JPH0580741A - System and device for character font generation - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To generate characters with a small amount of data even if the font is different by determining the thickness of a line and the kind of modification of the end point part of a core vector according to core vector correction information, the start point and end point lengths of the core vector, and the angle of the core vector to a horizontal line. CONSTITUTION:A character font is generated according to the core vector (step 24). Namely, the distance of the two start and end points of each of the strokes of a character and its angle to the horizontal direction are found (step 241) from the coordinate points of the character font vector and the vector is corrected (step 242) by a predetermined method for each character font according to the found angle. After the correction, the thickness of the character is determined (step 243) according to the distance and angle found in the step 241 and the outline font curve of the character is generated according to the vector found corresponding to the character and information on the thickness of the character to generate the necessary character (step 244).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character generating system and its device, and more particularly, to a character storing method in an outline font generating means capable of easily controlling a rotation and displaying a character with a curve having less jaggedness. The present invention relates to a character generation method and an apparatus therefor, which requires a very small amount of data to be stored and therefore has a small memory capacity and is advantageous in cost reduction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image display of a word processor or a computer system or a printer thereof, means for facilitating the enlargement / reduction or rotation of characters and reducing the jaggedness of a curved portion to output a smooth image. There is known a method of storing outline font data. However, the outline font data for this purpose requires an extremely large amount of data, which inevitably leads to an increase in cost due to an increase in storage elements.

ADCT is used as a general data compression means.
Although methods such as Huffman coding are known,
Even if such a method is used, there is a limit to data compression. Conventionally, it has been proposed to make the coordinate information of control points relative values as a method of compressing outline font data, but since different font data requires different font data, much memory is still required. There was no difference in the need for elements.

Particularly, in the case of a large number of strokes such as Kanji characters, the font data to be stored becomes extremely large, and further data compression means are desired, and such a request is made in recent years by desktop publishing (DTP). Has become even higher with the spread of.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and by means that is basically different from the conventional data compression method, it is possible to convert extremely small amount of common data even if the font is different. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method capable of generating a character based on the method and an apparatus therefor.

[0006]

To achieve this object, the present invention provides:
Consists of a required number of core line vectors set corresponding to the image forming the character, core line vector correction information that modifies the start point or end point of the core line vector, the start point and end point length of the core line vector, and the horizontal line of the core line vector. It is characterized in that the thickness of the line and the type of modification of the end point of the core vector are determined from the angle, and further, correction information for correcting the start point and the end point of the core vector is preset for each typeface in the above means. Accordingly, the thickness of the line and the modification type of the end point of the core vector are determined from the start and end lengths of the core vector and the angle formed by the horizontal line of the core vector. Further, as a device for realizing the above method, means for storing a required number of core line vectors set corresponding to images forming characters, and core line vector correction information for modifying the start point or end point of the core line vector set for each typeface. And a calculation means for determining the modification thickness of the end point portion of the core line vector from the start point and end point length of the core line vector and the angle formed by the horizontal line of the core line vector. It is a character font generation device.

The character generation system of the present invention and the apparatus therefor will be described in detail below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the basic control procedure of the present invention. In step 1, a character code is read by a code input means, and in step 2, a character is generated from a font dictionary. The third step 3 is a step of outputting the character generated through the character output means to a printer, a CRT or the like.

Among them, the character code input process of step 1 is an operation of inputting the character code generated in the operation of the keyboard or the computer inside the computer. Code and JIS code are common.

The font generating means in the next step 2, for example, carries out the procedure according to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this flowchart, in the first step 21, the entire typeface dictionary created in advance is read into the working memory, and the character code input by the operation of the keyboard or the like is read (step 22) EOF judgment is made, and Y
If ES, end with END; if NO, step 2
In 3, the character font vector corresponding to the input character is read from the font dictionary in which the frame information (core vector) preset for each character is stored.

Next, a character font is generated based on the core vector (step 24). This control is repeatedly executed until there are no input characters, and the required characters are sequentially generated.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the procedure for generating the character font in step 24 of FIG. 2. In the first step 241, characters are generated based on the coordinate points of the character font vector read in the previous step 23. The distance between the start point and the end point of each image and the angle from the horizontal direction are obtained, and in the next step 242, the vector is corrected according to the above angle according to a predetermined method for each typeface of the character. Do.
When this correction is completed, in the next step 243, the thickness of the character is determined according to the obtained distance and angle, and in step 24
In step 4, the required character is generated by generating the outline curve of the character based on the vector obtained corresponding to the character and the information on the character thickness.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a character generator for generating a character by the above procedure. In this example, the CPU 30 which is the center of control is connected to the following blocks via various signal lines. Are connected. That is, a character input device 31 such as a keyboard, a font vector dictionary 32 in which a character font core line vector set for each character is registered, a character generation processing unit 33 connected to the font vector dictionary, and a Gothic font Alternatively, a font dictionary 34 in which font vector correction information is registered for each character font such as Mincho font
And a VRAM 35 for storing and outputting the generated character data
And a CRT or printer 36 as an example of output means.
And a RAM 37 for temporarily storing various data and control signals generated during control, and a ROM 38 for storing programs for controlling the CPU.

Next, the core vector of a character and its correction method will be described in detail with reference to a concrete example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a core line vector for Mincho characters and its correction method. FIG. 11A shows a basic horizontal line image, in which 51 is a start point and 52 is an end point, the distance L between the start point and the end point is long, and the angle θ formed by this line and the horizontal line is 0. Becomes In Mincho type, in the case of a horizontal line, end point 5 to create a writing-writing atmosphere as shown in the figure.
Since it is a typeface with a bulge of 2, the legislation is added to the end point of the font vector. This decoration correction information is registered in advance so that Mincho font is selected and horizontal line is as shown in the figure, and the correction information is automatically selected from the combination of the selected font and character font core line vector. To be done.

5 (b) to 5 (d), 6 (a) to 6 (d), and 7 (a) to 7 (d) in FIG. The font vector and the correction information are shown. By registering these correction rules, all the characters are generated from very little stored information. The explanation will be given below in sequence, referring to FIG.
(B) shows a case of a vertical straight line, where a start point 51 and an end point 52
The thickness is determined in accordance with the length L of, and the end point portion is made to flow according to the character, and decorations such as stop and splash are attached. The angle θ at this time is 90 degrees.

FIG. 5 (c) shows a case where the end point of the vertical line warps to the lower left, which is supplemented so that the core vector is warped to the lower left, and the angle θ formed by the line between the start point 51 and the end point 52 is 90.
The relationship of degree <θ <135 degrees is established, and the warp condition of the end point is determined according to the value of the angle θ. Further, the thickness of the character is determined from the line lengths L and θ, and the taper is corrected as it approaches the end point.

FIG. 5 (d) similarly shows a left-down image in Mincho type. In this case, 90.degree. <. Theta. <185.degree. Do.

On the contrary, FIG. 6 (a) shows the case where the vicinity of the end point of the vertical line is warped downward to the lower right, and the angle θ at this time is 45.
Degree <θ <90. Also, in (b), θ is 0 degree <θ <90.
In the case of degrees, it shows a case where it bulges downward as a whole, and the end point portion flows to the upper right. At this time, the core line vector correction is performed by correcting to thicken as shown in the figure.

Similarly, in FIG. 6 (c), 0 ° <θ <90 °, but the difference from (b) is that it has a bulge upward as a whole. Give a decoration to stop.

FIG. 6 (d) shows an image rising to the right, with an angle θ.
It is a general correction rule in Mincho type that the taper correction is made when -45 degrees <θ <0 degrees.

Further, in FIGS. 7A and 7B, θ is 135
This is a vertical line of degrees, but shows the case where the correction for stopping the end point and the correction for flowing the taper are performed. 7 (c) and 7 (d), the end point of the horizontal or vertical basic core line vector is provided with a decoration having a θ of 135 degrees.

The core line vector for the Mincho typeface and its correction example have been described above. However, in the case of the Gothic typeface as well, by performing the core line vector correction by regularizing the characteristics of the Gothic type, the number is as small as that of the Mincho typeface. A character font can be generated from the data.

That is, FIG. 8 shows a core line vector relating to a Gothic body and an example of its correction information (modification correction rule). (A) is a horizontal line, (b) is a vertical line, and (c) is a vertical line. If the end point slightly bends to the lower left, θ is 90 in (d).
In the case of degrees <θ <180 degrees, when the whole body is bent back to the lower left,
FIG. 9A shows a case where θ is 45 ° <θ <90 ° and the end point of the vertical line is slightly curved to the right. In addition, (b) shows that the angle θ is 0 ° <θ <90 °, and the image is generally warped to the lower right, (c) is a bulge slightly to the upper right, and (d) is bounced to the upper right. As described above, the Gothic body is characterized in that the thickness is almost uniform as compared with the Mincho body and the sinking and the bouncing are relatively small.

Next, a specific example of generating a character based on the above-described core line vector and correction information will be described. FIG. 10 shows an example of Kanji, and when a character code is input, the character font core line vector of the corresponding character shown in FIG. 10A is read from the font dictionary, and the typeface dictionary is specified based on the typeface designation. The skeleton vector correction information (b) registered in is read out, and the skeleton vector is corrected in accordance with the above-described procedure and the modification rule in the character generation processing device (33 in FIG. 4) based on the information of both of them, and is adjusted according to each typeface. Generated characters.

That is, in the case of this example, a set of core line vectors for the seven images (1) to (7) is selected in response to the character code input, and the angle θ of the core line vector is selected as described above. Of the Mincho typeface as shown in FIG. 10C by selecting and executing the line thickness and the type of the line based on the value of the line and the decoration information registered in the Mincho typeface dictionary from the line length L. Generates an outline font for the Chinese character "Naga". The core line vector and the typeface dictionary shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B in this example are registered and stored in advance corresponding to each character. Corresponding the respective core line vectors of the Chinese character “Naga” and the modification information to the above description, (1) of FIG. 10 is based on the rule shown in (c) of FIG. 6, and (2) and (4) are FIG. 5 (a)
In addition, (3) is (c) of FIG. 5, (5) and (6) is (b) of FIG.
(7) is to generate the Mincho character "Naga" by modifying the core vector according to the rule shown in FIG. 6 (b).

As described above, the present invention pays attention to the fact that the Kanji notation method has a specific rule, and by using this rule universally, character fonts of various typefaces can be generated with as little font data as possible. It is possible to do.

By creating a dictionary for character font data for all other characters in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and by providing a program including the above-mentioned control procedures, it is possible to use each format as in the conventional case with very little data. It is possible to generate an eye-out line character font corresponding to.

[0029]

As described above, the present invention extracts the notational characteristics of characters, and based on these characteristics, sets of cores to form a basic core line corresponding to each image in character composition. , The outline of each character by storing the correction and change information of the core line vector set for each typeface.
Since the font is generated, the amount of data required is extremely smaller than the conventional outline font data of Chinese characters, and the memory capacity required for storing these can be greatly reduced.

Further, the basic parts are the same for different kanji typefaces, and only a typeface dictionary needs to be added, and a large number of typefaces can be supported without creating font data for each typeface. It is also possible to reduce the time required to create font data.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the overall processing procedure of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the font generating means of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart for explaining an outline font generation procedure of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a font generation device according to the present invention.

5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a basic skeleton vector of the Mincho typeface and a rule of modification correction thereof. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a skeleton vector and a modification method for a horizontal single-line image, and FIG. The figure which shows the skeleton vector and the modification method for the image, (c) the figure which shows the skeleton vector and the modification method for the picture where the end point of the vertical line is slightly curved to the lower left, and (d) is the skeleton for the picture which is entirely curved to the left It is a figure which shows a vector and a modification method.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a basic skeleton vector of Mincho typeface and a rule for modification correction thereof. FIG. 6A shows a skeleton vector and a modification method for an image in which an end point of a vertical line is slightly curved to the lower right. It is a figure which shows (b) the core line vector and the modification method with respect to the image which whole curls back to the lower right, (c) shows the center line vector and the modification method with respect to the picture which curved the whole upper right and stopped the end point. , (D) are diagrams showing a core line vector and a modification method for an image that bounces to the upper right.

7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a basic skeleton vector of Mincho typeface and a rule of modification correction thereof, FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a skeleton vector and a modification method for an image in which an end point is a vertical straight line;
Is a diagram showing a core line vector and a modification method for an image in which the end point is a vertical straight line along the axis of the core, and (c) is a diagram showing a core line vector and a modification method for an image in which the end point part of the vertical line is jumped to the upper left. (D) is a figure which shows the core line vector and the modification method with respect to the image which bounces the end point part of a horizontal line to the lower left.

8A and 8B are diagrams showing a skeleton vector in a Gothic font and a modification correction rule thereof. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a skeleton vector for a horizontal single line image and a modification method, and FIG. 8B is a skeleton vector for a vertical line image. And a modification method, (c) shows a skeleton vector and a modification method for an image in which the end point of a vertical line is slightly warped to the lower left, and (d) is a skeleton vector and modification method for an image that is entirely warped to the left. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a skeleton vector in a Gothic font and a modification correction rule therefor. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a skeleton vector and a modification method for an image in which the end point of a vertical line is slightly curved to the lower right, (b) is a diagram showing a core line vector and a modification method for an image in which the whole is curled to the lower right, and (c) is curled to the upper right as a whole,
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a core line vector and a modifying method for an image in which the end point is stopped, and (d) is a diagram showing a core line vector and a modifying method for an image jumping to the upper right.

10 (a), (b), and (c) are explanatory diagrams exemplifying Chinese characters.

[Explanation of symbols]

30 CPU, 31 character input device, 32 font vector dictionary, 33 character generation processing unit, 34 typeface dictionary,
35 VRAM, 36 CRT or printer, 37 R
AM, 38 ROM, 51 start point of vector, end point of 52 vector, angle formed with horizontal line of θ vector,

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A required number of skeleton vectors set corresponding to an image forming a character, skeleton vector correction information for modifying a start point or an end point of the skeleton vector, a start point and an end point length of the skeleton vector, and the skeleton lines. A character font generation method characterized in that the thickness of the line and the type of modification at the end point of the core vector are determined from the horizontal line and the angle formed by the vector. 2. A required number of core line vectors set corresponding to an image forming a character, core line vector correction information for modifying the start point or end point of the core line vector set for each typeface, and the start point of the core line vector. A character font generation method characterized in that the line thickness and the modification type of the end point portion of the core line vector are determined from the end point length and the angle formed by the horizontal line of the core line vector. 3. A means for storing a required number of core line vectors set corresponding to an image forming a character, and core line vector correction information for modifying the start point or end point of the core line vector set for each typeface. A character font generation comprising: means for determining the thickness of the line and the modification type of the end point of the core line vector from the starting point and the end point length of the core line vector and the angle formed by the horizontal line of the core line vector. apparatus.