JP2003303186A - Character input support system, character input support method, terminal device, server, and character input support program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a suitable information corresponding to an area in inputting a character. <P>SOLUTION: In a character input support system 1, when an area having a terminal device 30 changes, the terminal device 30 receives area dictionary data corresponding to the area via a base station 20 and refers to it in inputting a character. Therefore, the terminal device 30 is not required to store the area dictionary data corresponding to all areas, and can easily obtain the area dictionary data corresponding to an area having an own device. A place name or the like that has a special reading method and is therefore generally hardly inputted can be easily and appropriately inputted, and operation load is reduced in inputting the character. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character input support system, a character input support method, a terminal device, a server and a character input support program for providing information corresponding to an area where a terminal device is located.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, mobile communication means such as mobile phones have been developed, and the usage patterns of using terminal devices while users are moving in a wide area are increasing. Along with that, methods for performing various information processing corresponding to the position of the user have been realized.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-179790 discloses a voice recognition device in which a dictionary of utterance characteristics classified for each area is prepared and the utterance characteristics of a suitable area according to the current position of the apparatus. A technique for improving the accuracy of voice recognition by using the dictionary is disclosed. By the way, as a user moves over a wide area, opportunities for inputting characters related to an area such as a place name near the current position are increasing when sending e-mail.

[0004]

However, there are many place names all over the country that have unique readings, and even if the readings are entered in hiragana, the kana-kanji conversion may not be done correctly. This frequently occurs especially in a terminal device which does not have a sufficient storage capacity and holds only a limited kana-kanji conversion dictionary. In such a case, the user had to input another reading, convert it into each Chinese character, and display the intended combination of Chinese characters.

The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-179790 is aimed at speech recognition.
Further, even when applying the technology described in this publication to character input, since it is necessary to hold a dictionary corresponding to various regions in the device itself, the above-mentioned in personal digital assistants and the like. It does not solve the problem. On the other hand, in Japanese conversion software, there is known a technique in which a dictionary of words peculiar to a region (for example, Kansai dialect) is held and can be converted into words peculiar to the region by conversion similar to kana-kanji conversion.

However, in this technique, the dictionary is used to perform character conversion regardless of the current position of the user, and the user must manually switch to the dictionary as necessary. An object of the present invention is to be able to provide appropriate information according to a region in character input.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 transmits a discriminating signal based on the location of the own device and a storage means for storing predetermined information corresponding to the area. A character input support system including a base station having a predetermined wireless communication area and a terminal device capable of wireless communication with the base station, wherein the terminal device is an identification signal transmitted from the base station (for example, , The identification signal in the paging channel transmitted by the base station 20 of FIG. 1), and based on the identification signal, the change of the area where the own apparatus is located (for example, the “area” to which the terminal device 30 of FIG. 1 belongs) When the area where the own device is located is changed, the device acquires predetermined information corresponding to the area where the own device is newly located from the storage means, and when character input is performed, The predetermined information It is characterized in that it is possible irradiation.

The invention according to claim 2 is the character input support system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information corresponding to the area is a word related to the area (for example, a place name belonging to the area or a facility). The terminal device is characterized by displaying conversion candidates by referring to the dictionary data when a character related to an area is input.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2.
The described character input support system, wherein the terminal device converts the name of the current position when a character indicating the current position (for example, "here", "current position", "location", etc.) is input. The feature is that it is displayed as a candidate.

In addition to the word suggesting the current position, the character suggesting the current position corresponds to the input of the predicted character, and a part of the characters suggesting the current position (the first character Etc.) are also included. The invention according to claim 4 is the character input support system according to claim 3,
When the word indicating the current position is input, the terminal device displays a region name (for example, “Suwa”, “Ina”, etc.) corresponding to predetermined information related to the region as a conversion candidate. It is characterized by that.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the character input support system according to the third aspect, the terminal device further includes position measuring means (for example, GPS positioning means) for measuring the current position of the own device. The predetermined information related to the area includes the name of the place belonging to the area (eg, detailed place name, facility name) associated with the location (eg, latitude / longitude corresponding to the place name in FIG. 10). , The name of a tourist spot, etc.) and the word indicating the current position is input, the current position measured by the position measuring means and the position corresponding to the name of the place belonging to the area Based on the above, the name of a predetermined place belonging to the area is displayed as a conversion candidate.

The invention according to claim 6 is the character input support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the terminal device, when a character is input, is a predetermined one corresponding to the area. When displaying conversion candidates of an input character with reference to information and other predetermined information, each conversion candidate is identified and displayed in correspondence with the predetermined information including the conversion candidate (for example, black characters). The characters are outlined in white, shaded, etc.).

The invention according to claim 7 is the character input support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the terminal device supports the area by performing wireless communication with the base station. It is characterized in that the predetermined information to be obtained is acquired. The invention according to claim 8 is the character input support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the terminal device is capable of communicating with the storage means via a predetermined network, It is characterized in that predetermined information corresponding to the area is acquired via a network.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, storage means for storing predetermined information corresponding to an area, a base station for transmitting an identification signal based on the location of its own device, and having a predetermined wireless communicable area, A character input support method in a character input support system including a base station and a terminal device capable of wireless communication, wherein the terminal device receives an identification signal transmitted from the base station, and based on the identification signal, Detecting a change in the area where the own device is located, and when the area where the own device is located changes, obtains predetermined information corresponding to the area where the own device is newly located from the storage means, It is characterized in that when the character is input, the predetermined information is referred to.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the character input support method according to the ninth aspect, the predetermined information corresponding to the area is dictionary data including words related to the area.
In the terminal device, when a character related to a region is input, the conversion candidate is displayed by referring to the dictionary data.

The invention according to claim 11 is the character input support method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when a character indicating a current position is input to the terminal device,
The feature is that the name of the current position is displayed as a conversion candidate. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the character input support method according to the eleventh aspect, when the word suggesting the current position is input to the terminal device, the terminal device corresponds to predetermined information related to the area. The feature is that the area name to be displayed is displayed as a conversion candidate.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the character input support method according to the eleventh aspect, the terminal device further comprises a position measuring means for measuring the current position of the own device, and the predetermined value related to the area Information includes a name of a place belonging to the area associated with the location, and when a word suggesting the current position is input, the current position measured by the position measuring unit, and It is characterized in that the name of a predetermined place belonging to the area is displayed as a conversion candidate based on the location corresponding to the name of the place belonging to the area.

The invention according to claim 14 is the invention according to claims 9 to 13.
In the character input support method according to any one of the above, when character input is performed in the terminal device, predetermined information corresponding to the area and other predetermined information are referred to, and When the conversion candidates are displayed, each conversion candidate is identified and displayed in association with the predetermined information including the conversion candidates.

The invention according to claim 15 is the invention according to claims 9 to 14.
The character input support method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the terminal device acquires predetermined information corresponding to the area by performing wireless communication with the base station. The invention according to claim 16 is the character input support method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the terminal device is capable of communicating with the storage means via a predetermined network, It is characterized in that predetermined information corresponding to the area is acquired via a network.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, storage means for storing predetermined information corresponding to an area, a base station for transmitting an identification signal based on the location of the device itself, and a base station having a predetermined wireless communicable area, A terminal device in a character input support system including a base station and a terminal device capable of wireless communication, receiving an identification signal transmitted from the base station, and based on the identification signal, a local area where the device is located. When a change is detected and the area where the device is located changes, the device acquires predetermined information corresponding to the area where the device is newly located from the storage means, and when a character is input. The predetermined information can be referred to.

The invention according to claim 18 is the terminal device according to claim 17, wherein the predetermined information corresponding to the area is dictionary data including words related to the area, and the predetermined information of the characters related to the area. When the input is performed, the conversion data is displayed by referring to the dictionary data.

The invention according to claim 19 is the terminal device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the name of the current position is displayed as a conversion candidate when a character indicating the current position is input. I am trying. The invention according to claim 20 is the terminal device according to claim 19, wherein when a word suggesting the current position is input, a region name corresponding to predetermined information related to the region is set as a conversion candidate. It is characterized by displaying.

The invention according to claim 21 is the terminal device according to claim 19, further comprising position measuring means for measuring the present position of the own device, and the predetermined information relating to the area includes the location position. The name of a place belonging to the area is included, and when a word suggesting the current position is input, the current position measured by the position measuring unit and the name of the place belonging to the area are included. The name of a predetermined place belonging to the area is displayed as a conversion candidate based on the corresponding location.

The invention according to claim 22 is the invention according to claims 17 to 2.
1. The terminal device according to any one of 1, wherein when a character is input, predetermined information corresponding to the area and other predetermined information are referred to, and a conversion candidate of the input character is displayed. In addition, each conversion candidate is identified and displayed in association with the predetermined information including the conversion candidate.

The invention described in claim 23 is, in claims 17 to 2,
2. The terminal device according to any one of 2 above, characterized by acquiring predetermined information corresponding to the area by performing wireless communication with the base station. The invention according to a twenty-fourth aspect is the terminal device according to any one of the seventeenth to twenty-second aspects, wherein the terminal device can communicate with the storage unit via a predetermined network, and the area via the predetermined network. It is characterized by acquiring predetermined information corresponding to.

[0026] According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, an installation location acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the installation location of the own apparatus and a storage means for storing predetermined information corresponding to an area, which is information referred to in character input. According to the installation location acquired by the installation location acquisition means, whether or not to use the predetermined information corresponding to the area is switched.

The invention according to claim 26 is the terminal device according to claim 25, wherein the predetermined information corresponding to the area is dictionary data including words related to the area, and the predetermined information of the characters related to the area. When the input is performed, the conversion data is displayed by referring to the dictionary data.

The invention according to claim 27 is the terminal device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that when a character indicating the current position is input, the name of the current position is displayed as a conversion candidate. I am trying. The invention according to claim 28 is the terminal device according to claim 27, wherein when a word suggesting the current position is input, a region name corresponding to predetermined information related to the region is set as a conversion candidate. It is characterized by displaying.

The invention as defined in claim 29 is defined in claims 25 to 2.
9. The terminal device according to any one of 8 above, wherein when a character is input, predetermined information corresponding to the area and other predetermined information are referred to, and a conversion candidate of the input character is displayed. In addition, each conversion candidate is identified and displayed in association with the predetermined information including the conversion candidate.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, a storage means for storing predetermined information corresponding to an area, a base station for transmitting an identification signal based on the location of the own device, and a base station having a predetermined wireless communicable area, A server for a character input support system including a base station and a terminal device capable of wireless communication, comprising the storage means, when transmission of predetermined information corresponding to the area is requested by the terminal device. It is characterized in that predetermined information corresponding to the predetermined area is transmitted to the terminal device.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, storage means for storing predetermined information corresponding to an area, a base station for transmitting an identification signal based on the location of its own device and having a predetermined wireless communicable area, A character input support program for controlling a terminal device in a character input support system including a base station and a terminal device capable of wireless communication, based on an identification signal transmitted from the base station, A function of detecting a change, a function of acquiring predetermined information corresponding to the area where the own device is newly located from the storage means when the area where the own device is changed, and a character input It is characterized in that the terminal device is made to realize the function of referring to the predetermined information when it is performed.

The invention according to claim 32 is the character input support program according to claim 31, wherein the predetermined information corresponding to the area is dictionary data including words related to the area and related to the area. It is characterized in that the terminal device has a function of displaying conversion candidates by referring to the dictionary data when a character is input.

The invention according to claim 33 is the character input support program according to claim 31 or 32, wherein when a character indicating the current position is input, the function of displaying the name of the current position as a conversion candidate. Is realized by the terminal device. The invention according to claim 34 is the character input support program according to claim 33, wherein when a word suggesting the current position is input, a region name corresponding to predetermined information related to the region is converted. It is characterized in that the terminal device is made to realize the function of displaying as a candidate.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the character input support program according to the thirty-third aspect, the predetermined information related to the area includes a name of a place belonging to the area associated with the location. If the word indicating the current position is included, the name of the predetermined place belonging to the region is based on the current position of the terminal device and the position corresponding to the name of the place belonging to the region. It is characterized in that the terminal device is made to realize the function of displaying as a conversion candidate.

The invention described in Item 36 is defined by Items 31-3.
5. The character input support program according to any one of 5, wherein when character input is performed, predetermined information corresponding to the area and other predetermined information are referred to, and conversion candidates for the input character are displayed. In this case, the terminal device has a function of identifying and displaying each conversion candidate in association with the predetermined information including the conversion candidate.

The invention according to claim 37 is the invention according to claims 31 to 3.
The character input support program described in any one of 6 above is characterized in that the terminal device has a function of acquiring predetermined information corresponding to the area by performing wireless communication with the base station. A thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention is the character input support program according to any one of the thirty-first to thirty-sixth aspects, wherein predetermined information corresponding to the area is obtained by communicating with the storage means via a predetermined network. It is characterized in that the terminal device is made to realize the function of acquiring.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, an installation location acquisition function for acquiring information about an installation location of the own apparatus and information referred to in character input, and predetermined information corresponding to an area is stored. It is characterized in that the terminal device realizes a storage function and a function of switching whether or not to use predetermined information corresponding to the area based on the installation location acquired by the installation location acquisition function.

The invention according to claim 40 is the character input support program according to claim 39, wherein the predetermined information corresponding to the area is dictionary data including words related to the area and related to the area. It is characterized in that the terminal device has a function of displaying conversion candidates by referring to the dictionary data when a character is input.

The invention described in claim 41 is the character input support program according to claim 39 or 40, which is a function of displaying the name of the current position as a conversion candidate when a character indicating the current position is input. Is realized by the terminal device. The invention according to claim 42 is the character input support program according to claim 41, wherein when a word suggesting the current position is input, the area name corresponding to predetermined information related to the area is converted. It is characterized in that the terminal device is made to realize the function of displaying as a candidate.

The invention according to claim 43 is, in accordance with claims 39 to 4,
The character input support program according to any one of 2, wherein when character input is performed, reference is made to predetermined information corresponding to the region and other predetermined information, and a conversion candidate of the input character is displayed. In this case, the terminal device has a function of identifying and displaying each conversion candidate in association with the predetermined information including the conversion candidate.

According to the present invention, when the area in which the terminal device is located changes, the terminal device receives the predetermined information corresponding to the area and refers to it in character input. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to store the predetermined information corresponding to all areas, and can easily acquire the predetermined information corresponding to the area where the own device is located. Then, by referring to the information in character input, it is possible to easily and appropriately input a place name or the like, which is generally difficult to input because of its peculiar reading, and the operation load in character input is reduced.

It is considered that the user often inputs words related to the place where he / she is currently located on a trip or the like. However, when inputting characters, predetermined information corresponding to the area where the terminal device is located is input. Since the reference is made, the appropriate character conversion can be performed more effectively. Further, in the present invention, when a character (word) indicating the current location such as “here” is input, the name of the current position of the terminal device is displayed as the conversion candidate as the conversion candidate.

Therefore, even if the user of the terminal device does not know his / her current position, he / she can input a general word (such as "here") indicating the current position to indicate a specific current position. Can be easily entered.

[0044]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a character input support system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a character input support system 1 to which the present invention is applied. 1, the character input support system 1 includes a server 10, a plurality of base stations 20, and a plurality of terminal devices 30.

In FIG. 1, the server 10 and the base station 20 are communicably connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, and the base station 20 and the terminal device 30 are configured to be capable of wireless communication by a mobile phone system. ing. Hereinafter, the functional configurations of the server 10, the base station 20, and the terminal device 30 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the server 10. In FIG. 2, the server 10
Is composed of a central processing unit 11, an input device 12, a main storage device 13, an auxiliary storage device 14, a display device 15, and a communication device 16.

The central processing unit 11 controls the server 10 as a whole, and reads out and executes programs for various processes stored in the auxiliary storage unit 14 in accordance with various instruction signals input from the input unit 12. Further, the central processing unit 11 uses the dictionary transmission request transmitted from the base station 20 to transmit predetermined information to the base station 20, such as a regional dictionary data (described later) or a response signal indicating that it does not have the regional dictionary data. Is transmitted through the communication device 16. Then, the central processing unit 11 stores the processing results of executing various programs and the like in a predetermined area of the main storage device 13 and the auxiliary storage device 14, or displays them on the display device 15.

The input device 12 includes a keyboard provided with cursor keys, numeral input keys and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The input device 12 outputs to the central processing unit 11 a key depression signal and a mouse position signal depressed on the keyboard. . The main storage device 13 stores various data, and temporarily stores various data generated in various processes executed by the central processing unit 11.

The auxiliary storage device 14 is composed of a hard disk device or a non-volatile storage device such as a flash ROM. The auxiliary storage device 14 stores programs related to various processes for controlling the server 10. In addition, the auxiliary storage device 14 is provided from the base station 20 to the terminal device 30.
It stores various information such as regional dictionary data provided to the.

The display device 15 is, for example, a dot matrix type color liquid crystal display cell or a CRT (Cathode).
Ray tube) and the like, and displays various data in accordance with instructions from the central processing unit 11. The communication device 16 responds to various data instructed to be transmitted from the central processing unit 11.
The data is converted into a predetermined format and modulated, and then output to the base station 20 via the network. Further, the communication device 16 receives the signal transmitted from the base station 20, performs demodulation processing to the original signal and data conversion processing to the original data format, and outputs it to the central processing unit 11.

Next, the base station 20 will be described. The character input support system 1 includes a plurality of base stations 20. These base stations 20 are grouped for each base station 20 belonging to a certain range of regions based on their location. Then, the base stations 20 of the same group transmit the identification signal on the same paging channel. Therefore, the terminal device 30 can recognize whether the “region” has changed by scanning the paging channel.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the base station 20. In FIG. 3, the base station 20 includes a central processing unit 21, a main storage device 22, an auxiliary storage device 23,
And a communication device 24. The central processing unit 21
It controls the entire base station 20, and reads and executes programs relating to various processes stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 in response to various signals input from the communication device 24. Further, when the central processing unit 21 receives a dictionary delivery confirmation signal (described later) from the terminal device 30, it sends a signal indicating whether or not the dictionary data can be delivered to the terminal device 30. At this time, when the dictionary data cannot be distributed, such as when the base station 20 is not connected to the server 10 and the dictionary data is not stored in its own device, the central processing unit 21 , And transmits a signal indicating that the dictionary data cannot be distributed to the terminal device 30.

Then, the central processing unit 21 stores the processing results of executing various programs and the like in a predetermined area of the main storage device 22 and the auxiliary storage device 23, or transmits them via the communication device 24. The main storage device 22 stores various data, and temporarily stores various data generated in various processes executed by the central processing unit 21.

The auxiliary storage device 23 is composed of a hard disk device or a non-volatile storage device such as a flash ROM. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores programs related to various processes for controlling the base station 20. The communication device 24 is a wireless communication device capable of communicating with the terminal device 30 by a carrier having a predetermined frequency in the mobile phone system, and the server 1 by a network such as the Internet.
0 and a network communication device capable of communicating with 0. Then, the communication device 24 performs data conversion processing and modulation processing to a predetermined format on various data instructed to be transmitted by the central processing unit 21, and outputs the data to the destination terminal device 30 or the server 10. Also, the communication device 2
4 receives the signal transmitted from the terminal device 30 or the server 10, performs demodulation processing to the original signal and data conversion processing to the original data format, and the central processing unit 2
Output to 1.

Next, the terminal device 30 will be described. The terminal device 30 is a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal D
igital Assistance) and the like, and stores the data of the common dictionary (common dictionary data) that does not depend on the region and the data of the user dictionary (user dictionary data) created by reflecting the conversion history of the user in the device itself. . Also,
The terminal device 30 receives the data of the regional dictionary (regional dictionary data) corresponding to the “region” to which the terminal device 30 belongs from the base station 20, and when the character is input, the regional data is referred to and converted. It is possible to present character candidates.

Further, the terminal device 30 scans the paging channel of the base station 20 to monitor which paging channel the currently communicable base station 20 is using, and the paging channel used. It is determined that the "region" to which the device belongs has changed because the channel has changed. When the "region" to which the device belongs changes, the region dictionary data corresponding to the "region" is received from the base station 20 and referred to in the character input.

The terminal device 30 uses a position information service (service for notifying the position of the terminal device 30) provided by a mobile phone network system or the like,
The change of the area to which the own device belongs may be detected. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the terminal device 30. 4, the terminal device 30 includes a central processing unit 31, an input device 32, a main storage device 33, an auxiliary storage device 34, a display device 35, and a communication device 36. Although not shown, the terminal device 30 is
A position measuring unit such as a PS (Global Positioning System) positioning unit can be optionally provided, and the position measuring unit can also detect a change in an area to which the own device belongs.

The central processing unit 31 controls the terminal unit 30 as a whole, and reads out and executes programs for various processes stored in the auxiliary storage unit 34 according to various instruction signals input from the input unit 32. The central processing unit 31 also executes a regional dictionary receiving process (described later), a regional dictionary registration process (described later), and a pronoun conversion process (described later). Then, the central processing unit 31 stores the processing results of executing various programs or the like and the regional dictionary data transmitted from the base station 20 in a predetermined area of the main storage device 33 or the auxiliary storage device 34, or the display device 35. Display it.

The input device 32 includes a touch tablet or a pointing device such as a keyboard having a cursor key or a numeric input key, or a mouse, and the input signal of the touch tablet, the signal of the key pressed by the keyboard, or the position signal of the mouse. The central processing unit 3
Output to 1. The main storage device 33 stores various data, and temporarily stores various data generated in various processes executed by the central processing unit 31.

The auxiliary storage device 34 is composed of a non-volatile storage device such as a flash ROM. The auxiliary storage device 34 stores programs related to various processes for controlling the terminal device 30. The auxiliary storage device 34 also stores a regional dictionary reception processing program for regional dictionary reception processing.
A regional dictionary registration processing program for regional dictionary registration processing and a pronoun conversion processing program for pronoun conversion processing are stored.

The auxiliary storage device 34 also stores common dictionary data, user dictionary data, and regional dictionary data. The display device 35 is, for example, a dot matrix type color liquid crystal display cell or an EL (Electroluminescenc).
e) It is composed of a display member and the like, and displays various data in accordance with an instruction from the central processing unit 31.

The communication device 36 is a short-range wireless communication device capable of communicating with the base station 20 by a carrier of a predetermined frequency in the mobile phone system, and converts various data instructed to be transmitted from the central processing unit 31 into a predetermined format. The data conversion processing and the modulation processing are performed and output to the base station 20. Further, the communication device 36 receives the signal transmitted from the base station 20, performs demodulation processing to the original signal and data conversion processing to the original data format, and the central processing unit 3
Output to 1.

Next, the operation will be described. First, the regional dictionary reception process executed by the central processing unit 31 of the terminal device 30 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a regional dictionary receiving process executed by the central processing unit 31 of the terminal device 30. The regional dictionary reception process is executed at a predetermined timing such as during the operation of the terminal device 30, always or at predetermined time intervals.

In FIG. 5, the central processing unit 31 of the terminal device 30 detects whether or not the paging channel transmitted from the base station 20 has changed to determine whether or not the "region" to which the device itself belongs has changed. Make a determination (step S
1). When detecting a change in the position to which the terminal device 30 belongs by the position information service or the position measuring means, the terminal device 30 executes a process of confirming the position of the own device at regular intervals.

When it is determined in step S1 that the "region" to which the device belongs does not change, the central processing unit 31 ends the region dictionary receiving process. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1 that the “region” to which the device belongs has changed, the central processing unit 31 confirms whether or not the currently communicable base station 20 can deliver the region dictionary data. A dictionary delivery confirmation signal of (step S
2), based on the response signal transmitted from the base station 20,
It is determined whether the base station 20 can deliver the regional dictionary data (step S3).

When it is determined in step S3 that the base station 20 cannot deliver the regional dictionary data, the central processing unit 31 ends the regional dictionary receiving process. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S3 that the base station 20 can deliver the regional dictionary data, the central processing unit 31 searches the regional dictionary data stored in the central processing unit 31 (step S4).

Then, the central processing unit 31 determines whether or not the own device stores the regional dictionary data (step S5), and when it determines that the own device does not store the regional dictionary data, the step is performed. The process moves to S9. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S5 that the local device stores the regional dictionary data, the central processing unit 31 determines that the currently communicable base station 20 is included in the regional dictionary data stored by the central processing unit 31. It is determined whether or not there is the same regional dictionary data to be distributed (step S6).

In step S6, when it is determined that the area dictionary data stored in the own apparatus is the same as the area dictionary data distributed by the base station 20, the central processing unit 31 determines that area dictionary data. It is determined whether the data is registered as a dictionary to be used (step S
7) If it is determined that the regional dictionary data is registered as a dictionary to be used, the regional dictionary receiving process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S7 that the regional dictionary data is not registered as the dictionary to be used, the central processing unit 31 uses the regional dictionary data stored in its own device. Is registered (step S8), and the process proceeds to step S12.
Further, when it is determined in step S6 that the area dictionary data stored in the own apparatus is not the same as the area dictionary data distributed by the base station 20, the central processing unit 31 can receive a new data. Notify the user that there is regional dictionary data (see the display screen in FIG. 7) (step S
9) Then, it is determined whether or not the user has selected to receive new regional dictionary data (step S10).

When it is determined in step S10 that the user has selected not to receive new regional dictionary data, the central processing unit 31 ends the regional dictionary receiving process. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that the user has selected to receive new regional dictionary data, the central processing unit 31 receives the new regional dictionary data from the base station 20 (step S11), and receives the new regional dictionary data. The region dictionary data is registered as a dictionary to be used (region dictionary registration process described later) (step S12), and the region dictionary reception process is terminated.

Next, the regional dictionary registration process executed by the central processing unit 31 of the terminal device 30 will be described. Figure 6
7 is a flowchart showing a regional dictionary registration process executed by the central processing unit 31 of the terminal device 30. The regional dictionary registration process is executed when the terminal device 30 newly receives the regional dictionary data from the base station 20.

In FIG. 6, the central processing unit 31 of the terminal device 30 determines whether or not there is area dictionary data that has not been subjected to area dictionary registration processing in its own apparatus (step S
101), if it is determined that there is no regional dictionary data that has not been subjected to regional dictionary registration processing in its own device, step S1
The processing moves to 09. When it is determined in step S101 that there is regional dictionary data that has not been subjected to regional dictionary registration processing in the device itself, the central processing unit 31 prompts the user to input whether or not to cancel the registration of the current regional dictionary data. A prompting screen (see the display screen and the display screen in FIG. 7) is displayed (step S102).

Then, the central processing unit 31 determines whether or not the user has input to cancel the registration of the current regional dictionary data (step S103), and the user registers the current regional dictionary data. When it is determined that the input for canceling is not made, the current registration of the regional dictionary data is maintained (step S104), and the process proceeds to step S101.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S103 that the user has input to cancel the registration of the current regional dictionary data, the central processing unit 31 cancels the registration of the current regional dictionary data (step S105). ), And displays a screen (see the display screen in FIG. 7) prompting the user to input whether or not to delete the unregistered regional dictionary data from the device (step S106).

Then, the central processing unit 31 determines whether or not the user has made an input to delete the registered regional dictionary data from the own device (step S10).
7), if it is determined that the user has not input that the registered regional dictionary data has been deleted from the device itself,
The process proceeds to step S101. On the other hand, step S
When it is determined in 107 that the user has input that the registration-cancelled regional dictionary data is to be deleted from the own device, the central processing unit 31 deletes the unregistered regional dictionary data from the own device (step S108). ), And the process proceeds to step S101.

If it is determined in step S101 that there is no regional dictionary data that has not been registered in the regional dictionary registration processing, the central processing unit 31 determines whether or not the dictionary data in the local apparatus is registered. When the determination is made (step S109) and it is determined that the dictionary data in the own device is registered, the priority order is the user dictionary data, the new regional dictionary data, the previously stored regional dictionary data, and the common dictionary data. Are registered in this order (step S110), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S109 that the dictionary data in the own device is not registered, the priority order is registered in the order of user dictionary data, new regional dictionary data, and common dictionary data (step S111), and the processing is performed. To finish. Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents (display screen) of various messages displayed on the display device 35 when the regional dictionary reception process and the regional dictionary registration process are performed. In FIG. 7, as the regional dictionary receiving process and the regional dictionary registering process progress, the message displayed on the display device 35 changes from the display screen to the display screens according to the arrow. Note that, in FIG. 7, the flow of the arrow indicated by "A" indicates that the terminal device 30 has previously generated the regional dictionary data corresponding to the "ΔΔ region" and the regional dictionary data corresponding to the "XX region". It shows the case where it was registered. At this time, the priority order of the dictionary data is set in the order of user dictionary data, ΔΔ area dictionary data, XX area dictionary data, and common dictionary data.

The flow of the arrow indicated by "B" is the same as when the user inputs that the area dictionary data of "XX area" is not received, or when the terminal device 30 has previously changed to another area. It shows a case where the user inputs to receive the regional dictionary data of the "XX region" without registering the regional dictionary data of. In FIG. 7, the display screen corresponds to step S9 of the regional dictionary reception processing, and the display screen and the display screen correspond to step S1 of the regional dictionary registration processing.
Corresponds to 02. The display screen corresponds to step S106 of the regional dictionary registration process. Furthermore, the display screen is displayed when the regional dictionary registration process ends.

As a result of the execution of the regional dictionary reception process and the regional dictionary registration process, the conversion candidates displayed differ depending on whether or not the regional dictionary data is registered, as shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of conversion candidates displayed when the characters “Suwa” are sequentially input,
FIG. 8A shows a case where the regional dictionary data of "Suwa region" is not registered, and FIG. 8B shows a case where the regional dictionary data of "Suwa region" is registered. It should be noted that FIG. 8 shows an example in which a predicted character is input.

In FIG. 8A, when "su" is input, the conversion character starting with "su" is displayed in a predetermined priority order by the predictive character input function. These conversion candidates are
It is a conversion candidate included in the common dictionary data. In addition, black characters and white characters indicate the words currently selected as conversion candidates. When "wa" is input after "su", conversion candidates starting with "su" are newly displayed in a predetermined priority order.

On the other hand, in FIG. 8B, when "su" is input, the conversion character starting with "su" is displayed in the priority order referring to the regional dictionary data by the predictive character input function. That is, the conversion candidates are displayed according to the priority order of the regional dictionary data in each dictionary and the overall priority order in which the priority order of each word is added. Specifically, in contrast to FIG. 8A, in FIG. 8B, “Suwa” is displayed as the second conversion candidate for “su”. This “Suwa” is a conversion candidate included in the regional dictionary data corresponding to the “Suwa area”, and is displayed as a shaded area to be identified as a conversion candidate included in the regional dictionary data.

When "wa" is input after "su", the conversion candidates starting with "su" are displayed in the priority order with reference to the regional dictionary data. As compared to FIG.
In (b), as a conversion candidate for “suwa”,
"Suwa", "Lake Suwa", "Suwa Taisha" are the first to third
The second is displayed. These words are "Suwa area"
Is a conversion candidate included in the regional dictionary data corresponding to.

Next, the pronoun conversion process will be described.
When the terminal device 30 registers the area dictionary data corresponding to the area to which the terminal device 30 belongs, the terminal device 30 executes the pronoun conversion process when the word indicating the current position is input based on the position of the device itself, and the pronoun is changed to the current word. It becomes possible to convert to the place name of the position. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the pronoun conversion process. Note that various examples of the word indicating the current location can be considered, but hereinafter, as an example, it is assumed that the pronoun conversion process is executed when the word “here” is input.

In FIG. 9, when the word "here" is input, the central processing unit 31 of the terminal device 30 determines whether or not the regional dictionary data is registered in the own device (step S201), and When it is determined that the regional dictionary data is not registered in the device, the common dictionary data is referred to and the conversion candidate of the word “here” is displayed (step S20).
2). Then, the central processing unit 31 ends the pronoun conversion process.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S201 that the regional dictionary data is registered in the own device, the central processing unit 31 determines whether or not the own device is provided with the position measuring means such as the GPS positioning means. A determination is made (step S203). When it is determined in step S203 that the own device is not equipped with the position measuring means, the central processing unit 31 acquires the "region" corresponding to the currently registered regional dictionary data (step S204), and the word " The name of the "region" is displayed as a conversion candidate of "here" (step S205).

Then, the central processing unit 31 determines whether or not the name of the "region" is fixed as a conversion candidate by the user (step S206), and the name of the "region" is fixed as a conversion candidate. If it is determined that it is not, the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S206 that the name of the “region” is confirmed as the conversion candidate, the central processing unit 31
Ends the pronoun conversion process.

When it is determined in step S203 that the own device is provided with the position measuring means, the central processing unit 31 measures the position of the own device by the position measuring means (step S207), and the regional dictionary data is obtained. With reference, the place name corresponding to the current place is searched as a conversion candidate (step S208). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the regional dictionary data (regional dictionary data corresponding to “Suwa region”). In FIG. 10, the regional dictionary data includes
Readings of place names, Chinese characters corresponding to the readings, and latitudes and longitudes of place names are stored in association with each other. Note that items that do not include latitude and longitude are more detailed place names or names of people who have readings unique to the region.

Returning to FIG. 9, after step S208, the central processing unit 31 determines whether or not there is a conversion candidate corresponding to the word "here" based on the current position (step S209), and the word " If it is determined that there is no conversion candidate corresponding to “here”, the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S209 that there is a conversion candidate corresponding to the word “here”, the central processing unit 31
Displays the conversion candidate as a conversion candidate for the word "here" (step S210), and determines whether or not the conversion candidate has been confirmed by the user (step S21).
1).

If it is determined in step S211 that the conversion candidate is not confirmed, the central processing unit 31
Shifts to the processing of step S208, and when it is determined that the conversion candidate is confirmed, the pronoun conversion processing ends. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of conversion candidates displayed in the pronoun conversion process. FIG. 11A shows the terminal device 3.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of conversion candidates displayed when 0 is provided with position measuring means and regional dictionary data of “Suwa area” is registered, and corresponds to step S210 of the pronoun conversion processing. In FIG. 11A, the words included in the regional dictionary data shown in FIG. 10 are preferentially displayed as conversion candidates for the word “here”.

FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of conversion candidates displayed when the terminal device 30 does not have the position measuring means and the regional dictionary data of "Suwa region" is registered. And corresponds to step S205 of the pronoun conversion process. In FIG. 11B, “Suwa” corresponding to “region” in the regional dictionary data is preferentially displayed as a conversion candidate for the word “here”.

Further, FIG. 11C is a diagram showing an example of conversion candidates displayed when the terminal device 30 does not have the position measuring means and the regional dictionary data of "Suwa region" is not registered. And corresponds to step S202 of the pronoun conversion process. In FIG. 11C, a general word included in the common dictionary data is displayed as a conversion candidate for the word “here”.

In FIGS. 11A to 11C, the word corresponding to the case where the predicted character is input is displayed as the conversion candidate, and the white character in the black character is currently selected as the conversion candidate. The words shown in shaded regions are words included in the regional dictionary data. As described above, in the character input support system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the area to which the terminal device 30 belongs changes, the terminal device 30 receives the regional dictionary data corresponding to the area via the base station 20. And refer to it when entering characters.

Therefore, the terminal device 30 does not need to store the regional dictionary data corresponding to all regions, and can easily obtain the regional dictionary data corresponding to the region to which the own device belongs. Then, a place name or the like, which is generally difficult to input because of its unique reading, can be input easily and appropriately, and the operation load in character input is reduced. In addition, it is considered that the user has many opportunities to input a word related to the place where he / she is currently located when he / she travels or the like, but because he / she refers to the regional dictionary data corresponding to the region to which the terminal device 30 belongs in character input. , It is possible to perform appropriate character conversion more effectively.

Furthermore, in the character input support system 1, when a word indicating the current location such as "here" is input, the current position is referred to and a word indicating the place name of the area to which the terminal device 30 belongs as a conversion candidate. Is displayed as a conversion candidate. Therefore, even if the user of the terminal device 30 does not know his / her current position, he / she can input a general word indicating the current position (such as “here”) to easily recognize the specific current position. Can be entered.

In the present embodiment, the server 1
0 and the base station 20 have been described as being realized by different devices, but the base station 20 can also be realized as the same device such as having the function of the server 10.
In addition to the case where the terminal device 30 acquires the regional dictionary data through wireless communication with the base station 20 as in the present embodiment, the terminal device 30 and the server 10 can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet. The terminal device 30 may acquire the regional dictionary data via the network.

Further, the terminal device 30 in the present embodiment
Has been described assuming an information processing device having a relatively small storage capacity such as a mobile phone or a PDA.
Is an information processing device having a relatively large storage capacity, such as a PC (Personal Computer), it is possible to store a large number of regional dictionary data in the device itself. Then, when the area to which the own device belongs changes, instead of receiving the regional dictionary data from the base station 20, by switching the regional dictionary data registered as the dictionary used by the own device, a similar function is realized. it can.

At this time, when the area to which the terminal device belongs changes, the terminal device 30 retains the unregistered area dictionary data as it is, and thereafter, the area dictionary data becomes necessary. In that case, it is possible to register again. Further, in the present embodiment, in various processes,
Although it has been described that the display prompting the user to make various selections is performed and the process is advanced after waiting for the user's input, the terminal device 30 may automatically perform the process according to preset contents.

Further, in this embodiment, the terminal device 3
Although 0 has been described assuming a mobile communication device, the present invention can be applied to devices such as desktop PCs that are installed and used in a predetermined place. In this case, the position of the terminal device 30 can be detected by a predetermined method such as a method provided by a network server to be connected or a method of specifying the telephone number of an access point when connecting to the Internet by dial-up connection. Become.

[0098]

According to the present invention, when the area in which the terminal device is located changes, the terminal device receives predetermined information corresponding to the area and refers to it when inputting characters. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to store the predetermined information corresponding to all areas, and can easily acquire the predetermined information corresponding to the area where the own device is located. Then, by referring to the information in character input, it is possible to easily and appropriately input a place name or the like, which is generally difficult to input because of its peculiar reading, and the operation load in character input is reduced.

In addition, it is considered that the user often inputs words related to the place where he / she is currently located on a trip or the like. However, when inputting characters, predetermined information corresponding to the area where the terminal device is located is input. Since the reference is made, the appropriate character conversion can be performed more effectively. Further, in the present invention, when a character (word) indicating the current location such as “here” is input, the name of the current position of the terminal device is displayed as the conversion candidate as the conversion candidate.

Therefore, even if the user of the terminal device does not know his / her current position, he / she can input a general word (eg, "here") indicating the current position to indicate a specific current position. Can be easily entered.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a character input support system 1 to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server 10.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a base station 20.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a terminal device 30.

5 is a flowchart showing a regional dictionary receiving process executed by the central processing unit 31 of the terminal device 30. FIG.

6 is a flowchart showing a regional dictionary registration process executed by the central processing unit 31 of the terminal device 30. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents (display screen) of various messages displayed on the display device 35 when a regional dictionary reception process and a regional dictionary registration process are performed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of conversion candidates displayed when the characters “Suwa” are sequentially input.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing pronoun conversion processing.

[Fig. 10] Example of contents of regional dictionary data ("Suwa region")
Is a diagram showing (regional dictionary data corresponding to).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of conversion candidates displayed in the pronoun conversion process.

[Explanation of symbols]

1-character input support system 10 servers 11,21,31 Central processing unit 12,32 input device 13,22,33 Main memory 14,23,34 Auxiliary storage device 15,35 Display 16, 24, 36 communication device 20 base stations 30 terminal devices

Claims (43)

[Claims] 1. Storage means for storing predetermined information corresponding to a region, and an identification signal based on the location of the device itself,
A character input support system including a base station having a predetermined wireless communication area and a terminal device capable of wireless communication with the base station, wherein the terminal device receives an identification signal transmitted from the base station. , Based on the identification signal, the change in the area where the own device is located is detected, and when the area where the own device is located changes, the predetermined information corresponding to the area where the own device is newly located The character input support system is characterized in that when the character is input, the predetermined information can be referred to. 2. The predetermined information corresponding to the area is dictionary data including a word related to the area, and the terminal device refers to the dictionary data when a character related to the area is input. The character input support system according to claim 1, wherein the conversion candidates are displayed. 3. The character input support system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device displays the name of the current position as a conversion candidate when a character indicating the current position is input. 4. The terminal device displays a region name corresponding to predetermined information related to the region as a conversion candidate when a word suggesting the current position is input. The character input support system described in 3. 5. The terminal device further comprises position measuring means for measuring the current position of the device itself, and the predetermined information related to the region includes the name of a place belonging to the region associated with the location. Is included, when a word suggesting the current position is input, based on the current position measured by the position measuring means and the position corresponding to the name of the place belonging to the region, the region The character input support system according to claim 3, wherein the name of a predetermined place to which the character belongs is displayed as a conversion candidate. 6. The terminal device, when character input is performed, refers to predetermined information corresponding to the region and other predetermined information, and displays a conversion candidate of the input character, The character input system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each conversion candidate is identified and displayed in association with the predetermined information including the conversion candidate. 7. The character input according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device obtains predetermined information corresponding to the area by performing wireless communication with the base station. Support system. 8. The terminal device is capable of communicating with the storage means via a predetermined network, and acquires predetermined information corresponding to the area via the predetermined network. Item 7. A character input support system according to any one of items 1 to 6. 9. Storage means for storing predetermined information corresponding to a region, and an identification signal based on the location of the device itself,
A character input support method in a character input support system including a base station having a predetermined wireless communication area and a terminal device capable of wireless communication with the base station, wherein the terminal device is transmitted from the base station. When the identification signal is received, the change of the area where the own device is located is detected based on the identification signal, and when the area where the own device is located changes, the area where the own device is newly located is detected. A character input support method characterized in that corresponding predetermined information is acquired from the storage means, and when the character is input, the predetermined information is referred to. 10. The predetermined information corresponding to the area is dictionary data including a word related to the area, and when the terminal device inputs a character related to the area, the dictionary data is referred to. The character input support method according to claim 9, wherein the conversion candidates are displayed. 11. The terminal device displays the name of the current position as a conversion candidate when a character indicating the current position is input in the terminal device.
Character input support method described in 0. 12. The terminal device, when a word suggesting the current position is input, displays a region name corresponding to predetermined information related to the region as a conversion candidate. 11. The character input support method described in 11. 13. The terminal device further comprises position measuring means for measuring the current position of the device itself, and the predetermined information related to the region includes the name of a place belonging to the region associated with the location position. Is included, when a word suggesting the current position is input, based on the current position measured by the position measuring means and the position corresponding to the name of the place belonging to the region, the region The character input support method according to claim 11, wherein the name of a predetermined place to which the character belongs is displayed as a conversion candidate. 14. The terminal device, when character input is performed, refers to predetermined information corresponding to the region and other predetermined information, and displays a conversion candidate of the input character, 14. The character input support method according to claim 9, wherein each conversion candidate is identified and displayed in association with the predetermined information including the conversion candidate. 15. The character input according to claim 9, wherein the terminal device acquires predetermined information corresponding to the area by wirelessly communicating with the base station. How to help. 16. The terminal device is capable of communicating with the storage means via a predetermined network, and acquires predetermined information corresponding to the region via the predetermined network. Item 15. The character input support method according to any one of items 9 to 14. 17. A storage unit for storing predetermined information corresponding to a region, a base station having a predetermined wireless communicable area for transmitting an identification signal based on the location of its own device, and wireless communication with the base station. A terminal device in a character input support system including a terminal device, which receives an identification signal transmitted from the base station, and based on the identification signal, detects a change in an area where the device is located,
When the area where the own device is located changes, the predetermined information corresponding to the area where the own device is newly located is acquired from the storage means, and when the character is input, the predetermined information is acquired. A terminal device characterized by being able to refer to. 18. The predetermined information corresponding to the area is dictionary data including words related to the area, and when a character related to the area is input, a conversion candidate is referred to by referring to the dictionary data. The terminal device according to claim 17, which is displayed. 19. The terminal device according to claim 17, wherein the name of the current position is displayed as a conversion candidate when a character indicating the current position is input. 20. The terminal device according to claim 19, wherein when a word suggesting the current position is input, a region name corresponding to predetermined information related to the region is displayed as a conversion candidate. . 21. A position measuring means for measuring a current position of the own device is further provided, and the predetermined information related to the area includes a name of a place belonging to the area associated with the location, When a word suggesting the current position is input, based on the current position measured by the position measuring means and the position corresponding to the name of the place belonging to the region, a predetermined place belonging to the region is The terminal device according to claim 19, wherein a name is displayed as a conversion candidate. 22. When a character input is performed, when the conversion candidate of the input character is displayed by referring to predetermined information corresponding to the area and other predetermined information, the conversion candidate is included. The terminal device according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein each conversion candidate is identified and displayed in association with the predetermined information. 23. The terminal device according to claim 17, wherein predetermined information corresponding to the area is acquired by performing wireless communication with the base station. 24. The storage device is capable of communicating with the storage unit through a predetermined network, and the predetermined information corresponding to the region is acquired through the predetermined network. The terminal device according to any of the above. 25. An installation location acquisition means for acquiring information about an installation location of the own device, and a storage means for storing predetermined information corresponding to an area, which is information referred to in character input, are installed. A terminal device, wherein whether to use predetermined information corresponding to the area is switched based on the installation place acquired by the place acquisition means. 26. The predetermined information corresponding to the area is dictionary data including words related to the area, and when a character related to the area is input, a conversion candidate is referred to by referring to the dictionary data. 26. The terminal device according to claim 25, which is displayed. 27. The terminal device according to claim 25, wherein when a character indicating the current position is input, the name of the current position is displayed as a conversion candidate. 28. The terminal device according to claim 27, wherein when a word indicating the current position is input, a region name corresponding to predetermined information related to the region is displayed as a conversion candidate. . 29. When a character input is performed, when the conversion candidate of the input character is displayed by referring to predetermined information corresponding to the area and other predetermined information, the conversion candidate is included. The terminal device according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein each conversion candidate is identified and displayed in association with the predetermined information. 30. A storage means for storing predetermined information corresponding to a region, a base station that transmits an identification signal based on the location of its own device, and has a predetermined wireless communicable area, and can perform wireless communication with the base station. A server for a character input support system including a terminal device, comprising: the storage means, and when transmission of predetermined information corresponding to the area is requested by the terminal device, , A server which transmits predetermined information corresponding to the predetermined area. 31. Storage means for storing predetermined information corresponding to a region, a base station that transmits an identification signal based on the location of its own device, and has a predetermined wireless communicable area, and wireless communication with the base station is possible. A character input support program for controlling a terminal device in a character input support system including a terminal device, including a function of detecting a change in an area where the device is located, based on an identification signal transmitted from the base station. A function of acquiring predetermined information corresponding to the area where the own device is newly located from the storage means when the area where the own device is located is changed, and when the character input is performed, A character input support program for causing a terminal device to realize a function of referring to predetermined information. 32. The predetermined information corresponding to the area is dictionary data including words related to the area, and when a character related to the area is input, a conversion candidate is referred to by referring to the dictionary data. 32. The character input support program according to claim 31, wherein the terminal device is made to realize the function of displaying. 33. The character input support according to claim 31, wherein the terminal device has a function of displaying the name of the current position as a conversion candidate when a character suggesting the current position is input. program. 34. The terminal device is made to realize a function of displaying a region name corresponding to predetermined information related to the region as a conversion candidate when a word suggesting the current position is input. The character input support program according to claim 33. 35. The predetermined information related to the area includes:
The name of a place belonging to the area associated with the location is included, and when a word suggesting the current position is input, the current position of the terminal device and the location corresponding to the name of the place belonging to the area The character input support program according to claim 33, wherein the terminal device has a function of displaying a name of a predetermined place belonging to the area as a conversion candidate based on the position. 36. When a character is input, the conversion candidate is included when the conversion candidate of the input character is displayed by referring to the predetermined information corresponding to the area and other predetermined information. The character input support program according to any one of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that the terminal device is caused to realize a function of identifying and displaying each conversion candidate in association with the predetermined information. 37. The terminal device is made to realize a function of acquiring predetermined information corresponding to the area by performing wireless communication with the base station.
The character input support program described in any one of. 38. The terminal device is made to realize a function of acquiring predetermined information corresponding to the area by communicating with the storage means via a predetermined network. Character input support program described in crab. 39. An installation location acquisition function for acquiring information about an installation location of the device itself, a storage function for storing predetermined information corresponding to an area, which is information referred to in character input, and the installation operation. A character input support program for causing a terminal device to realize a function of switching whether or not to use predetermined information corresponding to the area based on the installation place acquired by the place acquisition function. 40. The predetermined information corresponding to the area is dictionary data including a word related to the area, and when a character related to the area is input, a conversion candidate is referred to by referring to the dictionary data. The character input support program according to claim 39, wherein the terminal device is made to realize the function of displaying. 41. The character input support according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the terminal device has a function of displaying a name of the current position as a conversion candidate when a character indicating the current position is input. program. 42. The terminal device has a function of displaying a region name corresponding to predetermined information related to the region as a conversion candidate when a word indicating the current position is input. The character input support program according to claim 41. 43. When a character is input, when the conversion candidate of the input character is displayed by referring to predetermined information corresponding to the area and other predetermined information, the conversion candidate is included. The character input support program according to any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein a terminal device is caused to realize a function of identifying and displaying each conversion candidate in association with the predetermined information.