JP6727862B2 - Character input device, control method thereof, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a character input device, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium, and more particularly to a character input device for converting a converted character string into another character string.

Generally, electronic devices such as mobile phones and digital cameras are equipped with a character input device. When inputting Japanese with a character input device, the Japanese characters are divided into a plurality of ranges and converted into Kanji characters (hereinafter referred to as continuous phrase conversion). Further, some electronic devices allow the user to select the normal kanji conversion mode and another kanji conversion mode. As another kanji conversion mode, for example, there is a prediction conversion mode for predicting a word from a phonetic reading. In this way, the high-performance conversion mode is provided to improve the efficiency of character input by the user.

Some character input devices as described above include two conversion activation keys so that the user can select different conversion modes (see Patent Document 1). Further, there is a character input device provided with a dedicated operation member in addition to the Kanji conversion key so that the user can easily set the conversion target range for the input phonetic characters (see Patent Document 2).

JP, 10-83394, A JP-A-2000-20512

By the way, as compared with a general character conversion operation, in order to realize a high-performance character conversion operation, many operation members may be required. The character input device described in Patent Document 1 requires two conversion activation keys and at least three operation members for selecting a candidate. In addition, the character input device described in Patent Document 2 requires at least three operation members for performing the Kanji conversion operation and the expansion/contraction operation of the conversion range. On the other hand, it is difficult to increase the number of operation members and realize a high function in an electronic device such as a digital camera which has a small number of operation members available for character input and has a small display size.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a character input device, a control method therefor, a program, and a storage medium capable of performing high-performance character conversion operations with a small number of operation members.

To achieve the above object, a character input device according to claim 1 of the present invention is a character input device for inputting a character, and a specifying device for specifying a conversion range for a character string input by the character input device. And a first generation unit that generates a first conversion candidate group based on the character string in the conversion range, and a second generation unit that generates a second conversion candidate group based on the character string in the conversion range. A first operation member for performing a first operation, a second operation member for performing a second operation, and a character string in the conversion range according to the first and second operations. Conversion control means for controlling conversion, wherein the conversion control means, when the first operation is performed when one or more characters are input by the character input means, the first conversion candidate select the first conversion candidate belonging to the group, then a conversion candidates belonging to the first conversion candidate group in response to said first operation is performed, the current of the first conversion candidate group in the as viewed from the conversion candidate being selected based on a predetermined rule while selecting the conversion candidate having the next conversion candidates, conversion candidates belonging to the first conversion candidate group in response to said second operation is performed In view of the conversion candidate currently selected based on the predetermined rule based on the predetermined rule, the conversion candidate that is the previous conversion candidate based on the predetermined rule is selected from the first conversion candidate group, and the character input means is used. When the second operation is performed when one or more characters are input, the first conversion candidate in the second conversion candidate group is selected, and then the first operation is performed. selecting the second a conversion candidates belonging to the conversion candidate group, conversion candidates based on the second conversion candidate viewed from the predetermined rule currently selected among the conversion candidate group the next conversion candidate Te On the other hand, the predetermined conversion candidates are conversion candidates belonging to the second conversion candidate group in response to the second operation being performed, and the predetermined conversion candidates are viewed from the conversion candidate currently selected in the second conversion candidate group . It is characterized by selecting a conversion candidate which becomes the previous conversion candidate based on the rule .

According to the present invention, a character conversion operation can be performed by the first and second operation members, and as a result, a highly functional character conversion operation can be performed by a small number of operation members.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of the example of the image pickup apparatus including the character input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the back side. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the camera shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram for explaining an operation (startup process) of the camera 100 shown in FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of character input processing performed by the camera shown in FIG. 2 (No. 1). 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of character input processing performed by the camera shown in FIG. 2 (No. 2). It is a figure which shows an example of the character input interface screen displayed on the display part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a character string displayed on the camera shown in FIG. 2. It is a flow chart for explaining an example of character input processing performed with a camera provided with a character input device by a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the other example of the character input process performed by the camera provided with the character input device by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, an example of a character input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of an example of an image pickup apparatus equipped with a character input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention from the back side. In addition, a digital camera (hereinafter, simply referred to as a camera) capable of capturing a still image and a moving image will be described as an example of the imaging device.

A display unit 28 is arranged on the back side of the illustrated camera 100, and an image and various information can be displayed on the display unit 28. Note that, here, the display unit 28 is configured by a touch panel, and a touch (touch) on the display unit 28 can be detected.

On the upper surface of the camera 100, a power switch 72 for switching power on and power off is arranged, and a shutter button 61 for giving a shooting instruction is arranged. On the right side of the display unit 28, a mode dial (also referred to as a mode changeover switch) 60 that switches various modes is arranged, and an operation unit 70 that receives various operations from the user is arranged.

The operation unit 70 includes various switches, buttons, a touch panel, and the like for receiving various operations from the user. Further, the operation unit 70 is provided with a controller wheel 73, and the controller wheel 73 sends out a command according to the rotating operation. The zoom lever 76 is one of the operation members included in the operation unit 70. The zoom lever 76 can be operated clockwise and counterclockwise around the shutter button 61. Then, a zoom-in/zoom-out instruction in the optical zoom and the electronic zoom is issued according to the operation direction of the zoom lever 76.

In the illustrated example, a connection cable for connecting the camera 100 and an external device (not shown) is connected to the camera 100 by a connector 112. A recording medium slot 201 is formed in the camera 100, and a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk is stored in this recording medium slot 201. When the recording medium 200 is stored in the recording medium slot 201, the lid 202 provided on the camera 100 is opened and the recording medium 200 is stored in the recording medium slot 201.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the camera shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, the camera 100 includes a taking lens unit (hereinafter, simply referred to as a taking lens) 103, and the taking lens 103 includes at least a zoom lens and a focus lens.

A shutter 101 having a diaphragm function is arranged at the rear stage of the taking lens 103. An image pickup unit 22 having an image pickup element such as a CCD or CMOS sensor that converts an optical image (subject image) into an electric signal (analog signal) is arranged behind the shutter 101. The analog signal output from the image pickup unit 22 is converted into a digital signal (image data) by the A/D converter 23.

A barrier 102 is arranged on the front side of the taking lens 103, and the barrier 102 covers an image pickup system such as the taking lens 103, the shutter 101, and the image pickup unit 22 to prevent the dirt and damage. It is a thing.

The image processing unit 24 receives the image data output from the A/D converter 23 or the image data from the memory control unit 15, and performs resizing processing such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction and color conversion processing. Further, the image processing unit 24 performs a predetermined calculation process using the image data obtained as a result of the image pickup.

The system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the calculation result obtained by the predetermined calculation processing by the image processing unit 24. As a result, a TTL (through-the-lens) AF (auto focus) process, an AE (auto exposure) process, and an EF (flash pre-emission) process are performed.

Further, the image processing unit 24 performs a predetermined calculation process using the image data obtained as a result of the image pickup, and performs a TTL AWB (auto white balance) process based on the calculation result.

The image data output from the A/D converter 23 is written in the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15, or directly via the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images or moving images and sounds for a predetermined time.

The illustrated memory 32 also serves as a memory for displaying an image (video memory), and the image data for display written in the memory 32 is given to the display unit 28 via the D/A converter 13 to generate an image. Is displayed.

The display unit 28 is, for example, an LCD. If the image data stored in the memory 32 is D/A converted by the D/A converter 13 and sequentially transferred to the display unit 28 for display, the display unit 28 functions as an electronic viewfinder and a through image display ( Live view display) can be performed.

The system control unit 50 controls the entire camera 100. The non-volatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable/recordable memory, and for example, an EEPROM is used. The non-volatile memory 56 stores constants, variables, programs, etc. for the operation of the system controller 50. This program includes a program for executing various flowcharts described later.

The system memory 52 is, for example, a RAM, and the system control unit 50 reads operating constants, variables, programs and the like from the non-volatile memory 56 and expands them in the system memory 52.

The image data written in the memory 32 is converted into a file by the system control unit 50 and recorded in the recording medium 200 via the recording medium interface (I/F) 18. Further, the system control unit 50 performs display control by controlling the memory 32, the D/A converter 13, the display unit 28, and the like.

A system timer 53 is connected to the system control unit 50, and the system timer 52 measures the time used for various controls by the system control unit 50 and gives it to the system control unit 50.

The mode changeover switch 60 described above is, for example, a switch for changing the operation mode of the system control unit 50 to any of a still image recording mode, a moving image recording mode, a reproduction mode, and the like.

The still image recording mode described above includes, for example, an automatic shooting mode, an automatic scene determination mode, a manual mode, various scene modes that are shooting settings for each shooting scene, a program AE mode, and a custom mode. The mode changeover switch 60 can be used to directly switch to one of these modes.

Alternatively, the mode changeover switch 60 may be used to temporarily switch to the still image recording mode, and then the operation unit 70 or the like may be used to switch to one of the above modes. Similarly, the moving image recording mode also includes a plurality of modes.

If the shutter button 61 is in the middle of operation (half-press: shooting preparation instruction), the first shutter switch (not shown) is turned on, and the first shutter switch signal SW1 is given to the system control unit 50.

As a result, the system control unit 50 starts shooting preparation operations such as AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing.

When the operation of the shutter button 61 is completed (fully pressed), the second shutter switch (not shown) is turned on, and the second shutter switch signal SW2 is given to the system control unit 50. As a result, the system control unit 50 starts a series of image pickup processing operations from the signal reading of the image pickup unit 22 to the writing of image data in the recording medium 200.

When various function icons displayed on the display unit 28 are selected and operated, appropriate functions are assigned to each scene (shooting scene), and the operation unit 70 functions as various function buttons. The function buttons include, for example, an end button, a return button, an image advance button, a jump button, a narrow-down button, and an attribute change button.

When the menu button is operated on the operation unit 70, the system control unit 50 displays a menu screen for various settings on the display unit 28. The user can intuitively perform various settings by looking at the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28 and using the up, down, left, and right four-direction keys and the SET button.

The controller wheel 73 shown in FIG. 1 is used together with the direction buttons when designating a selection item. When the controller wheel 73 is rotated, an electric pulse signal corresponding to the operation amount is generated. The system control unit 50 controls the camera 100 based on the pulse signal. The system control unit 50 can know the angle at which the controller wheel 73 is rotated and the number of rotations thereof by the pulse signal.

The controller wheel 73 may be any operation member as long as it can detect a rotation operation. For example, the controller wheel 73 may be a dial operation member that generates a pulse signal according to a rotating operation of the user. Further, the controller wheel 73 may be an operation member composed of a touch sensor, which does not rotate, and detects a rotation operation of a user's finger (so-called touch wheel).

The power supply control unit 80 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switch circuit that switches blocks to be energized. Then, the power supply control unit 80 detects whether or not the battery is installed, the type of the battery, and the remaining battery amount. In addition, the power supply control unit 80 controls the DC-DC converter based on the above detection result and the instruction of the system control unit 50 so that each unit of the camera 100 including the recording medium 200 is supplied with a predetermined voltage for a required period. Supply.

The power supply unit 30 is connected to the power supply control unit 80. The battery unit 30 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, or a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, and also has an AC adapter and the like.

The recording medium I/F 18 is an interface with a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk, and the recording medium 200 records image data obtained as a result of shooting. The recording medium 200 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation (startup processing) of the camera 100 shown in FIG. The process according to the illustrated flowchart is performed by loading the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing the program by the system control unit 50.

Now, when the power is turned on by operating the power switch 72, the system control unit 50 performs initialization for initializing flags and control variables (step S301). Subsequently, the system control unit 50 starts the management process related to the image file recorded in the recording medium 200 (step S302).

Next, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the still image recording mode (still image shooting mode) is set by the mode changeover switch 60 (step S303). When the still image recording mode is set (YES in step S303), the system control unit 50 performs a still image shooting process (still image recording mode process) (step S304). Then, the system control unit 50 records the image data obtained as a result of shooting on the recording medium 200.

If the still image recording mode is not set (NO in step S303), the system control unit 50 determines whether the reproduction mode is set by the mode changeover switch 60 (step S305). If the reproduction mode is set (YES in step S305), the system control unit 50 performs the reproduction mode process (step S306). Here, for example, the system control unit 50 reads the image data from the recording medium 200 and displays it on the display unit 28.

If the reproduction mode is not set (NO in step S305), the system control unit 50 performs other mode processing (step S307). In other mode processing, the system control unit 50 performs processing according to the mode selected by the mode changeover switch 60. Note that, as another mode process, for example, there is a transmission mode process for transmitting a file stored in the recording medium 200. Further, as another mode process, there is a reception mode process for receiving a file from an external device and storing it in the recording medium 200.

After the processing of step S304, S306, or S307, the system control unit 50 determines whether the power switch 72 is turned off (step S308). When power switch 72 is on (NO in step S308), system controller 50 returns to the process of step S303. On the other hand, when the power switch 72 is turned off (YES in step S308), the system control unit 50 performs an ending process (step S309). The ending process includes, for example, a process of setting the display of the display unit 28 in an ending state, closing the lens barrier 102, and protecting the imaging unit 22. Further, the termination process includes a process of recording parameters including flags and control variables, setting values, and setting modes in the non-volatile memory 56, and shutting off power to a block that does not require power supply. Then, the system control unit 50 ends the activation process.

4A and 4B are flowcharts for explaining an example of character input processing performed by the camera shown in FIG. The process according to the illustrated flowchart is performed by loading the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing the program by the system control unit 50.

The character input application provides the user with an environment in which characters can be input in the camera. The character input application is executed when it is necessary to input characters during execution of various applications executed by the camera. As one of the various applications, for example, there is a copyright holder name input application. When the copyright holder name input application is executed and the user inputs character string data such as the photographer's name, the character string data is added to the still image as metadata. Execution of the copyright holder name input application can be instructed from various settable menu items displayed by pressing the menu button. When the copyright holder name input application is executed, the system control unit 50 starts executing the character input application.

Here, the processing after the execution of the character input application is started will be described. Further, in the following description, Japanese input will be described as an example. That is, a case will be described where kana-kanji conversion is performed based on hiragana to perform consecutive phrase conversion into a word containing kanji. Further, in the following description, two types of operations will be described as clockwise and counterclockwise operations of the zoom lever. For the sake of convenience, the clockwise operation will be referred to as pressing the TELE button, and the counterclockwise operation will be referred to as pressing the WIDE button.

When the character input application is started, the system control unit 50 initializes flags and control variables (step S401) and displays the character input interface screen on the display unit 28.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a character input interface screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG.

In the character input interface screen, for example, a text area 501 is arranged at the upper part of the screen and a soft keyboard 502 is arranged at the lower part of the screen. In the text area 501, characters input by the user and the result of the conversion operation described later are displayed. When the user inputs a character, the character is displayed at the position of the cursor 503. The soft keyboard 502 has a so-called hiragana numeric keypad arrangement. Then, in the soft keyboard 502, the hiragana to be input is selected according to the number of times the key is continuously pressed (for example, if the "a" key is selected three times in succession, one character "u" is input).

Guidance unit 508 shows an operation to which each operation member provided in operation unit 70 is assigned in the character input application. The illustrated example shows that the character input application can be terminated by pressing the menu button. In an electronic device such as a camera that does not include an operation member dedicated to character input, the operation performed by the operation member may not be intuitively understood by the user. Therefore, the guidance unit 508 is provided to assist the user's operation.

Here, an example of the state of the character strings and the display of each character string handled in the present embodiment will be described.

In the illustrated example, the character string is divided into three states. For example, there is a phonetic string that has been input by the user and is in a state before conversion, a conversion candidate that is a result of converting the phonetic string, and a confirmed and confirmed character string.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a character string displayed on the camera shown in FIG.

Now, suppose that "Kyoto Isha ni" has been input as the phonetic text 601. An underline 603 is added to the reading 601 to indicate that it is reading. Further, the reading 601 is defined by a conversion range 602 indicating a conversion target range. As described above, when the conversion operation is performed by the user while the phonetic guide 601 is input, the system control unit 50 changes the phonetic guide 601 to a kanji conversion candidate (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a conversion candidate) 604, “to a doctor today”. replace.

A double underline 606 indicating that it is a conversion candidate is added to the conversion candidate 604. When the conversion candidate is composed of a plurality of phrases, a double underline 606 is added to each phrase. Then, a shaded area 604 is added to the selected clause. When the confirmation operation is performed by the user in the reading or conversion candidate state, the system control unit 50 sets the character string as the confirmed character string 607.

Referring again to FIGS. 4A and 4B, system control unit 50 determines the number of characters of the input phonetic characters. Here, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a predetermined number or more of characters (for example, one or more characters) have been input (step S402). If no phonetic characters have been input (NO in step S402), the system control unit 50 hides the conversion-related guidance described below (step S403). When the process transits to step S403 for the first time, since the conversion related guidance is not displayed, the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S404 without performing the process of step S403.

Subsequently, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the menu button has been pressed (step S404). The menu button is assigned to a character string confirming operation and a character input application terminating operation.

When the menu button is pressed (YES in step S404), the system control unit 50 performs an end process of recording parameters including flags and control variables, setting values, and setting modes in the nonvolatile memory 56 (step S405). .. Then, the system control unit 50 ends the character input processing and returns to the copyright holder name input application (that is, the author name input processing).

If one or more reading characters have been input (YES in step S402), system control unit 50 displays conversion-related guidance on display unit 28 (step S406). It should be noted that the state in which one or more characters have already been input is, for example, a state in which the Japanese character 601 shown in FIG. 6 has been input in the text area 501 shown in FIG.

Icons and character strings are displayed in the conversion-related guidance. For example, "Kanji conversion is possible by pressing the TELE button, and prediction input is possible by pressing the WIDE button." Then, "the conversion range can be expanded or contracted by pressing and holding the TELE button or the WIDE button" is displayed.

After that, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the menu button has been pressed (step S407). If the menu button has not been pressed (NO to the step S407), the system control unit 50 determines whether the TELE button has been pressed (step S408). When the TELE button is pressed down (YES in step S408), the system control unit 50 determines whether the TELE button has been continuously pressed down for a predetermined time or longer (for example, 1 second or longer) (step S409).

If the TELE button is not pressed continuously for more than 1 second (NO in step S409), the system control unit 50 generates a kanji conversion candidate group based on the reading of the conversion range (step S410). Here, the system control unit 50 uses a kana-kanji conversion module such as a Front End Processor (FEP) to generate a kanji conversion candidate group based on the Japanese characters. For example, the system control unit 50 searches the dictionary for a word having a phoneme that matches exactly the phonetic text included in the conversion range and generates a Kanji conversion candidate group. Then, the system control unit 50 selects the first candidate in the Kanji conversion candidate group.

Subsequently, the system control unit 50 updates the display of the conversion-related guidance (step S411). Here, for example, as the conversion-related guidance, an icon and a character string indicating that “the conversion candidates can be switched by pressing the TELE button or the WIDE button” are displayed. Further, as the conversion-related guidance, an icon or a character string indicating that "the conversion candidate can be returned to the original by pressing and holding the TELE button or the WIDE button" is displayed.

Next, the system control unit 50 displays the selected Kanji conversion candidate in the text area 501 (step S412). Here, the system control unit 50 displays, for example, the conversion candidate 604 shown in FIG. 6 in the text area 501. Then, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the TELE button has been pressed (step S413).

When the TELE button is pressed (YES in step S413), the system control unit 50 determines whether the TELE button has been continuously pressed for 1 second or longer (step S414). If the TELE button is not continuously pressed for 1 second or longer (NO in step S414), the system control unit 50 selects the next kanji conversion candidate (step S415). Then, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S412 and updates the display of the kanji conversion candidates.

When the menu button is pressed (YES in step S407), the system control unit 50 determines the reading in the current conversion range, that is, the character string (step S416). At this time, for example, with respect to the readings located outside the conversion range such as the reading 610 shown in FIG. 6, the system control unit 50 sets the reading outside the conversion range as the new reading 611 as the new conversion range. After that, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S402.

Note that, as shown by the Japanese character 613, when a part of the Japanese character is used as the conversion range, the conversion range is set as the conversion candidate 614. After that, when the character string is determined in step S427 or S443 which will be described later, the system control unit 50 sets the reading outside the range of the character string 615 as a new conversion range.

When the TELE button is continuously depressed for 1 second or longer (YES in step S409), the system control unit 50 expands the current conversion range according to the depression time (step S417). Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the system control unit 50 expands the current conversion range 608 for the phonetic to the conversion range 602. After that, the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S428 described later.

When the TELE button is continuously pressed down for 1 second or longer in step S414 (YES in step S414), the system control unit 50 restores the original candidates for the conversion candidates displayed in the text area 501 (step S418). Then, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S402.

If the TELE button has not been pressed in step S408 (NO in step S408), the system control unit 50 determines whether the WIDE button has been pressed (step S419). When the WIDE button is pressed (YES in step S419), system control unit 50 determines whether the WIDE button has been continuously pressed for 1 second or longer (step S420).

If the WIDE button is not continuously pressed for 1 second or longer (NO in step S420), the system control unit 50 generates a predicted input candidate group based on the reading of the conversion range (step S421). Here, the system control unit 50 uses the Kanji conversion module to generate a predicted input candidate group. For example, the system control unit 50 searches the dictionary for a word that is prefixed to the Japanese pronunciation included in the current conversion range, and generates a predictive input candidate group. Then, the system control unit 50 selects the first candidate in the predicted input candidate group, and proceeds to the process of step S411.

If the TELE button is not pressed down in step S413 (NO in step S413), the system control unit 50 determines whether the WIDE button is pressed down (step S422). When the WIDE button is pressed (YES in step S422), system control unit 50 determines whether the WIDE button has been continuously pressed for 1 second or longer (step S423).

When the WIDE button is continuously pressed down for 1 second or longer (YES in step S423), system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S418. On the other hand, if the WIDE button is not continuously pressed for 1 second or longer (NO in step S423), the system control unit 50 selects the Kanji conversion candidate before the selected candidate (step S424). Then, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S412.

When the WIDE button is continuously pressed for 1 second or longer (YES in step S420), system control unit 50 reduces the current conversion range according to the pressing time (step S425). Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the system control unit 50 reduces the current conversion range 608 related to the Japanese calligraphy to the conversion range 609. After that, the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S428 described later.

If the WIDE button has not been pressed in step S422 (NO in step S422), system control unit 50 determines whether the menu button has been pressed (step S426). When the menu button is pressed (YES in step S426), system control unit 50 determines all the kanji conversion candidates displayed in text area 501 (step S427). After that, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S402.

If the WIDE button has not been pressed in step S419 (NO in step S419), system control unit 50 determines whether the cross button has been pressed (step S428). Here, the cross button is a four-direction button for up, down, left and right. In the soft keyboard 502 shown in FIG. 5, character keys and special keys, and a character focus 505 for selecting these are displayed. Here, a hiragana key 504 is shown as an example of a character key, and left and right cursor movement keys 506 and 507 and an erase key 508 are shown as examples of a special key.

When one of the up, down, left, and right four-direction buttons is pressed down (YES in step S428), system control unit 50 moves the position of character focus 504 according to the direction of the pressed button (step S429). After that, the system control unit 50 proceeds to the processing of step S432 described below.

Similarly, if the menu button is not pressed down in step S426 (NO in step S426), the system control unit 50 determines whether any of the up, down, left, and right four-direction buttons is pressed down (step S430). ). When any of the up, down, left, and right four-way buttons is pressed down (YES in step S430), system control unit 50 moves the position of character focus 504 according to the direction of the pressed button (step S431). After that, the system control unit 50 proceeds to the processing of step S435 described below.

If none of the up, down, left, and right four-direction buttons is pressed (NO in step S428), system control unit 50 determines whether the SET button has been pressed (step S432). If the SET button has not been pressed (NO to the step S432), the system controller 50 returns to the step S402. On the other hand, when the SET button is pressed (YES in step S432), system control unit 50 determines whether any of left and right cursor movement keys 506 and 507 is focused (step S433).

When one of cursor movement keys 506 and 507 is focused (YES in step S433), system control unit 50 moves the position of the cursor by one character according to the instruction of the cursor movement key (step S434).

Similarly, in step S430, if none of the up, down, left, and right four-way buttons is pressed (NO in step S430), system control unit 50 determines whether the SET button has been pressed (step S435). If the SET button has not been pressed (NO to the step S435), the system controller 50 returns to the step S412. On the other hand, when the SET button is pressed (YES in step S435), system control unit 50 determines whether any of left and right cursor movement keys 506 and 507 is focused (step S436).

When one of cursor movement keys 506 and 507 is focused (YES in step S436), system control unit 50 moves the cursor position by one character according to the instruction of the cursor movement key (step S437). Here, for example, when the right cursor movement key is focused while the conversion candidate 604 shown in FIG. 6 is selected, the system control unit 50 selects the right phrase 612. That is, the system control unit 50 selects a conversion candidate for the next clause. Then, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S412.

In step S433, if neither of the cursor movement keys 506 and 507 is focused (NO in step S433), the system control unit 50 determines whether the erase key 508 is focused (step S438). If the erase key 508 is focused (YES in step S438), the system control unit 50 erases the one phonetic character in which the cursor is positioned (step S439). Then, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S402.

Similarly, in step S436, if neither of the cursor movement keys 506 and 507 is focused (NO in step S436), the system control unit 50 determines whether the erase key 508 is focused (step S440). ). If the erase key 508 is focused (YES in step S440), the system control unit 50 restores the original conversion of the conversion candidate displayed in the text area 501 (step S441). Then, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S402.

If the erase key 508 is not focused in step S438 (NO in step S438), the system control unit 50 selects the hiragana of the focus position as an input character (step S442). That is, here, since it is determined that the focus is on one of the hiragana keys 504, the system control unit 50 selects the focused hiragana as an input character. After that, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S402.

If the erase key 508 is not focused in step S440 (NO in step S440), the system control unit 50 determines all the conversion candidates displayed in the text area 501. Then, the system control unit 50 selects the focused hiragana as an input character (step S443). That is, here, it is possible to input characters using the cross button and the SET button even during character conversion. As a result, a new character can be input by omitting the operation of pressing the character string confirmation button during character conversion. After that, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S402.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to select two types of conversion modes, that is, Kanji conversion and predictive input, by using the two operation members of the TELE button and the WIDE button. Further, the next conversion candidate and the previous conversion candidate can be selected after the conversion mode transition, and the character input can be efficiently performed without increasing the number of operation members.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a camera equipped with the character input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the camera according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In the second embodiment, one of the two types of conversion modes is a kana-kanji conversion mode for Japanese character input, and the other conversion mode is a conversion range changing mode. Then, in the conversion range changing mode, the conversion candidate selecting operation is a conversion target range changing operation.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining an example of character input processing performed by a camera provided with the character input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The process according to the illustrated flowchart is performed by the system control unit 50 by loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing the program.

In the camera according to the second embodiment, character input processing is performed as described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. However, since some of the processing is different, in FIG. 7, the different processing is described for convenience. Is shown. Further, in FIG. 7, the same steps as the steps of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are designated by the same reference numerals.

If the TELE button is not continuously pressed down for 1 second or longer in step S409 (NO in step S409), the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S410. When the TELE button is continuously pressed down for 1 second or longer in step S414 (YES in step S414), the system control unit 50 continuously selects the next conversion candidate according to the pressing time (step S721). Then, when the pressing of the TELE button is completed, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S412.

In step S423, if the WIDE button is continuously pressed for 1 second or longer (YES in step S423), system control unit 50 continuously selects the previous conversion candidate according to the pressing time (step S722). Then, when the pressing of the WIDE button is completed, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S412.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining another example of character input processing performed by a camera provided with the character input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The process according to the illustrated flowchart is performed by the system control unit 50 by loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing the program.

In the camera according to the second embodiment, the character input process is performed as described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, but a part of the process is different. Therefore, in FIG. 8, the different process is described for convenience. Is shown. Further, in FIG. 8, the same steps as those in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are designated by the same reference numerals.

In step S420, if the WIDE button is not continuously pressed for 1 second or more (NO in step S420), the system control unit 50 clearly indicates to the user that the conversion range change mode has been entered from the input of reading. To do. Here, for example, the system control unit 50 reverses the conversion range and changes the character color of the reading in the conversion range from black to white (step S821). For example, when transitioning to the conversion range change mode, the system control unit 50 reversely displays the conversion range 613 shown in FIG. 6 as the conversion range 616. After that, the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S413.

If the TELE button is not continuously depressed for 1 second or longer in step S414 (NO in step S414), the system control unit 50 expands the selected conversion range by one character (step S822). Then, the system control unit 50 returns to the processing of step S413. On the other hand, when the TELE button is continuously pressed for 1 second or longer (YES in step S414), the system control unit 50 expands the selected conversion range to the maximum (step S823). Then, the system control unit 50 returns to the processing of step S413.

When the menu button is pressed down in step S426 (YES in step S426), system control unit 50 determines the reading in the conversion range (step S824). Then, the system control unit 50 proceeds to the processing of step S827 described below.

In step S436, when one of the cursor movement keys 506 and 507 is focused (YES in step S436), the system control unit 50 expands or reduces the conversion range according to the instruction of the cursor movement key ( Step S825). For example, when the right cursor movement key is focused, the system control unit 50 sets the conversion range 608 shown in FIG. 6 as the conversion range 602. Then, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S413.

If the erase key 508 is focused in step S440 (YES in step S440), the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S827 to be described later. On the other hand, if the erase key 508 is not focused (NO in step S440), the system control unit 50 determines all the readings in the conversion range and selects the focused hiragana as an input character (step S826). Then, the system control unit 50 returns the display of the conversion range and the reading to the normal state in order to clearly indicate to the user that the conversion range changing mode is returned to the mode for inputting the reading (step S827). After that, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S402 shown in FIG. 4A.

If the WIDE button is not continuously pressed for 1 second or longer in step S423 (NO in step S423), the system control unit 50 reduces the conversion range being selected by one character (step S828). Then, the system control unit 50 returns to the processing of step S413. On the other hand, when the WIDE button is continuously pressed for 1 second or more (YES in step S423), system control unit 50 reduces the conversion range being selected to the minimum (step S829). Then, the system control unit 50 returns to the processing of step S413.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, kanji conversion, selection of conversion candidates, and change of conversion range can be performed with only two operation members of the TELE button and the WIDE button. As a result, it is possible to efficiently input characters without increasing the number of operating members. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when changing the conversion range, it is necessary to press and hold the operating member for a long time, but in the second embodiment, normal pressing (pressing for less than 1 second) may be performed. .. Therefore, the user can easily change the conversion range.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the Chinese character conversion processing is performed by operating the TELE button and the WIDE button has been described, but other operation members may be used. For example, the two conversion operation keys may be displayed on the soft keyboard, or a set of up/down buttons or a set of left/right buttons may be used. In particular, if a pair of operating members is used, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that the operating members are a set, and the Chinese character conversion operation can be intuitively performed.

Further, the two types of operations may be clockwise and counterclockwise operations of the controller wheel. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller wheel is arranged in the vicinity of the up, down, left, and right four-way buttons used for character input and the SET button. Therefore, the moving distance of the finger for performing the character input and the conversion operation is shortened, and the user can perform the operation quickly. Further, the conversion operations assigned to the pair of operation members may be exchanged.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, after transition to the conversion mode, the next or previous candidate of the conversion candidate being selected is selected by two operations, but the operation is not limited to such operation. For example, when displaying conversion candidates in a list over multiple pages, pressing the TELE button selects the candidate next to the selected candidate, and pressing the WIDE button switches to the next page. The first conversion candidate of may be selected. As a result, the conversion candidates are displayed in a list, so that the list is improved and the user can more efficiently search for a desired conversion candidate.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the character input application is called by the copyright holder name input application, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the face information and the name of an individual may be registered, and the individual authentication function of giving priority to the individual may be used. Then, a comment posting function or a tagging function of adding a comment or a tag to the recorded still image and posting it on the Internet may be used. In particular, in the function of inputting a sentence such as comment posting, it is highly possible that the number of times Kanji conversion is performed is high compared to other functions in which the input of words is the center. The operation becomes easy.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the two conversion modes are the Kanji conversion mode and the predictive input mode, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a normal kanji conversion mode and a kanji conversion mode with a learning function for learning the conversion candidates selected and confirmed by the user and reflecting them in the next generation of conversion candidate groups may be used.

In the above embodiments, Japanese character input was described as an example, but other languages that handle Kanji may be used. For example, it can be applied to input characters such as Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese. Further, it may be a language that handles Latin. That is, English, French, Italian, or Spanish may be used. In the case of Latin, one of the two conversion modes may be used for predictive input, and the other may be used for conversion into additional characters and ligatures. For example, when the character "a" is used as a phonetic one, one conversion candidate group is "act", "any", etc., and the local conversion candidate group is the additional characters "a", "a", "a", or Characters such as "a" and "A". This makes it possible to apply the above-described embodiment to character input in a Latin character-speaking language.

In the above-described embodiment, the guidance is given to the user by the icon and the character string, but the text may be displayed in the pop-up window to give the guidance. If the guidance is provided in sentences, the content of the guidance can be more accurately conveyed to the user.

In the above-described embodiment, the classification display of each character string is displayed with an underline or a frame, but since it is sufficient to distinguish each character string, the roles of the underline and the frame may be switched. Furthermore, you may make it distinguish by blinking and non-blinking. Furthermore, you may make it distinguish using a color. By blinking or using a plurality of colors, the user can more intuitively understand the state of the character string.

In the above-described embodiment, the character string is confirmed by pressing down the menu button, but it may be confirmed by pressing the shutter button halfway. Since the shutter button is arranged near the zoom lever, it is possible to reduce the moving distance of the finger when performing the conversion operation and the confirmation operation, and it is possible to perform the operation more quickly.

Although the left and right cursor movement keys and the erase key have been described as the keys of the soft keyboard in the above embodiment, other operation members may be used. If assigned to another operating member, the number of keys of the soft keyboard can be reduced and the area of each key can be increased. As a result, not only the visibility of each key is improved, but also it is possible to reduce the erroneous operation of the key when operating the touch panel.

In the above-described embodiment, the process of returning the conversion candidates to the original kanji is performed by pressing and holding the TELE button or the WIDE button, but other processes may be performed. For example, a long press may select a phrase different from the selected phrase, or a process of directly switching between the two conversion modes may be performed. In addition, the above-described continuous selection of conversion candidates and batch expansion/contraction of conversion ranges may be assigned, but other processing may be performed. For example, the conversion modes may be directly switched to each other, or a phrase different from the phrase being selected may be selected. Then, the above-mentioned operation may be performed by another operation member.

As is clear from the above description, in the example shown in FIG. 1, at least the system control unit 50, the operation unit 70, and the display unit 28 form a character input device. Further, the operation unit 70 and the system control unit 50 function as a designation unit, and the system control unit 50 functions as a conversion control unit that selects a conversion candidate based on a predetermined rule. The system control unit 50 also functions as an inverse conversion unit.

Note that the various controls described as being performed by the system control unit 50 may be performed by one piece of hardware or may be performed by a plurality of pieces of hardware to control the entire apparatus. ..

Although the present invention has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various embodiments within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. included. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of the present invention, and the embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

Further, although cases have been described with the above embodiment as examples where the present invention is applied to a digital camera, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the present invention is applicable to an electronic device such as a personal computer, a PDA, or a mobile phone terminal that has an operation member that can input characters, a display unit that can display a character input result, and two operation members that assign the above conversion operation. is there. In particular, the present invention is applicable to portable image viewers, printer devices including displays, digital photo frames, music players, game consoles, electronic book readers, and other electronic devices that do not include operation members specialized for character input.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention provides a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and a process of reading and executing the program by one or more processors of a computer of the system or apparatus. But it is possible. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

22 image pickup unit 24 image processing unit 28 display unit 50 system control unit 52 system memory 56 non-volatile memory 60 mode selection switch 61 shutter button 70 operation unit 72 power switch

Claims (11)

A character input means for inputting characters,
Designation means for designating a conversion range for the character string input by the character input means,
First generation means for generating a first conversion candidate group based on a character string in the conversion range;
Second generation means for generating a second conversion candidate group based on the character string in the conversion range;
A first operation member for performing a first operation;
A second operation member for performing a second operation;
A conversion control unit that controls conversion of a character string in the conversion range according to the first and second operations,
The conversion control means,
When the first operation is performed when one or more characters are input by the character input means, the first conversion candidate belonging to the first conversion candidate group is selected, and then the first operation is performed. a conversion candidates belonging to the first conversion candidate group in response to the performed, based on a predetermined rule as viewed from conversion candidates of the currently selected one of the first conversion candidate group and the following conversion candidate While the selected conversion candidates are selected, the conversion candidates that belong to the first conversion candidate group in response to the second operation being performed, and are based on the predetermined rule in the first conversion candidate group. viewed from conversion candidates of the currently selected and select the conversion candidate as a conversion candidate before based on the predetermined rule,
When the second operation is performed when one or more characters are input by the character input unit, the first conversion candidate in the second conversion candidate group is selected, and then the first operation is performed. a conversion candidates belonging to the second conversion candidate group depending on the carried out, said based on a predetermined rule as viewed from conversion candidates of the currently selected one of the second conversion candidate group and the following conversion candidate While the selected conversion candidates are selected, the conversion candidates that belong to the second conversion candidate group in response to the second operation being performed and are currently selected from the second conversion candidate group. In view of the above , the character input device is characterized in that a conversion candidate which becomes a previous conversion candidate is selected based on the predetermined rule . It said specifying means, the character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a conversion range changing means for further changing the conversion range. The character input device according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising an inverse conversion unit for returning to a character string before conversion of conversion candidates is started. The first conversion candidate group is a Kanji conversion candidate for a character string in the conversion range, and the second conversion candidate group is a predictive input candidate for a character string in the conversion range. The character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . A character input means for inputting characters,
Designation means for designating or changing the conversion range for the character string input by the character input means,
Generating means for generating a conversion candidate group based on the character string in the conversion range;
A first operation member for performing a first operation,
A second operation member for performing a second operation,
A conversion control unit that controls conversion of a character string in the conversion range according to the first and second operations,
The conversion control means,
When the first operation is performed when one or more characters are input by the character input means, the first conversion candidate belonging to the conversion candidate group is selected, and then the first operation is performed. Accordingly, the conversion candidates belonging to the conversion candidate group are selected from among the conversion candidates currently selected in the conversion candidate group based on a predetermined rule, while the conversion candidates to be the next conversion candidates are selected. It is a conversion candidate belonging to the conversion candidate group in response to the second operation being performed, and becomes a previous conversion candidate among the conversion candidates currently selected in the conversion candidate group based on the predetermined rule. When a conversion candidate is selected and the second operation is performed when one or more characters are input by the character input unit, the conversion unit changes to a mode in which the conversion range is changed, and then the first When the operation 1 is performed, the conversion range is expanded from the range currently designated by the designating means, and when the second operation is performed, the range is currently designated by the designating means. Character input device characterized by narrowing the range. When one or more characters are input by the character input means and the first operation is performed for a first operation time longer than a predetermined time after the first operation is performed, the first operation is performed. When the second conversion candidate of the conversion candidates of the currently selected conversion candidates is continuously selected according to the operation time of, and the second operation is performed for a second operation time longer than a predetermined time, The character input device according to claim 5 , further comprising a conversion unit that continuously selects a conversion candidate before a conversion candidate of the currently selected conversion candidates according to the second operation time. If the first operation continues to be operated for longer than a predetermined time before the conversion of the character string is started, the designating unit selects a conversion range based on a predetermined rule and then performs the second operation. There when continued to be operated longer than the predetermined time, the plants character input device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the selecting the character string different conversion ranges and conversion range based on the constant rule .. A method for controlling a character input device having a first operation member for performing a first operation and a second operation member for performing a second operation, comprising:
A character input step for inputting characters,
A designation step of designating a conversion range for the character string input in the character input step,
A first generation step of generating a first conversion candidate group based on a character string in the conversion range;
A second generation step of generating a second conversion candidate group based on the character string in the conversion range;
A conversion control step of controlling conversion of a character string in the conversion range according to the first and second operations,
In the conversion control step,
When the first operation is performed when one or more characters are input in the character input step, the first conversion candidate belonging to the first conversion candidate group is selected, and then the first operation is performed. Is a conversion candidate belonging to the first conversion candidate group in response to the execution of the above, and becomes the next conversion candidate based on a predetermined rule from the viewpoint of the currently selected conversion candidate in the first conversion candidate group. while selecting a conversion candidate from the said in response to the second operation is performed first a conversion candidates belonging to the conversion candidate group, conversion candidates in the current selection of the first conversion candidate group Select the conversion candidate that is the previous conversion candidate based on the predetermined rule ,
When the second operation is performed when one or more characters are input in the character input step, the first conversion candidate in the second conversion candidate group is selected, and then the first operation is performed. It is a conversion candidate belonging to the second conversion candidate group according to what is performed, and becomes the next conversion candidate based on the predetermined rule in view of the conversion candidate currently selected in the second conversion candidate group. while selecting a conversion candidate, a conversion candidate belonging to the second conversion candidate group in response to said second operation is performed, the conversion candidates currently selected one of the second conversion candidate group A control method characterized by selecting a conversion candidate as a previous conversion candidate based on the predetermined rule . A method for controlling a character input device having a first operation member for performing a first operation and a second operation member for performing a second operation, comprising:
A character input step for inputting characters,
A specifying step of specifying or changing a conversion range for the character string input in the character input step;
A generation step of generating a conversion candidate group based on the character string in the conversion range;
A conversion control step of controlling conversion of a character string in the conversion range according to the first and second operations,
In the conversion control step,
When the first operation is performed when one or more characters are input in the character input step, the first conversion candidate belonging to the conversion candidate group is selected, and then the first operation is performed. a conversion candidates belonging to the conversion candidate group depending on, while selecting the conversion candidate having the next conversion candidate based on a predetermined rule as viewed from the conversion candidates currently selected among the conversion candidate group, the second a conversion candidate operation is that belonging to the conversion candidate group depending on the place, conversion candidates based on the predetermined rule of the conversion candidates in the current selection of the conversion candidate group the previous conversion candidate Select
When the second operation is performed when one or more characters are input in the character input step, the conversion range is changed to a mode in which the conversion range is changed in the designation step, and then the first operation is performed. Accordingly, the conversion range is expanded from the range currently specified in the specification step, and the conversion range is narrowed from the range currently specified in the specification step in response to the second operation being performed. And control method. A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . Computer, claims 1 to 7 any one storing a computer-readable storage medium a program for causing to function as each means of the character input device according to the.

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