CN1310371B

CN1310371B - Method and apparatus for inputting characters

Info

Publication number: CN1310371B
Application number: CN 00135995
Authority: CN
Inventors: 王世德
Original assignee: Kenwood KK
Current assignee: JVCKenwood Corp; Rakuten Group Inc
Priority date: 2000-02-21
Filing date: 2000-12-20
Publication date: 2010-05-05
Anticipated expiration: 2020-12-20
Also published as: HK1036505A1; GB2359400B; TWI249697B; GB0004072D0; CN1310371A; GB2359400A

Abstract

In a method of Chinese character selection, a user of an input device enters the first two strokes of the Bu Shou part of a character, and optionally the last stroke. The user can then select the desired character without entering any further strokes, but if there are too many possible characters, the user then enters the first and second strokes, and optionally the last stroke, of the remaining part of the character until the desired character is selected for input. Preferably, at any stage in the character selection at which the number of possible characters which matches the user input up to that stage can conveniently be displayed on the input device, the possible characters are displayed and the user can select one of the displayed characters instead of entering further strokes.

Description

Characters input method and device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of method and apparatus that is used for character input, especially but be not used for importing Chinese character specially, and especially but be not specifically designed on a keyboard that has as the finite population button of phone key mat and import.

Background technology

Because Chinese character is more much more than button on a standard writer machine or computor-keyboard, be converted to the Chinese character that needs so need the next multiple button on keyboard like this of a deduction rule to push.

Invented many input methods and some in the past recent decades and be merged in the computer software packing, but seldom between some user, obtained generally to use; Majority method is designed to increase code efficiency and typing speed; The user must strengthen training the rule of handling complexity and being easy to forget; These input methods only are applicable to professional typist but not interim user.

So far, unique Chinese character input method of accepting extensively is by pronunciation, that is at the phonetic of China with at the ㄅ in Taiwan ㄆㄇㄈ; Yet most people say themselves dialect; Some people we can say Beijing native language but orthoepy is not necessarily arranged; Moreover too many (nearly 100 or more) Chinese character has same or analogous pronunciation; Therefore, phonetic or ㄅㄆㄇㄈ input method slowly and are easy to very much setback.

Other input methods are according to stroke, and it is a foundation stone of writing Chinese character; One stroke is for moving the part of the Chinese character write on paper with one of writing brush; Some input methods are based on the order of writing the stroke on the order; Yet Chinese character is a pictograph, significantly changes between different people so write order; Though primitive rule is arranged, be not that everyone can both correctly follow it; In case when the child, develop a writing style, then almost can't change afterwards.

Most input methods based on stroke are distinguished into several sections or composition to Chinese character; How hard and fast rule distinguishes character and different key is given in these compositions appointments if defining; The user pushes the button that must need and forms a sequence composition to produce significant character; To the user is very difficult according to these artificial composition and distinguishing rule once in a while.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention provides a kind of Chinese character system of selection, and wherein the user of an input media preceding two strokes of importing the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries part of a character are selected the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries part of character, and can import another stroke of last stroke with accepting or rejecting; The user is optional then to select a time the character hoped and not to import more Multi strokes; But if too many possible character were arranged, then user's at least one stroke of the remainder of input character then would be preferably first and second strokes, and can import last stroke with accepting or rejecting and be selected to till confession imports up to the character of expectation.

Preferably, any stage in character is selected, coupling user's input up to the number of possible the character in this stage less than as being presented at a chain-reacting amount of the number on the input media easily, possible character is shown, and need not to import Multi strokes ground user more and can select in character display one.

In order to realize purpose of the present invention, provide a kind of from the method for book character group selection character as input, this method comprises: a) receive the indication that one of this character group is expected the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries first stroke partly of character from a user, and an indication of second stroke of this radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries part of an expectation character of this character group, import as difference; B) this user presented in the one or more characters of selecting from this character group, the character of each demonstration have this radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries part first and second strokes both; And c) receive from this user's and select indication, point out this radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries part selected from this character group that presents in step b).

The present invention also provides a kind of input method that is used for Chinese character, and this method comprises: a) receive the indication that separates of first, second and last stroke of the Chinese character of expectation or its radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries part from a user, as input; And b) selects to have a Chinese character of described first, second and last stroke as input through pointing out.

The present invention also provides a kind of input method that is used for Chinese character, and this method comprises: a) receive the indication that separates of first and second strokes of radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries parts of character of expectation as input from a user; B) receive the indication that separates of first and second strokes of remainder of this expectation character as input from this user; And c) select to have at step a) and b) character of the described stroke pointed out is as input.

The present invention comprises that in its category configuration implements an input media of this method, the software that this method can be implemented, and by a database of the Chinese character of first and second strokes guide of another part of radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries parts and character, it helps the enforcement of this method.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view of mobile phone handsets;

Fig. 2 is a figure of the internal electrical components of mobile phone;

Fig. 3 shows the first step of importing a Chinese character in one embodiment of this invention; And

Fig. 4 shows second step of importing a Chinese character in one embodiment of this invention.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 shows to have the numerical key of comprising 0 to 9, star (*) and hash (#) key, and such as " YES ", " NO ", retreat (←), the mobile phone handsets H of a key mat K of the function key of (→), removing (CLR) and other functions (f) forward; One display D can show arabic numeral, Roman capitals and Chinese characters, and can be to have abundant resolution to come display digit, a LCD of at least one line of font and character; One microphone M and loudspeaker S also put forward to allow tone calling.

Fig. 2 is a structural drawing of the electronic package of mobile phone H; These assemblies need not separate, and can be integrated; For example, assembly can be integrated on a microcontroller chip and the RF level chip; One processor P is connected to a volatile memory (V), a nonvolatile memory (NV), an I/O interface (I/O) and a RF modem (RF) via a bus B; The I/O interface is the input decoding from key mat K and microphone M, driving display D and loudspeaker S; The RF modem is connected to an antenna A and receives and transmit the RF signal; Assembly is electrically connected (not shown) via a transformer by a battery (not shown) or a master and supplies electric power.

Nonvolatile memory (NV) storing software, it is carried out to implement the function of mobile phone by processor P; Can accept or reject ground, nonvolatile memory can plan upgrade software again; The deduction rule that is described in down as one embodiment of the invention can be mounted the upgrading of conduct to the software of an existing mobile phone; Upgrading can receive as a wireless type information via RF modem (RF); Nonvolatile memory can comprise can transferring to as one of other mobile phones H of a SIM card can remove assembly.

Mobile phone H implements the agreement that the permission text message is sent and receives; For example, mobile phone can be compatible and support GSM SMS (SMS (Short Message Service)) agreement of GSM.

A Chinese character input method in one embodiment of this invention will be described now; The method is according to " base index ", and it is a common mode of index Chinese dictionary and is to be familiar with to the Chinese user of majority therefore; Each character can be distinguished into two parts usually; First's (part 1) is called " radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries ", its representative in variety classes (nature, entity, animal, action etc.) such as one of several different ideas of ' metal ', ' head ', ' dog ', ' walking ', ' father ' or the like; The remainder of character (part 2) has different possible purposes; It can represent this character is meaning that how to pronounce or character; Study Chinese language everyone must begin promptly to learn these primitive rules; Therefore, receive several years Chinese educators for those and need not extra training.

Use base index to check a Chinese character, at first check radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries; Under identical radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries, the character that how many strokes are found out needs is arranged by calculating character; Yet, unactual for character input stroke counting.

In the method for this embodiment, it is level, vertical, left left-falling stroke, the right left-falling stroke and the turnover stroke that the stroke of all Chinese characters is classified into one of five basic strokes, and it is a suitable standard and the classification of knowing; If radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries are not included in a Chinese font database that is also stored by mobile phone H, then mobile phone H stores the database of the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries that guide according to first, second and last stroke, the display data that each record comprises a radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries sign indicating number and can represent the appearance of these radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries with accepting or rejecting; Mobile phone also a database storage of Chinese character in traditional or the character group simplified, guide by radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries with by their first, second and last stroke of part 2, each record comprises one yard that points out suitable Chinese character; Can have first and second strokes of identical radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries and part 2, the record that in arbitrary situation, had open in a fen more than a Chinese character to each character; The font data storehouse stores the display data that is used for each Chinese character.

Some character has more than the different different possible order that may distinguish and/or write, and database reflects this point by the multiple input that storage is used for may distinguishing and/or write according to each those characters that order guides; Therefore, the user can keep themselves writing style and still use this input method; Multiple input can reflect the correction possibility of replacement, or on Chinese character is write about 20% common error takes place; Remaining can only have single input.

Because of the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries database much smaller than character database, so all of each radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries character of input usually may modes be coded in the database; In case the user finds out correct radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries, the character of expectation can be found out from option table usually, need not to key in more Multi strokes, makes by allowing the mistake in keying in radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries, may come generation to go out correct character more greatly even inexperienced user also has.

The symbol that is used for various stroke is reflected of a group button on key mat K; In this embodiment, as showing in Fig. 1, stroke is designated for numerical key 2 to 6; In the table 1 below the distribution of the different key in this pattern is presented at.

The user implements the following step and imports a character:

(1) user key in radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries first, second and can key in last stroke with accepting or rejecting; The software that operates on mobile phone H is searched the record that the stroke coupling was found out and imported to the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries database; After second stroke, mobile phone H shows the possible radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries of the institute with first and second strokes; If there are too many possibility radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries will show that then mobile phone can be pointed out this point; If import last stroke, the software that operates on mobile phone selects those to have the record of the last stroke of input from the record of having been selected by first and second strokes, and radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries show for it then.

Table 1

(2) user selects the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries of needs by pushing suitable button; Software selects those to have the record of the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries sign indicating number of selecting from character database then; If have only several characters that the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries of selecting are arranged, then they are shown and the user selects the character that needs.

(3) if the character of selecting is too many, first, second of the part 2 of user's typing character and can accept or reject the number that last stroke of ground reduces selection then; When each stroke was keyed in, software selected to have the subclass at the character record of selecting at present of the stroke of the key entry of relevant position, and if do not have a character that will show too much then show those records.

(4) user selects the character of expectation from the possible character that shows; If the number of the character of selecting that shows is enough few, then this can locate first, second or last stroke in stage (3) and is transfused to come to finish.

Some character is not easily distinguishable; In this case, replace the above-mentioned step (1) of enforcement to (3), the user pushes first, second and last stroke of choice ground that another button of being scheduled to (numeral ' 7 ' button in this case) is skipped the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries input and keyed in whole character then; Mobile phone only selects those to have the character of input stroke from those characters that can't distinguish easily then; The character that can't distinguish is easily guided by first, second and last stroke in character database; These characters also can be guided by first, second and last stroke of radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries and part 2 according to the most common differentiation of these characters.

The rule that said method allows only to use the user to be easy to follow is come input character; Distinguishing rule is for knowing, and do not need additional rules; Most Chinese users can write preceding two strokes by proper order, but may make all the other order mistaken; It is that can accept or reject and only required for reducing the number of selecting keying in last stroke.

This input method is suitable for everyone, itself in addition have extremely basic Chinese and write knowledge, no matter their education background and dialect; Find the probability of correct radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries and character high; As a result, this reduces by the sense of frustration of user's input in Chinese once in a while; Other the more complicated coding methods used of industry typist of holding office of input speed and discord are equally fast, but similar to phonetic transcription or faster.

In one embodiment, numerical key 2 to 6 is used for representing five basic strokes; On the effect, can obtain one 5 * 5 * 5 space encoders and contain 247 possibility radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries; 300 characters of in big radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries group, having an appointment; Available another 5 * 5 * 5 space encoders are contained each group; Therefore, the number of multiple selection is much smaller than phonetic; In fact, most multiple selections are that it can adapt on the screen of mobile phone handsets from 6 or still less character; Therefore, the method is for the use advantageous particularly of the mobile phone with limited number of keys and display size; Yet the method is also applicable to standard writer machine and computor-keyboard; The stroke of different key is distributed and can be defined by the user.

Said method is applicable to that simplify and traditional Chinese character group; For example, the correct radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries that are placed on the traditional character of study at the Taiwan emphasis are mostly distinguished, so method can be easy to use in Taiwan; The education of simplifying Chinese focuses on phonetic, but the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries index also is used.

In case the character string of expectation is imported by the user, it can be suitable for any way of input media and handle; For example, word string can be transmitted as a SMS information or import for fetching after a while and showing usefulness with an address book or memo pad on a mobile phone; On a computer, word string can be transmitted as an input and give application software.

Describe a more special example referring now to Fig. 3 and 4, it is presented at the step (1) of said method and the demonstration D after (3) when the user keys in the last character of individual character " arrival "; This demonstration has three lines of the process that is used to refer to the character input, is designated as L1 to L3; The first line L1 shows that complete sum part character, the second line L2 of input so far are presented at the stroke when being imported by the user and three-way L3 shows for being accepted or rejected by user's selection; The stroke input pattern is pointed out by literal ' SSB '.

(1) user pushes ' 5 ' key twice and two vertical stroke are presented on the second line L2; In three-way L3, effective radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries that handset displays begins with two vertical stroke; Curve to the character left side points out that they are not complete character; The user can elect between radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries are accepted or rejected by pushing ' ← ' or ' → ' key; Present selection is labeled as showing among Fig. 3.

(2) user pushes as another key of ' YES ' and determines that this selection and the radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries of selecting are displayed on the first line L1; Institute with radicals by which characters are arranged in traditional Chinese dictionaries of selecting might all be displayed on the three-way L3 by character, as showing among Fig. 4.

(3) user can do a selection now and need not to key in any stroke again because the character of expectation has occurred; Otherwise, if but have too many then user's key input section 2 first, second and accept or reject the number that last stroke of ground reduces selection; When being transfused to, a stroke upgrades the demonstration of possibility character.

(4) user selects the character expected, and it is treated to an input character then.

In the foregoing description, described with way of example, but the invention is not restricted to so special technology for the special technology of user's input and demonstration usefulness; For example, the input of stroke and the selection of choice can drive and indicate on a Touch Screen by user's sound or to draw because the speech recognition of oral or the Chinese character write also quite difficulty and can above differentiation of the present invention and the system of selection of part stroke simplify.

As above-mentioned, the present invention is particularly useful on the input media with finite population button or a simple displaying device, but also applicable to have more sophisticated keypads and display as the device of computer.

Though more do not expect, may accept from the user with above-mentioned ' first, second, last ' different for example ' first, second, third ' stroke of being imported of order; Yet, be particularly advantageous as the use of last stroke of different persons, because it is easy to allow the user discern and often differentiates the character with identical first and second strokes.

Embodiments of the invention are applicable to other character group that derive from Chinese character, as the kanji character group.

Claims

1. A method of selecting characters from a predetermined set of characters as input, the method comprising:

a) receiving from a user an indication of a first stroke of a radical part of a desired character of the character group, and an indication of a second stroke of the radical part of a desired character of the character group, as different enter;

b) One or more characters selected from the character group are presented to the user, each displayed character has both the first and second strokes of the radical part and a marking line, indicating that the displayed character is a incomplete characters; and

c) receiving a selection indication from the user indicating the radical part selected from the character set presented in step b).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selection indication in step c) indicates the last stroke of the desired character.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selection indication in step c) indicates the desired character.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

d) presenting to the user one or more characters selected from a second character group, which is the desired character separate from the radical portion, according to the selection indication made by the user in step c). a second part of; and

e) receiving a further selection indication from the user indicating the second portion of the desired character selected from the second set of characters indicated in step d) separate from the radical portion.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein step e) comprises:

receiving from the user an indication of a first stroke of the second portion of the desired character separate from the radical portion of the second character set, and the second stroke of the desired character separate from the radical portion An indication of a second stroke of the portion, as different input.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein step e) further comprises:

An indication of a last stroke of the second portion of the desired character separate from the radical portion from the second character set is received.

7. The method according to claim 6, comprising:

f) presenting to the user the subset of said characters displayed in step d), wherein said subset comprises the second portion having the desired character indicated by the user separate from the radical portion.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising:

A further selection indication is received from the user, indicating one of the constituent characters presented in step f).

9. A method according to claim 4, wherein the further selection indication at step e) indicates one of said characters presented at step d).

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined character group is a radical part of a Chinese character group, and the second character group is the Chinese character group.

11. An input method for Chinese characters, the method comprising:

a) receiving separate indications of the first, second and last strokes of the desired Chinese character or its radical portion from a user as input; and

b) selecting a Chinese character having said indicated first, second and last strokes as input.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein step b) comprises:

c) receiving from a user an indication of the first and/or second strokes of another part of the Chinese character other than the radical part as input, and

d) selecting a Chinese character having said indicated first, second and last strokes of said radical part and said indicated first and/or second strokes of said other part of said Chinese character as input.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein step c) further comprises receiving as input an indication of the last stroke of the other portion of the Chinese character from the user, wherein the Chinese character selected as input comprises the other portion of the Chinese character Point out the last stroke.

14. An input method for Chinese characters, the method comprising:

a) receiving separate indications of first and second strokes of a radical portion of a desired character from a user as input;

b) receiving separate indications of first and second strokes of the remainder of the desired character from the user as input; and

c) Selecting a character with said stroke indicated in steps a) and b) as input.

15. A method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, wherein the method comprises processing The character is entered as one.