JP4912060B2 - CHARACTER PATTERN GENERATION DEVICE, CHARACTER PATTERN GENERATION PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING CHARACTER PATTERN GENERATION PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a character pattern generation device, a character pattern generation program, and a recording medium on which the character pattern generation program is recorded, and in particular, a character for displaying or printing characters on a display device or in an electronic information device equipped with a printing device. The present invention relates to a character pattern generation device that generates a pattern using character stroke data and attribute information, a character pattern generation program, and a recording medium on which the character pattern generation program is recorded.

  When realizing various character output on devices that can display characters such as liquid crystal displays that are generally used at present, communication devices, printing devices such as printers, mobile devices such as mobile phones and PDAs, etc. One of the output methods is a method of switching fonts according to the current position.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying and printing according to the current position by specifying a necessary language and region from the current position, and obtaining and using necessary programs and fonts via a network. ing. Therefore, according to this technique, it is possible to automatically display and print character information in a language corresponding to the current position.

  Similarly, in the case of realizing expressive character display on the above-described devices, one of output methods is a method of changing the degree of decoration depending on conditions using character decoration information.

  In Patent Document 2 that has been filed and filed by the applicant of the present application, image data that is a decoration that changes in time series is synthesized into an arbitrary portion of bitmap data based on appropriate time information, and output. Techniques to do this are disclosed. Therefore, according to this technique, it is possible to synthesize and display image data on bitmap data according to a specific condition, and it is possible to apply a meaningful decoration in time series, not just animation.

Further, in Patent Document 3 filed and filed by the applicant of the present application, information on handwritten input characters is acquired and digitized, and a new font is generated by changing the shape of an existing font based on the information. Technology is disclosed. The prior art disclosed in Patent Document 3 can generate a font with a sense of unity that reflects handwritten input characters, and deforms the characters themselves. Therefore, according to this technique, it is possible to create a document with a style unique to the operator and a unified style.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-50585 JP-A-2005-17656 Japanese Patent No. 2981337

  However, since the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 changes information such as a character code in order to use the acquired font for display or printing, and does not deform or decorate the character itself, There is a problem that there is no change in the expressive power of.

  In addition, since the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 is not a technique for deforming a character itself, there is a problem that expressive power due to a change in the shape of the entire character cannot be obtained.

  In addition, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 only deforms a character by using a handwritten feature of the user. If the user is the same, the deformation result of the character is always the same, and the expressive power according to the current position There is a problem that the change cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and the character itself is deformed in a deformation manner according to the current position, so that even the same user can obtain a change in expressive power according to the current position. An object of the present invention is to provide a character pattern generation device, a character pattern generation program, and a recording medium on which the character pattern generation program is recorded.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a character pattern generation device includes a geographical position information acquisition means for acquiring information on a geographical position representing a current location, and data representing a line element constituting the character. Accessing the storage means for storing the correspondence between the attribute value used for generating the character pattern for outputting the character by adding the attribute to the stroke data and the geographical position information, Using the acquired attribute value, the geographical position information matching means for specifying the attribute value corresponding to the information of the geographical position representing the acquired current position, the attribute value acquiring means for acquiring the specified attribute value, and the above And a character pattern generation means for generating a character pattern by adding an attribute to the stroke data.

  Specifically, the attribute preferably includes at least one of line width, color, shape, and texture.

  Furthermore, the attribute value preferably includes a first attribute value for the start point represented by the stroke data and a second attribute value for the end point. In this case, it is preferable that the character pattern generation means adds an attribute that changes at a constant rate from the first attribute value to the second attribute value from the start point to the end point in the stroke data.

  Further, it is preferable that the attribute value acquisition unit acquires and stores the attribute value at a predetermined timing, and selects the attribute value specified by the geographical position information matching unit from the stored attribute values.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the geographical position information acquisition means acquires information on the geographical position of the current location at predetermined time intervals.

  Further, the character pattern generation means retains the initial value of the attribute value for at least the line width, color, and shape attributes, and the attribute value specified by the geographical position information matching means is not acquired by the attribute value acquisition means. In this case, it is preferable to generate a character pattern using the initial value.

  In addition, the character pattern generation means holds the initial value of the attribute value for at least the line width, color, and shape attributes, and the geographical position information representing the current location is not acquired in the geographical position information acquisition means In addition, it is preferable to generate a character pattern using the initial value.

The character pattern generating apparatus, when generating a character pattern Te character pattern generating means odor, further comprising setting means for setting whether to use attribute values acquired by the attribute value acquisition unit for each attribute, The character pattern generation means holds an initial value of the attribute value for at least each of the line width, color, and shape attributes, and the character pattern generation means uses the attribute value acquired by the sex value acquisition means as set by the setting means. for setting a is attribute to be used to generate a character pattern using the attribute values acquired by the attribute value acquisition unit, a setting that does not use the attribute value set has been acquired by the attribute value acquiring unit with setting means attribute preferably generates a character pattern by using the initial value for.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a character pattern generation apparatus is further provided with the attribute value transmission means which transmits the attribute value acquired in the attribute value acquisition means outside.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the attribute value transmission means adds the counter information including information defining the period or number of times during which the process of generating the character pattern using the attribute value is permitted to the attribute value.

  Further, it is more preferable that the attribute value transmitting means transmits an attribute value to which the counter information is not added, with the counter information added thereto.

  Alternatively, the counter information includes information defining the number of transmissions of the attribute value, and the attribute value transmission means updates the information defining the number of transmissions included in the counter information added to the attribute value when transmitting the attribute value. More preferably.

Moreover, it is preferable that an attribute value acquisition means receives and acquires an attribute value from the outside.
Furthermore, the attribute value acquisition means receives and acquires an attribute value to which counter information including information defining a period or the number of times for permitting a process of generating a character pattern using the attribute value is added, The character pattern generation means holds an initial value of the attribute value for at least each of the line width, color, and shape attributes, and the character pattern generation means counts the period from when the attribute value was acquired by the attribute value acquisition means When it is detected that the period specified in the information is exceeded, or when it is detected that the number of times the attribute value is used for generating the character pattern reaches the number specified in the counter information, the attribute value is changed. It is preferable to generate a character pattern using the initial value.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a character pattern generation program is a program for causing a computer to execute a character pattern generation process, wherein a geographical position information acquisition step for acquiring information on a geographical position representing a current location, and a character The correspondence between the information specifying the attribute value used for generating the character pattern for outputting the character by adding the attribute to the stroke data which is the data representing the line element constituting the information and the information on the geographical position is stored Accessing the storage device, obtaining a geographical position information matching step for identifying an attribute value corresponding to the obtained geographical position information representing the present location, an attribute value obtaining step for obtaining the attribute value, and obtaining necessary stroke data A character pattern that generates a character pattern by adding an attribute to the stroke data using the acquired attribute value To execute a generating step.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium, and records the character pattern generation program.

  According to the character pattern generation device of the present invention, the data capacity is reduced by generating the character pattern based on the values of each attribute such as the line width, color, shape, and texture of the stroke data according to the geographical position. In addition to being able to express various fonts and nuances, it is possible to display characters with rich expressiveness by enhancing the sense of reality with the display unique to the region.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

  In this case, “character” includes, for example, symbols such as units, various graphic symbols such as “○” and “△”, and characters in addition to languages such as Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese. The pictorial symbol (pictogram) etc. which are identified are also included.

  The character pattern generation device according to the present invention can be used in, for example, a mobile phone device including a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) and an electronic information device such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) which is a portable information tool. The character pattern generation apparatus according to the present invention can also be used in any type of personal computer or word processor such as a desktop type or a notebook type. Furthermore, it can also be used for electronic information equipment such as a television signal receiver or a projector device. Furthermore, the character pattern generation device according to the present invention is a display device capable of displaying at least one of color display and black-and-white display, such as an electronic information device provided with a color liquid crystal display device, a general telephone, a FAX, etc. It can also be used for electronic information equipment provided with a communication device (communication equipment). Furthermore, the character pattern generation device according to the present invention can also be used for an electronic information device including a 3D display device, a liquid crystal display device such as a three-dimensional map, or a device that performs three-dimensional display with a hologram. Furthermore, the character pattern generation device according to the present invention may be used as an electronic information device in a printing device (printing device) such as a printer capable of color printing or monochrome printing. In the present embodiment, the character pattern generation device according to the present invention will be described as being realized by any of the above devices. However, the device in which the character pattern generation device is used in the present invention is the above device or a specific device. The present invention is not limited to this, and any device that can display “characters” in the above-described meaning may be used.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of the character pattern generation apparatus according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, a character pattern generation device 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a control device 1 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an input device that can input a character string. 2, an output device 3 that is at least one of a display device, a printing device, and a communication device, an auxiliary storage device 4 as an auxiliary storage unit that stores a program and data used therefor, and a work memory (RAM: Random) And a main storage device 5 serving as an access memory.

  The input device 2 is a device for inputting text data, and corresponds to a keyboard, a push button, or the like. Further, it may be a device that acquires text data by communicating with another device, for example, a receiving device that acquires mail data. The control device 1, the auxiliary storage device 4, and the main storage device 5 are each configured by an information processing device such as a general personal computer. The output device 3 is a device for displaying information, and is a character display device (display device) such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, a printing device (printing device) such as a printer, a mobile phone device or a portable information terminal device ( PDA) and other mobile devices, AV devices such as television devices, and electronic information devices such as personal computers.

  These devices are connected by wire or wireless to communicate with each other. Further, these devices are not separate devices, and may be included in any device (for example, the control device 1). By performing communication, the input device 2 inputs the input text data to the control device 1. Further, the control device 1 accesses the auxiliary storage device 4 and the main storage device 5 as necessary to perform a process of generating a character pattern, and inputs the result to the output device 3. The output device 3 displays information based on the input processing result.

  In the character pattern generation device 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, stroke data is added to generate a character pattern. Here, the stroke data is data representing a line element constituting a character, and represents data representing a straight line or a curve including one start point and one end point. Here, the “line element” may include all elements constituting the character, such as a point element (for example, a muddy sound part) and a round element (for example, a semi-voiced sound part). “Flushing” refers to a process in which attributes such as thickness and color are added to the stroke data, which is data representing a line, and is displayed, and the start point and end point generated by the process are displayed in each form. A straight line or curve including one by one is called a stroke (a stroke line). “Character” includes one or more strokes, and data for displaying a character generated by adding stroke data constituting the character is referred to as a character pattern.

  The control device 1 correlates a character pattern generation unit 11 that fleshs out straw data to generate a character pattern and an attribute value that defines a fleshing method when generating the character pattern and a geographical position. An attribute value association information storage unit 12 to store, an attribute value acquisition unit 13 to acquire the value of the attribute, a geographical position information acquisition unit 14 to acquire information on the geographical position of the current location, and an attribute value association information storage unit 12, a geographical position information matching unit 15 that collates the geographical position information included in the attribute value association information stored in 12 with the geographical position information acquired by the geographical position information acquisition unit 14, and the attribute value acquisition unit 13. The attribute value transmitting unit 16 that transmits the attribute value acquired by the above to another device, and the attribute value receiving unit 17 that receives the attribute value from the other device.

  The hardware configuration of the control device 1 is the same as the hardware configuration of a general personal computer including a CPU. The function of each unit may be a function formed in the CPU by executing a program 42 acquired from the auxiliary storage device 4 described later by the CPU, or at least a part thereof is controlled by a control signal from the CPU. It may be a function realized by the above hardware configuration.

  The geographical position information acquisition unit 14 further includes a peripheral device (not shown) such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and an antenna. Alternatively, necessary information is acquired and used from such peripheral devices. As another example of the peripheral device, a peripheral device for reading a barcode installed at a predetermined geographical position to acquire geographical position information, or illumination light modulated by a signal of the geographical position information, Peripheral device for detecting geographical position information from a modulated signal by detecting with an optical sensor (not shown), and a transmitter installed at a predetermined geographical position by a short-range wireless ad hoc communication method including infrared rays For example, a peripheral device for receiving a signal of geographical position information emitted from the terminal. The geographical position information acquisition unit 14 acquires information on the geographical position representing the current location using these peripheral devices, and inputs the information to the geographical position information matching unit 15.

  The geographic location information matching unit 15 specifies the attribute value associated with the location information using the geographic location information of the current location input from the geographic location information acquisition unit 14, and designates the information as an attribute. Notify the value acquisition unit 13.

  Based on the notified information, the attribute value acquisition unit 13 acquires an attribute value corresponding to geographical position information representing the current location from an apparatus other than the character pattern generation apparatus 10 via the attribute value reception unit 17. . The acquired attribute value is input from the attribute value acquisition unit 13 to the character pattern generation unit 11. Further, it is also input to the attribute value transmission unit 16 as necessary.

  The auxiliary storage device 4 stores stroke data 41 and a program 42 including a character generation program. The character pattern generation unit 11 or the attribute value acquisition unit 13 analyzes the text data input from the input device 2 to identify necessary stroke data, and accesses the auxiliary storage device 4 to acquire the necessary stroke data 41. Thus, a character pattern is generated using the attribute value input from the attribute value acquisition unit 13. Note that the character pattern generation unit 11 includes at least a minimum attribute value (referred to as an initial value of the attribute) necessary for generating a character pattern, and the stroke even if the attribute value is not acquired. It is assumed that a character pattern can be generated from data. The generated character pattern is input to the output device 3 such as a display and output (displayed).

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a character pattern generation process executed by the control device 1 of the character pattern generation device 10 according to the present embodiment. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is a process realized by the CPU of the control device 1 executing the program 42 acquired from the auxiliary storage device 4 to control each unit shown in FIG. In the character pattern generation process shown in FIG. 2, the geographical position information representing the current location is acquired, the attribute value associated with the geographical position information is acquired, and the stroke data is fleshed based on the acquired attribute value. In this process, a character pattern is generated.

  With reference to FIG. 2, first, in step S <b> 1, geographical position information representing the current location is acquired by the geographical position information acquisition unit 14. The timing at which the geographical position information is acquired may be the timing at which text data is input from the input device 2, the timing at which display of a character pattern is instructed by an instruction device (not shown), or automatically at predetermined time intervals. May be acquired automatically. As the geographical position information acquired in step S1, for example, the value of latitude and longitude is cited. Specifically, when the current location is 35 degrees 00 minutes north latitude and 135 degrees 00 minutes east longitude, data such as “N35.00; E135.00” corresponds to the geographical location information indicating the current location. Also, it may be information that can specify other positions, information that specifies a predetermined range including the current location, or a relative position from a reference device or another device. It may be information to obtain.

  Next, in step S2, the geographical location information matching unit 15 uses the value of the geographical location information acquired in step S1 as an ID for specifying the location, and is stored in the attribute value association information storage unit 12. It collates with the geographical location information (location ID) included in the value association information. Details of the attribute value association information will be described later. In step S3, based on the attribute value ID corresponding to the adapted geographical position information (position ID) obtained by collating in step S2, the attribute value acquisition unit 13 sets the attribute value corresponding to the geographical position of the current location. get.

  In step S4, the character pattern generation unit 11 generates a character pattern according to the character generation program included in the program 42 based on the attribute value acquired in step S3.

  As described above, in the character pattern generation device according to the present embodiment, when displaying text data, an attribute value is acquired and a character pattern is generated, and thus a previously generated character pattern is transmitted / received and stored. Compared to the case, the data capacity to be transmitted / received can be suppressed. In addition, when an attribute value corresponding to the current location is acquired from another device as necessary, there is no need to hold various attribute values corresponding to the position information in advance, and the correspondence between the position ID and the attribute value ID Therefore, the data capacity stored in advance can be reduced as compared with the case where the attribute value is held.

  The attribute value acquisition unit 13 acquires the attribute value at a predetermined timing such as a regular time interval or when the power is turned on instead of the process of acquiring the attribute value specified by the geographical location information matching unit 15, One or more attribute values may be stored in advance in a storage device in the character pattern generation device 10 such as the auxiliary storage device 4. In this case, the above process is the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, referring to FIG. 3, in step S31, the attribute value acquisition unit 13 uses the attribute value ID corresponding to the adapted geographical position information (position ID) obtained by collation in step S2. An attribute value having the attribute value ID is selected from previously acquired attribute values. In step S4, the character pattern generation unit 11 generates a character pattern based on the attribute value selected in step S31. As described above, the process of selecting an attribute value from the own apparatus is also included in the “acquisition” here.

  Items of attributes used for generating a character pattern include line width, color attribute, shape, texture, and the like. In the following description, the “attribute value” is composed of a plurality of numbers obtained by combining values for all these items, but may be composed of only the value of at least one item.

  The line width attribute is expressed by the number of dots, for example, and can take 1 dot to ndot as a specific attribute value. The line width attribute indicates that, when a character pattern is generated using this attribute value, a character pattern having a line width arbitrarily set from 1 dot to ndot is generated.

  The color attribute can take black, blue, red, or the like as a specific attribute value. The color attribute indicates that, when this attribute value is used, a character pattern having a color with an arbitrarily set value is generated.

  The shape attribute is an attribute representing the shape of the end point, and can take a round shape, a square shape, a pointed shape, or the like as a specific attribute value. The shape attribute indicates that when this attribute value is used, a character pattern having an end point of an arbitrarily set shape is generated.

  The texture attribute is an attribute representing a pattern (texture) applied on the line, and a striped pattern, a polka dot pattern, or the like can be taken as a specific attribute value. The texture attribute indicates that, when this attribute value is used, a character pattern having an arbitrarily set texture is generated. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of initial values of attribute values necessary as minimum information necessary for normal character generation, which are included in the character pattern generation unit 11.

  Referring to FIG. 4, here, it is assumed that at least the line width, color, and shape attribute values among the line width, color, shape, and texture attributes have initial values. Specifically, the initial value of the line width attribute is 2 dots, and when this attribute value is used, it is indicated that a character pattern having a line width of 2 dots is generated. The initial value of the color attribute is black, and when this attribute value is used, it indicates that a black character pattern is generated. Further, the initial value of the shape attribute is a square shape, indicating that the stroke end is generated in a square shape.

  In step S4, when acquisition of geographical location information representing the current location fails in step S1, or when an attribute value corresponding to the geographical location information representing the current location is desired to be acquired or selected in step S3 or step S31. A character pattern is generated using the initial value.

  5, the character pattern generation unit 11 in step S4 described above performs the line width attribute value of the initial value 2 dots, the color attribute value of the initial black value, the shape attribute value of the initial value square type, and the initial value shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the stroke produced | generated by fleshing out the stroke data showing the line segment of the horizontal direction using the texture attribute value without a value. When the initial values of these attribute values are used, the stroke is generated with a solid pattern that is uniformly painted in black with a line width of 2 dots, and the shape at both ends of the stroke is square, like a square Gothic character. The

  The attribute value may be set for each stroke data, or may be set for each character composed of one or more stroke data. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of attribute values set for characters. Referring to FIG. 6, the attribute values set for characters include character codes in addition to the values of line width, color, shape, and texture attributes, and attribute values are defined according to the number of types of character codes. it can. When this attribute value is used for a character in step S4, the character pattern generation unit 11 generates a character pattern by uniformly filling all stroke data constituting the character using this attribute value.

  Further, the attribute value may be set for each stroke data included in the character. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of attribute values set for each stroke data included in a character. Referring to FIG. 7, the attribute value set for each stroke data included in a character includes a character code in addition to the values of line width, color, shape, and texture attributes, and is further included in the character. The attribute value corresponding to the number of strokes included for one character can be defined including the stroke number together with the number of strokes. When this attribute value is used for a character in step S4, the character pattern generation unit 11 generates a character pattern by adding the corresponding attribute value to each stroke data constituting the character.

Further, the attribute value may be a value different between the start point and the end point of the stroke.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of attribute values that are different values at the start point and end point of a stroke. Referring to FIG. 8, the start point value of the line width attribute is 4 dots and the end point value is 2 dots. When this attribute value is used, the left point is the start point and the right point is the end point, as shown in FIG. As shown, the start point is 4 dots and the stroke is generated from the left to the right, and the stroke changes in a stepwise manner from 2 dots toward the end point.

  In addition, the value of the start point of the color attribute is blue and the value of the end point is red. When this attribute value is used, if the left point is the start point and the right point is the end point, as shown in FIG. It is shown that a stroke is generated in which the color changes in a stepwise manner from blue to the end red color from left to right. As a result, “purple”, which is an intermediate color between the colors, is automatically generated at the center of the stroke.

  Further, the shape attribute start point value is round, and the end point value is square. If the left point is the start point and the right point is the end point, as shown in FIG. 12, the end point is rounded at the start point, In the end point, it is shown that the end point is a square shape, and strokes having different shapes on the left and right sides are generated. This makes it possible to generate a round Gothic character pattern. Further, when the shape attribute start point value is round and the end point value is cusp, when this attribute value is used, the left point is the start point and the right point is the end point, as shown in FIG. Thus, it is shown that strokes having different shapes on the left and right sides are generated, with shapes having rounded end points at the start point and shapes having pointed end points at the end point. This makes it possible to generate a stroke shaped like a water drop. As shown in FIG. 12, even when the end value of the shape attribute is square and the end value of the line width attribute is 1 dot which is the minimum, the “water drop shape” similar to FIG. A stroke is generated.

  In addition, the value of the start point of the texture attribute is a striped pattern, and the value of the end point is none. When this attribute value is used, if the left point is the start point and the right point is the end point, as shown in FIG. It is shown that a stripe pattern is applied, the end point side is unpatterned, and a stroke in which the pattern interval (density) changes stepwise from the start point to the end point is generated. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14, a stroke in which the shade of the pattern changes stepwise from the start point to the end point may be generated. In FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the case where the elements that change in stages are pattern intervals or pattern shading is shown as an example, but these are defined as texture attribute value values, and are changed in stages. Elements are also defined. In addition, elements other than those described above may be defined.

  As shown in FIG. 15, these attribute values are given an attribute ID which is information for specifying the attribute values, and are not shown in the attribute value storage unit and the auxiliary storage device 4 included in the control device 1. It is stored in an included attribute value storage unit (not shown) or other storage device. Further, a position ID which is information for specifying the information is given to information indicating a specific geographical position (for example, a value of latitude and longitude), and the attribute value association information storage unit 12 is configured as shown in FIG. The attribute value association information in which the attribute ID and the position ID are paired is stored.

  In step S2, the attribute ID corresponding to the geographical position acquired in step S1 is specified by referring to the attribute value association information as shown in FIG. 16, and the attribute ID is assigned in step S3 or step S31. The attribute value is acquired (or selected). For example, according to the specific examples shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the attribute ID 1 is specified in step S3, in step S3, the line width attribute 2dot, the color attribute black, the shape attribute round shape, and the texture attribute stripe pattern are used. An attribute value is obtained. Further, when the attribute ID 2 is specified, the attribute values that are the line width attribute 3dot, the color attribute blue, the shape attribute square, and the texture attribute polka dot pattern are acquired. When the attribute ID 3 is specified, the line width attribute 1 dot, the color attribute red, the shape attribute square, and the attribute value that is the texture attribute are acquired.

  There are some known methods for generating a stroke by adding the stroke data to the stroke data using the attribute value in step S4. In the present invention, the processing method is not limited to a specific method, and all possible methods can be adopted. The characteristic processing of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 17 illustrates a first method in the character pattern generation unit 11 for generating a stroke having a round shape when the shape attribute value is round, as shown in FIGS. FIG. The first method is a method of generating a stroke by generating an auxiliary point on a start point or an end point.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the character pattern generation unit 11 is defined in STEP 1 with a line width attribute value H in a direction perpendicular to the line segment represented by the stroke data (FIG. 17A). A stroke 1 to which the line width H is added is generated (FIG. 17B), and in step 2, auxiliary points A are generated on the end points in order to round the end points according to the shape attribute value round shape (FIG. 17C). ). In STEP 3, a stroke 2 that is a perfect circle having the auxiliary point A as a center point and a line width H as a diameter is generated (FIG. 17D), and in STEP 4, a portion in which the stroke 1 and the stroke 2 are combined ( The stroke shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a second method for generating a stroke having a shape with rounded end points. The second method is a method of generating a stroke by generating auxiliary points at positions other than the start point or the end point.

  Referring to FIG. 18, the character pattern generation unit 11 is defined in STEP 1 with a line width attribute value H in a direction perpendicular to the line segment (FIG. 18A) represented by the stroke data. A stroke 1 to which a line width H is added is generated (FIG. 18B). In STEP 2, an auxiliary point A is generated on the line segment that is a distance D away from the end point in order to round the end point according to the shape attribute value round shape (FIG. 18C), and in STEP 3, the auxiliary point A is set as the center point. A stroke 2 which is an ellipse having a line width H as the short diameter and a predetermined length M as the long diameter is generated (FIG. 18D). Here, the distance D may satisfy D <M / 2, and preferably satisfies D = | M / 2−H / 2 | (where the symbol | A | represents the absolute value of A). When the major axis M and the line width H are M ≦ H, the generated auxiliary point A moves in a direction approaching the end point, and as a result, the rounded end point shape approaches flat. Further, when M> H, the generated auxiliary point A moves in a direction away from the end point, and as a result, the rounded end point shape approaches a pointed shape. Then, in STEP 4, the portion (the hatched portion in FIG. 18E) obtained by combining the stroke 1 and the stroke 2 is defined as a stroke.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a method of generating a stroke having a shape with rounded corners.

  Referring to FIG. 19, the character pattern generation unit 11 performs the above line for each of two line segments OX and OY (FIG. 19A) that are perpendicular to the point O and are represented by the stroke data in STEP 1. A stroke 1 with the line width H defined by the line width attribute value H added in a direction perpendicular to the minute is generated (FIG. 19B), and in STEP 2, each line is rounded to round the corner according to the shape attribute value round shape. An auxiliary point A is generated at the intersection of the perpendiculars extending from the point E away from the minute intersection O (FIG. 19C). In STEP 3, auxiliary points P, Q, R, and S are generated on the outer edge of stroke 1, and stroke 2 is generated in a range surrounded by auxiliary points P, Q, R, and S (FIG. 19D). Here, the auxiliary point P is a contact point between the inner circle C1 in contact with the inside of the stroke 1 with the auxiliary point A as the center and the line segment OX, the auxiliary point Q is a contact point with the line segment OY, and the auxiliary point R is the auxiliary point A. And the auxiliary point S is the contact point with the line segment OY. Then, in STEP 4, a portion (the hatched portion in FIG. 19E) obtained by combining the stroke 1 and the stroke 2 is defined as a stroke.

  When the geographical position information acquisition unit 14 periodically acquires geographical position information in step S1, the process shown in FIG. 20 is executed by the control device 1 of the character pattern generation device 10 in step S1. When this process is performed, the geographical position information acquisition unit 14 includes a LOOP counter for counting the number of loop processes.

Referring to FIG. 20, first, in step S51, geographical location information acquisition unit 14 resets the LOOP counter, that is, sets the value to 0, and waits for the occurrence of a clock interrupt. If a clock interrupt is detected in step S52 (YES in step S52), the process proceeds to step S53, and the value of the LOOP counter is incremented by one.
In step S54, the LOOP counter value corresponding to the preset “predetermined time” is compared with the current LOOP counter value, and if the current LOOP counter value is smaller than the set value (in step S54). NO) Returning to step S52, if the value of the LOOP counter is equal to or greater than the set value (YES in step S54), the process proceeds to step S55.

  When generating a character pattern, it is also possible to generate a character pattern by using an initial value of an attribute value included in the character pattern generation unit 11 without using the acquired attribute value. It is also possible to make such settings in advance. If the character pattern generation device 10 is configured to perform such setting, in step S55, the setting value for checking whether or not the acquired attribute value is used for character pattern generation is checked and set to “use”. If it is set (YES in step S55), the process proceeds to step S56, and if it is set to “not used” (NO in step S55), the process is terminated and the result is returned.

  In step S56, the geographical position information acquisition unit 14 acquires geographical position information, and in step S57, checks the acquisition result of the geographical position information. If the geographical position information can be acquired (YES in step S57), the process proceeds to step S58, and the acquired geographical position information (for example, the value of the latitude and longitude of the current location) is returned as the geographical position information acquisition result. For example, when the geographical position information cannot be acquired due to a poor reception state of the GPS receiver (NO in step S57), the process proceeds to step S59, and “no geographical position information” is set as the geographical position information acquisition result. return. Alternatively, an error code may simply be returned.

  The processing of the geographical position information acquisition unit 14 in step S1 in the case where the geographical position information is periodically acquired is thus completed, and the process moves to step S2 at a predetermined timing.

  The attribute value acquired in step S3 may be transmitted to another device by the attribute value transmitting unit 16. For example, it may be transmitted in response to a request from another character pattern generation device, or may be transmitted to display the text data together with text data such as mail. In that case, it is preferable that counter information is added to the attribute value and transmitted. The counter information is information that defines a period or number of times during which character pattern generation processing is permitted based on the added attribute value.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of the counter information. Referring to FIG. 21, counter information 43 includes date / time data 431, number-of-times data 432, and number of permitted times 433 as an example.

  The date / time data 431 defines the time during which the character pattern generation process is permitted based on the added attribute value. For example, when the date / time data 431 is 3 hours, the maximum number of hours for which character pattern generation is permitted is 3 hours, and when 3 hours have elapsed since the acquisition of the attribute value acquired according to the geographical position, the attribute value The character pattern generation process based on is not permitted, and the process returns to the character pattern generation process based on the initial attribute value.

  The number-of-times data 432 defines the number of times that the character pattern generation process is permitted based on the added attribute value. For example, when the count data 432 is five times, the maximum number of times that character pattern generation is permitted is five, and the character pattern generation processing is executed five times based on the attribute value acquired according to the geographical position. After that, the character pattern generation process based on the attribute value is not permitted, and the process returns to the character pattern generation process based on the initial value of the attribute value.

  The number of times of permission 433 defines the number of times that transmission of attribute values is permitted. For example, when the number of times of permission 433 is two, the maximum number of times that the attribute value is permitted to be transmitted is two times. When the attribute value is transmitted once, the value of the number of times of permission is decreased by one each time. When the value of the number of times of permission becomes 0, no more attribute values are permitted to be transmitted. Note that the number of times of permission is also reduced by repeating transmission within the same apparatus. The counter information transmitted together with the attribute value also reduces the number of times of permission when the attribute value is further transmitted to another device in the destination device. Accordingly, not only the number of transmissions repeatedly performed in the same apparatus but also the number of transfers to other apparatuses can be limited.

  The character pattern generation device 10 may define and hold the counter information in advance, or may acquire it from the outside together with the attribute value.

  Further, the counter information does not necessarily include all of the date / time data 431, the number-of-times data 432, and the number of permitted times 433, and it is sufficient that at least one is included. In addition, data may not be included for items that do not restrict the use of attribute values. Alternatively, the data may not be included for items that are not permitted to be used.

  Further, the attribute value transmission unit 16 checks whether or not the counter information is added to the attribute value to be transmitted, and updates the counter information when transmitting the attribute value to which the counter information is added. It is preferable to send it later. Alternatively, an attribute value to which counter information is added may not be transmitted, and an attribute value to which counter information is not added may be transmitted. By determining whether or not the counter information is added prior to the transmission of the attribute value, the attribute device unit 16 does not transmit the attribute value to which the counter information is added, that is, the attribute value transmitted from another device. . For this reason, transfer of attribute values can be restricted.

  FIG. 22 shows a specific example in which text data to be displayed on the display unit is displayed as a character pattern when the character pattern generation device 10 according to the present embodiment is realized by a general mobile phone device. FIG. FIG. 22A is a diagram showing a specific example in which the character “DO” is displayed in a character pattern based on the initial value of the attribute value, and FIG. 22B is a character pattern generated by performing the above processing. It is a figure which shows the specific example which displayed the character "DO".

  The character pattern shown in FIG. 22B is composed of strokes generated by acquiring the attribute values shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 in accordance with the position information of the current location in step S3 or S31.

  The attribute values shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are attribute values defined for each start point / end point in units of strokes included in the character. FIG. FIG. 24 is used for a process for generating two strokes included in a cloud point.

  23, the line width attribute value is 3 dots for both the start and end points, the color attribute value is blue for both the start and end points, the shape attribute value is round for both the start and end points, and the texture attribute value is for both the start and end points. Since it is a polka dot pattern, “to” of the characters “DO” is uniformly given a polka dot pattern on a blue background with a line width of 3 dots, as shown in FIG. Strokes are generated in shape.

  Also, the attribute values shown in FIG. 24 are: the line width attribute value is the start point 1 dot and the end point 3 dots, the color attribute value is blue for both the start point and the end point, the shape attribute value is the start point apex / end point round shape, and the texture attribute value is the start point -Since the end point is a polka dot pattern, the turbid point portion of the character "DO" has a polka dot pattern on a blue background and a stroke is generated in the form of a water drop.

  As described above, according to the character pattern generation device according to the present embodiment, an attribute value including line width, color, shape, and texture attributes is acquired according to a geographical position, and the attribute value is used. By generating character patterns by adding strokes to stroke data, it is possible to express various fonts and nuances while reducing the data volume. Can be realized.

  In addition, when generating character patterns, by combining multiple attribute values depending on the situation (not only the current position) and changing the way of fleshing, for example, the local style font that the user visited (Hokkaido corn) And potatoes, Namahage and Kiritampo for Akita, Tsubaki Kamaboko for Sendai, Tenmusu for Nagoya, Takoyaki and Tsutenkaku for Osaka, etc.) Image character-style font, weather-style font that reflects the current weather (red letters on sunny days, blue letters on rainy days, water drops, etc.), user anniversary celebration-style fonts It becomes possible to reproduce various characters.

  In addition, when generating a character pattern, a setting for whether to change the attribute value to be used from the initial value built in the device to the attribute value according to the current location is stored in advance in the terminal, and the character is based on the setting. By generating a pattern, it is possible to display characters according to individual user preferences.

  Further, it is possible to provide a program for causing a computer to execute the character pattern generation process described above. Such a program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a memory card. And can be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  In the present invention, when generating a character to be printed on a screen or a pattern of printed characters, the line width, color, shape, and texture attribute values obtained in accordance with the geographical position are obtained. Based on this, the present invention can be applied to a character pattern generation device that generates a character pattern from stroke data composed of a plurality of line segments. A character display device (display device) such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays character data using this, a printing device (printing device) such as a printer, a mobile phone device or a portable information terminal device (PDA), etc. Mobile devices, AV devices such as television devices, electronic information devices such as personal computers, and character pattern generation processing used in these devices, generating character patterns based on the acquired attributes, thereby reducing various data capacities Expressive typography and nuances, and achieve a high level of presence and expressiveness with local character patterns. Therefore, it is widely used in various usage scenes that require more nuances than text information to display characters, such as entertainment facilities such as theme parks and leisure lands, commercial facilities such as department stores and regional event venues, and various exhibition halls such as museums and expositions. It can be expected to be applied.

It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of a structure of a character pattern generation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a character pattern production | generation process. It is a flowchart which shows a character pattern production | generation process. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the initial value of an attribute value. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the produced | generated stroke. It is a figure which shows the specific example of an attribute value. It is a figure which shows the specific example of an attribute value. It is a figure which shows the specific example of an attribute value. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the produced | generated stroke. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the produced | generated stroke. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the produced | generated stroke. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the produced | generated stroke. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the produced | generated stroke. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the produced | generated stroke. It is a figure which shows the specific example of an attribute value. It is a figure which shows the specific example of attribute value correlation information. It is a figure explaining the method of producing | generating a stroke. It is a figure explaining the method of producing | generating a stroke. It is a figure explaining the method of producing | generating a stroke. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of the process in step S1. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of counter information. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display of a character pattern. It is a figure which shows the specific example of an attribute value. It is a figure which shows the specific example of an attribute value.

Explanation of symbols

  1 control device, 2 input device, 3 output device, 4 auxiliary storage device, 5 main storage device, 10 character pattern generation device, 11 character pattern generation unit, 12 attribute value association information storage unit, 13 attribute value acquisition unit, 14 geography Location information acquisition unit, 15 geographic location information collation unit, 16 attribute value transmission unit, 17 attribute value reception unit, 42 program, 43 counter information, 431 date / time data, 432 count data, 433 permission count.

Claims (17)

Geographical position information acquisition means for acquiring information of a geographical position representing the current location;
Information for specifying an attribute value used to generate a character pattern for outputting the character by adding an attribute to stroke data which is data representing a line element constituting the character, and information on a geographical position Access to storage means for storing correspondence, and geographical position information matching means for specifying an attribute value corresponding to information on the geographical position representing the current location;
Attribute value acquisition means for acquiring the attribute value;
A character pattern generation device comprising: character pattern generation means for generating a character pattern by adding an attribute to the stroke data using the acquired attribute value.   The character pattern generation device according to claim 1, wherein the attribute includes at least one of a line width, a color, a shape, and a texture.   The said attribute value is a character pattern generation apparatus of Claim 2 containing the 1st attribute value about the starting point which stroke data represents, and the 2nd attribute value about an end point.   The said character pattern production | generation means adds the attribute which changes at a fixed ratio from the said 1st attribute value to the said 2nd attribute value to the said stroke data from the said start point to the said end point. Character pattern generator.   The attribute value acquisition unit acquires and stores an attribute value at a predetermined timing, and selects the attribute value specified by the geographical location information matching unit from among the stored attribute values. The character pattern generation device described in 1.   The character pattern generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the geographical position information acquisition unit acquires information on a geographical position of the current location at predetermined time intervals.   The character pattern generation unit holds an initial value of an attribute value for at least each of the line width, color, and shape attributes, and the attribute value specified by the geographical position information matching unit is acquired by the attribute value acquisition unit. The character pattern generation device according to claim 1, wherein, if not, the character pattern is generated using the initial value.   The character pattern generation means retains initial values of attribute values for at least line width, color, and shape attributes, and the geographical position information representing the current location is not acquired by the geographical position information acquisition means. The character pattern generation device according to claim 1, wherein the character pattern is generated using the initial value. When generating the character pattern in the character pattern generation means, further comprising a setting means for setting whether to use the attribute value acquired by the attribute value acquisition means for each attribute ,
The character pattern generation means holds an initial value of an attribute value for at least the line width, color, and shape attributes,
The character pattern generating means, the information about setting a is attribute set in the setting unit uses attribute values acquired by the attribute value acquiring unit by using the attribute values acquired by the attribute value acquiring unit characters The pattern is generated, and the character pattern is generated using the initial value for an attribute whose setting by the setting unit is a setting that does not use the attribute value acquired by the attribute value acquiring unit. Character pattern generator.   The character pattern generation device according to claim 1, further comprising attribute value transmission means for transmitting the attribute value acquired by the attribute value acquisition means to the outside.   The attribute value transmission unit adds the counter information including information defining a period or the number of times to allow a process of generating a character pattern using the attribute value to the attribute value and transmits the attribute value. Character pattern generator.   The character pattern generation device according to claim 11, wherein the attribute value transmission unit transmits an attribute value to which the counter information is not added, with the counter information added thereto. The counter information includes information that defines the number of transmissions of the attribute value,
12. The character pattern generation device according to claim 11, wherein the attribute value transmission unit updates information defining the number of transmissions included in counter information added to the attribute value when transmitting the attribute value.   The said attribute value acquisition means is a character pattern generation apparatus of Claim 1 which receives and acquires the said attribute value from the outside. The attribute value acquisition means receives and acquires the attribute value to which counter information including information defining a period or the number of times for permitting a process of generating a character pattern using the attribute value is added from the outside,
The character pattern generation means holds an initial value of an attribute value for at least the line width, color, and shape attributes,
The character pattern generation means detects when the period from when the attribute value is acquired by the attribute value acquisition means exceeds the period specified in the counter information, or The character pattern is generated using the initial value instead of the attribute value when it is detected that the number of times used for generating the character pattern has reached the number specified in the counter information. Character pattern generator. A program for causing a computer to execute a character pattern generation process,
A geographical position information acquisition step of acquiring information of a geographical position representing the current location;
Information for specifying an attribute value used to generate a character pattern for outputting the character by adding an attribute to stroke data which is data representing a line element constituting the character, and information on a geographical position A geographical location information collating step of accessing a storage device storing correspondence and specifying an attribute value corresponding to information on the geographical location representing the current location;
An attribute value acquisition step of acquiring the attribute value;
A character pattern generation program that acquires necessary stroke data and executes a character pattern generation step of generating a character pattern by adding an attribute to the stroke data using the attribute value.   A computer-readable recording medium for recording the character pattern generation program according to claim 16.

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