Integrated Pinyin and Stroke Input Method for Chinese Character Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer systems with QWERTY keyboards can only support phonetic or pinyin input for Chinese characters, making it difficult for users to input Chinese characters if they do not know the pinyin or if there is no pinyin assigned to the character, limiting input options.

Innovation Solution

Integration of pinyin and stroke input methods, including stroke order and stroke number input, which allow users to input Chinese characters based on their structural components, using a language model for higher conversion accuracy and enabling input without knowledge of pronunciation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If only pinyin input is supported on conventional keyboards, then input simplicity is maintained, but input versatility deteriorates (users cannot input characters without pinyin)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput method versatilityVSAvoidinput system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple input methods (pinyin, stroke order, stroke number) into a single integrated input system that can process different input types through a unified conversion architecture, allowing users to switch between input methods without changing the underlying system structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion module is designed to handle multiple input types (phonetic pinyin and structural stroke-based inputs) through a single universal interface, enabling the system to accept various input formats and convert them to Chinese characters without requiring separate specialized systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If pinyin input is used, then input speed is maintained, but input accessibility deteriorates (users who don't know pinyin cannot input characters)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput accessibilityVSAvoidinput time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the input process into distinct methods: pinyin input for users who know pronunciation, and stroke-based input (order or number) for users who know character structure but not pronunciation. This segmentation allows each user group to use the method most suitable for them without affecting the other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion module acts as an intermediary that receives different types of input (pinyin or stroke data) and translates them into Chinese characters. This mediator handles the complexity of multiple input methods internally while presenting a simple unified interface to the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8677237B2Integrated pinyin and stroke input

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Integrated pinyin and stroke input may be provided. First, a first input may be received. Next, in response to the first input, an input mode may be determined. The input mode may comprise a pinyin input mode, a stroke order input mode, or a stroke number input mode. Once the input mode is determined, data may be received based on the determined input mode. Then the received data may be converted based upon the determined input mode.