Input Method Editor Language Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Languages that use logographic scripts, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, face challenges in inputting characters on standard input devices like keyboards due to the large number of characters and tones, requiring specialized input methods to facilitate entry of characters and symbols not found on these devices.

Innovation Solution

An input method editor system that operates in multiple language modes, allowing users to switch between modes based on input control, using dictionaries specific to each language to interpret composition inputs and present candidate word lists for selection, enabling the input of characters and symbols from various languages on standard input devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a standard input device keyboard is used for logographic languages, then the input device structure remains simple and familiar, but it becomes impossible to directly input the large number of characters and symbols required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefamiliarity with standard keyboardVSAvoidability to input logographic characters

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

An input method editor is introduced as an intermediary software layer between the standard keyboard and the logographic language processing system. The keyboard inputs are first processed as composition inputs by the editor, which then translates them into the appropriate logographic characters using language-specific dictionaries and processing rules, enabling standard keyboards to input logographic languages effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The input method editor is designed to support multiple language modes (e.g., English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean) and can switch between them dynamically. This multi-functionality allows a single standard keyboard to serve multiple logographic languages by changing the active language mode and corresponding dictionary, thereby achieving versatility without requiring separate input devices for each language

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple language modes are supported in the input method editor, then language versatility is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple dictionaries and mode management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple logographic languagesVSAvoidstructure of input method editor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input method editor is segmented into distinct functional modules: a language mode management module that handles mode switching, multiple language-specific dictionaries (first dictionary for first language, second dictionary for second language), and processing modules that operate independently for each language mode. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity by organizing functionality into manageable, interchangeable components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The input method editor dynamically adapts its behavior based on the active language mode. When a mode control input is received, the system dynamically switches between different language modes and activates the corresponding dictionary and processing rules. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain simplicity for the active mode while supporting multiple languages, as only the currently active language components are actively processed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If language mode switching is implemented, then input flexibility for different languages is improved, but input time is increased due to mode transition overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to switch languagesVSAvoidtime for mode switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary setup by pre-loading and maintaining multiple language dictionaries and processing rules in ready state. When a language mode switch is initiated, the transition is accelerated because the target language components are already prepared and available for immediate activation, reducing the time penalty associated with mode switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10210154B2Input method editor having a secondary language mode

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, in which an input method editor receives a mode control input and determines a language mode based on the mode control input. Upon receiving composition inputs, the input method editor interprets the composition input based on the determined language mode.