INPUT Field smaller than INPUT var

Anyone have a good idea regarding input of a variable in a field that is NOT as large as the variable? ie. DEFINE x_val CHAR( 30 ) INPUT x_val FROM sr_rec.x_val -- sr_rec.x_val < 30 CHAR Informix tech-support says that this is not supported, but I do need this capability. Although this feature is in many applications (non Informix) it seems like this SHOULD be included. I've seen this done where the field acts as a "scrolling" field.. When the user gets to the end of the field, the letters shift left and continue input.. It was a C function that did not have source. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated!?!?! I'm a pretty good C programmer but would like to know if anyone else has already found all the pit-falls required!?!?!