DE3046513C2 - Method and arrangement for storing graphic patterns - Google Patents

Description

a) the fine graphic patterns (G 3 to G 5) are represented by the graphic elements (GE) provided for displaying the coarse graphic patterns (G 1, G 2 ) according to the first grid,

b) nxm graphic elements (GE), which correspond to the image points (BP) of a character field (ZF) provided for the display of the characters (Z) , are combined to form a pattern field (MF) ,

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

d) each pattern field (MF) is converted into a character field of the second raster (ZF) by assigning the graphic elements (GE) to the image points (BP) ,

e) the character fields (ZF) generated in this way are stored in the corresponding character generator (Z 3) at the addresses specified by the code words (CWi).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that! the enlarged representation of the fine graphic pattern (G 3 to G 5) in the first grid takes place on a template (V) which is scanned optoelectronically.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the scanning of the original (V) by means of a scanning unit (A) takes place line by line.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the enlarged display of the fine graphic pattern (G 3 to G 5) takes place by means of a keyboard (TA) on an output unit.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the color of the enlarged representation of the fine graphic pattern (G 3 to G 5) is stored within each pattern field (MF).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the enlarged fine graphic patterns and the coarse graphic patterns are entered separately and at the character fields (ZFP \ to ZFP3) where the fine graphic patterns (Ge to G 5 ), the corresponding code words (CW3) are entered as addresses.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that in the optoelectronic scanning of the template provided with the coarse graphic patterns (Gl) on the character fields (ZFP 1 to ZFP 3) on which the fine graphic patterns (G 3 to G 5) are to be represented, the addresses (P 1 to P3) of the corresponding sample fields (MF) are represented by a dot code in the character fields (ZFP \ to ZFP3) .

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the point code is displayed in a for the display of the characters (Z) and / or graphic pattern (G) inadmissible color.

9. Arrangement for carrying out the method according to claim 1, characterized by an input unit (E), by means of which the enlarged fine graphic pattern (G 3 to G 5 ) can be eir.gebbar in a memory (B), by a control unit (SE) which converts the graphic elements (GE) into pixels (BP) of character arrays (ZF) and which contains a memory (S 2) in which the pixels of the character fields (ZF) associated data words (DW) below by code words (CW3) specified addresses are storable.

10. The 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.

The invention relates to a method for storing graphic patterns on a Output unit can be displayed, with coarse graphic patterns through in character fields on the output unit arranged combinations of graphic elements can be displayed in a rough first razor, wherein alphanumeric characters are arranged in the character fields by image points in a fine second Raster can be represented, with fine graphic patterns in a corresponding manner as the characters in 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 character fields with combinations of graphic elements, is stored with the characters and with the fine graphic patterns. Furthermore, the Invention to an arrangement for performing the method.

With the new telecommunications service "Videotex" ("Videotex interactive") it is possible to use a telephone line to 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 take place using 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 Character field shows a character. The drawing field consists, for example, of 8x10 or 8x12 pixels, with which the individual characters are represented. A representation of rough graphic patterns takes place in that each character field in 2 χ j

Graphic elements are divided and the graphic pattern from the possible combinations of bright and dark graphic elements.

A predetermined supply of characters and the possible combinations of graphic elements are in Character generators of the output unit stored using code words, the addresses of the Represent the character generator, the pixels the characters or, after a corresponding shift character, data words assigned to the graphic elements are read out 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, whereby however, only one color can be used within a character field. The assignment of the code words on the characters and the combinations of graphic elements is, for example, from the magazine "Funkschau",! 977, issue 18, pages 78-82, known.

For displaying fine graphic patterns that have a resolution more than ten times greater than the have coarse patterns, a further character generator can be provided in the output unit in which the graphic pattern not by the graphic elements, but, in a similar way to the characters, by the Pixels are stored. After a corresponding shift character, this also becomes a character generator data words assigned to the individual pixels of the character fields with the aid of code words read out and fed to the image control unit. The character generator for the fine patterns is common designed as read-write memory to represent different patterns depending on the application can. In the case of a mixed representation of fine patterns, characters and / or coarse patterns, from the control center first the data words of the fine patterns among those given by the code words Addresses stored in the character generator. Then the code words for the characters and / or graphic elements and transferred to those places where the character fields with the fine Patterns are to be occupied, the corresponding code words for the character generator are transmitted. 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, pp. 27-31, it is known at a data display device in addition to a character generator for the alphanumeric characters another Provide character generator for circuit symbols. The circuit symbols are displayed in a similar manner to the characters are represented by pixels within the character fields. This further character generator is however, it is designed as a read-only memory 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 Use case to save different circuit symbols. Entering the circuit symbols could be done using a keyboard. Such a keyboard consists of a corresponding to the pixels Character field, for example, made up of 8 χ 10 keys. It would also be possible to have 8 or 10 buttons and the Enter the pattern of each character field line by line or column by column. Because the characters on the screen are proportionate are displayed small, it would be beneficial to enter the corresponding character field on the screen to represent enlarged.

In this way it would be possible to change the pattern

of individual character fields, but it would be relatively cumbersome to enter a pattern, that extends over several character fields. Such a pattern is, for example, a company logo, a larger symbol or a lettering in a different font, for example in Arabic or Cyrillic.

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

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

a) the fine graphic patterns are shown enlarged by the graphic elements provided for the display of the coarse graphic patterns according to the first grid,
b) nxm graphic elements, which correspond to the image points of a character field provided for the representation of the characters, are combined to form a sample field,

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

d) each pattern field is created by assigning the graphic elements to the pixels Character field of the second grid transferred,

e) the character fields generated in this way are among those indicated by the code words Addresses stored in the corresponding character generator.

The method according to the present invention has the advantage that the fine graphic Pattern can be entered in the same way as the rough graphic pattern and thus the same means can be used. Let by the simultaneous display of a plurality of character fields You can also easily enter and, if necessary, graphical patterns that extend over several character fields correct.

A particularly advantageous input of the pattern is achieved when the enlarged display of the fine Pattern takes place in the first grid 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. Independently of, whether the coarse patterns or the enlarged fine patterns are scanned, the same may be the same Scanning units are used.

Another possibility is that the enlarged display of the fine graphic pattern takes place by means of a keyboard on an output unit. The output unit is expediently a viewing device provided with a screen. The keyboard can also be used to correct or change patterns displayed in other ways. The keyboard has, for example, a number of nxm keys which are each assigned to the pixels of a character field. Entering the pattern

• The various character fields are then carried out by switching the keyboard to the various character fields. The keyboard can also have η or m keys in order to display the pattern of each character field line by line or line by line. Another advantageous possibility is to use a keyboard which is provided for entering and correcting the coarse graphic patterns and in which one key is assigned to a graphic element within a character field. Furthermore, keys can be provided with which the color of a character field is determined in each case. The input can also take place in that the enlarged display of the fine graphic pattern is carried out by means of a writing tablet.

In principle it is possible with the enlarged Assign a color to each character field. A small memory requirement in the character generator for however, the fine pattern is achieved when the character fields are combined to form a pattern field each have the same color. In this case it is useful if the color of the enlarged Representation of the fine graphic pattern is stored within each pattern field.

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 the coarse patterns are entered separately and on the character fields on which the fine graphic patterns are represented, the corresponding code words can be entered as addresses. If the input is made using templates that contain are scanned optoelectronically, it is advantageous if the provided with the coarse graphic pattern Template on the character fields on which the fine graphic patterns are to be displayed, the addresses of the corresponding sample fields are represented by a dot code in the character fields. To the To be able to distinguish point code from the other graphic patterns, it is advantageous if the point code in a color that is not permitted for the representation of the characters and / or graphic patterns is pictured.

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 graphic elements to the graphic elements and by means of a memory in which the to Character fields combined image points can be stored at addresses defined by code words are.

It is advantageous here if a scanning unit is provided as the input unit, which is connected to the graphical patterns provided templates are scanned line by line.

In the following, an implementation of the method is explained in more detail with reference to drawings. It shows

F i g. 1 shows an excerpt from one of graphic elements formed rough graphic patterns,

F i g. 2 shows an excerpt from a text formed from alphanumeric characters

F i g. 3 shows a section of a fine graphic pattern formed from image dots,

4 shows an excerpt from a template in which fine graphic patterns are enlarged by graphic elements,

Fig. 5 shows a detail from a template that a contains coarse graphic patterns and addresses coded by a point code for fine graphic patterns, F i g. 6 shows a detail from a representation of a coarse graphic pattern, a fine graphic pattern Pattern and alphanumeric characters on an output unit,

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

The in Fig. The rough graphic pattern shown in FIG. 1 is formed from individual light or dark graphic elements GE , of which 2x3 are combined to form a character field ZF . All possible combinations of the graphic elements GE within the character fields ZF are stored in a character generator of the output unit, for example a television set. For the construction of the graphic pattern, the corresponding combinations are called up in the character generator by means of code words assigned to them and fed to an image control unit which displays the pattern on a screen of the television set. For example, 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 transmitted to a further memory in an output unit, which is followed by the character generator. The input of the pattern into the memory can take place on a display device by means of a keyboard which contains six keys assigned to the graphic elements GE. Extensive patterns can be represented on a template, which is then scanned optoelectronically by line by means of a scanner or area by area by means of a video camera. It is also possible to enter the patterns using a writing tablet. The corresponding code words are then generated and stored. A total of 960 character fields ZF can be displayed on the screen, which are arranged in 24 lines with 40 character fields each.

In addition to the rough graphic patterns, as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to display texts with the help of an additional character generator. Each alphanumeric character of the text is also shown in a character field ZF which has the same size as the character fields ZF shown in FIG. However, the characters are not represented by the graphic elements GE, but rather by image points BP which are significantly smaller than the graphic elements GE. For example, 8x10 picture images BP are arranged in each character field ZF . The character itself has a size of 5 × 7 pixels BP , for example. These characters are also called up by corresponding code words in the character generator. For example, the character “V” is called up by the code word 1010110 and the character “1” 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, a further character generator designed as a read / write memory can be provided, by means of which fine graphic patterns can be represented by image points BP in a manner similar to the characters.

The F i g. 3 shows a section from a fine graphic pattern which is represented by the image points BP in a plurality of character fields ZF.

These character fields ZF also have the same size as the character fields ZF in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the same way as in the representation of the characters, these character fields ZF are also formed from 80 image points BP , which are in / 7 = 8 columns and m = 10 lines are arranged. The individual character fields ZF are also addressed by code words in the character generator.

To input the fine pattern into the memory of the control center or the corresponding character generator, the pattern is first shown enlarged, according to FIG. 1, by the graphic elements GE using the keyboard, the template or using the writing tablet. The representation also takes place, for example, on a template, which is then scanned optoelectronically. For a representation of the patterns in the individual character fields of FIG. 3, graphic elements GE are combined to form a pattern field MF in accordance with the η χ m image points BPnxm . A picture element BP is then assigned to each graphic element GE using a control unit, so that in each case a pattern field MF in FIG. 1 in a character field ZF according to FIG. 3 passes. For example, the pattern field MF in FIG. 1 in the character field ZF3 in FIG. 3 over.

48 sample fields MF can be provided on the template, each of which is assigned a code word as an address. If the pattern field MF in FIG. 1 has the address 1, this corresponds to the code word 0110001. The address 1 can also be represented by a dot code which is formed from the graphic elements GF of a character field ZFP. If eight different colors can be used in the display, the point code is shown in another color that is not permitted for the display, as explained in more detail below.

In the illustration in FIG. 4, several patterns are entered in a template in the 32 pattern fields MF shown . The sample fields 1 to 7 contain Cyrillic letters, while the sample fields ο to / contain a coherent Arabic lettering and the sample fields 8 to η and ν represent a coherent graphic pattern. The addresses of the corresponding sample fields MF are shown on the right by a dot code in the character fields ZFP.

As with the representation of the rough patterns, the template is scanned when it is input and stored in a memory in which, for example, each dark graphic element GE is assigned a binary value 1. Using a control unit, the graphic elements GE are converted into pixels BP and stored in a memory. From this memory, the image points are stored in the memory of the control center and, if necessary, in the corresponding character generator of the output unit.

In the illustration in FIG. 5 it is assumed that both coarse patterns and a part of the patterns shown in FIG. 4 shown fine pattern and a text are to be shown. After scanning the original according to F; G. 4 the in F i g. Original shown in FIG. 5 with the coarse pattern G 1 scanned At those points where the fine pattern is to be shown, the addresses of the corresponding pattern fields MF are shown by the corresponding point codes in the character fields ZFPl to ZFP3. The text is expediently entered later using an appropriate keyboard.

After the input there is an output according to the illustration in Fig. 6. The sampled pattern G 1 is represented as pattern G 2 by the graphic elements GE . The patterns G 3 to G 5 are displayed as fine patterns after calling up the corresponding character fields ZF in the read / write memory using the addresses represented by the dot code, and the text is displayed as text T after being entered using the keyboard.

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

The in F i g. The arrangement shown in FIG. 7 contains an input unit E for inputting 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 keeps a keyboard TA for the input of the characters and a scanning unit A for the input of the patterns V shown on the templates. 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 UMi, which on the one hand converts the characters entered using the keyboard TA into corresponding code words ClVl and on the other hand, when a rough pattern is entered, combines the graphic elements GE into character fields ZF and assigns them corresponding code words CW2. The converter UMi is followed by a memory S1 in which the code words ClVl and CWl are stored on each page, ie of 960 character fields. The control unit SE also contains a second converter UM2 which, when the fine patterns are input, combines the η m graphic elements GE into a pattern field MF and converts the graphic elements GE into pixels BP or converts the pattern fields MF into character fields ZF . The pixels BP are combined into data words DW and transferred to a memory 52 and stored there under addresses given by code words C1V.

The output unit AE also contains a memory 53 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 GF within a character field ZF are stored in the character generator Z1. The character generator Z2 contains the pixels BP of the characters and the data words DW of the memory 52 can be stored in the character generator Z3. Depending on the code words ClV stored in the memory 53 and the corresponding switching times, binary character strings are read out from the character generators Z1 to Z3 and transmitted to an image control unit BST provided with a screen BS in order to display the corresponding patterns or characters.

If both coarse and fine patterns and characters are to be displayed on the output unit AE, the template Vent according to FIG. 4 scanned with the enlarged fine patterns by means of the scanning unit A. Corresponding scanning signals reach the converter UM2 via the image memory B and the changeover switch U 1 in the position shown in dashed lines, which converts the scanned graphic elements GF into the data words DW assigned to the pixels BP and stores them in the memory 52 at the corresponding addresses. Subsequent

Bend is a template according to FIG. 5 scanned by means of the scanning unit A and fed to the converter UM 1 via the changeover switch U 1. This generates the code words CW2 assigned to the pattern G 1 and stores them in the memory 51. The converter UM 1 recognizes the dots in the character fields ZFP \ to ZFP3 as addresses which represent the code words CW3 and stores them in the memory 51, identified accordingly. The text Γ is then entered using the keyboard TA and converted in the converter UM 1 into corresponding code words CWX , which are also stored in the memory 51 in a specially marked manner.

Before it is displayed on the output unit AE , the content of the memory 52 is transmitted to the character generator Zi via the changeover switch U2.

The code words CW stored in the memory 51 are then transmitted to the memory 53 of the output unit AE. When the pattern G 2 is shown on the screen ß5, the memory 53 is connected to the character generator Z1 via the switch i / 3 and the corresponding graphic elements GE are shown on the screen BS . When the patterns G 3 to G 5 are displayed, the switch L / 3 connects the memory 53 to the character generator Z3 and the fine patterns are displayed. The memory 53 is then connected to the character generator Z2 via the switch t / 3 in order to display the text T.

The output unit AE can be part of a television set that is suitable for the telecommunication service "videotex"("videotexinteractive"). The transmission of the code words CW to the output unit AE takes place in this case via a telephone line FL. This is connected to a control center Z, in which the contents of the

Memories 51 and 52 are stored ready for retrieval. The input unit E and the control unit SE are provided for the information providers who create the pages to be called up.

The characters and the graphic patterns can be in

ίο eight different colors are displayed. The required color is indicated by the appropriate toggle symbol. The enlarged display of the fine patterns is expediently carried out in the respective desired color, so that the converter UM2 can determine the respective color of the corresponding pattern field MF or character field ZF . The corresponding shift character can be fed to the memory 51 via a switch 5W and the converter UM 1 and stored there together with the corresponding address of the character field ZF.

Since usually the color cannot be changed within a character field ZF , it can be useful to choose η and m so that the boundaries of the pattern field MF coincide with the boundaries of the character fields ZF , in order to prevent as shown in FIG. 1 shows that individual character fields ZF belong to several sample fields MF. This is achieved, for example, by choosing / 7 = 8 and nt = \ 2 . In this case the pattern field MF consists of 4x4 character fields ZF.

For this purpose 4 sheets of drawings

Claims (1)

Patent claims: 1. Method for storing graphic patterns that can be displayed on an output unit are, with coarse graphic patterns on the output unit by combinations arranged in character fields of graphic elements can be displayed in a coarse first grid, with alphanumeric Characters by means of pixels arranged in the character fields in a fine second grid can be represented, with fine graphic patterns in a manner corresponding to the characters in the Character fields can be represented by pixels in the fine second grid and wherein the Output unit contains character generators, in each of which a supply of character fields with Combinations of graphic elements with characters and with fine graphic patterns is stored, characterized by the following process steps: