MontaVista Software and Omron Software have announced that Omron's new development framework for Japanese-language input systems is now available on MontaVista's embedded Linux distribution. Omron says the framework, known as MobileWnn IMF for Qt/Embedded (MIMQ), eases the development of Japanese text input capabilities on space-limited input devices such as cell phones and mobile devices.

According to Omron, MobileWnn can translate a series of Japanese Kana syllables into Kanji characters, simplifying text-input tasks such as writing email. The use of the Kana syllabary makes it possible to type in a language that would otherwise require thousands and thousands of keys (one for each symbol).

MobileWnn grew out of Omron's Wnn input system, which Omron says is widely-used in desktop computers. Since MobileWnn — the embedded version of Wnn — was launched in 1999, 20 manufacturers have used it in 50 embedded products, according to Omron, including Sony in its PlayStation2 and Yamaha in its musical instruments.

MIMQ is a Qt/Embedded framework for developing GUIs that support Japanese input on devices with limited resources. It is optimized for consumer electronics devices such as mobile phones, digital video recorders, PDAs, and game machines, according to Omron. Omron lists MIMQs features as follows:

• Client/Server type Japanese input system
• Omron's MobileWnnV2
• Input prediction method
• Single/multi-segment conversion
• Learning function
• Optional dictionaries
• Provide word registration using GUI
• Provide system set-up using GUI
• Support input from software keyboard
• Customizable

Mr. Mitsushige Uotani, executive director of Omron Software, says, “Linux is increasingly becoming the systems software of choice for consumer electronics in the Japanese market.”

MIMQ support will initially support MontaVista's Linux Professional Edition. MIMQ will be featured in the MontaVista Software booth at the Embedded Technology 2003 Conference, November 12-14 in Yokohama, Japan. The MontaVista booth number is B-01.

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