JP3025739B2 - Character pattern generation device and character pattern generation method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character pattern generating apparatus having a plurality of character pattern processing resources for generating character patterns by analyzing input character information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, a character pattern generating process in this type of character pattern generating apparatus has been performed by calculating one from a control point.
This method was used to generate outlines for character outlines.However, now that many types of fonts are being used, a large amount of font data must be retained when attempting to generate characters using this method. It was urgent to think about.

Therefore, a stroke combining method has been developed in which data is stored in units of strokes or radicals, and these are combined to generate characters. Since the same stroke or radical can be used for many types of characters, the data amount is reduced as compared with the previous method.

Conventionally, in outline font pattern development using hardware, font data, hinting means, interpolation means, filling means, etc., are adjusted in accordance with a method predetermined for the apparatus or font data prepared in advance. The apparatus has been designed according to hinting means, interpolation means, filling means and the like.

[0005]

However, when a long sentence is created, a repetition phenomenon of the same work may occur such that a call pattern must be generated for the same stroke or radical data for each different character. Was.

Further, since it is necessary to create a device corresponding to font data, hinting means, interpolation means, filling means and the like prepared in advance, there is a problem that a great deal of labor and a rise in price are caused. .

The present invention relates to a character pattern generating apparatus and a character pattern generating method for generating a stroke pattern based on stroke data, generating a radical pattern based on the stroke pattern, and generating a character pattern based on the radical pattern. is there.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is determined that a character pattern to be generated is not cached and that a radical pattern to be generated is not cached. Further, when it is determined that the target stroke pattern is not cached, a stroke pattern is generated based on the stroke data corresponding to the target stroke pattern, and it is determined that the target stroke pattern is cached. If so, a radical pattern is generated based on the cached stroke pattern, and if it is determined that the target radical pattern is cached, a character pattern is generated based on the cached radical pattern. By doing so, the letters, radicals, and strokes By utilizing each pattern resource that is cached, and to provide the required character pattern generator can be efficiently generate a character pattern in a short time is and character pattern generation method.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a stroke pattern is generated based on stroke data, a radical pattern is generated based on the stroke pattern, and a character pattern is generated based on the radical pattern. A character pattern generating device for determining whether or not a character pattern to be generated is cached; and determining whether the character pattern to be generated is not cached by the first determining means. A second determining means for determining whether or not the target radical pattern in the radical pattern constituting the target character pattern is cached; and the target radical pattern is cached by the second determining means. If it is determined that there is no
A third determining unit that determines whether or not the target stroke pattern among the stroke patterns configuring the target radical pattern is cached; and the target stroke pattern is cached by the third determining unit. If it is determined that the target stroke pattern is not cached, the stroke pattern is generated based on the stroke data corresponding to the target stroke pattern. A radical pattern is generated based on the stroke pattern in question, and a character pattern is generated based on the cached radical pattern when the target radical pattern is determined to be cached by the second determining means. Means.

A second invention according to the present invention is to determine whether or not a stroke pattern, a radical pattern, or a character pattern generated by the generating means can be cached in a cache buffer, and to determine if the cache pattern cannot be cached. It is determined whether or not the priority is higher than the cached data. If the priority is determined to be lower, the data is not cached.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the stroke pattern or radical pattern is cached before the generated stroke pattern or radical pattern is shifted by an offset. Fourth aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, the stroke pattern or radical pattern is cached after the generated stroke pattern or radical pattern is shifted by an offset. A fifth invention according to the present invention is a character pattern generating method for generating a stroke pattern based on stroke data, generating a radical pattern based on the stroke pattern, and generating a character pattern based on the radical pattern. A first determining step of determining whether or not the target character pattern is cached; and a radical pattern constituting the generated target character pattern when the first determining step determines that the target character pattern is not cached. And a second determination step of determining whether or not the target radical pattern is cached, and determining that the target radical pattern is not cached by the second determination step. Stroke pattern to be targeted in the stroke pattern that constitutes the radical pattern A third determining step of determining whether or not the target stroke pattern is cached; and determining that the target stroke pattern is not cached by the third determining step based on the stroke data corresponding to the target stroke pattern. When a stroke pattern is generated and it is determined in the third determination step that the target stroke pattern is cached, a radical pattern is generated based on the cached stroke pattern, and the target is determined in the second determination step. And generating a character pattern based on the cached radical pattern when it is determined that the radical pattern is cached. A sixth invention according to the present invention is a method for determining whether or not a stroke pattern, a radical pattern, or a character pattern generated in the generating step can be cached in a cache buffer. It is determined whether or not the priority is higher than the stored data. If it is determined that the priority is lower, the data is not cached. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the stroke pattern or radical pattern is cached before shifting the generated stroke pattern or radical pattern by an offset. In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, the stroke pattern or radical pattern is cached after shifting the generated stroke pattern or radical pattern by an offset.

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a character pattern generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The character pattern generator of this embodiment comprises a Japanese word processor, a workstation, and a computer. It is configured to be applicable to systems and the like.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a central processing unit (CPU).
And performs control and arithmetic processing of the entire apparatus. Reference numeral 2 denotes a random access memory (RAM) in which respective programs and data are loaded for each necessary process.
This is the area to be executed. 3 is a read-only memory (RO
M), and is a storage area for a system control program, font data, and the like.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a keyboard control unit (KBC) which converts key input data input from a keyboard (KB) 5 into a CP.
Transmit to U1. 6 is a printer control unit (PRTC),
The printer device (PRT) 7 is controlled. The printer device 7 is configured by a dot printer such as a laser beam printer and a bubble jet printer. Reference numeral 8 denotes a display control unit (CRTC), and a display device (CRT)
9 is controlled.

The disk controller (DKC) 10 controls data transmission and the like. 11 is a floppy disk drive (FD) or a hard disk drive (H
D) or other external storage device, in which programs and data are stored and referred to or R
Load to AM2. Reference numeral 12 denotes a system bus, which should serve as a path for data transfer between the above-described components.

In the character pattern generator constructed as described above, the generated strokes, radicals and patterns are individually cached in the storage device (RAM2) by the cache means (CPU1) (for details, see the flowchart shown in FIG. 2). Follow the procedure), and the cached stroke data,
A character pattern is generated by synthesizing a radical and a pattern, and the frequency of occurrence of frequently used strokes, radicals and patterns is significantly reduced, and a character pattern is generated efficiently.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a first character pattern generation processing procedure in the character pattern generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that (1) and (2)
7) shows each step.

In step (1), it is checked by checking the cache flag whether or not the data of the fetched expansion target character has already been cached as a character. Here, if the cache flag is not "0", it is recognized that it is already cached, the process proceeds to step (2), and the bitmap data of the target character is fetched from the cache buffer and the process proceeds to step (27).

In step (1), if the cache flag is "0", it is recognized that the cache has not been cached yet, and the process proceeds to step (3), where the number of radicals constituting the character and the data of the type are described. Take in.

Next, the process proceeds to step (4), where it is checked whether or not the data of the target radical has already been cached by checking the cache flag. At this time, the order in which the target radical is selected from the radicals constituting the character is based on the stroke order, but it is not necessary to follow the stroke order.

If the cache flag is not "0", it is recognized that the cache has already been cached, and the process proceeds to step (5), where the bitmap data of the target radical is fetched from the cache buffer, and the process proceeds to step (23). move on.

In step (4), if the cache flag is "0", it is recognized that the cache has not been cached yet, and the process proceeds to step (6) to fetch the number of strokes constituting the target radical and the data of the type.

Next, the process proceeds to step (7) to check whether the data of the target stroke is already cached by checking the cache flag. At this time, the order of selecting the target stroke from the strokes constituting the radical is based on the stroke order in this case, but it is not necessary to follow the stroke order.

Here, if the cache flag is not "0", it is recognized that the cache has already been cached, and the process proceeds to step (8), where the bit map data of the target stroke is fetched from the cache buffer, and the process proceeds to step (19).

In step (7), if the cache flag is "0", it is recognized that the cache has not been cached yet, and the process proceeds to step (9) to fetch the data of the target stroke. Next, the process proceeds to step (10), in which the acquired coordinate data is subjected to coordinate conversion accompanying enlargement / reduction.

Since the coordinate data is information based on "core line" + "thickness", in step (11), it is converted into contour information as shown in FIG.

Next, it is determined in step (12) whether or not the data is straight line data. If the data is not straight line data, it is recognized as curve data. In step (13), interpolation is performed by a predetermined curve interpolation method. I do.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (12) that the data is straight line data, the hit point is directly performed in step (15). In this way, in step (16), it is checked whether or not the data of the target stroke has been completely hit by one contour. If not, the process returns to step (12).
If it has been completed, the process proceeds to step (17), and it is determined whether or not this stroke satisfies the cache condition.
The determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 described later.

If it is determined in step (17) that the cache condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step (18) where caching is performed. Next, the process proceeds to step (19), in which the contour coordinate data of the target stroke generated in this manner or the contour coordinate data fetched in step (8) is shifted to the development position in the target radical.

Then, the process proceeds to a step (20) to check whether or not the hit points of all the strokes constituting the radical have been completed. If not, the process returns to step (7) and the same operation is performed for the next target stroke.

If the hit point of the target radical has been completed,
As in step (17), it is determined in step (21) whether this radical satisfies the cache condition. If the cache condition is satisfied, step (2)
Go to 2) and cache.

Next, the process proceeds to step (23), in which the contour coordinate data of the target radical generated in this way or the contour coordinate data fetched in step (5) is shifted to the development position in the target character. Next, in step (24), it is checked whether or not the hit points of all the necks constituting the character have been completed. If not, the process returns to step (4) and the same operation is performed for the next target radical.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (24) that the hit points of all the necks have been completed, whether or not the character satisfies the cache condition is determined in step (25) as in steps (17) and (21). Is determined.

If the cache condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step (26) to perform caching. In step (27), the bit map for one character or the contour coordinate data obtained in step (2) is painted out in step (27), and the character pattern generation is completed.

Hereinafter, the cache condition determination process in step (17) shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a cache condition determination process in the character pattern generation process shown in FIG. Note that (1) and (2) indicate steps. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the state of the cache buffer on the RAM 2 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5A shows the state of the character cache buffer, and FIG. 5B shows the state of the radical cache buffer.

In step (1), a check is made to see if the buffer storing the cached characters or radicals or strokes is already full of data.

If the cache is already full, step (2) compares the priority of the data stored in the cache buffer with the priority of the character, radical or stroke to be processed, which has the higher priority. Find out what.

If data of a lower priority than the target is not stored in the cache buffer, the target character or radical or stroke is not cached.

However, if there is one or more items in the cache buffer that have a lower priority than the target character, the one with the lowest priority is deleted from the cache buffer and the target character or radical or Store the stroke in the cache buffer.

Thus, in the state of the character cache buffer shown in FIG. 5A, when the character having the target character "stroke" and the priority "25" is processed, step (17) is performed.
In the determination of step (2) shown in FIG. 4, the character having the lower priority than the character "translation" and the character having the priority "34" are deleted, and the target character "stroke" and the character having the priority "25" are deleted. Characters are registered in order of priority.

Similarly, in the state of the character cache buffer shown in FIG. 5B, the subject radical B1 and the priority "5"
When the radical is processed, in the step (17), in the determination of the step (2) shown in FIG. 4, the radical B2 having a lower priority than the radical and the radical having the priority "23" are determined. The deleted radical B1 and the radical having the priority "5" are registered in the priority order.

In the above embodiment, the outline data of the stroke and the radical are cached. However, in the present embodiment, not only the outline data but also the offset value added at the time of development in the above embodiment is cached. I do.

That is, if the stroke is controlled so as to be expanded to which position of the radical, and if the radical, the position of the character is expanded to include the position information, the cache is controlled so as to be cached. As in the above-described embodiment, the process of shifting the cache data by the offset after expanding the cache data becomes unnecessary, and the speed of the character pattern generation process can be increased. Less than,
This will be described in detail according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the second character pattern generation processing means in the character pattern generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that (1) and (2)
7) shows each step.

Steps (1) to (16)
The steps up to this are the same as the steps up to step (16) in FIG.

That is, it is determined whether or not the character is cached. If the character is cached, the data is used. If not, it is determined whether or not the radical constituting the character is cached.

If the radical constituting the character is cached, the data is used. If not, it is checked whether or not the stroke constituting the radical is cached. If so, the data is used, and if not cached, the data of the stroke is fetched to generate contour data.

In step (17), the amount of displacement of the target radical to the expanded position of the stroke is added to the contour data of the stroke generated in this manner.
In step (18), it is determined whether or not caching is performed in the same manner as in the above embodiment. When caching is performed, caching is performed in step (19).

If it is determined in step (20) that one radical has been generated, the data is added to step (2).
In 1), the amount of displacement to the position where the radical is expanded in the target character is added. Next, in step (22), it is determined whether or not to cache. The following steps (2
The processing after 4) is the same as the processing after step (24) in the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the embodiment in which the cache is secured in the RAM 2 shown in FIG. 1 has been described. However, in this embodiment, the cache is secured and processed as shown in a seventh flowchart described later. May be.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the third character pattern generation processing means in the character pattern generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that (1) and (2)
7) shows each step.

In step (1), the data of the character to be expanded is fetched, and at that time, it is checked by checking the cache flag whether the character is already cached as a character. Here, if the cache flag is not "0", the process proceeds to step (2), the bitmap data is fetched from the cache buffer of the external storage device 11 shown in FIG. 1 and the process proceeds to step (27), and the process of generating the target character ends. .

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the cache flag is "0", the flow proceeds to step (3).
Captures the number of radicals that make up the character and its type data.

Next, the process proceeds to step (4) to check whether or not the data of the target radical has already been cached by checking the cache flag. At this time, the order of the target radicals is based on the stroke order, but it is not necessary to follow the stroke order. Here, if the cache flag is not "0", the process proceeds to step (5), where the bitmap data is fetched from the cache buffer of the external storage device 11 shown in FIG. 1 and the process proceeds to step (24).

In step (4), if the cache flag is "0", the process proceeds to step (6) to fetch the number of strokes constituting the target radical and data of the type. Next, the process proceeds to step (7) to check whether the data of the target stroke is already cached by checking the cache flag.

At this time, the order of the target strokes follows the stroke order this time, but it is not necessary to follow the stroke order.

Here, if the cache flag is not "0", the process proceeds to step (8) where the external storage device 1 shown in FIG.
The bitmap data is fetched from one cache buffer, and the process proceeds to step (20). If the cache flag is "0" in step (7), step (9)
Move to the target stroke data.

Next, the process proceeds to step (10), where the coordinate data taken in with the enlargement / reduction is converted.

Since the coordinate data is information based on the core line + thickness, it is converted into outline information in step (11) as shown in FIG. In step (12), it is determined whether or not the data is straight line data. If the data is not straight line data, the data is confirmed as curve data. In step (13), interpolation is performed by a predetermined curve interpolation method, and a dot is formed in step (14).

On the other hand, if the data is straight line data in step (12), hitting is performed in step (15). In this way, in step (16), it is checked whether or not the data of the target stroke has been hit by one contour. If not, the process returns to step (12). If completed, the process goes to step (17) to paint the target stroke. .

Next, the process proceeds to step (18), and it is determined whether or not this stroke satisfies the cache condition as described above.

It is checked whether or not the buffer for storing characters, radicals or strokes cached in the external storage device 11 in step (1) shown in FIG. 4 is already full of data. If it is already full, step (2) compares the priority of the data stored in the cache buffer with the priority of the character, radical, or stroke to determine which one has the higher priority. .

If data of a lower priority than the target is not stored in the cache buffer, the target character or radical or stroke is not cached.

However, if at least one of the cache buffers has a lower priority than the target one, the one with the lowest priority is deleted from the cache buffer, and the target character, radical, or Store the stroke in the cache buffer.

If it is determined in step (18) that the cache condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step (19) where caching is performed. Next, the process proceeds to step (20), in which the bit map of the target stroke generated in this way or the bit map fetched in step (8) is shifted to the development position in the target radical. Next, step (2)
The process proceeds to 1) to check whether bitmap generation and synthesis of all strokes constituting the radical have been completed.

If the processing has not been completed, the flow returns to step (7), and the same operation is performed for the next target stroke. If the bitmap generation for the target radical has been completed, the process proceeds to step (22) as in step (18).
It is determined whether or not this radical satisfies the cache condition. If the cache condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step (23) to perform caching.

Next, the process proceeds to step (24), in which the bit map of the target radical generated in this way or the bit map fetched in step (5) is shifted to the development position in the target character.

Next, in step (25), it is checked whether bitmap generation and synthesis of all necks constituting the character have been completed. If not, the process returns to step (4) and the same operation is performed for the next target radical. If it has been completed, it is determined in step (26) whether or not this character satisfies the cache condition, as in steps (18) and (22). If the cache condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step (27) to perform caching.
Thus, the pattern generation of the target character is completed.

In the above embodiment, the case where the outline data of strokes and radicals are cached in the RAM 2 or the external storage device 11 has been described. However, not only the outline data but also the offset value added at the time of development in the above embodiment. And cache.

That is, caching is performed by including position information of the position of the radical in the case of a stroke and the position of the character in the case of a radical. After expanding the data, control may be performed so that the process of shifting by the offset is not executed (details will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining a fourth character pattern generation processing procedure in the character pattern generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that (1) and (2)
7) shows each step. Steps up to step (17) are the same as steps up to step (17) in FIG.

The processing of this embodiment checks whether or not a character is cached. If so, the data is used. If not, it is determined whether or not the radical constituting the character is cached. Find out. If the radical making up the character is cached, use that data; if not, check if the stroke making up that radical is cached, and if it is, Using the data, if not cached, the data of the stroke is fetched to generate contour data.

Then, in step (18), the amount of displacement of the target radical to the expanded position of the stroke is added to the outline data of the stroke generated in this manner. In step (19), it is determined whether or not to cache, as in the above embodiment. If caching is to be performed, caching is performed in step (20).

When it is determined in step (21) that one radical has been generated, the data is added to step (2).
In 2), the displacement amount to the position where the radical is developed in the target character is added.

Next, in step (23), it is determined whether or not to cache, and when caching is performed, step (2)
Go to 4) and cache. The processing after step (25) is the same as that after step (25) of the processing shown in FIG. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a character pattern generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a contour generating means selecting means which takes in the character data stored in the ROM 3 of FIG. 1 and creates a device selecting flag. The character data is stored in various font data formats such as outline type and stroke type as the pattern generation method, and Bezier and spline as the curve generation method. The font data is searched for the character for which the pattern is to be generated, a processing method is determined so that a desired pattern can be obtained, and the processing method is flagged by the outline generating means selecting means 21.

In the character pattern generating apparatus thus configured, a flag for selecting a character pattern processing resource used for generating a character pattern by analyzing the character information inputted by the information creating means (CPU 1) will be described later. The character pattern processing means (means executed by the CPU 1 in accordance with a procedure shown in a flowchart to be described later) selects a different character pattern processing resource based on the created flag and generates a character pattern. Thus, different character pattern processing is performed by sharing character pattern processing resources that are not affected by input character information.

A plurality of font processing means (C) for processing the generation of a character pattern by strokes or outlines
When the PU 1 performs according to the font data stored in the ROM 3 (in this embodiment, two types of strokes and outlines are provided), a plurality of hintings are performed in which the coordinate conversion for improving the quality of the character is performed by the method determined by the flag Means 22, a plurality of interpolating means 23 for generating a curve according to the curve characteristics defined by the flag and creating a contour pattern of the closed area, and filling the closed area generated by the method defined by the flag with a bitmap. The character pattern processing means selects a different character pattern processing resource from the plurality of character pattern processing resources to be created based on the created flag and generates a character pattern. Performs different character pattern processing by sharing character pattern processing resources that are not affected

As will be described below, the hinting means 22 and the interpolation means 2
(3) Three means of filling means 24 are used. Incidentally, each means may be constituted by a logic circuit, or a CPU.
May be executed by a program stored in the ROM.

Each means has a plurality of processing methods in advance, and the selection is made by the flag. The hinting 22 performs a hinting process designated by the contour generation selecting means 21. The interpolation means 23 performs interpolation on the curve using the interpolation method designated by the contour generation means selection means 21 to generate contour coordinates. The painting means 24 paints in the method designated by the contour generating means selecting means 21.

Note that the hinting means 22 and the painting means 24 may not be used in some cases.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the flag setting process of the contour generating means selecting means 21 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, the means selection flag is 8
The first bit is an outline selection bit for selecting a pattern generation method, and the second bit is an optimum method from a plurality of hinting methods prepared in advance in the hinting means 22. The hinting selection bits to be selected, bits 4 and 5, are provided in the interpolation means 23 in advance, and the interpolation selection bits, bits 6 and 7 for selecting the optimum method from a plurality of interpolation methods prepared in the interpolation means 23 are prepared in the painting means 24 in advance. It consists of a fill selection bit that selects the optimal method from a plurality of fill methods. In this embodiment, the case where the flag information is configured by 8 bits will be described. However, the number of resources may be increased by increasing the number of bits, and it is needless to say that various modifications or combinations can be supported. Nor.

First, one of the means selection flags shown in FIG.
The case where the bit number, that is, the outline selection bit is set, will be described.

When the contour selection bit is set, the character pattern is generated by expressing the contour of the character by coordinate data and using an outline font having no stroke intersection as shown in FIG. become.

Hereinafter, the processing of the hinting unit 22 shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of the hinting means 22 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

In step (1), the means selection flag 2
Checking if the bit is standing. here,
If it is determined that the person is standing, move to step (2),
This time, the third bit of the means selection flag is checked. Here, when the third bit is set, the process proceeds to step (4) as the processing of the hinting means, the hinting process of Company A is performed, and when the third bit is not set, the step ( Go to 5) to perform the hinting process of Company B. If the second bit of the means selection flag is not set in step (1) , the process proceeds to step (3) to check the third bit of the means selection flag.

Here, if the third bit of the means selection flag is set, the process proceeds to step (6) as hinting means, where the hinting process of Company C is performed. If the third bit is not set, hinting is performed. The hinting unit 22 does not perform the hinting process.

Next, the processing operation of the interpolation means 23 shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of the interpolation means 23 shown in FIG. (1)
(7) shows each step.

In step (1), it is checked whether the fourth bit of the device selection flag is set. If so, the process proceeds to step (2), and the fifth bit of the device selection flag is checked.

If the fifth bit is set, the process proceeds to step (4) as an interpolating device, where interpolation is performed using a secondary B-spline. If the fifth bit is not set, the process proceeds to step (4).
The process proceeds to step (5) to perform interpolation using a cubic B-spline.

If the fourth bit of the device selection flag is not set in step (1), the process goes to step (3) to check the fifth bit of the device selection flag. If the fifth bit of the device selection flag is set, the process proceeds to step (6). If the fifth bit is not set, the process proceeds to step (7). If the fifth bit is not set, the process proceeds to step (7). Interpolation by cubic Bezier is performed.

The interpolation methods prepared in the interpolation device are the cubic Bezier, the secondary Bezier, the tertiary B spline, and the secondary B spline as described above, and are shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining an interpolation method by the interpolation means 23 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 14 corresponds to a cubic Bezier interpolation process, and FIG. 15 is a secondary Bezier interpolation process. Corresponding to

As shown in FIG. 14 , four control points A, B, C, and D for generating one curve are AB, B
The intermediate points a, f, and e of C and CD are calculated. Next, the intermediate points b and d of af and fe and the intermediate point c of bd are similarly calculated for the three points a, f, and e just calculated. A, a, b, and c of the points obtained in this way are represented by one curve F (0) as c, d, e,
D newly represents F (1). By repeating this operation until a predetermined value is reached, coordinate data representing one curve is created.

In the quadratic Bezier shown in FIG. 10, the cubic Bezier has three curves, whereas the cubic Bezier has four curves. Thereafter, similarly, control points A, B, and C
The midpoints a and c of B and BC and the midpoint of this ac are calculated,
One of the calculated points A, a, and b is used to convert one curve F (0) into b,
One curve is constituted by c and C. This operation is repeated until a predetermined value is obtained, and coordinate data representing one curve is created.

Next, unlike the curve interpolation by the Bezier, the interpolation by the B-spline divides the curve into a set number and generates a curve by a quadratic or cubic function, respectively.

Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 16, a description will be given of how to generate contour coordinates.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a contour processing procedure using the interpolation means 23 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (4) show each step.

In step (1), it is checked whether or not the captured contour control points constitute a straight line. Here, if that point is a point that constitutes a straight line,
The process proceeds to step (2) to generate a straight line. If the point does not constitute a straight line in step (1), the process proceeds to step (3) to perform interpolation by a predetermined interpolation method to generate a curve. After generating straight lines and curves in steps (2) and (3), the process proceeds to step (4) to check whether coordinate data for one contour has been created. If not, the process returns to step (1). .

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that one contour has been completed, the processing of the interpolator ends.

Next, the processing operation of the painting means 24 shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 shows the filling means 2 shown in FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a painting processing procedure by No. 4. Note that (1) to (4) show each step.

In step (1), it is checked whether the sixth bit of the means selection flag (see FIG. 10) is set. If the sixth bit is set, the process proceeds to step (2), and the seventh bit of the means selection flag is checked. Here, if the seventh bit is set, the process proceeds to step (3) and the filling means 24
As a process of (1), a painting process by non zero winding (details will be described later) is performed.

On the other hand, if the 7th bit does not stand in the determination in step (2), the process proceeds to step (4) to perform a painting process by even odd (details will be described later).

On the other hand, if the sixth bit of the means selection flag is not set in step (1), the painting means 24 does not paint. Through the above series of operations, the generation of characters by one outline is completed.

Next, a case where the first bit of the means selection flag is not set will be described.

If the first bit of the device selection flag is not set, a pattern is created in units of strokes as shown in FIG. 11B and characters are generated by synthesizing them. Performs character pattern generation in stroke synthesis. The order of character pattern generation by the stroke synthesis follows the procedure of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a second character pattern generation processing procedure in the character pattern generation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, (1)-
(4), (2-1), (2-2), (3-1), (3-
2), (4-1), and (4-2) show each step.

In this case, the operation of each means and the designation of its processing are almost the same as those of character generation using one outline, and therefore only different parts will be described.

First, what is different is the data to be captured. In the case of stroke synthesis, the total number of strokes constituting a character, the constituent points of the strokes, and their positions and sizes are data.

Hinting means 22 and interpolation means 23
Loops the processing in each means by the number of strokes constituting the target character (2-1), (2-
2), (3-1), (3-2), (4-1), (4-
2) Complete the work by transferring data once for all strokes.

The processing is performed by the hinting means 22.
Is the same as the processing method for one contour, and the interpolation means 23 combines the coordinate data in the same table every time one stroke is created.

Next, in step (4), the painting means 24 performs a painting process according to FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed procedure of the painting process shown in FIG. In addition,
(1) and (2) show each step.

In step (1), the sixth bit of the means selection flag is checked. Here, if the sixth bit has been set, the process proceeds to step (2), and painting by non-zero winding is performed as the processing of the painting means 24.

On the other hand, if the sixth bit does not stand in the determination in step (1), the painting means 24 does not perform the painting process.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a filling method in the character pattern generator according to the present invention.

As shown in this figure, when a pattern such as a stroke combination is filled with an intersecting contour line, if a fill is performed by even odd, a portion where the fill is not performed (painted portion HP) occurs. Therefore, in the case of stroke synthesis, the only fill method that can be selected is non zero winding.

In the filling process of the above embodiment,
Non-zero windi for stroke composition
Although processing was performed only with ng, here, processing that can be painted even with even odd will be described below. Although the configuration of the apparatus and the method of generating a character pattern by using an outline font are the same, the method of painting in the method of generating a character pattern by combining strokes changes as follows.

In the second embodiment, the hinting means 2
2. The interpolating means 23 ends the apparatus by one data transfer for all the strokes constituting one character. The processing for only one stroke is performed. That is, at the time when the processing of the first filling means 24 is completed, bitmap data in which one stroke has been filled is completed.
Hereinafter, another filling process will be described with reference to FIGS. 21, 22, and 23.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of another character pattern generation procedure in the character pattern generation device according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (5) indicate each step.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another character pattern generation state in the character pattern generation device according to the present invention.
In addition, 15-1 to 15-7 indicate each painting step. FIG. 23 is a view for explaining correspondence between strokes of a character pattern and radicals in the character pattern generation device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 21, every time the painting process is completed (1) to (5), it is checked whether or not the process has been completed for all the strokes constituting the character. If not, the process is repeated for the next stroke. Do.

In this way, in the process of forming a character, in the case of the "tree" shown in FIG. 22, a horizontal line pattern is generated in the first processing as shown in step 15-1. In step 15-2, a vertical line pattern as the next stroke is generated, and in step 15-3, this pattern is combined with the horizontal line pattern generated in step 15-1.

In step 15-4, a left-paying pattern as the next stroke is generated. In step 15-5, this pattern is combined with the pattern generated in step 15-3. In step 15-6, a right-paying pattern, which is the next stroke, is generated, and step 15-7 is performed.
When this pattern is combined with the pattern generated in step 15-5, a character pattern "tree" is generated.
Also, according to the processing of the filling device in this method, similar to the outline font, the non-zerowindin
You can paint in two ways, g and even odd.

According to the above embodiment, by caching a character, a radical, and a stroke, when a large number of characters are generated by character generation by stroke synthesis,
It is possible to greatly reduce the number of processes for developing the same stroke or radical or character each time.

Further, by preparing a plurality of character pattern processing resources in each device in advance, unnecessary processing such as changing or creating the device itself due to a difference in data or a change in the processing method is reduced, and efficiency is improved. Character patterns can often be generated.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or to an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

As described above, according to the character pattern generator of the present invention, a stroke pattern is generated based on stroke data, a radical pattern is generated based on the stroke pattern, and a character pattern is generated based on the radical pattern. A character pattern generating apparatus for generating, wherein a first determining means for determining whether or not a character pattern to be generated is cached, and when it is determined by the first determining means that the character pattern to be generated is not cached A second discriminating means for discriminating whether or not a target radical pattern among the radical patterns constituting the character pattern to be generated is cached; If it is determined that the stroke pattern has not been A third determining unit that determines whether or not the target stroke pattern in the pattern is cached; and determining that the target stroke pattern is not cached by the third determining unit. A stroke pattern is generated based on the stroke data corresponding to the stroke pattern, and if the target stroke pattern is determined to be cached by the third determination unit, a radical pattern is generated based on the cached stroke pattern. Generating means for generating a character pattern based on the cached radical pattern when the target radical pattern is determined to be cached by the second determining means. , Each already cached in stroke order By utilizing over down resources, an effect that the required character pattern short time can be efficiently produced.

Further, according to the character pattern generating method of the present invention, a stroke pattern is generated based on stroke data, a radical pattern is generated based on the stroke pattern, and a character pattern is generated based on the radical pattern. A first method for determining whether an occurrence target character pattern is cached or not
When it is determined in the determining step and the first determining step that the character pattern to be generated is not cached, whether or not the radical pattern to be targeted among the radical patterns forming the character pattern to be generated is cached A second determination step of determining whether the target radical pattern is not cached in the second determination step, and a target stroke among stroke patterns constituting the target radical pattern A third determining step of determining whether or not the pattern is cached; and, if it is determined in the third determining step that the target stroke pattern is not cached, the stroke data corresponding to the target stroke pattern A stroke pattern is generated based on the third determination step. If it is determined that the target stroke pattern is cached by (1), a radical pattern is generated based on the cached stroke pattern, and that the target radical pattern is cached in the second determination step. If it is determined, a character pattern is generated based on the cached radical pattern, so that the required character is utilized by utilizing the respective cached pattern resources in the order of character, radical, and stroke. There is an effect that a pattern can be efficiently generated in a short time.

[0138]

[0139]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a character pattern generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a first character pattern generation processing procedure in the character pattern generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of conversion from coordinate data to contour information in the character pattern generation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cache condition determination processing procedure in the character pattern generation processing illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state of a cache buffer on a RAM 2 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second character pattern generation processing procedure in the character pattern generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a third character pattern generation processing procedure in the character pattern generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth character pattern generation processing procedure in the character pattern generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a character pattern generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a flag generation process of the contour generation means selection means 21 shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a character pattern generation method in this type of character pattern generation device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a hinting unit illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of an interpolation unit illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining an interpolation method by the interpolation means shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining an interpolation method by the interpolation means shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a contour processing procedure using the interpolation unit illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a painting process performed by a painting unit illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second character pattern generation processing procedure in the character pattern generation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of a painting process illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a filling method in the character pattern generation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of another character pattern generation procedure in the character pattern generation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another character pattern generation state in the character pattern generation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating correspondence between strokes of a character pattern and radicals in the character pattern generation device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 KBC 5 KB 6 PRTC 7 PRT 8 CRTC 9 CRT 10 DKC 11 External storage device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/485 G06F 12/08 G06T 11/20 G09G 5/24 620

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A character pattern generating apparatus for generating a stroke pattern based on stroke data, generating a radical pattern based on the stroke pattern, and generating a character pattern based on the radical pattern, wherein the character pattern to be generated is cached First determining means for determining whether or not the character pattern to be generated is not cached; and determining whether the character pattern to be generated in the radical pattern constituting the character pattern to be generated is not cached by the first determining means. Second determining means for determining whether or not the radical pattern to be cached is provided; and determining that the target radical pattern is not cached by the second determining means, The target stroke pattern among the constituent stroke patterns is cached A third discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the target stroke pattern is not cached by the third discriminating means; and generating a stroke pattern based on the stroke data corresponding to the target stroke pattern. When it is determined by the third determining means that the target stroke pattern is cached, a radical pattern is generated based on the cached stroke pattern, and the target radical pattern is generated by the second determining means. Generating means for generating a character pattern based on the cached radical pattern when it is determined that the pattern is cached. 2. A method for determining whether a stroke pattern, a radical pattern, or a character pattern generated by the generating means can be cached in a cache buffer. 2. The character pattern generation device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the priority is high or not, and if the priority is low, no cache is performed. 3. The character pattern generator according to claim 1, wherein the stroke pattern or radical pattern is cached before shifting the generated stroke pattern or radical pattern by an offset. 4. The character pattern generator according to claim 1, wherein the stroke pattern or radical pattern is cached after shifting the generated stroke pattern or radical pattern by an offset. 5. A character pattern generating method for generating a stroke pattern based on stroke data, generating a radical pattern based on the stroke pattern, and generating a character pattern based on the radical pattern, wherein the character pattern to be generated is cached A first discriminating step of discriminating whether or not the character pattern to be generated is not cached by the first discriminating step; The second to determine whether the radical pattern to be cached
If the determination step and the second determination step determine that the target radical pattern is not cached, whether the target stroke pattern among the stroke patterns constituting the target radical pattern is cached A third determining step of determining whether or not the target stroke pattern is not cached in the third determining step; generating a stroke pattern based on stroke data corresponding to the target stroke pattern; If it is determined in the third determining step that the target stroke pattern is cached, a radical pattern is generated based on the cached stroke pattern, and the target radical pattern is generated in the second determining step. Is cached If it is determined that the character pattern generating method characterized by comprising: a generating step of generating a character pattern on the basis of a radical pattern being cached, the. 6. A determination is made as to whether the stroke pattern, radical pattern, or character pattern generated in the generating step can be cached in a cache buffer. Also determines whether the priority is high,
6. The character pattern generating method according to claim 5, wherein when it is determined that the priority is low, the cache is not cached. 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the stroke pattern or radical pattern is cached before shifting the generated stroke pattern or radical pattern by an offset. 8. The character pattern generating method according to claim 5, wherein the stroke pattern or radical pattern is cached after shifting the generated stroke pattern or radical pattern by an offset.