Add to IKU

One of the most interesting aspects of the IKU language is that users can add words and images to its vocabulary. This means that a single word may be associated with many different IKU icons, and that a single IKU icon may be attached to a number of different words. The words attached to an IKU icon may belong to a number of other languages, so that when one person searches for and sends an icon using their own language, it can be read by another user in that user’s native language.

To turn your image into an IKU icon, or to add a new word to an existing icon, use the Add to IKU Dictionary dialog, accessible through the IKU Palette. When you add an image, it should be in the .jpg, .gif, or .bmp format. The pixel dimensions of the added image may be any size (provided that the image fits within our absolute size limit), but for best results, your image should measure 70 x 70 pixels.

How to Open the Add to IKU Dictionary Dialog: Left-click the IKU button on the Main Menu, then left-click the Add button on the IKU Palette.

1. Currently-Selected Language When you add a new word to an icon, it will be tagged as belonging to this language. This tag enables other users who speak different languages to attach alternate definitions for your icon in their own languages.

2. Change Language Button Left-click this button to change the language with which your new word will be associated. This is a persistent setting – the selected language will be associated with all words that you add unless you change it again.

3. Upload New Image Button Left-click this button to browse your computer for images to turn into IKU icons. Note that images should be in the .jpg, .gif, or .bmp format, and for best results the image should measure 70 x 70 pixels.

4. IKU Icon Display To add a word to an existing IKU icon, drag that icon to this slot. When you add a new icon image, it appears in this slot after you upload the image.

5. Word Text Box To add a word to an existing IKU icon or to associate a word with a new IKU icon, type it in this box.

6. OK and Cancel Buttons Left click on the green check-mark button to accept your changes, or click the red slash button to cancel your changes.

7. View Manual Entry Button To view the Manual entry for this dialog, click on the question mark.

-- Home.gankaku - 15 Dec 2005