Emoticon input system and method using multiple search methods

摘要

PPROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an emoticon input system that uses a plurality of search methods to enable an emoticon to be inputted when the reading and part of the emoticon are inputted. PSOLUTION: When inputting hiragana, an emoticon read search means 21 searches an emoticon dictionary storage part 31 for an emoticon corresponding to the input and the results are stored in a temporary candidate storage part 4. When inputting emoticon parts, an emoticon part search means 22 searches the emoticon dictionary storage part 31 for an emoticon including the emoticon parts inputted, and the results are stored in the temporary candidate storage part 4. When inputting a general sentence, a kana-kanji conversion means 23 converts it while referring to a kana-kanji conversion dictionary storage part 32, and an automatic emoticon adding means 25 collates the converted sentence with an emotional tag storage part 33; the emoticon dictionary storage part 31 is searched for an emoticon corresponding to the input character string and the results are delivered to a candidate processing means 24. The person who inputted it can then determine if the emoticon is to be added to the end of the sentence inputted. PCOPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI