Patent Description:
A user searches for a travel route to a destination using a vehicle-mounted device (car navigator will be described below as an example). The car navigator is provided with a plurality of input methods for inputting a character string corresponding to a destination. This input method is keyboard input using a touch panel and input by voice recognition, for example.

For example, while the car is parked (when the running speed is <NUM>), the user uses the touch panel of the car navigator to input a character string corresponding to the destination with a keyboard.

<CIT> relates to the technical field of artificial intelligence apparatus for specifying omission in sentence. <CIT> relates to systems and methods of a structured grammar for a speech recognition command system. <CIT> relates to an in-vehicle infotainment system, smart home information access and device control unit, or mobile system presenting summarized information to a user based on a user preference model that is associated with the user.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a technique of a character input method including at least two input methods such as keyboard input and voice input. For example, when the user writes an e-mail, he or she inputs characters with both methods of keyboard input and voice input.

When operating the car navigator using the configuration described in Patent Literature <NUM>, the user uses keyboard input while the car is stopped, and voice input after starting the car. As a result, the destination of the car navigator is a character string (hereinafter referred to as a combined character string) acquired by combining the character string input from the keyboard and the character string input by voice.

However, when a combined character string is directed combined from a character string input by a user using keyboard and a character string input by voice input, there may be duplicate character strings because the input methods are different. That is, the user is unable to acquire the intended search result.

At this time, the user may acquire a desired combined character string by intentionally deleting the duplicate character strings. However, such operations are troublesome and may cause inconvenience to the user.

Accordingly, it is an object of the disclosure to provide a function that enables efficient character input when a plurality of input methods are provided.

The following disclosure serves a better understanding of the present invention. In order to achieve the above object, the character input device of the disclosure is configured as follows.

A character input device converts an input character string into a corresponding conversion character string. The character input device includes a first input unit, a second input unit, and a character string combination unit. The first input unit accepts input of a first character string by a first input method. The second input unit accepts input of a second character string by a second input method different from the first input method. When the input of the first character string is accepted after the input of the second character string is accepted, the character string combination unit generates an input character string candidate by connecting the first character string and the second character string accepted for input this time. Further, the character string combination unit extracts an identical character string as a duplicate character string at a tail of the first character string and a head of the second character string; and when the duplicate character string is extracted, generates a character string as one of the input character string candidates formed by connecting the first character string without the duplicate character string and the second character string without the duplicate character string by the duplicate character string.

With such configuration, even if a duplicate character string exists in the combined character strings, the procedure for deleting the duplicate character string may be omitted. That is, the efficiency of user's character input can be improved.

The character string combination unit of the character input device generates a character string as one of input character string candidates formed by connecting the second character string immediately after the first character string. Moreover, the character input device includes a score calculation unit that divides the conversion character string of the input character string into vocabulary units for each input character string candidate, and calculates a co-occurrence frequency between the vocabularies; and a priority determination unit that determines priority of conversion character strings according to the co-occurrence frequency calculated by the score calculation unit.

A character string combination unit of the character input device predicts a joining character string that connects the first character string and the second character string, and generates a character string as one of the input character string candidates formed by connecting the first character string and the second character string with the joining character string. Moreover, the character input device includes: a score calculation unit that divides the conversion character string of each input character string into vocabularies for each input character string candidate and calculates the co-occurrence frequency between vocabularies; and a priority determination unit that determines priority of the conversion character strings according to the co-occurrence frequency calculated by the score calculation unit.

A character string combination unit of the character input device predicts a joining character string that connects the first character string and the second character string, and generates a character string as one of the input character string candidates formed by connecting the first character string and the second character string with the joining character string.

One of the first input method and the second input method of the character input device is a key input method, and the other is a voice input method.

According to a character input method of the disclosure, a computer of a character input device that converts an input character string into a corresponding conversion character string performs: a first step of accepting input of a first character string by a first input method; a second step of accepting input of a second character string by a second input method different from the first input method; and a third step of generating, when the input of the second character string is accepted after the input of the first character string is accepted, an input character string candidate by connecting the first character string and the second character string accepted for input this time. The third step: extracts an identical character string as a duplicate character string at a tail of the first character string and a head of the second character string; and when the duplicate character string is extracted, generates a character string as one of the input character string candidates formed by connecting the first character string without the duplicate character string and the second character string without the duplicate character string by the duplicate character string.

According to a character input program of the disclosure causes a computer of a character input device that converts an input character string into a corresponding conversion character string to perform: a first step of accepting input of a first character string by a first input method; a second step of accepting input of a second character string by a second input method different from the first input method; and a third step of generating, when the input of the second character string is accepted after the first character string is accepted, an input character string candidate formed by connecting the first character string and the second character string accepted for input this time. The third step: extracts an identical character string as a duplicate character string at a tail of the first character string and a head of the second character string; and when the duplicate character string is extracted, generates a character string as one of the input character string candidates formed by connecting the first character string without the duplicate character string and the second character string without the duplicate character string by the duplicate character string.

According to the disclosure, it is possible to provide a function that enables efficient character input when a plurality of input methods are provided.

Embodiments for implementing the disclosure will be described below with reference to several drawings.

<FIG> is an image diagram of character input by a character input device <NUM>. The character input device <NUM> is mounted, for example, on a vehicle-mounted device. The vehicle-mounted device is a car navigator that searches for a travel route to a destination by inputting the destination. This vehicle-mounted device includes the character input device <NUM> for inputting a destination. The character input device <NUM> is provided with a plurality of input methods.

As described above, the character input device <NUM> is mounted in an electronic device such as a car navigator. The electronic device is not limited to car navigator, and may be any device such as a tablet or a personal computer that allows character input.

A specific example in which the user inputs characters will be described. A car navigator <NUM> includes a touch panel. A user activates an application (hereinafter referred to as an application) installed in the car navigator <NUM> using the touch panel.

The user activates a destination search application, for example. The user inputs a character string to an input display unit <NUM>. In this example, a destination search application will be used for explanation, but the type of application is not limited as long as it has a function of inputting characters.

Here, the character input methods in the character input device <NUM> will be described. The character input device <NUM> includes a first input unit <NUM> and a second input unit <NUM>. In the disclosure, the first input unit <NUM> is for keyboard input, and the second input unit <NUM> is for voice input. The first input unit <NUM> accepts input only while the car is stopped. On the other hand, the second input unit <NUM> accepts inputs regardless of whether the car is stopped or running.

A more specific example will be described using an example in which the user sets a character string "kyoto shi dobutsuen" (Kyoto city zoo) as a destination. The user first performs keyboard input using the first input unit <NUM> and then performs voice input using the second input unit <NUM>. Details will be described below using the configuration of <FIG>.

The user operates a car navigator while the car is stopped (for example, while the car is waiting for signals). The user uses the first input unit <NUM> to input a first character string "kyoto shi dobu" (Kyoto city z).

At this time, the user confirms that the signal has turned green, and starts the car. As a result, the first input unit <NUM> stops accepting character input.

The user confirms that the first input unit <NUM> does not accept character input, and starts input using the second input unit <NUM>. The user uses the second input unit <NUM> to input a second character string "dobutsuen" (zoo). The user ends the input of the character string for searching by pressing a button for performing search, for example.

The character input device <NUM> combines the first character string "kyoto shi dobu" and the second character string "dobutsuen" to generate a third character string "kyoto shi dobu dobutsuen" (Kyoto city z zoo). At this time, the character input device <NUM> determines whether or not there is a duplicate character string in the third character string (hereinafter referred to as a duplicate character string).

The character input device <NUM> determines that the duplicate character string "dobu" exists, and deletes the duplicate character string "dobu". More specifically, the character input device <NUM> determines that "dobu", which is the character string on the tail of the first character string "kyoto shi dobu", and the character string "dobu" at the head of the second character string "dobutsu" are duplicate character strings.

The character input device <NUM> deletes the duplicate character string "dobu" from the first character string "kyoto shi dobu" and generates "kyoto shi" as a part of the first character string. Further, the character input device <NUM> deletes the duplicate character string "dobu" from the second character string "dobutsuen" and generates "tsuen" as a part of the second character string.

Next, the character input device <NUM> joins the part of the first character string "kyoto shi", the duplicate character string "dobu", and the part of the second character string, and generates a fourth character string "kyoto shi dobutsuen" (Kyoto city zoo) from "kyoto shi", "dobu", and "tsuen". This fourth character string corresponds to the "input character string" of the disclosure.

The character input device <NUM> acquires a conversion candidate "Kyoto city zoo" of the fourth character string "kyoto shi dobutsuen" from a dictionary database (hereinafter referred to as "dictionary DB"). The character input device <NUM> outputs the character string "Kyoto city zoo" to the car navigator. The car navigator displays location information that matches the character string "Kyoto city zoo".

By providing such a configuration, it is possible to acquire an intended character string even when the user performs operations by combining a plurality of input methods. Further, when a duplicate character string exists in the first character string and the second character string, it is possible to delete the duplicate character string by determining that the duplicate character string exists.

That is, it is possible to easily acquire the character string intended by the user, and the user can efficiently input characters.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a character input device according to Configuration Example <NUM>. <FIG> is an image diagram of character input by a character input device according to Configuration Example <NUM>. As described above, the example to which the character input device <NUM> is applied is not limited to car navigator, and may be other electronic devices capable of inputting characters.

As shown in <FIG>, the character input device <NUM> includes an input unit <NUM>, a detection unit <NUM>, a display control unit <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, the input display unit <NUM>, and a dictionary DB <NUM>.

As described above, the input unit <NUM> includes the first input unit <NUM> and the second input unit <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first input unit <NUM> and the second input unit <NUM> are activated by operating the car navigator <NUM>.

The character input device <NUM> includes a touch panel. This touch panel detects a user's operation. Detection of operation includes, for example, those of an operation position, a length of time during which the operation is performed, a temporal change in the operation position, and the like. Detection results of these operations are output to the detection unit <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> outputs the result to the display control unit <NUM> and the control unit <NUM> according to the result input from the touch panel. The display control unit <NUM> outputs to the input display unit <NUM> so as to display according to the operation result.

The first input unit <NUM> accepts key inputs from, for example, a software keyboard. Various keys for character input are displayed on the first input unit <NUM>. The user inputs the first character string by the first input method (key input method) using the first input unit <NUM>.

The second input unit <NUM> accepts voice input from a microphone, for example. The second input unit <NUM> outputs voice information (second character string) uttered by the user to a voice recognition unit (not shown). The voice recognition unit acquires feature quantities from the waveform of the voice information and quantifies the feature quantities. Further, the voice recognition unit performs algorithm analysis on the quantified information and outputs it to the display control unit <NUM> as a character string. The display control unit <NUM> causes the input display unit <NUM> to display the second character string. That is, the user inputs the second character string by the second input method (voice input method) using the second input unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> includes a character string acquisition unit <NUM> and a character string combination unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> is configured by a hardware CPU, memory, and other electronic circuits. When the hardware CPU executes the character input program according to the disclosure, it operates as the character string acquisition unit <NUM> and the character string combination unit <NUM>. Moreover, the memory has a region for developing the character input program according to the disclosure and a region for temporarily storing data generated when the character input program is executed. The control unit <NUM> may be an LSI that integrates a hardware CPU, memory, and the like. Moreover, the hardware CPU is a computer that performs the character input method according to the disclosure.

The character string acquisition unit <NUM> acquires the first character string by the first input method using the first input unit <NUM> and acquires the second character string by the second input method using the second input unit <NUM>. The character string acquisition unit <NUM> outputs the first character string and the second character string to the character string combination unit <NUM>.

The character string combination unit <NUM> combines the first character string and the second character string. Detailed procedures will be described later. The character string combination unit <NUM> outputs a character string acquired by combining the first character string and the second character string to the display control unit <NUM>. The display control unit <NUM> causes the input display unit <NUM> to display the result.

The user uses the character string displayed on the input display unit <NUM> to perform a search. The character input device <NUM> searches a dictionary DB (dictionary database) and a map DB (map database) (not shown). Thereby, the character input device <NUM> displays the search result and position information.

A more specific configuration will be described with reference to <FIG>. The user activates the destination search application of the car navigator <NUM>. At this time, an example in which the user inputs the character string "kyoto shi dobutsuen" will be described.

While the car is stopped, the user uses the first input unit <NUM> to input the first character string "kyoto shi dobu" to the input display unit <NUM> (state (<NUM>) in <FIG>). As described above, the first input unit <NUM> is a software keyboard. The user inputs the first character string "kyoto shi dobu".

The first input unit <NUM> outputs the first character string "kyoto shi dobu" to the detection unit <NUM>. The first input unit <NUM> outputs the first character string "kyoto shi dobu" to the detection unit <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> outputs the first character string "kyoto shi dobu" to the display control unit <NUM> and the character string acquisition unit <NUM>. The display control unit <NUM> causes the input display unit <NUM> to display the first character string "kyoto shi dobu".

Next, the user starts the car. As a result, the first input unit <NUM> stops accepting character input. The user uses the second input unit <NUM> to input the second character string following the first character string "kyoto shi dobu". More specifically, the user uses the second input unit <NUM> to input the second character string "dobutsuen".

The second input unit <NUM> outputs the second character string "dobutsuen" to the detection unit <NUM>. The first input unit <NUM> outputs the second character string "dobutsuen" to the detection unit <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> outputs the second character string "dobutsuen" to the character string acquisition unit <NUM> (state (<NUM>) in <FIG>).

The character string acquisition unit <NUM> outputs the first character string "kyoto shi dobu" and the second character string "dobutsuen" to the character string combination unit <NUM>.

The character string combination unit <NUM> combines the first character string "kyoto shi dobu" and the second character string "dobutsuen" to create a third character string "kyoto shi dobu dobutsuen" (see state (<NUM>) in <FIG>). At this time, the character string combination unit <NUM> determines the duplicate character string between the first character string "kyoto shi dobu" and the second character string "dobutsuen".

At this time, the character string combination unit <NUM> determines that the character string "dobu" at the tail of the first character string "kyoto shi dobu", and the character string "dobu" at the head of the second character string "dobutsuen" are duplicate character strings.

The character string combination unit <NUM> deletes the duplicate character string "dobu" from the first character string "kyoto shi dobu" and generates "kyoto shi" as a part of the first character string. Further, the character string combination unit <NUM> deletes the duplicate character string "dobu" from the second character string "dobutsuen" and generates "tsuen" as a part of the second character string.

Next, the character string combination unit <NUM> combines the part of the first character string "kyoto shi", the duplicate character string "dobu", and the part of the second character string "tsuen" to form a fourth character string "kyoto shi dobutsuen" (Kyoto city zoo). As a result, the character string combination unit <NUM> may acquire the conversion candidate "Kyoto city zoo" intended by the user from the dictionary DB <NUM>.

That is, even when the user inputs characters by combining a plurality of input methods (the first input unit <NUM> and the second input unit <NUM>), the intended character string may be acquired. Further, when a duplicate character string exists in the first character string and the second character string, it is possible to delete the duplicate character string by determining that the duplicate character string exists. Thus, it is possible to easily acquire the character string intended by the user, and the user can efficiently input characters.

<FIG> is a flow chart illustrating the flow of processing of the character input device <NUM> according to an Operation Example. The processing flow of the character input device <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

The first input unit <NUM> accepts a first character string input by the user using the first input method. The first input unit <NUM> outputs the first character string to the detection unit <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> outputs the first character string to the character string acquisition unit <NUM> (S101).

Next, the second input unit <NUM> accepts a second character string input by the user using the second input method. The second input unit <NUM> outputs the second character string to the detection unit <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> outputs the second character string to the character string acquisition unit <NUM> (S102).

The character string acquisition unit <NUM> outputs the first character string and the second character string to the character string combination unit <NUM>. The character string combination unit <NUM> combines the first character string and the second character string to create a third character string (S103).

The character string combination unit <NUM> determines the duplicate character string from the character string on the tail of the first character string and the character string on the head of the second character string. The character string combination unit <NUM> deletes the duplicate character strings from the first character string and the second character string (S <NUM>).

The character string combination unit <NUM> creates a fourth character string from which duplicate character strings are deleted (S <NUM>).

In this way, even when the user inputs characters by combining a plurality of input methods (the first input unit <NUM> and the second input unit <NUM>), the intended character string may be acquired. Further, when a duplicate character string exists in the first character string and the second character string, it is possible to delete the duplicate character string by determining that the duplicate character string exists.

That is, the user can easily acquire the intended character string without being conscious of the duplicate character strings of the character string input by the first input unit <NUM> and the character string input by the second input unit <NUM>. That is, the user can efficiently input characters.

Next, a character input device according to Modification Example <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawings. In Configuration Example <NUM>, only the process of deleting duplicate character strings is performed, whereas in Modification Example <NUM>, the process of determining whether or not there is a duplicate character string is performed. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the character input device <NUM>, and the description of the similar parts is omitted.

<FIG> is a flow chart illustrating the flow of processing of the character input device <NUM> according to Modification Example <NUM>. After performing the process of step S103 in Configuration Example <NUM>, the character string combination unit <NUM> determines whether or not there is a duplicate character string (S110).

When the character string combination unit <NUM> determines that there is a duplicate character string (S1110: Yes), the character string combination unit <NUM> in step S104 performs processing for deleting the duplicate character string from the third character.

On the other hand, when determining that a duplicate character string does not exist (S1 <NUM>: No), the character string combination unit <NUM> creates a fourth character string without performing the process of step S104. That is, the fourth character string is the same character string as the third character string. That is, the fourth character string is a character string that has undergone only the process of combining the first character string and the second character string.

Even with such a configuration, the intended character string may be acquired even when the user performs character input by combining a plurality of input methods (the first input unit <NUM> and the second input unit <NUM>).

Next, a character input device according to Configuration Example <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawings. Configuration Example <NUM> differs from Configuration Example <NUM> in that the control unit <NUM> of the character input device <NUM> includes a score calculation unit <NUM> and a priority determination unit <NUM>. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the character input device <NUM>, and the description of the similar parts is omitted.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the character input device according to Configuration Example <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating the flow of processing of the character input device according to Configuration Example <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a flow of processing of the character input device according to Configuration Example <NUM>. <FIG> is a flow chart illustrating the flow of processing of the character input device according to Configuration Example <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> includes the character string acquisition unit <NUM>, the character string combination unit <NUM>, the score calculation unit <NUM>, and the priority determination unit <NUM>. The score calculation unit <NUM> quantifies the co-occurrence relation of the character strings separated into vocabularies. More specifically, when a vocabulary A and a vocabulary B are present, the score calculation unit <NUM> calculates the score for which the vocabulary A and the vocabulary B appear at the same time.

Here, the method for calculating a score of the third character string by the score calculation unit <NUM> will be described. The character string combination unit <NUM> determines the duplicate character string based on the score calculated by the score calculation unit <NUM>. That is, the score calculation unit <NUM> generates a score that serves as a reference for determining whether or not to delete the duplicate character string, and the character string combination unit <NUM> determines whether or not to delete the duplicate character string based on the score. The score is acquired from the sum of co-occurrence frequencies of neighboring vocabularies.

The co-occurrence frequency is calculated using co-occurrence information acquired from, for example, a Japanese co-occurrence dictionary. This co-occurrence frequency is compiled into a database into vocabularies (elements) and stored in the dictionary DB <NUM>.

The co-occurrence frequency is assumed have a higher probability of simultaneous appearance when the number is smaller, and have a lower probability of simultaneous appearance when the number is larger. That is, when the co-occurrence frequency of the vocabulary A and the vocabulary B is "<NUM>" and the co-occurrence frequency of the vocabulary A and a vocabulary C is "<NUM>", the score calculation unit <NUM> determines that the probability that the vocabulary A and the vocabulary B appear at the same time is high.

A more specific example of how the character string combination unit <NUM> creates the fourth character string will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an example in which the first character string is "osaka" (Osaka) and the second character string is "sakai shi tenki" (Sakai city weather). At this time, the character string combination unit <NUM> creates third character strings "osaka sakai shi tenki" (Osaka Sakai city whether) and "osaka ishi tenki" (Osaka stone whether). At this time, the conversion candidate of "osaka sakai shi tenki" is set as the first candidate, and the conversion candidate of "osaka ishi tenki" is set as the second candidate.

The character string combination unit <NUM> outputs the first candidate "Osaka Sakai city weather" to the score calculation unit <NUM>. The score calculation unit <NUM> performs morphological analysis on the first candidate "Osaka Sakai city weather". At this time, the score calculation unit <NUM> divides it into vocabularies such as "Osaka", "Sakai city", and "weather". The score calculation unit <NUM> sets the co-occurrence frequency of "Osaka"/"Sakai city" to "<NUM>" and the co-occurrence frequency of "Sakai city"/"weather" to "<NUM>". That is, the score calculation unit <NUM> calculates the score of the first candidate (first score) as "<NUM>".

Next, the character string combination unit <NUM> outputs the second candidate "Osaka stone weather" to the score calculation unit <NUM>. The score calculation unit <NUM> performs morphological analysis on the second candidate "Osaka stone weather". At this time, the score calculation unit <NUM> divides it into vocabularies such as "Osaka", "stone", and "weather". The score calculation unit <NUM> sets the co-occurrence frequency of "Osaka"/"stone" to "<NUM>" and the co-occurrence frequency of "stone"/"weather" to "<NUM>". That is, the score calculation unit <NUM> calculates the score of the second candidate (second score) as "<NUM>".

The score calculation unit <NUM> compares the first score and the second score and determines that the first score is low. That is, the score calculation unit <NUM> determines that the first candidate "Osaka Sakai city weather" is the conversion candidate intended by the user. The score calculation unit <NUM> outputs the result to the priority determination unit <NUM>. The priority determination unit <NUM> determines to raise priority of the first candidate "Osaka Sakai city weather" and outputs the result to the character string combination unit <NUM>.

The character string combination unit <NUM> outputs the first candidate "Osaka Sakai city weather" to the display control unit <NUM>. The display control unit <NUM> raises the priority of the first candidate "Osaka Sakai city weather" and causes the input display unit <NUM> to display it.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the first character string is "kyoto shi dobu" (Kyoto city z) and the second character string is "dobutsuen" (zoo). At this time, the character string combination unit <NUM> creates "kyoto shidobu dobutsuen" (Kyoto city z zoo) and "kyoto shi dobutsuen" (Kyoto city zoo) as the third character strings. At this time, the conversion candidate of "kyoto shi dobu dobutsuen" is set as the first candidate, and the conversion candidate of "kyoto shi dobutsuen" is set as the second candidate.

The character string combination unit <NUM> outputs the first candidate "Kyoto guidance department zoo" to the score calculation unit <NUM>. The score calculation unit <NUM> performs morphological analysis on the first candidate "Kyoto guidance department zoo". At this time, the score calculation unit <NUM> divides it into vocabularies such as "Kyoto", "guidance", "department", and "zoo". The score calculation unit <NUM> sets the co-occurrence frequency of "Kyoto"/"guidance" to "<NUM>", the co-occurrence frequency of "guidance"/"department" to "<NUM>", and the co-occurrence frequency of "department"/"zoo" to "<NUM>". That is, the score calculation unit <NUM> calculates the score of the first candidate (first score) as "<NUM>".

Next, the character string combination unit <NUM> outputs the second candidate "Kyoto city zoo" to the score calculation unit <NUM>. The score calculation unit <NUM> performs morphological analysis on the second candidate "Kyoto city zoo". At this time, the score calculation unit <NUM> divides it into vocabularies such as "Kyoto city" and "zoo". The score calculation unit <NUM> sets the co-occurrence frequency of "Kyoto city"/"zoo" to "<NUM>". That is, the score calculation unit <NUM> calculates the score of the second candidate (second score) as "<NUM>".

The score calculation unit <NUM> compares the first score and the second score and determines that the second score is low. That is, the score calculation unit <NUM> determines that the second candidate "Kyoto city zoo" is the conversion candidate intended by the user. The score calculation unit <NUM> outputs the result to the priority determination unit <NUM>. The priority determination unit <NUM> determines to raise the priority of the second candidate "Kyoto city zoo" and outputs the result to the character string combination unit <NUM>.

The character string combination unit <NUM> outputs the second candidate "Kyoto city zoo" to the display control unit <NUM>. The display control unit <NUM> preferentially displays the second candidate "Kyoto city zoo" on the input display unit <NUM>.

Next, the flow of processing of the character input device <NUM> in Configuration Example <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. Note that steps S101 to S103 are the same as in Configuration Example <NUM>, and therefore are omitted.

The character string combination unit <NUM> determines whether or not there is a duplicate character string (S201). When it is determined that there is no duplicate character string (S201: No), the character string combination unit <NUM> combines the first character string and the second character string as they are to create a fourth character string (S202). That is, the third character string is taken as the fourth character string.

The character string combination unit <NUM> acquires conversion candidates for the fourth character string from the dictionary DB <NUM> (S203).

On the other hand, when determining that there is a duplicate character string (S201: Yes), the character string combination unit <NUM> creates a first candidate and a second candidate (S204). The character string combination unit <NUM> outputs the first candidate and the second candidate to the score calculation unit <NUM>.

The score calculation unit <NUM> performs morphological analysis on the first candidate and the second candidate, and divides the first candidate and the second candidate into vocabularies. Moreover, the score calculation unit <NUM> calculates the co-occurrence frequency for each vocabulary in the first candidate. Similarly, the score calculation unit <NUM> calculates the co-occurrence frequency for each vocabulary in the second candidate (S205).

The score calculation unit <NUM> calculates the sum of the co-occurrence frequencies of the first candidates (first score) and the sum of the co-occurrence frequencies of the second candidates (second score). Thereby, the score calculation unit <NUM> compares the first score and the second score (S206). The score calculation unit <NUM> outputs the result of comparing the first score and the second score to the priority determination unit <NUM>.

The priority determination unit <NUM> determines the priority in the display of the first candidate and the second candidate based on the comparison result of the first score and the second score (S207). The score calculation unit <NUM> outputs the fourth character string and conversion candidates for the fourth character string to the character string combination unit <NUM>.

With such a configuration, even when the user inputs characters by combining a plurality of input methods (the first input unit <NUM> and the second input unit <NUM>), the intended character string may be acquired.

Further, in the above-described configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not to delete duplicate character strings according to relationship of vocabularies, without being limited to mechanically deleting duplicate character strings. That is, it is possible to easily acquire the character string intended by the user, and the user can input characters more efficiently.

Next, a character input device according to Configuration Example <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawings. Configuration Example <NUM> differs from Configuration Example <NUM> in that the score determination unit compares the score with a threshold value and performs a wildcard search based on the score. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the character input device <NUM>, and the description of the similar parts is omitted.

<FIG> is an image diagram of character input by the character input device <NUM> according to Configuration Example <NUM>. <FIG> is a flow chart illustrating a flow of processing of the character input device <NUM> according to Configuration Example <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the first character string is "osaka" (Osaka) and the second character string is "taiikukan" (gymnasium). At this time, the character string combination unit <NUM> creates "osaka taiikukan" (Osaka gymnasium) as the third character string. The character string combination unit <NUM> creates a conversion candidate "Osaka gymnasium" for the third character string "osaka taiikukan".

The character string combination unit <NUM> outputs the conversion candidate "Osaka gymnasium" to the score calculation unit <NUM>. The score calculation unit <NUM> performs morphological analysis on the conversion candidate "Osaka gymnasium". At this time, the score calculation unit <NUM> divides it into vocabularies such as "Osaka" and "gymnasium". The score calculation unit <NUM> sets the co-occurrence frequency of "Osaka"/"gymnasium" to "<NUM>" (first score).

At this time, the score calculation unit <NUM> compares the first score with a preset threshold value. This threshold value may be an arbitrary value. Moreover, this threshold value is set to a low value if it is in a state that completely matches or substantially matches the data stored in the dictionary DB <NUM> or the like. On the other hand, if the user wishes to perform a flexible search, a high threshold value may be set.

For example, when the threshold value is <NUM>, the first score of "Osaka"/"gymnasium" is "<NUM>", so the score calculation unit <NUM> determines that the conversion candidate is not the character string intended by the user. That is, it is determined that there is character string missing between the first character string "osaka" and the second character string "taiikukan". That is, the score calculation unit <NUM> determines that a joining character string is required between the first character string "osaka" and the second character string "taiikukan". The score calculation unit <NUM> outputs the result to the character string combination unit <NUM>.

The character string combination unit <NUM> adds a joining character string "*" between the first character string "osaka" and the second character string "taiikukan". That is, the character string combination unit <NUM> adds the joining character string as a wildcard. The character string combination unit <NUM> sets the third character string to "osaka * (wildcard) taiikukan" and searches the dictionary DB <NUM> for conversion candidates. The character string combination unit <NUM> acquires the first prediction candidate "Osaka prefectural gymnasium" and the second prediction candidate "Osaka municipal gymnasium".

The character string combination unit <NUM> outputs the first prediction candidate "Osaka prefectural gymnasium" and the second prediction candidate "Osaka municipal gymnasium" to the score calculation unit <NUM>. The score calculation unit <NUM> performs morphological analysis on the first prediction candidate "Osaka prefectural gymnasium" and the second prediction candidate "Osaka municipal gymnasium".

At this time, the score calculation unit <NUM> divides the first prediction candidate "Osaka prefectural gymnasium" into vocabularies such as "Osaka", "prefectural", and "gymnasium". The score calculation unit <NUM> sets the co-occurrence frequency of "Osaka"/"prefectural" to "<NUM>" and the co-occurrence frequency of "prefectural"/"gymnasium" to "<NUM>". That is, the score calculation unit <NUM> calculates the score of the first prediction candidate as "<NUM>".

Similarly, the score calculation unit <NUM> divides the second prediction candidate "Osaka municipal gymnasium" into vocabularies such as "Osaka", "municipal", and "gymnasium". The score calculation unit <NUM> sets the co-occurrence frequency of "Osaka"/"municipal" to "<NUM>" and the co-occurrence frequency of "municipal"/"gymnasium" to "<NUM>". That is, the score calculation unit <NUM> calculates the score of the second prediction candidate as "<NUM>".

The score calculation unit <NUM> compares the scores of the first prediction candidate and the second prediction candidate with a threshold value. As for the threshold value described above, the score calculation unit <NUM> compares the score of the first prediction candidate and the score of the second prediction candidate with the threshold value. The score calculation unit <NUM> determines that the first prediction candidate and the second prediction candidate are the character strings intended by the user, and outputs these prediction candidates to the character string combination unit <NUM>.

The character string combination unit <NUM> outputs the first prediction candidate and the second prediction candidate to the display control unit <NUM>. The display control unit <NUM> displays the first prediction candidate and the second prediction candidate on the input display unit <NUM>. At this time, the display control unit <NUM> may preferentially display a prediction candidate with a smaller threshold value out of the first prediction candidate and the second prediction candidate.

Next, the flow of processing of the character input device <NUM> in Configuration Example <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. Note that steps S101 to S103, steps S201 and S206 are the same as those in Configuration Example <NUM>, and therefore are omitted.

When it is determined that there is no duplicate character string (S201: No), the character string combination unit <NUM> combines the first character string and the second character string as they are to create a fourth character string (S202). The character string combination unit <NUM> acquires conversion candidates for the fourth character string from the dictionary DB <NUM> (S203).

The character string combination unit <NUM> outputs conversion candidates for the fourth character string to the score calculation unit <NUM>. The score calculation unit <NUM> determines whether or not the score is equal to or higher than the threshold value (S301).

When it is determined that the score is equal to or higher than the threshold value (S301: Yes), the score calculation unit <NUM> determines that the conversion candidate is not the character string intended by the user. The score calculation unit <NUM> outputs the result to the character string combination unit <NUM>.

The character string combination unit <NUM> adds a joining character string (wildcard) "*" between the first character string and the second character string, and searches for conversion candidates from the dictionary DB <NUM> (S303). After performing step S303, the character string combination unit <NUM> performs step S202 again.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the score is lower than the threshold value (S301: No), the score calculation unit <NUM> determines that the conversion candidate is the character string intended by the user. The score calculation unit <NUM> decides the fourth character string (S302). The score calculation unit <NUM> outputs the fourth character string and conversion candidates for the fourth character string to the character string combination unit <NUM>.

Further, in the above configuration, if it is determined that there is character string missing between the first character string and the second character string, a wildcard search may be performed. That is, it is possible to easily acquire the character string intended by the user, and the user can input characters more efficiently.

Next, a character input device according to Modification Example <NUM> will be described. Modification Example <NUM> differs from Configuration Example <NUM> in that the input mode according to Configuration Example <NUM> is the kana input mode, whereas Modification Example <NUM> is the alphabet input mode. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the character input device <NUM>, and the description of the similar parts is omitted.

As shown in <FIG>, the character input device <NUM> according to Configuration Example <NUM> differs in that in Modification Example <NUM>, the first input unit <NUM> is in the alphabet input mode and the second input unit <NUM> accepts English voice input, whereas in the character input device <NUM> according to Configuration Example <NUM>, the first input unit <NUM> is in the kana input mode, and the second input unit <NUM> accepts Japanese input. The rest of the configuration of the character input device <NUM> is the same as that of the character input device <NUM>, and the description of the same portions will be omitted. Although the first input unit <NUM> in <FIG> uses a <NUM>-key keyboard (numeric keyboard), a keyboard with QWERTY layout may be configured.

An example in which the first input unit <NUM> and the second input unit <NUM> are in the alphabet input mode will be described below. However, the type of language to be input as a character string is not limited to the alphabet input mode, and may be another type of language. The type of language may be, for example, Chinese, which is a way that allows users to input the phonetic notation of a word to be input as a character string (intended character string), or German, which is a way that allows the user to input the spelling of the word to be input as a character sting.

The first input unit <NUM> accepts the first character "Kyoto City Z". Next, the second input unit <NUM> accepts the second character "Zoo".

The character string combination unit <NUM> deletes the duplicate character string "Z" from the third character string "Kyoto City Z Zoo". As a result, the character string combination unit <NUM> creates a fourth character string "Kyoto City Zoo".

That is, even when the user inputs characters by combining a plurality of input methods (the first input unit <NUM> and the second input unit <NUM>) using an input mode other than Japanese, it is possible to acquire the intended character string. Further, when a duplicate character string exists in the first character string and the second character string, it is possible to delete the duplicate character string by determining that the duplicate character string exists.

In the above example, the first input unit <NUM> is for character input using the software keyboard, and the second input unit <NUM> is for voice input. However, the first input unit <NUM> may be voice input, and the second input unit <NUM> may be character input using a software keyboard.

Claim 1:
A character input device (<NUM>), configured to convert an input character string into a corresponding conversion character string, the character input device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first input unit (<NUM>) configured to accept input of a first character string by a first input method;
a second input unit (<NUM>) configured to accept input of a second character string by a second input method different from the first input method; and
a character string combination unit (<NUM>) configured to, when the input of the second character string is accepted after the input of the first character string is accepted, generate an input character string candidate by connecting the first character string and the second character string,
wherein the character string combination unit (<NUM>) is configured to:
extract an identical character string as a duplicate character string at a tail of the first character string and a head of the second character string, and
when the duplicate character string is extracted, generate a character string as one of the input character string candidates formed by connecting the first character string without the duplicate character string and the second character string without the duplicate character string by the duplicate character string.