[Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

hi,

I writed a virtual keyboard with QML and PySide, and a hildon input plugin ( so it is integrted to system, can be use like origin virtual keyboard )

and, this keyboard is fit for Chinese input, like below :

http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...ljflqf3qc9.png

now this application is in extras-devel repo. the application name is "mcip" .

the source code at here.

I start work at 2010 sep, you can find old post at this place, and if you can read Chinese, you can find the whole history at this place.

Before this version I feel my work is poor so cannot "Annnounce", but now, I think I can do this, do you think so? :]

Useage :

Intsall "mcip" in extras-devel repo. It will replace default virtual keyboard.

video from f2thak , thanks for his help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVz_veJ7jMY

ChaneLog :

mcip-nt1 0.4.0-maemo5-1

* change package name to mcip-nt1. ( someone need old but stable mcip :] )

* rewrite new gtk2/qt4 immodule, not use hildon-input-method anymore( It cannot support hardware Chinese input ).

* support hardware Chinese input( use ctrl switch CN/EN input).

* DONOT use hardware Chinese input in MicroB fullscreen mode.


0.3.0-maemo5-1

* rewrite Chinese input engine with c++. now the engine is a standard & navite QML plugin.


0.2.7-maemo5-1

* portrait t9 keyboard is back ( designed for Chinese pinyin input )

screenshot :
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...k50vwv0hnn.png


0.2.6-maemo5-1

* improve rotate support, fit for CSSU forced rotate
* @ key and shift now can toggle
* add cursor navigation adn copy/pastr pad
* add 10ms delay when commit, prevent to commit before keyboard hide ( it may cause commit failed )

screenshot (cursor navigation adn copy/pastr pad ):

step 1 : at noraml state, touch text area
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...oonfo0f7hp.png

step 2: navigate pad will popup. arrow key is arrow key, "P" is Paste, press "S" will start select
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...g2ehh0gmlm.png

step 3 : touch "S", pad will change. now, "C" is Copy, "X" is Cut
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...4z1n44p4qp.png

step 4 : in select mode, use arrow key select text
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...30ntkunkr3.png

step 5 : when select well, press "C", copy and exit select mode
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...g2ehh0gmlm.png

step 6 : move to right place, press "P" to paste
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...49940ks8k4.png

step 7 : when everything done, touch anywhere except navigate pad to close navigate pad


0.2.5-maemo5-1

* add portrait mode.
* add send enter keyevent function.( input "www.google.com" then press enter add a new line, and close inputpad, then will send a enter keyevent after commit. )

known issue : in MicroB, if browse rotate, sometime cannot commit text.

screenshot:
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...hf4bhbb4ei.png


0.2.4-maemo5-1

* fix touch point offset when finger release.
* show in dialog mode
* add CN/EN mode switch.
* add Chinese punc.
* backspace can auto repeat.

screenshot:
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...c447eflc44.png


0.2.3-maemo5-1

* support userdict and phrase freq adjust.


0.2.2-maemo5-3

* showFullScreen Mode.

* Impove English and symbol input. Press and hold "space key", move to charact key, release, it will commit lowercase charact, same as "shift key" for uppercase and "@ key" for symbol.

* space key can select first candridate.

* remve mscim conflicts. so it will work with mscimswitcherstatus.

screenshot ( a example fo symbol input ) :

step 1 : in normal status
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...jpopbkoobv.png

step 2 : press @ key, keyboard show symbol layout
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...4vvvrvirpn.png

step 3 : hold your finger, and move to symbol
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...6gejh9ejke.png

step 4 : release finger, commit symbol
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...rqxl2v754r.png

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

Looks promising! Like the popup on hover.

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

yes is great, but did u had solved the problem which cause missing default vkb while using mcip. if yes i will try it, one more does it spport copy and paste too

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

Just to give some feedback...

Pros:

• The symbol virtual keyboard is left intact

Cons:

• Does not coexist with the system's default virtual keyboard
• No portrait mode support (unexpected, as there was a very nice T9 UI before)
• Does not work for browser textboxes (as documented)

Suggestions:

• Don't show the desktop background
• Display in a standard dialog (like the symbol keyboard)

Offtopic: I really hope we'll be able to input Chinese characters using the hardware keyboard without breaking anything (which mscim certainly does). Is it possible to make a hildon-input-plugin like that?

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

Thanks for the mini-review!

I've made a pretty hack-y way of getting VKB and symbols back when using MSCIM. Read this thread for details.
All usual warnings apply!! I will not be responsible if your device requires reflashing afterwards, etc.

It's still not ideal, but may be a help for other MSCIM users.

Hopefully the work of Foolegg and others will soon make these kind of hacks redundant.

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

good work
does it have a portrait mode?

thank you thank you thank you thank you

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

I am looking for a better way for symbol input, give me some time.

the T9 ui is good, of course, I will let it back.

I have do a small fix for browser textbox support, just 10 min ago. you can check new version in repo.

and, the background is just a small taste, someone like it and someone hate, I think I should give it a option.

en...about hildon-input-method...I just want to say, the hildon-input-method is REALLY NOT designed for CJK language, as a example, you cannot phrase KeyEvent in your plugin ( you juse get a notify to know a KeyEvent, but you cannot phrase it ), so, it will be a great task to write a hard keyboard CJK input-method.

I think the better way is write a gtk/qt immodule to replace hildon-input-method, maybe I will try it.

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

0.2.2-maemo5-3

* showFullScreen Mode.

* Impove English and symbol input. Press and hold "space key", move to charact key, release, it will commit lowercase charact, same as "shift key" for uppercase and "@ key" for symbol.

* space key can select first candridate.

* remve mscim conflicts. so it will work with mscimswitcherstatus.

screenshot ( a example fo symbol input ) :

step 1 : in normal status
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...jpopbkoobv.png

step 2 : press @ key, keyboard show symbol layout
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...4vvvrvirpn.png

step 3 : hold your finger, and move to symbol
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...6gejh9ejke.png

step 4 : release finger, commit symbol
http://bbs.ifanr.com/data/attachment...rqxl2v754r.png

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

looks good but why are edge keys cutoff?

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

because it can save screen space, put bigger button on the screen.
a cutoff button at screen edge is still ease to press, isn't it?:)

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

this looks promissing will keep an eye :D i hope it get potrait support
btw: in symbols, especially english keyboard... having an "ñ" would be nice since its latin derived.

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

how about a portrait mode?

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

Mon May 16 12:01:29 +0800
updated to 0.2.5-maemo5-1

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

I'm actually starting to love it. Hardware keyboard input could be faster but I don't type Chinese much on my N900 so this is a more than reasonable solution for my needs.

On another note if you need any Chinese to English translation done I can volunteer.

Thanks for your hard work. This program just keeps getting better and better. (Have you really been working on it full time, or was that just a joke? :p)

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

guys, is this just an english to chinese keyboard? Or i can use it for english typing as well?

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

It supports english-only typing.

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

Is there a way to temporarily switch back to HIM?

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

well, it types english but eventually it converts the character into chinese!!
how to keep it english if it supports english, please?

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

i did not realize that i had to press on the chinese character on the top left corner :)
it looks good however, the portrait mode, still messed up..

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

Strictly speaking, in its current form I would call it a QWERTY keyboard with built-in Chinese pinyin input method. :p

I suppose the portrait mode (and T9 which the author previously built) will be coming soon...

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

Wed May 18 12:24:29 +0800
updated to 0.2.6-maemo5-1

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

new features?

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

just tried this, i like it, only thing id like would be to keep it english only so you dont have to change to EN every time..
portrait works okay

edit: realised just after i wrote this that it already remembers language! :D

this is now my virtual kb.. used to use fastSMSevo

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

can you please add more languages to the keyboard?

thank you

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

only problem, in portrait backspace isnt visible

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

@N900L
I am foucs in Chinese input, no plan to support other language except Chinese/English right now.

@f2thak
press right side beside of textarea, it is linked to backspace key.

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

in portrait its hard to press backspace and enter.

and the enter key doesnt work as its meant to in microB, it only goes to new line.

and either shift key doesnt toggle or Im not doing it right


great work BTW, keep it up




edit: sorry I just realised I didnt have latest version of your app, I cant keep up with all your updates :D haha thanks!
already updated it earlier today!!

microb enter function works great


edit 2: one thing I think could be improved is the shift and symbol function. the toggle function turns off after pressing a key, it should stay toggled until pressing shift/@ button again.

:D


edit 3: I have just made a *quick* video of your great app, uploading to youtube now, will add link soon. If you like you may add it to your first post :D watch this space!

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

support QT app？

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

when in portrait mode, there is no backspace key to deleted words

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

thanks~

I am Chinesa and maybe you know, I have some touble to access youtube...so I am looking for someone to help me to put a video demo on youtube and you appear, is great for me~

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

@punk
yes, it support all app supported by system virtual keyboard.

@bltcool
press right side beside of textarea, it is linked to backspace key.

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

it is there but its almost impossible to press, I hope this will be fixed soon. the enter key is a bit difficult to press too.


@foolegg:
is there any chance to implement a vibration/haptic feedback that works only with your app? as I dont use touch screen vibe globally, but I think it would be a cool feature for your app, as long as you can turn it off? such as vibe when touching a key and another when releasing finger?

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

it is awesome... but the dimension should be modified to fit the screen.. this should be considered in the next update.

thanks and keep the good work

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

ooohhh update! wunder wats innit?

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

I concur, I prefer small fonts and closely spaced letters. As great as this vkb is, it looks broken in its current form simply because it gives the impression it doesn't fit within the screen.

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

Why should it fit to screen ?
I post the reason of why the key is cutoff, at the first page.

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

Perhaps some prefer smaller keys to reduce finger travel distance? (Especially true for the swipe to select modes...)

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

WOW.

I think this is beginning to answer to the requests of a huge amount of people.

I think this could be made a part of the Community SSU when its "done".

Sorry to bring a request here immediately, but would it be possible to see the background on which you type in a future version? :)

Re: [Annnounce] mcip - a Virtual Keyboard in QML with hildon input method plugin
 

thanks a lot for this!!!!!! :D this was what i was waiting for :P