Input methods framework

Claim 1

A framework for creating input methods for converting input events corresponding to raw text elements, such as radicals, into converted text elements, such as ideograms, to be encapsulated in a model stored on a computing system and to be presented on a display of the computing system, the framework comprising: input method classes, appearance classes, event mapping classes, and conversion engine classes, stored in the computing system; means for creating an input method object, an appearance object, an event mapping object, and a conversion engine object, each from one of the respective classes; wherein the appearance object includes logic for specifying how converted text and raw text should appear when displayed; wherein the event mapping object includes logic for mapping keyboard events to raw text elements; wherein the conversion engine object includes logic for converting raw text elements in a specified portion of the model into converted text elements; and wherein the input method object includes means for designating a portion of the model to be modified by input events as an active area; means for using the event mapping object to map keyboard events to a raw text element and for updating the active area with the raw text element; means for using the conversion engine object to convert raw text elements in the active area to converted text elements and for updating the model with the converted text elements; and means for presenting the model on the display such that the active area is distinctively presented in relation to the remaining portion of the model, and wherein the presenting means uses the appearance object to specify how converted text elements and raw text elements should be presented in the active area.