Abstract: A text inputting device includes a keyboard for inputting a string of characters of a first kind by keying keys and a first device for displaying characters of a second kind corresponding to the character string supplied from the keyboard as candidate characters and selecting a desired character of the second kind from the candidate characters for supplying it to a processor. A second device is also provided for reading a character of the second kind corresponding to a mnemonic code in the character string supplied from the keyboard for supplying it to the processor. In order to determine whether the first or second device is used, a selection switch is provided for selectively activating the first or the second device when a character of the second type is to be inputted. Further, to assist in teaching the mnemonic code, when the first device is selected, either visual or oral correspondence is provided between the selected candidate character and its corresponding mnemonic code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively key-inputting a Kanji (Chinese and Japanese ideogram) in a Japanese sentence are disclosed. The operator keys-in a reading of a desired Kanji through a keyboard, and candidate Kanjis for that reading are displayed on a display screen so that the operator chooses a relevant Kanji for entry out of the displayed candidate Kanjis. In entering the reading of a Kanji, blocks which are in correspondence to character keys located in home positions of the keyboard and in the neighborhood thereof are displayed on the display screen and candidate Kanjis corresponding to the reading of the desired Kanji are displayed in the blocks. The operator then keys a character key corresponding to a relevant candidate Kanji displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A sequence program inputting device in a programmable sequence controller includes a separate producing circuit for producing a ladder diagram to be displayed on a display screen and a separate converting circuit for converting the ladder diagram to a machine instruction sequence of the programmable sequence controller to enable independent operations of those circuits.