GB2165677A - Input/output method for computerized Chinese characters - Google Patents

Abstract

A simple input/output method for computerized Chinese characters involves: 1) preparing a stroke form code table; 2) establishing a plurality of character splitting and coding rules and dividing the Chinese characters into three groups according to the splitable structure of top, bottom, left and right of the characters; the non-splitable structure with internal/external forms; the identical form and enclosed or intersected forms; thus defining "head" and "tail"; 3) setting input rules according to "head", "tail", "initial phoneme", "frequency of use" and "sequence"; and 4) arranging a modified ASCII keyboard for performing the input operation in conjunction with the above rules and code. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Input/output method for computerised Chinese characters This invention relates to a simple input/output method for computerized Chinese characters and features an easy applicability and short learning period for either professionals or non-professionals in data entry, instant information enquiry and program design through direct terminal operations with a modified keyboard.

It is known that Chinese characters have their intrinsic limitations for being processed in a computer. The main problem in data intry for the Chinese characters is how to select a definite character among an immense quantity of Chinese vocabulary. For solving this problem, a Chinese indexing method has been developed based upon different techniques such as the index systems adopted by most Chinese dictionaries by means of "radicals", "strokes", "phonetic symbols", etc. However, these indexing methods are not ideal, and have been considered inconvenient by the ordinary dictionary users.In order to meet the requirement of the computer in data processing with a great quantity of Chinese characters, a variety of keyboards and input methods have also been introduced by the data managing businessmen, such as "the input method with large keyboard," "character-root composition method," "three-corner coding input method," etc, etc.

There are advantages and disadvantages for each of these noted methods, but their the main defect is that they are usually designed for data processing professionals. Consequently, an extensive training program for operating personnel is normally required to obtain desirable results. This may be suitable for professionals, but it is difficult for non-professionals who usually engage themselves in instant information and data processing within a limited time frame.

It is accordingly a primary object of this invention to provide a simple input/output method for processing computerized Chinese characters by which after a short period of training, most individuals can become proficient in direct data entry through a terminal, and, during the operation, the entry speed of this method can also be increased through more learning and practice.

It is another object of this invention to provide a simple input/output method for processing computerized Chinese characters by which the Chinese ideographic characteristics and the character stroke features are exquisitely systematized so as to achieve the effect of a prompt indexing operation. Therefore, even to those who do not understand the tone and the meaning of the characters, input operation can be effectively done through this method.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a simple input/output method for processing Chinese characters by which proficiency can be easily mastered through a character identifying code for the commonly used characters and repetition of the input operation for the rarely used characters.

These and other objects are achieved by providing a simple input/output method for computerized Chinese characters, which method comprises the steps of: coding the Chinese characters with specific coding rules and sorting arrangement; and inputting the coded characters into the computer according to the "head" and/or "tail" of the characters which are arranged in conformity with their initial phoneame, using frequency and sequence for direct entry through a specially designed keyboard; thereby, enabling almost anyone to quickly learn and easily operate the input/output method.

Other advantages and characterstics of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic flow chart illustrating the preferred steps of an input/output method for processing the computerized Chinese characters according to this invention; and Figure 2 is an illustrative view of a keyboard arrangement for performing the input method according to this invention.

Based on the flow chart shown in Fig. 1, the input method of this invention comprises the steps of: 1. Establishing a stroke form code table as shown in Table 1 by grouping the commonly used Chinese characters into thirty "head" codes and thirty "tail" codes respectively for being arranged in a Table of Sortation to which five kinds of basic strokes are added, together with the strokes that share the same key on the keyboard and separately grouped thereat.

Table 1

Character "Head" with Character "Tail" with Frequently Used Stroke Frequently Used Stroke Forms and the Strokes Forms and the Strokes Sharing the Same Key Sharing the Same Key STROKETONE STROKE TONE STROKES SHAR- STROKE TONE STROKES SHAR- t t ING SAME KEY i * ING SAME KEY * * X * * * V s 1 l JvSJs*ds a k i s iIi l i ID B ZS a B R fl ns^ X fl p a a Lu Lii Lii A + rlrJ xs t + + + a a a a A A 4" A A t.

I t s + it It r l: a * n * g A a'-"' L ; ; IIII L a L L# Z v g 3 ffi e n g m iji ) r ,'At r I 8 r 9###K r n j r *~ I A. | T

Five Basic Strokes: Point (# ), Horizontal (-), Vertical #), Slant Left (#), Slant Right (#) 2. Establishing character splitting and coding rules to divide the Chinese characters into three groups i.e. the splitable, the non-splitable and the internal/external groups, which are made according to: a. Characters with splitable structures of top, bottom, right and left, the left highest stroke of the character is the "head" and the right highest stroke is the "tail". For example, the character ## (cold) has a head stroke "#" and a taile stroke "#".

b. Characters with internal/external structures, the external is the "head" stroke while the internal is the "tail" stroke. For example, the character # (nation) has a head stroke # "#" and a taile stroke "#".

c. When characters bearing identical "head" and "tail" strokes, the one with more strokes takes the first order. For example, the character "#" is positioned before the character "#", "#" before "#", "#" before "#", and so forth.

d. If the strokes of a character are all taken as a "head", the "tail" will not take the stroke in duplicate thereof, and if no stroke is left for the "tail", a zero (0) or a blank is supplimented therewith. For example, the character # (jade) has taken # as a "head", and the "tail" is s #; but, the character # (center) takes the "# # " as the head stroke and the "#" as the tail in duplicate because characters like this have their strokes all crossing through the "head" and "tail" thereof and exception is made thereat.

e. Regardless of "head" and "tail", any characters that are enclosed on all four sides are grouped into the "#", pronounced as "#" (sun), and those enclosed on three sides are grouped into "#", pronounced as "#" (moon).

# f. All characters that have their left strokes in cross form are grouped into "#", "#" and its kind. For example, the character "#" has a head stroke of "#" and a tail stroke of "#".

g. All radicals of "#" and "#" are grouped into "#" (door). For example, the character "#" has a head stroke "#" and a tail stroke "#".

3. Establishing input rules based on the above-mentioned simple coding system and inputting the codes thereof through the keyboard shown in Fig. 2. The inputting codes are as follows: "Head" codes, "tail" codes, [initial phoneme codes], [character frequency codes], [character sequence codes], wherein the the "head" codes and the "tail" codes are the basic input pattern of this invention, and hereinafter called "head-tail" codes (basic pattern), and the [ ] denotes that they can be used on selective basis or just ignored altogether.

The aforesaid input roles are further provided with three options i.e. the one can be selected, the one can be omitted, and the one cannot be omitted, which are designed to enable the input method of this invention to be widely accepted for popular use and also to facilitate the adjustment of the input speed in keeping with the efficiency state of the users.

In view of the fact that some identical codes and duplicate characters may be produced in the basic input pattern of this "head-taile" coding system and affect the input speed, an initial phoneme code is provided for selection.

The above-said initial phoneme defines the first phonetic symbol as either a consonant sound or a vowel sound set on a Chinese character..For example, the initial phoneme for the character ''7ffi" is "S", the character ''Ju" is ''f3'' and for the character "#" is "t".

Furthermore, for making direct input through the ASCII keyboard, a slightly modified Romanization system is adapted to establish a check list for Chinese phonetic symbols and the English alphabet as shown in Table 2 wherein the significant modification is that the easily mistaken tones of the Chinese retroflexions, such as "#" and # " "; "#" and "#"; "#"; etc., are all set to correspond with the same English alphabet. For example, the phonetic symbols "#" and "#" are set to correspond to the English alphabet "Z"; "#" and "#" to "S", and so forth.

Table 2

PHONETIC ENGLISH PHONETIC ENGLISH PHONETIC ENGLISH SYMBOL ALPHABET SYMBOL ALPHABET SYMBOL ALPHABET t B 5 K - IE p p H H X WY n M LI J U U C F < Q E.R 0 D D T x y A t T z PZ 5 A 3 N t9 C i-* A L L P@b S Lv A G G B t-)L R With the "head" code, "tail" code and the initial phoneme code as hereinbefore described and illustrated, there might come the identical code and duplicate characters during the input and output operation because among the approximately 50,000 Chinese characters, many characters bear the same head and tail strokes. However, as the commonly used characters number about 5,000, the identical codes and duplicate characters produced by the above method are a mixture of commonly used ones and rarely used ones. Therefore, a Character Sequence is introduced into this method i.e. a volume of 16,000 Chinese characters are divided into three sets: the frequently used (set A-about 5,000 characters); the less frequently use (set B about 7,000 characters); and the rarely used (set C-about 4,000 characters).During the keying operation, if the character frequency is not indicated, it is assumed that the characters to be processed are the frequently used ones. By typing the REPEAT key on the keyboard, the less frequently used and the rarely used characters that bear the same codes as those of the frequently used characters will be displayed for the user to select. But if the user knows what kind of "frequency" the character belongs to, he can directly indicate the character frequency in the simple codes of this invention for increasing the operation speed.

With the above described "head" code, "tail" code, initial phoneme code and characterfrequency code, if duplication of a character cannot be avoided, a skilled user of this invention will understand from experience, in which location the character is to be indexed from the identical codes, and apply a fastest method in directly indexing the character therefrom with a "character sequence" for achieving the quickest operation speed. Various conditions of the input patterns of this invention are further exemplified as follows: a. "Head" code+"tail" code (basic pattern) For example: the character "#" has a head code "m" and a tail code b. "Head" code+"tail" code+initiai phoneme code (three code pattern) For example: the character ''0" has a head code "/", a tail code "0 " and an initialphoneme code "L" (S5).

c. "Head" code+"tail" code+initial-phoneme code+frequency code (four code pattern) For example: the character " 3gl0" has a head code "#", a tail code " 8 ", an initial-phoneme code "L" (y7) and a frequency code "frequency 1".

d. "Head" code+"tail" code+initial-phoneme code+frequency code+sequence code (five code pattern) For example: the character "#" has a head code "#", a taile code "#", an initial-phoneme code "L" (#), a frequency code "frequency 1" and a sequence code "1".

The above established four methods can be used on a selective basis depending upon the skill of the user. Thus, the three-code pattern as in b above can be changed as "head" code+"tail" code+frequency code, or as "head" code+"tail" code+sequence code, and four-code pattern as in c above can be changed as "head" code+"tail" code+initial-phoneme code+sequence code, etc.

4. The input method of this invention is simply carried out through a terminal. Description of the practical operations is given in conjunction with Fig. 2 and a Table 3 wherein the Table 3 is a logic sequence of the input.

Table 3

QINPUT CHI. HEADSTATE INI. PHO. FREQ. SEC. SEL.

EG. CHI. HEAD TAIL INI. PHO. FREQ. SEQ. SEL.

KE < ASCII x CHI./ENG.

x HEAD TAIL INI. PHO.

FRE/LES/RAR SEQ. Mx CR, b =, ASCII w-- ASCII -,Nr,Nr sNr Nr Shown in Fig. 2 is a modified ASCII keyboard 10, and it is divided into three parts: a. Head-tail phoneme keys 11;, b. frequency keys 12; and c. character selecting keys 13.

The head-tail phoneme keys 11 includes 30 key with the ordinary English alphabet from A to Z and the functional keys '' < '', " > ", "#",and "?", and each key is marked with the frequently used "head" strokes and the "tail" strokes. If the "head" and the "tail" of the frequently used strokes are identical, 14 "identical" keys are arranged with the "head" and "tail" strokes respectively marked thereon, including

{1X, and i . The remaining keys 112 are separately marked with the basic pattern of "head" code on the upper left and the "tail" code on the lower right on each keytop. Besides, the head-tail phoneme keys 11 are arranged in three rows.The first row 100 is assigned with the basic pattern concerning mankind and living things such as t (worm), A (mankind), 2 (woman), L~ (heart), 0 (mouth), etc. The second row 101 is disposed with the basic pattern concerning the nature and inanimate things such as B (sun), a (moon), a (hill), ;j (stone), i (gold), t (wood), * (water), pC (fire), i (earth), etc.The last row 102 is allocated with inpefect forms of the basic strokes but frequently used "head" and "tail" codes such as 8, pp,3t~, etc. In addition, a fourth row 103 of the head-tail phoneme keys 11 is provided to include 5 numeral keys 113 similar to that of the standard English keyboard, and other keys for the basic strokes such as ' , -, , , and , for being used as an auxiliary method in the event that the above set of "head" codes and "tail" codes cannot satisfy the input requirement.

Furthermore, corresponding Chinese phonetic symbols are respectively designated on the left side of each of the letter keys from A-Z for being used in selection with character tones, and some undistinguishable phonemes in the Table 1 such as "|4, p P "; 9 "; "P, A"; "eel, t, )L"; "Z, x ''; etc.; are separately disposed on the same key 114, 115, 116, 117 and 118.

The frequency keys 12 are divided into three keys-the "frequently-used" key (1), the "lessfrequently-used" key (2), and the "rarely-used" key (3). As being described hereinbefore, the Chinese characters are set in three groups-the frequently used group with about 5,000 characters; the less-frequently used group with about 7,000 characters; and the rarely used characters with about 4,000 characters. During input operation, first, the frequently-used key (1) is used for inputting operations. If the character cannot be located in the frequently-used group, then, the less-frequently-used key (2) or the rarely-uesd key (3) is used for accomplishing the input work therewith. This order need not necessarily be followed all the way through, because an experienced operator can quickly identify the exact character in the three groups according to this invention.

The character selecting keys 13 are comprised of the numeral keys 0-9 which are the same as the English keyboard on the right side and a "repetition" key 131. When working with any one of the above-described patterns (head, tail), (head, tail, initail phoneme), (head, tail, initial phoneme, frequency), some identical "head" code and "tail" code will be simultaneously displayed on the bottom line of the CRT, and usually at most nine identical codes are to be displayed thereat. If the identical codes are more than nine, a "+XX" sign will be indicated after the ninth identical code thereof. At this time, the "repetition" key 131 is used to select the right identical key required for the input operation. If an error is made, a ''~" key is used to indicate the error and repeat the character finding operation.

The input method of this invention can easily to be mastered by any non-professional in data processing through a Chinese computer, and it is also convenient for professionals when designing programs.

Having thus described the invention, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications thereof will suggest themselves without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, it is intended that the specification and drawings be interpreted as illustrative rather than in a limiting sense.

Claims (20)

1. An input/output method for computerized Chinese characters characterized by the steps of: preparing a character stroke form code table; establishing a number of character splitting and coding rules to divide the Chinese characters into a plurality of groups such as the splitable, the non-splitable, and the internal/external groups in accordance with:: a) characters with splitable structures of top, bottom, right and left, the left highest stroke of the character being a "head" and the right highest stroke a "tail"; b) characters with internal/external structures, the external being the "head" stroke while the internal the "tail" stroke; c) when characters bearing identical "head" and "tail" strokes being inputted, the one comprising the most strokes being taken in first order; d) when the strokes of a character being all taken as a "head", no "tail" to be taken in duplicate, and if no strokes left for the "tail", a zero and/or a blank being supplemented therewith; e) regardless of "head" and "tail", any characters enclosed on four sides being grouped into " i" and enclosed on three sides being grouped into "J;4 ";; f) all characters having the left strokes in cross form being grouped into "it~"; g) all radicals of "~3" and f being grouped into "p"; setting input rules according to said "head" code, "tail" code, phoneme code, frequency code, and sequence code, wherein the first two codes are a basic pattern while the last three codes a selective pattern; and preparing an input keyboard for being operated in conjunction with said stroke form code table; whereby the input operation can be performed conveniently by all persons in handling information with computerized Chinese characters.

2. An input method according to Claim 1 wherein said step of preparing a stroke form code table is characterized in that the frequently used Chinese characters are grouped into thirty "head" stroke forms and thirty "tail" stroke forms, respectively, and arranged in a table for being used as a coding reference.

3. An input method according to Claim 1 wherein said step of preparing a stroke form code table is further characterized by grouping identical strokes for sharing identical keys in said keyboard.

4. An input method according to Claim 1 wherein said step of preparing a stroke form code table is further characterized by providing additional five basic strokes of " > ","~", I ≈and " < " for the characters not having the frquently used strokes.

5. An input method according to Claim 1 wherein said step of establishing a number of character splitting and coding rules is characterized by arranging the characters that bear identical "head" and "tail" strokes in an order so that the character comprising the most strokes takes the first order thereat.

6. An input method according to claim 1 wherein said step of establishing character splitting and coding rules is characterized in that no strokes which are already taken as a "head" will be taken as a "tail" in duplicate.

7. An input method according to claim 1 wherein said step of establishing character splitting and coding rules is characterized in that when the strokes of a character are all taken as a "head" and no stroke is left for the "tail", a zero or a blank is supplemented therewith.

8. An input method according to claim 1 wherein said step of establishing character splitting and coding rules is characterized in that when the "head" and "tail" strokes of a character physically intersect with each other, the "tail" will be duplicated with the "head".

9. An input method according to Claim 1 wherein said step of setting input rules is further characterized by the step of coding the characters in: "head" codes, "tail" codes-basic pattern; "head" codes, "tail" codes, sequence codes (initial phoneme code, frequency code)-three- code pattern; "head" codes, "tail" codes, initial-phoneme code (frequency codes, sequence codes)-four- code pattern; and "head" codes, "tail" codes, initial-phoneme codes, frequency codes, sequence codes-five- code pattern.

10. An input method according to Claim 10 wherein said initial-phoneme codes are characterized by a well known Romanized system (Table 2) adopted in conjunction with the Chinese phonetic symbols, particularly for the troublesome retroflex vowels thereof so as to increase the input operation therewith.

11. An input method according to Claim 10 wherein said frequency codes are based on the grouped Chinese characters of the frequently used, the less frequently used and the rarely used; during input operation, if no frequency code is designated, it will be automatically assumed that the frequently-used codes are in use so as to expedite the input operation.

12. An input method according to Claim 9 wherein the Chinese characters retrieved each time by any one of said patterns comprises three groups, each of said groups having three characters and being respectively separated by a blank with the adjacent group.

13. An input method according to Claim 9 wherein said sequence codes are characterized in that the display order obtained by this input method is made in numeral sequence from 1 to 9 respectively designated therewith, so that, by comprehending the sequence during input operation, the sequence numerals can be directly inputted to retrieve the right character in one operation without consuming a large amount of time.

14. An input method according to Claim 1 wherein said step of preparing an input keyboard is characterized by respectively marking the phonetic symbols of said "head" and "tail", said character select, and said basic strokes on the keytops of each key for convenient and easy input operation.

15. An input method according to Claim 14 wherein said marking on each key is characterized by the step of marking the Chinese phonetic symbols on each English letter key from A to Z, including four additional keys of ":", " < ;", " > ", and "?" in which the stroke of said "head" and "tail" and said phonetic symbols may share the same as being exemplified as follows: key "A" marked with " " and the phonetic symbols

key "B" with key "C" with kye "D" with key "E" with key "F" with key "G" with key "H" with key "I" with key "J" with key "K" with key "L" with key "M" with key "N" with key "0" with key "P" with key "Q" with key "R" with key "S" with key "T" with key "U" with key "V" with

key "W" key "X" key "Y" key "Z"

16.An input method according to Claim 15 wherein said marking step is characterized in that: the strokes related with mankind and living things such as #, A, #, C? and a are disposed on a first row corresponding to the English alphabet keys OWERTYUIOP: the strokes related with natural and inanimate things such as

#, are disposed on a middle row corresponding to the English alphabet keys ASDFGHJKL; and the strokes concerning the imperfect forms but frequently used strokes such as BEJ, ,wtp, and t are disposed on the rear row corresponding to the English alphabet keys ZXCVBNM.

17. An input method according to Claim 14 wherein said frequency keys are arranged on the right side of the keyboard and disignated with a plurality of special keys as "frequently-used 1", "less-frequently-used 2" and "rarely-used 3".

18. An input method according to Claim 14 wherein said sequence keys are represented by the numerals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 of the typical English keyboard respectively.

19. An input method according to Claim 14 wherein said basic strokes are separated by the numeral keys such as 1 for numeral"#", 2 for "-", 3 for "# ", 4 for "#" and 5 for "# ".

20. An input method substantially as hereinbefore described in the examples and shown in the accompanying drawings.