Abstract: In a character generating method and an apparatus for converting outline data of a character to coordinates of a desired character size to generate a bit map image of that character size, each piece of outline coordinate data expressing a contour line of the character in logical coordinates is converted into coordinates of the designated size. The method further comprises replacing converted coordinates of designated points on the contour line with coordinates on a reference line determined by coordinates of specific reference points and rounding the individual converted coordinates of the contour and converting the rounded coordinates line into physical coordinates expressed by integers.

Abstract: A character generating method and apparatus for producing a character from outline font data, wherein the font data stored in a font memory are converted into coordinate values of a coordinate system of a designated size in a character developing circuit, the converted coordinate values are then rounded to integer coordinate values, and the integer coordinate values are adjusted by a hinting process. The integer coordinate values are developed including the adjusted coordinate values to produce a bit map image in the character developing circuit. In one mode of the hinting process, the sum of intervals between a plurality of strokes extending in the same direction are computed from coordinates after the rounding process, the sum is compared with the number of target strokes minus 1, and the integer coordinate values are changed so as to adjust a line width of a desired stroke of the target strokes when the sum is smaller than a value resulting from a subtraction.