JP7601063B2 - Input support device, input support method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an input support device, an input support method, and a program.

Scientific calculators that accept input of mathematical expressions and perform calculations are known. Scientific calculators that display the location of an error if there is a syntax error in the input mathematical expression are known. For example, there is a known electronic calculator that changes the normal display of an error in an input mathematical expression to an underlined and bold highlighted display, and displays the rest of the expression normally (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-107772 A

However, in the electronic computer described in Patent Document 1, the highlighted information becomes too crowded on the display screen, which can make the location of the error difficult to see and difficult to understand intuitively.

The objective of this invention is to display the error location in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner while making it easy to see.

In order to solve the above problem, an input support device according to the present invention comprises a detection means for detecting an error in an input formula, and a display control means for, when an error is detected by the detection means, displaying a cursor indicating an input position at a position corresponding to the error position and displaying a correction candidate corresponding to the error position on a line different from the formula, and lowering the display contrast of other portions in the formula while maintaining the display contrast of the error position in the formula, wherein the display control means lowers the display contrast of the other portions while maintaining the display contrast of the error position by bringing the display density of the formula at the other portions closer to the display density of the background of the formula without changing the display density of the background of the formula and the display density of the formula at the error position, and displays the display contrast of the correction candidate in a state where it is further lowered than the display contrast of the other portions in the formula so that the correction candidate is identifiable as being in a non-selected state while the cursor is displayed at the position corresponding to the error position .
Further, an input support method according to the present invention is an input support method executed by an input support device, and includes a detection step of detecting an error location in an input formula, and a display control step of, when an error location is detected in the detection step, displaying a cursor indicating an input position at a position corresponding to the error location and displaying a correction candidate corresponding to the error location on a line different from the formula, and lowering the display contrast of other locations in the formula while maintaining the display contrast of the error location in the formula , wherein the display control step lowers the display contrast of the other locations while maintaining the display contrast of the error location by bringing the display density of the formula at the other locations closer to the display density of the background of the formula without changing the display density of the background of the formula and the display density of the formula at the error location, and displays the display contrast of the correction candidate in a state further lowered than the display contrast of the other locations in the formula so that the correction candidate can be identified as in a non-selected state while the cursor is displayed at the position corresponding to the error location .
The program according to the present invention also includes a program for causing a computer to include a detection unit for detecting an error in an input formula, and when an error is detected by the detection unit, a cursor indicating an input position is displayed at a position corresponding to the error, and the error is corrected.
the display control means functions as a display control means for displaying a correction candidate corresponding to a certain error location on a line different from that of the formula, and for lowering the display contrast of other locations in the formula while maintaining the display contrast of the error location in the formula, the display control means lowering the display contrast of the other locations while maintaining the display contrast of the error location by bringing the display density of the formula at the other locations closer to the display density of the background of the formula without changing the display density of the background of the formula and the display density of the formula at the error location, and displaying the display contrast of the correction candidate in a state where it is further lowered than the display contrast of the other locations in the formula so that the correction candidate can be identified as being in a non-selected state while the cursor is displayed at a position corresponding to the error location .

The present invention makes it possible to display the location of errors in an easy-to-see and intuitive manner.

1 is a front view of an electronic desk calculator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic desk calculator. 11 is a flowchart showing a first calculation and display process. 1A is a diagram showing a display screen of a first specific example of an embodiment; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a display screen of a first specific example of an embodiment; FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a display screen of a first specific example of an embodiment; FIG. 1D is a diagram showing a display screen of a first specific example of an embodiment; FIG. 1E is a diagram showing a display screen of a first specific example of an embodiment. 1A is a diagram showing a display screen of a second specific example of an embodiment; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a display screen of a second specific example of an embodiment; FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a display screen of a second specific example of an embodiment; FIG. 1D is a diagram showing a display screen of a second specific example of an embodiment; FIG. 1E is a diagram showing a display screen of a second specific example of an embodiment; 13 is a flowchart showing a second calculation and display process. 1A is a diagram showing a display screen of a first modified example; 1B is a diagram showing a display screen of a first modified example; 1C is a diagram showing a display screen of a first modified example; 1D is a diagram showing a display screen of a first modified example; 1E is a diagram showing a display screen of a first modified example; 1A is a diagram showing a display screen of a first modified example, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a display screen of a first modified example, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a display screen of a first modified example. 13 is a flowchart showing a third calculation and display process. 1A is a diagram showing a display screen of a first specific example of the second modified example; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a display screen of the first specific example of the second modified example; FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a display screen of the first specific example of the second modified example; FIG. 1D is a diagram showing a display screen of the first specific example of the second modified example; FIG. 1E is a diagram showing a display screen of the first specific example of the second modified example; and FIG. 1F is a diagram showing a display screen of the first specific example of the second modified example. 1A is a diagram showing a display screen of a second specific example of the second modified example; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a display screen of a second specific example of the second modified example; FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a display screen of a second specific example of the second modified example; and FIG. 1D is a diagram showing a display screen of a second specific example of the second modified example.

The embodiment and the first and second modified examples of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiment and the first and second modified examples described below are subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for implementing the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, the first and second modified examples, and the illustrated examples described below.

(Embodiment)
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5(e). First, the device configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view of an electronic desk calculator 1 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic desk calculator 1.

The electronic desk calculator 1 serving as the input support device in this embodiment is a so-called scientific calculator. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic desk calculator 1 includes an operation unit 12 having various keys and a display unit 14.

The operation unit 12 is a group of keys for receiving input operations of numerical values, calculation symbols, and other mathematical components from the user, and for receiving instructions for various processes, and is equipped with a number of keys to which a unique function is assigned, respectively. In this embodiment, the operation unit 12 includes a numeric keypad 20a, calculation keys 20b, correction keys 20c, function keys 20d, an up arrow key 21, a down arrow key 22, a right arrow key 23, a left arrow key 24, a decision key 25, an "=" key 26, various function keys 20e, and the like.

The numeric keypad 20a is used to input numeric values and includes the "0" to "9" keys. The calculation keys 20b are used to input operators and include the "+", "-", "x" and "÷" keys. The correction keys 20c are used to input corrections to displayed numeric values and formulas and include a DEL (Delete) key to delete a single character and an AC (All Clear) key to delete all. The function keys 20d are used to input various functions.

The up arrow key 21, down arrow key 22, right arrow key 23, and left arrow key 24 are keys that are pressed when moving the position to be edited or selected on the display unit 14, or the cursor indicating these positions, in a predetermined direction, and these keys are collectively referred to as cursor keys.

The decision key 25 is a key that accepts input of decision (OK) for various processes such as selection and transition related to the display information displayed on the display unit 14. The "=" key 26 is a key that accepts input of an equal sign in a mathematical formula displayed on the display unit 14, and functions as an execution key that accepts input of an instruction to execute a mathematical calculation (calculation instruction).

The function keys 20e are keys that accept input of various functions, and include a shift key, menu key, power key, etc.

The display unit 14 is composed of a display panel such as a dot-matrix LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various data such as characters, codes, symbols, formulas, and calculation results in response to operations of the operation unit 12, etc., on a white background. In this embodiment, the display unit 14 is capable of displaying information in four gradations (display density, grayscale color) on a white background: black, dark gray, light gray, and white (no display). Hereinafter, "black on a white background" will be simply expressed as "black", "dark gray on a white background" will be simply expressed as "dark gray", and "light gray on a white background" will be simply expressed as "light gray". The number of gradations in the display mode of the display unit 14 may be 3 or 5 or more.

Regarding the display mode (four gradations) on the display unit 14, the lighter the display density of the information (characters) (black → white), the more restrained the display mode is expressed. In other words, the lower the contrast (difference in display density) of the display color of the characters against the white background, the more restrained the display mode (contrast) of the characters is expressed. Note that the operation unit 12 may be integrally provided on the display panel of the display unit 14 and may include a touch panel that accepts touch input.

Next, the internal functional configuration of the electronic desk calculator 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic desk calculator 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a detection means and display control means, an operation unit 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a display unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The various parts of the electronic desk calculator 1 are connected via a bus 16.

The CPU 11 controls each part of the electronic desk calculator 1. The CPU 11 reads out a specified program from among the various programs stored in the memory unit 15, expands it in the RAM 13, and executes various processes in cooperation with the expanded program.

The operation unit 12 has a number of keys such as a numeric keypad 20a, calculation keys 20b, correction keys 20c, function keys 20d, cursor keys (up arrow key 21, down arrow key 22, right arrow key 23, left arrow key 24), decision key 25, "=" key 26, and various function keys 20e, and accepts operation input from the user via the various keys and outputs the operation information to the CPU 11.

RAM 13 is a volatile semiconductor memory that can read and write information, provides a work area for CPU 11, and temporarily stores data and programs.

The display unit 14 displays various display information input from the CPU 11 and the like on the display screen of the display panel in four gradation display modes.

The storage unit 15 is a storage unit that is configured with a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like, is capable of reading out information, and stores various data and programs. In particular, the storage unit 15 stores a first calculation display program P1 for executing a first calculation display process described below.

Next, the operation of the electronic desk calculator 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5(e). Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the first calculation display process. Fig. 4(a) is a diagram showing a display screen 30a of the first specific example. Fig. 4(b) is a diagram showing a display screen 30b of the first specific example. Fig. 4(c) is a diagram showing a display screen 30c of the first specific example. Fig. 4(d) is a diagram showing a display screen 30d of the first specific example. Fig. 4(e) is a diagram showing a display screen 30e of the first specific example. Fig. 5(a) is a diagram showing a display screen 40a of the second specific example. Fig. 5(b) is a diagram showing a display screen 40b of the second specific example. Fig. 5(c) is a diagram showing a display screen 40c of the second specific example. Fig. 5(d) is a diagram showing a display screen 40d of the second specific example. Fig. 5(e) is a diagram showing a display screen 40e of the second specific example.

In the electronic desk calculator 1, for example, when the power key of the function key 20e of the operation unit 12 is pressed to turn the power on, the CPU 11 reads the first calculation display program P1 from the memory unit 15 and executes the first calculation display process according to the first calculation display program P1 that has been read.

First, the CPU 11 accepts input of a formula from the user via the operation unit 12, and displays the input formula in black on the display unit 14 (step S11). In step S11, a black cursor is blinking at the input location on the display screen for formula input. The CPU 11 then determines whether or not the "=" key 26, which indicates the end of input of the formula and an instruction to perform a calculation, has been pressed (step S12). If the "=" key 26 has not been pressed (step S12; NO), the process proceeds to step S11.

When the "=" key 26 is pressed (step S12; YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a syntax error in the displayed formula (step S13). A syntax error is an error in the syntax of the formula, such as an error in consecutive input of operators (for example, "~÷×~"). Strictly speaking, there are other types of errors in formulas besides syntax errors, such as calculation errors in which the calculation result exceeds the calculation range or mathematical errors (such as division by 0), but in this embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, we will consider determining only syntax errors as errors.

If there is a syntax error (step S13; YES), the CPU 11 displays "Syntax ERROR" in black on the display unit 14 to indicate that there is a syntax error in the formula, and "Back" (e.g., inverted display) indicating that input to return to the formula display is accepted (step S14). Input of Back is accepted by pressing the decision key 25 or the "=" key 26.

Then, the CPU 11 accepts an input from the user via the decision key 25 or the "=" key 26 to return to the mathematical formula display (step S15). The CPU 11 then displays in black on the display unit 14 any error points in the input mathematical formula that were determined to be syntax errors in step S13, and displays the non-error points in a dark gray that is more subdued than black (step S16). There may be not only one error point in the mathematical formula, but also multiple errors.

Then, the CPU 11 moves the cursor "|" to the first error location (if there is only one error location in the formula, this error location is displayed as a blinking black character (step S17). The CPU 11 then accepts input to correct the displayed formula via the operation unit 12 (step S18). In step S18, for example, input to move the cursor is accepted by input of the cursor keys (up arrow key 21 to left arrow key 24), input to delete unnecessary error locations is accepted by input of the DEL key of the correction keys 20c, and input of necessary operators, etc. is accepted by input of the calculation keys 20b, etc.

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the "=" key 26 has been input (step S19). If the "=" key 26 has not been input (step S19; NO), the process proceeds to step S18. If the "=" key 26 has been input (step S19; YES), the process proceeds to step S13.

If there is no syntax error (step S13; NO), the CPU 11 executes the calculation of the displayed formula, displays the formula and the calculation result in black on the display unit 14 (step S20), and ends the first calculation display process.

Now, with reference to Fig. 4(a) to Fig. 6(e), two specific examples of the first calculation display process will be described. As a first specific example of the first calculation display process, consider the case where, after the start of the first calculation display process, for example, the formula "6÷×6" is input in step S11 as shown in Fig. 4(a) and the display screen 30a is displayed on the display unit 14. The display screen 30a has the formula "6÷×6" in black. In this formula, "÷×" is a syntax error location, as it is a sequence of operators.

When the "=" key 26 is pressed in step S12, it is determined in step S13 that there is a syntax error in the displayed formula, and as shown in FIG. 4(b), the display screen 30b is displayed in step S14. The display screen 30b has "Syntax ERROR" in black and "Back" in inverted black.

Then, when the decision key 25 or the "=" key 26 is pressed in step S15, the display screen 30c is displayed in steps S16 and S17, as shown in FIG. 4(c). The display screen 30c has a dark gray "6", a black error part "÷×", and another dark gray "6" as a series of mathematical expressions. Also, on the display screen 30c, a black cursor "|" is displayed moved to the middle position of the error part "÷×". This avoids significant movement of the cursor to the error part to be corrected in step S18, making it easier to correct the error part.

Then, in step S18, the user presses the right arrow key 23 and the DEL key of the correction keys 20c to delete the "x" in the error part "÷x", and the display screen 30d is displayed as shown in FIG. 4(d). The display screen 30d has a series of formulas, including a dark gray "6", a black corrected error part "÷", and a dark gray "6". Then, in step S19, when the "=" key 26 is pressed, the process moves to step S13, it is determined that there is no syntax error in the displayed formula, and in step S20, a display screen 30e of the calculation result is displayed on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 4(e). The display screen 30e has a black formula "6÷6" and a black calculation result "1".

Next, as a second specific example of the first calculation display process, as shown in FIG. 5(a), consider a case where, for example, the formula "6÷×6+9×÷3" is input in step S11 and the display screen 40a is displayed on the display unit 14. The display screen 40a has the black formula "6÷×6+9×÷3". In this formula, the two places "÷×" and "×÷" have consecutive operators, which is an error location of a syntax error.

When the "=" key 26 is pressed in step S12, it is determined in step S13 that the displayed formula contains a syntax error, and the display screen 40b is displayed in step S14 as shown in FIG. 5(b). The display screen 40b has a black "Syntax ERROR" and a black inverted "Back". When the decision key 25 or the "=" key 26 is pressed in step S15, the display screen 40c is displayed in steps S16 and S17 as shown in FIG. 5(c). The display screen 40c has a dark gray "6", a black error part "÷×", a dark gray "6+9", a black error part "×÷", and a dark gray "3" as a series of formulas. In addition, the black cursor "|" is moved to the middle position of the first error part "÷×" and displayed on the display screen 40c.

Then, in step S18, the user presses the right arrow key 23 and the DEL key of the correction keys 20c to delete the "x" from the first error location "÷x". Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5(d), in step S18, the user presses the right arrow key 23 and the DEL key of the correction keys 20c to delete the "÷" from the second error location "×÷", and the display screen 40d is displayed. The display screen 40d has a series of mathematical expressions: a dark gray "6", a black corrected error location "÷", a dark gray "6+9", a black corrected error location "x", and a dark gray "3".

When the "=" key 26 is pressed in step S19, the process moves to step S13, where it is determined that there is no syntax error in the displayed formula, and as shown in FIG. 5(e), in step S20, a display screen 40e of the calculation result is displayed on the display unit 14. The display screen 40e has the black formula "6÷6+9×3" and the black calculation result "28".

As described above, according to this embodiment, the electronic desk calculator 1 is equipped with a CPU 11 that detects an error in an input formula (e.g., "6÷×6") and, when an error (e.g., "÷×") is detected, switches the display mode of other parts of the formula (e.g., "6", "6") to a more restrained display mode (dark gray) while maintaining the display mode of the error (maintaining it black), as shown on the display screen 30b displayed on the display unit 14, for example.

As a result, the display format of the error location is maintained, making it easier to see than a configuration in which the error location is changed to bold and underlined, resulting in a crowded display, while the display format of other locations is switched to a more subdued display format than the error location, allowing the error location to be reliably distinguished from other locations and the error location to be grasped instantly, resulting in an intuitively easy-to-understand display. In addition, the time required for the entire calculation of the formula (from inputting the formula to displaying the calculation result) can be shortened. Furthermore, even if the formula is long, one or more (especially multiple) error locations can be grasped instantly.

The CPU 11 also detects errors in a formula when an instruction to calculate the formula (the "=" key 26) is entered. This allows errors to be corrected all at once when an instruction to calculate the formula is entered, reducing the burden on the user.

The CPU 11 also detects errors in the corrected formula based on the input for correcting the errors, and if there are no errors in the corrected formula, it performs calculations on the corrected formula and displays the calculation results. This makes it possible to display accurate calculation results for a formula without errors, and allows the user to reliably recognize that there are no errors in the formula by visually checking the calculation results.

The display mode of the formula is the contrast (the difference in the display density of the characters against the white background). The contrast of the areas other than the error area (dark gray) is lower than the contrast of the error area (black). This makes it possible to use a display unit 14 that can change the contrast of the characters against the white background, and the cost of the electronic desk calculator 1 can be reduced compared to using a color display unit. In particular, even when the display color is limited to one color, black (including grays with different display densities) against a white background, the error area can be easily seen and displayed in an intuitively easy-to-understand manner.

(First Modification)
A first modified example of the above embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8(c). Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the second calculation display process. Figure 7(a) is a diagram showing a display screen 50a. Figure 7(b) is a diagram showing a display screen 50b. Figure 7(c) is a diagram showing a display screen 50c. Figure 7(d) is a diagram showing a display screen 50d. Figure 7(e) is a diagram showing a display screen 50e. Figure 8(a) is a diagram showing a display screen 50f. Figure 8(b) is a diagram showing a display screen 50g. Figure 8(c) is a diagram showing a display screen 50h.

In the above embodiment, the user manually corrects all errors in the formula, but in this modified example, multiple correction suggestions are displayed for errors in the formula, and the user can select and input one of the suggestions to correct the errors.

As for the device configuration of this modified example, an electronic desk calculator 1 is used, as in the above embodiment. However, instead of the first calculation display program P1, the memory unit 15 stores a second calculation display program for executing a second calculation display process, which will be described later.

Next, the operation of the electronic desk calculator 1 of this modified example will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8(c). In the electronic desk calculator 1, for example, when the power key of the function key 20e of the operation unit 12 is pressed to turn the power on, the CPU 11 reads the second calculation display program from the storage unit 15 and executes the second calculation display process according to the second calculation display program that has been read.

As shown in FIG. 6, first, steps S31 to S35 are the same as steps S11 to S15 of the first calculation display process in FIG. 3. Then, the CPU 11 selects the first error location among the error locations determined to be a syntax error in step S33 in the formula input in step S31 as the target error location (step S36). There is at least one error location in the formula.

Then, the CPU 11 displays in black on the display unit 14 any error locations in the input formula that were determined to be syntax errors in step S13, and displays non-error locations in a more subdued light gray on the display unit 14 (step S37). The CPU 11 then moves the cursor "|" to the target error location selected in step S36 (if there is only one error location in the formula, display that one error location) and displays it in blinking black, and displays multiple correction suggestions corresponding to the target error location in light gray (step S38).

The CPU 11 then accepts an alternative selection input of multiple correction candidates for the displayed formula via the operation unit 12 (step S39). The CPU 11 then displays the target error location in the displayed formula in black on the display unit 14, displays error locations other than the target error location (if there are multiple error locations) in a dark gray that is more subdued than black, and displays the correction candidate selected and input in step S39 in black on the display unit 14 (step S40).

Then, the CPU 11 corrects the displayed target error using the correction candidate selected and input in step S39 and displays it in light gray on the display unit 14 (step S41). The CPU 11 then determines whether or not there is a syntax error in the displayed formula (step S42).

If there is a syntax error (step S42; YES), the process proceeds to step S36. If there is no syntax error (step S33 or S42; NO), the process proceeds to step S43. Step S43 is the same as step S20 in FIG. 3.

Now, a specific example of the second calculation display process will be described with reference to Figs. 7(a) to 8(c). Consider the case where, after the second calculation display process is started, for example, the formula "6÷x6+9x÷3" is input in step S31 as shown in Fig. 7(a) and the display screen 50a is displayed on the display unit 14. The display screen 50a has the formula "6÷x6+9x÷3" in black. In this formula, "÷x" and "x÷" are consecutive operators and are the error points of a syntax error.

When the "=" key 26 is pressed in step S32, it is determined in step S33 that there is a syntax error in the displayed formula, and as shown in FIG. 7(b), the display screen 50b is displayed in step S34. The display screen 50b has "Syntax ERROR" in black and "Back" inverted black. When the enter key 25 or "=" key 26 is pressed in step S35, the first error location "÷×" is selected as the target error location in step S36.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7(c), display screen 50c is displayed in steps S37 and S38. Display screen 50c has a series of formulas, including a light gray "6", a black first error point (target error point) "÷×", a light gray "6+9", a black second error point "×÷", and a light gray "3". Also, on display screen 50c, a black cursor "|" is displayed, moved to the middle position of the first error point "÷×". The cursor "|" is moved to the target error point to be corrected, moving in order from the front (left) error point to the back (right) error point among all the error points in the formula.

Furthermore, the display screen 50c has a light gray "1.÷ 2.×" as a correction candidate, which corresponds to the first error location "÷×". More specifically, one of the first correction candidate "÷" and the second correction candidate "×" can be selected and input. For example, pressing the down arrow key 22 transitions to a correction candidate selection input mode, and the displayed cursor "|" is erased, pressing the right arrow key 23 or the left arrow key 24 activates one correction candidate, and pressing the enter key 25 confirms the selection of the active correction candidate.

Then, in step S39, as described above, the user presses the down arrow key 22, right arrow key 23, and left arrow key 24 to select and input the first correction candidate "÷" corresponding to the first error location (target error location). Then, as shown in FIG. 7(d), display screen 50d is displayed in step S40. Display screen 50d has a series of mathematical expressions including a light gray "6", a black first error location "÷×", a light gray "6+9", a dark gray second error location "×÷", and a light gray "3", and has as selected correction candidates the selected black first correction candidate "1.÷" corresponding to the first error location "÷×" and the unselected light gray second correction candidate "2.×". In this way, when focusing on the first target error "÷×", the second error "×÷" is displayed in dark grey in conjunction with the correction of the black target error "÷×" to make it clear that it is a different error from the black target error "÷×".

If, in step S39, the user presses the down arrow key 22, right arrow key 23, or left arrow key 24 to select and input the second correction candidate "X" corresponding to the first error location (target error location), then in step S40, display screen 50e is displayed as shown in FIG. 7(e). Display screen 50e has a series of mathematical expressions including a light gray "6", the first error location "÷X" in black, a light gray "6+9", the second error location "×÷" in dark gray, and a light gray "3", and has, as selected correction candidates, an unselected light gray second correction candidate "1.÷" corresponding to the first error location "÷X" and a selected black second correction candidate "2.X".

In step S41, the first error "÷×" in black is corrected to a light gray "÷" using the selected correction candidate "1.÷" and displayed. In step S42, because the error "×÷" remains, it is determined that there is a syntax error in the displayed formula, and the process moves to step S36.

Similarly, in step S36, the new uncorrected first (old second) error location "x÷" is selected as the target error location. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(a), in steps S37 and S38, display screen 50f is displayed. Display screen 50f has a series of mathematical expressions, including "6÷6+9" in light gray, the first error location "x÷" in black, and "3" in light gray. On display screen 50f, the target error location "x÷" returns to being displayed in black from the dark gray displayed on display screen 50d or 50e. Also, on display screen 50f, the black cursor "|" is moved to the middle position of the first error location "x÷" and displayed.

Furthermore, the display screen 50f has the light gray "1.x 2.÷" as correction candidates corresponding to the first error location "×÷". Then, in step S39, the user presses the down arrow key 22, the right arrow key 23, and the left arrow key 24 to select and input the first correction candidate "×". Then, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the display screen 50g is displayed in step S40. The display screen 50g has a series of formulas, including the light gray "6÷6+9", the black first error location "×÷", and the light gray "3", and has the selected black correction candidate "1.x" corresponding to the first error location "×÷" and the unselected light gray correction candidate "2.÷" as correction candidates that have been selected.

Then, in step S41, the first black error "x÷" is corrected to "x" using the selected correction candidate "1.x" and displayed in light gray. Then, in step S42, since there are no remaining errors, it is determined that there is no syntax error in the displayed formula, and the process moves to step S43. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(c), in step S43, a display screen 50h showing the calculation result is displayed. The display screen 50h has the black formula "6÷6+9x3" and the black calculation result "28".

As described above, according to this modified example, when an error is detected in a formula, the CPU 11 causes the display unit 14 to display correction candidates. Therefore, by selecting and inputting a correction candidate, the error in the formula can be easily and reliably corrected while reducing input errors, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

(Second Modification)
A second modified example of the above embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11(d). Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the third calculation display process. Fig. 10(a) is a diagram showing a display screen 60a of the first specific example. Fig. 10(b) is a diagram showing a display screen 60b of the first specific example. Fig. 10(c) is a diagram showing a display screen 60c of the first specific example. Fig. 10(d) is a diagram showing a display screen 60d of the first specific example. Fig. 10(e) is a diagram showing a display screen 60e of the first specific example. Fig. 10(f) is a diagram showing a display screen 60f of the first specific example. Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing a display screen 70a. Fig. 11(b) is a diagram showing a display screen 70b. Fig. 11(c) is a diagram showing a display screen 70c. Fig. 11(d) is a diagram showing a display screen 70d.

In the above embodiment, the error location is displayed and corrected when the calculation instruction for the input formula is entered, but in this modified example, the error location is displayed and corrected while the formula is being entered (before the calculation instruction is entered).

As for the device configuration of this modified example, an electronic desk calculator 1 is used, as in the above embodiment. However, instead of the first calculation display program P1, the memory unit 15 stores a third calculation display program for executing a third calculation display process, which will be described later.

Next, the operation of the electronic desk calculator 1 of this modified example will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11(d). In the electronic desk calculator 1, for example, when the power key of the function key 20e of the operation unit 12 is pressed to turn the power on, the CPU 11 reads the third calculation display program from the storage unit 15 and executes the third calculation display process according to the read third calculation display program.

As shown in FIG. 9, first, the CPU 11 accepts input of a formula from the user via the operation unit 12, and displays the input formula in a set color on the display unit 14 (step S51). The set color in step S51 is initially set to black, and then becomes the color set in steps S60 and S61 described below (dark gray or black (if black, all formulas)).

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a syntax error in the displayed formula (step S52). If there is no syntax error (step S52; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the "=" key 26 has been pressed (step S53). If the "=" key 26 has not been pressed (step S53; NO), the process proceeds to step S51.

If there is a syntax error (step S52; YES), the CPU 11 displays the error parts of the formula input in step S51 that were determined to be syntax errors in step S52 in black on the display unit 14, and displays the parts other than the error parts in a dark gray that is more subdued than black on the display unit 14 (step S54). There may be more than one error part in the formula.

Then, the CPU 11 displays, in light gray on the display unit 14, multiple correction candidates corresponding to the first error location among the error locations displayed in black in step S54 (step S55). The CPU 11 then accepts, via the operation unit 12, an input to select one of the multiple correction candidates for the formula being displayed in step S55, and determines whether or not a correction candidate has been input (step S56).

If a correction candidate has been input (step S56; YES), the CPU 11 displays the correction candidate selected and input in step S56 from among the multiple correction candidates displayed in step S55 in black on the display unit 14 (step S57). The CPU 11 then corrects the error location corresponding to the correction candidate selected and input in step S57 and displays it in dark gray on the display unit 14 (step S58).

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a syntax error in the formula corrected in step S58 (step S59). If no correction candidates are input (step S56; NO), or if there is a syntax error (step S59; YES), the CPU 11 sets dark gray as the setting color for the new formula to be input in step S51 (step S60), and proceeds to step S51. In other words, if there are errors (displayed in black) remaining in the formula in step S60, the characters of the new formula to be input in step S51 will be displayed in dark gray.

If there is no syntax error (step S59; NO), the CPU 11 sets the color of all formulas displayed during input in step S51 to black (step S61), and proceeds to step S51. In other words, if there are no errors in the formulas in step S61, all characters in formulas that have already been input and will be newly input in step S51 are displayed in black.

If the "=" key 26 is input (step S53; YES), the process proceeds to step S62. Step S62 is the same as step S20 of the first calculation display process in FIG. 3.

Next, two specific examples of the third calculation display process will be described with reference to Figures 10(a) to 11(d). As a first specific example of the third calculation display process, consider the case where, after the start of the third calculation display process, for example, a formula of "6÷x" is entered in step S51 as shown in Figure 10(a) and the display screen 60a is displayed on the display unit 14. The display screen 60a has the black formula "6÷x" and a black cursor "|" after the formula. In this formula, "÷x" is a sequence of operators and is the location of a syntax error.

Then, in step S52, it is determined that there is a syntax error in the displayed formula, and in steps S54 and S55, as shown in FIG. 10(b), display screen 60b is displayed. Display screen 60b has, as the formula, a dark gray "6" which is more restraining than black, a black error location "÷×", and a black cursor "|". Also, on display screen 60b, since the formula is being entered, the black cursor "|" does not move to the error location and is displayed after the formula.

Furthermore, the display screen 60b has a light gray "Error: 1.÷ 2.×" as a correction candidate, which corresponds to the first error location "÷×". More specifically, one of the first correction candidate "÷" and the second correction candidate "×" can be selected and input.

Then, in step S56, the user presses the down arrow key 22, right arrow key 23, and left arrow key 24 to select and input the first correction candidate "÷". Then, as shown in FIG. 10(c), in step S57, display screen 60c is displayed. Display screen 60c has a light gray "6" and a black error location "÷×" as a series of mathematical expressions, and has a black "Error:", the selected first correction candidate "1.÷" in black corresponding to the error location "÷×", and an unselected second correction candidate "2.×" in light gray as selected correction candidates.

If, in step S56, the user presses the down arrow key 22, right arrow key 23, or left arrow key 24 to select and input the second correction candidate "X" corresponding to the error location, then in step S57, display screen 60d is displayed as shown in FIG. 10(d). Display screen 60d has a light gray "6" and a black error location "÷X" as a series of mathematical expressions, and has a black "Error:", an unselected light gray first correction candidate "1.÷" corresponding to the error location "÷X", and a selected black second correction candidate "2.X" as correction candidates that have been selected.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10(d), in step S58, display screen 60e is displayed. Display screen 60e has a series of formulas, including a dark gray "6" and a dark gray "÷" after the error has been corrected by the selected correction candidate "1.÷", and a black cursor "|" after the formula. Then, in step S59, since no errors remain, it is determined that there is no syntax error in the displayed formula, and the process proceeds to step S51 via step S61. In step S51, since there are no errors, the formula following the formula "6÷", whose setting color was changed to black in step S61, is entered and displayed in black. For example, when the number "6" is entered as the following formula, the black formula "6÷6" is displayed.

Then, in step S52, it is determined that there is no syntax error in the displayed formula, and in step S53, when the "=" key 26 is entered, the formula "6÷6" is calculated in step S62, as shown in FIG. 10(f), and a display screen 60f of the calculation result is displayed on the display unit 14. The display screen 60f has the formula "6÷6" in black and the calculation result "1" in black.

Next, as a second specific example of the third calculation display process, consider the case where the formula "6÷×6 + 9×÷3" (assuming it is the full formula) is input. In the full formula, the two places where the operators "÷×" and "×÷" are consecutive are error locations due to syntax errors.

For all of the above formulas, input up to "6÷" is executed in a loop from steps S51 to S53, where the formula is input and displayed in black. Then, when "×" is input in step S51, the black formula "6÷×" is displayed, and in step S52 it is determined that there is a syntax error in the displayed formula. Then, in step S54, the dark gray "6" and the black (first) error location "÷×" are displayed as a series of formulas, and in step S55, a light gray correction suggestion "Error: 1.÷ 2.×" corresponding to the first error location "÷×" is displayed.

However, assume that no correction suggestions are input in step S56. Then, via step S60, the process moves back to step S51, where the dark grey "6" and the black "÷×" for the first error are displayed as a series of formulas, and the light grey correction suggestion "Error: 1.÷ 2.×" for the first error "÷×" remains displayed.

Similarly, the loop of steps S51 to S56 and S60 is repeated, and as shown in FIG. 11(a), when the final "3" of all the formulas is entered in step S51, display screen 70a is displayed. Display screen 70a has a series of formulas consisting of a dark grey "6", a black first error "÷×", a dark grey "6+9", a black second error "×÷", and a dark grey "3", as well as a light grey correction suggestion "Error: 1.÷ 2.×" that corresponds to the first error "÷×".

Then, when the correction candidate "1.÷" corresponding to the first error location "÷×" is input in step S56, the display screen 70b is displayed in step S57 as shown in FIG. 11(b). The display screen 70b has a series of formulas including a dark gray "6", a black first error location "÷×", a dark gray "6+9", a black second error location "×÷", and a dark gray "3", as well as a black "Error:", a selected black correction candidate "1.÷", and an unselected light gray correction candidate "2.×". Then, in step S58, the first error location "÷×" is corrected by the selected correction candidate "1.÷", and the dark gray "6", the dark gray corrected first error location "÷", the dark gray "6+9", the black second error location "×÷", and the dark gray "3" are displayed as a series of formulas.

However, in step S59, it is determined that there is a syntax error in the displayed formula due to the second error point "×÷", and the process proceeds to step S51 via step S60. In step S51, the displayed formula on the display screen does not change, and no correction suggestions corresponding to the corrected error point are displayed.

If no new input is made in step S51, it is determined in step S52 that the displayed formula contains a syntax error. In step S54, the displayed formula on the display screen remains unchanged, and in step S55, a light gray correction suggestion "Error: 1.x 2.÷" corresponding to the second error "x÷" is displayed on the display screen.

Then, when the first correction candidate "1.x" corresponding to the second error location "x÷" is entered in step S56, display screen 70c is displayed in step S57, as shown in FIG. 11(c). Display screen 70c has a series of formulas consisting of a dark gray "6", the first corrected error location "÷" in dark gray, a dark gray "6+9", the second error location "x÷" in black, and a dark gray "3", as well as a black "Error:", the selected black correction candidate "1.x", and the unselected light gray correction candidate "2.÷". Then, in step S58, the second error "×÷" is corrected using the selected correction candidate "1.×", and the dark gray "6", the dark gray corrected first error "÷", the dark gray "6+9", the dark gray corrected second error "×", and the dark gray "3" are displayed as a series of mathematical expressions.

Then, in step S59, it is determined that there is no syntax error in the displayed formula, and the process proceeds to step S51 via step S61. In step S51, a black "6", the first error point after correction "÷", a black "6+9", the second error point after correction "×", and a black "3" are displayed as a series of formulas.

If no new input is made in step S51, it is determined in step S52 that there is no syntax error in the displayed formula, and the "=" key 26 is pressed in step S53, then the calculation result display screen 70d is displayed in step S62, as shown in FIG. 11(d). The display screen 70d has the formula "6÷6+9×3" in black and the calculation result "28" in black.

As described above, according to this modified example, the CPU 11 detects errors in a formula while the formula is being input. This allows the user to check for errors at any time while the formula is being input, and allows the user to identify and correct errors at an early stage in the entire calculation of the formula (from inputting the formula to displaying the calculation result), thereby shortening the overall time required for calculating the formula. In addition, the user can correct errors each time they occur or all at once, improving the convenience of correction.

The CPU 11 also detects errors in the corrected formula based on the input of corrections to the errors while the formula is being entered, and if there are no errors in the corrected formula and an instruction to calculate the corrected formula is input, it calculates the corrected formula and displays the results of the calculation on the display unit 14. This makes it possible to display accurate calculation results for a formula without errors, and the user can reliably recognize that there are no errors in the formula by visually checking the calculation results.

In the above example, in this modified example, when determining whether a syntax error exists in the formula, the display mode of the erroneous part in the formula is maintained in black, and the display mode of the parts other than the error part is changed to a dark gray that is more restrained than black, but this is not limited to this. For example, after determining whether a syntax error exists in the formula, the display mode of the erroneous part in the formula is changed to a predetermined color (e.g., dark gray), the display mode of the parts other than the error part is changed to, for example, black, and multiple correction candidates corresponding to the error part are displayed, and after selecting and inputting the correction candidates via the operation unit 12, the display mode of the erroneous part in the formula is maintained in a predetermined color (dark gray), and the display mode of the parts other than the error part is changed to a display mode that is more restrained than the predetermined color (dark gray) (e.g., light gray).

In the above explanation, an example has been disclosed in which the storage unit 15 (ROM) is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, but this is not limiting. As other computer-readable media, non-volatile memory such as flash memory and portable recording media such as CD-ROM can be applied. In addition, carrier waves can also be applied to the present invention as a medium for providing data for the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

The description in the above embodiment is an example of the input support device, input support method, and program according to the present invention, and is not limited thereto. For example, at least two of the above embodiment, the first, and second modified examples may be appropriately combined.

In addition, in the above embodiment and modified example, when an error in a formula is detected, the display mode maintained for the error portion is the contrast of the characters against the white background, and the contrast of other portions other than the error portion is lower than the contrast of the error portion, but this is not limited to the above. For example, if the display unit 14 displays information (characters) against a black background, the display mode maintained for the error portion may be the contrast of the characters against the black background (the difference in the display density of the characters against the black background), and the contrast of other portions other than the error portion may be lower than the contrast of the error portion (for example, the characters in the error portion are white on a black background, and the characters in other portions are gray on a black background).

The display mode maintained for the error part of the formula may be the thickness of the characters to be displayed (referred to as the display thickness), and the display thickness of the other parts other than the error part may be thinner than the display thickness of the error part. The display mode maintained for the error part of the formula may be the size of the characters to be displayed (referred to as the display size), and the display size of the characters of the other parts other than the error part may be smaller than the display size of the characters of the error part. The display mode maintained for the error part of the formula may be the font of the characters to be displayed (referred to as the display font), and the display font of the characters of the other parts other than the error part may be more restrained than the display font of the characters of the error part (for example, a font of a type having a smaller number of black dots for the same characters). When the display unit 14 of the electronic desk calculator 1 is capable of displaying color display information, the display mode maintained for the error part of the formula may be the display color of the characters to be displayed (referred to as the color display color), and the color display color of the characters of the other parts other than the error part may be more restrained than the color display color of the characters of the error part (for example, a dark color).

In addition, in the above embodiment and modified example, the input support device is configured to use an electronic desk calculator 1, which is a scientific calculator, but this is not limited to this. The input support device may be any device that can input and display mathematical expressions and control the display mode, and other input support devices may be used, such as a normal electronic desk calculator, a portable device other than an electronic desk calculator, or a stationary information processing device.

Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
The inventions described in the claims originally attached to this application are set forth below. The claim numbers in the appended claims are the same as those in the claims originally attached to this application.
[Additional Notes]
<Claim 1>
A detection means for detecting an error in an input formula;
a display control means for, when an error portion is detected by the detection means, switching the display mode of the error portion to a suppressed display mode while maintaining the display mode of the error portion;
An input support device comprising:
<Claim 2>
the display control means displays correction candidates when an error location is detected by the detection means;
2. The input support device according to claim 1,
<Claim 3>
the detection means detects an error in the input mathematical expression when an instruction to execute the mathematical expression is input;
3. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein the input support device is a device that supports an input of a plurality of input signals.
<Claim 4>
The detection means detects an error location in the formula corrected based on the input of the correction of the error location,
the display control means, when there is no error in the corrected formula, performs an operation on the corrected formula and displays a result of the operation.
4. The input support device according to claim 3.
<Claim 5>
The detection means detects an error in the formula during input of the formula.
3. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein the input support device is a device that supports an input of a plurality of input signals.
<Claim 6>
The detection means detects an error portion of the formula corrected based on an input of a correction of the error portion during input of the formula,
the display control means, when the corrected formula has no error and an instruction to calculate the corrected formula has been input, performs calculation of the corrected formula and displays a result of the calculation.
6. The input support device according to claim 5,
<Claim 7>
The display aspect is contrast,
The contrast of the other portion is lower than the contrast of the error portion.
3. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein the input support device is a device that supports an input of a plurality of input signals.
<Claim 8>
A detection step of detecting an error in an input formula;
a display control step of, when an error portion is detected in the detection step, switching the display mode of the other portions in the formula to a suppressed display mode while maintaining the display mode of the error portion;
An input assistance method comprising:
<Claim 9>
Computer,
A detection means for detecting an error in an input formula;
a display control means for, when an error portion is detected by the detection means, switching the display mode of the error portion to a suppressed display mode while maintaining the display mode of the error portion;
A program to function as a

1 Electronic desk calculator 11 CPU
12 Operation section 20a Numeric keypad 20b Calculation key 20c Correction key 20d Function key 21 Up arrow key 22 Down arrow key 23 Right arrow key 24 Left arrow key 25 Confirmation key 26 "=" key 20e Function key 13 RAM
14 Display unit 15 Memory unit 16 Bus

Claims (5)

A detection means for detecting an error in an input formula;
a display control means for, when an error portion is detected by the detection means, displaying a cursor indicating an input position at a position corresponding to the error portion, displaying a correction candidate corresponding to the error portion on a line different from the mathematical formula, and lowering the display contrast of other portions in the mathematical formula while maintaining the display contrast of the error portion in the mathematical formula ;
Equipped with
The display control means
by bringing the display density of the formula in the other portion closer to the display density of the background of the formula without changing the display density of the background of the formula and the display density of the formula in the error portion, while maintaining the display contrast of the error portion and lowering the display contrast of the other portion;
and while the cursor is being displayed at the position corresponding to the error portion, the display contrast of the correction candidate is lowered further than the display contrast of the other portions in the formula so that the correction candidate can be identified as being in a non-selected state.
13. An input support device comprising: when the display control means displays the cursor at a position corresponding to the error portion, the display control means displays the cursor with a higher display contrast than the other portions where the display contrast has been reduced.
2. The input support device according to claim 1, The detection means detects an error in the formula during input of the formula.
3. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein the input support device is a device that supports an input of a plurality of input signals. An input assistance method executed by an input assistance device,
A detection step of detecting an error in an input formula;
a display control step of, when an error portion is detected in the detection step, displaying a cursor indicating an input position at a position corresponding to the error portion, displaying a correction candidate corresponding to the error portion on a line different from the mathematical formula, and lowering the display contrast of other portions in the mathematical formula while maintaining the display contrast of the error portion in the mathematical formula;
Including,
The display control step includes:
by bringing the display density of the formula in the other portion closer to the display density of the background of the formula without changing the display density of the background of the formula and the display density of the formula in the error portion, while maintaining the display contrast of the error portion and lowering the display contrast of the other portion;
and while the cursor is being displayed at the position corresponding to the error portion, the display contrast of the correction candidate is lowered further than the display contrast of the other portions in the formula so that the correction candidate can be identified as being in a non-selected state.
13. An input assistance method comprising: Computer,
A detection means for detecting an error in an input formula;
a display control means for, when an error portion is detected by said detection means, displaying a cursor indicating an input position at a position corresponding to said error portion, displaying correction candidates corresponding to said error portion on a line different from said formula, and lowering the display contrast of other portions in said formula while maintaining the display contrast of said error portion in said formula;
Function as a
The display control means
by bringing the display density of the formula in the other portion closer to the display density of the background of the formula without changing the display density of the background of the formula and the display density of the formula in the error portion, while maintaining the display contrast of the error portion and lowering the display contrast of the other portion;
and while the cursor is being displayed at the position corresponding to the error portion, the display contrast of the correction candidate is lowered further than the display contrast of the other portions in the formula so that the correction candidate can be identified as being in a non-selected state.
A program characterized by:

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