DE3046513A1 - METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR STORING GRAPHIC PATTERNS - Google Patents

Description

SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT VPA 80 P 5 2 4 5 Berlin and Munich

Method and arrangement for storing graphic patterns

The invention relates to a method for storing graphic patterns that can be displayed on an output unit are, where on. of the output unit, coarse graphic patterns by means of combinations arranged in character fields of graphic elements can be represented in a coarse first grid, alphanumeric characters being represented by in pixels arranged in the character fields in a fine second grid can be displayed, with fine graphic patterns in a corresponding manner as the characters iri the Character fields can be represented by pixels in the second raster and the output unit character generators contains, in each of which a supply of drawing fields with combinations of 'graphic elements, is stored with the characters and with the fine graphic patterns. The invention also relates to an arrangement for the implementation of the procedure.

With the new telecommunications service "Videotex" ("Videotex interactive") it is possible to use a long-distance voice line retrieve information stored in a control center with the aid of a television set., The Information is displayed on the screen of the television set serving as the output unit. The representation can by means of alphanumeric characters and / or graphic patterns.

A screen content is called a page. For example, it contains 960 character fields in 24 lines are arranged with 40 character fields each. When displaying alphanumeric characters, each

Ret 1 Kdg / Dec. 9, 1980

OPiGiNJAL INSPECTED

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Character field shows a character. The drawing field consists, for example, of 8 χ 10 or 8 χ 12 pixels, with which the individual characters are represented. A representation of rough graphic patterns is done by that each character field is divided into 2 χ 3 graphic elements and the graphic patterns from the possible ones Combinations of light and dark graphic elements can be built.

A predetermined supply of character tape and the possible combinations of graphic elements are stored in character generators in the output unit. Using code words that represent the addresses of the character generator, the pixels of the characters or, after a corresponding shift character, the data words assigned to the graphic elements are read from the character generators and fed to an image control unit which controls the display of the characters and the patterns on the screen. The display can be made in eight colors, which are determined by appropriate control characters, although only one color can be used within a character field. The assignment of the code words to the characters and the combinations of the graphic elements is known, for example, from the magazine "Funkschau ⁿ 1977, issue 18, pages 78-82.

For a representation of fine graphic patterns, · the have a resolution more than ten times higher than that of the coarse patterns, another Character generator can be provided in which the graphic pattern is not based on the graphic elements, but in a similar way Way like the characters by which pixels are stored. After a corresponding shift symbol are also generated from this character generator with the help of code words for the individual pixels of the character fields assigned data words are read out and the image control input

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ness fed. The character generator for the fine patterns is usually designed as a read-write memory, in order to be able to display different patterns depending on the application. In the case of a mixed representation of fine patterns, characters and / or coarse patterns, the control center first uses the data words of the fine patterns are stored in the character generator at the addresses given by the code words. Afterward the code words for the characters and / or graphic elements are transmitted and at those points which the character fields are to be filled with the fine patterns, the corresponding code words for transmit the character generator. The supply of fine patterns in the read / write memory is called DRCS (dynamically redefinable character set).

From a publication "data display devices" in NTZ-Report 15, 1973, S-27-31, it is known in a data display device in addition to a character generator for the alphanumeric Character to provide another character generator for circuit symbols. The circuit symbols are in a similar way as the characters are represented by pixels within the character fields. This one more However, the character generator is designed as a read-only memory * det and its content cannot be changed by the user.

However, it would be conceivable to design the further character generator as a read / write memory and depending on the application store different circuit symbols. Entering the circuit symbols could done by means of a keyboard. A keyboard of this type corresponds to the pixels of a character field for example from 8 χ 10 keys. It would also be possible to have 8 or 10 buttons and the patterns for each Enter the character field line by line or column by column. There the characters on the screen are relatively small

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it would be beneficial to enter the to display the corresponding character field enlarged on the screen.

In this way it would be possible to enter the patterns of individual character fields, but it would be relatively cumbersome to enter a pattern that extends over several character fields. Such a thing A pattern is, for example, a company logo, a larger symbol or a lettering in another Font, for example in Arabic or Cyrillic.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method and an arrangement with which on easy way fine graphic patterns can not only be entered when a single character field is to be filled, but also if the pattern extends over several character fields.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in the method of the type mentioned at the beginning by the following method steps:

a) The fine graphic patterns are used by those for the Enlarged representation of the coarse graphic pattern provided graphic elements corresponding to the first grid shown,

b) each η χ m graphic elements, which are used for the representation The image points of a character field provided for the characters correspond to a pattern field summarized,

c) each sample field is assigned a code word as an address,

d) each pattern field is created by assigning the graphic elements to the pixels in a character field of the . second grid implemented,

e) the character fields generated in this way are stored at the addresses indicated by the code words

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stored in the corresponding character generator.

The method according to the present invention has the advantage that the fine graphic pattern to be entered can be entered in the same way as the coarse graphic pattern and thus uses the same means can be. Due to the simultaneous display of a plurality of character fields, graphic Easily enter patterns that extend over several character fields and correct them if necessary.

A particularly advantageous input of the pattern is achieved when the enlarged display of the fine Pattern in the first grid takes place on a template that is optoelectronically scanned. Here it is from Advantage if the original is scanned line by line by means of a scanning unit. It is also possible, make the optoelectronic scanning using a video camera. Regardless of whether the gross Patterns or the enlarged fine patterns are scanned, the same scanning units can be used will.

Another possibility is that the enlarged representation of the fine graphic pattern by means of a Keyboard on an output unit takes place. The output unit is expediently one provided with a screen Display device. The keyboard can also be used for correcting or changing anything shown in other ways Patterns are used. The keyboard has, for example, a number η m keys, each of which corresponds to the pixels are assigned to a character field. The input of the patterns of the different character fields is then carried out by switching the keyboard accordingly to the various character fields. The keyboard can too Have η or m keys to display the pattern of each character field line by line or line by line. Another

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An advantageous option is to use a keyboard that is used for entering and correcting the coarse graphic pattern is provided and in each case a key within a graphic element is assigned to a character field. Furthermore, buttons can be provided with which the color in each case of a character field is specified. The input can also be made by the enlarged view of the fine graphic pattern by means of a writing tablet he follows.

In principle, it is possible to assign a color to each character field in the enlarged display. A low memory requirements in the character generator for the fine patterns are achieved when the too Character fields combined in a pattern field each have the same color. In this case it is advisable to when the color of the enlarged representation of the fine graphic pattern within each pattern field is saved.

In the case of a mixed representation of fine graphic patterns and coarse graphic patterns and / or characters it is advantageous if the fine and coarse patterns are entered separately and in the character fields into which the fine graphic patterns are represented, the corresponding code words are entered as addresses will. If the input is made using templates that are optoelectronically scanned, it is favorable if the template provided with the coarse graphic pattern on the character fields where the fine graphic patterns are to be represented, the addresses of the corresponding pattern fields by a point code in the Character fields are displayed. To distinguish the dot code from the other graphic patterns, It is advantageous if the point code is used for the representation of the characters and / or graphic patterns

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impermissible color is displayed.

An advantageous arrangement for carrying out the method is characterized by an input unit, by means of which the predetermined fine graphic pattern can be entered into a memory, by a control unit, which assigns the image points to the graphic elements and through a memory in which they are combined to form character fields Pixels can be stored under addresses defined by code words.

It is advantageous if the input unit is a Scanning unit is provided which scans templates provided with the graphic patterns line by line.

In the following, an implementation of the method is explained in more detail with reference to drawings. Show it:

1 shows a section of a coarse graphic pattern formed from graphic elements, 2 shows a section of a text formed from alphanumeric characters,

3 shows a detail from a fine graphic pattern formed from image points, FIG. 4 shows a detail from a template in which fine graphic patterns are shown enlarged by graphic elements,
5 shows a section from a template which contains a coarse graphic pattern and addresses for fine graphic patterns that are coded by a point code,

6 shows a detail from an illustration of a rough graphic pattern, a fine graphic pattern and alphanumeric characters on an output unit,

7 shows a block diagram of an arrangement for carrying out the method.

INSPECTED

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The rough graphic pattern shown in FIG. 1 is made up of individual light or dark graphic elements GE formed, of which 2 χ 3 are combined to form a character field ZF. All possible combinations the graphic elements GE within the character fields ZF are in a character generator of the output unit, for example a television set. The corresponding Combinations are called up by code words assigned to them in the character generator and an image control unit fed, which represents the pattern on a screen of the television set. For example is the code word 0100000 is assigned to the character field ZF1 and the code word 1100000 is assigned to the character field ZF2. The pattern is stored in the form of the code words in a memory and can be read out repeatedly from this. The memory is arranged, for example, in a control center and the code words are stored in a further memory in e; i.ner Transfer output unit, which is followed by the character generator. Entering the pattern into memory can be done on a display device by means of a keyboard, the six associated with the graphic elements GE Includes buttons. Extensive patterns can be displayed on a template, which is then displayed line by line using a scanner or area-wise scanned optoelectronically by means of a video camera. It is also possible to enter the patterns using a writing tablet. Then the appropriate code words generated and saved. A total of 960 character fields ZF can be displayed on the screen, in 24 lines with 40 character fields each are arranged.

In addition to the coarse graphic patterns, it is possible, as shown in FIG. 2, with the help of another Character generator to display texts. Each alpha

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Numerical characters of the text are also shown in a character field ZF, which has the same size like the character fields ZF shown in FIG. However, the characters are not represented by the graphic elements GE, but by pixels BP, which are much smaller than the graphic elements GE. For example, 8 × 10 image points BP are arranged in each character field ZF. For example, the sign itself points a size of 5x7 pixels BP.

These characters are also called up by corresponding code words in the character generator. For example, the character ^M V ^{n is called up} by the code word 1010110 and the character "I" by the code word 1001001 in the character generator.

The character generators for the rough patterns and the characters are usually designed as read-only memories. In addition to these two character generators, another character-r designed as a read-write memory can be used Generator be provided, by means of which by pixels BP in a similar way to the characters fine graphic Patterns can be displayed.

FIG. 3 shows a section from a fine graphic pattern which is represented by the image points BP in a plurality of character fields ZF is displayed. These character fields ZF also have the same size as the character fields ZF in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the same way as with the representation of the characters, these character fields ZF are also made up of 80 image points BP formed, which are arranged in η = 8 columns and m = 10 rows. The individual character fields ZF are also addressed by code words in the character generator.

To enter the fine patterns into the memory of the Central or the corresponding character generator

ORIGINAL INSPECTED

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the pattern initially, according to Figure 1, through the Graphic elements GE shown enlarged by means of the keyboard, the template or by means of the writing tablet. The representation also takes place, for example, on a template, which is then scanned optoelectronically. For a representation of the pattern in the individual character fields of FIG. 3, the η χ m pixels BP η χ m graphic elements GE to a sample field MF summarized. Then, using a control unit, each graphic element GE is assigned a pixel BP assigned so that in each case a pattern field MF in the figure merges into a character field ZF in accordance with FIG. For example, the pattern field MF in Figure 1 goes into Character field ZF3 in Figure 3 above.

48 pattern fields MF can be provided on the template, each of which is assigned a code word as an address is. If the pattern field MF in Figure 1 has the address 1, this corresponds to the code word 0110001. The address can also be represented by a point code which is formed from the graphic elements GE of a character field ZFP will. Incorrectly eight different ones Colors can be used, the point code, as explained in more detail below, is used in another for the display inadmissible color.

In the illustration in FIG. 4, there are several patterns in the illustrated 32 pattern fields MF in a template registered. The pattern fields 1 to 7 contain Cyrillic letters, while the pattern fields ο to t one Contiguous Arabic lettering and the sample fields 8 to η and ν contain a coherent graphic Represent patterns. The addresses of the corresponding pattern fields MF are indicated on the right by a point code shown in the ZFP drawing fields.

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The template is, as with the representation of the rough pattern, scanned on input and stored in a memory in which, for example, each dark graphic element GB assigned to a binary value 1 is. Using a control unit, the graphic elements GE are converted into pixels BP and into stored in a memory. From this memory the pixels become the memory of the control center and if necessary stored in the corresponding character generator of the output unit.

In the illustration in FIG. 5, it is assumed that both rough patterns and a part the fine patterns shown in FIG. 4 and a text are to be displayed. After scanning the original In accordance with FIG. 4, the original shown in FIG. 5 is scanned with the coarse pattern G1. To those Places where the fine pattern is to be displayed are the addresses of the corresponding Sample field MF represented by the corresponding point code in the character fields ZFP1 to ZFP3. The text will expediently entered later using an appropriate keyboard.

After the input, an output takes place as shown in FIG. 6. The sampled pattern G1 becomes represented as pattern G2 by the graphic elements GE. The patterns G3 to G5 are called up after calling the appropriate Character fields ZF in the read / write memory as fine by the addresses represented by the dot code Pattern is shown and the text is shown as text T after an input through the keyboard.

Further details are described below together with the block diagram shown in FIG.

ORiGiNAL INSPECTED

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The arrangement shown in FIG. 7 contains an input unit B for entering the graphic patterns and characters, a control unit SE for processing the Patterns and characters to be displayed and an output unit AE for displaying the patterns and characters. the Input unit E contains a keyboard TA for entering the characters and a scanning unit A for entering the on the templates V shown pattern. The scanning unit A is followed by an image memory B in which each scanned graphic element GE is stored.

The control unit SE contains a first converter UM1, which on the one hand converts the characters entered using the keyboard TA into corresponding code words CW1 and the on the other hand, when a rough pattern is entered, the graphic elements GE are combined into character fields ZF and assigns corresponding code words CW2 to them. The converter UM1 is followed by a memory S1 in which the code words CW1 and CW2 each to one side, i.e. from 960 character fields are stored. The control unit SE also contains a second converter UM2, the an input of the fine pattern each summarizes the η χ m graphic elements GE to a pattern field MF and the Graphic elements GE converts into pixels BP or converts the pattern fields MF into character fields ZF. The picture points BP are combined into data words DW and transferred to a memory S2 and there under Codewords CW stored addresses specified.

The output unit AE also contains a memory S3 in which the code words CW of a page can be stored and three character generators Z1 to Z3. The possible combinations of the graphic elements are in the character generator Z1 GE stored within a character field ZF.

The character generator Z2 contains the pixels BP of the characters and the character generator Z3 contains the data

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Words DW of the memory S2 can be stored. Depending on the code words CW stored in the memory S3 and corresponding shift characters are read out from the character generators Z1 to Z3 binary character strings and transmitted to an image control unit BST provided with a screen BS in order to create the corresponding patterns or to represent characters.

If both coarse and fine patterns and characters are to be displayed on the output unit AE, first the original V according to FIG. 4 with the fine patterns shown enlarged by means of the scanning unit A scanned. Via the image memory B and the switch U1 in the position shown in dashed lines Corresponding scanning signals reach the converter UM2, which from the scanned graphic elements GE the Data words DW assigned to pixels BP are generated and stored in memory S2 under the corresponding addresses. Then a template is made accordingly 5 scanned by means of the scanning unit A and fed to the converter UM1 via the changeover switch U1. This generates the code words CW2 assigned to the pattern G1 and stores them in the memory S1. The points in the The converter UM1 recognizes character fields ZFP1 to ZFP3 as addresses which represent the code words CW3 and stores them in the memory, marked accordingly S1 off. Then the text T is entered using the keyboard TA and in the converter UM1 in the appropriate Code words CW1 implemented, which are also stored in the memory S1 specially marked.

Before a display on the output unit AE, the content of the memory S2 is via the switch U2 to Transfer character generator Z3.

ORIGINAL INSPECTED

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The code words CW stored in the memory S1 then become the memory S3 of the output unit AE transfer. When the pattern G2 is displayed on the screen BS, the memory S3 is activated via the switch U3 connected to the character generator Z1 and the corresponding graphic elements GE are on the screen BS shown. When the patterns G3 to G5 are shown, the changeover switch U3 connects the memory S3 with the Character generator Z3 and the fine patterns are displayed. The memory S3 is then connected to the character generator Z2 via the changeover switch U3 in order to to represent the text T.

The output unit AE can be part of a television set that is suitable for the telecommunications service "Videotex interactive". In this case, the code words CW are transmitted to the output unit AE via a telephone line FL. This is connected to a central unit Z, in which the contents of the memories S1 and S2 are usually ready to be called up are stored. The input unit E and the control unit SE are intended for the information provider, which create the pages to be retrieved.

The characters and the graphic patterns can be displayed in eight different colors. The one you want Color is indicated by appropriate shift characters. The enlarged one expediently takes place Representation of the fine pattern in the desired color, so that the converter UM2 the respective color of the corresponding sample field MF or character field ZF can specify. The corresponding shift symbol can be accessed via a switch SW and the converter UM1 are fed to the memory S1 and there together with the corresponding one Address of the character field ZF can be stored.

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Since usually the color cannot be changed within a character field ZF, it can be expedient to choose η and m so that the boundaries of the pattern field MP coincide with the boundaries of the character fields ZF in order to prevent, as shown in FIG individual character fields ZF belong to several sample fields MF.
This is achieved, for example, by choosing η = 8 and m = 12. In this case the pattern field MF consists of 4x4 'character fields of the ZF.

10 claims
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ORiGiNAL INSPECTED

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Claims (10)

• · 4 t M VPA 80 P 6 2 h 3 DE Patent claims rf ^) Method for storing graphic patterns that can be displayed on an output unit, wherein coarse graphic patterns can be displayed on the output unit by combinations of graphic elements arranged in character fields in a coarse first grid, with alphanumeric characters being represented by pixels arranged in the character fields in one fine second raster can be represented, with fine graphic patterns in the same way as the characters in the character fields can be represented by pixels in the fine second raster and the output unit contains character generators in each of which a supply of character fields with combinations of graphic elements with the characters and is stored with the fine graphic patterns, marked by the following process steps: a) The fine graphic patterns (G3 to G5) are replaced by the ones used for displaying the rough graphic Patterns (G1, G2) provided graphic elements (GE) shown according to the first grid, b) in each case η χ m graphic elements (GE) which represent the image points provided for the representation of the characters (Z) (BP) correspond to a character field (ZF) are combined to form a sample field (MF), c) each pattern field (MF) is a code word (CW3) as Assigned address, d) each pattern field (MF) is created by assigning the graphic elements (GE) to the pixels (BP) in a character field of the second grid (ZF) implemented, e) the character fields (ZF) generated in this way are among those indicated by the code words (CW3) Addresses stored in the corresponding character generator (Z3). 3046b13 . St. VPA 8OP 62 4 2. The method according to claim 1,
characterized in that the enlarged representation of the fine graphic pattern (G3 to G5) takes place in the first raster on a template (V) which is scanned optoelectronically. 3. The method according to claim 2,
characterized in that the original (V) is scanned line by line by means of a scanning unit (A). 4. The method according to claim 1,
characterized in that the enlarged display of the fine graphic pattern (G3 to G5) takes place by means of a keyboard (TA) on an output unit. 5. The method according to any one of claims Ibis 4, characterized in that the color of the enlarged representation of the fine graphic pattern (G3 to G5) is stored within each pattern field (MF). 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that the enlarged fine graphic patterns and the coarse graphic patterns are inputted separately and at the character fields (ZFP1 to ZFP3) on which the fine graphic patterns (Ge to G5) are shown the corresponding code words (CW3) as Addresses are entered. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that in the optoelectronic scanning with the coarse . graphic patterns (G1) provided template to the 3045513 • 3 · VPA 8OP 6 2 4 3DE Character fields (ZFP1 "to ZFP3) to which the fine graphic patterns (G3 "to G5) are to be shown, the Addresses (P1 to P3) of the corresponding sample fields (MF) by a point code in the character fields (ZFP1 to ZFP3). 8. The method according to claim 7,
characterized in that the point code is displayed in a color which is impermissible for the display of the characters (Z) and / or graphic patterns (G). 9. Arrangement for performing the method according to claim 1, characterized by an input unit (E), by means of which the enlarged fine graphic patterns (G3 to G5) can be entered into a memory (B) by a control unit (SE) which controls the Converts graphic elements (GE) into pixels (BP) of character fields (ZF) and which contains a memory (S2), in the data words (DW) assigned to the pixels of the character fields (ZF) by code words (CW3) specified addresses can be saved. 10. Arrangement according to claim 9,
characterized in that the input unit (E) contains a scanning unit (A) which scans templates (V) provided with the graphic patterns (G) line by line.