DBCS Input Method

The DBCS keyboard system provides the DBCS input method, a conversion logic, for the character sets which can not be typed in from the keyboard with one or two key strokes. Normally, the input methods are used to input the Chinese characters, Kanji or Hanja characters. There are different kinds of input methods, but they all work in a similar operation. The following shows a typical input method process:

• A user inputs one or numbers of SBCS or DBCS characters to form a combination of characters. This is called the YOMI or a pronunciation string.

• The YOMI string then is converted to a candidate of target string or a list of candidates.

• A user selects the one he/she wants. This is done to fix the candidate.

• A user can request for the next candidate if the first candidate is not the one he/she wants.

• A user can request the input method to show all the candidates as a list.

Depending on the location of YOMI string, there are two styles of input:

• On the keyboard status line

  The keyboard status line is used to show the current status of the keyboard and input method. Moreover, it is also used to show the input method conversion status, the YOMI string and candidates or error message. The early version of input method supported this style only.

• On the spot

  When the user is typing, the YOMI string is located in the same position of the current cursor position. This style is supported in most input methods today.