Character inputting method allowing input of a plurality of different types of character species, and information processing equipment adopting the same

Abstract

An information processing equipment providing easy operations of changing-over character species, and, in which characters can be entered without being conscious of the designation of a character mode. Signals entered from an input device are handled in conformity with all of a romaji (Roman character) input system, a kana (Japanese syllabary) input system and an alphanumeric input system. Results obtained with the respective input systems are all displayed in the predetermined part of a display screen. In the equipment, the character mode intended by a user is estimated as to the entered character string, and is automatically selected. In another aspect of performance, a controller determines whether or not a character mode likelihood decision unit and a character code translation unit are started, in accordance with the results of the comparisons between the key code string and the registered contents of a learning information buffer. The position of the entered key code string as corresponds to the length of the longest one of the key code strings is detected as a boundary position, the entered key code string is translated into character codes with the unit of the translation being a key code string which extends up to the detected boundary position, and the translated character codes are displayed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An information processing equipment wherein character codes of a plurality of character species are held in correspondence with one key code; comprising:

an input means for entering key codes;

a translation means for translating each of said key codes entered from said input means, into character codes of said plurality of character species corresponding to said each of said key codes, and for delivering the translated character codes;

a display means including a first display area in which characters are displayed separately in the respective character species, for displaying in said first display area character strings corresponding to said translated character codes delivered from said translation means; and

a designation means for designating a desired character string part within a desired one of said character strings displayed in said first display area;

said display means including a second display area into which said character string part designated by said designation means is moved from said first display area.

2. An information processing equipment as defined in claim 1, further comprising:

a decision means for computing likelihoods of said respective character species in accordance with predetermined conditions as to said character strings displayed in said first display area, and for deciding one of said character species in accordance with said likelihoods;

said display means having a function of altering at least one of a display position and a display aspect in said first display area as to the characters strings of the characters species decided by said decision means.

3. An information processing equipment as defined in claim 1, further comprising:

a memory means for storing said key codes entered from said input means and said character codes delivered for said key codes by said translation means, in correspondence with said respective character species therein; and

a character string translocation means for designating a desired character string within the character string displayed in said second display area, and for giving an instruction of translocating said desired character string part in said second display area, back into said first display area;

said display means, responsive to said instruction of translocating, translocating said character string part designated by said character string translocation means, back into said first display area, and displaying character strings of the other character species corresponding to the translocated character string part, in said first display area with reference to said memory means.

4. An information processing equipment as defined in claim 3, further comprising:

a decision means for computing likelihoods of said respective character species in accordance with predetermined conditions as to said character strings displayed in said first display area, and for deciding one of said character species in accordance with said likelihoods, each time the translocation is performed;

said display means having a function of altering at least one of a display position and a display aspect in said first display area as to the character species decided by said decision means.

5. An information processing equipment as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a word dictionary memory means for use with said translation means in performing said translating, said word dictionary memory means for storing therein key code strings which correspond to a plurality of words, respectively.

6. An information processing equipment wherein character codes of a plurality of character species are held in correspondence with one key code; comprising:

an input means for entering key codes;

a translation means for translating each of said key codes entered from said input means, into character codes of said plurality of character species corresponding to said each of said key codes, and for delivering the translated character codes; and

a display means including a first display area in which characters are displayed separately in the respective character species, for displaying in said first display area character strings corresponding to said character codes delivered from said translation means;

said translation means having a function of delivering a specific character code of a predetermined specific character along with one character code in a case where said one character code is obtained using a plurality of key codes in the translation.

7. An information processing equipment as defined in claim 6, wherein a sum between the number of said specific character codes delivered from said translation means and that of said one character codes delivered from said translation means is equal to the number of the key codes translated by said translation means.

8. An information processing equipment as defined in claim 6, wherein said case where said one character code is obtained using said plurality of key codes is a case where said translation means handles the entered key codes in conformity with a romaji (Roman character) input method.

9. An information processing equipment as defined in claim 6, wherein said display means includes a second display area into which a character string part designated from within a desired one of said character strings displayed in said first display, is moved from said first display area, and displays said specific character in only said first display area.

10. An information processing equipment as defined in claim 6, wherein said display means inhibits displaying said specific character at a first position of said first display area.

11. An information processing equipment as defined in claim 6, wherein said display means includes a second display area into which a character string part designated from within a desired one of said character strings displayed in said first display, is moved from said first display area, and further comprising:

a memory means for storing said key codes entered from said input means and said character codes delivered for said key code by said translation means, in correspondence with said respective character species therein; and

a character string translocation means for giving an instruction of translocating a desired character string part within the character string displayed in said second display area, back into said first display area;

said display means having:

a function of translocating, responsive to said instruction, said character string part designated by said character string translocation means, back into said first display area; and

a function of displaying a character which corresponds to a key code stored for said specific character in said memory means, instead of said specific character in a case where said specific character exists at a first position of the character string displayed in said first display area, after the translocation thereof.

12. An information processing equipment as defined in claim 6, further comprising:

a designation means for designating a desired character string part within a desired one of said character strings displayed in said first display area;

said display means including a second display area, and having:

a function of moving said character string part designated by said designation means, into said second display area;

a function of translocating said character string part designated within said second display area back into said first display area; and

a function of deleting said specific character and the characters of the other character species displayed in correspondence with said specific character in said first display area, in a case where said specific character is brought to a first position of the character string displayed in said first display area, by the translocation of designated character string part from said second display area to said first display area.

13. A character inputting computer method, implemented using computer means, wherein characters are entered by input means and employing key codes each of which corresponds to character codes of a plurality of character species, and by selecting any of the plurality of character species; comprising:

a first step of generating key codes, and holding a string of the generated key codes (herein below, termed "input key code string");

a second step of allowing a user of said method to designate any of said plurality of character species;

a third step of calculating likelihoods of the respective character species in accordance with predetermined conditions as to said input key code string, and selecting any of said character species in accordance with the calculated likelihoods;

a fourth step of translating said input key code string into character codes of the character species designated by said user unless the designated character species is the same as the character species selected at said third step, and into character codes of the character species selected at said third step if the designated character species is different from the character species selected at said third step; and

a fifth step of invalidating the selection of said character species done at said third step, and simultaneously restoring the input key codes to character codes of the character species designated at said second step, said fifth step being executed at need;

wherein at least one combination of the input key code string and the character species is stored, said combination being selected from the group which consists of a combination of said input key code string having been subject to the execution of said fifth step (herein below, termed "suppression learning key code string") and said character species restored at said fifth step (herein below, termed "suppression learning character species"), and a combination of said input key code string at a time when said second step has been executed (herein below, termed "non-conversion learning key code string") and said character species at the time (herein below termed "non-conversion learning character species"); and

wherein thenceforth, said third step is inhibited to be executed for said input key code string newly generated at said first step, in either of a case where the newly generated input key code string agrees with said suppression learning key code string and where the character species selected then agrees with said suppression learning character species, and a case where said newly generated input key code string agrees with said non-conversion learning key code string and where the character species selected then agrees with said non-conversion learning character species.

14. A character inputting device wherein character codes of a plurality of character species are held in correspondence with one key code; comprising:

a key code generation means for generating key codes;

a character code translation means for translating a string of said key codes into character codes of one of said character species as designated beforehand (herein below, termed "designated character species");

a likelihood computation means for calculating likelihoods of the respective character species in accordance with predetermined conditions as to said string of said key codes generated by said key code generation means (herein below, termed "input key code string");

a character mode alteration means for selecting any of said character species with respect to said input key code string in accordance with said likelihoods calculated by said likelihood computation means, and for altering the designation of the character species so as to use the selected character species as said designated character species;

a learning information memory means for previously storing key code strings (herein below, termed "learning key code strings") in correspondence with the character species thereof (herein below, termed "learning character species") therein;

a comparison means for comparing said input key code string with said learning key code strings, and said designated character species with said learning character species; and

a means for inhibiting said likelihood computation means so as not to calculate said likelihoods in a case where the comparisons by said comparison means have shown that said designated character species agrees with any of said learning character species and that said input key code string agrees with any of the learning key code strings of said designated character species.

15. A character inputting device defined in claim 14, further comprising:

a correction means for accepting a correction instruction given by a user of said device, and for executing a correction process in which the alteration of said designated character species based on said likelihoods as has been done by said character mode alteration means is invalidated to restore said designated character species to the original character species before having been altered; and

a registration means for storing said original character species and said input key code string which has been subject to the likelihood calculations as has formed a cause of the invalidated character species alteration, as the learning character species and the learning key code string in said learning information memory means, respectively, in a case where the correction by said correction means has been made.

16. A character inputting device as defined in claim 14, further comprising:

a character species designation means for accepting a character species designation given by a user of said device, and for altering said designated character species to the character species of the given designation; and

a registration means for storing said designated character species before the alteration and said input key code string having been generated under said designated character species before said alteration, as the learning character species and the learning key code string in said learning information memory means, respectively, in a case where said alteration of said designated character species by said character species designation means has been made.

17. A character inputting device as defined in claim 14, further comprising:

a load means for loading document data from external memory means storing therein documents which have been already created; and

a registration means for translating into corresponding key codes some of character codes which are contained in said document data loaded by said load means, for storing the resulting key code string as said learning key code string in said learning information memory means, and for also storing alphanumeric character species for said learning key code string translated from alphanumeric character codes and the set character species at a time of the load for said learning key code string translated from kana (Japanese syllabary) character codes, as the respective learning character species of said learning key code string in said learning information memory means.

18. A character inputting device as defined in claim 14, wherein, in a case where said comparisons by said comparison means have shown that said designated character species and any of said learning character species are in agreement and that said input key code string and any of the learning key code strings of said designated character species are partially in agreement, said likelihood computation means calculates said likelihoods in relation to only a key code string part which is other than the agreeing key code string part.

19. A character inputting device wherein character codes in a plurality of character species are allocated to one key input; comprising:

an input means for allocating one key code in response to one key input;

a word dictionary memory means for storing therein key code strings which correspond to a plurality of words, respectively, said word dictionary memory means being provided for each of said plurality of character species;

a boundary position decision process means for deciding if a key code string entered from said input means agrees with said key code strings stored in said word dictionary memory means, as to all the stored key code strings, and for detecting as a boundary position that position of the entered key code string which corresponds to a length of a longest one of the key code strings decided to agree;

a translation means for translating said entered key code string into character codes with a unit of translation being a key code string which extends up to said boundary position detected by said boundary position decision process means; and

a display means for displaying characters which correspond to said character codes translated by said translation means.

20. A character inputting device as defined in claim 19, wherein:

said boundary position decision process means detects boundary positions successively by decisions as to a key code string which succeeds the detected boundary position;

a decision means is further comprised for successively deciding the respective character species of key code strings which extend up to said boundary positions successively detected by said boundary position decision process means; and

said translation means translates said key code strings which extend up to said boundary positions detected by said boundary position decision process means, into character code strings of said character species decided by said decision means.

21. A character inputting device as defined in claim 19, further comprising:

a decision means for deciding the character species of the key input entered from said input means;

said input means accepting also an instruction for selecting one of said character species for said key input;

said word dictionary memory means including word dictionary memories of the respective character species;

said boundary position decision process means detecting said boundary position with reference to the key code strings stored in the word dictionary memory of the character species of the selection instruction in said input means;

said translation means translating said key code string which extends up to said boundary position detected by said boundary position decision process means, into a character code string of said character species of said selection instruction in said input means, and translating a key code string which succeeds said boundary position, into a character code string of said character species decided by said decision means.

22. A character inputting device as defined in claim 19, further comprising:

a decision means for deciding the character species of the key input entered from said input means;

said input means accepting also an instruction for selecting one of said character species for said key input;

said word dictionary memory means including word dictionary memories of the respective character species;

said boundary position decision process means detecting said boundary position with reference to the key code strings stored in the word dictionary memory of said character species decided by said decision means;

said translation means translating said key code string which extends up to said boundary position detected by said boundary position decision process means, into a character code string of said character species decided by said decision means, and translating a key code string which succeeds said boundary position, into a character code string of said character species of said selection instruction in said input means.

23. A character inputting device as defined in claim 19, further comprising:

a decision means for deciding the character species of said input accepted by said input means;

said decision means rendering the decision on that part of said key code string accepted by said input means which succeeds said boundary position detected by said boundary position decision process means.

24. A character inputting device as defined in claim 21, further comprising:

a means for accepting an instruction for appointing either of said word dictionary memory of said character species decided by said decision means and default word dictionary memory of said character species, as said word dictionary memory which is referred to by said boundary position decision process means.

25. A character inputting device as defined in claim 19, further comprising:

a prohibited key code detection means for detecting a key code which cannot become either of initial and final boundary positions, as to said key code string;

said boundary position decision process means refraining from deciding said boundary position even when said key code string entered from said input means has agreed with the key code string stored in said word dictionary memory means, in a case where said prohibited key code detection means has detected said key code which does not become said boundary position.

26. A character inputting device as defined in claim 25, wherein said prohibited key code detection means includes a prohibited pattern table in which key code strings not forming the boundary positions are stored beforehand, and detects said key code not becoming said boundary position, with reference to said prohibited pattern table.

27. A character inputting device as defined in claim 19, wherein:

said word dictionary memory means further stores therein attributes indicating the character species of key code strings which ought to exist before and behind the respective stored key code strings; and

said boundary position decision process means refers to the attribute to decide if said attribute is met, in a case where said key code string entered from said input means and any of said key code strings stored in said word dictionary memory means have agreed in the detection of said boundary position, and it refrains from deciding said boundary position even when said key code string entered from said input means has agreed with the key code string stored in said word dictionary memory means, in a case where said attribute is not met.

28. A character inputting device as defined in claim 27, wherein:

said word dictionary memory means further stores therein key code strings of words in which the plurality of character species coexist, and to which auxiliary attributes indicating said character species are affixed; and

said translation means refers to the auxiliary attribute, and translates said key code string into said character codes of said character species conforming to said auxiliary attribute.

29. A character inputting device as defined in claim 25, wherein:

said translation means further includes a function of translating said key code string into a kanji (Chinese character used in Japanese writing);

said boundary position decision process means refrains from deciding said boundary position even when said key code string has agreed with the key code string stored in said word dictionary memory means, in said case where said prohibited key code detection means has detected said key code which does not become said initial boundary position; and

said translation means translates said key code string into said kanji at said boundary position detected by said boundary position decision process means.

30. A character translation computing method, implemented using computer means, for a character inputting device wherein character codes in a plurality of character species are allocated to one key input; comprising:

storing key code strings which correspond to a plurality of words, respectively, in a word dictionary memory means beforehand, said word dictionary memory means provided for each of said plurality of character species;

allocating one key code in response to one key input;

deciding if an entered key code string agrees with said key code strings stored in said word dictionary memory means, as to all the stored key code strings, and detecting as a boundary position that position of said entered key code string which corresponds to a length of a longest one of the key code strings decided to agree; and

translating said entered key code string into character codes with a unit of the translation being a key code string which extends up to said boundary position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a character inputting method for entering characters on the basis of a plurality of character species and a plurality of input systems, and a character inputting device and an information processing equipment which adopt the method. More particularly, it relates to a character inputting method which eliminates the setting errors of character species and languages, etc. or dispenses with the settings thereof, and a character inputting device and an information processing equipment which adopt the method.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As the input devices of electronic information equipment, for example, personal computers, there have heretofore been extensively employed keyboards which are similar to ones used in mechanical typewriters. In a common keyboard employed in the U.S.A., for example, the keyboard "101 Keyboard" of a personal computer "IBM-PC", two different characters are carved on the top of some of the keys so that characters including the capital and small letters of the alphabet, numerals, and symbols such as `$` and `%` can be input in a total number larger than the number of keys on the keyboard. Which of the two available characters is to be input, can be determined depending upon whether or not a shift key is simultaneously pressed.

Meanwhile, the number of characters in ordinary use is much larger in each of Japanese, Korean, Chinese etc. than in English. The Japanese language, for example, uses about 7000 characters which include, not only the alphabet, but also "hiraganas" and "katakanas" which are phonetic characters, and "kanjis" which are ideographic characters. Such a large number of characters could not be handled by computer systems in the initial stages of development, but they have come to be processed comparatively easily with respect to display, printing etc. owing to the recent technological innovation. In the input portion, however, a large number of problems concerning a user interface remain unsolved. One of the problems is how to separately enter as many as 7000 different characters.

In order to cope with this problem, keyboards adapted to enter the "hiraganas" and "katakanas" in addition to the alphabet have been devised in Japan by extending the keyboard employed in the U.S.A. An example of the devised keyboards is illustrated in FIG. 27. As exemplified by a character key 3232, a hiragana character is added to the normal input contents of the key of the keyboard in the U.S.A. Herein, keys called "mode setting keys" indicated at reference numerals 3062, 3092 and 3052 are used for determining which of the input contents is to be entered by pressing the character key 3232. More specifically, when the key 3062 is pressed before key input operations, an input mode "hiragana" is established, and hiragana characters carved on the tops of pressed character keys are entered by the succeeding key input operations. Further, when the key 3092 is pressed, an input mode "katakana" is established, and katakana characters which correspond to hiragana characters carved on the tops of pressed character keys are entered by the succeeding key input operations (the relations between hiraganas and katakanas resemble those between the capital and small letters of the alphabet). Still further, when the key 3052 is pressed, an input mode "alphanumeric" is established, and the same character input results as in the case of the keyboard employed in the U.S.A. are obtained thenceforth. In this manner, the functions of the keyboard are switched by pressing the mode setting keys beforehand, whereby the larger number of characters can be input.

Another mode for entering the hiraganas and katakanas is a "romaji" (Roman character) input system. As tabulated in FIG. 111, all the hiraganas in the Japanese language can be transliterated into alphabetic characters. By utilizing this property, the romaji input system automatically converts at least one keyed alphabetic character into a hiragana (or katakana) character corresponding thereto. With this input system, when characters `wa` (character keys `w` and `a`) are pressed by way of example, they are converted into ` `. Regarding the romaji-kana conversion, in a case where a mode setting key 3042 shown in FIG. 27 has been pressed beforehand, the romaji-kana conversion is performed. On the other hand, in the case where the mode setting key 3052 has been pressed beforehand, the input mode `alphanumeric` is established, and the same character input results as in the case of the keyboard employed in the U.S.A. are obtained thenceforth without performing the romaji-kana conversion.

Both the romaji input system and the method (kana input system) for entering hiraganas carved on key tops, which are respectively established by the mode settings as stated above, are extensively employed for the input operations of the Japanese language with the keyboards. The kana input system has the merit that the number of touches with keys is smaller, while the romaji input system has the merit that only the alphabetic key layout may be memorized. Which of the input systems is to be applied, depends greatly upon the taste of a user. In many cases, therefore, the input processing programs of both the input systems are prepared in a computer system, and the user is allowed to switch them. By way of example, the romaji input system is established by pressing the key 3042 in FIG. 27 once, and it is switched to the kana input system by pressing the key 3042 again.

In this specification, the state in which a character is entered by the romaji input system will sometimes be called the "romaji mode", etc. Besides, the state in which a character is entered by the kana input system will sometimes be called the "kana input mode", "kana-hiragana mode", etc. In addition, the state in which an alphanumeric character can be entered will sometimes be called the "alphanumeric mode".

Further, in this specification, both the input system and the character species will sometimes be expressed as the "character species" or "character mode", etc. collectively and simply.

In the appended claims, the expression "character species" or "character mode" shall indicate a concept which covers both the species of a character (for example, hiragana character or alphanumeric character) and the input system (for example, romaji input system or kana input system). Accordingly, the "character species" differs between the state in which the kana character is entered by the kana input system and the state in which the kana character is entered by the romaji input system.

Language translating machines addressing a plurality of languages have a language selecting key. This key allows the user to designate the language into which the input, or to be input, character string is translated.

On language translating machines for translating a first language (e.g., German, French or Italian) into a second language (e.g., Japanese), the user typically designates the first language before translation can take place. For example, after inputting a character string "Auf Wiedersehen", the user designates "German." This allows the character string to be translated into its Japanese equivalent " ". Likewise, with an English sentence "How do you do?" input, designating the language type "English" translates the sentence into its Japanese equivalent " ".

The use of keyboards almost inevitably entails another problem: typographical errors. The most widespread keyboard arrangement is one comprising about 50 keys that are operated with both hands. Keyboards of this type typically have four tiers of keys, each tier containing from 12 to 14 keys. When the user types in "blind touch" fashion on the keyboard while copying a manuscript, typographical errors are more or less inevitable. One way to minimize such errors is to equip the keyboard with specific keys (e.g., home position keys) marked with depressions or bumps for tactile verification of the correct key positions. Another way to address typographical errors is to run a dictionary-based spelling check on the input words whereby the user finds and corrects wrong spellings.

Some machines when interconnected are faced with the problem of how to handle different character code systems that may exist therebetween. In stand-alone situations, the machines may use whatever character code system that are unique to them. When interconnected, these machines may have difficulty in communicating with one another using different character codes. For example, a character string transmitted from one machine may appear as a meaningless collection of symbols on the receiving machine that uses a different character code system from that of the transmitting machine. One way to solve this problem is to establish common communication protocols between the machines involved so that a mutually agreed-on character code system is utilized throughout the transmission and reception therebetween.

As mentioned, the major problem with the machines for translating a plurality of languages is that the user is required not only to perform steps to designate the first (i.e., source) language, but also to know beforehand the character species of that first language. Such requirements turn out to be a considerable burden on the user's part.

As mentioned, the prior art solution to typographical errors is generally the tactile verification of the home position keys. This solution requires the user to remain vigilant at all times during key input. Once the home position keys are missed, the user may continuously type incorrect character strings until he views the screen for confirmation. Another solution, the dictionary-based spelling check, puts a heavy burden on the processor. If carried out during character input, the spelling check will considerably reduce the operability of the machine because the spelling-check processing takes time and affects other operations. For this reason, the spelling check is typically carried out in a single pass on a certain batch of word processing completed. But this way of checking typographical errors afterwards leaves unsolved the problem of how to deal with typographical errors as they occur in real time.

The problem of incompatibility in character code systems between different machines is addressed conventionally by use of standard protocols. Although physical standard protocols are now widely accepted and employed, the protocols for designating character code systems have not yet received standardized widespread acceptance. As a result, no communication is possible unless a user who wants to transmit signals knows the receiver's protocol.

As stated above, with any of the information processing equipment which is presently in use, the character species switching key needs to be pressed each time the character species to be input changes. Somewhat inconveniently, therefore, the user interrupts the essential character inputting operation to switch the character species and thereafter restarts the inputting operation, each time the character species to be input changes. In particular, it the user is a beginner, who is not skilled in such a character entering operation, the switching of the character species is often overlooked. This poses the problem that the user totally unintentionally enters a character string of unclear meaning.

Moreover, it is sometimes the case that the beginner cannot use the equipment unless they know the procedure for altering the input systems.

Examples of prior-art techniques intended to solve the above problem are as follows:

(1) An equipment wherein an entered character string is displayed in all character species beforehand, the character species of the character string is thereafter determined by letting a user select any of "kanji", "hiragana(s)", "katakana(s)" and "alphanumeric character(s)", and the character string in the determined species is inserted into a sentence (Official Gazette of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 271564/1986).

(2) A system wherein a "convert" key is pressed again and again, whereby an entered character string is successively converted into a "kanji", "hiragana(s)", "katakana(s)" and "alphanumeric character(s)", which are successively displayed (Official Gazette of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 9465/1987).

(3) A method wherein a character already entered by a user is corrected by giving the instruction of character mode conversion (Official Gazette of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 231624/1986).

(4) A method wherein a specified character mode is set as a default mode, and wherein a user is alerted when the count value of the number of entered characters has reached a predetermined value in any set character mode different from the specified character mode (Official Gazette of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 58358/1987).

(5) A method wherein the input contents of keys pressed by a user are converted into the two systems of an alphanumeric character string and a "kana" character string, the converted words in the respective systems are collated with corresponding dictionaries so as to decide the presence of either of the words, and the user selects the significant one of the character modes (Official Gazette of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 30223/1990).

The prior-art techniques (1) and (2), however, are problematic as stated below.

With the prior-art technique (1), the desired character(s) is/are selected from among the displayed character species or kanji candidates after the character string has been entered. According to this method, any of the character species or kanji candidates needs to be always designated at the end or break of each input character species (at the boundary of the plurality of species), resulting in the problem that the user must enter characters while being conscious of the end of each input character species.

With the prior-art technique (2), an information processing equipment wherein a plurality of character species are input adopts a method in which the character species are successively altered and displayed by pressing the "convert" key and a "non-convert" key. According to this method, keys for selecting the character species can be removed from a keyboard. Since, however, a user must press the "convert" key and the "non-convert" key a plurality of times till the selection of the species "katakanas", his/her operation is troublesome.

Furthermore, with either of the two techniques (1) and (2), eventually the user needs to designate all the character species.

Also, the methods (3), (4) and (5) are problematic as stated below.

In a case where the setting of a character mode is erroneous, the method (3) cannot correct the entered characters unless the user verifies the presence of the error and unless he/she knows the procedure for the character mode conversion.

The method (4) is so constructed that the user is alerted on the basis of the mere counted number of the input characters. Therefore, the alarm is given when the predetermined value has been reached, irrespective of whether or not the user's inputs are correct. This poses the problem that meaningless alarms are also sounded. Moreover, even when the given alarm is the proper one representative of the setting error of the character mode, the user cannot switch the erroneous input mode into a correct one unless he/she knows a character mode designating method.

With the method (5), the decision of the presence of the word is rendered within a keyboard device, and the character string is not delivered till the settlement of the decided result. This poses the problem that the user cannot know if the characters have been entered, till then.

Another problem is that, since the whole character string being a subject for the character mode designation is handled as one of the same character species, it is translated in the same character species.

By way of example, let's consider a case where a character string "2 mm " is to be entered. It is assumed that, as shown by a screen display in FIG. 102(a), a string part "2 mm" has been accepted by setting the alphanumeric mode. Subsequently, the user enters a string part " " while still in the alphanumeric mode, but thinking that the input mode is the kana-hiragana mode. Then, a display "kut@xi" is presented on the screen of a display unit because of the selected alphanumeric mode. In FIG. 102(a), a character mode 13043 currently set is displayed in a system area 13033. A character string 13063 not intended by the user is displayed in an edit area 13013 as the result of the input operation stated above. That is, a character string "2 mmkut@xi" has been entered in the alphanumeric mode. In the case of correcting the entered character string into the character string intended by the user, where the alphanumeric mode terminates and where the kana-hiragana mode initiates cannot be discriminated with the prior-art technique unless the user explicitly indicates the change-over position of the character species.

In this manner, even when the signals in the plurality of character species have been entered, they are translated in the single character species, and the character string intended by the user is not obtained. That is, since the position of the boundary of the characters to be translated is not considered, all these characters are handled as ones of the identical character species in spite of the intended coexistence of the plurality of character species. Moreover, since the boundary of the character species after the translation is also unclear, the user's correction into the intended character string is very troublesome.

Furthermore, special character strings (for example, inputs peculiar to the user) are not considered in any of the above methods. Especially, the aforementioned method (5) has the problem that erroneous decisions are repeatedly rendered on the input of a word which is not yet contained in the dictionary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for judging the character mode likelihood of a string of characters keyed in by the user, automatically detecting a mode setting error based on the judgment, setting the correct mode accordingly, changing the already input character string into characters of the correct mode, and issuing a relevant message at the same time. In this manner, the invention provides the user with a method and an apparatus for alleviating some of the burdens of character input.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method and an apparatus for judging the language type of an input character string without user intervention, the judging being based on the likelihood value of the input character string obtained for each of a plurality of character or language types, whereby the intended result of translation is acquired.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method and an apparatus for inputting characters in a way that relieves the burden that the user has conventionally shouldered in addressing typographical errors, the method and the apparatus being capable of judging the likelihood value of a user-input character string, of automatically detecting an inadvertent fingertip shift from the home position, of changing the already input character string to a correct character string applicable to the error pattern detected, and of displaying a relevant message at the same time.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a method and an apparatus for processing characters, the method and the apparatus being capable of judging the likelihood value of a character string of received codes for each of a plurality of character code systems, of automatically judging the transmitting party's character code system based on the likelihood values obtained, and of automatically converting the character string to the receiving party's character code system for display if the latter system is different from the transmitting party's system.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an information processing equipment which permits a user to enter characters without being conscious of the boundary of a plurality of character species.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing equipment in which selectable character species are all displayed on a display screen, so that a user can select any of the character strings while watching the character strings displayed in the plurality of character species.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an information processing equipment in which the likelihoods of a plurality of character species are decided on an entered character string so as to automatically set one of the character species, whereby the operation of changing-over the character species is dispensed with.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a character inputting method and a character inputting device which automatically sense the erroneous setting of a character mode and set the correct mode, so that the burden of a user on the correction of the erroneous character mode can be relieved.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a character inputting method and a character inputting device which sense a boundary in an entered signal string having a plurality of coexistent character species, and which translate the signal string into the optimum character string.

In the first aspect of performance of the present invention for accomplishing the objects, there is provided an information processing equipment wherein character codes of a plurality of character species are held in correspondence with one key code; comprising input means for entering the key code; translation means for translating said key code entered from said input means, into all the character codes corresponding to said key code, and for delivering the translated character codes; display means including a first display area in which characters are displayed separately in the respective character species, for displaying in said first display area all the characters corresponding to said character codes delivered from said translation means; and designation means for designating a desired character string part within character strings displayed in said first display area; said display means including a second display area into which a display position of said character string part designated by said designation means is altered.

In this case, it is preferable that decision means is further comprised for computing likelihoods of said respective character species in accordance with predetermined conditions as to said character strings displayed in said first display area, and for deciding one of said character species in accordance with said likelihoods; and that said display means has a function of altering at least one of a display position and a display aspect in said first display area as to the characters of the character species decided by said decision means.

It is also preferable to further comprise memory means for storing said key code entered from said input means and said character codes delivered for said key code by said translation means, in correspondence with said respective character species therein; and character string translocation means for giving an instruction of translocating a desired character string part within the characters displayed in said second display area, into said first display area; said display means translocating said character string part designated by said character string translocation means, into said first display area, and displaying character strings of the other character species corresponding to the translocated character string part, in said first display area with reference to said memory means.

It is also preferable that decision means is further comprised for computing likelihoods of said respective character species in accordance with predetermined conditions as to said character strings displayed in said first display area, and for deciding one of said character species in accordance with said likelihoods, each time the character is translocated from said second display area into said first display area by said display means; and that said display means has a function of altering at least one of a display position and a display aspect in said first display area as to the character species decided by said decision means.

In the second aspect of performance of the present invention, there is provided an information processing equipment wherein character codes of a plurality of character species are held in correspondence with one key code; comprising input means for entering the key code; translation means for translating said key code entered from said input means, into all the character codes corresponding to said key code, and for delivering the translated character codes; and display means including a first display area in which characters are displayed separately in the respective character species, for displaying in said first display area all the characters corresponding to said character codes delivered from said translation means; said translation means having a function of delivering a character code of a predetermined specific character along with one character code in a case where said one character code is obtained using a plurality of key codes in the translation.

In this case, it is preferable that a sum between the number of the character codes of said specific character and that of the character codes of the first-mentioned characters is equal to the number of the key codes used for delivering the first-mentioned character codes.

In the above, said case where said one character code is obtained using said plurality of key codes may well be a case where said translation means handles the entered key codes in conformity with a romaji (Roman character) input system.

In addition, it is preferable that said display means displays said specific character in only said first display area. It is also preferable that said display means does not display said specific character at a foremost position of said first display area.

Besides, it is preferable to further comprise memory means for storing said key code entered from said input means and said character codes delivered for said key code by said translation means, in correspondence with said respective character species therein; and character string translocation means for giving an instruction of translocating a desired character string part within the characters displayed in said second display area, into said first display area; said display means having a function of translocating said character string part designated by said character string translocation means, into said first display area; and a function of displaying a character which corresponds to said key codes stored for said specific character in said memory means, instead of said specific character in a case where said specific character exists at a foremost position of the character string displayed in said first display area, after the translocation thereof.

It is also preferable that designation means is further comprised for designating a desired character string part within said characters displayed in said first display area; and that said display means includes a second display area, having a function of altering a display position of said character string part designated by said designation means, into said second display area; and a function of deleting said specific character and the characters of the other character species displayed in correspondence with said specific character, in a case where said specific character is brought to a foremost position of the character string displayed in said first display area, by the alteration of said display position.

Now, operations in the first and second aspects of performance will be explained collectively.

The translation means translates the key code entered from the input means such as a keyboard, into the corresponding character codes of all the character species, and it delivers all the translated character codes. Herein, in the case of the romaji input system, one character code is sometimes delivered using two key codes. On this occasion, the key code of the specific character (for example, ".gradient.") is delivered along with the character code in order to bring the numbers of the key codes and the character codes into agreement.

The memory means stores the entered key codes and the character codes delivered from the translation means, in corresponding relations therein. In this case, the character code of the specific character is similarly held in correspondence with the key codes. By way of example, in a case where the entered key codes are "H" and "A", the character codes of the hiragana (cursive form of the Japanese syllabary) character species are stored with " " corresponding to "H" and the specific character (for example, ".gradient.") corresponding to "A".

The display means displays the characters corresponding to the delivered character codes, separately in the respective character species in the first display area. In this case, the display means is adapted to alter the display position and/or the display aspect as to the characters of the character species decided by the decision means.

When the desired character string part within the characters displayed in the first display area is designated by the designation means, it is translocated into the second display area. In this case, the specific character is not displayed in the second display area. Besides, in the case where the translocation of the characters brings the specific character to the foremost or head position of the character string displayed in the first display area, the specific character and the characters of the other character species displayed in correspondence with the specific character are deleted.

To the contrary, when the desired character string part within the characters displayed in the second display area is designated by the character string translocation means, it is returned into the first display area. Herein, in the case where the specific character comes to the foremost position or head of the character string displayed in the first display area, the character which corresponds only to the key code stored for the specific character in the memory means is displayed instead of the specific character. By way of example, in the case where the specific character ".gradient." is stored in correspondence with "A", "A" is displayed instead of ".gradient.".

Incidentally, the first and second aspects of performance thus far stated correspond to Embodiment 1 which will be described later.

Next, the third and fourth aspects of performance of the present invention will be explained.

In the third aspect of performance, there is provided a character inputting method wherein a character is entered by employing a key code which corresponds to character codes of a plurality of character species, and by selecting any of the plurality of character species; comprising the first step of generating key codes, and holding a string of the generated key codes (herein below, termed "input key code string"); the second step of allowing a user of said method to designate any of said plurality of character species; the third step of calculating likelihoods of the respective character species in accordance with predetermined conditions as to said input key code string, and selecting any of said character species in accordance with the calculated likelihoods; the fourth step of translating said input key code string into character codes of the character species selected at said third step; and the fifth step of invalidating the selection of said character species carried out at said third step, and simultaneously restoring the input key codes to character codes of the character species having been selected before execution of said fourth step, said fifth step being executed as required; wherein at least one combination of the input key code string and the character species is stored, said combination being selected from the group which consists of a combination of said input key code string being a subject for the execution of said fifth step (herein below, termed "suppression learning key code string") and said character species restored at said fifth step (herein below, termed "suppression learning character species"), and a combination of said input key code string at a time when said second step has been executed (herein below, termed "non-conversion learning key code string") and said character species at the time (herein below, termed "non-conversion learning character species"); and wherein thenceforth, said third step is not executed for said input key code string generated at said first step, in either of a case where the generated input key code string agrees with said suppression learning key code string and where the character species selected then agrees with said suppression learning character species, and a case where said generated input key code string agrees with said non-conversion learning key code string and where the character species selected then agrees with said non-conversion learning character species.

In the fourth aspect of performance, there is provided a character inputting device wherein character codes of a plurality of character species are held in correspondence with one key code; comprising key code generation means for generating key codes; character code translation means for translating said key codes into character codes of one of said character species as designated beforehand (herein below, termed "designated character species"); likelihood computation means for calculating likelihoods of the respective character species in accordance with predetermined conditions as to a string of said key codes generated by said key code generation means (herein below, termed "input key code string"); character mode alteration means for selecting any of said character species in accordance with said likelihoods calculated by said likelihood computation means, and for altering the designation of the character species so as to set the selected character species at said designated character species; learning information memory means for previously storing key code strings (herein below, termed "learning key code strings") in correspondence with the character species thereof (herein below, termed "learning character species") therein; and comparison means for comparing said input key code string with said learning key code strings, and said designated character species with said learning character species; wherein said likelihood computation means does not calculate said likelihoods in a case where the comparisons by said comparison means have shown that said designated character species agrees with any of said learning character species and that said input key code string agrees with any of the learning key code strings of said designated character species.

In the fourth aspect of performance, said character inputting device may well further comprise correction means for accepting a correction instruction given by a user of said device, and for executing a correction process in which the alteration of said designated character species based on said likelihoods as has been done by said character mode alteration means is invalidated to restore said designated character species to the original character species before having been altered; and registration means for storing said original character species and said input key code string which is a subject for the likelihood calculations as has formed a cause of the invalidated character species alteration, as the learning character species and the learning key code string in said learning information memory means, respectively, in a case where the correction by said correction means has been made.

Alternatively, said character inputting device may well further comprise character species designation means for accepting a character species designation given by a user of said device, and for altering said designated character species to the character species of the given designation; and registration means for storing said designated character species before the alteration and said input key code string having been generated under said designated character species before said alteration, as the learning character species and the learning key code string in said learning information memory means, respectively, in a case where said alteration of said designated character species by said character species designation means has been made.

In addition, said character inputting device may further comprise load means for loading document data from external memory means storing therein documents which have already been created; and registration means for translating into key codes some of character codes which are contained in said document data loaded by said load means, for storing the resulting key code string as said learning key code string in said learning information memory means, and for also storing the alphanumeric character species for said learning key code string caused by the alphanumeric character codes and the set character species at a time of the load for said learning key code string caused by the kana (Japanese syllabary) character codes, as the respective learning character species of said learning key code string in said learning information memory means.

Besides, said character inputting device may well be so constructed that, in a case where said comparisons by said comparison means have shown that said designated character species and any of said learning character species are in agreement and that said input key code string and any of the learning key code strings of said designated character species are partially in agreement, said likelihood computation means calculates said likelihoods in relation to only a key code string part which is other than the agreeing key code string part.

Now, operations in the third and fourth aspects of performance will be explained collectively.

When the key code generation means generates the key codes, the likelihood computation means calculates the likelihoods of the respective character species in accordance with the predetermined conditions as to the string of the key codes (the "input key code string").

Herein, before the calculations of the likelihoods, the comparison means compares the input key code string with the learning key code strings, and the designated character species with the learning character species. Besides, the likelihood computation means does not calculate the likelihoods in the case where the comparisons by the comparison means have shown that the designated character species agrees with any of the learning character species and that the input key code string agrees with any of the learning key code strings of the designated character species.

The character mode alteration means decides one of the character species in accordance with the calculated likelihoods, and it alters the designation of the character species so as to set the decided character species at the designated character species.

The character code translation means translates the key codes into the character codes of the character species designated beforehand (the "designated character species").

When instructed to alter the character species by the correction means or the character species designation means, the registration means registers the key code string and the character species being subjects for the instruction, as the learning key code string and the learning character species, respectively, in the learning information memory means.

Incidentally, the third and fourth aspects of performance of the present invention correspond to Embodiment 2 which will be described later.

Next, the fifth thru seventh aspects of performance of the present invention will be explained.

The fifth aspect of performance of the present invention consists in a character inputting device wherein character codes in a plurality of character species are allocated to one key input; comprising input means for allocating one key code in response to one key input; word dictionary memory means for storing therein key code strings which correspond to a plurality of words, respectively; boundary position decision process means for deciding if a key code string entered from said input means agrees with said key code strings stored in said word dictionary memory means, as to all the stored key code strings, and for detecting as a boundary position that position of the entered key code string which corresponds to a length of a longest one of the key code strings decided to agree; translation means for translating said entered key code string into character codes with a unit of the translation being a key code string which extends up to said boundary position detected by said boundary position decision process means; and display means for displaying characters which correspond to said character codes translated by said translation means.

Said boundary position decision process means detects boundary positions successively by the decisions as to a key code string which succeeds the detected boundary position; decision means is further comprised for successively deciding the respective character species of key code strings which extend up to said boundary positions successively detected by said boundary position decision process means; and said translation means translates said key code strings which extend up to said boundary positions detected by said boundary position decision process means, into character code strings of said character species decided by said decision means.

In addition, said character inputting device further comprises decision means for deciding the character species of the key input entered from said input means; said input means accepting also an instruction for selecting one of said character species for said key input; said word dictionary memory means including word dictionary memories of the respective character species; said boundary position decision process means detecting said boundary position with reference to the key code strings stored in the word dictionary memory of the character species of the selection instruction in said input means; said translation means translating said key code string which extends up to said boundary position detected by said boundary position decision process means, into a character code string of said character species of said selection instruction in said input means, and translating a key code string which succeeds said boundary position, into a character code string of said character species decided by said decision means.

Besides, said character inputting device may well be so constructed as to further comprise decision means for deciding the character species of the key input entered from said input means; said input means accepting also an instruction for selecting one of said character species for said key input; said word dictionary memory means including word dictionary memories of the respective character species; said boundary position decision process means detecting said boundary position with reference to the key code strings stored in the word dictionary memory of said character species decided by said decision means; said translation means translating said key code string which extends up to said boundary position detected by said boundary position decision process means, into a character code string of said character species decided by said decision means, and translating a key code string which succeeds said boundary position, into a character code string of said character species of said selection instruction in said input means.

It is also allowed to further comprise decision means for deciding the character species of said input accepted by said input means; said decision means rendering the decision on that part of said key code string accepted by said input means which succeeds said boundary position detected by said boundary position decision process means.

Moreover, it is possible to further comprise means for accepting an instruction for appointing either of said word dictionary memory of said character species decided by said decision means and said word dictionary memory of said character species designated beforehand, as said word dictionary memory which is referred to by said boundary position decision process means.

It is also possible to further comprise prohibited key code detection means for detecting a key code which cannot become either of initial and final boundary positions, as to said key code string; said boundary position decision process means refraining from deciding said boundary position even when said key code string entered from said input means has agreed with the key code string stored in said word dictionary memory means, in a case where said prohibited key code detection means has detected said key code which cannot become said boundary position. Herein, said character inputting device can be so constructed that said prohibited key code detection means includes a prohibited pattern table in which key code strings not forming the boundary positions are stored beforehand, and that it detects said key code not becoming said boundary position, with reference to said prohibited pattern table.

It is also possible that said word dictionary memory means further stores therein attributes indicating the character species of key code strings which ought to exist in front of and behind the respective stored key code strings; and that said boundary position decision process means refers to the attribute to decide if said attribute is met, in a case where said key code string entered from said input means and any of said key code strings stored in said word dictionary memory means have agreed in the detection of said boundary position, and it refrains from deciding said boundary position even when said key code string entered from said input means has agreed with the key code string stored in said word dictionary memory means, in a case where said attribute is not met.

It is also allowed that said word dictionary memory means further stores therein key code strings of words in which the plurality of character species coexist, and to which auxiliary attributes indicating said character species are affixed; and said translation means refers to the auxiliary attribute, and translates said key code string into said character codes of said character species conforming to said auxiliary attribute.

Further, said character inputting device can be so constructed that said translation means further includes a function of translating said key code string into a kanji (Chinese character used in Japanese writing); that said boundary position decision process means refrains from deciding said boundary position even when said key code string has agreed with the key code string stored in said word dictionary memory means, in said case where said prohibited key code detection means has detected said key code which does not become said initial boundary position; and that said translation means translates said key code string into said kanji at said boundary position detected by said boundary position decision process means.

The sixth aspect of performance of the present invention consists in a character translation method for a character inputting device wherein character codes in a plurality of character species are allocated to one key input; comprising storing key code strings which correspond to a plurality of words, respectively, in a word dictionary beforehand; allocating one key code in response to one key input; deciding if an entered key code string agrees with said key code strings stored in said word dictionary, as to all the stored key code strings, and detecting as a boundary position that position of said entered key code string which corresponds to a length of a longest one of the key code strings decided to agree; and translating said entered key code string into character codes with a unit of the translation being a key code string which extends up to said boundary position.

In the seventh aspect of performance of the present invention, a word dictionary for said character inputting device can store therein key code strings which correspond to a plurality of words, respectively. Herein, said word dictionary can further store therein attributes indicating the character species of key code strings which ought to exist in front of and behind the respective stored key code strings.

Now, operations in the fifth thru seventh aspects of performance of the present invention will be explained collectively.

In the character inputting device according to the present invention, the character codes in the plurality of character species are allocated to one key input. The character species include hiraganas (the cursive form of the Japanese syllabary), katakanas (the square form of the Japanese syllabary), alphanumeric characters, symbols, etc.

The input means allocates one key code in response to one key input. Predetermined signals may well be generated as the key codes. The key code strings corresponding respectively to the plurality of words are stored in the word dictionary memory means beforehand. In this regard, the word dictionary memories may well be prepared for the respective character species. The boundary position decision process means decides whether or not the key code string entered from the input means agrees with the key code strings stored in the word dictionary memory means, as to all the stored key code strings. It detects as the boundary position that position of the entered key code string which corresponds to the length of the longest one of the key code strings having decided to agree. The translation means translates the entered key code string into the character codes with the unit of the translation being the key code string which extends up to the boundary position detected by the boundary position decision process means. The display means displays the characters which correspond to the character codes translated by the translation means. Thus, the key code string of the key inputs can have the break or boundary position set by the longest agreeing key code string among the key code strings stored in the word dictionary memory means, and it can be translated on the basis of the break position.

The boundary position decision process means detects the boundary positions successively by the decisions as to the key code string which succeeds the detected boundary position. In the case where the decision means is further comprised, it successively decides the respective character species of the key code strings which extend up to the boundary positions successively detected by the boundary position decision process means. In this case, the translation means translates the key code strings which extend up to the boundary positions detected by the boundary position decision process means, into the character code strings of the character species decided by the decision means.

Moreover, in the case where the decision means for deciding the character species of the key input entered from the input means is further comprised, the input means accepts also the instruction for selecting one of the character species for the key input, for a current mode. The word dictionary memory means includes the word dictionary memories of the respective character species, and the boundary position decision process means detects the boundary position with reference to the key code strings stored in the word dictionary memory of the character species of the selection instruction given in the input means. The translation means translates the key code string which extends up to the boundary position detected by the boundary position decision process means, into the character code string of the character species of the selection instruction given in the input means, and it translates the key code string which succeeds the boundary position, into the character code string of the character species decided by the decision means. Alternatively, the translation means may contrariwise function to translate the key code string which extends up to the boundary position detected by the boundary position decision process means, into the character code string of the character species decided by the decision means, and to translate the key code string which succeeds the boundary position, into the character code string of the character species of the selection instruction given in the input means.

The decision means may well render the decision on that part of the key code string accepted by the input means which succeeds the boundary position detected by the boundary position decision process means.

Also, the prohibited key code detection means detects the key code which cannot become the initial or final boundary position, as to the key code string. The boundary position decision process means refrains from deciding the boundary position even when the key code string entered from the input means has agreed with the key code string stored in the word dictionary memory means, in the case where the prohibited key code detection means has detected the key code which cannot become the boundary position.

Moreover, the word dictionary memory means further stores therein the attributes indicating the character species of the key code strings which ought to exist in front of and behind the respective stored key code strings. Thus, the boundary position decision process means detects the position of the longest agreeing key code string by referring to the attribute to decide whether or not the attribute is met, in the case where the key code string entered from the input means and any of the key code strings stored in the word dictionary memory means have agreed in the detection of the boundary position, and by refraining from deciding the boundary position even when the key code string entered from the input means has agreed with the key code string stored in the word dictionary memory means, in the case where the attribute is not met.

Also, in the case where the word dictionary memory means further stores therein the key code strings of the words in which the plurality of character species coexist, the auxiliary attributes indicating the character species are affixed to the key code strings in which the plurality of character species coexist. The translation means refers to the auxiliary attribute, and translates the key code string into the character codes of the character species conforming to the auxiliary attribute.

In this manner, even when the user has entered the character string containing the plurality of character species, without changing-over the character modes, the boundary position can be detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are illustrating the block diagrams arrangement of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a character inputting apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view of a keyboard for use with the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a more detailed block diagram of the arrangement of FIG. 1(A);

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting the operation of the method of the present invention;

FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) show different key input examples;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the steps for determining the likeliest character mode;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the steps for alarm output processing;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the steps for processing character mode designating keys;

FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) show typical output messages provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a screen display example in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) show other screen display examples in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 13(a)-13(c) show further screen display examples in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the steps for switching to an appropriate output destination depending on the result of likelihood judgment in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the steps for likelihood judgment processing in accordance with FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 shows a screen display example in accordance with FIG. 14;

FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) are a set of views depicting other screen display examples of the embodiment of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the language type judging unit contained in the embodiment of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 shows a typical personal computer communication system;

FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b) show character keyboard arrangements and corresponding key codes therefor, respectively, for another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the steps for typographical error judgment processing according to the present invention;

FIGS. 23(a)-23(c) show depicting screen display examples of the present invention for typographical error judgment processing;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention

FIGS. 25 thru 43(b) concern the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein:

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a character inputting device in this embodiment;

FIG. 26 is an exterior view showing an example of an information processing equipment in which the character inputting device is assembled;

FIG. 27 is a plan view showing the key layout of key blocks (2212, 2222 and 2232) in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a view showing an example of the display of a display unit (122) in FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the relationships between character modes and character codes;

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing a character inputting method in this embodiment;

FIGS. 31(a) and 31(b) are explanatory diagrams each showing an example of key inputs;

FIG. 32 is a diagram indicating formulae for a character mode likelihood decision process (6052) in FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a practicable example of a character mode likelihood table (72) in FIG. 25;

FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing the details of the character mode likelihood decision process (6052) in FIG. 30;

FIGS. 35(a) and 35(b) are views each showing an example of a screen display in the process illustrated in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing the details of an alarm process (6072) in FIG. 30;

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing examples of messages which are displayed by the process illustrated in FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing the details of the process of each function key (6102) in FIG. 30;

FIGS. 39(a), 39(b) and 39(c) are views each showing an example of a screen display which is presented by the process in FIG. 38 in a case where a user notifies the conversion of a character code;

FIGS. 40(a), 40(b) and 40(c) are views each showing an example of a screen display which is presented by a learning process in FIG. 38;

FIGS. 41(a) and 41(b) are views each showing an example of a screen display which is presented by the learning process in FIG. 38 in a case where a different character mode is involved in part of an input character string;

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of the content of information which is registered in a learning information buffer (142) in FIG. 25 by the learning process in FIG. 38; and

FIGS. 43(a) and 43(b) are circuit block diagrams for explaining the fundamental operations of this embodiment, respectively.

FIGS. 44 thru 89 concern the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein:

FIG. 44 is a fundamental block diagram of the first embodiment;

FIG. 45 is an exterior view of an information processing equipment in this embodiment;

FIG. 46 is an explanatory plan view showing designation means (1011) in this embodiment;

FIG. 47 is an explanatory plan view showing input means (1021) in this embodiment;

FIG. 48 is a schematic view for explaining the format of a translation table in this embodiment;

FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram showing the organization of data which are stored in memory means (1061) in this embodiment;

FIG. 50 is an explanatory view showing an example of a screen display;

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of key inputs;

FIGS. 52 thru 66 are explanatory views each showing an example of a screen display;

FIG. 67 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of key inputs;

FIGS. 68 thru 73 are explanatory views each showing an example of a screen display;

FIG. 74 is a flow chart showing the process of translation means (1041) in this embodiment;

FIG. 75 is a flow chart showing the process of a controller (1051);

FIG. 76 is a flow chart showing a character inputting process;

FIG. 77 is a flow chart showing an up/down key process;

FIG. 78 is a flow chart showing a right key process;

FIG. 79 is a flow chart showing a left key process;

FIG. 80 is a flow chart showing a "validate" key process;

FIGS. 81 thru 86 are explanatory views each showing an example of a screen display;

FIGS. 87(a) and 87(b) are explanatory plan views showing an example of key inputs of kana (Japanese syllabary) characters based on a kana input system and an example of key inputs of alphanumeric characters, respectively;

FIG. 88 is a flow chart showing the process of decision means (1081) in this embodiment; and

FIG. 89 is an explanatory view showing an example of a screen display.

FIGS. 90 thru 110 concern the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein:

FIG. 90 is a flow chart of the general processing in this embodiment;

FIG. 91 is an explanatory plan view of a keyboard which is used in this embodiment;

FIGS. 92(a) and 92(b) are explanatory diagrams each showing key codes which are used in this embodiment;

FIG. 93 is a flow chart of a prohibited key code process for individual decided input modes (102) in FIG. 90;

FIG. 94 is a flow chart of a boundary position decision process (107) in FIG. 90;

FIG. 95 is a diagram showing the format of the records of word dictionaries;

FIG. 96 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of the records of the word dictionaries;

FIG. 97 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of an input key code buffer;

FIG. 98 is a diagram for explaining the retrieval of the word dictionary;

FIG. 99 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method of holding the string of key codes which have agreed;

FIG. 100 is a diagram for explaining the translation of an input key code string into character codes;

FIG. 101 is a block diagram of a character inputting device in this embodiment;

FIGS. 102(a) and 102(b) are views each showing an example of a screen display in this embodiment;

FIG. 103 is a prohibited pattern table for a kana (Japanese syllabary)-hiragana (cursive form of kana character) mode;

FIG. 104 is a prohibited pattern table for a romaji (Roman character)-hiragana mode;

FIGS. 105(a) and 105(b) are views each showing an example of a screen display in this embodiment;

FIG. 106 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationships between character modes and character codes;

FIG. 107 is an explanatory diagram showing attributes which are contained in the word dictionary;

FIG. 108 is a partial flow chart for explaining a consistency decision process for individual attribute Nos.;

FIG. 109 is a diagram showing an example of the content of a dictionary key code register; and

FIG. 110 is a flow chart of a process for a succeeding numeral.

FIG. 111 is a table showing the corresponding relations between hiraganas and romajis.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Now, four embodiments according to the present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to the drawings, there is described a first embodiment of the invention for performing likelihood judgements as to a key code string or a character string to thereby automatically set various operation conditions such as operation modes or the like. The present embodiment includes the following four examples.

A first example is directed to a method and apparatus for automatically judging and correcting a mode setting error wherein the likelihood judging device will be referred to as character mode likelihood judging device and the signal storage device as a key code storage device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention including a signal generator 100 which first generates signals X representing character codes (a, b, c) for a plurality of character or language types (.alpha., .beta., .gamma.). The signals X are input to a character code convertor 200 and likelihood computing device 300. Given the signals X and a character (of a character mode), the character code convertor 200 references a conversion table 500 to output a unique character code therefrom. The likelihood computing device 300 computes the likelihood corresponding to the input signals X by use of a likelihood table, not shown. The result of the computation is sent to character mode changing device 400. Upon receipt of the computed likelihood, the character mode changing device 400 changes the character (character modes) and reports the newly established character (character code) to the character code convertor 200. In operation, for example, the character mode changing device 400 sends the character (character code) .beta. to the character code convertor 200. In turn, the character code convertor 200 references the conversion table 500. This causes the signals X to be converted to a character code .beta. for output.

FIG. 1(b) is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment wherein the likelihood of the character code converted by character code convertor is computed and the character mode is changed accordingly. The embodiment of FIG. 1(a) has an advantage of gaining enhanced reliability of the likelihood computed by the likelihood computing device because the signal data is evaluated as received. On the other hand, the embodiment offers a wider range of applications because it judges already input characters for their likelihood.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a character inputting apparatus embodying the invention in accordance with FIG. 1(a) and incorporated illustratively in a word processor. The apparatus of FIG. 2 contains basic functions of word processing, and comprises a body 2100 made up of electronic circuits and other associated components and an input device 2200 from which characters and instructions are input. A display unit 2130 displays entered character strings and messages for the user. Although not indispensable, there may also be provided a printer 2110 for outputting entered and/or edited character strings onto paper and an auxiliary storage unit 2120 that stores the input and/or edited character strings onto a storage medium such as a floppy disk. The input device 2220 comprises character keys for inputting characters, mode designating keys for designating an input character font, function keys for issuing editing instructions regarding character strings, and position designating keys for designating the target character string to be edited. For ease of operation, these keys are divided into a plurality of key blocks such as those numbered 2210, 2220 and 2230.

FIG. 3 shows a typical arrangement of the key block 2210 on the input device 2200 of FIG. 2. Keys 3010, 3020, 3030, 3040, 3050, 3060, 3070, 3080, 3090, 3100, 3110, 3120, 3130 and 3140 in FIG. 3 are the function keys and character mode designating keys used to designate a character or language type and to perform such editing functions as line feed and character deletion. Other keys 3210, 3220, 3230, etc. are the character keys for inputting characters. The key 3100 is a function shift key used in combination with other function keys. With this embodiment, pressing simultaneously the keys 3100 and 3080 inputs a user-initiated character code conversion instruction, to be described later.

FIG. 4 is a more detailed block diagram of the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1(a). In FIG. 4, a control unit 4010 such as a microprocessor controls the entire operation of the apparatus. A cursor position storing register 4020 stores the position of a target character string to be replaced during character editing or under the character inputting method according to the invention. An input unit 4030 corresponding to the signal generator 100 permits the input of character keys and function keys for editing instruction. The input unit 4030 generates key codes (to be described later) as the signals X. A character mode storing register 4040 stores the character mode for determining which character code (to be described later) the key codes of the character keys entered from the input unit 4030 should be converted into. In conjunction with the control unit 4010, the character mode storing register 4040 constitutes the character mode changing device 400. A key code buffer 4050 temporarily stores a key code string of character keys on a time series basis. A character mode likelihood judging unit 4060 judges the likeliest character mode according to the key code string held in the key code buffer 4050 and by referring to a character mode likelihood table 4070. The character mode likelihood table 4070 contains the likelihood value, for each character mode, of each key code referenced by the character mode likelihood judging unit 4060. The character mode likelihood judging unit 4060 and the character mode likelihood table 4070 combine to correspond to the likelihood computing device 300. A control parameter storing register 4080 stores control parameters for determining the entire flow of processing. A character code converting unit 4090, corresponding to the character code converting means 200, converts key codes into character codes as per the currently designated character mode. A character buffer 4100 is connected to a display control unit 4110 that displays the contents of the buffer on a display unit 4120. The display unit 4120 is, for example, a CRT or an LCD that presents the user with the result of character input and editing as well as with messages. An alarm generating unit 4130 generates an alarm message and alters parameters in the control parameter storing register 4080 when the control unit 4010 decides to give the user an alarm based on the judgment by the character mode likelihood judging unit 4060. With this embodiment, the alarm generating unit 4130 performs in the form of alarm generation processing a series of operations necessitated as a result of the judgment by the character mode likelihood judging unit 4060. When configured as hardware, the block-by-block arrangement of the invention will have the block 4210 implemented as a storage unit to and from which to write and read data, and the block 4220 as a storage unit from which at least data may be read. The control unit 4010 may be implemented as a general purpose processor. FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen as presented by the display unit 4120. In FIG. 11, a text area 10010 displays character strings held in the character buffer 4100. A column indicator 10020 indicates the column positions for the characters displayed. A guidance area 10030 furnishes the user with messages and the status of the apparatus. A guidance indication 10040 indicates the currently designated character mode, to be described later. A cursor indication 10050 indicates the character input position. An already input character string 10060 shown on the screen is held in the character buffer 4100.

The relation of character keys to the designated character mode will now be described with respect to FIG. 3 and Table 1. In FIG. 3, the character key 3230 has four characters engraved thereon: 3, #, , and . These characters respectively represent alphanumeric characters, alphabetic symbols, kana characters, and kana symbols. The character mode designating keys 3050, 3060 and 3070 are used to designate which character or language type the key input should comply with. On the character inputting apparatus embodying the invention, the hiragana mode designating key 3060, the katakana mode designating key 3090 and the alphanumeric mode designating key 3050 operate in a mutually exclusive manner. Once depressed, each of the three keys causes character codes to be generated according to the corresponding character mode unless and until another character mode designating key is operated. The shift keys 3140 and 3130 are each pushed simultaneously with a character key. When the alphabetic mode is in effect, the shift key operated in the above manner causes the character code of the alphabetic symbol of the simultaneously pressed character key to be generated; when the hiragana or katakana mode is in effect, the shift key permits generation of the character code of the kana symbol of the simultaneously pressed character key. For example, after the hiragana mode designating key 3060 is pressed, typing the character key 3230 alone generates the character code representing the character 3. If pressed simultaneously with the shift key, the character key 3230 causes the character code of the character # to be generated. This status remains effective until the katakana mode designating key 3090 or the alphanumeric mode designating key 3050 is pressed. Table 1 lists the character codes that are generated when the character key 3230 is pressed in various character modes.

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    Character Mode     Character Code
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    Roman character-to-hiragana
                       3
    Kana-to-hiragana
    Roman character-to-katakana
                       3
    Kana-to-katakana
    Alphanumeric       3
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