JP7725974B2 - Electronic device, operation support method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device, an operation assistance method, and a program.

Small electronic devices such as electronic dictionaries, smartphones, and game consoles are widely used.

Because the housings of such electronic devices are small, the keys used to operate them must also be small, and the characters indicating the key functions printed on the keytops are inevitably small as well. The same is true for the soft keys displayed on the display of the electronic device.

For this reason, small electronic devices can be inconvenient for users such as elderly people who have difficulty reading small text.

Furthermore, these electronic devices are becoming increasingly multifunctional, and for example, there are many keys other than QWERTY keys that can be used to perform various functions. This not only makes it difficult to see the characters indicating the key functions, but also makes it difficult to find the desired key or to press the wrong key.

As a method of using input means other than keys, a gaming device has been considered that processes game-related information based on data obtained from an IC tag via a short-range wireless communication unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-251816 A

However, the method described in Patent Document 1 above was ultimately insufficient to solve the problem of the key characters being difficult to see.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an electronic device, an operation assistance method, and a program that can perform processing similar to that of operating a key without the user operating the key.

One aspect of the electronic device of the present invention comprises a first key for executing a predetermined process in response to user operation; an acquisition control unit that causes an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from an identification medium; and an execution control unit that executes the predetermined process that is to be executed in response to operation of the first key if the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code that corresponds to the first key, wherein the identification medium is a contactless IC tag, the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the contactless IC tag to acquire the identification code corresponding to the contactless IC tag, the first key is assigned a plurality of mutually different processes, and the execution control unit, when the identification code is received multiple times by the short-range wireless communication unit within a predetermined period, executes the multiple processes that are to be executed in sequence each time the first key is operated, in sequence each time the identification code is received or in accordance with the number of times the identification code is received .

One aspect of the operation assistance method of the present invention is an operation assistance method executed by an electronic device equipped with a first key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation, the method including : an acquisition control step of causing an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium; and an execution control step of executing the preset process to be executed by operating the first key if the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the first key , wherein the identification medium is a contactless IC tag, the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the contactless IC tag to acquire the identification code corresponding to the contactless IC tag, the first key is assigned a plurality of mutually different processes, and the execution control step is characterized in that, when the identification code is received multiple times by the short-range wireless communication unit within a predetermined period, the plurality of processes that are to be executed in sequence each time the first key is operated are executed in sequence each time the identification code is received or in accordance with the number of times the identification code is received .

One aspect of the program of the present invention is characterized in that a computer of an electronic device equipped with a first key for executing a preset process in response to user operation is made to function as : an acquisition control means for causing an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from an identification medium; and an execution control means for executing the preset process to be executed in response to operation of the first key if the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the first key; the identification medium is a contactless IC tag; the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the contactless IC tag to acquire the identification code corresponding to the contactless IC tag; the first key is assigned a plurality of mutually different processes; and the execution control means, when the identification code is received multiple times by the short-range wireless communication unit within a predetermined period, executes the plurality of processes that are to be executed in sequence each time the first key is operated, in sequence each time the identification code is received or in accordance with the number of times the identification code is received .

According to the present invention, the user can perform the same processing as operating the key without operating the key.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of an electronic dictionary 10 according to an embodiment of the electronic device, the operating method, and the program of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the operation code/processing content correspondence table storage area 22e of the electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing operation response processing according to the control program of the electronic dictionary 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of operation according to the operation response process when the operation card [Japanese Dictionary 1] NC1 is held over the electronic dictionary 10. In FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of the operation according to the operation response process when the operation card [character size] NC2 is held over the electronic dictionary 10. In FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example (part 2) of the operation according to the operation response process when the operation card [character size] NC2 is held over the electronic dictionary 10. In FIG.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of an electronic dictionary 10 relating to an embodiment of an electronic device, operating method, and program of the present invention.

The electronic device may be configured not only as the electronic dictionary 10 described below, but also as a tablet-type PDA (personal digital assistant), PC (personal computer), mobile phone, e-book, portable game console, etc. equipped with dictionary functionality.

The electronic dictionary 10 comprises a folding case in which the main case 11 and the lid case 12 can be opened and closed via a hinge 13. When the folding case is opened, the surface of the main case 11 is provided with a key input section 14 (hardware keys) including a [Home] key 14a, function specification keys 14b, character input keys 14c, [Enter] key 14d, [Back] key 14e, [Audio] key 14f, [Character size] key 14g, [History] key 14h, page forward keys 14i1 and 14i2, and a [Shift] key 14j, an audio output section (including a speaker) 15, and an audio input section (including a microphone) 16.

A touch panel display unit 17 is provided on the surface of the cover case 12. The touch panel display unit 17 has a structure in which a touch position detection device that detects the position touched by the user with a pen or finger and a display device are integrated, and is configured by overlapping a transparent touch panel on a backlit color liquid crystal display screen.

A touch key area (software keys) 17T may be provided at the right end of the touch panel display unit 17, on which touch keys (such as [Home], [Training Gym], [Voice], [Back], and [Function Menu]) are printed (or displayed) for pressing certain keys on the key input unit 14 and specifying certain functions of the electronic dictionary 10 by touch operation. Among the touch key area 17T, for example, the [Home] touch key 17Ta, the [Back] touch key 17Te, and the [Voice] touch key 17Tf each have the function of specifying the same function as the [Home] key 14a, the [Back] key 14e, and the [Voice] key 14f provided on the key input unit 14, respectively.

The [Home] key 14a of the key input unit 14 is a key for displaying the home screen GH (see Figure 5(A)) on the display unit 17. The home screen GH displays multiple icons that are registered according to the initial settings of the electronic dictionary 10 or user operations. Each icon is a figure or symbol for activating a function corresponding to the icon's representation. For example, it includes an application icon that directly activates a function (application) that uses dictionary content or study content, and a group icon that displays a list screen of icons for multiple functions belonging to one category.

The function specification keys 14b of the key input unit 14 are keys for directly specifying the dictionary content category (such as [Japanese 1/Japanese 2], [Encyclopedia/Encyclopedia], [Archaic/Kanji], [English-Japanese 1/English-Japanese 2]), [Content List], or one of the tool categories, [Study Notebook], displayed on each key. Among the function specification keys 14b, for example, the [Japanese 1/Japanese 2] key 14b1 is a key that alternates between specifying "Japanese Dictionary 1" and "Japanese Dictionary 2" each time the key is pressed.

Furthermore, when a key on the key input unit 14 is operated after the [Shift] key 14j is operated, it will function as the key indicated in a box on the keytop, rather than the key function indicated without a box on the keytop. For example, if the [Enter] key 14d is operated after the [Shift] key 14j is operated, it will function as the [Register] key rather than the [Enter] key, and if the page forward key 14i1 or 14i2 is operated after the [Shift] key 14j is operated, it will function as a heading forward key to the previous or next heading rather than a page forward key to the previous or next page.

In addition, near the center of the hinge section 13 of the main body case 11, which is located deeper than the key input section 14, there is a built-in short-range wireless communication section 18 (acquisition section) such as NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) that can communicate with a contactless IC tag held up to the electronic dictionary 10 when the electronic dictionary 10 is turned on (at least when the main body case 11 and lid case 12 are unfolded and the power is on).

This electronic dictionary 10 has the function of using multiple types of operation cards NCn (n = 1, 2, ...) with built-in contactless IC tags (e.g., NFC tags) to perform the same processing as when the hardware keys of the key input unit 14 or the touch keys of the touch key area 17T are operated.

For example, the operation card [Japanese 1] NC1 shown in Figure 1 is an operation card that corresponds to the [Japanese 1/Japanese 2] key 14b1 of the function specification keys 14b, and each time the operation card NC1 is held over the electronic dictionary 10, the Japanese dictionary 1 initial screen G1 for inputting the headword to be searched for in "Japanese dictionary 1" and the Japanese dictionary 2 initial screen (not shown) for inputting the headword to be searched for in "Japanese dictionary 2" are alternately displayed, just as when the [Japanese 1/Japanese 2] key 14b1 is operated.

Furthermore, for example, when the [Shift] key 14j is operated and the operation card NCn (not shown) corresponding to the page forward key 14i1 is held over the electronic dictionary 10, the heading forward process to the previous heading is executed, just as when the [Shift] key 14j is operated and then the page forward key 14i1 is operated.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electronic circuit configuration of the electronic dictionary 10.

The electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary 10 includes a computer-based control unit (CPU: central processing unit) 21 (memory control unit, acquisition control unit, execution control unit). The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with a control program pre-stored in a memory unit 22 such as a flash ROM. The number of processors such as CPUs may be one or more.

In addition, at least one of the control program and the dictionary data described below may be read by the recording medium reading unit 24 from an external recording medium 23 such as a memory card and stored in the memory unit 22, or may be downloaded via the communication unit 25 from a web server (here, a program server) 30 on the communication network N and stored in the memory unit 22.

The control unit 21 is connected to the memory unit 22, recording medium reading unit 24, and communication unit 25 via data and control buses, as well as the key input unit 14, audio output unit 15, audio input unit 16, touch panel display unit 17, and short-range wireless communication unit 18 (acquisition unit).

The memory unit 22 stores a system program that controls the overall operation of the electronic dictionary 10, a communication program for connecting to external electronic devices via the communication unit 25, and control programs including the dictionary control program 22a.

The memory unit 22 also has memory areas for storing data used to execute various functions by the electronic dictionary 10, such as a dictionary data memory area 22b, a search history data memory area 22c, a vocabulary book data memory area 22d, an operation code/processing content correspondence table memory area 22e, and a work data memory area 22f.

The dictionary control program 22a is a dictionary search program that searches for and displays user-requested headwords and their corresponding translations, meanings, examples, explanations, and other explanatory information based on various dictionary contents (Japanese Dictionary 1 / Japanese Dictionary 2 / Encyclopedia / Encyclopedia / Ancient Japanese Dictionary / Chinese-Japanese Dictionary / English-Japanese Dictionary 1 / English-Japanese Dictionary 2 / ...) stored as dictionary data (22b) in the dictionary data storage area 22b. It also stores headwords searched according to the dictionary search program as search history in the search history data storage area 22c, and displays a list of stored headwords (search history list) in response to operation of the [History] key 14h. the search history generation program for displaying the search history, a vocabulary book generation program for storing entry words searched for according to the dictionary search program in the vocabulary book data storage area 22d in response to operation of the [Register] key ([Shift] key 14j + [Enter] key 14d) and displaying a list of stored entry words (vocabulary book list) in response to operation of the [Wordbook] key (not shown), and an operation response program for executing processing in response to key operations of various keys including hardware keys provided on the key input unit 14 and software keys displayed on the display unit 17 or near-field wireless communication with various operation cards NCn.

Figure 3 shows an example of data stored in the operation code/processing content correspondence table storage area 22e of the electronic dictionary 10.

The operation code/processing content correspondence table storage area 22e stores operation code (identification code) data corresponding to the various keys (hardware keys) provided on the key input unit 14 and the various keys (software keys) displayed on the display unit 17, in association with data on the processing content executed by the control unit (CPU) 21 in accordance with the operation code (storage control unit).

For example, when [Language 1] is designated by operating the [Language 1/Language 2] key 14b1, the control unit 21 stores the operation code "201" in the operation code/processing content correspondence table storage area 22e.
In accordance with this, the dictionary content of "Japanese Dictionary 1" stored in the dictionary data storage area 22b is read and started, and the Japanese Dictionary 1 initial screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 17 as shown in FIG.

Furthermore, when the [Character Size] key 14g is operated, the control unit 21, in accordance with the operation code "051" in the operation code/processing content correspondence table storage area 22e, either displays a character size change menu M (see FIG. 6) for changing the character size of the display data displayed on the display unit 17, or enlarges the character size of the display data displayed on the display unit 17 in multiple stages (e.g., large/medium/small) each time the [Character Size] key 14g is repeatedly operated (see FIG. 5). Here, the user may freely set whether to display the character size change menu M or to immediately enlarge the character size without displaying the character size change menu M.

Note that the operation code shown in Figure 3 is just an example; any identification code corresponding to the type of key will suffice, and there are of course no limitations on the content of the operation code, such as the combination of letters and numbers or the number of digits.

Also, if the hardware key and software key have the same notation, the operation code and processing content data may be the same.

The working data memory area 22f temporarily stores (holds) various data, such as data input in response to user operations and data acquired or generated by the control unit 21, as needed, in conjunction with the control of the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with the control program by the control unit 21.

The electronic dictionary 10 is provided with operation cards NCn (n = 1, 2, ...) that correspond to keys for specifying content such as the dictionary described with reference to Figure 3 and keys for specifying functions such as changing the character size. The operation cards NCn can be mounted in the electronic dictionary 10 using a card case or the like.

Operation cards NCn (n = 1, 2, ...) have built-in contactless IC tags (e.g., NFC tags), and each NFC tag on an operation card NCn (n = 1, 2, ...) stores an operation code that is the same as the operation code (identification code) of the key that the operation card NCn corresponds to.

Furthermore, operation cards NCn (n = 1, 2, ...) have illustrations printed on their surface (one or both sides) that represent the content and functions of the keys that correspond to the operation card NCn. For example, as shown in Figure 1, an illustration of "Japanese Dictionary 1" is printed on the surface of the operation card [Japanese 1] NC1 that corresponds to the [Japanese 1/Japanese 2] key 14b1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5 (described below), an illustration of a magnifying glass is printed on the surface of the operation card [Character Size] NC2 that corresponds to the [Character Size] key 14g.

Similarly, for example, although not shown, the operation card [Voice] NCn corresponding to the [Voice] key 14f displays an illustration of a speaker, and the operation card [Voice] NCn corresponding to the [Voice Book] key displays an illustration of a vocabulary card.

The shape of the operation card NCn may represent the content or function of the key to which it corresponds. For example, as shown in Figure 5 below, the operation card [Character Size] NC2 corresponding to the [Character Size] key 14g is shaped like a magnifying glass.

In the electronic dictionary 10 configured in this way, the control unit 21 controls the operation of each circuit component in accordance with the commands of the control program stored in the memory unit 22, and the software and hardware work together to realize various functions corresponding to the keys and operation cards NCn, as described in the operational explanation below.

Next, we will explain the operation of the electronic dictionary 10 of this embodiment.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation response processing according to the control program of the electronic dictionary 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the electronic dictionary 10 is unfolded and powered on, and a key provided on the key input unit 14 for specifying a user-selected function is pressed, the control unit 21 extracts from the operation code/processing content correspondence table storage area 22e (see FIG. 3) the operation code corresponding to the key code entered from the key input unit 14 in response to the pressed key (step S1 (Yes) → S2).

The control unit 21 executes the process according to the process data associated with the operation code extracted from the operation code/processing content correspondence table (22e) (step S3).

That is, for example, when the [Japanese 1/Japanese 2] key 14b1 is pressed, the control unit 21 reads and launches the dictionary content "Japanese Dictionary 1" stored in the dictionary data storage area 22b, and displays the Japanese Dictionary 1 initial screen G1 on the display unit 17 (steps S1 to S3).

Furthermore, when an operation card NCn bearing an illustration representing a user-selected function is held over the electronic dictionary 10, the control unit 21 (execution control unit) extracts the operation code (identification code) contained in the received data received from the NFC tag of the operation card NCn by the near-field wireless communication unit 18 (acquisition unit) (step S4 (Yes) → S5).

The control unit 21 determines whether the operation key associated with the operation code extracted from the received data exists in the operation code/processing content correspondence table (22e: storage unit) (step S6), and if it determines that the operation key exists (step S6 (Yes)), it executes processing in accordance with the processing content data associated with the operation key and stored in the operation code/processing content correspondence table (22e) (step S3).

Figure 5 shows an example of the operation that follows the operation response process when the operation card [Japanese Dictionary 1] NC1 is held over the electronic dictionary 10.

That is, for example, when the home screen GH is displayed on the display unit 17 as shown in FIG. 5(A), and an operation card [Japanese 1] NC1 bearing an illustration of "Japanese Dictionary 1" is held over the electronic dictionary 10 as shown in FIG. 5(B), the control unit 21 reads and launches the dictionary content "Japanese Dictionary 1" stored in the dictionary data storage area 22b, similar to when the [Japanese 1/Japanese 2] key 14b1 described above is pressed, and displays the Japanese Dictionary 1 initial screen G1 on the display unit 17 (steps S4, S5, S6 → S3). At this time, the control unit 21 displays message information M1 (here, "The IC tag of 'Japanese Dictionary 1' has been held over") on the display unit 17, indicating that processing to launch the dictionary content "Japanese Dictionary 1" has been executed based on communication between the operation card [Japanese 1] NC1 and the near-field wireless communication unit 18.

Furthermore, for example, if the operation card [Japanese 1] NC1 bearing an illustration of "Japanese Dictionary 1" is repeatedly held over the electronic dictionary 10 within a predetermined period of time while the home screen GH is displayed on the display unit 17, the control unit 21, similar to the case where the [Japanese 1/Japanese 2] key 14b1 described above, alternately reads and activates the dictionary contents "Japanese Dictionary 1" and "Japanese Dictionary 2" stored in the dictionary data storage area 22b each time the operation card [Japanese 1] NC1 is held over the electronic dictionary 10, corresponding to the number of times it has been held over the electronic dictionary 10, and alternately displays the Japanese Dictionary 1 initial screen G1 and the Japanese Dictionary 2 initial screen (not shown) on the display unit 17 (steps S4, S5, S6 → S3). Of course, the same processing is also performed for operation cards corresponding to other similar keys (such as the [Japanese-English/English-English] key) other than the [Japanese 1/Japanese 2] key 14b1.

Also, for example, while the explanatory information for a headword searched for on the display unit 17 is displayed, if the [Shift] key 14j is operated and an operation card [Page forward] NCn with an illustration of "page forward" is held over the electronic dictionary 10, the control unit 21 will not perform the page forward process to the previous page, as in the case where the [Shift] key 14j and page forward key 14i1 are pressed as described above, but will instead advance the explanatory information for the headword displayed on the display unit 17 to the explanatory information for the previous headword and display it (steps S4, S5, S6 → S3). It goes without saying that the same processing is performed for operation cards corresponding to other similar keys (such as the [Enter] key 14d) that can be combined with the [Shift] key 14j, not just the page forward key 14i1.

Figure 6 shows an example (part 1) of the operation that follows the operation response process when operation card [character size] NC2 is held over the electronic dictionary 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the explanatory information display screen G2, which searches for the entry word "polite" based on the dictionary content "Japanese Dictionary 1," is displayed on the display unit 17, and a magnifying glass-shaped operation card [character size] NC2 with an illustration of a magnifying glass on it is held over the electronic dictionary 10, the control unit 21 extracts the operation code "051" received from the operation card [character size] NC2 via the short-range wireless communication unit 18 (step S4 (Yes) → S5).

The control unit 21 determines whether an operation key associated with the operation code "051" exists in the operation code/processing content correspondence table (22e) (step S6). If it determines that the operation key exists (step S6 (Yes)), the control unit 21 enlarges the character size of the explanatory information on the explanatory information display screen G2 displayed on the display unit 17 in accordance with the processing content data associated with the operation key and stored in the operation code/processing content correspondence table (22e) (step S3), just as when the [Character Size] key 14g is pressed. At this time, the control unit 21 displays message information M2 (here, "An IC tag for 'Character Size' has been held up") on the display unit 17, indicating that processing to enlarge the character size has been executed based on communication between the operation card [Character Size] NC2 and the near-field wireless communication unit 18.

Figure 7 shows an example (part 2) of the operation performed in accordance with the operation response process when operation card [character size] NC2 is held over the electronic dictionary 10.

As shown in Figure 7, with the explanatory information display screen G2, which searches for the entry word "a" based on the dictionary content "Japanese Dictionary 1," displayed on the display unit 17, the magnifying glass operation card [character size] NC2 is held over the electronic dictionary 10.

The control unit 21 displays the character size change menu M along the bottom edge of the explanatory information display screen G2 displayed on the display unit 17 in accordance with the processing content data in the operation code/processing content correspondence table (22e) associated with the operation code "051" received from the operation card [character size] NC2 (steps S4, S5, S6 → S3).

When the user touches a character of a desired size from among the multiple large and small characters displayed in the character size change menu M and then touches the [Change character size] key, the control unit 21 changes the character size of the explanatory information displayed on the explanatory information display screen G2 to the character size touched in the character size change menu M and displays the information.

As mentioned above, the user can freely set whether the process executed in response to the operation code common to the [Character Size] key 14g or the [Character Size] operation card NC2 is to display the character size change menu M (see Figure 7) or to immediately enlarge the character size without displaying the character size change menu M (see Figure 6). However, it is also possible to set the character size to be enlarged immediately when a magnifying-glass-shaped [Character Size] NC2 operation card is used, and to display the character size change menu M when a regular rectangular [Character Size] NC2 (not shown) is used.

Although not shown in the figures, when the operation card [Japanese 1] NC1 or operation card [Character Size] NC2 described above is held over the electronic dictionary 10, and when the operation card [History] NCn is held over the electronic dictionary 10, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 17 to display a list of search histories stored in the search history data storage area 22c in response to the operation code "321" in the operation code/processing content correspondence table (22e), just as when the [History] key 14h is pressed.

Similarly, when the operation card [Flashbook] NCn is held up, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 17 to display a list of flashcards stored in the flashcard data storage area 22d in response to the operation code "264" in the operation code/processing content correspondence table (22e), just as when the [Flashbook] key (not shown) is pressed.

(Summary of the embodiment)
According to the electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment, the electronic dictionary 10 is provided with a plurality of types of operation cards NCn (n = 1, 2, ...) each having an NFC tag (identification medium) that stores an operation code (identification code) common to each of a plurality of types of keys (hardware keys) provided on the key input unit 14 for specifying various functions or a plurality of types of keys (software keys) displayed on the display unit 17 for specifying various functions. An illustration representing the function of the key corresponding to the operation card NCn is printed on the surface of the operation card NCn. When the operation card NCn bearing the illustration representing the user's desired function is held over the electronic dictionary 10, the control unit 21 (storage control unit, acquisition control unit, execution control unit) executes the same process (preset processing for the key) as when the key corresponding to the operation card NCn is pressed, in accordance with the data of the processing content stored in the operation code/processing content correspondence table (22e: storage unit) in association with the operation code received from the operation card NCn by the near-field wireless communication unit 18 (acquisition unit).

This allows the user to perform the same processing as key operation without actually operating the keys. For example, even users who find the key markings difficult to read or understand can perform the desired action without having to operate the keys.

Furthermore, according to the electronic dictionary 10 of this embodiment, an illustration representing the content and function of the key corresponding to the operation card NCn is printed or otherwise displayed on the surface of the operation card NCn. This allows the user to easily recognize the operations that can be performed by the electronic dictionary 10 using the operation card NCn based on the illustration on the operation card NCn, and to easily execute the desired operation.

Furthermore, according to the electronic dictionary 10 of this embodiment, the operation card NCn has a shape that represents the content and function of the key that the operation card NCn corresponds to. Therefore, based on the shape of the operation card NCn, the user can intuitively recognize the processes that can be performed by the electronic dictionary 10 using the operation card NCn, and can easily cause the desired process to be performed.

In the above embodiment, the electronic dictionary 10 is configured to execute the same processing as when an operation key corresponding to an operation code is operated, based on the operation code received from the non-contact IC tag built into the operation card NCn via the short-range wireless communication unit 18. However, this is not limited to this. A QR code (registered trademark) (identification medium) containing an operation code may be printed on the operation card NCn, and the QR code may be read via an imaging unit provided in the electronic dictionary 10, thereby executing the same processing as when an operation key corresponding to the operation code is operated, as in the above embodiment.

It goes without saying that the electronic device of the present invention is not limited to the electronic dictionary 10 described as an embodiment, but can also be applied to other electronic devices that have key input functions using hardware or software keys similar to those of the electronic dictionary 10, and have near-field wireless communication functions.

The processing methods performed by the electronic dictionary 10 described in the above embodiments, such as the operation response processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, can all be distributed as programs executable by a computer, stored on an external storage device such as a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory. The control unit (CPU) of the electronic device then loads the program stored on the external storage device into the storage device, and, by controlling operation according to the loaded program, realizes the various functions corresponding to the keys and operation cards NCn described in the above embodiments, and can execute similar processing using the above-mentioned methods.

In addition, the program data for realizing each method can be transmitted over a communications network (N) in the form of program code, and the program data can be imported into an electronic device from a computer device (program server) connected to this communications network (N) and stored in a memory device, thereby realizing the various functions corresponding to the aforementioned keys and operation cards NCn.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects will be obtained. Furthermore, the embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the multiple elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

The inventions described in the original claims of this application are as follows:

[Appendix 1]
A key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation;
a storage control unit that stores an identification code corresponding to the key in a storage unit;
an acquisition control unit that causes an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
an execution control unit that executes the preset process that is to be executed in response to the operation of the key when the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the key;
Electronic equipment equipped with

[Appendix 2]
the identification medium is a non-contact IC tag,
the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the non-contact IC tag to acquire an identification code corresponding to the non-contact IC tag;
2. The electronic device of claim 1.

[Appendix 3]
the storage control unit stores a plurality of processes that are previously set in association with one key in the storage unit;
When the identification code is received multiple times within a predetermined period by the short-range wireless communication unit, the execution control unit executes the plurality of processes that are executed in sequence each time the one key is operated in sequence each time the identification code is received or in accordance with the number of times the identification code is received.
3. The electronic device of claim 2.

[Appendix 4]
when the identification code is received by the short-range wireless communication unit while a predetermined key is being operated, the execution control unit executes, among the plurality of processes, another process that is not the process that is executed by operating the one key while the predetermined key is not being operated.
4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

[Appendix 5]
A display unit is provided,
When the execution control unit executes the preset process in response to receiving the identification code by the short-range wireless communication unit, the execution control unit displays information on the display unit that the preset process has been executed based on communication with the non-contact IC tag.
5. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

[Appendix 6]
the predetermined processing is processing for displaying a search screen of a dictionary stored in the storage unit on the display unit;
6. The electronic device according to claim 5.

[Appendix 7]
A card corresponding to the key can be installed,
The non-contact IC tag is embedded in the card.
7. The electronic device according to claim 2.

[Appendix 8]
The card has an illustration representing a preset process corresponding to the key.
8. The electronic device of claim 7.

[Appendix 9]
The card has a shape that represents a preset process corresponding to the key.
9. The electronic device according to claim 7 or 8.

[Supplementary Note 10]
The key is a hardware key.
10. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[Appendix 11]
1. A method for operating an electronic device having a key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation, comprising:
storing an identification code corresponding to the key in a storage unit;
causing an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
an operation method for executing the preset process that is executed by operating the key when the acquired identification code is an identification code that corresponds to the key;

[Appendix 12]
A computer of an electronic device having keys for executing preset processes in response to user operations,
a storage means for storing an identification code corresponding to the key in a storage unit;
an acquisition means for acquiring an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
A program for functioning as an execution control means for executing the preset process to be executed by operating the key when the acquired identification code is the identification code corresponding to the key.

10. Electronic dictionary (electronic device)
14...Key input section (hardware key)
14b1...[Japanese 1/Japanese 2] key 14g...[Character size] key 17...Touch panel display 17T...Touch key area (software key)
18...Near field communication section (acquisition section)
21...Control unit (CPU) (storage control unit, acquisition control unit, execution control unit)
22...Memory section 22a...Dictionary control program 22e...Operation code/processing content correspondence table storage area NC1...Operation card [Japanese language 1] (with built-in non-contact IC tag)
NC2...Operation card [character size] (built-in contactless IC tag)
G1...Japanese dictionary 1 initial screen G2...Explanatory information display screen M...Text size change menu

Claims (12)

a first key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation;
an acquisition control unit that causes an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
an execution control unit that executes the preset process that is to be executed in response to operation of the first key when the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the first key;
Equipped with
the identification medium is a non-contact IC tag,
the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the non-contact IC tag to acquire an identification code corresponding to the non-contact IC tag,
a plurality of mutually different processes are assigned to the first key;
When the identification code is received multiple times by the short-range wireless communication unit within a predetermined period, the execution control unit executes the plurality of processes that are to be executed in sequence each time the first key is operated in sequence each time the identification code is received or in accordance with the number of times the identification code is received.
electronic equipment. a first key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation;
an acquisition control unit that causes an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
an execution control unit that executes the preset process that is to be executed in response to operation of the first key when the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the first key;
Equipped with
the identification medium is a non-contact IC tag,
the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the non-contact IC tag to acquire an identification code corresponding to the non-contact IC tag,
a plurality of mutually different processes are assigned to the first key;
When the identification code is received by the short-range wireless communication unit while a predetermined second key is being operated, the execution control unit executes, among the plurality of processes, a process other than a process that is executed by operation of the first key while the predetermined second key is not being operated.
electronic equipment. A display unit;
a first key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation;
an acquisition control unit that causes an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
an execution control unit that executes the preset process that is to be executed in response to operation of the first key when the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the first key;
Equipped with
the identification medium is a non-contact IC tag,
the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the non-contact IC tag to acquire an identification code corresponding to the non-contact IC tag,
when the execution control unit executes the preset process in response to receiving the identification code by the short-range wireless communication unit, causes the display unit to display information that the preset process has been executed based on communication with the non-contact IC tag;
the predetermined processing is processing for displaying a search screen of a dictionary stored in a predetermined storage unit on the display unit;
electronic equipment. A card corresponding to the first key can be mounted,
The non-contact IC tag is embedded in the card.
4. The electronic device according to claim 1 . the card has an illustration representing a preset process corresponding to the first key;
5. The electronic device according to claim 4 . the card has a shape representing a preset process corresponding to the first key;
6. The electronic device according to claim 4 or 5 . 1. An operation assistance method executed by an electronic device having a first key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation, comprising:
an acquisition control step of causing an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
an execution control step of executing the preset process that is to be executed in response to operation of the first key when the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the first key;
Including,
the identification medium is a non-contact IC tag,
the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the non-contact IC tag to acquire an identification code corresponding to the non-contact IC tag,
a plurality of mutually different processes are assigned to the first key;
In the execution control step, when the identification code is received multiple times by the short-range wireless communication unit within a predetermined period, the plurality of processes that are to be executed in sequence each time the first key is operated are executed in sequence each time the identification code is received or in accordance with the number of times the identification code is received.
Operation support method. 1. An operation assistance method executed by an electronic device having a first key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation, comprising:
an acquisition control step of causing an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
an execution control step of executing the preset process that is to be executed in response to operation of the first key when the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the first key;
Including,
the identification medium is a non-contact IC tag,
the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the non-contact IC tag to acquire an identification code corresponding to the non-contact IC tag,
a plurality of mutually different processes are assigned to the first key;
When the identification code is received by the short-range wireless communication unit while a predetermined second key is being operated, the execution control step executes, among the plurality of processes, a process other than a process that is executed by operation of the first key while the predetermined second key is not being operated.
Operation support method. An operation assistance method executed by an electronic device including a first key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation and a display unit, the method comprising:
an acquisition control step of causing an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
an execution control step of executing the preset process that is to be executed in response to operation of the first key when the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the first key;
Including,
the identification medium is a non-contact IC tag,
the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the non-contact IC tag to acquire an identification code corresponding to the non-contact IC tag,
the execution control step, when the predetermined process is executed in response to the reception of the identification code by the short-range wireless communication unit, causes the display unit to display information that the predetermined process has been executed based on communication with the non-contact IC tag;
the predetermined processing is processing for displaying a search screen of a dictionary stored in a predetermined storage unit on the display unit;
Operation support method. a computer of an electronic device having a first key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation,
acquisition control means for causing an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
an execution control means for executing the preset process to be executed in response to the operation of the first key when the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the first key;
It functions as
the identification medium is a non-contact IC tag,
the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the non-contact IC tag to acquire an identification code corresponding to the non-contact IC tag,
a plurality of mutually different processes are assigned to the first key;
When the identification code is received multiple times by the short-range wireless communication unit within a predetermined period, the execution control means executes the plurality of processes that are to be executed in sequence each time the first key is operated in sequence each time the identification code is received or in accordance with the number of times the identification code is received.
program. a computer of an electronic device having a first key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation,
acquisition control means for causing an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
an execution control means for executing the preset process to be executed in response to the operation of the first key when the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the first key;
It functions as
the identification medium is a non-contact IC tag,
the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the non-contact IC tag to acquire an identification code corresponding to the non-contact IC tag,
a plurality of mutually different processes are assigned to the first key;
when the identification code is received by the short-range wireless communication unit while a predetermined second key is being operated, the execution control means executes, among the plurality of processes, a process other than a process that is executed by operation of the first key while the predetermined second key is not being operated.
program. a computer of an electronic device including a first key for executing a preset process in response to a user operation and a display unit;
acquisition control means for causing an acquisition unit to acquire an identification code corresponding to the identification medium from the identification medium;
an execution control means for executing the preset process to be executed in response to the operation of the first key when the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit is the identification code corresponding to the first key;
It functions as
the identification medium is a non-contact IC tag,
the acquisition unit is a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the non-contact IC tag to acquire an identification code corresponding to the non-contact IC tag,
when the predetermined process is executed in response to the reception of the identification code by the short-range wireless communication unit, the execution control means displays information on the display unit that the predetermined process has been executed based on communication with the non-contact IC tag,
the predetermined processing is processing for displaying a search screen of a dictionary stored in a predetermined storage unit on the display unit;
program.