MX2008009535A - Improving text rendering contrast - Google Patents

Abstract

Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that improve text rendering contrast. The shape of one or more characters is converted from an original format, such as a vector format received from a font, to an overscaled bitmap format. The width of the shape of the character is adjusted based on a text contrast setting. For example, the width of the shape can be adjusted by extending a right or other edge of the shape by the number of pixels corresponding to the numerical value of the text contrast setting. The shape is made wider or thinner based on the text contrast setting. A filtering procedure is used to determine density values for how the shape corresponds to a set of screen pixels. The density values are blended with color values related to the display device to form a modified shape ready for output. The modified shape is then displayed.

Description

CONTRAST IMPROVEMENT OF TEXT CONVERSION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A particular part of the text on a screen is not displayed in the same way on all screen devices due to variations in the hardware and software. Also, not all users can see the same particular text, in the same way. Various techniques can be used to adjust the appearance of the text to make it more readable to the user. For example, the side effect of gamma correction is sometimes used to adjust the contrast that converts the text. Gamma correction is a feature of the software that means that it takes into account the non-linear dependence of the light energy emitted in the numerical values of color intensity calculated by the conversion software. By pushing the gamut correction for the incompatibility of the physical characteristic of the screen, the visible text contrast is often changed. There are five main problems with the use of gamma correction to adjust text contrast: First, it can cause color fringes on the vertical edges of certain character trunks, such as when the text is being converted to MICROSOFT® CLEARTYPE® technology. This is a distraction for users who are sensitive to color. Second, in animated text scenarios, the deviation The visible density of the trunk is created when the text is moving slowly in the horizontal direction. Third, when using gamma correction to adjust the text contrast, color invariance can not be provided. In other words, if the contrast of black text on white is increased, the contrast of the black on white contrast is lost. Fourth, color distortion occurs in the colors of both the background and the front plane and when they are not white or black, so the colors differ from the desired ones. The final problem with the use of gamma correction to adjust text contrast is that the overall consistency of the conversion system worsens. For example, components not related to the text, such as geometry and bitmap graphics, either require separate gamma configuration and reproduction or acceptance of the distortions caused by the incompatibility between the actual screen characteristics and the configurations of Correction range changed in favor of text contrast. Brief Description of the Invention Various technologies and techniques that improve the text conversion contrast are described. The shape of one or more characters is converted into an original format, such as a vector format received from a source, to an over-scaled bitmap format. The width of the character shape in the over-scaled bitmap format is adjusted based on a text contrast setting, such as one that is You can adjust through the user. For example, in one implementation, the width of the shape is adjusted by extending a right edge or other edge of the shape trunks through a number of pixels of the numerical value associated with the text contrast setting. In other words, the trunks of the shapes become wider and thinner based on the textual contrast settings. A filtering procedure is used to determine how much the density values of the shape correspond to a group of screen pixels. The density values for the form are subsequently converted with color value and / or a gamma correction configuration related to the screen apparatus to form a modified form ready to be produced. As a non-limiting example, the color values may include background color and / or front plane settings. Subsequently, the modified form is displayed on the screen device. This brief description is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which is described further below in the Detailed Description section. This brief Description is not intended to identify key characteristics or essential characteristics of the subject matter claimed, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the subject matter claimed.

Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a computer system of an implementation. Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of a text conversion application of an implementation operating in the computation system of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a flow chart of a high-level process for an implementation of the Figure 1 system. Figure 4 is a flow chart for an implementation of the system of Figure 1 illusing the steps involved in improving the text conversion cont. Figure 5 is a flow chart of a process for a system implementation of Figure 1, illusing the steps involved in adjusting the text conversion cont based on the text cont setting. Figure 6 is a simulated screen for an implementation of the system of Figure 1, which illuses how a user is allowed to specify the text cont setting at a user interface. Detailed Description of the Invention For the purposes of promoting understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the modalities illused in the drawings and a specific language will be used to describe them, however, it will be understood that the pretend with this to limit the scope of the present invention. Any further alterations and modifications in the described embodiments, and any additional applications of the principles as described herein are better contemplated as would be normally considered by a person skilled in the art. The system can be described in the general context of an application that improves the text conversion cont, but the system also serves other purposes besides these. In one implementation, one or more of the techniques described herein can be implemented as features within a sub-system for presenting an operating system such as MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® or Linux, or any other type of program or service that is responsible for the conversion of text. As shown in Figure 1, an exemplary computation system for use to implement one or more parts of the system includes a computing apparatus, such as the computing apparatus 100. In its most basic configuration, the computing apparatus 100 usually includes at least one processing unit 102 and memory 104. Depending on the exact configuration and type of the computing apparatus, the memory 104 may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two. This most basic configuration is illused in Figure 1 through dotted line 106.

In addition, the apparatus 100 may also have additional features / functionalities. For example, the apparatus 100 may also include additional storage (removable and / or non-removable) that includes but is not limited to magnetic or optical discs or tapes. Said additional storage is illused in Figure 1 through the removable storage 108 and the non-removable storage 110. The computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for the storage of information. such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. The memory 104, the removable storage 108 and the non-removable storage 110 are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tapes, magnetic cartridges, apparatus storage or magnetic disks, or other magnetic storage devices or any other means that can be used to store desired information and that can be accessed by the apparatus 100. Any of said computer storage means can be part of the apparatus 100.

The computing apparatus 100 includes one or more communication connections 114 which allow the computing apparatus 100 to communicate with other computers / applications 115. The apparatus 100 may also have the input apparatus (s) 112 such as a keyboard, mouse, pen , voice input apparatus, contact input apparatus, etc. The output apparatus (s) 111 such as a screen, loudspeaker, printer, etc., may also be included. These apparatuses are known in the art and need not be described in greater detail in the present invention. The computation apparatus 100 includes the text conversion application 200, which is responsible for preparing the text to be displayed on an output device 111. The text conversion application 200 is operated to retrieve text contrast settings 117, such as those specified by a user in a user interface. The text conversion application 200 is described in more detail in the figures below. Turning now to Figure 2 with continuous reference to Figure 1, the text conversion application 200 operating in a computing apparatus 100 is further illustrated. The text conversion application 200 is one of the application programs that resides in the computing apparatus 100. Alternatively or additionally, one or more parts of the text conversion application 200 may be part of the system memory 104, or in other computers and / or applications 115, or other variations, such as those skilled in the art of computer software may consider. The text conversion application 200 includes program logic 204, which is responsible for carrying out some or all of the techniques described herein. The logic of the program 204 includes the logic 206 for receiving a request for an application to display characters in an output / display device; logic 208 for converting the character form of an original format, such as a vector format from a source, to a format of a vector, to a bitmap format; logic 210 for retrieving adjustable text contrast, such as a numerical value or other value; and the logic 212 for adjusting the width of the character shapes based on the text contrast setting. The program logic 204 alternatively or additionally includes the filtering logic 214, to determine how much the density values of the shapes correspond to the screen pixels; logic 216 for determining density values for shapes with color values related to the output apparatus, such as background and / or foreground configuration, and / or with gamma correction configuration related to the output apparatus; the logic 218 for displaying the characters in modified form on an output device; and another logic 220 to operate the application. In one implementation, the program logic 204 is operated to be called in the form of programming from another program, such as by using a simple invocation or a procedure in the program logic 204. In one implementation, the program logic 204 resides in the computing apparatus 100. However, it will be understood that program logic 204 may be represented alternatively or additionally with executable computer instructions in one or more computers and / or different variations shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively or additional, one or more parts of the text conversion application 200 may be part of the system memory 104, or in other computers and / or applications 115, or other variations that may be considered by an expert in software techniques of computers. The examples presented here illustrate the use of these technologies and techniques with a text conversion application in an implementation. However, as described above, in other implementations these technologies and techniques are used with other systems to improve the text conversion contrast. Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4 with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the steps for implementation of one or more text conversion application implementations 200 are described in greater detail. Figure 3 is a diagram of flow of a high-level process of a text conversion application 200. In one form, the process of Figure 3 is implemented at least partially in the operation logic of the computing apparatus 100. The procedure begins at the starting point 240 obtained in the forms of one or more characters in an original format, such as a vector format from a source (step 242). The shapes of the characters are converted to over-scaled bitmap shapes (step 244). The text contrast configuration specified by the user or the system is recovered (step 246). In one implementation, the text contrast setting is a numeric value, such as a number that fluctuates from zero to six. In another implementation, the text contrast setting is a value selected from a scroll list or other user interface list that is translated into a numeric value. In yet another implementation, the text contrast setting is a value specified in a system configuration file, such as one that uses an extensible markup language (XML) format. In a further implementation, the text contrast setting is a value specified by a developer in a specification file to control the text contrast of one or more pieces of text in a particular application or document. An example without limitation of such a specification file, includes a file written using the Extensible Markup Application Language (XAML) format. Numerous other values and shapes can also be used to represent one or more text contrast settings. The widths of the trunks of one or more shapes are subsequently adjusted based on the text contrast configuration (step 248). In one implementation, the trunks of the shapes become wider or thinner based on the value specified by the text contrast setting. As an example without limitation, the right edge or other edge of the shape is extended by a number of pixels corresponding to the number specified in the text contrast setting. A filtering procedure is carried out to determine how much the density values of the shape (s) correspond to the pixels of the screen (step 250). The density values of the shape (s) are combined with color values and / or gamma correction interaction which is related to an output apparatus for a modified form ready to be displayed on the output apparatus (step 252). An example without limitation of color values that can be used includes configuration of the foreground and / or background color. The modified form (s) of characters are subsequently displayed in the output apparatus (step 254). The process ends in point 256.

Figure 4 illustrates an implementation of a more detailed process for text contrast configuration. In one form, the process of Figure 4 is implemented at least partially in the operation logic of the computing apparatus 100. The procedure begins with the vector data obtained from the source (step 260). The rasterization and composition are carried out (step 262) to generate the over-scaled bitmap data (step 264). Using the text contrast configuration (step 266), the character forms are adjusted (step 268). This setting produces over-scaled bitmap data (step 270). The process is carried out in a filtering process (step 272) to determine how much the density values of the shapes correspond to the screen pixels (step 274). The density values are combined with color values and / or gamma correction settings that are related to the output apparatus (step 276). A range correction setting corresponding to the actual screen values is used in the combination process (step 278), as well as the foreground color data (step 280). The output surface data is subsequently generated (step 282) in a format that is ready to be displayed on an output device. Figure 5 illustrates the more detailed steps involved in text conversion contrast adjustment. In one form, the process of Figure 5 is implemented at least partially in the operation logic of the computation apparatus 100. The process starts at the starting point 300 providing a text contaste configuration (step 302). In one implementation, the text contrast setting is a numeric value or other value, such as one set by a user in a user infer or file configuration file. The text contrast configuration is recovered in the appropriate time (step 304), just as the text conversion application 200 receives a request to display characters in an output device. The text contrast adjustment procedure is carried out to make the shape (s) wider or thinner based on the text contrast setting (step 306). In one implementation, the right edge or other edge of the shape is extended by the number of pixels specified in the text contrast setting. In programmatic terms, you can carry out an "OR" inclusion with the same pixel on the right, or other similar variations to widen or narrow the character shape. The text contrast adjustment is carried out independently of the gamma correction, the foreground and / or background color settings, etc., (step 308). The final process at point 310. Turning now to Figure 6, the simulated screen 400 is displayed on the user interface to illustrate a user interface that allows the user to adjust the configuration of the user. text contrast used to adjust the text contrast setting used by the text application conversion 200. This screen can be displayed to users on the output device (s) 111. In addition, this screen can receive information from users of the text application. input apparatus (s) 112. The explanation of the text contrast setting is shown 402, to indicate that the user may specify a numerical value in a particular range, which in this non-limiting example, may fluctuate from "0" to "6". Subsequently the numerical value is specified in the entry field 404, such as the value "4" shown. Various other variations can be used to allow the user or the system to specify a text contrast setting. These variations may include other types of user interfaces, configuration files, and / or other form to allow a user or system to specify a text contrast setting. Although the subject matter has been described in a specific language of structural characteristics and / or methodological actions, it will be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are described as example forms for implementing the claims. It is intended that all equivalents are protected, changes and modifications that are within the spirit of the implementations as described herein and / or as described in the appended claims. For example, an expert in the computer software technique will recognize that the client and / or server configurations, user interface screen content and / or data distributions as described in the examples mentioned herein, can be organized in different form in one or more computers to include fewer options or features or some additional to those illustrated in the examples.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method for improving text conversion contrast comprising the steps of: obtaining a form of at least one character in a vector format (242); converting the shape of at least one character to a bitmap format, wherein the character form is overcast in the bit format (244); adjust the width of the character shape based on the text contrast setting (248); performing a filtering procedure to determine how much corresponds the group of density values of the shape to a group of screen pixels (250); and combining the group of density values for the shape with the group of color values related to a screen apparatus to form a modified form ready to be produced (252).
2. 2. The method as described in the claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: displaying the modified form of characters in the display device (254).
3. 3. The method as described in the claim 2, characterized in that the combination step further comprises using a range correction configuration corresponding to the actual screen characteristics of the apparatus of screen (252).
4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that the text contrast configuration is specified by a user (246).
5. 5. The method as described in the claim 1, characterized in that the text contrast configuration is a numerical value (246).
6. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment step further comprises extending an edge of the shape into a number of pixels corresponding to the numerical value associated with the text contrast setting (248).
7. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment step further comprises making the shape of the character wider (248).
8. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment step further comprises thinning the shape of the character (248).
9. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that the vector format is obtained from a source associated with the character (242).
10. 10. A computer-readable medium having executable instructions on computer to cause a computer to perform the steps mentioned in claim 1 (200).
11. 11. A computer-readable medium having executable computer instructions to cause a computer to perform the steps that comprise: providing a matching text contrast setting (210); and upon receiving a request for an application to display at least one character on a screen apparatus (206), carry out a group of steps comprising: converting a form of at least one character from an original format to a map format of bits, wherein the character shape is superscaled in the bitmap format (208); recover the text contrast setting (210); adjust a width of the character shape based on the recovered text contrast setting (212); carrying out a filtering procedure to determine how much corresponds a group of density values of the shape to a group of screen pixels (214); combining the group of heats of density of the form with a group of color values related to the screen apparatus to form a modified form ready to be produced (216); and displaying the modified form of the character in the display apparatus (218).
12. 12. The computer readable medium as described in claim 11, characterized in that the step of adjustment further comprises extending an edge of the shape of a number of pixels corresponding to the numerical value associated with the text contrast setting (248).
13. 13. The computer readable medium as described in claim 11, characterized in that the combination step further comprises using a gamma correction configuration that corresponds to the actual display characteristics of the display apparatus (252).
14. 14. The computer readable medium as described in claim 11, characterized in that the original format is a vector format retrieved from a source (242).
15. 15. The computer readable medium as described in claim 11, characterized in that the text contrast configuration is stored in a configuration file (302).
16. 16. The computer readable medium as described in claim 11, characterized in that the text contrast configuration is provided in a form that is adjustable through the user (302).
17. 17. A method for improving the text conversion contrast comprising the steps of: converting in the form of at least one character from an original format to a bitmap format, wherein the character shape is over scaling in the map format bits (244); adjust a width of the character shape based on the text contrast setting, where the width is adjusted by extending an edge of the shape into a number of pixels that correspond to a numerical value associated with a text contrast setting ( 248); carrying out a filtering procedure to determine how much corresponds a group of density values of the shape to a group of screen pixels (250); and combining the group of density values of the shape with a group of color values related to the screen apparatus to form a modified form ready to be produced (252).
18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that the combining step uses a gamma correction setting and wherein the text contrast setting is achieved for the shape, regardless of the gamma correction setting (252) .
19. 19. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that the group of color values includes foreground color values (252).
20. 20. A computer readable medium characterized in that it has computer executable instructions that cause a computer to perform the steps mentioned in claim 17 (200).