodiment, the copy flag is not simply set to ON and OFF, but the valid character string is used as a flag indicating the position of the data storage area where copying is possible.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the function selection analysis information 36 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 16A shows a state after step S103.
Here, the number of data storage areas for storing valid character strings is five, and up to five valid character strings can be stored for each function. However, the number of data storage areas is not limited to five, but may be two, six or more, and may be changed depending on the storage capacity.
Therefore, for example, when the copy flag is “1”, it means that the next valid character string to be stored is stored in the first data storage area.

In step S104, as in step S54, the first character is read and its character type is acquired.
If the first character is a blank character, it is skipped, and then the first non-blank character that appears in the selected character string is read out and its character type is acquired.
In step S105, it is checked whether or not the copy flag of the audio reproduction function is off. If the copy flag is not off, the process proceeds to step S106, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S106, it is checked whether or not the currently read character is a character for which the voice reproduction function is valid. Again, the character type of the read character is checked using the character type function correspondence information 32.
If it is a valid character, the process proceeds to step S107, and the currently read character is stored as a valid character in the data storage area of the voice reproduction function in the information 36. Here, the position of the data area to be stored is a numerical position set in the copy flag.

If the character is not valid, the process advances to step S108 to check whether the value of the copy flag of the current audio reproduction function is equal to or less than the number of data storage areas.
In the following cases, the process proceeds to step S109, and 1 is added to the copy flag. If not, the process proceeds to step S110, where the copy flag of the sound reproduction function is turned off, and the sound reproduction function is not copied to the data storage area.
After executing any of steps S107, S109, and S110, or when the copy flag is OFF in step S105, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S111, it is checked whether the copy flag of the S jump function is off. If the copy flag is not off, the process proceeds to step S112. If the copy flag is off, the process proceeds to step S117.
The processing from step S112 to S116 is the same as the processing from step S106 to S110 in the audio reproduction function, and the audio reproduction function may be replaced with the S jump function.
If the read character is a valid character, the character is stored in the data storage area of the S jump function.
After executing any of steps S113, S115, and S116, the process proceeds to step S117.
In step S117, it is checked whether the copy flag of the reading function is off.

If this copy flag is not OFF, the process proceeds to step S118, and if not, the process proceeds to step S123.
The processing from step S118 to S122 is the same as the processing from step S106 to S110 described above, and the sound reproduction function may be replaced with the reading function.
If the read character is a valid character, the character is stored in the data storage area of the reading function.
After executing any of steps S119, S121, and S122, the process proceeds to step S123.

In step S123, it is checked whether or not the currently read character is the last character. If it is not the last character, the process proceeds to step S130, the next character in the selected character string is read, and the process returns to step S105. If it is the last character, the process proceeds to step S124 in FIG.
In steps S107, S113, and S119, when valid characters are stored, if characters are already stored, they are not overwritten but stored so as to be added continuously to the already stored characters.
When the processes from step S105 to S123 are performed up to the last character of the selected character string, if there is an effective character string, the effective character string is stored in the data storage area for each corresponding function.

In step S124, it is checked whether or not a valid character string of the voice reproduction function is stored in the information 36. If a valid character string is not stored in the data storage area of the voice reproduction function, the process proceeds to step S125, and the voice reproduction function valid flag is set to OFF.
When a valid character string is stored in step S124, or after the process of step S125, the process proceeds to step S126.

In step S126, it is checked whether or not a valid character string of the S jump function is stored. If not stored, the process proceeds to step S127. If stored, the process proceeds to step S128.
In step S127, the S jump function valid flag is set to OFF.
In step S128, it is checked whether or not an effective character string for the reading function is stored. If not stored, the process proceeds to step S129, and the valid flag of the reading function is set to OFF. If stored, or after the processing of step S129, the character string analysis processing is terminated.

16A shows the function selection analysis information 36 when the selected character string is “abc def Aiue”, and FIG. 16B shows the function selection analysis information 36 when the selected character string is “Aiueo gh”. These show the state after step S103 is executed.
FIG. 16C shows the state of the information 36 after the processing of FIGS. 14 and 15 has been executed for the selected character “abc def Aiue”.
In FIG. 16C, for example, the voice reproduction function is an executable function, and two character strings “abc” and “def” are stored as effective character strings to be executed.
In the S jump function, three character strings are stored as effective character strings, and in the reading function, one character string “abc def” is stored.

FIG. 16D shows information 36 in the case of the selected character string “Aiueo gh”. Here, for example, in the S jump function, two character strings “aiueo” and “gh” are stored as valid character strings.
The marker data in FIG. 16 (e) is the same as in FIG. 10 (e).

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of the function selection screen display according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
First, the same function selection screen display processing as the processing from steps S81 to S92 shown in FIG. 11 is performed. Thereby, the function selection screen 102 as shown in FIG. 12B is displayed.
In step S93, a function selection process is executed.
Here, the user is allowed to touch-input any one of the function items displayed on the function selection screen, and the function of the touch-input function item is selected as a function to be executed.
Next, it is checked whether or not there are a plurality of stored effective character strings for the function selected in step S94. When there are not a plurality of valid character strings, that is, when there is one valid character string, the process is terminated.

If there are a plurality of valid character strings, the process advances to step S95 to display a screen for selecting a valid character string (for example, a valid character string selection screen 103 in FIG. 12D). The user can know that there are a plurality of character strings to be executed by looking at this screen 103, and therefore touch-input with the pen which character string is to be executed.
In step S96, when a touch input of an effective character string to be executed by the user is performed, a process of selecting the touched effective character string is performed.
Thereafter, the function selection execution process of step S4 is executed. In step S4, the function selected in step S93 is executed for the valid character string selected in step S96.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the user needs to perform a function selection operation using the function selection screen and an effective character string selection operation using the effective character string selection screen. However, the user need not be aware of what functions can be performed on the first selected character string, and does not need to perform a character string selection operation. Even so, the desired function can be executed, and the user's operation is easy and easy to understand. In addition, when the selected character string includes a plurality of valid character strings, not only the first character string but also other character strings behind can be selected as valid character string candidates. Compared with the case of selecting again, the user's operation is easier and easier to understand.

1 is a configuration block diagram of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of one Example of the character type function corresponding | compatible information of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of Example 1 of the character string selection and function selection of this invention. It is a flowchart of the whole character string selection processing etc. of this invention. It is a flowchart of the character string selection process of this invention. It is a flowchart of the pen coordinate detection process of this invention. It is a flowchart of the character string selection process by pen movement of this invention. It is a flowchart of the character string analysis process of Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the character string analysis process of Example 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the function selection analysis information of Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the function selection screen display process of Example 1 of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of Example 2 of the character string selection and function selection of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of Example 2 of the character string selection and function selection of this invention. It is a flowchart of the character string analysis process of Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the character string analysis process of Example 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the function selection analysis information of Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the function selection screen display process of Example 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Input part 11 Character selection part 12 Function selection part 20 Display part 21 Character string display part 22 Function selection screen display part 30 Storage part 32 Character type function corresponding information 33 Selected character string 34 Effective character string 35 First character type 36 Function selection analysis information 37 Content information 40 Character type acquisition unit 50 Effective character string determination unit 60 Function acquisition unit 70 Function execution unit

Claims (12)

A character string display section for displaying content information including character strings;
A storage unit storing character type function correspondence information in which an executable function is associated with a character type of a character to be executed for each function;
A character selection unit for selecting a desired character string from the content information displayed on the character string display unit;
A character type acquisition unit for acquiring the character type of the first character of the selected character string;
A function acquisition unit that acquires an executable function associated with the acquired character type from the character type function correspondence information after selecting a character string by the character selection unit;
For each of the acquired executable functions, an effective character string determination unit that determines an effective character string for executing the function from among the selected character strings selected by the character selection unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a function selection unit that selects a function to be executed among the acquired executable functions.   A function selection screen display unit that displays items of executable functions acquired by the function acquisition unit; and the character string display unit and the function selection screen display unit are different screens in one display device, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is displayed on each screen of a different display device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the function selection unit causes a desired function to be executed to be selected from items displayed on the function selection screen display unit.   4. The character string selected by the character selection unit is displayed on the character string display unit in a display form different from that of the character string that was not selected. 5. Information processing device.   The character type acquisition unit, when the acquired character type is a blank, in the character string selected by the character selection unit, acquires the character type of the first non-blank character that appears. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4.   A function execution unit that causes the function to be executed selected by the function selection unit to be executed on the effective character string of the function to be executed determined by the effective character string determination unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   Character types stored in the storage unit include alphabets and Japanese characters, and for each of the executable functions, one or a plurality of character types to be executed are set in advance. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the executable functions stored in the storage unit include an audio reproduction function, an S jump function, a reading function, and a marker function.   9. The information according to claim 1, wherein the valid character string determined by the valid character string determination unit is one or a plurality of character strings included in the selected character string. Processing equipment.   When there are a plurality of the determined effective character strings, the display device further includes an effective character string selection screen display unit that displays the items of the plurality of effective character strings so as to be selectable. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the valid character string selection screen display unit is displayed on a screen different from the screen. A character string display means for displaying content information including the character string;
Storage means for storing character type function correspondence information in which an executable function and a character type of a character to be executed for each function are associated with each other;
Character selection means for selecting a desired character string from the content information displayed on the character string display means;
Character type acquisition means for acquiring the character type of the first character of the selected character string;
A function acquisition unit that acquires an executable function associated with the acquired character type from the character type function correspondence information after selecting a character string by the character selection unit;
Effective character string determining means for determining an effective character string for executing the function from among the selected character strings selected by the character selecting means for each of the acquired executable functions;
A program for an information processing apparatus for causing a computer to function as function selection means for selecting a function to be executed among the obtained executable functions. A character string display unit that displays content information including a character string, a storage unit that stores character type function correspondence information in which a function and a character type of a character to be executed for each function are associated, a character selection unit, and a character A method for selecting a character string and a function of an information processing apparatus including an acquisition unit, a function acquisition unit, an effective character string determination unit, and a function execution unit,
The character selection unit selects a desired character string from the content information displayed on the character string display unit,
The character type acquisition unit acquires the character type of the first character of the selected character string,
After the character selection unit selects a character string, the function acquisition unit acquires an executable function associated with the acquired character type from the character type function correspondence information,
The effective character string determination unit determines an effective character string for executing the function from the selected selection character string for each of the acquired executable functions,
The method for selecting a character string and a function of an information processing apparatus, wherein the function selection unit selects a function to be executed among the acquired executable functions.

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