초록
Objective: The arrangement of characters on Korean computer keyboard has a problem of the backslash (${\backslash}$). The keyboard assigned the Won sign (\) visually, but the input scan code generates the Unicode of backslash (or reverse solidus) and its output print is the Won sign or backslash by various fonts. The aim of this study is to review this problem. And there are many kinds of space characters in Unicode because of their requirement. However, the arrangement of space characters are limited in computer keyboard. In this study we treat an assignment problem of adequate kinds of spaces using space bar with shift key or right Alt key. Background: The Korean Standard (KS) computer keyboard did not assign the backslash symbol but the Won sign in its layout. This reduces compatibility with the ANSI keyboard. And there is the one normal space character in KS or ANSI keyboards, but the non-breaking space (NBSP) or the narrow space is often required. Method: The current KS keyboard and the ANSI keyboards are analyzed. Inconsistency between the Won sign and the backslash were examined, whose character code set was examined too. On the other hand, the kinds of space characters were examined and analyzed what is needed effectively on Korean writing. Results: The current KS keyboard has the Won sign in its layout instead of the backslash which is assigned in the ANSI keyboard. Its output is the Won sign or the backslash sometimes depending on fonts whose scan code is actually for the backslash. The Won sign in KS keyboard should be replaced with the backslash for consistency with ANSI, and the Won sign should be assigned to a vacant shifted key. Ultimately, the character code set should be improved too. Meanwhile the NBSP and the narrow space are often required. Because the number of keys is not enough, the narrow NBSP (NNBSP) is a good alternative for dual purpose. Conclusion: In the KS Korean computer keyboard, confusion between the backslash and the Won sign must be removed. The backslash is assigned to original position for compatibility to ANSI keyboard and the Won sign would be assigned to a vacant shifted key, for example, the shifted key of the 'ㅣ(L).' It is also desirable to define NNBSP as Shift + Space or RAlt + Space to accommodate both NBSP requirements and narrow space requirements. Application: Using the review study, it can be taken into account for keyboards in industrial production. It is applicable to user group of improved Korean keyboard with more easy than past keyboards.