JP2001034256A - Font generating device, font generating method, computer readable recording medium and game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a font generating device capable of generating font data with which characters in which jaggedness are not conspicuous are displayed based on preexisting font data. SOLUTION: This font generating device is constituted so that font data expressing a dot pattern 300 which is consisted of dots of the same number as that of a dot pattern 200 expressed by bit map data 50 and in which brightness of respective dots are decided according to ratios among corresponding dots of the dot pattern 200 and white dots and black dots existing the surroundings of the dots are generated on the basis of the bit map data 50 produced based on the preexisting font data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a font generating apparatus, a font generating method, a computer-readable recording medium for generating font data used for displaying characters, symbols, and the like on a display, and such a font data. The present invention relates to a game device in which is used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, in a word processor or a computer, in order to display a character, a dot pattern representing the character is drawn on a display screen. Then, a computer or the like supplies two dots to each dot as original data for generating the dot pattern.
A plurality of fonts (font files) holding data (data defining only the shape of characters) capable of generating a dot pattern to which one of colors (black, white) is assigned are installed.

[0003]

When a display on which a character is displayed has a high resolution, a dot pattern representing the character can be composed of a large number of dots. Therefore, even if the character is represented by a dot pattern composed of two-color dots directly generated from the data in the font file, the character displayed on the display is difficult to see (it is difficult to identify the type).
It doesn't matter.

[0004] However, if the display on which the character is displayed has a low resolution,
A dot pattern representing a smaller number of dots must be used as the dot pattern representing the character. For this reason, when a dot pattern directly generated from the data in the font file is displayed on a low-resolution display, the character curves and diagonal lines become jagged (called jaggy), and the displayed characters are difficult to see. There was something.

In order to prevent such a problem from occurring,
When it is necessary to display characters on a low-resolution display (for example, when displaying a screen on which characters are displayed on a television connected to a game device), a completely new or existing 2 2. Description of the Related Art A multi-tone dot pattern (including an intermediate color) representing a character created by processing a gradation dot pattern is used for character display.
Since the work of creating the dot pattern requires a great deal of labor, a technique for easily creating font data that can display a dot pattern with less noticeable jaggies is desired.

A technique for automatically generating a dot pattern in which jaggies are not noticeable is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-25063.
No. 3 is known. With this technology,
When creating an n × n dot display dot pattern for a character, first, (k ×
A dot pattern of (n) × (k × n) dots is created. That is, a dot pattern composed of n × n blocks composed of k × k dots adjacent to each other per block is created. Then, a display dot pattern having dots of gradation (brightness) corresponding to the number of black dots in each block included in the created dot pattern at positions corresponding to each block is created.

According to this technique, it is possible to obtain a dot pattern in which jaggies are inconspicuous. However, as is apparent from the above procedure, in order to obtain a dot pattern of a certain resolution using this technique, a dot pattern of a higher resolution (a dot pattern having a larger number of dots constituting one character) is prepared. It is necessary. Although it is easy to create a high-resolution dot pattern from outline-format font data, a high-resolution dot pattern is originally derived from bitmap-format font data that contains only data that represents a dot pattern with a predetermined resolution. It is impossible to create patterns. Therefore, if the font data for which jaggy is to be made inconspicuous is bitmap format font data, font data having a resolution lower than that of the font data can only be obtained by using the above technique. As described above, in the above technique, font data having the same resolution cannot be obtained from font data in the bitmap format, that is, the applicable fonts are limited.

An object of the present invention is to provide a font generating apparatus, a font generating method, and a computer, which can easily generate font data representing a font (character) in which jaggies are inconspicuous from any type of font data. It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable recording medium that allows a computer to execute a font generation method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device which displays character information that is easy to recognize.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0011] The font generating apparatus of the present invention performs bitmap development based on the input font data,
A generating unit that generates a dot matrix composed of white dots and black dots, and a dot matrix generated by the generating unit. For each dot constituting the dot matrix, the dot is set as a target dot. And a cut-out unit that cuts out the block according to the color of the dot of interest in each block cut out by the cut-out unit and the ratio of white dots to black dots that constitute the surrounding dots. Determining means for determining the brightness of the dot of interest in the block; calculating means for calculating R, G, B, and respective tone values for each dot of interest according to the brightness determined by the determining means; The tone values calculated in step (1) are converted to data on the dot at the position corresponding to the target dot cut out by the cutout means in each block. As includes a font data generating means for generating a font data.

That is, in the font generating apparatus according to the present invention, the dot matrix used for obtaining the final output font data is generated by the generating means based on the existing font data. Then, based on the dot matrix, font data representing the same number of dots as the dot matrix is determined by the extracting unit, the determining unit, etc., and the tone value of each dot is set to the corresponding dot of the dot matrix and the corresponding dot data. Font data calculated based on the brightness determined according to the ratio of the surrounding white dots and black dots is generated.

In other words, the font generating apparatus of the present invention generates a dot matrix in which the brightness of each dot of the dot pattern represented by the font data is adjusted according to the brightness of surrounding dots based on the existing font data. It has a function of creating font data to be represented. Therefore, if the present apparatus is used, it is possible to display a dot matrix in which a jaggy is inconspicuous on a low-resolution display such as a television, regardless of the type of font data from which the font data is based. Can be easily obtained.

In implementing the font generating apparatus of the present invention, a means for cutting out a block consisting of a dot of interest and four dots located above, below, left, and right of the dot of interest can be employed.

In implementing the font generating apparatus of the present invention, both the number of one of white dots and black dots in the peripheral dots and the color of the target dot in the block cut out by the cutting means are used. May be added, and a means for determining the brightness of the dot of interest with reference to the brightness table may be adopted as the determining means. When the font generating apparatus is configured to add a brightness table, the brightness associated with the white attention dot is set to a higher value than the brightness associated with the black attention dot. A table can be used.

Further, the font generating apparatus of the present invention may be configured such that the font data generated by the font data generating means represents a dot pattern in which the outline of the font is bordered by a predetermined color. .

According to the font generation method of the present invention, a bitmap is developed based on input font data,
A generation step of generating a dot matrix composed of white dots and black dots, and from the dot matrix generated in the generation step, for each dot constituting the dot matrix, the dot is set as a target dot. And a block cut out in the cutout step according to the color of the target dot in each block cut out in the cutout step and the ratio of white dots to black dots forming peripheral dots. A determination step of determining the brightness of the target dot within the calculation step; a calculation step of calculating R, G, B, and respective tone values for each target dot in accordance with each brightness determined in the determination step; Each of the calculated tone values corresponds to the target dot cut out in the cutting step in each block. As the data relating to the position of dots, comprising a font data generating step of generating font data.

As described above, according to the font generation method of the present invention, based on the existing font data, the brightness of each dot represented by the font data is adjusted by the font data representing the dot pattern adjusted according to the brightness of the surrounding dots. Is generated. Therefore, by using this method, it is possible to easily generate font data that can display a dot pattern with less jaggies on a low-resolution display, regardless of the type of the font data as the original font data. Will be obtained.

When the font generating method of the present invention is executed, a step of cutting out a block composed of a target dot and four dots located above, below, left and right of the target dot may be adopted as the cutting step.

In executing the font generation method of the present invention, both the number of either white or black dots in the surrounding dots and the color of the target dot in the block cut out in the cutout step are used. May be stored in a memory in advance, and a step of determining the brightness of the dot of interest with reference to the brightness table may be employed as a determining step. When adopting such a determination step, the brightness table is set such that the brightness associated with the white attention dot is set to a higher value than the brightness associated with the black attention dot. can do.

Further, the font generating method of the present invention may be executed in a form in which the font data generated in the font data generating step represents a dot pattern in which the outline of the font is bordered by a predetermined color. .

The computer-readable recording medium of the present invention includes a generating step of performing bitmap development based on the input font data to generate a dot matrix composed of white dots and black dots, and a generating step. From the generated dot matrix, for each dot constituting the dot matrix, a cutout step of cutting out a block composed of the target dot and its surrounding dots, with the dot being the target dot, and the inside of each block cut out by the cutout step Determining the brightness of the target dot in the block cut out in the cut-out step in accordance with the color of the target dot and the ratio of the white dot and the black dot forming the surrounding dots. According to each brightness, R, G,
B, a calculating step of calculating each tone value, and font data as data relating to a dot at a position corresponding to the target dot cut out by the cutout means in each block using the tone values calculated in the calculating step. A program for causing a computer to execute the font data generating step to be generated is recorded.

Therefore, if this computer-readable recording medium is used, a general computer can execute the font generation method of the present invention.
That is, font data that can display a dot pattern in which jaggies are inconspicuous even when used for a low-resolution display can be easily obtained.

Further, the game device of the present invention includes means for displaying and forming a font image on a background screen based on the font data generated by the above-described font generating method of the present invention. Therefore, according to the game device of the present invention,
For example, in a low-resolution home television, easily recognizable character information can be displayed on a screen during a game.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>

The font generating apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention generates font data capable of displaying a dot pattern (font pattern) in which jaggies are inconspicuous, based on existing outline format and bitmap format font data. It is a device for.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a font generation system using the font generation device according to the first embodiment. As illustrated, the font generation system includes, for example, a display 11, an input device 12, and a font generation device 13. The font generation device 13 includes, for example, the control unit 2
1. HDD (hard disk drive) 23, communication control circuit 2
4. Display control circuit 25, interface circuit 2
6. FD (flexible disk) drive 27, CD
-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) drive 2
8 and a bus 29 interconnecting them as main components.

The display 11 is a device for displaying an image corresponding to the supplied RGB signals, and is connected to the display control circuit 25 of the font generator 13.
The display control circuit 25 is a circuit having a built-in VRAM and outputting an RGB signal corresponding to data stored in the VRAM. The input device 12 is a device (for example, a device used by an operator to input various instructions to the present device).
Keyboard and mouse). The input device 12 is connected to a bus 29 (control unit 21) via an interface circuit 26 that performs timing control of data transfer with the control unit 21 and the like.

The FD drive 27 and the CD-ROM drive 28 are devices for reading recording media such as the FD 41 and the CD-ROM 42, respectively. The communication control circuit 24 is a circuit for performing communication with other devices connected to the network 40 via the communication line 43.

The HDD 23 is an auxiliary storage device for storing programs and various data in files. The HDD 23 has an FD drive 27, a CD-ROM
An FD 41 and an OS (operating system) installed from the CD-ROM 42 using the drive 28, a font generation program 30 of the present invention, at least one font file 31, and at least one brightness table file 32 are stored. The font files 31 stored in the HDD 23 are equivalent to those generally used in a computer system. That is,
Each font file 31 includes a plurality of font data defining the shapes of characters and symbols. The brightness table file 32 includes data defining the contents of the brightness table for black dots and the brightness table for white dots. The details of the brightness table file 32 (the brightness table for black dots and the brightness table for white dots) will be described later, but the font generating apparatus 13 is usually operated in a state where one brightness table file 32 is stored in the HDD 23. Be started.

The control unit 21 has a CPU (central processin).
g unit) 21a, a ROM (read only memory) 21b storing a bootstrap program and the like, and a RAM (r
andom access memory) 21c and the like. When the power is turned on, the control unit 21 (CPU 21a)
HDD 23 according to the bootstrap program in
The OS installed therein is read into a predetermined storage area of the RAM 21c, and control according to the read OS is started. When detecting that a predetermined operation has been performed on the input device 12, the control unit 21
Of the font generation program 30 in the RAM 21c, and starts control according to the read font generation program 30.

As described above, the font generation device 13 according to the first embodiment is a device realized by installing the font generation program 30 and at least one brightness table file 32 in a computer having a general configuration. ing.

Hereinafter, the operation of the font generating apparatus 13 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the overall operation procedure of the font generation device 13 in the font generation system. The control operation of the font generation device 13 is performed under the control of the CPU 21 a according to the font generation program 30, the components in the font generation device 13, and the display 11.
And the input device 12 operates in cooperation with each other. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be made on the assumption that the control related to the CPU 21a is directly controlled by the CPU 21a.

As shown in the figure, when the font generator 13 operates, first, the character code to be created, the reference font name, the dot number designation information, the reference brightness table file name,
The save file name is obtained through the operation of the operator (Step S101).

The character code to be created obtained in step S101 is information (so-called character code) for specifying a character to be created, which is a character (or a symbol) for creating font data. The reference font name is information for specifying a font file containing font data used as original data. The dot number designation information is information for designating the size of the font data to be created (the number of dots in the vertical and horizontal directions). If the font file identified by the reference font name is a bitmap format font file, the acquisition of the dot number designation information is not performed in step S101. In this case, the dot number designation information is obtained in step S103 described later.

The storage file name is information for designating the font file 31 that contains the created font data. The reference brightness table file name is information for designating one file actually used from the brightness table files 32 stored in the HDD 23.

When the acquisition of such various information is completed, font data corresponding to the character code to be created and the reference font name is read from the HDD 23 (step S102). That is, the font data associated with the character code to be created is read from the font file 31 identified by the reference font name stored in the HDD 23.

Thereafter, bitmap development is performed based on the read font data. This allows
A dot matrix (hereinafter referred to as a reference bitmap) represented by a set of dots (for example, 16 × 16) in which the character to be created is designated by white or black dot number designation information is developed on the RAM 21c. (Step S10
3). In this step S103, the R, G, and B gradation values, which are optical information, are represented by 8 bits as an example.
The B data is generated as reference bitmap data (reference bitmap data). If the font file having the reference font name is a font file in the bitmap format, the reference bitmap is developed on the RAM 21c without performing the process using the dot number designation information. That is, the processing relating to the size (the number of dots) is not performed, and the font data (bitmap data) associated with the character code to be created is
It is read on the AM 21c. However, in the bitmap format font data, since the color of each dot is represented by one bit, the above-described 24-bit RG
After converting the B data into the allocated data, the font data is read into the RAM 21c.

After the reference bitmap data is generated, a brightness data file 32 having a reference brightness data file name is read from the HDD 23, and a black dot brightness table and a white dot brightness table (details will be described later) on the RAM 21c. ) Are formed (step S104).
Then, a process of creating bitmap data (hereinafter, referred to as display bitmap data) for the creation target character based on the reference bitmap data is started (step S105). This processing is defined as display bitmap data creation processing.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the display bitmap data creation processing. As shown in the figure, at the time of the display bitmap data creation process, first, "1" is set to a variable n (step S201). Then, the dot # 1 (n) which is the first (n = 1) -th dot in the dot pattern represented by the reference bitmap developed in step S103
= 1) is specified as the dot of interest (step S20)
2). A block including the target dot and four dots above, below, left, and right of the target dot is a target block. Thereafter, the dot data for the five dots in the target block is obtained, and based on the obtained dot data, four dots (upper, lower, left, and right) around the target dot (hereinafter referred to as four peripheral dots) are obtained. The number of included white dots (the ratio of white dots to black dots) is counted (step S203). In addition, if there is no dot at one or two positions in the four-dot arrangement above, below, left and right around the target dot in the block, it is considered that a white dot exists at those absent positions. The process of step S203 of leverage is executed.

After that, based on the obtained dot data, it is determined whether or not a black dot is included in the target block (step S204). When no black dot is included in the target block (step S204;
NO), the dot data of the dot of interest (in this case, dot data representing a white dot) is stored in the RAM 21c as dot data #n of the display bitmap data (dot data relating to the dot at the position corresponding to the dot of interest) ( Step S205). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the n value matches the total number of dots indicated by the dot number designation information (step S210). If they do not match (step S210; NO), “1” is added to n (step S211), and then the process proceeds to step S211.
Returning to step 202, processing for the next dot is started.

On the other hand, if a black dot is included in the block of interest (step S204; YES), step S
In step 105, the process of determining the dot data #n of the display bitmap data is performed with reference to the brightness table for black dots or the brightness table for white dots created on the RAM 21c (steps S206 to S209).

FIG. 4 shows the structure of the brightness table for white dots and the brightness table for black dots. As illustrated, the white dot brightness table 32w includes four types of white dots (0 to 3) corresponding to the number of white dots (four dots excluding the target dot in the target block) around the target dot. It is a table holding brightness (55%, 66%, 77%, 88%). The brightness table for black dots 32b includes five brightnesses (10%, 21%, 33%, and 4%) associated with the number of white dots (0 to 3) in the four dots around the target dot.
3%, 55%).

Each brightness set in the white dot brightness table 32w has a positive correlation with the number of white dots. Similarly, each lightness set in the black dot lightness table 32b has a positive correlation with the number of white dots. In addition, the brightness table for black dots 32
Each lightness in b is set to be smaller than each lightness in the white dot lightness table 32w.

That is, the brightness table file 31 stored in the HDD 23 is a file holding data defining the contents of these tables. In steps S206 to S209, the dot data #n of the display bitmap data is created by using the white dot brightness table 32 and the black dot brightness table 32 as follows.

If the target dot is a black dot (FIG. 3: step S206; black), the following processing is executed. The number (0 to 4) of white dots included in the four dots around the target dot is referred to, and the brightness associated with the number of white dots is read from the black dot brightness table 32b (step S207). On the other hand, if the target dot is a white dot (step S206; white), the following processing is executed. The number of white dots (0 to 3) included in the four dots around the target dot is referred to, and the brightness associated with the number of white dots is read from the white dot brightness table 32w (step S208). It should be noted that the brightness associated with the number of white dots “4” does not exist in the brightness table 32 w for white dots.
This is because if the number of white dots included in the dot is “4” and the target dot is a white dot, branching to the “NO” side is performed in step S204. In this case, step S208 is not performed.

When the brightness corresponding to the number of white dots included in the four peripheral dots is read from the brightness table for white dots 32w or the brightness table for black dots 32b, R and G for displaying the read brightness dots are read out. , B are calculated. Then, the RGB data including the gradation values is stored in the RAM 21c as the dot data #n of the display bitmap data (step S2).
09). More specifically, the read brightness is represented by Z (%)
Is expressed as RGB data composed of 8-bit R, G, and B gradation values, and the R, G, and B gradation values are 255 × Z / 100, 255 × Z / 100, and 255, respectively.
RGB data of × Z / 100 (rounded off to the decimal point) is generated. Then, the generated RGB data is stored in the RAM 21c as dot data #n of the display bitmap data.

After the dot data #n is stored in the RAM 21c, the process of step S210 is performed. If n does not match the total number of dots (step S210; NO), “1” is added to n (step S211). Thereafter, the processing from step S202 is executed again. Then, when n matches the total number of dots (step S210; YES), the display bitmap data creation processing ends. After the end of the display bitmap data creation process, a result display process (FIG. 2: Step S106) is executed.

In the result display processing, first, the character (dot pattern) represented by the reference bitmap data and the character represented by the display bitmap data are both displayed on the display 11.
Will be displayed on the screen. Then, the process waits until an instruction to complete the creation of the font data for the creation target character or to recreate the font data is input. Then, when it is detected that any one of the instructions has been input, the result display process ends.

When the result display processing is terminated by the re-creation instruction (step S107; NO), the brightness table switching processing (step S108) is executed. At the time of the brightness table switching process, the reference brightness table file name is obtained through the operation of the operator. Thereafter, the brightness table file 3 having the acquired reference brightness table file name
2 is read from the HDD 23. And
The brightness table for white dots 32w and the brightness table for black dots 32b having contents corresponding to the read data are stored in the RAM 2
1c, and the brightness table switching process ends.

After the brightness table switching process is completed, the processes from step S105 are executed again. That is, RAM
Using the white dot brightness table 32w and the black dot brightness table 32b of the new contents prepared on 21c, the display bitmap data of the character to be created is created again.

When the result display processing is completed by inputting the completion instruction (step S107; YES), the created display bitmap data is added to the font file 31 identified by the save file name (step S10).
9). If the font file 31 having the saved file name does not exist, this step S109
In the font file 3 having the storage file name,
1 is newly created. Then, the process illustrated in FIG. 2 ends.

Hereinafter, the operation of the font generating apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the present font generation device. FIG. 6 is a diagram comparing the dot pattern represented by the display bitmap data with the dot pattern represented by the reference bitmap data. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another display bitmap data created from the reference bitmap data of the dot pattern shown in FIG.

As schematically shown in FIG. 5, the font generation device 13 includes, for example, a bitmap data generation unit 6.
1, lightness table reading section 62, gradation value calculating section 63, storage processing section 64, image processing section 65, processing data storage section 66,
And it functions as a device including the data storage unit 67.

The bitmap data generator 61 receives the input of the character code to be created and the name of the reference font. Also,
When the reference font is an outline font, the input of the dot number designation information is also received. Then, the bitmap data generation unit 61 stores the data stored in the data storage unit 67,
A reference bitmap representing a dot pattern consisting of the number of dots indicated by the dot number designation information in the processing data storage unit 66 based on the font data relating to the character code to be created included in the font file 31 having the reference font name The data 50 is created.

For example, when the character to be created is “A” and the size specified by the dot number specification information is 16 × 16 dots (or the font file 31 identified by the reference font name is If the data includes font data represented by 16 × 16 dots), the bitmap data generating unit 21 generates a dot pattern 200 composed of 16 × 16 dots as shown in FIG. Is generated.

The brightness table reading section 62 receives an input of a reference brightness table file name. Then, the brightness table reading unit 62 reads the brightness table file 32 having the reference brightness table file name from the data storage unit 67, and stores the white dot brightness table 32w and the black dot brightness table 32w in the processing data storage unit 66. 32b is formed.

The tone value calculation unit 63 sets each dot constituting the dot pattern represented by the reference bitmap data 50 as a target dot, and, based on the dot pattern, the target dot and its four upper, lower, left and right dots. Cut out a block consisting of Then, the tone value calculation unit 63 calculates the white dot brightness table 32w or the black dot brightness table 3w based on the color of the target dot constituting the cut-out block and the number of white dots included in the surrounding four dots.
With reference to 2b, the brightness of the dot at the same position as the target dot in the display bitmap data 60 is determined. further,
The tone value calculation unit 63 calculates RGB tone values for displaying the determined brightness dots, creates dot data based on the calculation results, and stores the display bitmap data in the processing data storage unit 66. Store as 60 elements.

More specifically, the tone value calculation section 63 determines whether the white dot having four white dots at the top, bottom, left and right, such as the dots 210a and 210b in the reference dot matrix 200 shown in FIG. When the dot becomes the target dot, the dot data of the dot at the corresponding position in the display bitmap data 60 is used as it is as the dot data relating to the dot at the corresponding position in the display bitmap data 60. If m (≦ 3) white dots (at least one black dot) such as the dots 210 c and 210 d are present as dots of interest, the tone value calculation unit Reference numeral 63 denotes dot data for displaying a dot having a brightness corresponding to m in the white dot brightness table 32w, and sets the dot data as the dot data of the display bitmap data 60. And the dot 210
When a black dot having m (≦ 4) white dots in the upper, lower, left, and right directions, such as e and 210f, becomes the target dot, the tone value calculation unit 63 sets the m in the black dot brightness table 32b to m. The dot data for displaying the dots of the associated brightness is created, and is set as the dot data of the display bitmap data 60.

The tone value calculation section 63 performs the above-described processing for each dot of the display bitmap data 200. For this reason, for example, the white dot brightness table 3
If the 2w, black dot brightness table 32b is as shown in FIG. 4, the dot pattern 2 shown in FIG.
6 from the reference bitmap data 50 representing 00.
The display bitmap data 60 representing the dot matrix 300 shown in (B) and (C) is generated by the tone value calculation unit 63. In FIG. 6B, the numerical value described in the frame indicating the dot 310 is the brightness used for creating dot data of the dot.
Dots whose numerical values are not described in the frame are dots using the same dot data (dot data indicating white) as the corresponding dots.

The image processing unit 65 converts the dot pattern (character) represented by the display bitmap data 60 generated by the gradation value calculation unit 63 together with the dot pattern represented by the reference bitmap data 50 on the display 11. Display on the screen. Further, the storage processing unit 64 identifies the font data representing the display bitmap data by the storage file name in the data storage unit 67 when the operator who has checked the display content on the display 11 issues a completion instruction. To the font file 31 to be added.

When the operator issues a re-creation instruction,
The tone value calculator 63 functions again for the white and black dot brightness tables 32w and 32b prepared in the brightness table switching process. For this reason, for example, when the brightness value table for black dots 32b is changed to one in which the brightness “0” is associated with all the numbers of white dots, the tone value calculation unit 6
3, from the reference bitmap data 50 shown in FIG. 6A, the dot pattern 320 shown in FIG.
Is displayed, display bitmap data 60 is generated.

<Second Embodiment>

The font generation system according to the second embodiment is a modification of the font generation system according to the first embodiment so that font data for displaying a bordered font is generated. The font generation system according to the second embodiment has a font generation program 30 and a brightness table file 32 having different contents installed in the hardware shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the font generation system according to the second embodiment will be described, focusing on parts having different operation contents.

FIG. 8 shows an overall operation procedure of the font generation device 13 included in the font generation system according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, when the operation according to the font generation program 30 is started, first, the character code to be created, the reference font name, the number of dots designation information, the reference brightness table file name, and the storage file name are displayed by the operator's operation. (Step S301). The information obtained in this step is the same as the information obtained in step S101.

Thereafter, font data corresponding to the character code to be created and the reference font name is read from the HDD 23 (step S302). Then, based on the read font data, reference bitmap data in which a character to be created is represented by a set of dots (for example, 16 × 16) specified by white or black dot specified number information is stored in the RAM 21c. (Step S30)
3). The processing in step S303 is the same as that in step S303 except that the name of the generated data is different and that the data is obtained by assigning 1-bit data representing black and white to each dot. This is the same as S103. That is, in step S303, when the designated font data is bitmap format font data, the reference bitmap data is developed without considering the designated dot count information.

After the generation of the reference bitmap data, the dot at the position corresponding to each black dot (dot representing a character) constituting the dot pattern represented by the reference bitmap data is white, and any one of the surrounding eight dots is used. The reference bitmap data representing the dot pattern (dot matrix) where the dots at the positions corresponding to the white dots having black dots and the other dots are the background colors are generated (step S304).

That is, if the reference bitmap data represents the dot pattern 350 composed of 16 × 16 dots shown in FIG. 9A, the 16 × 16 dots pattern shown in FIG. Dot pattern 4 consisting of dots
Reference bitmap data representing 00 is created. In FIG. 9B, hatched dots are dots to which a background color is added. Although details will be described later, the background color is a color that does not affect the content of the display bitmap data created by the present apparatus.
In step S304, a predetermined color that can be identified as neither black nor white is used as the background color. Also, in step S304, RGB data representing each of the R, G, and B gradation values as optical information in 8 bits is generated as reference bitmap data (reference bitmap data).

After the generation of the reference bitmap data, the brightness data file 3 having the reference brightness data file name
2 is read from the HDD 23. And
Based on the read data, a brightness table for black dots and a brightness table for white dots (described in detail later) are stored in the RAM 2.
1c (step S305). Then, a process of creating bitmap data (hereinafter referred to as display bitmap data) for the creation target character based on the reference bitmap data is started (step S30).
6). This processing is defined as display bitmap data creation processing.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the display bitmap data creation processing. As shown in the drawing, at the time of the display bitmap data creation processing, first, "1" is set to a variable n (step S401). Then, dot # 1 (n = 1), which is the first (n = 1) -th dot in the dot pattern represented by the reference bitmap, is specified as the target dot (step S402). A block composed of the target dot and four dots above, below, left and right of the target dot is the target block. After that, the dot data for the five dots in the target block is obtained,
On the basis of the obtained dot data, the number of white dots (ratio of white dots to black dots) included in four upper, lower, left and right dots around the target dot (hereinafter referred to as four peripheral dots) is counted. (Step S403). Note that, in the case where dots are not present at one or two positions in the upper, lower, left, and right dot arrangements around the target dot in the block, a background color dot exists at those absent positions. This step S4
03 is executed.

Thereafter, based on the obtained dot data, it is determined whether or not a dot of the background color exists in the target block (step S404).

If the target block contains a dot of background color (step S404; YES), the following processing is executed. If the target dot itself is the background color, dot data representing a white dot is stored in the RAM 21c as dot data #n of the display bitmap data. If the target dot is black, the dot data representing the black dot is stored in the RAM 21c as dot data #n of the display bitmap data (step S405). Thereafter, it is determined whether the n value matches the total number of dots (step S410).
If they do not match (step S4
10; NO), "1" is added to n (step S).
411) Then, the process returns to step S402, and processing for the next dot is started.

On the other hand, when the background color dot is not included in the target block (step S404; NO),
A process of creating dot data #n of display bitmap data with reference to the brightness table for white dots or the brightness table for black dots created on the RAM 21c (steps S406 to S409).

FIG. 11 shows an outline of a brightness table for white dots and a brightness table for black dots used in the present font generation system. As shown, the brightness table 32W for white dots used in the font generation system is used.
Is the number of white dots (0 to
5 types of brightness (55%, 66%, 7) associated with 4)
7%, 88%, and 100%).
The brightness table for black dots 32B includes five brightnesses (10%, 21%, 33%, 43%, and 55%) associated with the number of white dots (0 to 4) in the four surrounding dots of the target dot.
%).

Each lightness set in the white dot lightness table 32W has a positive correlation with the number of white dots. Similarly, each lightness set in the black dot lightness table 32B has a positive correlation with the number of white dots. Further, each lightness in the black dot lightness table 32B is set to be smaller than each lightness in the white dot lightness table 32W.

In steps S406 to S409, these tables are used as follows to create dot data #n of display bitmap data.

If the color of the target dot is black (step S406; black), the following processing is executed. The number of white dots (0 to 4) included in the four dots around the target dot is referred to, and the brightness associated with the number of white dots is read from the brightness table for black dots 32B (step S407). On the other hand, when the color of the target dot is white (step S406; white), the following processing is executed. The number of white dots (0 to 4) included in the four dots around the target dot is referred to, and the brightness associated with the number of white dots is referred to as the white dot brightness table 32.
It is read from W (step S408).

When the brightness corresponding to the number of white dots included in the surrounding four dots is read from the brightness table for white dots 32W or the brightness table for black dots 32B, each brightness is read out using the read brightness Z (%). RGB data composed of 8-bit R, G, and B gradation values, where the R, G, and B gradation values are 255 × Z / 100 and 255 × Z / 10, respectively.
RGB data of 0, 255 × Z / 100 (rounded off below the decimal point) is generated. Then, the generated RG
B data is dot data # of display bitmap data.
n is stored in the RAM 21c (step S40).
9).

After the dot data #n is stored in the RAM 21c, it is determined whether or not n matches the total number of dots (step S410). If they do not match (step S410; NO),
"1" is added to n (step S411), and thereafter,
The processing from step S402 is executed again.

On the other hand, if n and the total number of dots match (step S410; YES), the display bitmap data creation processing ends. Then, the result display process (FIG. 8: step S307) is started. During the result display process, the character represented by the reference bitmap data and the character represented by the display bitmap data are displayed on the screen of the display 11.

Thereafter, the process waits until an instruction to complete the creation of the font data relating to the creation target character or to re-create the font data is input.
Then, when it is detected that any one of the instructions has been input, the result display process ends.

When the result display processing is terminated by the re-creation instruction (step S308; NO), the brightness table switching processing (step S309) is executed. This brightness table switching process is the same as the process performed in the font generation device according to the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

After the end of the brightness table file switching processing, the processing from step S306 is executed again. That is, the white dot brightness table 32W and the black dot brightness table 3 with new contents prepared on the RAM 21c
Based on 2B, the display bitmap data of the character to be created is created again.

When the result display processing is completed by inputting the completion instruction (step S308; YES), the created display bitmap data is designated by the saved font name as the font data associated with the character code to be created. Is added to the font file 31 (step S310), and the process shown in FIG. 8 ends.

Hereinafter, the operation of the font generating apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the present font generation device. FIG. 13 is a diagram comparing a dot pattern represented by display bitmap data created by the present font generation device with a dot pattern represented by reference bitmap data.

As shown in FIG. 12, the font generation device 13 in the font generation system according to the second embodiment
For example, the bitmap data generation unit 71, the border processing unit 7
2, lightness table reading section 73, gradation value calculating section 74, storage processing section 75, image processing section 76, processing data storage section 77,
And it functions as a device including the data storage unit 78.

The bitmap data generating section 71 receives input of a character code to be created and a reference font name. Also,
When the reference font is an outline font, the input of the dot number designation information is also received. Then, the bitmap data generation unit 61 stores the processing data storage unit 77 based on the font data stored in the data storage unit 78 and corresponding to the creation target character code included in the font file 31 having the reference font name. The reference bitmap data 70 representing the number of dots designated by the dot number designation information
Create

The border processing section 72 performs a predetermined deformation process on the reference bitmap data 70 to form three types of dots of black, white and background colors in the processed data storage section 77. The reference bitmap data 80 representing the dot pattern is created.

The brightness table reading section 73 receives an input of a reference brightness table file name. Then, the brightness table reading unit 73 reads the brightness table file 32 having the reference brightness table file name from the data storage unit 78, and stores the white dot brightness table 32W and the black dot brightness table in the processing data storage unit 77. 32B is formed.

The tone value calculation section 74 sets each dot constituting the dot pattern represented by the reference bitmap data 80 as a target dot, and, based on the dot pattern, generates a target dot and four upper, lower, left and right dots thereof. Cut out a block consisting of Then, based on the colors of the five dots constituting the cut-out block, the tone value calculation unit 74 determines the white dot brightness table 3 if necessary.
With reference to the brightness table 32B for 2W or black dots,
The brightness of the dot at the same position as the target dot in the display bitmap data 60 is determined. Further, the tone value calculation unit 74
Is an RGB for displaying the dot of the determined brightness.
A tone value is calculated, and dot data (RGB
) Is created and stored in the processing data storage 77 as an element of the display bitmap data 90.

For example, if the reference bitmap data 80 is
The dot pattern 400 shown in FIG.
(The same as (B)), and when the target dot is a dot of a background color such as the dot 410a, the tone value calculation unit 74 sets the dot representing the white dot The data is displayed as display bitmap data 90.
Dot data. When a black dot having a background color dot in any of the upper, lower, left and right directions, such as the dot 410b, is the target dot, the dot data representing the black dot is set as the dot data of the display bitmap data 90. . Also, there are no dots of background color at the top, bottom, left and right, such as the dots 410c and 410d, and m (≦
4) If the black dot including the white dots is the target dot, RGB data for displaying a dot having a brightness corresponding to m in the black dot brightness table 32B is created, and a display bit is set. It is assumed that the dot data is related to the dot at the corresponding position in the map data 90. If there is no background color dot such as the dots 410e and 410f in the upper, lower, left, and right directions, and the white dot in which m white dots are present is the target dot, the white dot brightness table 3
RGB data for displaying dots of lightness corresponding to m in 2W is created, and display bitmap data 90
Of the dot at the position corresponding to the white dot.

The tone value calculation section 74 performs the above-described processing for the number of dots indicated by the dot number designation information. Therefore, for example, when the brightness tables 32W and 32B for white dots and black dots are as shown in FIG. 11, the tone value calculation unit 74 represents the dot pattern 400 shown in FIG. Reference bitmap data 8
From 0, display bitmap data 90 representing the dot pattern 500 shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C is created. In FIG. 13B, the numerical value described in the frame indicating the dot is the lightness used to create the dot data of the dot, and the dot whose numerical value is not described in the frame corresponds to the dot. Since the dot is the background color, the dot data is dot data representing white.

When the creation of the display bitmap data 90 is completed, the image processing unit 76 causes the dot pattern (character) represented by the display bitmap data 90 and the dot pattern represented by the original reference bitmap data 80. Are displayed on the screen of the display 11. Then, when a completion instruction is issued by the operator who has confirmed the display content, the storage processing unit 75 stores the display bitmap data (font data) 90 in the data storage unit 78.
The font file 3 identified by the saved file name
A process to add to 1 is performed.

When a re-creation instruction is issued by the operator (not shown), the tone value calculation section 74 functions again, and as a result, display bit map data 90 having different contents is created. Is done.

As described in detail above, the first and second
By using the font generation device according to the embodiment, it is possible to automatically generate, from existing font data, font data whose brightness is adjusted so that jaggies are not noticeable. Therefore, if the present font generation device is used, even if the resolution of the display is low, it is possible to display an image in which various kinds of information are represented in easy-to-read characters on the display.

Further, if the font generating apparatus according to the second embodiment is used, font data capable of displaying a font whose outline is black and bordered can be easily obtained. In other words, by using the font generation device according to the second embodiment, not only the font display mode can be diversified, but also the font visibility can be improved.

The font generating apparatuses according to the first and second embodiments are apparatuses for generating font data (display bitmap data) representing an achromatic dot pattern. The device can be easily modified to a device that creates font data representing a chromatic dot pattern. For example, when the R, G, and B components of the RGB data of the character color are represented as Rc, Gc, and Bc, respectively, the font generation device according to the first embodiment determines in step S209 that the lightness Z and Rc, Gc,
From Bc, R, G, and B components are respectively Rc × Z / 1.
If 24-bit RGB data of 00, Gc × Z / 100, and Bc × Z / 100 are generated and stored as dot data #n, a font in which dots constituting a character are displayed in a character color It can be transformed into a device for generating data. Further, even if the color of each dot is converted after the creation of the display bitmap data, an apparatus capable of generating font data representing a chromatic dot pattern can be obtained.

The font generation device according to the second embodiment also has
Similarly, if the processing in step 409 is changed to the above-described processing, a device that generates font data representing a chromatic dot pattern can be obtained. However, in the case where the border portion is also set to the character color, in step S405,
If the target dot is black, the character color (Rc, Gc, B
It is necessary to set the RGB data indicating c) to be dot data #n.

Although the font generating apparatus according to each embodiment generates font data in which 24-bit RGB data is converted to dot data, the number of bits of the dot data to be included in the generated font data is as follows. Any number of bits may be used as long as they can express several types of brightness (gradation). More specifically, the dot data is
It may be data (so-called color bits) converted to RGB data by a pallet. Furthermore, although the font generation device according to each embodiment has a function for changing the contents of the brightness table for white dots and black dots, the font generation device is realized without such a function. You can also.

Then, the font data generated by the font generation device according to the first or second embodiment or the font generation device modified as described above (that is, the font generation device of the present invention) is transferred to the game device. CD of
-If recorded in the ROM, an excellent game image can be displayed on the screen of the home television.

Specifically, based on the game device 110 as shown in FIG. 14, that is, a program and data recorded on the CD-ROM 120, a game image corresponding to the operation content of the controller 130 by the player is displayed on the home television. Game device 110 displayed on screen 145 of 140
Are commercially available. At the time of such an operation of the game apparatus 110, the screen 145 displays, for example, character information ("attack", "defense") indicating the game situation as shown in FIG.
Etc.) are displayed at a resolution of about 320 × 240 dots. Along with the own character 160 and the enemy characters 161, 162, windows W1, W2, and W3 in which character strings are arranged are displayed. For example, a character string ("attack" 1001) generated according to the present invention is displayed in the window W1 and game information is transmitted to the player. The same applies to other character strings. If a character including a large number of dots is used as a character to be included in the game image, the area used for displaying the game character 160 and the like becomes small. However, if a bitmap font or an outline font is simply used to display the characters, the displayed characters will be more jagged.

On the other hand, in the CD-ROM 120,
If the font data generated by the font generation device of the present invention is recorded and a program for displaying a screen using the font data is recorded,
Since characters consisting of a small number of dots with inconspicuous jaggies can be displayed, the character information necessary for proceeding the game is provided to the player in a highly visible form without reducing the area for displaying the game character and the like. Can be provided.

In the above case, character display is performed in a non-interlaced format. However, in a case where character data is displayed in an interlaced format by font data generated by the font generating apparatus (for example, a video image). The resolution of a game image output from a game device or a device for including character information in
X480 dots) is effective. The recording medium on which the font data generated by the font generation device of the present invention is recorded may be a recording medium of another format such as a flexible disk or a CD-R. Further, it goes without saying that the display on which the display using the font data is performed may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or a plasma display.

[0107]

According to the present invention, lightness is determined for each dot in accordance with the ratio of white dots and black dots located around the dot, based on the existing font data. Since font data is generated by calculating a corresponding gradation value, font data in which jaggies are not noticeable can be easily obtained from any type of font data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a font generation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an overall operation procedure of the font generation device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of display bitmap data creation processing executed by the font generation device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a brightness table for white dots and a brightness table for black dots used in the font generation device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining the operation of the font generation device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for creating font data by the font generation device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing font data created by the font generation device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an overall operation procedure of the font generation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of reference bitmap data created by a font generation device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of display bitmap data creation processing executed by the font generation device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a brightness table for white dots and a brightness table for black dots used in the font generation device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram for explaining the operation of the font generation device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a procedure of creating font data by the font generation device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining how to use the font data generated by the font generation device in a game device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining how to use the font data generated by the font generation device in the game device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 display 12 input device 13 font generation device 21 control unit 21a CPU 21b ROM 21c RAM 23 HDD 24 communication control circuit 25 display control circuit 26 interface circuit 27 FD drive 28 CD-ROM drive 30 font generation program 31 font file 32 brightness table file 41 FD 42 CD-ROM 43 Communication line 61, 71 Bitmap data generator 62, 73 Brightness table reader 63, 74 Gradation value calculator 64, 75 Storage processor 65, 76 Image processor 66, 77 Processing data storage Unit 67, 78 Data storage unit 72 Border processing unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F term (reference) 2C087 AA15 AA16 AB01 BA09 BC05 BC14 CA02 EA15 5C082 AA06 BA02 BA34 BA35 BB32 CA11 CA12 CA22 CA54 CB01 DA32 DA87 MM10 9A001 DD15 HH28 HH31 JJ76 KK45 KK54 KK60 KK60

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. Based on input font data,
Generating means for performing bitmap development and generating a dot matrix composed of white dots and black dots; and from the dot matrix generated by the generating means, for each dot constituting the dot matrix, the dot is regarded as a target dot. Cutting means for cutting out a block consisting of the target dot and its surrounding dots; and the color of the target dot in each block cut by the cutting means and the ratio of white dots to black dots constituting the surrounding dots. In accordance with, determining means for determining the brightness of the dot of interest in the block cut out by the cutting means, according to each brightness determined by the determining means,
Calculating means for calculating R, G, B, and respective tone values for each of the noted dots; and applying the respective tone values calculated by the calculating means to the noted dots in each block cut out by the cutout means. A font data generating means for generating font data as data relating to a dot at a corresponding position. 2. The font generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cutout unit cuts out the block composed of the target dot and four dots located above, below, left, and right of the target dot. 3. A brightness table in which brightness is associated with both the number of one of white dots and black dots in the peripheral dots and the color of the target dot in a block cut out by the cutout means. 3. The font generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: determining the brightness of the target dot with reference to the brightness table. 4. The lightness table according to claim 3, wherein the lightness associated with the white attention dot is set to a higher value than the lightness associated with the black attention dot. The described font generation device. 5. The font data generated by the font data generating means represents a dot pattern in which the outline of a font is bordered by a predetermined color. The font generation device according to 1. 6. Based on the input font data,
Performing bitmap development and generating a dot matrix composed of white dots and black dots, and from the dot matrix generated in the generating step, for each dot constituting the dot matrix,
A cutting step of cutting out a block composed of the target dot and its surrounding dots, using the dot as the target dot; and the color of the target dot in each block cut out in the cutting step and white forming the peripheral dots A determining step of determining the lightness of the target dot in the block cut out in the cutout step in accordance with the ratio of the dot to the black dot; and R for each of the target dots according to the lightness determined in the determining step. , G, B, a calculation step of calculating each gradation value, and data relating to a dot at a position corresponding to a target dot in each block cut out of each gradation value calculated in the calculation step in the cutout step And a font data generating step of generating font data. 7. The font generating method according to claim 6, wherein in the extracting step, a block including the target dot and four dots located above, below, left, and right of the target dot is extracted. 8. The determining step includes setting the brightness of both the number of one of white dots and black dots in the surrounding dots and the color of the target dot in the block cut out in the cutting step. 8. The font generation method according to claim 6, wherein the brightness of the target dot is determined with reference to a brightness table stored in a memory in advance. 9. The lightness table according to claim 8, wherein the lightness associated with the white attention dot is set to a higher value than the lightness associated with the black attention dot. The font generation method described. 10. The font data generated in the font data generating step, wherein the font data represents a dot pattern in which the outline of the font is bordered by a predetermined color. The font generation method described in Crab. 11. A generation step of performing bitmap development based on input font data to generate a dot matrix composed of white dots and black dots; and generating the dot matrix from the dot matrix generated in the generation step. For each dot that makes up the matrix,
A cutting step of cutting out a block composed of the target dot and its surrounding dots, using the dot as the target dot, and the color of the target dot in each block cut out in the cutting step and the white color forming the peripheral dots A determining step of determining the brightness of the target dot in the block cut out in the cutout step in accordance with the ratio of the dot to the black dot; and, for each of the target dots, R , G, B, a calculating step of calculating respective tone values, and data relating to a dot at a position corresponding to a target dot in each block cut out of each of the tone values calculated in the calculating step in the extracting step And a font data generating step of generating font data. Recorded computer-readable recording medium beam. 12. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the extracting step cuts out a block including the target dot and four dots located above, below, left, and right of the target dot. 13. The determining step includes setting the brightness of both the number of one of white dots and black dots in the peripheral dots and the color of the target dot in the block cut out in the cutting step. 13. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the brightness of the target dot is determined by referring to a brightness table stored in a memory in advance. 14. The lightness table according to claim 1, wherein the lightness associated with the white attention dot is set to a higher value than the lightness associated with the black attention dot. 14. The computer-readable recording medium according to item 13. 15. The font data according to claim 11, wherein the font data generated in the font data generating step represents a dot pattern in which the outline of the font is bordered by a predetermined color. Or a computer-readable recording medium. 16. A game device, comprising: means for displaying and forming a font image on a background screen based on font data generated by the font generation method according to claim 6. Description: