Abstract: An apparatus for processing character or pictorial image or the like for splitting the outline of a character, which is developed on x- and y-coordinates, into a plurality of blocks [P.sub.1, P.sub.n ] (where P.sub.1 and P.sub.n are a start point and an end point of an arbitrary block respectively) each defined by a univalent function involving x as a variable, then producing block data to specify the shape of each block, and storing a set of such block data as the compressed data of one character to accomplish compression of the data.

Abstract: A method for compressing character or pictorial image data which contemplates to compress a quantity of data by means of a method for establishing sampling points and a method for establishing blocks as well as storing information for specifying outlines of a character in the case where the outlines of character, pictorial image or the like are approximated with sets of functional curves or straight lines to effect data compression.

Abstract: A photocomposing apparatus is disclosed which makes use of a camera means, memory means and display means, which can select character from a character matrix and store all of the characters thus selected as an image signal in the memory means, which can determine the amount of feed of each character after characters to be composed on a line having a given length or in a block have been selected, and which can display the character on the display means and its photograph can be taken on a photosensitive medium, thereby effecting printing of the characters.