WO2003025731A1

WO2003025731A1 - Apparatus and method for inputting chinese character

Info

Publication number: WO2003025731A1
Application number: PCT/KR2001/001570
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kwan-Dong Lee
Original assignee: Kwan-Dong Lee
Priority date: 2001-09-19
Filing date: 2001-09-19
Publication date: 2003-03-27

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for inputting Chinese characters, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for inputting Chinese characters generating a designated Chinese character by inputting radical keys representing at least one radical which constitute Chinese character, and by inputting end keys indicating an end of input of the radical keys or by inputting key input number determination keys determining an inputting stroke of the radical keys. In accordance with the present invention, a Chinese character is inputted by inputting at least one radical key corresponding to a component radical of the Chinese character, so the Chinese character can be inputted easily and simply.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INPUTTING CHINESE CHARACTER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for inputting Chinese characters, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for inputting Chinese characters generating a designated Chinese character by inputting radical keys representing at least one radical which constitutes Chinese character, and by inputting end keys indicating an end of input of the radical keys or by inputting key input number determination keys determining a key input stroke number of the radical keys.

Description of the Prior Art

There are a lot of languages in the worldwide. However, it is not easy to input all of them to information communication device, such as a cellular phone, a PDA (personal Digital

Assistant) and a computer, and so on.

Especially, Chinese characters are particularly difficult to display on a keyboard and input to the communication device, such as computer because of their language characteristic. It's the reason that Chinese characters have a large number of letters and their combinative constructions as well as irregular rules of their combinative constructions. In other words, it is possible to input the Hangul alphabets (Korean letters) or English alphabets to the information communication devices by any program because they have limited elements of the letters. However, Chinese character is an ideographic character, has no rules of the letter construction, and comprises a lot of letter elements. So it is not easy to represent Chinese character on a keyboard and to input Chinese characters to the communication device, such as a computer. Moreover, Chinese character includes a large of radicals and most of Chinese characters are composed of the radicals, but combinative constructions of the radicals which constitute Chinese character are irregular. So it is also difficult to input Chinese characters to the communication device by a regular rule.

Many kinds of apparatus and methods for inputting Chinese characters, traditionally, have been already introduced. However, they are introduced by using an indirect input forms. Fist of all, there is a method for converting Hangul alphabet into Chinese character. After inputting a phonetic transcription of Chinese character being inputted in Hangul alphabet, when a user presses a conversion key of Chinese character, Chinese character (s) corresponding to the phonetic transcription is (are) displayed on any other screen sequentially according to the frequency of use. The Chinese character is inputted by selection of the corresponding Chinese character among Chinese character (s) displayed on the screen. However, this is not a method for inputting Chinese characters by inputting the characters directly, but for inputting Chinese characters by converting Hangul alphabets into Chinese character. In addition, the method has included following problems that a user, who was not acquainted with Chinese character, had a lot of difficulty of selection of Chinese character as well as many times of key inputting.

There is another method for converting a convertible Hangul word unit into Chinese character. Namely, two delimiters for designating the range of Hangul alphabet ' s word, which user wants to convert into Chinese character, are set in left side and right side respectively of Hangul alphabet's words. Then, when Hangul alphabet ' s words are inputted between left side delimiter and right side delimiter, all Chinese characters corresponding to the inputted Hangul alphabet ' s words are showed on the screen. Subsequently, the Hangul alphbet-Chinese character conversion is implemented by a user's choosing one Chinese character shown on the screen. But, this is a method for inputting Chinese character by inputting characters indirectly too. In addition the above method caused following problems. Because a user has to designate convertible range in front and rear of the words which will be converted into Chinese character by function key or specified mark and has to distinguish Chinese character with Hangul alphabet one by one, such works have been very inconvenient. In addition, the above method is no more than usage of dictionary including a lot of words.

Referring to Fig 1(a), Fig 1(a) shows a typical keyboard for inputting Chinese characters. As shown in Fig 1(a), a key represents a plurality of radicals or stroke forms. The keys are classified into 25 types according to the first stoke form of a

Chinese character among 5 stroke forms, T—-, I, \ , / ₁ 'j . Then a user inputs a key corresponding to the first form of the Chinese character being inputted. However, the key stroke is not to input radical key representing the radical directly, is to input the stroke form key according to the writing order of a Chinese character. For example, as shown in Fig 1, in order to input I^"1-3 j , a user must input D key, J key and F key. Then the Chinese character I^" i-3 j is inputted.. Furthermore, a user must input R key repeatedly in total four times .

The above method is not to input Chinese character directly, and that is also to input a plurality of defined English alphabet keys.

Especially, in case of a cellular phone, the 5 stroke forms,

T—-, I, \, , 'J is displayed on the key pad of the phone. The stroke form key is inputted according to the writing order of a Chinese character being inputted in order after dividing the Chinese character into the stroke forms. Then, at least one Chinese character is displayed on a LCD, and user chooses one. For example, in case of inputting a Chinese character

, a user inputs the first stroke form r ^'j according to the writing order of the Chinese character T^j . Then, a plurality of Chinese characters, which comprise the stroke form r / j in the first stroke, are shown on a LCD. If the^j is displayed on it, the user chooses it. But if T^j is not displayed on it, the user inputs the second stroke form l^">j . Then, a plurality of Chinese characters, which comprise the two stroke forms

and I^"ΛJ in the first and second stroke, are also shown on a LCD. If the T^j is displayed on it, the user chooses it. But if the r_azj is not displayed on it, the user inputs the third stroke form I^" —-J . As shown in above statements, the user inputs the stroke form according to the writing order of the Chinese character by the time the Chinese character T^j is displayed.

However, it is also not to input Chinese characters directly, is to input the stroke from by the stroke form key representing the 5 stroke forms. Finally, it is a method for conversing the inputted stroke forms into a Chinese character, and the method provides an indirect inputting process .

Moreover, in case of another method for inputting Chinese characters, a user input English alphabet corresponding to the pronunciation of the Chinese character. Then, at least one Chinese character corresponding to the pronunciation is displayed, and the user chooses one by inputting any key selecting one Chinese character. For example, in case of inputting a Chinese character $^j<; j , a user input the pronunciation of the Chinese character in English. In other words, when the user input English alphabet T_WoJ corresponding to the pronunciation of the Chinese character !^"$£_ , a plurality of Chinese characters corresponding to the pronunciation TwoJ are displayed. And then the user chooses the Chinese character l^~$!j . However, in order to use the method, a user should read the Chinese character in English and write the pronunciation of the Chinese character in English. And the user should input

English alphabets in order to input Chinese character. So it is also an indirect inputting process.

In addition, a method using symbols 2 in Fig 1 (b) has been introduced. The symbols 2 corresponding to the pronunciation of Chinese characters are displayed on the keys. A user input the symbol 2 corresponding to the pronunciation of Chinese characters, and then at least one Chinese character corresponding to the symbol 2 of the pronunciation is displayed on a screen. Therefore, the user chooses one. The symbol represents English pronunciation of Chinese characters.

For example, in case of inputting a Chinese character l^" fj , the Chinese character' s pronunciation is T hao J . A symbol corresponding to the I^" hao J is I^" J & j , and the symbol is predetermined. Therefore, the user inputs keys representing the symbol H J . Then all Chinese characters corresponding to the T hao J are displayed on the screen. Of course, the Chinese character T j is also displayed, and then the user chooses the T j . But the above method is not to input radicals or Chinese characters directly, is to input symbols according to the pronunciation of Chinese characters. Therefore, the method provides an indirect inputting process. Furthermore, in order to input the Chinese characters, the user must remember the symbols corresponding to pronunciations of Chinese characters and the user should read the Chinese characters being inputted. In addition, a method for inputting Chinese characters is introduced in the patent application filed by present inventor (application no. 2001-14238-KR) . It is a method for inputting Chinese characters by inputting radical key representing the radicals constituting the Chinese characters and by inputting combination key representing combinative construction. According to the above method, it is possible to input Chinese characters directly by inputting the radicals constituting the Chinese characters, but it is not easy for user to find and input the combination key whenever a user input

Chinese characters, and the device is too big because there are a large of the combination keys .

A Hangul input device provides a method for inputting characters by inputting and combining the Hangul alphabets.

Hangul alphabets are divided into consonants and vowels, and the consonants and the vowels are displayed on key input means of the Hangul input device. When a user input the key input means,

Hangul is generated on a screen by combining the consonants and vowels. Contrary to Chinese characters Hangul alphabets are divided into the consonants and the vowels, and the input order of the consonants and the vowels is defined. In other words, at a information process device the first input key is a consonant key, the second input key is a vowel key, and the third input key is a consonant key. But the fourth input key is a consonant key or a vowel key according to circumstances. A Hangul is completed by input of the first consonant key and the second vowel key or the first consonant key, the second vowel key and the third consonant key. If a vowel key is inputted at first stroke, Hangul can't be completed. In addition, the position of consonant inputted by the third consonant key is defined according to a key which is inputted at fourth stroke. However, in case of Chinese character, the radical key representing the radicals constituting Chinese characters can be inputted at any stroke.

Accordingly, typical input method provides an indirect input method which converts symbols and English alphabets into

Chinese character. In other words, it is not to input radicals and Chinese characters directly. So, necessity of a direct input method of Chinese characters has been on the raise.

And the patent application filed by present inventor (application no. 2001-14238-KR) provides a direct input apparatus and method, but comprises a large number of combination key. Especially, because a user must input the combination key whenever the user input Chinese character, it is inconvenient for user to user the apparatus and the method. In addition, contrary to Hangul Chinese character can be divided into consonant and vowel, and has no rules of input order of the consonant and the vowel. So, it is so difficult to input Chinese character directly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for inputting Chinese characters, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for inputting Chinese characters generating a designated Chinese character by inputting radical keys representing at least one radical which constitute Chinese character, and by inputting end keys indicating an end of input of the radical keys or by inputting key input number determination keys determining an inputting stroke of the radical keys.

In accordance with the present invention, a Chinese character is inputted by inputting at least one radical key corresponding to a component radical of the Chinese character, so the Chinese character can be inputted easily and simply, a larger number of Chinese characters can be inputted for a certain period of time, and a Chinese character composed of a large number of radicals can be inputted by a small number of radical key inputs.

In addition, a Chinese character can be inputted by inputting radical keys corresponding to the component radicals of the Chinese character and an end key, can be directly inputted by inputting its component radicals, and can be inputted by inputting component radicals in random order.

Further, in the case where the maximum input number of radical keys is set, a Chinese character can be inputted without inputting an end key when the set maximum input number of radical keys becomes equal to the number of later inputted radical keys. Additionally, in the case where there is set the number of remaining radical keys to be inputted after the input of a first radical key in advance, a Chinese character is automatically generated when radical keys of a number equal to the set number of remaining radical keys are inputted. As described above, the end key cannot be used, so the number of inputted keys can be reduced, thereby being convenient for use.

Meanwhile, beginners can easily input a Chinese character because the Chinese character is inputted by inputting its component radicals shown in a key input means without reading the Chinese character and learning other symbols corresponding to the Chinese character. According to the present invention, the present invention provides a Chinese character input apparatus, comprising: key input means, comprising, a plurality of radical keys for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters, and an end key for indicating the end of input of one or more radical keys; signal conversion means for converting one or more key code values generated in the key input means into converted code values; memory means for storing a plurality of Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals and each assigned a data value; and Chinese character generation means for receiving the converted key code values from the signal conversion means, generating a data value by combining converted key code values generated by the signal conversion means when one or more radical keys and the end key are inputted, and generating a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means 40 for the Chinese character.

In addition, the present invention provides a Chinese character input apparatus, comprising: key input means, comprising, a plurality of radical keys for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters, and an end key for indicating the end of input of one or more radical keys; signal conversion means for converting one or more key code values generated in the key input means into converted code values; memory means for storing a plurality of Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals and each assigned a data value;

Chinese character generation means for receiving the converted key code values from the signal conversion means, generating a data value by combining converted key code values generated by the signal conversion means when one or more radical keys and the end key are inputted, and generating a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means for the Chinese character; and plural characters processing means for selecting and determining one of two or more Chinese characters when the two or more Chinese characters are generated by the Chinese character generation means.

In addition, the present invention also provides a Chinese character input apparatus, comprising: key input means provided with a plurality of radical keys for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters; signal conversion means for converting one or more key code values generated in the key input means into converted code values; memory means for storing a plurality of Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals and each assigned a data value; and Chinese character generation means for receiving the converted key code values from the signal conversion means, generating a data value by combining converted key code values generated by the signal conversion means when one or more radical keys of a number less than the maximum input number of radical keys are inputted, and generating a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means for the Chinese character.

In addition, the present invention provides a Chinese character input apparatus, comprising: key input means, comprising, a plurality of radical keys for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters, and at least one key input number determination key for determining the number of radical keys to be inputted after a first radical key corresponding to the first radical of a Chinese character is inputted; signal conversion means for converting one or more key code values generated in the key input means into converted code values; memory means for storing a plurality of Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals and each assigned a data value; and

Chinese character generation means for receiving the converted key code values from the signal conversion means, generating a data value corresponding to key code values generated by the first radical key and the remaining radical keys in the signal conversion means when there are inputted the remaining radical keys of a number equal to the input number of radicals determined by the key input number determination key in the case where the first radical key is inputted and a secondly inputted key is a key input number determination key, and generating a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means for the Chinese character.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a Chinese character input method, comprising the steps of: inputting a first radical key corresponding to the first of radicals constituting a Chinese character; inputting an end key for indicating the end of input of the first radical key; and generating one or more Chinese characters in response to the input of the end key.

In addition, the present invention provides a Chinese character input method in which a Chinese character composed of three or more radicals is inputted, comprising: setting the maximum input number of radicals to be less than the number of the radicals constituting the Chinese character; inputting a first radical key corresponding to the first radical of the Chinese character; selecting at least one radical among the remaining radicals except for the first and last radicals of the Chinese character; inputting at least one second radical key corresponding to the selected radical; causing the number of the first, second and last radical keys to be the maximum input number of radicals; inputting the last radical key; and generating the Chinese character in response to the last radical key.

In addition, the present invention also provides a Chinese character input method in which a Chinese character composed of plural radicals is inputted, comprising: inputting a first radical key corresponding to the first radical of the plural radicals; inputting a key input number determination key for determining the input number of remaining radical keys corresponding to the remaining radicals of the Chinese character except for the first radical; inputting the remaining radical keys of a number equal to the input number of remaining radical keys determined by the input of the key input number determination key; and generating the Chinese character in response to a radical key corresponding to the last of the input number of remaining radical keys determined by the input of the key input number determination key.

Moreover, the present invention provides a Chinese character input method in which a first Chinese character composed of one or more radicals and a second Chinese character composed of one or more radicals are inputted in sequence, comprising the steps of: inputting one or more radical keys corresponding to radicals constituting the first Chinese character; inputting a radical key corresponding to the first radical of the second Chinese radical; and generating the first Chinese character in response to the input of the radical key corresponding to the first radical.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows an example of typical keyboard and symbol for inputting Chinese characters.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram representing the construction of an embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a memory means of Fig 2 of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a classification table of radicals corresponding to Chinese character in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a key input means of first embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows a key input means of second embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 7 shows a rest radical table corresponding to representative radical of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows a block diagram representing the construction of another embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows a key input means of third embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 10 shows a key input means of fourth embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 11 shows a flowchart illustrating the process for generating Chinese character in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 shows a flowchart illustrating the process for generating Chinese character in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 shows a flowchart illustrating the process for generating Chinese character in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 shows a flowchart illustrating the process for generating Chinese character in accordance with a preferred embodiment of Fig 13 of the present invention.

Fig. 15 shows a flowchart illustrating the process for processing a plurality of generated Chinese characters in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an apparatus and method for inputting Chinese characters in accordance with the present invention is described in detail.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the construction of an embodiment of the Chinese character input apparatus in accordance with the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the Chinese character input apparatus of the present invention comprises key input means 10 comprising a plurality of radical keys 11 for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters, and an end key 12 for indicating the end of input of one or more radical keys 11; signal conversion means 20 for converting one or more key code values SI generated in the key input means 10 into converted key code values S2; memory means 40 for storing a plurality of Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals and each assigned a data value; and Chinese character generation means 30 for receiving the converted key code values S2 from the signal conversion means 20, generating a data value by combining converted key code values S2 generated by the signal conversion means 20 when one or more radical keys 11 and the end key 12 are inputted, and generating a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means 40 for the Chinese character, and a display means 60 for displaying Chinese characters generated by the Chinese character generation means 30 and determined by the plural characters processing means 50.

A term "radical" used throughout the specification and the claims designates the least element of a Chinese character that is a Chinese character itself. Hereinafter, the operation of the Chinese character input apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described. The Chinese character input apparatus is provided with a large number of radical keys 11, the radical keys 11 being each assigned at least one radical. When a Chinese character is inputted, radical keys 11 corresponding to radicals constituting the Chinese character are inputted. That is, the input of radicals is realized by inputting radical keys 11 corresponding to the radicals. For example, when a Chinese character to be inputted is "^", the radicals constituting the Chinese character "^" are "7^" and "^JJ" and the radical keys 11 corresponding to the "vf" and "^ " are inputted. The input order of the radicals can be randomly set.

The end key 12 indicates the end of input of one or more radicals constituting a Chinese character to be inputted. In the above example, after the radical keys 11 corresponding to the ">K" and "^-" are all inputted, the end key 12 indicating the end of input of the radial keys 11 is inputted. By this, the end of input of the radical keys 11 corresponding to radicals constituting the Chinese character "i^" to be inputted, is recognized, and, thereafter, the combination of the radicals is executed. Accordingly, the end key 12 is inputted to indicate the end of input of the radical keys 11 after the last inputted radical key 11 of the radical keys 11 to be inputted is inputted. The input order of the radical keys 11 can be randomly determined or determined as the stroke order of a Chinese character to be inputted. Alternatively, for Chinese characters each composed of a plurality of radicals, part of radicals is selected and inputted in random order. However, it is convenient to input the radicals in the stroke order. Additionally, only intermediate radicals except for first and last radicals can be selected and inputted in random order. For the above example, when the Chinese character "^" is inputted, the radical "Tfc" can be firstly inputted and the radical " " secondly inputted so as to generate the Chinese character "^", or the radical "^-" is firstly inputted and the radical "T " secondly inputted so as to generate the Chinese character "^". Further, when a Chinese character "Brf" composed of three radicals is inputted, its component radicals can be inputted in the order of "0", "±" and "-^T", "^f", "±" and "0", or "±", "0" and "^~r". In brief, the input of radicals constituting a Chinese character can be performed in random order, and preferably in the stroke order of a Chinese character for convenience of use.

A radical of Chinese characters can be a component of a Chinese character regardless of its position, differently from a Korean alphabet. For Korean characters, in order to generate a complete character, a consonant key should be firstly inputted first and a vowel key should be secondly inputted. That is, for Korean characters, when the vowel key is firstly inputted, the Korean character is not generated. In contrast, for Chinese characters, a radical key can be inputted in a random position, that is, in random order. For example, for Korean characters, a consonant "^~i" can be firstly inputted, but not secondly inputted. However, for Chinese characters, a radical "P" can be a component of a Chinese character, such as "RJ", "1^", "IP" or the like, in any position. Accordingly, a radical key 11 corresponding to the radical "P" can be inputted in random order.

The signal conversion means 20 converts one or more key code values SI generated in the key input means 10 to one or more key code values S2 that can be recognized and processed in the Chinese character generation means 30.

The Chinese character generation means 30 receives converted key code values S2 outputted from the signal conversion means 20, generates a new data value by combining the converted key code values S2, and generates a Chinese character by searching the memory means 40 for the Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value. In this case, the generated data value can be the font value or address value of the corresponding Chinese character. Additionally, the Chinese character generation means 30 can display the generated Chinese character on the display means 60. The Chinese character generation means 30 can be implemented as a computer program.

The Chinese character generating means 30 is described in more detail . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the Chinese character generation means 20 receives converted key code values S2 from the signal conversion means

20, generates a new data value using the input of radical keys

11 when the end key 12 is inputted after one or more radical keys 11 are inputted, and generates a Chinese character by searching the memory means 40 for a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value. That is, the radical keys 11 corresponding to the radicals constituting a Chinese character to be inputted are inputted, and the end key

12 indicating the end of the input of the radical keys 11 is inputted after the radical keys 11 are all inputted. Then, the Chinese character generation means 30 recognizes the input of the end key 12, generates a data value by combining the converted key code values S2 of the inputted radical keys 11, and generates a Chinese character by searching the memory means 40 for a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value .

The memory means 40 stores a plurality of Chinese characters, and the Chinese characters are each assigned a corresponding data value. The memory means 40 stores a plurality of Chinese characters each composed of at least one radical. Fig. 3 is a view showing a data table for Chinese characters stored in the memory means 40. As shown in Fig. 3, the memory means 40 stores Chinese characters to be inputted, and the Chinese characters each have a data value. The data value is a value corresponding to a Chinese character to be generated. For example, when Chinese characters to be generated are "$" and "1^", data values corresponding to the Chinese characters are "AQ999ZB" and "CR123PD", respectively. The examples are illustrative, so the relation between the Chinese characters and the data values can be changed. That is, the Chinese characters "^" and "^" can be related to different data values.

The Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value by combining key code values generated by the key input means 10, the generated data value being stored in the memory means 40. The Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value by combining the converted key code values S2 generated by the signal conversion means 20, and generates a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means 40 for the Chinese character. For example, when a data value generated by the Chinese character generation means 30 is "XZ001B", the Chinese character generation means 30 searches the memory means 40 for a Chinese character " corresponding to the data value "XZ001B".

Fig. 4 is a table in which Chinese characters and radicals constituting the Chinese characters are arranged. As shown in Fig. 4, Chinese characters are analyzed into radicals and component radicals are arranged according to Chinese characters. In the Chinese character input apparatus and method of the present invention, Chinese characters are generated by inputting radicals constituting the Chinese characters using radical keys 11. The radicals shown in Fig. 4 are 214 radicals arranged in the Gang Xi Character Dictionary in which Chinese characters are resolved into 214 radicals. That is, in Fig. 4, all the Chinese characters used nowadays are resolved into 214 radicals. In the Chinese character input apparatus, each of the Chinese characters is generated by inputting radicals constituting the Chinese character using radical keys 11.

In the mean time, the radicals composed of other radicals may be inputted by inputting other radicals. For example, a Chinese character "ia" is a radical, but is composed of two other radicals "Ϊ" and "0". Accordingly, the Chinese character "i≡f", as shown in Fig. 4, can be inputted by inputting the two other radicals "Ϊ" and "0". Although not all shown in Fig. 4, there are 68 radicals composed of other radicals, and the table of Fig. 4 includes them. These radicals are ";£" composed of "+" and "X", "5 " composed of

VV and "X", "jftL" composed " / " and "JHL", etc.

The 68 radicals composed of other radicals can be resolved into other radicals, but the resolution of the 68 radicals into other radicals is not necessary. The reason for this is that the 68 radicals can be used without resolution. For example, a radical "i≡r" may be resolved into two other radicals "Ϊ£" and "0", but this radical can be used by itself because it is a radical. However, when the input number of radical keys is taken into account, it is preferable not to assign a radical key the radical "i≡f" because the radical "≡f" can be generated using two radical keys assigned "ΪZ" and "0". That is, in this case, assigning a radical key the radical "i≡f" is not efficient because the input number of radical keys is increased. However, when the input number of radical keys is not taken into account, it allows the radical "i≡f" to be conveniently inputted to assign a radical key the radical "=f". That is, assigning a radical key the radical "B" allows the radical "i≡f" to be conveniently inputted because the radical "i≡" is inputted by one stroke instead of two strokes for "3Ϊ" and "0". Accordingly, a part or all of the 68 radicals can be assigned radical keys, or none of them can be assigned radical keys .

As described above, the radicals shown in the table of Fig. 4 are employed in the Chinese character input apparatus and method of the present invention. The radicals are also employed in the radical keys 11 and memory means 40. The radicals of Fig. 4 are assigned the radical keys 11, and the Chinese characters of Fig. 4 are stored in the memory means 40. As a result, when the radical keys 11 and the end key 12 are inputted, a Chinese character corresponding to the inputted radical keys 11 is generated.

For example, as shown in Fig. 4, a Chinese character " " is composed of radicals "7ΪC" and "ϊ¹". When two radical keys 11 corresponding to the radicals "7 " and " " are inputted and the end key 12 is inputted in the key input means 10, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value by the operation of the radical and end keys 11 and 12 and fetches the Chinese character "0" corresponding to the data value from the memory means 40. For the Chinese character "i≡f", when two radical keys 11 corresponding to the radicals "Ϊ£" and "0" constituting the Chinese character "i≡f" are inputted and the end key 12 is inputted, a data value corresponding to these radicals is generated and the Chinese character "i≡f" is fetched from the memory means 40. For another example, a Chinese character " " is composed of "ΪZ1" "0", "+" and " -^• " . Accordingly, when four radical keys 11 corresponding to radicals "ΪE" "0", "+" and "S" constituting the Chinese character "|έ" is putted and the end key 12 is inputted, a data value corresponding to these radicals is generated and the Chinese character " " is fetched from the memory means 40.

It should be noted that different Chinese characters may have the same radicals and stroke order. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, two Chinese characters "K" and "Jc" correspond to the case. The two Chinese characters have the same component radicals and stroke order of "0" and " ζ". Such a case is processed by the plural characters processing means 50. When two radical keys 11 corresponding to two radicals "0" and "^ζ" are inputted and the end key 12 is inputted, two Chinese characters "5£" and "5c" are fetched from the memory means 40. In this case, in the plural characters processing means 50, two fetched Chinese characters are displayed, and one of the Chinese characters is determined by the selection of the selection means 51. Meanwhile, when the fetched Chinese characters are displayed, all the fetched Chinese characters are displayed at one time or character by character, so one of them can be selected by the selection means 51. The plural characters processing means 50 will be described in more detail, hereinafter.

The radicals shown in the table of Fig. 4 are assigned the radical keys 11 of the key input means 10. In this case, all of the 214 radicals shown in the Gang Xi Character Dictionary may be assigned the radical keys 11, or the other radicals except for all or a part of the radicals that can be resolved into other radicals may be assigned the radical keys 11. In a key input means 10 shown in Figs. 6a and 6b in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, 146 radicals, which is determined by subtracting 68 radicals capable of being resolved into other radicals such as the Chinese character "i≡f" from the 214 radicals shown in the Gang Xi Character Dictionary, are assigned the radical keys 11. However, as described above, a part of the 68 radicals may be assigned the radical keys 11. Alternatively, a part of the 214 radicals constituting desired Chinese characters may be assigned the radical keys 11. The 146 radicals assigned the radical keys 11 may be preferably assigned to the keyboard of a computer. For small- sized communication devices such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), a relatively small number of radicals may be assigned the radical keys 11. For example, when the input number of radical keys 11 is restricted to several to several tens as in mobile phones, there can be employed a way of selecting a radical, in which required radicals are classified in a certain way as shown in Fig. 7, the first radicals of radical classes are designated as representative radicals 91 as shown in Fig. 7, the representative radicals are assigned the radical keys 11, and all or a part of a radical group corresponding to a selected representative radical are displayed when the representative radicals is selected from the representative radicals 91. In this case, radicals are selected through the representative radicals 91 because of the restricted number of radical keys 11. However, a Chinese character is generated in the same way that radicals are selected and a Chinese character is fetched from the memory means 40, in the same manner as a keyboard is used as the key input means. Figs. 7 and 8 are described in detail, hereinafter.

With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the operation of the Chinese character input apparatus of the present invention is described. When a Chinese character is inputted, one or more radical keys 11 corresponding to one or more radicals constituting the Chinese character are inputted. After the input of the component radicals is completed, the end key 12 is inputted. Key code values SI generated by the operation of the radical keys 11 and the end key 12 are converted into converted key code values S2 through the signal conversion means 20, and the converted key code values S2 are inputted to the Chinese character generation means 30. The Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value by combining the converted key code values S2, and fetches a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value from the memory means 40 by searching the memory means 40 for the Chinese character. In the meantime, it is important to set the maximum input number of radical keys that allows Chinese characters to be generated. Most of Chinese characters are each composed of a plurality of radicals. Many Chinese characters are each composed of five or even more radicals. When Chinese characters each composed of five or more radicals are inputted, it is inefficient to generate the Chinese characters by inputting all of the radicals constituting the Chinese characters. Accordingly, it is preferable to set the maximum input number of radical keys that allows the Chinese characters to be generated. That is, since most of Chinese characters are each composed of a plurality of radicals, it is efficient to allow the Chinese characters to be generated when radicals of a number equal to and less than the maximum input number of radical keys are inputted. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the maximum input number of radical keys is set as N, where N is an integer more than two, preferably four.

As a result, if the maximum input number of radical keys is set such that every Chinese character is generated by the input of N radicals, converted key code values S2 are generated by the operation of N radical keys 11 and the end key 12, and a data value is generated using the converted key code values S2. The memory means 40 is searched for a Chinese character corresponding to the data value, and the Chinese character is fetched from the memory means 40. In this case, N is an integer more than two, and is set by a user.

Even when a Chinese character to input is composed of N+l radicals, N radical keys 11 corresponding to a first radical, a second radical, . . . a N-lth radical and an Nth radical are inputted. Accordingly, the maximum input number of radical keys required to specify every Chinese character is N, and every Chinese character can be generated by the operation of N radical keys. In this case, it should be noted that N has nothing to do with the stroke order of a Chinese character, but designates the maximum input number of the radical keys of a Chinese character. However, when component radicals are inputted, it is convenient to input the component radicals in the stroke order of the Chinese character. Alternatively, Chinese characters can be inputted without setting the maximum input number of radical keys. In this case, radical keys 11 corresponding to all radicals constituting a Chinese character have to be inputted, and the end key, thereafter, has to be inputted. For example, when a Chinese character composed of nine radicals is inputted, nine radical keys 11 corresponding to the nine radicals are inputted and the end key 12 is inputted, thereby generating the Chinese character. The nine radicals, as described above, can be inputted randomly, but are conveniently inputted when being inputted in the stroke order of a Chinese character.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, N is set as four. In this case, each of Chinese characters can be generated by inputting radicals of a number equal to or less than four. In the present invention, the maximum input number of radical keys is not limited to four, but can be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The input number of generated Chinese characters is determined by the setting of N, so N should be appropriately set in consideration of the input number of radicals and the input number of generated Chinese characters. When the reduction of the input number of radicals is first taken into account, N is set as two or three and measures should be taken to treat a plurality of generated Chinese characters. In contrast, when the reduction of the number of generated Chinese characters is first taken into account, N can be set as five or six. However, in this case, the input number of radicals is increased, so the input of radicals becomes inconvenient.

The generation of a Chinese character is described in more detail.

First of all, when a Chinese character composed of a single radical is desired to be inputted, a radical key 11 corresponding to the radical and an end key 12 are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value in response to a converted key code value S2 generated by the operation of the radical key 11, and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value is fetched from the memory means 40.

When a Chinese character composed of two radicals is desired to be inputted, a first radical key 11 corresponding to a first radical, a second radical key 11 corresponding to a second radical and an end key 12 are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value by combining converted key code values S2 generated by the operation of the two radical keys 11, and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value is fetched from the memory means 40.

When a Chinese character composed of three radicals is desired to be inputted, a first radical key 11 corresponding to a first radical, a second radical key 11 corresponding to a second radical, a third radical key 11 corresponding to a third radical and an end key 12 are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value by combining converted key code values S2 generated by the operation of the three radical keys 11, and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value is fetched from the memory means 40.

Furthermore, when a Chinese character composed of four radicals is desired to be inputted, radical keys 11 corresponding to a first, second, third and fourth radicals and an end key 12 are inputted, thereby generating the Chinese character in the same way as described above .

Meanwhile, when a Chinese character composed of five or more radicals is desired to be inputted, first, second, third and fourth radical keys 11 and an end key 12 are inputted. Subsequently, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates the Chinese character in the same way as described above. The radical keys 11 are inputted regardless of the stroke order of the Chinese character, and the number of inputted radical keys 11 corresponds to the maximum input number of radical keys. However, the radical keys 11 are preferably inputted in the stroke order of the Chinese character, and it is convenient that the fourth radical key 11 is a last radical key 11 corresponding to a last radical to be inputted.

The Chinese character input method is described with reference to specific examples.

When a Chinese character "±" is desired to be inputted, a radical key 11 corresponding to a radical "±." is inputted because the Chinese character "±" is composed of a single radical "±", and an end key 12 is inputted. The Chinese character generation means 15 generates a data value using a key code value S2 generated by the operation of the radical key 11 and fetches the Chinese character "rh" corresponding to the data value from the memory means 40. In this case, the memory means 40 stores the Chinese character "±" corresponding to the data value in advance.

When a Chinese character "#?" is desired to be inputted, radical keys 11 corresponding to two component radicals "^~ " and "^f" are inputted because the Chinese character "0" is composed of the two radicals "7Z" and "-?"", and an end key 12 is inputted. The Chinese character generation means 15 generates a data value by combining converted key code values S2 and fetches the Chinese character "#?" corresponding to the data value from the memory means 40.

When a Chinese character "#p" is desired to be inputted, three radical keys 11 corresponding to two component radicals "iζ" , "A" and "P" are inputted and an end key 12 is inputted. Then, the Chinese character "#p" is generated in the same way as described above. When a Chinese character "!" is desired to be inputted, four radical keys 11 corresponding to four radicals "ΪZ1", "0", "^~h" and " S " and an end key 12 are inputted, thereby generating the Chinese character "^". A Chinese character composed of five or more characters can be inputted in the same way as described above. For example, when a Chinese character "&S" is inputted, radical keys 11 corresponding to component radicals "0", "0", "---", "P" and " " and an end key 12 are inputted, thereby generating the Chinese character "B|t".

In the example, the maximum input number of radical keys N is not set. Accordingly, when all of radicals constituting the Chinese character are inputted and the end key 12 is inputted, the Chinese character is generated. However, when the maximum input number of radical keys N is not set, the input number of radicals is increased, so it is inconvenient to input the Chinese character. Accordingly, it is preferable to set the maximum input number of radical keys as a relatively small number. For example, when the maximum input number of radical keys N is set as four, the input number of radical keys becomes four in the cases where Chinese characters each composed of five or more radicals are inputted. Additionally, the inputted radical keys are preferably inputted in sequence in the stroke order of a Chinese character to be inputted. Accordingly, the fourth radical key 11 of the four radical keys 11 is a key 11 corresponding to the last radical of the Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of the Chinese character. However, the fourth radical key 11 can be a radical key corresponding to a fourth radical "P" of the Chinese character "&S".

The radial keys 11 are each assigned at least one radical, and the total radicals covered by the radical keys 11 are preferably about 120 to 214. For small-sized devices, such as a mobile phone, in which the numbers of the keys for the key input means are limited, it is preferable that about 10 to 60 representative radicals are selected, several to several tens of radical keys are each assigned at least one representative key, and about 100 to 214 radicals can be inputted.

Hereinafter, the plural characters processing means 50 is described. When the number of generated Chinese characters is plural in the process of generating Chinese characters, the plural Chinese characters are handled by the plural characters processing means 50. As described above, in the apparatus of the present invention, when one or more radical keys 11 and an end key 12 are inputted, a data value is generated by the input of the radical keys 11 and the end key 12, and, thereafter, a Chinese character corresponding to the data value is generated. In this case, when Chinese characters generated by the input of the radical keys 11 and the end key 12 are plural, the plural Chinese characters are displayed on the plural characters processing means 50 and a desired Chinese character is selected from the plural Chinese characters and determined. The plural characters processing means 50 can be one of various devices, such as a cursor key, a numeral key, a particular selection key and a mouse, which are capable of selecting one of the displayed Chinese characters In a method of processing plural Chinese characters, when Chinese characters generated by the input of radical keys 11 and an end key 12 are plural, the generated Chinese characters are displayed. A desired Chinese character is determined by selecting it from the displayed Chinese characters. Methods of displaying the generated Chinese characters are various. For example, all of the generated Chinese characters can be displayed at one time, or the generated Chinese characters can be displayed one by one. When all of the generated Chinese characters can be displayed at one time, numbers are assigned displayed Chinese characters and a desired Chinese character can be selected by the input of the number of the desired Chinese character, or a desired Chinese character can be selected by moving a cursor using an arrow key. Meanwhile, when the generated Chinese characters are displayed one by one, a Chinese character assigned a default value can be selected. Additionally, a Chinese character can be selected using a mouse. The methods of displaying plural Chinese characters and selecting a desired Chinese character from plural Chinese characters can be various as shown in the embodiments of the present invention.

When Chinese characters generated by the input of radical keys 11 and an end key 12 are plural, a desired Chinese character can be selected by various methods. For example, when two radical keys corresponding to two radicals "0" and "^C" are inputted and an end key 12 are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates Chinese characters composed of the two radicals "0" and " C". In this case, the Chinese characters each composed of the two radicals "0" and ":£" are two Chinese characters "&£" and " :". That is, when the radical keys 11 and the end key 12, as described above, are inputted, two different Chinese characters are generated. The Chinese characters are displayed on a certain window, preferably a UI window. The two Chinese characters are each assigned a number in the window, so a desired Chinese character is selected by selecting a number corresponding to the desired Chinese character, thereby generating the selected Chinese character. As described above, the above method of selecting a desired Chinese character is an example. The desired Chinese character can be selected from the generated Chinese characters by moving a cursor or manipulating a mouse.

In brief, when Chinese characters generated by the input of radical keys 11 and an end key 12 are plural, a desired Chinese character is selected by the plural characters processing means 50.

As described above, when radical keys 11 and an end key 12 are inputted, a certain data value is generated by the input of the radical keys 11 and a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value is fetched from the memory means 40. The end key 12 serves to indicate the end of the radical keys 11. When the end key 12 is inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value by the input of the radical keys 11. However, when the maximum input number of radical keys N is set, the completion of the input of radical keys 11 can be recognized without the input of the end key 12 when radical keys 11 of a number equal to the maximum input number of radical keys N are inputted, thereby generating a Chinese character corresponding to a data value determined by the input of the radical keys 11. Hereinafter, the above process is described in detail. In such a case, the Chinese character generation means 30 of the present invention receives converted key code values S2 from the signal conversion means 20, generates a data value using the input of radical keys 11 without the input of the end key 12 when radical keys 11 of a number equal to the maximum input number of radical keys N are inputted, and generates a Chinese character corresponding to the data value by searching the memory means 40 for the Chinese character. In this case, the maximum input number of radical keys 11 is set in advance. In accordance with another embodiment, a user can set the plural maximum input numbers of radical keys N. For example, when every Chinese character can be inputted at a maximum of four, the maximum input number of radical keys 11 is four. However, in the present invention, the maximum input number of radical keys 11 is not limited to four, but the maximum input number of radical keys 11 can be one of integers more than two, preferably four.

Accordingly, when the maximum input number of radical keys

11 is set as four, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value using the input of the radical keys 11 when three or fewer radical keys 11 corresponding to radicals constituting a Chinese character to be inputted and an end key

12 are inputted, and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value is fetched from the memory means 40. Alternatively, when a Chinese character is desired to be generated by the input of four radical keys 11, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value according to four radical keys 11 without the input of an end key 12 when a fourth radical key 11 is inputted, and a Chinese character corresponding to the data value is generated. As a result, when radical keys 11 of a number equal to the maximum input number of radical keys 11 are inputted, a Chinese character is automatically generated. On the other hand, when radical keys 11 of a number less than the maximum input number of radical keys 11 are inputted, a Chinese character is generated only when an end key 12 is inputted.

In brief, when radical keys 11 of a number equal to the maximum input number of radical keys 11 are inputted, a Chinese character is automatically generated; while when radical keys 11 of a number less than the maximum input number of radical keys 11 are inputted, a Chinese character is generated by the input of an end key 12.

For example, there is described a case where the maximum input number of radical keys 11 is four. When a Chinese character to be inputted is composed of a radical, for example, a Chinese character "±" is inputted, a radical key 11 corresponding to a radical "db" and an end key 12 are inputted because the Chinese character "±" is composed of a radical "db". The Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value using a converted key code value S2 generated by the input of the radical key 11 and the end key 12, and fetches the Chinese character "±" corresponding to the data value from the memory means 40. In this case, the Chinese character "±" corresponding to the data value from the memory means 40 has been stored in the memory means 40 in advance.

When a Chinese character " p" composed of two radicals is inputted, two radical keys 11 corresponding to two radicals " ^"" and "^-" and an end key 12 are inputted because the Chinese character "#f" is composed of two radicals "tf" and "-?^•". The Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value by combining the converted key code values S2 of inputted radical keys 11 and end key 12, and fetches a Chinese character "$?" corresponding to the data value from the memory means 40.

When a Chinese character "#p" is inputted, three radical keys 11 corresponding to three radicals "T ", "Λ" and "P" and an end key 12 are inputted, thereby generating the Chinese character "#p" from the memory means 40 in the same way.

When a Chinese character "-^" is inputted, four radical keys 11 corresponding to four radicals "ΪZ1", "0", "+" and "$" are sequentially inputted. The Chinese character generation means 40 generates a data value using the input of the radical keys 11, and fetches the Chinese character "#" from the memory means 40. In this case, the Chinese character "^" is stored in the memory means 40, and assigned the generated data value.

For a Chinese character "BJS" composed of five radicals more than the maximum input number of radicals, or four, radical keys 11 corresponding to four radicals of the component radicals constituting the Chinese character "BiS" are inputted. The four radicals of the component radicals to be inputted and the input order of the four radicals can be randomly determined. Since the input of the four radicals according to the stroke order of the Chinese character "0H" is convenient to use, it is described as an embodiment. That is, radical keys 11 corresponding to radicals "0", "0" and " -¹- " are inputted in sequence, and a radical key 11 corresponding to the fourth or last radical in terms of the stroke order of the Chinese character "^i". If the fourth inputted radical key 11 is determined as the last radical, when a radical key 11 corresponding to a radical " " is inputted (without the input of the end key 12), the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value using the input of the four radical keys 11, and generates the Chinese character "Bjt".

Fig. 5 is a view showing a key input means 10 of a Chinese character input apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The key input means 10 of the present invention is implemented in a keyboard. Although the key input means 10 of the present invention applied to a keyboard is illustrated in Fig. 5, the key input means 10 can be applied to the keypads of other communication devices, such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants, using representative radical keys, as shown in Fig. 6. Additionally, Fig. 5 shows radicals assigned to the keys of the key input means 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 5, the key input means 10 of the present invention is provided with a plurality of radical keys 11 for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters, an end key 12 for indicating the end of input of the radical keys 11, and a selection key for processing a plurality of Chinese characters when a plurality of Chinese characters are generated by the input of the radical keys 11 and the end key 12. The radical keys 11 and the end key 12 are arranged at positions shown in Fig. 5. Additionally, there are shown a plurality of function keys that are not indispensable but perform functions for interchangeability with a conventional keyboard.

As described above, Fig. 5 shows a computer keyboard, and the computer keyboard is only one example. The key input means 10 can be applied to other communication devices as shown in Fig. 6. 64 radical keys 11 are arranged in the computer keyboard, and each of the radical keys 11 is assigned three radicals. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the above embodiment is an example for ease of explanation. Each radical key 11 can be assigned one, two or more radicals. Accordingly, the numbers of the radical keys 11 and the radicals can be varied. When the number of radical keys 11 is increased, these radical keys 11 can be assigned a relatively small number of radicals; while when the number of radical keys 11 is decreased, these radical keys can be assigned a relatively large number of radicals. The number of radical keys 11 is preferably 55 to 100, and the number of radicals is preferably 120 to 214.

Further, in other communication devices, the numbers of radical keys 11 and radicals can be varied. For example, for mobile phones, the number of radical keys 11 can be several or several tens. In this case, the total number of radicals that can be assigned to the radical keys 11 can be several tens or hundreds. In the case of being applied to mobile phones used nowadays, the number of radical keys 10 is preferably ten like the number of numeral keys, and the radical keys 10 are each assigned one to four radicals, preferably three for convenience of use. That is, the 146 radical keys 11 is reduced to the ten radical keys 11 and the ten radical keys 11 are each assigned several radicals, so three to seven radicals corresponding to a radical key 11 are displayed when the radical key 11 is inputted and one of the three or seven radicals is inputted by selecting it, thus realizing the effect of a large number of radical keys 11 like those of a keyboard.

Additionally, as shown in Fig. 5, the key input means 10 is provided on its both sides with first and second designation keys 14-1 and 14-2. In a conventional keyboard, the keys of the keyboard are each assigned two characters. When the lower character of the two character assigned to each key is inputted, only a corresponding key is pressed; whereas when the upper character of the two character assigned to each key is inputted, the key is pressed while a shift key is pressed. As shown in Fig. 5, each of radical keys is assigned three radicals. Similarly to the conventional function, when the lower radical of the three radicals assigned to each key is inputted, only a corresponding radical key 11 is inputted; when a upper left radical of the three radicals assigned to each key is inputted, a corresponding radical key 11 is pressed while the first designation key 14-1 is pressed; when upper right radical of the three radicals assigned to each key is inputted, a corresponding radical key 11 is pressed while the second designation key 14-2 is pressed. Since in this embodiment each of radical keys 11 is assigned three radicals, the first and second designation keys are necessary. However, when each of radical keys 11 is assigned two radicals, only the shift key is necessary as in the convention keyboard. Fig. 5 shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, those skilled in the art can vary the number and position of the keys of the key input means 10 and the kind of the key input means 10.

As described above, the term "radical" designates the least unit element of a Chinese character. However, the term "radical" is extended to include a complete Chinese character. The complete Chinese character refers to a Chinese character that is frequently used in Chinese sentences and easily connected with other radicals, like a preposition, a postposition, a particle, an imperative character, an infinitive, a simplified Chinese character and the like. The total number of complete Chinese characters is limited to a certain number in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand that a Chinese character can be used as a radical and vice versa. The complete Chinese is described hereinafter. As shown in Fig. 5, in the key input means 10, keys are assigned complete Chinese characters, and the keys are used like the radical keys 11. That is, like the way that a Chinese character is generated by inputting radical keys corresponding to radicals constituting the Chinese character, a Chinese character can be generated by inputting a complete Chinese character key corresponding to the Chinese character. For example, as a radical key 11 is assigned a Chinese character "]&^■" and the radical key 11 is inputted to generate Chinese character "TZ", three keys are respectively assigned " ", "Il" and " " and can be used the same way as the radical keys 11.

In the case where keys are assigned complete Chinese characters and the keys are used the same as the radical keys 11, the complete Chinese characters can be selected according to the following principle. First of all, simplified Chinese characters can be selected as complete Chinese characters in consideration of the importance and frequency in use of them. The simplified Chinese characters are used nowadays under the policy of a Chinese government, so they can be efficiently used. Next, complete Chinese characters corresponding to a preposition, a postposition, a particle, an imperative character, an infinitive, a simplified Chinese character and the like can be selected so as to reduce inconvenience in use. Finally, complete Chinese characters that are frequently used in Chinese sentences and easily connected with other radicals for the above two cases can be selected. Of course, the above complete Chinese characters can be inputted using the radical keys 11 corresponding to the component radicals of the complete Chinese characters.

As described above, the complete Chinese characters assigned to radical keys 11 are selected by analyzing sentences and everyday language.

Meanwhile, the key input means 10 of the Chinese character input apparatus can be applied to small-sized devices such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants. Fig. 6(a) is a view showing a key input means 10 of the Chinese character input apparatus in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the key input means 10 is applied to a keyboard. Additionally, Fig. 6(b) is a view showing the detailed keypad of the key input means 10. As shown in Figs. 6(a) and 6(b), the key input means 10 of this embodiment includes a plurality of radical keys 11 for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters and an end key 12 for indicating the end of input of the radical keys 11 after the last inputted radical key 11 of the radical keys 11 is inputted. The radical keys 11 and the radicals are preferably arranged as shown in Figs. 6(a) and 6(b), and the arrangement is not limited to this.

Here, the point is that Figs. 6(a) and 6(b) show another key input means of the Chinese character input apparatus in accordance with the present invention. This embodiment shows that the present invention provides the key input means including the radical keys 11 and the end key 12 in which the radicals can be inputted, and that its key input means 10 can be applied to mobile phones with a small number of keys in comparison with a computer keyboard. It is not intended that the key input means 10 described below limits the present invention but is an example.

Radicals assigned to the radical keys 11 of Fig. 6 are based on the classified table of Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a classified table in which the radicals of Chinese characters are classified according to a certain system. The radicals are classified according to their meanings and shapes. Referring to Fig. 7, radicals are first classified into ten groups according to their meaning and shapes, and each of the groups is divided into three sections. Each group includes six radicals, and 180 radicals are included in total.

In the classified table of Fig. 7, the first radicals 91 (hereinafter, referred to as "representative radicals") of the sections and the remaining radicals (hereinafter, referred to as "subordinate radicals") are arranged in terms of meaning and shape. Accordingly, the representative radicals including

"—", "Φ", " r " and "$5c" are thirty and the thirty representative radicals 91 are assigned to the radical keys 11 of Fig. 6. Additionally, three representative radicals 91 are assigned to each of the radical keys 11. The left portion of each radical key 11 is assigned to a first section, the middle portion of each radical key 11 is assigned to a second section, and a right portion of each radical key 11 is assigned to a third section.

Hereinafter, the input of the radical keys 11 is described. When a certain key 11 is inputted (pressed) once, the representative radical 91 of a first section and its subordinate radicals are all displayed on a display unit (not shown) and a desired one of the displayed radicals is selected. The selection of the desired radical can be performed by using an arrow key, or assigning numbers to the displayed radicals and using a numeral key. For example, when a No. 1 radical key, that is, a upper left radical key (on which a radical "—" is indicated) , is inputted once, all the radials of the first section, that is, "—", "—", "≡", "X", "Λ" and "A", as shown in Fig. 7, are displayed on a display device and a desired one of the displayed radicals is selected. When the first radical key is inputted twice, all the radicals of the second section are displayed on the display device and one of them is selected. Additionally, when the first radical key is inputted three times, all the radicals of the third section are displayed. When the first radical key is inputted twice and three times, the radical key is preferably pressed in sequence at short intervals.

In the same manner, when a No. 4 radical key (on which a radical "ft" is indicated) is inputted twice, all the radical keys of the second section, that is, "^", "HIL", "0", "0",

"p" and "If", are displayed. Subsequently, one radical is selected from the displayed radicals.

The process of generating a Chinese character using the key input means applied to a mobile phone is described as an example. When a Chinese character "0" composed of two radicals is inputted, a No. 6 radical key is inputted because the Chinese character "#f" is composed of two radicals "Tic" and "φ". Then, radicals "φ", " ", "ft", " ", "^" and "f³" are displayed. Subsequently, a radical "φ" i_s selected. Thereafter, the No. 6 radical key is inputted once. Then, the above six radicals are displayed and, subsequently, a radical "φ" is selected.

When the input of radical keys 11 corresponding to the two radicals is completed, the end key 12 is inputted. The signal conversion means 20 converts the key code values SI of the radical keys 11 and the end key 12 into converted key code values S2 and outputs the converted key code values S2 to the Chinese character generation means 30. The Chinese character generation means 30 receives the converted key code values S2, and generates a certain data value by combining the converted key code values S2. Subsequently, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means 40 for the Chinese character.

A Chinese character, as described above, can be generated by inputting radical keys, but is an example. Accordingly, the method for inputting radical keys can be various.

The key input means 10 of the present invention can be applied to portable computers (notebook computers), the keypads of mobile phones and the keypads of personal digital assistants as well as computer keyboards. As shown in Figs. 6(a), 6(b) and 7, radical keys 11 assigned 180 radicals can be inputted.

However, in small-sized communication devices, such as the keypads of mobile phones, differently from computer keyboards, the sizes of them are limited, so the number of radicals assigned to them is small and, accordingly, the input of radical keys is increased.

Meanwhile, differently from the above description, a Chinese character can be generated without inputting an end key 12. That is, a first radical key is inputted and, thereafter, a certain key for determining the maximum input number of the remaining radicals is inputted. The maximum input number of the remaining radicals is compared with the input number of radical keys inputted after the input of the first radical key. When the maximum input number of the remaining radicals is equal to the input number of radical keys inputted after the input of the first radical key, the Chinese character generation means 30 recognizes this and generates a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means 40 for the Chinese character. Hereinafter, this is described in more detail.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a Chinese character input apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 8, the Chinese character input apparatus of another embodiment comprises a key input means 10 comprised of a plurality of radical keys 11 for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters, and at least one key input number determination key 13 for determining the input number of remaining radical keys to be inputted after the input of a first radical key; a signal conversion means connected to the key input means 10 for converting one or more key code values SI generated in the key input means into converted code values S2 processed later; a memory means 40 for storing a plurality of Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals and each assigned a data value; a Chinese character generation means 30 for receiving the converted key code values S2 from the signal conversion means 20, generating a data value corresponding to key code values S2 generated by the first radical key and the remaining radical keys in the signal conversion means when there are inputted the remaining radical keys of a number equal to the input number of radicals determined by the key input number determination key 13 in the case where the first radical key is inputted and a secondly inputted key is a key input number determination key, and generating a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means for the Chinese character; a plural characters processing means 50 for selecting and determining one of two or more Chinese characters when the two or more Chinese characters are generated by the Chinese character generation means 30; and a display means 60 for displaying Chinese characters generated by the Chinese character generation means 30 and determined by the plural characters processing means 50.

In the Chinese character input apparatus, the radical keys 11, the signal conversion means 20, the plural characters processing means 50 and the display means 60 are the same as those of the example described above, so the description of these parts is omitted. Accordingly, the apparatus of this embodiment is described, with the key input number determination means 13 and the Chinese character generation means 30 being described in detail. The principal feature of the apparatus of this embodiment is that when a Chinese character composed of a radical is inputted, the Chinese character is generated as soon as a radical key 11 corresponding to the radical is inputted. Additionally, when a Chinese character composed of two or more radicals is inputted, the Chinese character is generated when a first radical key 11 is inputted, the input number of remaining radical keys 11 to be inputted later is determined by the key input number determination key 13 in advance, and radical keys 11 of a number equal to the previously determined key input number are inputted. This is described in more detail, hereinafter.

When a Chinese character composed of one radical is inputted, a radical key corresponding to the radical is inputted. In this case, when a radical key 11 corresponding to another Chinese character is inputted without inputting an end key 12 or key input number determination key 13, the Chinese character corresponding to the firstly inputted radical key 11 is fetched from the memory means 40. That is, when a Chinese character composed of one radical is inputted, the Chinese character corresponding to a firstly inputted radical key 11 is immediately generated without the input of an end key 12 when the firstly inputted radical key 11 is inputted. Accordingly, the Chinese character is generated by the input of one radical key.

Meanwhile, when a Chinese character composed of two or more radicals is inputted, a first radical key 11 corresponding to a first radical of the two or more radicals is inputted and, thereafter, a key input number determination key 13 is inputted to determine the input number of one or more remaining radical keys except for the first radical key 11. For example, for a Chinese character composed of two radicals, the input number of a remaining radical key except for the first radical key 11 is one. In this case, a key input number determination key 11 is inputted to determine the input number of a remaining radical key as one. For a Chinese character composed of three radicals, the input number of remaining radical keys except for the first radical key 11 is two. In this case, a key input number determination key 11 is inputted to determine the input number of a remaining radical key as two. For a Chinese character composed of four radicals, the input number of remaining radical keys except for the first radical key 11 is three. In this case, a key input number determination key 11 is inputted to determine the input number of a remaining radical key as three. The key input number determination key 13 is determined according to the maximum input number of radical keys set in advance. As described above, the maximum input number of radical keys is preferably four, but is not restricted to this. Accordingly, when the maximum input number of radical keys is set as four, three key input determination keys are provided to determine the key input number of one or more remaining radical keys as one, two and three, respectively. Although not shown in drawings, the key input means is provided with separate key input number determination keys, or existing keys can be used as the key input number determination keys .

In the case where the maximum key input number of radical keys is not set in advance, the key input means should be provided with N-l key input determination keys (N is a number of component radicals of a random Chinese character) . For example, when a Chinese character composed of nine radicals is inputted, the Chinese character is generate in such a way that a first radical key is inputted, a key input number determination key is inputted to determine the key input number of remaining radical keys as eight, a data value is generated when the remaining radical keys of a number equal to the key input number of remaining radical keys are inputted, and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value is fetched from a memory means .

The operation of the key input number determination key is described in detail.

First of all, a key input number determination key for one radial key input is described. The key input number determination key for one radical key input is used for Chinese characters each composed of two radicals. For example, when a Chinese character "#?" is inputted, a radical key corresponding to a radical "TZ" is inputted, a key input number determination key for one radical key input, and a radical key corresponding to a radical "φ" is inputted. Subsequently, the Chinese character determination means 30 recognizes the key input number of remaining radical keys determined by the key input number determination key, generates a data value using the input of radical keys 11 when a remaining radical key of a number equal to the key input number is inputted, and the Chinese character "#?" is fetched from the memory means 40. A key input number determination key for two radical key inputs is used for Chinese characters each composed of three radicals. For example, when a Chinese character "i£" is inputted, a radical key corresponding to a radical " 0 inputted first. Subsequently, the key input number of remaining radical keys to be inputted later is two, so a key input number determination key for two radical key inputs is inputted. At this time, the Chinese character determination means 30 recognizes the key input number of the remaining radical keys determined by the key input number determination key. Subsequently, radical keys 11 corresponding to two radicals "±" and "φ" are inputted. When the two remaining radical keys 11 are inputted, the Chinese character determination means 30 determines whether the input number of the remaining radical keys is equal to the number of inputted radical keys, generates a data value using the input of the radical keys 11 corresponding to radicals "0", "db" and "Φ", and fetches the Chinese character "B^F" from the memory means 40.

A key input number determination key for three radical key inputs is used for Chinese characters each composed of four radicals. For example, when a Chinese character " S" is inputted, a radical key corresponding to a radical "φ" i_s inputted first. Subsequently, the key input number of remaining radical keys to be inputted later is three, so a key input number determination key for three radical key inputs is inputted. At this time, the Chinese character determination means 30 recognizes the key input number of remaining radical keys determined by the key input number determination key. Subsequently, radical keys 11 corresponding to the three remaining radicals "0", "db" and "^" are inputted. When the three radical keys 11 are inputted, the Chinese character determination means 30 determines whether the input number of remaining radical keys is equal to the number of inputted radical keys, generates a data value using the input of the radical keys 11 corresponding to radicals "Φ", "0", "φ" and "H ", and fetches the Chinese character "ijϊll" from the memory means 40.

When a Chinese character "BjR" composed of five radicals is inputted, a radical key corresponding to a radical "0" is inputted first. Subsequently, since the key input number of remaining radical keys to be inputted later is three, a key input number determination key for four radical key inputs is inputted and second, third, fourth and fifth radical keys 11 corresponding to the four remaining radicals "0", "-«-", "P" and "φ" are inputted. At this time, the input number determined by the key input number determination key is equal to the number of inputted remaining radical keys, so the Chinese character determination means 30 generates a data value using the input of the five radical keys 11 and fetches the Chinese character "BjR" from the memory means 40.

When a Chinese character "ϋ" composed of six radicals is inputted, a radical key corresponding to a radical " ^•++^* " is inputted, a key input number determination key for five radical key inputs is inputted, and second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth radical keys 11 corresponding to the four remaining

radicals " (/)", "O", "P", "P" and "Φ" are inputted. At this time, the key input number determined by the key input number determination key is equal to the number of inputted remaining radical keys, so the Chinese character determination means 30 generates a data value using the input of the six radical keys 11 and fetches the Chinese character "ϋ" from the memory means 40.

However, when the maximum key input number of radical keys is set as four, every Chinese character is generated by the input of four or less radical keys. In the case where a Chinese character composed of five radical keys is inputted, only four radical keys 11 are inputted. In this case, a first radical key 11 is inputted, a key input number determination key for three radical key inputs is inputted, and the three radical keys of the remaining radical keys are inputted. Although the three radical keys and the input order of the radical keys can be randomly selected, it is convenient to use to input the radical keys in the stroke order of the Chinese character. Additionally, a fourth radical key 11 is preferably a radical key corresponding to a last radical in terms of the stroke order of the Chinese character. Then, when the key input number determined by the key input number determination key is equal to the number of inputted remaining radical keys, a data value is generated using the input of the radical keys 11 and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value is generated. In the above example, for the Chinese character " " composed of five radicals, a radical key corresponding to a radical " 0 " is inputted, a key input number determination key for three radical key inputs is inputted, and second and third radical keys 11 corresponding to two radicals "0" and "-*-", and a fourth radical key corresponding "Φ" is inputted. At this time, the input number of remaining radicals determined by the key input number determination key is equal to the number of inputted remaining radical keys, so the Chinese character determination means 30 generates a data value using the input of the four radical keys 11 and fetches the Chinese character "Bj|" from the memory means 40. In this case, second, third and fourth radical keys 11 can be randomly selected and the input order of the radical keys 11 can also be randomly selected. Accordingly, the first, second, third and fourth radical keys can be radical keys corresponding to the random radicals of the component radicals of the Chinese character

"Bf", and the last radical key 11 can be a radical key corresponding to the radical "P". However, it is convenient to use to set the input order of the radial keys as the stroke order of the Chinese character.

In the similar manner, for a Chinese character "ϋ" composed of six radicals, a radical key corresponding to a radical "-H-" is inputted, a key input number determination key for three radical key inputs is inputted, second and third

radical keys 11 corresponding to two radicals "τ (/)" and "P" are inputted, and a fourth radical key 11 corresponding to a radical "φ" is inputted. At this time, the key input number determined by the key input number determination key is equal to the number of inputted remaining radical keys, so the Chinese character determination means 30 generates a data value using the input of the four radical keys 11 and fetches the Chinese character "ϋ" corresponding to the data value from the memory means 40. The radical keys and the input order of the radical keys, as described above, can be randomly selected.

If the maximum input number of radical keys is five, a key input number determination key for four radical key inputs is provided to indicate the key input number of remaining radical keys as four.

When a plurality of Chinese character are generated by the Chinese character generation means 30, the Chinese characters are processed by the plural characters processing means 50.

The plural characters processing means 50 has the same function as that described above, so the description of this is omitted.

Fig. 9 is a view showing the key input means of the

Chinese character input apparatus of Fig. 8. When the key input means 10 of Fig. 9 is compared with the key input means 10 of Fig. 5, the radical keys 11 of Fig. 9 is the same as that of Fig. 5, an end key of Fig. 5 is eliminated and a plurality of key input number determination keys 13 are added in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 9, the key input means 10 includes a plurality of radical keys 11 for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters and a plurality of key input number determination keys 13 for determining the input number of remaining radicals except for a first radical key 11.

As described above, there are provided 1 to N-l input number determination keys 13 according to the maximum input number N of radical keys 11. When the maximum input number N of radical keys 11 is not set, the input number of radical keys is increased, thereby causing inconvenience for use, as described above. Accordingly, although the maximum input number N is preferably set as five, the present invention is not restricted to this.

Fig. 9 shows an example in which the maximum input number N of radical keys is set as five and the number of key input number determination keys 13 is set as four. However, the number of the key input determination keys 13 shown in Fig. 9 is only an example. Accordingly, the number of the key input determination keys 13 can be decreased or increased according to the set maximum input number N. As shown in Fig. 9, the key input determination keys 13 are composed of key input number determination keys for determining the input number of remaining radical keys as one, two, three and four. Accordingly, Fig. 9 shows another key input means 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 9 is the key input means 10 of Fig. 8 in detail, and the description of the key input means 10 has been already performed and is omitted here.

In the meantime, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the key input number determination keys 13 determine both the input number of the remaining radical keys except for a first radical key 11 and the combined configuration of radicals constituting a Chinese character. Hereinafter, this is described in detail. As described above, there are provided a plurality of key input number determination keys. That is, as described above, there are provided one, two, three, . . . key input number determination keys. The key input number determination keys 13 are divided into various classes. That is, the key input number determination keys 13 are divided into classes according to the combined configurations of radicals constituting a Chinese character. Each of the key input number determination keys 13 divided into classes has both information about the input number of the remaining radical keys except for a first radical key 11 and information about the combined configuration of radicals constituting a Chinese character. Accordingly, when a key input number determination key 13 is inputted, the input number of remaining radical keys 11 and the combined configuration of the component radicals of a Chinese character are determined. For example, when a key input number determination key for one radical key input is inputted, the input number of remaining radical keys 11 is determined as one and the combined configuration of two radicals corresponding to first and second radical keys 11 is determined.

As described above, the key input number determination keys 13 are divided into the classes according to the combined configuration of radicals constituting a Chinese character to be inputted. When a Chinese character is composed of two radicals, there is employed a key input number determination key for one radical key input. The key input number determination key for one radical key input can be divided into one of various classes according to the combined configuration of component radicals, and different key input number determination keys are used according to the combined configuration of component radicals. For example, when two component radicals of a Chinese character are combined together in a right-left configuration, a right-left configuration type key input number determination key is inputted; when two component radicals of a Chinese character are combined together in an upper-lower configuration, an upper-lower configuration type key input number determination key is inputted. For Chinese characters each composed of two radicals, there are a variety of combined configurations. A key input number determination key is selected and inputted according to the combined configuration of the component radicals of a Chinese character to be inputted.

When a Chinese character composed of three radicals is inputted, a first radical key is inputted, a key input number determination key for two radial key inputs is inputted according to the combined configuration of the component radicals of the Chinese character, and remaining radical keys are inputted. In a similar manner, for a Chinese character composed of four or more radicals, a first radical key is inputted, a key input number determination key for two radial key inputs is inputted according to the combined configuration of the component radicals of the Chinese character, and remaining radical keys are inputted.

When the right-left configuration type key input number determination key for one radical key input is inputted, a key code value SI generated by the input of the key input number determination key is converted into a converted key code value S2 by the signal conversion means and the converted key code value S2 is inputted to the Chinese character generation means 30. The input of the right-left configuration type key input number determination key has both information that the input number of remaining radical keys to be inputted later is one and information that the component radicals of the Chinese character are combined together in a right-left combined configuration. A key code value regarding the two pieces of information is generated and sent to the Chinese character generation means 30, and the Chinese character generation means 30 recognizes the information.

In such a case, most of Chinese characters are each composed of a plurality of component radicals and the component radicals are combined together in one of various combined configurations, so it is difficult to divide the key input number determination keys according to all the combined configurations. Accordingly, it is preferable to divide the combined configurations of all Chinese characters into two types and employ the two types. For example, it is convenient to divide the combined configurations of all Chinese characters into right-left and upper-lower configuration types. Two key input number determination keys for one radical key input are divided into the right-left and top-bottom configuration types, and other configurations are subordinated to one of the right- left and top-bottom configuration types. By this, the key input number determination keys for one radical key input can be conveniently used. In the same manner, it is convenient to divide each pair of key input number determination keys for two, three, . . . radical key into the right-left and top-bottom configuration types. The configuration types can be set as shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a view showing a modified key input means 10 of Fig. 9 in which various key input number determination keys are provided. However, the various key input number determination keys are examples, but can be varied according to the combined configuration of component radicals.

Hereinafter, the operation of the Chinese character input apparatus of this embodiment is described. For example, when a Chinese character "$?" is inputted, a first radical key corresponding to a radical "TZ" is inputted, and, subsequently, a key input number determination key for one radical key input is inputted. In this case, in the Chinese character "#?" to be inputted, two radicals "TZ" and "φ" are combined together in a right-left configuration, so a right-left configuration type key input number determination key 13-1 for one radical key input is inputted. Subsequently, a remaining radical key corresponding to a radical "φ" is inputted.

When the radical key 11 and the key input number determination key 13-1 for determining the key input number of remaining radical keys and the combined configuration of the component radical keys are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 recognizes the key input number and the combined configuration, compare the number of inputted radical keys with the recognized key input number, generates a data value when the number of inputted radical keys is equal to the recognized key input number, and fetches the Chinese character from the memory means 40.

The division of key input number determination keys into two types is to prevent plural characters from being generated. For example, when a radical key corresponding to a radical "0" is inputted, a key input number determination key for one radical key input is inputted and a radical key corresponding to a radical "i" is inputted, two Chinese characters "E#t" and "Jc" are generated. In this case, the component radicals of one character is the same as those of the other character, but the combined configuration of the component radicals of one character is different from that of those of the other character. That is, the first character has a right-left combined configuration, while the second character has an upper-lower combined configuration. Accordingly, if the combined configuration of a Chinese character to be inputted is determined by the key input number determination key, the number of generated Chinese characters becomes one. However, Chinese characters each composed of three or more radicals may have various combined configurations except for the right-left and upper-lower combined configurations. In this case, a key input number determination key for two radical key inputs is inputted according to the combined configuration of a Chinese character composed of three or more radicals by analyzing the combined configuration of the Chinese character. A various kinds of key input number determination keys can be provided. However, when a various kinds of key input number determination keys are provided, the generation of plural characters is minimized, the key input means 10 is increased in size and becomes inconvenient to use. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10, combined configurations are classified into right-left and upper-lower types, and other combined configurations are subordinated to the two types. However, this is an example. More combined configurations can be employed so as to eliminate the limitation of keys and the generation of plural characters. Additionally, in the case of Chinese characters each composed of three or more radicals, their combined configurations may be various. Particular, in each of the Chinese characters, various combined configurations including upper-lower, right-left and surrounding combined configurations are mixed. In this case, the key input number determination key is inputted according to the combined configuration of a Chinese character to be inputted. However, in this case, the number of key input number determination keys is increased, so inconvenience is caused to a user. Accordingly, the key input number determination keys are each divided into upper-lower and right-left combined configuration types and other combined configurations are subordinated to the upper-lower and right- left combined configuration types.

Additionally, when a first radical key 11 corresponding to the first radical of three or more radicals is inputted, the key input number determination key is inputted according to the combined configuration of the first radical and the remaining portion and remaining radical keys corresponding to the remaining radicals are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 recognizes the number of remaining radical keys to be inputted later and the combined configuration of component radicals determined by the key input number determination key, generates a data value using key code values generated by the inputted radical keys and the key input number determination key, and fetches a Chinese character from the memory means 40. The input order of the radical keys and the combined configuration of component radicals can be randomly set. However, it is convenient for use to input the radicals in the stroke order of a Chinese character to be inputted.

In the case where the key input number determination keys, as shown in Fig. 10, are divided into two types in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one of the two types of key input number determination key is inputted according to the combined configuration of the first radical key and the remaining portion of a Chinese character to be inputted. For example, in the case of a Chinese character "0#", three radicals "0", "Φ" and "Φ" are combined together in right-left and upper-lower combined configurations. In this case, the first radical "0" is combined with the remaining radicals, so a radical key corresponding to the radical "0" is firstly inputted, a right-left combined configuration type key input number determination key 13-4 for two radical key inputs 13-4 is secondly inputted, and two radical keys 11 corresponding to the radicals "Φ" and "φ" are inputted. Then, the Chinese character generation means 30 compares the number of the remaining radical keys to be inputted later with the number of inputted radical keys, generates a data value corresponding to the inputted radial keys 11 and the combined configuration determined by the key input number determination key 13-4, and fetches the Chinese character corresponding to the data value from the memory means. In the case where a Chinese character composed of four or more radicals is inputted, the key input number determination keys are divided into two types, and one of the two types of key input number determination key is inputted according to the combined configuration of the first radical key and the remaining portion of a Chinese character to be inputted.

In a Chinese characters composed of two radicals, one of its two radicals may be surrounded by the other radical. For this case, key input number determination keys for other combined configurations different from right-left and upper- lower combined configurations can be provided. However, these combined configurations are considered as the right-left combined configuration, so the Chinese character having these combined configurations can be inputted using the right-left combined configuration type key input number determination key. When a Chinese character composed of three or more radicals is inputted, a key input number determination key type is determined according to the combined configuration of its first radical and its remaining portion. For example, when a Chinese character " S" is inputted, a first radical key 11 corresponding to a radical "TZ" is inputted and a key input number determination key for two radical key inputs because the number of remaining radicals is two. In this case, the key input number determination key type is determined according to the combined configuration of the first radical and the remaining portion. In the case of the Chinese character " £", a first radical "^~k" in terms of the stroke order of the Chinese character is firstly combined with a radical "3" in the right-left combined configuration, and secondly combined with a radical "'C/' in the upper-lower combined configuration. Accordingly, the first combination has a priority, so a right- left combined configuration type key input number determination key 13-4 for two radical key inputs is inputted first. Subsequently, radical keys 11 corresponding to two radicals

"3" and "'[ " are inputted. Then, the Chinese character generation means 30 recognizes an input number and a right-left combined configuration determined by the right-left combined configuration type key input number determination key 13-4 for two radical key inputs. Thereafter, when the input number of remaining radical keys to be inputted becomes equal to the number of inputted radical keys, there is generated a data value corresponding to key code values generated by the inputted radical keys 11 and the recognized combined configuration of the Chinese character, and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value is fetched from the memory means 40. In this case, the above-described input order of the radical keys 11 is an example, but the radical keys 11 can be inputted in random order. The key input number determination key can be inputted according to any of the right-left and upper-lower combined configurations. However, it is preferable to input the key input number determination key according to the combined configuration of a first radical and the remaining portion of a Chinese character to be inputted.

In the case of a Chinese character composed of four or more radicals, its first radical is combined with the remaining portion of the Chinese character in a right-left or upper-lower combined configuration. In this case, one of right-left and upper-lower combined configuration types key input number determination keys is selected and inputted according to the combined configuration of the first radical and the remaining portion.

A Chinese character composed of two radicals can have a surrounding combined configuration different from right-left and upper-lower combined configurations. The Chinese character can be inputted using a surrounding combined configuration type key input number determination key 13-3. Alternatively, the Chinese character can be inputted using a right-left or upper- lower combined configuration type key input number determination key.

As described above, a key input number determination key 13 has both information about the number of radical keys to be inputted later and information about the combined configuration of the Chinese character to be inputted. Accordingly, when the key input number determination key 13 is inputted, a key code value SI corresponding to the information is generated, and the generated key code value SI is converted into a converted key code value S2 through the signal conversion means 20 and inputted to the Chinese character generation means 30. The Chinese character generation means 30 recognizes the information, and generates a data value by combining this with converted key code values S2 generated by the radical keys 11. Accordingly, the data value is generated by the combination of the key code values S2 generated by the radical keys 11 and the key code value S2 generated by the key input number determination key 13, the key code value S2 generated by the key input number determination key 13 having information about the input number and the combined configuration.

In addition, the present invention provides a Chinese character input method. Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the Chinese character input method of the present invention is described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of generating a Chinese character in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

First of all, a first radical key 11 corresponding to the first radical of component radicals constituting a Chinese character to be inputted is inputted (S100) . Thereafter, it is determined whether an end key 12 for indicating the end of the input of radical keys 11 is inputted (S101) . If the end key 12 is inputted, a Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value corresponding to the input of the first radical key 11 (S107) and fetches the Chinese character from a memory means 40 (S108) . If the end key 12 is not inputted, the input of a second radical key 11 corresponding to the second radical of component radicals constituting the Chinese character is recognized (S102) . Subsequently, if the end key 12 is inputted (S103) , the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value using converted key code S2 values corresponding to the input of the first and second radical key 11 (S107) and fetches the Chinese character from a memory means 40 (S108) . If the end key 12 is not inputted, the input of a third radical key 11 corresponding to the third radical of component radicals constituting the Chinese character is recognized (S104). If the end key 12 is still not inputted, fourth, fifth, radical keys 11 are inputted. By repeating the step, an Nth radical key 11 is inputted (S105) , and the end key is inputted (S106) . A data value is generated using converted key code values generated by the input of first, second, . . . N-lth and Nth radical keys 11 (S107), and one or more Chinese characters corresponding to the data value is fetched from the memory means (S108) . If the Chinese characters are generated, it is determined whether the Chinese characters are plural (S109) . If a radical key corresponding to a radical "0", a radical " t^"" and an end key 12 are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates one or more Chinese characters composed of radicals "0" and "3ζ". Chinese characters composed of radicals "0" and "3ζ" are "(t" and "J". In such a case, two Chinese characters are generated in the step S108. If a plurality of Chinese characters are generated, the Chinese characters are processed in a step S110 and a desired Chinese character is displayed (Sill).

In the step of generating Chinese characters of Fig. 11, N is set in advance. Additionally, N is set as one of 2, 3, 4, . . . preferably four in consideration of the number of generated Chinese characters. N designates the maximum input number of radical keys 11. Every Chinese character can be generated by the input of N radical keys 11. In this case, a Nth radical key 11 is a last radical key 11 corresponding to the last component radical of a Chinese character to be inputted in terms of the stroke of the Chinese character.

Like the description of the Chinese character input apparatus, in the case where Chinese characters are each composed of a large number of radicals, if each of the Chinese characters is generated by the input of all its component radicals, the input number of radicals is increased, thereby causing inconvenience to a user. It is possible to set the maximum input number of radical keys N and generate any of Chinese characters by the input of radical keys at a maximum of N.

In this case, first, second, . . . N-lth radical keys are inputted in sequence. Additionally, although an Nth radical key can be a random key, the Nth radical key is preferably a last key 11 in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character for convenience of use.

For example, in the case where N is set as four, when a Chinese character composed of six radicals is inputted, first, second, third, and last radical keys and an end key are inputted. By the input of the keys, a data value is generated, and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value is generated. In this case, the input of fourth and fifth radical keys is not necessary. This is the same as in the description of the Chinese character input apparatus .

In the step of processing plural characters S 110, when plural Chinese characters are generated, the Chinese characters are displayed (S231 and S232) . A desired Chinese character is selected from the displayed characters (S232) . Subsequently, the desired Chinese character is determined (S233) . When plural Chinese characters are displayed in the step S232, a desired Chinese character is selected while all the plural Chinese characters are displayed, or a desired Chinese character is selected while the plural Chinese character are displayed one by one. A desired Chinese character is selected through various ways such as a way that the plural Chinese characters are assigned numbers and one Chinese character is selected by the input of a corresponding number. The selection of a desired Chinese character can be performed using a cursor key, a numeral key or a mouse.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing another Chinese character input method in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in which a Chinese character can be inputted without the input of an end key. Additionally, the maximum input number of radical keys N may not be set. In this case, a certain data value is generated by inputting radical keys 11 corresponding to all the component radicals constituting a Chinese character to be inputted, and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value is generated. However, in such a case, the input number of radical keys 11 is increased, so inconvenience is caused to a user. Fig. 12 shows that N is set in advance and any of Chinese characters can be generated by the input of radical keys at a maximum of N. First of all, the maximum input number of radical keys N is set in advance and the number of inputted radical keys is counted (Sill). In this case, N is one of integers more than two, and set before a Chinese character is inputted. Subsequently, a first radical key 11 corresponding to the first radical of the component radicals of the Chinese character is inputted (S112) . Thereafter, it is determined whether an end key 12 is inputted (S113) . If the end key 12 is inputted, a data value corresponding to the first radical key 11 is generated (S125) and a Chinese character corresponding to the data value is generated (S126) . On the other hand, if the end key 12 is not inputted, a count is reduced to N-l (S114) . The input of a second radical key 11 is recognized (S115) and it is determined whether the count is one (S116) . If the count is one, a data value corresponding to the first and second keys 11

(S125) and a Chinese character corresponding to the data value is generated (S126) . If the count is not one, it is determined whether the end key 12 is inputted (SI17) . If the end key 12 is inputted, a data value corresponding to the first and second keys 11 (S125) and a Chinese character corresponding to the data value is generated (S126) . If the end key 12 is not inputted, a count is reduced to N-2. Thereafter, the input of a third radical key 11 is recognized (S119) and it is determined whether the count is one (S120) . By repeating the step, radical keys 11 are inputted until the count becomes one. If the count becomes one (S122), an Nth radical key 11 is inputted (S123) . It is recognized that the count is one (S124), a data value corresponding to the input of first, second, . . . N-lth and Nth radical keys 11 is generated (S125), and a Chinese character corresponding to the data value is generated (S126) . Subsequently, it is determined whether the generated Chinese characters are plural (S127) . If the generated Chinese characters are plural, the plural Chinese characters are processed (S128) ; while the generated Chinese characters are not plural, the generated Chinese character is displayed (S129) . The step of processing plural Chinese characters S128 is the same as described in Fig. 13.

In the case of Fig. 12, when N is set in advance, a Chinese character is generated without inputting the end key 12 after a last radical key 11 is inputted. For example, when N is set as four and a Chinese character "Bvf" is inputted, a first radical key corresponding to a radical "0", second and third radicals corresponding to radicals "φ" and "Φ" and an end key 12 are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value corresponding to inputted first, second and third radical keys 11 and a Chinese character corresponding to the data value is fetched from the memory means 40. However, for Chinese character each composed of four or more radicals, for example, a Chinese character "^", when radical keys 11 corresponding to radicals "ΪI" "0", "φ" and

" S " are inputted without inputting an end key 12, the Chinese generation means 30 generates a data value and the Chinese character.

For Chinese characters each composed of five or more radicals, a Chinese character can be generated in the same way. In this case, when first, second and third radical keys and a last radical key in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character are inputted, a data value corresponding to the radical keys and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value is generated.

The Nth radical key 11 is preferably a radical key 11 corresponding to a last radical in terms of the stroke order of the Chinese character. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing another Chinese character input method in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 13 shows the Chinese character input method in which a key input number determination key 13 is inputted. Referring to Fig. 13, first of all, a first radical key 11 is inputted (S211) . Subsequently, it is determined whether the key input number determination key 13 is inputted (S212) . If the key input number determination key 13 is not inputted, the first radical key 11 is displayed (S229) . The above-described steps are used to input a Chinese character composed of one radical . For example, in the case of inputting a Chinese character "sfe", when a radical key corresponding to a radical "^z" is inputted (S212) and one of other radical keys 11 or numeral keys except for a key input number determination key 13 is inputted (S212) , the Chinese character "^" is generated. The Chinese character input method shown in the flowchart of Fig. 13 requires the input of an end key 12.

However, if in the step S212 a key input number determination key 13 is inputted (S212), the procedure proceeds to a step corresponding to the inputted key input number determination key 13. That is, if a key input number determination key 13 for one key radical input is inputted, the procedure proceeds to a step S213; if a key input number determination key 13 for two key radical inputs is inputted, the procedure proceeds to a step S215; if a key input number determination key 13 for three key radical inputs is inputted, the procedure proceeds to a step S218; if a key input number determination key 13 for N key radical inputs is inputted, the procedure proceeds to a step S222. The case where the key input number determination key 13 for one key radical input is inputted is the case where a Chinese character is composed of two radicals. Accordingly, the input number of remaining radical keys 11 to be inputted later is one. When a remaining radical key, that is, a second radical key, is inputted (S214), the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value corresponding to the input of the first and second radical keys 11 (S226) and fetches the Chinese character corresponding to the data value from the memory means 40 (S227) . The case where the key input number determination key 13 for two key radical inputs is inputted is the case where a Chinese character is composed of three radicals. Accordingly, when second and third radical keys are inputted (S216 and S217), the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value (S226) and the Chinese character (S227) . In the case where the key input number determination key 13 for three key radical inputs is inputted (S218), when second, third and fourth radical keys are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value (S226) and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value (S227) . In the case where the key input number determination key 13 for N key radical inputs is inputted (S222), when second, third, . . . N+l radical keys are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value (S226) and the Chinese character corresponding to the data value (S227) . Subsequently, it is determined whether the generated Chinese characters are plural (S228) . If the generated Chinese characters are plural, the plural Chinese characters are processed (S229) ; while the generated Chinese characters are not plural, the generated Chinese character is displayed (S230) . The step of processing plural Chinese characters S229 is performed as shown in Fig. 15. In accordance with the Chinese character input method of Fig. 13, a Chinese character composed of a radical can be generated by the input of one radical key. Additionally, in the case where a Chinese character composed of two or more radicals is inputted, a Chinese character is generated in such a way that a first radical key 11 is inputted, the input number of remaining radical keys to be inputted later is set in advance, and the Chinese character is fetched when the set input number of radical keys to be inputted later is equal to the number of later inputted radical keys . N can be set before the input of a Chinese character, and is preferably set as four.

In the case where N is set as four, when a Chinese character composed of two radicals, for example, "$?", is inputted, a first radical key corresponding to a radical "TZ" is inputted, and a key input number determination key 13 for one radical key input is inputted because a radical key to be inputted later is one radical key corresponding to a radical "φ". Accordingly, the number of radical key to be inputted later is one. Subsequently, when a second radical key 11 corresponding to a radical "Φ" is inputted, the input number of remaining radical key 11 to be inputted later becomes equal to the number of later inputted radical key 11. The Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value corresponding to the first and second radical keys 11 corresponding to the radicals 1x" and "φ", and generates the Chinese character "0".

In the case where a Chinese character composed of three radicals, for example, "B ", is inputted, a first radical key 11 corresponding to a radical "0" is inputted, and a key input number determination key 13 for two radical key inputs is inputted because the number of radical keys to be inputted later is two. Subsequently, when second and third radical keys 11 corresponding to a radical "φ" and "φ" are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value corresponding to the first, second third radical keys 11, and generates the Chinese character corresponding to the data value, that is, "0#". In the case where a Chinese character composed of four radicals, for example, "IS", is inputted, a first radical key 11 corresponding to a radical "φ" is inputted, and a key input number determination key 13 for three radical key inputs is inputted. Subsequently, when second, third and fourth radical keys 11 corresponding to radicals "0", "φ" and "^" are inputted, the Chinese character generation means 30 generates a data value and a Chinese character "II". In the case of a Chinese character composed of .five radicals, a first radical key 11 corresponding to a radical "0" is inputted and, thereafter, a key input number determination key 13 for three radical key inputs is inputted because four radical keys should be inputted later. Thereafter, second and third radical keys and a fourth radical key corresponding to a last radical in terms of the stroke of the Chinese character.

By these, any of Chinese characters can be inputted according to the maximum input number of radical keys .

Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a modification of the Chinese character input method of Fig. 13. The steps of Fig. 14 are the same as the steps of Fig. 13 except that recognized objects are different in the steps S213, S215, S218, and S222. In this method, information assigned key input number determination keys is determined, in such a way that the key input number determination keys are classified according to the combined configurations of Chinese characters, a class of key input number determination keys is selected according to the combined configuration of a Chinese character to be inputted, and a key input number determination key is selected according to the number of radical keys to be inputted later. Accordingly, the key input number determination key determines both the number of radical keys to be inputted later and the combined configuration of the Chinese character to be inputted. The combined configurations can be provided according to the configurations of Chinese characters. If a large number of combined configurations are provided, the number of keys is increased, so the number of combined configuration to be provided can be properly determined. As described above, in Fig. 10, properly classified key input number determination keys are illustrated. The description of Fig. 10 is omitted here .

With reference to Figs. 13 and 14, if a key input number determination key 13 is inputted, the procedure proceeds to a step for a key input number determination key for corresponding radical key inputs. If a key input number determination key 13 for one radical key input is inputted, the procedure proceeds to the step S213. In the step S213, the input of the key input number determination key 13 for one radical key input is recognized. In this case, both the number of radical keys to be inputted later and the "combined configuration of the Chinese character to be inputted are recognized (S213) . When the remaining radical keys 11 of a number equal to the number of radical keys determined by the key input number determination key 13, a data value corresponding to converted key code values S2 corresponding to the inputted radical keys 11 and the inputted key input number determination key 13 is generated (S226) . The converted key code values S2 generated by key input number determination key 13 has both information about the number of radical keys to be inputted later and information about the combined configuration of the Chinese character to be inputted, and the Chinese character generation means 30 recognizes the information.

When key input number determination keys for two, three, . . . N radical key inputs are recognized in the steps S215, S218, . . . S222, the same operation is performed as performed in the step S213. That is, the input of the key input number determination key 13 is recognized, with both the number of radical keys to be inputted later and the combined configuration of the Chinese character to be inputted being recognized. Accordingly, a data value corresponding to the inputted radical keys 11 and the inputted key input number determination key 13 is generated (S226) .

As described in conjunction with the Chinese character input apparatus, the combined configurations are numerous, so all the combined configurations cannot be provided. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 10, it is convenient to classify all the Chinese characters into a certain number of combined configurations. Further, when a variety of combined configurations are mixed, it is desirable to determine the combined configuration as the combined configuration of a first radical and the remaining portion.

The classification of the key input number determination keys into two types is to prevent the generation of plural Chinese characters in the step S227. When Chinese character each composed of the same radicals are plural, the number of generated Chinese characters is limited to one by determining the combined configuration of a generated Chinese character.

Although in this specification and the accompanying drawings the Chinese character input apparatus and method are implemented in computer keyboards and the key pads of mobile phones, the Chinese character input apparatus and method can be applied to various devices. These are only examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, although there is described the Chinese character input apparatus and method in which a Chinese character is inputted by inputting radical keys corresponding to the component radicals of the Chinese character, complete Chinese characters are assigned to keys and Chinese characters are inputted by inputting the keys. That is, the component radicals can be replaced by complete Chinese characters .

Accordingly, the present invention is determined by not the embodiments but claims.

Meanwhile, beginners can easily input a Chinese character because the Chinese character is inputted by inputting its component radicals shown in a key input means without reading the Chinese character and learning other symbols corresponding to the Chinese character.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A Chinese character input apparatus in which Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals are inputted, comprising: a key input means, comprising, a plurality of radical keys for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters, and an end key for indicating the end of input of one or more radical keys; a memory means for storing a plurality of Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals and each assigned a data value; a signal conversion means for converting one or more key code values generated in the key input means into converted code values; and a Chinese character generation means for receiving the converted key code values from the signal conversion means, generating a data value by combining converted key code values generated by the signal conversion means when one or more radical keys and the end key are inputted, and generating a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means 40 for the Chinese character.

2. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said input keys can be inputted in random order .

3. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to the first radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character is inputted first.

4. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to at least one remaining radical of the Chinese character except for a firstly inputted radical is inputted in the stroke order of a Chinese character.

5. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to a last radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character is inputted last.

6. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said radical keys can be replaced with character keys that are assigned complete Chinese characters.

7. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said radical keys are assigned 120 to 214 radicals.

8. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said radical keys are assigned 10 to 60 radicals.

9. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said radical keys can be inputted at a maximum of five.

10. A Chinese character input apparatus in which Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals are inputted, comprising: a key input means, comprising, a plurality of radical keys for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters, and an end key for indicating the end of input of one or more radical keys; a memory means for storing a plurality of Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals and each assigned a data value; a signal conversion means for converting one or more key code values generated in the key input means into converted code values; a Chinese character generation means for receiving the converted key code values from the signal conversion means, generating a data value by combining converted key code values generated by the signal conversion means when one or more radical keys and the end key are inputted, and generating a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means for the Chinese character; and a plural characters processing means for selecting and determining one of two or more Chinese characters when the two or more Chinese characters are generated by the Chinese character generation means.

11. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said plural characters processing means selects one Chinese character by the repeated input of a cursor key, numeric key or predetermined key.

12. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to the first radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character is inputted first.

13. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to at least one remaining radical of the Chinese character except for a firstly inputted radical is inputted in the stroke order of a Chinese character.

14. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to a last radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character is inputted last.

15. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said radical keys can be replaced with character keys that are assigned complete Chinese characters.

16. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said radical keys are assigned 120 to 214 radicals.

17. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said radical keys are assigned 10 to 60 radicals.

18. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said input keys can be inputted in random order.

19. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising display means for displaying two or more Chinese characters generated by the Chinese character generation means.

20. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said display means displays all of the two or more Chinese characters generated by the Chinese character generation means.

21. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said display means displays the Chinese characters one by one in order of predetermined priority.

22. A Chinese character input apparatus in which Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals are inputted, comprising: a key input means provided with a plurality of radical keys for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters; a memory means for storing a plurality of Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals and each assigned a data value; a signal conversion means for converting one or more key code values generated in the key input means into converted code values; and a Chinese character generation means for receiving the converted key code values from the signal conversion means, generating a data value by combining converted key code values generated by the signal conversion means when one or more radical keys of a number less than the maximum input number of radical keys are inputted, and generating a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means for the Chinese character.

23. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising plural characters processing means for selecting and determining one of two or more Chinese characters when the two or more Chinese characters are generated by the Chinese character generation means.

24. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said plural characters processing means selects one Chinese character by the repeated input of a cursor key, numeric key or predetermined key.

25. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising display means for displaying two or more Chinese characters generated by the Chinese character generation means.

26. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said display means displays all of the two or more Chinese characters generated by the Chinese character generation means.

27. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said display means displays the Chinese characters one by one in order of predetermined priority.

28. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said radical keys are inputted at a maximum of two or five.

29. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said input keys can be inputted in random order.

30. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to the first radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character is inputted first.

31. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to at least one remaining radical of the Chinese character except for a firstly inputted radical is inputted in the stroke order of a Chinese character.

32. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to a last radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character is inputted last.

33. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said radical keys can be replaced with character keys that are assigned complete Chinese characters.

34. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said radical keys are assigned 120 to 214 radicals.

35. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said radical keys are assigned 10 to 60 radicals .

36. A Chinese character input apparatus in which Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals are inputted, comprising: a key input means, comprising, a plurality of radical keys for inputting radicals constituting Chinese characters, and at least one key input number determination key for determining the number of radical keys to be inputted after a first radical key corresponding to the first radical of a Chinese character is inputted; a memory means for storing a plurality of Chinese characters each composed of one or more radicals and each assigned a data value; a signal conversion means for converting one or more key code values generated in the key input means into converted code values; and a Chinese character generation means for receiving the converted key code values from the signal conversion means, generating a data value corresponding to key code values generated by the first radical key and the remaining radical keys in the signal conversion means when there are inputted the remaining radical keys of a number equal to the input number of radicals determined by the key input number determination key in the case where the first radical key is inputted and a secondly inputted key is a key input number determination key, and generating a Chinese character corresponding to the generated data value by searching the memory means for the Chinese character.

37. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said key input number determination key determines the input number of the remaining radical keys and the combination patterns of the inputted radical keys .

38. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said combination patterns of the inputted radical keys are two or four.

39. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said combination patterns of the inputted radical keys are based on the first radical of an inputted

Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of the Chinese character.

40. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 36, further comprising plural characters processing means for selecting and determining one of two or more Chinese characters when the two or more Chinese characters are generated by the Chinese character generation means.

41. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said plural characters processing means is one of a cursor key, numeric key or mouse.

42. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said Chinese character generation means is inputted in such a way that when said second input key is an random radical key, a Chinese character corresponding to the first radical key is generated.

43. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said input number of radical keys is one to four.

44. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said first radical key is a radical key corresponding to the first radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character.

45. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to at least one remaining radical of the Chinese character except for a firstly inputted radical is inputted in the stroke order of a Chinese character.

46. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to the last radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character is inputted last.

47. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said radical keys can be replaced with character keys that are assigned complete Chinese characters.

48. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 36, further comprising display means for displaying two or more Chinese characters generated by the Chinese character generation means.

49. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said display means displays all of the two or more Chinese characters generated by the Chinese character generation means.

50. The Chinese character input apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said display means displays the Chinese characters one by one in order of predetermined priority.

51. A Chinese character input method in which Chinese characters each composed of at least one radical are inputted, comprising the steps of: inputting a first radical key corresponding to the first of radicals constituting a Chinese character; inputting an end key for indicating the end of input of the first radical key; and generating one or more Chinese characters in response to the input of the end key.

52. The Chinese character input method according to claim 51, further comprising the step of inputting radical keys corresponding to the remaining radicals of the Chinese character between the input of the first radical key and the input of the end key when the Chinese character is composed of two or more radicals.

53. The Chinese character input method according to claim

52, further comprising the step of selecting one of plural Chinese characters when the generated Chinese characters are plural.

54. The Chinese character input method according to claim

53, wherein said selection step is performed by one of a cursor key, a numeric key and a mouse.

55. The Chinese character input method according to claim 51, wherein said first radical key is a radical key corresponding to the first radical of the Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of the Chinese character.

56. The Chinese character input method according to claim 52, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to at least one remaining radical of the Chinese character except for a firstly inputted radical is inputted in the stroke order of a Chinese character.

57. The Chinese character input method according to claim 51, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to the last radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character is inputted last.

5 58. The Chinese character input method according to claim 51, wherein said radical keys can be replaced with character keys that are assigned complete Chinese characters.

59. The Chinese character input method according to claim 10 51, wherein said radical keys can be inputted at a maximum of five.

60. A Chinese character input method in which a Chinese character composed of three or more radicals is inputted,

15 comprising: setting the maximum input number of radicals to be less than the number of the radicals constituting the Chinese character; inputting a first radical key corresponding to the first 0 radical of the Chinese character; selecting at least one radical among the remaining radicals except for the first and last radicals of the Chinese character; inputting at least one second radical key corresponding to 5 the selected radical; causing the number of the first, second and last radical keys to be the maximum input number of radicals; inputting the last radical key; and generating the Chinese character in response to the last radical key.

61. The Chinese character input method according to claim 60, wherein said radical keys can be inputted at a maximum of three to five.

62. The Chinese character input method according to claim 60, further comprising the step of selecting one of plural Chinese characters when the generated Chinese characters are plural.

63. The Chinese character input method according to claim 62, wherein said selection step is performed by one of a cursor key, a numeric key and a mouse.

64. The Chinese character input method according to claim 60, wherein said first radical key is a radical key corresponding to the first radical of the Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of the Chinese character.

65. The Chinese character input method according to claim 60, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to at least one remaining radical of the Chinese character except for a firstly inputted radical is inputted in the stroke order of a Chinese character.

66. The Chinese character input method according to claim 60, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to the last radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character is inputted last.

67. The Chinese character input method according to claim 60, wherein said radical keys can be replaced with character keys that are assigned complete Chinese characters.

68. A Chinese character input method in which a Chinese character composed of plural radicals is inputted, comprising: inputting a first radical key corresponding to the first radical of the plural radicals; inputting a key input number determination key for determining the input number of remaining radical keys corresponding to the remaining radicals of the Chinese character except for the first radical; inputting the remaining radical keys of a number equal to the input number of remaining radical keys determined by the input of the key input number determination key; and generating the Chinese character in response to a radical key corresponding to the last of the input number of remaining radical keys determined by the input of the key input number determination key.

69. The Chinese character input method according to claim 68, wherein said key input number determination key determines the input number of the remaining radical keys and the combination patterns of the inputted radical keys.

70. The Chinese character input method according to claim 69, wherein said combination patterns of the inputted radical keys are two or four.

71. The Chinese character input method according to claim 69, wherein said combination patterns of the inputted radical keys are based on the first radical of an inputted Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of the Chinese character.

72. The Chinese character input method according to claim 68, further comprising the step of selecting one of plural Chinese characters when the generated Chinese characters are plural .

73. The Chinese character input method according to claim 72, wherein said selection step is performed by one of a cursor key, a numeric key and a mouse.

74. The Chinese character input method according to claim 68, wherein said radical keys can be inputted at a maximum of five.

75. The Chinese character input method according to claim 68, wherein said input number of the remaining radical keys determined by the key input number determination key is one to four.

76. The Chinese character input method according to claim 68, wherein said first radical key is a radical key corresponding to the first radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character.

77. The Chinese character input method according to claim 68, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to at least one remaining radical of the Chinese character except for a firstly inputted radical is inputted in the stroke order of a Chinese character.

78. The Chinese character input method according to claim 68, wherein said radical keys are inputted in such a way that a radical key corresponding to a last radical of a Chinese character in terms of the stroke order of a Chinese character is inputted last.

79. The Chinese character input method according to claim 68, wherein said radical keys can be replaced with character keys that are assigned complete Chinese characters.

80. A Chinese character input method in which a first Chinese character composed of one radical and a second Chinese character composed of one or more radicals are inputted in sequence, comprising the steps of: inputting one or more radical keys corresponding to radicals constituting the first Chinese character; inputting a radical key corresponding to the first radical of the second Chinese radical; and generating the first Chinese character in response to the input of the radical key corresponding to the first radical .

81. The Chinese character input method according to claim 80, wherein said radical keys can be replaced with character keys that are assigned complete Chinese characters.