Abstract:
An electronic device and a control method enable easily inputted characters or numbers to be converted and used in an application. When characters are inputted via input keys and the inputted characters are determined to match at least part of prescribed characters stored in a memory, a control unit keeps the inputted characters displayed on a display unit while also displaying, on the display unit, prescribed numbers associated with the prescribed characters. Then, with the inputted characters and prescribed numbers displayed on the display unit, if an instruction is given to start up an application related to the inputted characters and prescribed numbers, the control unit starts up the application, inputting either the inputted characters or the prescribed numbers.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2011/063787, filed Jun. 16, 2011, which claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2010-137670, filed Jun. 16, 2010, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an electronic device in which a character and a numerical character can be input, and a control method thereof. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventionally, an electronic device such as a portable telephone device includes operation keys with which characters and numerical characters can be input, and realizes input of characters and numerical characters by switching between a character input mode for inputting characters and a numerical character input mode for inputting numerical characters. 
     As an example of such an electronic device, an electronic device has been proposed that, in a case in which a country name is input in a character input mode and then a telephone number is input in a numerical character input mode, places an international call by converting the country name thus input to a corresponding country code (see Patent Document 1). 
     Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. H11-341139 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved by the Invention 
     However, the electronic device disclosed in Patent Document 1 must be set to the character input mode for inputting a country name and a numerical character input mode for inputting a telephone number, requiring a complicated operation for switching between input modes. 
     An objective of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can easily convert a character and a numerical character being input to be used in an application, and a control method thereof. 
     Means for Solving the Problems 
     An electronic device according to the present invention comprises: an operation key to which a character is assigned; a display unit; a storage unit that stores a predetermined character and a predetermined numerical character in association with each other; and a control unit that, in a case in which an operation key is operated and a character assigned to the operation key is input and displayed on the display unit as an input character and the input character is determined to be at least a part of the predetermined character stored in the storage unit, maintains the display of the input character on the display unit and displays the predetermined numerical character associated with the predetermined character on the display unit, in which, in a case in which a activation instruction for an application related to the input character or the predetermined numerical character is given in a state in which the input character and the predetermined numerical character are displayed on the display unit, the control unit activates the application in a state in which any one of the input character and the predetermined numerical character is input thereto. 
     In addition, it is preferable that a numerical character, in addition to the character, is assigned to one of the operation key; and upon operation on the operation key, the control unit inputs and displays on the display unit the character and the numerical character assigned to the operation key as an input character and an input numerical character. 
     In addition, it is preferable that, in a case in which the input character is determined to be at least a part of the predetermined character stored in the storage unit, the control unit displays the predetermined numerical character instead of displaying the input numerical character being input by an operation on the operation key and displayed. 
     In addition, it is preferable that the storage unit further stores a registered character that can be registered in advance; and in a case in which the input character being input by an operation on the operation key corresponds to the registered character stored in the storage unit, the control unit continues display of the input character and clears display of the input numerical character. 
     In addition, it is preferable that in a case in which the input numerical character being input by an operation on the operation key corresponds to the predetermined numerical character stored in the storage unit, the control unit searches for the predetermined character stored in association with the predetermined numerical character and displays the predetermined character thus searched instead of the input character on the display unit being input by an operation on the operation key. 
     In addition, it is preferable that in a case in which an input character and an input numerical character are input by an operation on the operation key and a part of the input character is determined to be at least a part of the predetermined character, the control unit clears display of the input numerical character being input along with the input character and appends the predetermined numerical character stored in the storage unit in association with the predetermined character in front of the input numerical character being displayed on the display unit. 
     In addition, it is preferable that the control unit makes the input character and the predetermined numerical character displayed on the display unit selectable and activates the application in a state in which the input character or the predetermined numerical character thus selected is input thereto. 
     In addition, it is preferable that the electronic device further includes a detection unit that is disposed to correspond to a surface of the display unit and detects contact on the display unit, in which: the operation key is displayed on the display unit; and the display unit detects an operation by the operation key in response to contact to the display unit. 
     In addition, it is preferable that the control unit accepts an operation by the operation key in a state in which a regular screen is displayed on the display unit. 
     In addition, it is preferable that the predetermined character stored in the storage unit is a country name or a region name; and the predetermined numerical character stored in the storage unit is a country code or a region code. 
     In addition, it is preferable that the predetermined character is a name registered in an address book in the storage unit; and the predetermined numerical character is a telephone number registered in the address book in association with the name. 
     In addition, it is preferable that the application related to the predetermined numerical character is a telephone application. 
     A control method of an electronic device according to the present invention includes steps of: inputting an input character by an operation on an operation unit; determining whether or not the input character thus input is at least a part of a predetermined character stored in the storage unit; in a case in which the input character thus input is determined to be at least a part of the predetermined character stored in the storage unit, maintaining display of the input character on a display unit and displaying a predetermined numerical character stored in the storage unit in association with the predetermined character on the display unit; and in a case in which an activation instruction for an application related to the input character or the predetermined numerical character is given in a state in which at least the input character and the predetermined numerical character are displayed on the display unit, activating the application in a state in which any one of the input character and the predetermined numerical character is input thereto. 
     Effects of the Invention 
     According to the present invention, an electronic device that can easily convert a character and a numerical character being input to be used in an application, and a control method thereof can be provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the appearance of a portable telephone device according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram showing functions of the portable telephone device according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating key assignment according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram showing functions of a control unit according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transitions displayed on a display unit according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an example of a dictionary table stored in memory; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating another example (1) of screen transitions displayed on the display unit according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating another example (2) of screen transitions displayed on the display unit according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating another example (3) of screen transitions displayed on the display unit according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating another example (4) of screen transitions displayed on the display unit according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart (1) showing internal processing by the portable telephone device according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart (2) showing internal processing by the portable telephone device according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a flow chart (3) showing internal processing by the portable telephone device according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram in English illustrating another example (1) of screen transitions displayed on the display unit according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram in English illustrating another example (2) of screen transitions displayed on the display unit according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram in English illustrating another example (3) of screen transitions displayed on the display unit according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram in English illustrating another example (4) of screen transitions displayed on the display unit according to the present embodiment; and 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram in English illustrating another example (5) of screen transitions displayed on the display unit according to the present embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the appearance of a portable telephone device  1  as an embodiment of an electronic device according to the present invention. Although  FIG. 1  shows what is called a folding-type portable telephone device, the portable telephone device according to the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. The portable telephone device may be of, for example: a slider type in which one body slides to one direction from a state in which two bodies are mutually superimposed; a rotating type (turning type) in which one body is rotated about an axis line along the direction in which two bodies are superimposed; or a type in which an operation unit and a display unit are arranged in one body without a connection unit (straight type, flip type). 
     The portable telephone device  1  includes an operation unit side body  2  and a display unit side body  3 . The operation unit side body  2  includes, on a front face portion  10  thereof, an operation unit  11  and a microphone  12  to which sound produced by a user of the portable telephone device  1  during a phone call is input. The operation unit  11  is configured with: function setting operation keys  13  for operating various functions such as for various settings, a telephone number directory function and a mail function; input operation keys  14  for inputting the digits of a telephone number and characters for mail, and the like; and a selection operation key  15  for performing selection of the various operations, scrolling, and the like. The function setting operation keys  13 , input operation keys  14 , and a selection operation key  15  can be arranged on a touch screen integrally configured with the display unit  21 . In a case in which the function setting operation keys  13 , input operation keys  14 , and a selection operation key  15  are arranged on the touch screen integrally configured with the display unit  21 , a detection unit is further provided for detecting contact to the touch screen. The detection unit detects various operations in response to contact to the touch screen. 
     The display unit side body  3  includes, on a front face portion  20 , a display unit  21  for displaying a variety of information, and a receiver  22  for outputting sound of the other party of the conversation. 
     An upper end portion of the operation unit side body  2  and a lower end portion of the display unit side body  3  are connected via a hinge mechanism  4 . The portable telephone device  1  can be in a state where the operation unit side body  2  and the display unit side body  3  are apart from each other (an opened state), and in a state where the operation unit side body  2  and the display unit side body  3  are contacting each other (a folded state), as the operation unit side body  2  and the display unit side body  3 , connected via the hinge mechanism  4 , pivot with respect to each other. 
       FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram showing functions of the portable telephone device  1 . In the portable telephone device  1 , for example as shown in  FIG. 2 , the operation unit side body  2  includes the operation unit (input unit)  11 , the microphone  12 , a main antenna  40 , an RF circuit unit  41 , a display control unit  42 , a sound processing unit  43 , memory  44 , and a control unit  45 . In the portable telephone device  1 , the display unit side body  3  includes the display unit  21 , the receiver  22 , and a driver IC  23 . 
     The main antenna  40  communicates with a base station or the like via a first usable frequency band (for example, 800 MHz), and is configured as a dual band compatible antenna that is compatible with a second usable frequency band (for example, 1.5 GHz) for GPS communication. Although 800 MHz is set as the first usable frequency band in the present embodiment, other frequency bands can also be used. The main antenna  40  may communicate with an external device via the first usable frequency band, and another antenna compatible with the second usable frequency band for GPS communication may be separately provided. 
     The RF circuit unit  41  performs demodulation processing of a signal received via the main antenna  40 , and transmits the processed signal to the control unit  45 . The RF circuit unit  41  performs modulation processing of the signal transmitted from the control unit  45 , and transmits the signal to external devices (base stations) via the main antenna  40 . On the other hand, the RF circuit unit  41  notifies the control unit  45  of the intensity of a signal received via the main antenna  40 . 
     The display control unit  42  performs predetermined image processing according to control by the control unit  45 , and outputs the processed image data to the driver IC  23 . When the image data is transmitted from the display control unit  42 , the driver IC  23  stores the image data in frame memory, and outputs the image data on the display unit  21  at predetermined timing. 
     The sound processing unit  43  performs predetermined sound processing according to control by the control unit  45  on a signal transmitted from the RF circuit unit  41 , and outputs the processed signal to the receiver  22  or a speaker (not illustrated). The receiver  22  outputs the signal that is transmitted from the sound processing unit  43 , to the outside. 
     When a signal is input from the microphone  12 , the sound processing unit  43  processes the signal according to control by the control unit  45 , and outputs the processed signal to the RF circuit unit  41 . The RF circuit unit  41  performs predetermined processing on the signal transmitted from the sound processing unit  43 , and outputs the processed signal to the main antenna  40 . 
     The memory  44  includes, for example, working memory, and is utilized for arithmetic processing by the control unit  45 . The memory  44  stores a plurality of applications as well as a variety of tables and the like, required by the applications. The memory  44  may also serve as detachable external memory. 
     The control unit  45  controls the entirety of the portable telephone device  1 , and is configured to employ a central processing unit (CPU) and the like. Here, a description is provided for control operations of the control unit  45  depending on key operations via the operation unit  11 . The control unit  45  changes the characters and functions to be assigned to each key (the function setting operation keys  13 , the input operation keys  14  and the selection key  15 ) configuring the operation unit  11 , essentially in accordance with an application that is currently activated. In a case in which the operation unit is disposed on the touch panel integrally configured with the display unit  21 , display of the operation keys (touch keys) is changed according to characters and functions assigned thereto. 
     More specifically, when any key is depressed, the operation unit  11  transmits position information of the key to the control unit  45  (for example, as shown in FIG.  3 A?, in a case of depressing a key in the second line and the left row among the input operation keys  14  (a key with “1” and “a” printed on its surface; “a” is a Japanese hiragana character pronounced as “a” in the Hepburn system; hereinafter simply referred to as “a”?), position information of (X 2 , Y 1 ) is transmitted). The control unit  45  accesses the memory  44 , refers to a key assignment table corresponding to an application that is currently activated, and executes processing of a character and a function assigned thereto, based on the position information that has been transmitted from the operation unit  11 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3B to 3D , the memory  44  stores a plurality of key assignment tables.  FIG. 3B  is a table that is utilized when an outgoing telephone call is made;  FIG. 3C  is a table that is utilized in a memo pad application and a mail application; and  FIG. 3D  is a table that is utilized when changing a channel in a television tuner application. 
     Execution of processing of a character means that, for example, in a case in which the currently activated application is a memo pad application, “1” or “a” is input as an input character and displayed on the display unit  21 . Execution of processing of a function means that, for example, in a case in which the currently activated application is a television tuner application, the display channel is set to channel 1. 
     The memory  44  stores a plurality of key assignment tables. Depending on the application, the control unit  45  switches a key assignment table to be referred to, refers to a predetermined key assignment table based on position information of a key that has been transmitted from the operation unit  11 , and performs predetermined processing. 
     In this way, the portable telephone device  1  with such a configuration has a function, in which, in a case in which a key operation is performed in the standby state for communication, a plurality of characters (for example, a numeric character and another type of character) assigned to the key are displayed, for example, on separate screen areas in parallel, respectively, and in a case in which a predetermined key operation is performed, a screen displaying one of the characters is activated. In a case in which a key operation is performed in a communication standby state, one of a plurality of symbols (for example, a character) assigned to the key may be displayed. 
     The portable telephone device  1  has a function to display conversion candidates or subsequent predictive candidates for a character that has been input via the operation unit  11 . Furthermore, the portable telephone device  1  has a function to execute an application in a case in which a name of the application or a character string indicating the processing details related to the application is input by selecting such a conversion candidate or a predictive candidate. 
     Here, operations for exhibiting the aforementioned functions are described. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the control unit  45  of the portable telephone device  1  includes a character input unit  50 , an application execution unit  51 , and a setting control unit  52 . 
     In a case in which the user performs a key operation, the character input unit  50  controls the display control unit  42  to display characters assigned to the key. The character input unit  50  extracts, from the memory  44 , conversion candidates or predictive candidates for the character that has been input, and displays the candidates on the display unit  21  via the display control unit  42 . 
     The memory  44  stores a prediction DB (not illustrated) in which conversion candidates and predictive candidates are registered and managed. Based on the character that has been input, the character input unit  50  searches the prediction DB to extract kanji character conversion candidates or the like as well as predictive candidates as characters to follow thereafter. 
     Based on the character that has been input, the character input unit  50  extracts, from the memory  44 , candidates as applications included in the portable telephone device  1 , or operations (processing) in an application so as to be displayed among conversion candidates or predictive candidates. More specifically, for example, in a case in which a hiragana character “ka” is input, the character input unit  50  displays “camera” as a predictive candidate that is an application with its initial character pronounced as “ka” in Japanese. Subsequently, in a case in which “camera” is input, or in a case in which “camera” is selected as a predictive candidate, processing names such as “activate” and “how to use” are displayed as predictive candidates as the processing details in the camera application. 
     Activities included in the portable telephone device  1  (such as names of applications, processing names in the applications, and in addition, names of functions for setting states of the portable telephone device  1 ) are stored as data in an activity candidate DB in the memory  44 . 
     In a case in which the user selects an application name or a processing name, the application execution unit  51  executes the corresponding application (for example, camera, mail, television tuner, etc.) or a specific operation (process) of the application. 
     In addition to executing the applications included in the portable telephone device  1 , the character input unit  50  extracts, from the memory  44 , names of functions for setting a state of the portable telephone device  1  (for example, silent mode, radio-wave-off mode, etc.) so as to be displayed as conversion candidates or predictive candidates. In accordance with such a function name thus selected, the setting control unit  52  performs setting of a state of the portable telephone device  1 . 
     Next, a control for converting a character and a numerical character being simply input and using the character and the numerical character in an application are described hereinafter. 
     In the present embodiment, “character” is defined to include characters except for numerical characters (hiragana characters, katakana characters, alphabetical characters, symbols and the like). “Numerical character” is defined to include numerical characters and the like used for placing a phone call (0 to 9, *, #, p for pause, and - (hyphen)). The “character” and the “numerical character” are defined to include not only single characters and single numerical characters, but also character strings and numerical character strings. As used herein, a “regular screen” is a screen displayed during standby for incoming calls and activation of an application, and may also be referred to as “standby screen”, “initial screen”, “wallpaper”, and “desktop”. 
     The control unit  45  according to the present embodiment, in a case in which the operation key  14  is operated and a character is input as an input character and the input character is determined to be at least a part of the predetermined character stored in the memory  44 , maintains the display of the input character on the display unit  21  and displays a predetermined numerical character associated with the predetermined character on the display unit  21 . 
     In a case in which an activation instruction for an application related to the input character or the predetermined numerical character is given in a state in which the input character and the predetermined numerical character are displayed on the display unit  21 , the control unit  45  activates the application in a state in which any one of the input character and the predetermined numerical character is input thereto. 
     More specifically, the control unit  45  performs the following processing.  FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transitions displayed on a display unit according to the present embodiment. In the present Specification, in addition to hiragana characters, katakana characters, and kanji characters in Japanese, Romanized spelling representing pronunciation of those characters is also provided in parentheses. In a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if a character “etiopi” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays hiragana characters “etiopi” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in a region  211  of the display unit  21 , and inputs and displays a numerical character “1111441111166**” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  212  of the display unit  21  (screen D 2  in  FIG. 5 ). Alternatively, in a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if the character “etiopi” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  may be configured to input and display only the hiragana characters “etiopi” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in a region  211  of the display unit  21 . The processing shown in screens D 1  and D 2  can be performed also in cases other than the case in which the regular screen D 1  is displayed and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . For example, the control unit  45  may be configured to perform the processing shown in the screen D 2  in a case in which only an editor is activated and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . 
     In the screen D 2 , if a character “a” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a hiragana character “a” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , and inputs and displays a numerical character “1” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  212  (screen D 3  in  FIG. 5 ). Furthermore, the control unit  45  displays in a region  213  of the display unit  21 , “etiopia” (Japanese term corresponding to a country name Ethiopia consisting of katakana characters); “etiopiano” (consisting of katakana and hiragana characters); “etiopiasan” (consisting of katakana and kanji characters); “251↓”; “(ki) etiopiahedenwa” (consisting of symbol, kanji characters, katakana and hiragana characters) as conversion candidates (screen D 3  in  FIG. 5 ). 
     The “251↓” displayed as a conversion candidate in the region  213  indicates displaying the numerical character “251” in the region  212 . 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an example of a dictionary table  44   a  stored in the memory  44 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , in the dictionary table  44   a , a word as a conversion candidate is registered in association with a word class, classification 1, classification 2, a prefix code (numerical character), meaning, and the like. For example, a word “amerika” (Japanese term corresponding to a country name America) is registered in association with “proper noun” as the word class; “country name” as the classification 1; and “1” as the prefix code. Similarly, a word “etiopia” (Japanese term corresponding to a country name Ethiopia) is registered in association with “proper noun” as the word class; “country name” as the classification 1; and “251” as the prefix code. 
     In the screen D 3 , since the katakana characters “etiopia” displayed in the region  211  is registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with the numerical character “251” as the prefix code, the control unit  45  displays the numerical character “251” as the prefix code in the region  212  instead of displaying the numerical character “1111441111166**” being input by operating the input operation keys  14  (screen D 4  in  FIG. 5 ). 
     In the screen D 4 , if a numerical character “5433” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a hiragana character “natasi” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays a numerical character “5433” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  212 , and displays characters “etiopianatasi” (consisting of katakana, hiragana and kanji characters) and “etiopianatasi” (consisting of katakana characters) as conversion candidates in the region  213  (screen D 5  in  FIG. 5 ). 
     In the screen D 5 , if a numerical character “8” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a hiragana character “ya” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays a numerical character “8” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  212 , and displays characters “etiopianatasiya” (consisting of katakana, hiragana and kanji characters) and “etiopianatasiya” (consisting of katakana characters) as conversion candidates in the region  213  (screen D 6  in  FIG. 5 ). 
     In the screen D 6 , in a case in which the katakana character “etiopia” and “country name” are registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with each other and the character “natasiya” being subsequently input is not registered in the dictionary table  44   a , the control unit  45  confirms input of the numerical character “25154338” displayed in the region  212 . And then, if a call key  16  in the operation unit  11  is operated, the control unit  45  activates a telephone application and makes a call to the numerical character “2515433”, while displaying a text “ETIOPIAHEHASSHIN” (Outgoing to ETHIOPIA) and the numerical character “2515433” (screen D 8  in  FIG. 5 ). Alternatively, the control unit  45  may be configured to, when the call key  16  in the operation unit  11  is operated, activate the telephone application after displaying a confirmation screen for making a call, and accepting a selection of making the call. 
     In addition, in the screen D 4 , in a case in which: the katakana character “etiopia” (Japanese term corresponding to a country name Ethiopia) and “country name” are registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with each other; a character “ryokou” (Japanese term corresponding to travel) being subsequently input is registered in another dictionary table; and the character “ryokou” is not a geographical name such as “country name” and “city name”, the control unit  45  confirms an input of a hiragana character “etiopiaryokou” (Japanese term corresponding to travel to Ethiopia) and displays only the regions  211  and  213 . And then, by selecting an application related to character (for example, a mail application, a memopad application, and the like), the application thus selected can be activated with the hiragana character “etiopiaryokou” being input therein. 
     As described above, according to the present embodiment, the portable telephone device  1  can easily convert character to numerical character and numerical character to character, and the character or the numerical character can be used in an application (for example, telephone application). 
     The control unit  45  makes the character and the numerical character displayed on the display unit  21  selectable and activates an application (for example, a telephone application) in a state in which the character or the numerical character thus selected is input thereto. The application can thus be activated in a state in which any one of the character and the numerical character is input thereto. 
     If the input operation key  14  is operated in a state in which the regular screen D 1  is displayed on the display unit  21 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays the character and a predetermined numerical character assigned to the input operation key  14  on the display unit  21 , respectively. As a result, in the portable telephone device  1 , a character can be input while visually recognizing the character and a predetermined numerical character assigned to the input operation key  14 , thereby improving operability of the portable telephone device  1 . 
     Moreover, the control unit  45  displays a predetermined numerical character (for example, “251”) instead of displaying the numerical characters being input by operating the input operation keys  14  (for example, “1111441111166**”). As a result, in the portable telephone device  1 , a user can input a desired numerical character without operating the input operation key  14 . 
     The memory  44  may further store a registered character that can be registered in advance. Alternatively, the control unit  45  may be configured to, in a case in which a character being input by operating the input operation key  14  corresponds to the registered character (for example, “etiopia” and “ryokou”) stored in the memory  44 , maintain display of the character being input and clear display of the numerical character being input. As a result, in the portable telephone device  1 , in a case in which a character is expected to be input by a user, a character can be displayed by cancelling display of a numerical character, to thereby improve user friendliness. 
     In the portable telephone device  1 , the predetermined character registered in the dictionary table  44   a  is a country name or a region name, and the predetermined numerical character registered in the dictionary table  44   a  is a country code or a region code. As a result, in the portable telephone device  1 , convenience in input operation of a telephone number for an international call or a toll call can be further improved. 
     The predetermined character can be a name registered in an address book stored in the memory  44 , and the predetermined numerical character can be a telephone number registered in the address book in association with the name registered in the address book. The predetermined character can also be a name of an individual (for example, “birthday of Mr. Suzuki”) in a schedule book stored in the memory  44 , and the predetermined numerical character can be a numerical character indicating a birthday (for example, 19830901) registered in the schedule book in association with the name of an individual (for example, “birthday of Mr. Suzuki”). 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating another example of screen transitions displayed on the display unit  21  according to the present embodiment. In a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if a character “nihonwakaya” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays hiragana characters “nihonwakaya” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays numerical characters “556666000028” in the region  212 , and displays conversion candidates “nihonwakaya” (consisting of kanji characters), “nihonwakayama” (consisting of kanji characters), “nihonwakayama” (consisting of kanji characters differently), “nihonwakayama” (consisting of kanji characters yet differently), and “810734↓” in the region  213  (screen D 11  in  FIG. 7 ). 
     The “810734↓” in the region  213  displayed as a conversion candidate indicates displaying the numerical character “810734”, consisting of a country code for Japan (81) and an area code for Wakayama (0734), in the region  212 . 
     In the screen D 11 , if a character “ma” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a hiragana character “ma” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , and displays characters “nihonwakayama”, “nihonwakayama”, “nihonwakayama” (differently consisting of kanji characters) and “810734↓” as conversion candidates in the region  213  (screen D 12  in  FIG. 7 ). Furthermore, in a case in which the hiragana character “nihon” and “country name” are registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with each other and the character “wakayama” being subsequently input is also registered in the dictionary table  44   a , the control unit  45  displays the numerical character “810734” consisting of a country code for Japan (81) and an area code for Wakayama (0734) in the region  212 , instead of the numerical character “5566666000028” (screen D 12  in  FIG. 7 ). The processing shown in screens D 1 , D 11  and D 12  can be performed also in cases other than the case in which the regular screen D 1  is displayed and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . For example, the control unit  45  may be configured to perform the processing shown in the screens D 11  and D 12  in a case in which only an editor is activated and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating another example of screen transitions displayed on the display unit  21  according to the present embodiment. In a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if a character “wakaya” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays hiragana characters “wakaya” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays numerical characters “028” in the region  212 , and displays conversion candidates “wakaya” (consisting of kanji characters), “wakaya” (consisting of kanji characters and a hiragana character), “wakaya” (consisting of kanji characters differently), and “wakaya” (consisting of kanji characters and hiragana characters) in the region  213  (screen D 21  in  FIG. 8 ). 
     In the screen D 21 , if a character “ma” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a hiragana character “ma” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , and displays characters “wakayama”, “wakayama” (consisting of kanji characters differently), “0734↓”, and “(nihon) 0734↓” as conversion candidates in the region  213  (screen D 22  in  FIG. 8 ). And then, in a case in which the hiragana character “wakayama” is registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with “prefecture name” and “city name”, the control unit  45  displays the numerical character “0734”, which is an area code for Wakayama, in the region  212  instead of the numerical character “028” (screen D 22  in  FIG. 8 ). 
     The conversion candidate “0734↓” displayed in the region  213  indicates displaying the numerical character “0734” in the region  212 , and the conversion candidate “(nihon) 0734↓” displayed in the region  213  indicates displaying the numerical character “810734” consisting of a country code for Japan (81) and an area code for Wakayama (0734) in the region  212 . 
     In the screen D 22 , if the conversion candidate “(nihon) 0734↓” is selected by operating the selection operation key  15  or the like (screen D 23  in  FIG. 8 ), the control unit  45  activates a telephone application and makes a call to the numerical character “810734”, while displaying a text “NIHONNOWAKAYAMAHEHASSHIN” (Outgoing to WAKAYAMA, JAPAN) and the numerical character “810734” (screen D 24  in  FIG. 8 ). 
     Alternatively, the control unit  45  according to the present embodiment can be configured to, in a case in which the numerical character being input by operating the input operation key  14  corresponds to the predetermined numerical character stored in the memory  44 , display the predetermined character stored in the memory  44  in association with the predetermined numerical character instead of the character displayed on the display unit  21 . The processing shown in screens D 1  to D 24  can be performed also in cases other than the case in which the regular screen D 1  is displayed and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . For example, the control unit  45  may be configured to perform the processing shown in the screens D 21  to D 24  in a case in which only an editor is activated and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . 
     More specifically, the control unit  45  performs the following processing.  FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating another example of screen transitions displayed on the display unit  21  according to the present embodiment. In a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if a character “wakaya” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays hiragana characters “wakaya” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays numerical characters “028” in the region  212 , and displays conversion candidates “wakaya” (consisting of kanji characters), “wakaya” (consisting of kanji characters and a hiragana character), “wakaya” (consisting of kanji characters differently), and “wakaya” (consisting of kanji characters and hiragana characters) in the region  213  (screen D 31  in  FIG. 9 ). 
     In the screen D 31 , if a character “ma” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a hiragana character “ma” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays the numerical character “0287” assigned to the input operation key  14 , and displays characters “wakayama”, “wakayama” (differently consisting of kanji characters), “0734↓”, “(nihon) 0734↓”, and “(kensaku) 0287↑” as conversion candidates in the region  213  (screen D 32  in  FIG. 9 ). 
     Here, the conversion candidate “(kensaku) 0287↑” displayed in the region  213  indicates searching for a region name having “0287” as a region code such as a country code or an area code, and displaying the region name thus searched in the region  211 . 
     In the screen D 32 , if the conversion candidate “(kensaku) 0287↑” is selected by operating the selection operation key  15  and the like (screen D 33  in  FIG. 9 ), the control unit  45  searches for a region name having “0287” using a region name table, in which region codes such as country codes and area codes are registered in association with geographical names such as country names and region names, in the memory  44 . And then, the control unit  45  displays a region name “TochigikenOtawarasi” (Otawara city, Tochigi prefecture, Japan), which is registered in association with “0287”, instead of the hiragana character “wakayama” displayed in the region  211 . 
     In the screen D 34 , if a numerical character “1234 . . . ” is input by operating the input operation keys  14  and the call key  16  of the operation unit  11  is operated, the control unit  45  activates a telephone application and makes a call to a numerical character “02871234 . . . ”, while displaying a character “TOCHIGIKENOTAWARASHIHEHASSHIN” (indicating call to Otawara city, Tochigi prefecture, Japan) and the numerical character “02871234 . . . ” (screen D 35  in  FIG. 9 ). 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit  45  uses the numerical character being input by operating the input operation keys  14  to search a predetermined character (for example, “TochigikenOtawarasi”) stored in the memory  44  in association with the numerical character, and display the predetermined character thus searched instead of the character displayed on the display unit  21 . For example, in a case in which an unknown telephone number is in a missed call list, this allows a user to search for a region name to which the telephone number is assigned, and to assume a caller from the region name of the telephone number. The processing shown in screens D 1  to D 34  can be performed also in cases other than the case in which the regular screen D 1  is displayed and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . For example, the control unit  45  may be configured to perform the processing shown in the screens D 31  to D 34  in a case in which only an editor is activated and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . 
     In a state in which the regular screen D 1  is displayed in the display unit  21 , in a case in which a character and a numerical character are input by an operation on the input operation key  14  and a part of the character is determined to be at least a part of the predetermined character stored in the memory  44 , the control unit  45  clears display of the numerical character being input along with the character and appends the predetermined numerical character stored in the memory  44  in association with the predetermined character in front of the numerical character being displayed on the display unit  21 . 
     More specifically, the control unit  45  performs the following processing.  FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating another example of screen transitions displayed on the display unit  21  according to the present embodiment. In a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if a numerical character “54388” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a hiragana character “natasayu” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in a region  211 , inputs and displays the numerical character “54388” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  212 , and displays the hiragana character “natasayu” and a katakana character “natasayu” as conversion candidates in the region  213  (screen D 41  in  FIG. 10 ). 
     In the screen D 41 , if a character “etiopia” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a hiragana character “etiopia” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in a region  211 , inputs and displays the numerical character “1111441111166**” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  212 , and displays the hiragana character “natasayuetiopia” and a katakana character “natasayuetiopia” as conversion candidates in the region  213  (screen D 42  in  FIG. 10 ). 
     And then, the control unit  45  determines whether or not a part of the hiragana character “natasayuetiopia” input to the region  211  is at least a part of a predetermined character registered in the dictionary table  44   a.    
     In a case in which a part of the hiragana character “natasayuetiopia” being input to the region  211  is determined to be at least a part of a predetermined character registered in the dictionary table  44   a , the control unit  45  clears display of the “1111441111166**” from the numerical character “543881111441111166**” displayed in the region  213 . The control unit  45  appends the numerical character “251”, which is registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with the hiragana character “etiopia”, in front of the numerical character “54388” displayed in the region  213  (screen D 43  in  FIG. 10 ). 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit  45  clears display of a part of the numerical character displayed in the region  213  and, in front thereof, displays the numerical character registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with the character. As a result, the portable telephone device  1  allows a user to input a region code such as a country code and an area code, without switching between input modes even after inputting other numerical characters, thereby improving convenience for a user. 
     In the above-described embodiment, country codes and area codes are used; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a term “hituuti” (Japanese term corresponding to a call with anonymous number) can be registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with a prefix code “184”; and a term “keisatu” (Japanese term corresponding to police) can be registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with a prefix code “110”. 
     The address book and the dictionary table  44   a  can be associated and the control unit  45  may be configured to display a telephone number registered in association with a character being input (destination of call) on the display unit  21 . 
     If a character “nihonsatousan” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a hiragana character “nihonsatousan” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays a numerical character “5566666000344444111” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  212 , and displays characters “nihonsatousan” (consisting of hiragana characters), “nihonsatousan” (consisting of kanji and hiragana characters) and the like as conversion candidates in the region  213 . 
     And then, in a case in which there is a telephone number associated to “satousan” registered in the address book, the control unit  45  displays a numerical character “81090XXXXXXX” consisting of “81” (country code) and “090XXXXXXX” (telephone number of Mr. Sato (satousan)) in the region  212 , instead of the numerical character “5566666000344444111”. 
     The cellular telephone  1  may be provided with a GPS antenna; the control unit  45  may be configured to obtain geographical information of the portable telephone device  1  by means of the GPS antenna; and geographical information (for example, America), a predetermined numerical character (for example, 911) and a predetermined character (for example, “keisatu” (Japanese term corresponding to police)) may be registered in the memory  44  in association with each other. 
     The control unit  45 , in a case in which the operation key  14  is operated and a character is input as an input character and the input character is determined to be at least a part of the predetermined character stored in the memory  44  (for example, “keisatu” (Japanese term corresponding to police)), maintains the display of the character on the display unit  21  and displays a predetermined numerical character (for example, 911) associated with the predetermined character on the display unit  21  based on the geographical information being obtained (for example, America). 
     Next, internal processing of the portable telephone device  1  of the present embodiment is described with reference to  FIGS. 11 to 13 .  FIGS. 11 to 13  are flow charts showing internal processing by the portable telephone device  1  according to the present embodiment. 
     In Step S 1 , in a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, the control unit  45  detects an operation on the input operation key  14 . In Step S 2 , the control unit  45  performs a process of activating an application A for editing characters and numerical characters being input (hereinafter referred to simply as “application A”) in response to the detection of the operation on the input operation key  14 . 
     In Step S 3 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays a numerical character assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  212 , and displays conversion candidates in the region  213 . In Step S 4 , the control unit  45  searches in the dictionary table  44   a  for the character displayed in the region  211 . 
     In Step S 5 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the character displayed in the region  211  is at least a part of a region name such as a country name and a prefecture name registered in the dictionary table  44   a . If the character displayed in the region  211  is a region name (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 6 . If the character displayed in the region  211  is not a region name (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 15 . 
     In Step S 6 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the character (region name) displayed in the region  211  is a region name having been previously recognized. If the region name is a region name having been previously recognized (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 23  (see  FIG. 12 ). If the region name is not a region name having been previously recognized (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 7 . 
     In Step S 7 , the control unit  45  displays, in the region  212 , the numerical character registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with the character displayed in the region  211  instead of the numerical character being input. In Step S 8 , the control unit  45  updates the memory  44  and frame memory of a driver IC  23  and displays “(numerical value) ↓” along with other conversion candidates in the region  213 . 
     In Step S 9 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the character or the numerical character as the conversion candidates in the region  213  is selected by operation of the selection operation key  15  and the like. If the character or the numerical character as the conversion candidates is selected (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 10 . If the character or the numerical character as the conversion candidates is not selected (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 11 . 
     In Step S 10 , the control unit  45  performs a confirmation process of the character or the numerical character being selected by operation of the selection operation key  15  and the like. In Step S 11 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not an operation of the input operation key  14  is detected. If an operation of the input operation key  14  is detected (YES), the processing is returned to Step S 3 . If an operation of the input operation key  14  is not detected (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 12 . 
     In Step S 12 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not an operation of the call key  16  is detected. If an operation of the call key  16  is detected (YES), the processing is returned to Step S 13 . If an operation of the call key  16  is not detected (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 14 . 
     In Step S 13 , the control unit  45  displays the region name, which is a destination of call, activates a telephone application to perform a call process, and then terminates the processing. 
     In Step S 14 , the control unit  45  detects a selection of a process after character input, performs the process after character input by the application A, and then terminates the processing. The process after character input by the application A, may include activation of an e-mail application, activation of a text editor application, and the like. 
     In Step S 15 , the control unit  45  searches for the numerical character displayed (input) in the region  212  in the region name table, so-called reverse lookup. 
     In Step S 16 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not there is a region name registered in the region name table in association with the numerical character displayed (input) in the region  212 . If there is the region name (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 18 . If there is not the region name (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 17 . 
     In Step S 17 , the control unit  45  detects an operation of the input operation key  14  and then the processing is returned to Step S 3 . In Step S 18 , the control unit  45  displays a conversion candidate “(kensaku) (numerical character)↓” in the region  213 , in addition to other conversion candidates. 
     In Step S 19 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the conversion candidate “(kensaku) (numerical character)↓” is selected by operation of the selection operation key  15  and the like. If “(kensaku) (numerical character)↓” is selected (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 42  (see  FIG. 13 ). If “(kensaku) (numerical character)↓” is not selected (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 20 . 
     In Step S 20 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the character or the numerical character as the conversion candidates in the region  213  is selected by operation of the selection operation key  15  and the like. If the character or the numerical character as the conversion candidates is selected (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 21 . If the character or the numerical character as the conversion candidates is not selected (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 22 . 
     In Step S 21 , the control unit  45  performs a confirmation process of the character or the numerical character being selected by operation of the selection operation key  15  and the like. In Step S 22 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not an operation of the input operation key  14  is detected. If an operation of the input operation key  14  is detected (YES), the processing is returned to Step S 3 . If an operation of the input operation key  14  is not detected (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 12 . 
       FIG. 12  is a flow chart showing internal processing by the portable telephone device according to the present embodiment. In Step S 23 , the control unit  45  searches in the dictionary table  44   a  for the character being input after the region name recognized in Step S 6 . 
     In Step S 24 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the character being input after the region name is registered in the dictionary table  44   a , in other words determines whether or not a search result is present. If there is the search result (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 25 . If there is not the search result (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 39 . 
     In Step S 25 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the search result is also a region name. If the search result is also a region name (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 26 . If the search result is not a region name (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 28 . 
     In Step S 26 , the control unit  45  compares ranks of the region name recognized in Step S 6  and the region name determined in Step S 25 . Here, the “rank” indicates a relationship between region names, and for example “Kanagawa Prefecture” is of a higher rank than “Yokohama City”. 
     In Step S 27 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the ranks of the region names compared in Step S 26  are in an order suitable for making a call. If the ranks are in an order suitable for making a call (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 30 . If the ranks are not in an order suitable for making a call (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 28 . 
     The “order suitable for making a call” indicates that the rank of the region name recognized in Step S 6  is higher than the rank of the region name determined in Step S 25 . For example, in a case in which the region name recognized in Step S 6  is “Kanagawa Prefecture” and the region name determined in Step S 25  is “Yokohama City”, the ranks are in the order suitable for making a call. On the contrary, in a case in which the region name recognized in Step S 6  is “Yokohama City” and the region name determined in Step S 25  is “Kanagawa Prefecture”, the ranks are in the order not suitable for making a call. 
     In Step S 28 , the control unit  45  performs a process for confirming input of the character displayed in the region  211  and updates the display of the region  211 . In Step S 29 , the control unit  45  detects a selection of a process after character input and performs the process after character input by the application A. 
     In Step S 30 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not there is a rank higher than those of the region name recognized in Step S 6  and the region name determined in Step S 25 . If there is the higher rank (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 37 . If there is not the higher rank (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 31 . For example, a country name “Japan” is in a higher rank than the region names “Kanagawa Prefecture” and “Yokohama City”. 
     In Step S 31 , the control unit  45  generates a telephone number from the numerical characters associated with the region name recognized in Step S 6  and the region name determined in Step S 25 , and displays the telephone number thus generated in the region  212 . 
     In Step S 32 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the character input is confirmed by operation of the selection operation key  15  and the like. If the character input is confirmed (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 33 . If the character input is not confirmed (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 28 . 
     In Step S 33 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the input from the input operation keys  14  is confirmed by operation of the selection operation key  15  and the like. If an operation confirming the input is performed (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 34 . If an operation confirming the input is not performed (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 35 . 
     In Step S 34 , the control unit  45  clears the region  212  and displays only the regions  211  and  213 . In other words, the control unit  45  performs a display update process of the display unit  21 . 
     In Step S 35 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not an operation of the input operation key  14  is detected. If an operation of the input operation key  14  is detected (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 36 . If an operation of the input operation key  14  is not detected (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 12  (see  FIG. 11 ). 
     In Step S 36 , the control unit  45  searches in the dictionary table  44   a  for the character being input in the region  211  by the operation of the input operation key  14  in Step S 34 , and the processing is advanced to Step S 24 . In Step S 37 , the control unit  45  displays a conversion candidate “(upper rank name) (numerical character)↓” in the region  213 , in addition to other conversion candidates. 
     In Step S 38 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the conversion candidate “(upper rank name) (numerical character)↓” is selected by operation of the selection operation key  15  and the like. If the conversion candidate “(upper rank name) (numerical character)↓” is selected (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 39 . If the conversion candidate “(upper rank name) (numerical character)↓” is not selected (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 41 . 
     In Step S 39 , the control unit  45  clears the region  212  and displays only the regions  211  and  213 . In other words, the control unit  45  performs a display update process of the display unit  21 . In Step S 40 , the control unit  45  generates a telephone number from the numerical characters associated with the region name recognized in Step S 6  and/or the region name displayed in Step S 39 . 
     In Step S 41 , the control unit  45  displays the telephone number thus generated in the region  212 . In other words, the control unit  45  performs a display update process of the display unit  21 . And then, the control unit  45  returns the processing to Step S 12  (see  FIG. 11 ). 
       FIG. 13  is a flow chart showing internal processing by the portable telephone device according to the present embodiment. In Step S 42 , the control unit  45  searches in the region name table for a region name registered in association with the numerical character displayed in the region  212 . In Step S 43 , the control unit  45  determines whether a region name registered in association with the numerical character displayed in the region  212  is found in the region name table, in other words whether or not there is a search result. If there is the search result (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 44 . If there is not the search result (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 49 . 
     In Step S 44 , the control unit  45  displays, in the region  213 , a conversion candidate “(kensaku) (numerical character)↑” including the numerical character associated with the region name being found. 
     In Step S 45 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the conversion candidate “(numerical character)↓” is displayed in the region  213  and the conversion candidate “(numerical character)↓” is selected by operation of the selection operation key  15  and the like. If the conversion candidate “(numerical character)↓” is selected (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 46 . If the conversion candidate “(numerical character)↓” is not selected (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 47 . 
     In Step S 46 , the control unit  45  performs a display update process of the display unit  21 . In Step S 47 , the control unit  45  determines whether or not the conversion candidate “(kensaku) (numerical character)↑” is selected by operation of the selection operation key  15  and the like. If the conversion candidate “(kensaku) (numerical character)↑” is selected (YES), the processing is advanced to Step S 48 . If the conversion candidate “(kensaku) (numerical character)↑” is not selected (NO), the processing is advanced to Step S 49 . 
     In Step S 48 , the control unit  45  performs a display update process of the region  211 . In Step S 49 , the control unit  45  advances the processing to a process such as operation of the operation unit  11  and the like, and then terminates the processing. 
     As described above, according to the present embodiment, the portable telephone device  1  can easily convert character to numerical character and numerical character to character, and the character or the numerical character can be used in an application (for example, telephone application). 
     Next, an embodiment in English notation is described with reference to  FIGS. 14 to 18 .  FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transitions displayed on the display unit  21  in English. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14  corresponds to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if a character “ETHIOPI” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “ETHIOPI” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in a region  211  of the display unit  21 , and inputs and displays a numerical character “338444446667444” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  212  of the display unit  21  (screen D 52  in  FIG. 14 ). Alternatively, in a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if the character “ETHIOPI” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  may be configured to input and display only the character “ETHIOPI” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in a region  211  of the display unit  21 . 
     In the screen D 52 , if a character “A” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “A” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , and inputs and displays a numerical character “2” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  212  (screen D 53  in  FIG. 14 ). The control unit  45  further displays “ETHIOPIAN”, “251↓”, and “Outgoing to ETHIOPIA” as conversion candidates in the region  213  of the display unit  21  (screen D 53  in  FIG. 14 ). 
     The “251↓” displayed as a conversion candidate in the region  213  indicates displaying the numerical character “251” in the region  212 . 
     In the screen D 53 , since the character “ETHIOPIA” displayed in the region  211  is registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with the numerical character “251” as the prefix code, the control unit  45  displays the numerical character “251” as the prefix code in the region  212  instead of displaying the numerical character “3384444466674442” being input by operating the input operation keys  14  (screen D 54  in  FIG. 14 ). 
     In the screen D 54 , if a numerical character “5433” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “JGE” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays a numerical character “5344” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  212 , and displays a character “ethiopiajge” as a conversion candidate in the region  213  (screen D 55  in  FIG. 14 ). 
     In the screen D 55 , if a numerical character “8” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “T” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays a numerical character “8” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  212 , and displays a character “ethiopiajget” as a conversion candidate in the region  213  (screen D 56  in  FIG. 14 ). 
     In the screen D 56 , in a case in which the character “ETHIOPIA” and “country name” are registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with each other and the character “JGET” being subsequently input is not registered in the dictionary table  44   a , the control unit  45  confirms input of the numerical character “25154338” displayed in the region  212 . And then, if a call key  16  in the operation unit  11  is operated, the control unit  45  activates a telephone application and makes a call to the numerical character “2515433”, while displaying a text “Outgoing to Ethiopia” and the numerical character “2515433” (screen D 58  in  FIG. 14 ). Alternatively, the control unit  45  may be configured to, when the call key  16  in the operation unit  11  is operated, activate the telephone application after displaying a confirmation screen for making a call, and accepting a selection of making the call. 
     In addition, in the screen D 54 , in a case in which: the character “ETHIOPIA” and “country name” are registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with each other; a character “TRAVEL” being subsequently input is registered in another dictionary table; and the character “TRAVEL” is not a geographical name such as “country name” and “city name”, the control unit  45  confirms an input of a character “ETHIOPIATRAVEL” and displays only the regions  211  and  213 . And then, by selecting an application related to character (for example, a mail application, a memopad application, and the like), the application thus selected can be activated with the character “ETHIOPIATRAVEL” being input therein (screen D 57  in  FIG. 14 ). The processing shown in screens D 1  to D 57  can be performed also in cases other than the case in which the regular screen is displayed and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . For example, the control unit  45  may be configured to perform the processing shown in the screens D 1  to D 57  in a case in which only an editor is activated and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transitions displayed on the display unit  21  in English. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15  corresponds to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if a character “JAPANWAKAYA” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “JAPANWAKAYA” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in a region  211 , inputs and displays the numerical character “52726692559992” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  212 , and displays the character “JAPANWAKAYAMA” and “810734↓” as conversion candidates in the region  213  (screen D 61  in  FIG. 15 ). 
     The “810734↓” in the region  213  displayed as a conversion candidate in the region  213  indicates displaying the numerical character “810734”, consisting of a country code for Japan (81) and an area code for Wakayama (0734), in the region  212 . 
     In the screen D 61 , if a character “MA” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “MA” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , and displays characters “JAPANWAKAYAMAPREFECTURE” and “810734↓” as conversion candidates in the region  213  (screen D 62  in  FIG. 15 ). After that a character “MA” is input by operation of the input operation key  14 , in a case in which the character “JAPAN” and “country name” are registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with each other and the character “WAKAYAMA” being subsequently input is also registered in the dictionary table  44   a , the control unit  45  displays the numerical character “810734” consisting of a country code for Japan (81) and an area code for Wakayama (0734) in the region  212 , instead of the numerical character “52726692559992” (screen D 62  in FIG.  15 ). The processing shown in screens D 1  to D 61  can be performed also in cases other than the case in which the regular screen D 1  is displayed and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . For example, the control unit  45  may be configured to perform the processing shown in the screens D 61  and D 62  in a case in which only an editor is activated and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . 
       FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transitions displayed on the display unit  21  in English. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16  corresponds to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if a character “WAKAYA” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “WAKAYA” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in a region  211 , inputs and displays the numerical character “92559992” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  212 , and displays the character “wakaya” as a conversion candidate in the region  213  (screen D 71  in  FIG. 16 ). 
     In the screen D 71 , if a character “MA” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “MA” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , and displays characters “wakayama”, “0734↓” and “(Japan) 0734↓” as conversion candidates in the region  213  (screen D 72  in  FIG. 16 ). And then, after that a character “MA” is input by operation of the input operation key  14 , in a case in which the character “WAKAYAMA” is registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with “prefecture name” and “city name”, the control unit  45  displays the numerical character “0734”, which is an area code for Wakayama, in the region  212  instead of the numerical character “925529992” (screen D 72  in  FIG. 16 ). 
     The conversion candidate “0734↓” displayed in the region  213  indicates displaying the numerical character “0734” in the region  212 , and the conversion candidate “(Japan) 0734↓” indicates displaying the numerical character “810734” consisting of a country code for Japan (81) and an area code for Wakayama (0734) in the region  212 . 
     In the screen D 72 , if the conversion candidate “(Japan) 0734↓” is selected by operating the selection operation key  15  or the like (screen D 73  of  FIG. 16 ), the control unit  45  activates a telephone application and makes a call to the numerical character “810734”, while displaying a text “Outgoing to WAKAYAMA (Japan)” and the numerical character “810734” (screen D 74  in  FIG. 16 ). The processing shown in screens D 1  to D 73  can be performed also in cases other than the case in which the regular screen is displayed and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . For example, the control unit  45  may be configured to perform the processing shown in the screens D 71  to D 73  in a case in which only an editor is activated and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . 
       FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transitions displayed on the display unit  21  in English. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 17  corresponds to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if a numerical character “028” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “AT” assigned to the input operation keys  14  (no character is assigned to 0) in a region  211 , inputs and displays the numerical character “028” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  212 , and displays the character “at” as a conversion candidate in the region  213  (screen D 81  in  FIG. 17 ). 
     In the screen D 81 , if a numerical character “7” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “P” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays a numerical character “7” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  212 , and displays a character “atp” and “(SEARCH) 0287↑” as conversion candidates in the region  213  (screen D 82  in  FIG. 17 ). 
     Here, the conversion candidate “(SEARCH) 0287↑” displayed in the region  213  indicates searching for a region name having “0287” as a region code such as a country code or an area code, and displaying the region name thus searched in the region  211 . 
     In the screen D 82 , if the conversion candidate “(SEARCH) 0287↑” is selected by operating the selection operation key  15  and the like (screen D 83  in  FIG. 17 ), the control unit  45  searches for a region name having “0287” using a region name table, in which region codes such as country codes and area codes are registered in association with geographical names such as country names and region names, in the memory  44 . And then, the control unit  45  displays a region name “TOCHIGIOTAWARA”, which is registered in association with “0287”, instead of the character “ATP” displayed in the region  211  (screen D 84  in  FIG. 17 ). 
     And then, in the screen D 84 , if a numerical character “1234 . . . ” is input by operating the input operation keys  14  and the call key  16  of the operation unit  11  is operated, the control unit  45  activates a telephone application and makes a call to a numerical character “02871234 . . . ”, while displaying a character “Outgoing to TOCHIGIOTAWARA” and the numerical character “02871234 . . . ” (screen D 85  in  FIG. 17 ). The processing shown in screens D 1  to D 85  can be performed also in cases other than the case in which the regular screen is displayed and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . For example, the control unit  45  may be configured to perform the processing shown in the screens D 81  to D 85  in a case in which only an editor is activated and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . 
       FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating another example of screen transitions displayed on the display unit  21  in English. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18  corresponds to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In a state in which the regular screen D 1  as an initial screen is displayed, if a numerical character “54388” is input by operating the input operation keys  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “JGDU” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in a region  211 , inputs and displays the numerical character “54388” assigned to the input operation keys  14  in the region  212 , and displays the character “jgdu” as a conversion candidate in the region  213  (screen D 91  in  FIG. 18 ). 
     In the screen D 91 , if a character “ETHIOPIA” is input by operating the input operation key  14 , the control unit  45  inputs and displays a character “ETHIOPIA” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  211 , inputs and displays a numerical character “3384444466674442” assigned to the input operation key  14  in the region  212 , and displays a character “jgduethiopia” as a conversion candidate in the region  213  (screen D 92  in  FIG. 18 ). 
     And then, the control unit  45  determines whether or not a part of the character “JGDUETHIOPIA” input to the region  211  is at least a part of a predetermined character registered in the dictionary table  44   a.    
     In a case in which a part of the character “JGDUETHIOPIA” being input to the region  211  is determined to be at least a part of a predetermined character registered in the dictionary table  44   a , the control unit  45  clears display of the “3384444466674442” from the numerical character “543883384444466674442” displayed in the region  213 . Furthermore, the control unit  45  appends the numerical character “251”, which is registered in the dictionary table  44   a  in association with the character “ETHIOPIA”, in front of the numerical character “54388” displayed in the region  213  (screen D 93  in  FIG. 18 ). The processing shown in screens D 1  to D 93  can be performed also in cases other than the case in which the regular screen is displayed and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . For example, the control unit  45  may be configured to perform the processing shown in the screens D 91  to D 93  in a case in which only an editor is activated and a character is input by operating the input operation keys  14 . 
     As described above, according to the embodiment, the present invention can be applied to languages other than Japanese. 
     Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate. In the above-described embodiment, the portable telephone device  1  as the electronic device has been described; however, the present invention can also be applied to other electronic devices having a telephone function. For example, the electronic device of the present invention may be a digital camera, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable navigation device, a PC, a notebook PC, a mobile gaming device or the like provided with a telephone function. 
     EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS  
     
         
           1  Portable telephone device 
           11  Operation unit 
           15  Input operation key (Operation key) 
           21  Display unit 
           44  Memory (Storage unit) 
           45  Control unit