IME Augmentation for Geographic Location Names
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in inputting proper names of geographic locations in unfamiliar local languages using existing input method editors (IMEs), particularly when traveling to foreign countries where the local name of a location is unknown.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that receives user input in one writing system, determines candidate names in a different writing system, identifies proper names of geographic locations, and augments the candidate list with local names in the associated language, allowing users to input geographic locations correctly even when unfamiliar with the local language.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional IME is used to input text, then the user can input text in a writing system different from the input device, but the user cannot input proper names of geographic locations in unfamiliar local languages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that acts as a bridge between the user's familiar language input and the target local language output. The system uses a dictionary database containing geographic location names in multiple languages, and automatically translates the user's input from their familiar language into the local language of the geographic location, eliminating the need for users to manually learn or type in unfamiliar languages.
Solution Approach 2:
The IME is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating geographic location recognition and automatic translation capabilities into the traditional input method. The system not only performs standard text input conversion but also identifies geographic location names, determines their local languages, and automatically provides translated candidates, making the IME adaptable to multiple languages and scenarios without requiring separate tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the IME provides only standard writing system conversions, then the system remains simple, but it lacks the ability to provide local names of geographic locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-populating a dictionary database with geographic location names in multiple languages before the user needs them. When a user inputs text, the system proactively checks the dictionary for geographic location matches and automatically retrieves the corresponding local language names, preparing the translation data in advance without requiring real-time complex processing during user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhanced IME performs self-service by automatically detecting when the user input corresponds to a geographic location name, determining the appropriate local language, and augmenting the candidate list with translated names without requiring additional user input or manual intervention. The system serves itself by integrating the translation functionality seamlessly into the existing input method workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method can include receiving, at a computing device having one or more processors, a user input in a first writing system. The method can include determining one or more candidates based on the user input that correspond to the user input represented in a second writing system different than the first writing system. The method can include determining whether at least one of the candidates corresponds to a proper name of a geographic location and, when at least one of the candidates corresponds to the proper name of the geographic location, determining a local name of the geographic location. The local name can be the proper name of the geographic location in a local language associated with the geographic location. The method can include augmenting the one or more candidates to include the local name to obtain an augmented candidate list, and outputting the augmented candidate list.