Character Learning System Using Inter-stroke Information

Abstract

The learning of Chinese characters is important in the writing of Japanese text. However, current instruction in Chinese characters is ineffective due to insufficient time given to learning of characters, particularly at the elementary school level. The study of stroke orders by “Nazori” or “Rinnsyo” in Japanese is difficult for elementary or foreign students who are exposed to Chinese characters for the first time. In the present study, a system that displays the order of strokes by animation is presented. Since the system is able to display animation and a character that can be inputted interactively, a teacher’s instructive by OHP, video, etc., is automated, and auxiliary usefulness can be expanded. The system not only directs the order of strokes by animation, but it also indicates a wrong order of strokes by a stroke correspondence relation table, which ensures the correct order of stroke orders to be directed. A novel instruction method is proposed which directs letter-shape by using inter-stroke information, such as the relative position and relation among strokes. In this system, a letter-shape can be corrected by using inter-stroke information, and detailed instructions are realized.