Abstract: Systems, methods, and/or techniques (“tools”) for determining Unicode points from glyph elements are provided. The tools may receive indications of commands that relate to text containing glyphs. Responding to the commands, the tools may convert the glyphs to corresponding Unicode representations. The tools may also provide glyph substitution tables that include Unicode fields for storing Unicode representations of characters, along with first and second glyph fields for storing glyphs of the characters. The glyph substitution tables may include links pointing from the second glyph fields to the first glyph fields, and may also include links pointing from the first glyph fields to the Unicode fields. Finally, the tools may provide character mapping tables that include Unicode fields for storing Unicode representations of characters. The character mapping tables may also include glyph fields for storing glyphs of the characters, and may include links pointing from the glyph fields to the Unicode fields.

Abstract: One embodiment pertains to analyzing a document that is to be printed on a transparency, determining whether the document formatting is optimized for transparency printing, and alerting a user if the document formatting is not optimized for transparency printing. Another embodiment pertains to analyzing a document to determine whether the document is a transparency document, determining whether the scanning resolution is appropriate for scanning a transparency where the document is determined to be a transparency document, and alerting a user if the scanning resolution is not appropriate for scanning a transparency where the document is a transparency document and the scanning resolution is inappropriate.

Abstract: A method of creating font format data from source font data includes analyzing the source font data to obtain glyph data for a plurality of glyphs, dissecting the glyph data, extracting midline data from the dissected glyph data, classifying the midline data as unique element data and common element data, associating unique element data and common element data to each glyph of the plurality of glyphs.

Abstract: A character display control circuit comprises a selection circuit to select and output, as one of the RGB signals, one of a first voltage, a second voltage lower than the first voltage, and one or more third voltages existing between the first and second voltages; a holding circuit in which first data, consisting of a plurality of bits, for the selection circuit to select and output one of the first, second, and third voltages, is set in response to display timings of the display characters; and a selection control circuit to supply the selection circuit with selection signals for the selection circuit to select and output one of the first, second and third voltages depending on the first data, second data associated with the selection of the first voltage or the second voltage, and third data associated with the selection/unselection of the third voltages.

Abstract: 600 dpi binary character shape data is created from 600 dpi character data inputted by a PC and written sequentially to a memory. The 600 dpi character data inputted from the PC and 300 dpi image data are stored as 300 dpi 8-bit graphics data. Next, 600 dpi 8-bit multi-value graphics data is created by dividing each pixel in the 300-dpi 8-bit graphics data into four small pixels. First and second correction processes are performed using a first correction table and the superimposed data is printed at a uniform 600 dpi printing density.

Abstract: A method is provided for displaying a page formed of discrete elements, such as a Web page, on different computing devices. The method converts the page into a semantic thumbnail, which preserves the overall appearance of the page and displays readable text segments that enable a user to identify main areas of the page. The semantic thumbnail is adaptable to different screen sizes and target font sizes. The method enlarges unreadable text segments in a miniature version of the page. The method also trims the enlarged text segments to fit the width of the semantic thumbnail by summarizing or cropping text in the enlarged text segments.

Abstract: A computer-implemented simulated emboldening mechanism for emboldening an input overscaled bitmap to generate an emboldened overscaled bitmap. The simulated emboldening adjusts the number of subpixels to turn on in the direction of emboldening taking into account contextual information regarding surrounding subpixels. Since the emboldening works directly from an overscaled bitmap, and takes such contextual information into account, legibility and readability of the resulting emboldened character is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention is a character image generation system for generating outline font based on character information and displaying the outline font on a display with a prescribed number of pixels. The character image generation system subdivides a curve expressed by character outline information corresponding to inputted character information, calculates the difference between coordinates at each end of the subdivided curve, compares the difference with a predetermined threshold value and sequentially calculates coordinates for each pixel, based on this comparison result.

Abstract: A method for compressing font instruction data. The method includes analyzing a set of pixel-per-em values and fractional pixel shifts contained in font instruction for each glyph in a font data set to construct a database of values. The pixel-per-em values and fractional pixel shifts are converted into operational codes and argument values and these values are compressed into a compressed data stream including a series of multiple-bit words representing font instruction specifications for each glyph in the font data. In addition, fixed environmental variable values are set for each glyph based on the font instruction data. When a glyph is to be rendered using the compressed font instruction, the compressed instruction is decompressed and only relevant multiple-bit word or words corresponding to font instruction specifications for the respective glyph are executed, but not any of the 16-bit words corresponding to font instruction for the fixed environmental values.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing and using techniques for rendering a stroke (e.g., a line or glyph). An initial adjustment value can be calculated for the stroke, and an offset amount calculated based on the initial adjustment value, such that a minimum number of device pixels will be marked by the stroke after adjusting density values of device pixels representing the stroke. A high resolution representation of the stroke (e.g., a set of device pixels each having an initial density value) is rendered so that one or more edges of the stroke is offset from a device resolution grid by the offset amount. A length of an edge of the stroke that passes through a device pixel can be calculated, and the density value of the device pixel adjusted by a final adjustment value based on the initial adjustment value and the length of the edge of the stroke.

Abstract: If there is any unprocessed character area, and if there is any character area sharing a common character color with the unprocessed character area, the image processing apparatus calculates, as a first number, the total number of the pixels included in these two character areas. The image processing apparatus also calculates, as a second number, the number of pixels included in an area formed by integrating the two character areas. Then, the image processing apparatus judges whether the ratio of the first number to the second number is less than a predetermined threshold value. In other words, the image processing apparatus judges whether the following is satisfied: Second Number/First Number<Threshold Value If this is satisfied, the image processing apparatus integrates the areas, and also integrates the attribute information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Font Emulation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises stripping a first portion from a first font to emulate a second font upon request for such a second font. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor and a memory, the processor stripping a first portion from a first font to emulate a second font. The method and apparatus may further include stripping a second portion from a first font, and such may be performed by the processor. Alternatively, the method may include copying a first font into memory.

Abstract: An input image is divided into a plurality of regions, and it is determined whether each of the divided regions is suitable for thinning processing. In accordance with a result of the determination, an outlining processing is selected to generate outline data (vector data) for each of the regions. The generated outline data is output. For example, a character region and a drawing region are discriminated from each other and outline data having a format suitable for a discriminated type of region is generated. In addition, generation of outline data (vector data) which pass through a center line of the line drawing or generation of outline data (vector data) indicating a contour of a drawing is automatically selected. Furthermore, in accordance with the size of a character, function-approximation processing may be selected.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to the creation of an ink font. Based on characteristics of handwritten characters, the collection of characters may be scaled so as to adjust the size of the font to match predefined size values or relationships.

Abstract: The principles of the present invention relate to dynamically determining directions of freedom for control points used to represent graphical objects such as text. A computing system identifies a first function that represents a first constraint, solutions to the first function indicating compliance with the first constraint. The computing system calculates, based on the location of a control point and the identified first function, that the control point does not comply with the first constraint. The computing system automatically determines a first direction of freedom in which the control point can be moved to comply with the first constraint such that movement of the control point in the first direction of freedom has a reduced likelihood of causing non-compliance with other constraints.

Abstract: A technique for storing displayable computer text comprises a number of steps. Initially, each of a plurality of language characters is assigned to an appropriate sized stick frame, which includes a plurality of vertical and horizontal segments, in order to provide a different graphical representation for each of the language characters. Next, the technique determines which of the vertical and horizontal segments are on and which of the vertical and horizontal segments are off in the stick frame for each of the language characters. Then, a different number is assigned to each of the language characters, based upon the stick frame size and the status of each of the vertical and horizontal segments in the stick frame.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for adding hinting instructions to a character in order to improve a character bitmap produced from an outline of the character at a certain size and output resolution when the character outline is scan converted. A character is retrieved to be output. A determination is made that the character belongs to a semantic character classifications, and hinting instructions that are associated with the semantic character classification are accessed. The hinting instructions preserve semantic meaning for the character while altering either stroke presence, stroke location, or both for at least one stroke of at least one feature of the character based on a reference character size and output resolution. If the actual character size and output resolution for the character is within a reference character size and output resolution for the hinting instructions, the hinting instructions are executed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that approximates a shape of an object with a closed Bezier curve. During operation, the system receives a specification for the shape of the object. The system also produces an objective function for the area of a closed Bezier curve, wherein the objective function expresses the area of the closed Bezier curve as a function of the locations of control points that define the closed Bezier curve. Next, the system uses the specification for the shape of the object to generate exterior constraints for the closed Bezier curve, wherein the exterior constraints ensure that the closed Bezier curve remains on the exterior of the object. Finally, the system minimizes the area of the closed Bezier curve subject to the exterior constraints to produce a minimum-area closed Bezier curve on the exterior of the object which encloses the shape of the object.

Abstract: In order to perform optimal character registration and a printing process depending on a language, in an information processing device connected to a printer having a first registration area and a second registration area as font registration areas, registration amounts in the first registration area and the second registration area are determined based on the language which the information processing device uses, and depending on the determined amounts, a first font is registered in the first registration area in the printer and a second font is registered in the second registration area.

Abstract: A method for efficient incorporation of additional language fonts in creating panel display data, print image data, and facsimile transmission image data. The method enables MFPs to easily create an image data containing a new font when character font data and symbol codes are added or altered. Input units are for inputting image data. Image control unit is comprised of font control unit, font data read-and-write control unit, and font data memory unit. The font data memory unit stores character font data by associating it with the character. The font data read-and-write control unit controls reading and writing of the font data to the font data memory unit. The font control unit obtains font data used for image data through the font data read-and-write unit, and controls format-conversion and output of the font data depending on the display mode or image forming mode. The display unit displays the display data and the converted font.

Abstract: In displaying a map on a wireless communications device, a method is provided that resolves labelling of sharp curves. The method entails a determination of whether a curvature of a map element associated with the map feature exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g. whether a rate of change in slope of a path or the change in angular orientation of each successive character in the label exceeds a threshold that is a function of zoom level. If the curvature exceeds the threshold, the label is rendered on the map in a new map location that avoids the map location where the curvature exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A display program for displaying a character by acquiring an instruction for rendering each element composing the character and rendering the element based on the instruction, the program being executed on a computer includes a setting function of setting a method of handling an argument associated with the later acquired instruction in accordance with a rendering mode corresponding to a mode setting instruction if the mode setting instruction for setting the rendering mode is acquired, and a display function of displaying the character by handling the argument in accordance with the setting result by the setting function.

Abstract: A system and method determines an optimum size for a font for readability. A method determines font characteristics by determining a character density for the font and multiplying the character density by a sharpest focusable area of the viewing medium. The method further includes varying the character density according to a range in a number of clusters per fixation to determine a maximum font size and a minimum font size. In an embodiment, the character density is a ratio of a number of clusters per em in the font to a number of visible clusters within a predetermined foveal angle. The predetermined foveal angle can be a field of vision for sharpest focus of an eye or a reader specific foveal angle that reflects the reader's visual acuity, taking into consideration macular degeneration, vision impairments, vision sharpness, tunnel vision, eye disease, near sightedness, far sightedness, dyslexia, and astigmatism.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying text are described. According to embodiments of the invention, the system and methods describe operations for displaying text, where the text does not include hints.

Abstract: A image processing apparatus has a first data generation unit which generates triangular data by making straight line contours and curved contours triangles by analyzing the straight line contours and the curved contours with respect to vector format graphic data, a second data generation unit which generates stencil data from the triangular data, and a third data generation unit which generates raster format graphic data with reference to the stencil data.

Abstract: A display program for displaying a character by acquiring an instruction for rendering each element composing the character and rendering the each element based on the instruction, the program being executed on a computer, includes a determination function of determining whether the acquired instruction is a complex glyph instruction indicating the use of a complex glyph consisting of a combination of plural parts glyphs as a glyph of the character or other instruction and a rendering function of rendering each of the parts glyphs based on the information concerning the parts glyph acquired following the complex glyph instruction if the acquired instruction is determined as the complex glyph instruction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a character image generating apparatus. The apparatus comprises a plurality of types of partial base line generating units, a vector font data storing unit, a partial base line length calculating unit for calculating a line length of a partial base line of a character, a partial base line generating unit selecting unit for selecting one of the plurality of types of partial base line generating units on the basis of threshold information and the calculated partial base line length, a character form generating unit for generating a character form of the character image, and a character image generating unit for generating the character image on the basis of the generated character form. This can shorten the processing time needed for the generation of the vector font character image.

Abstract: System-wide content-based text stylization by establishing an array of predefined stylization criteria, intercepting text output generated by an operating system to a graphics device driver, rasterizing the text according to the predefined stylization criteria and passing the rasterized images to the graphics device driver for display. The array of predefined stylization criteria includes criteria that modify font size, font type, font color, font highlighting, underline, bold, italics and invoke character replacement. Stylization may be based on parameters such as syllables, consonants, vowels, and punctuation and/or applied by a lookup table against predefined strings.

Abstract: A method of creating font format data from source font data includes analyzing the source font data to obtain glyph data for a plurality of glyphs, dissecting the glyph data, extracting midline data from the dissected glyph data, classifying the midline data as unique element data and common element data, associating unique element data and common element data to each glyph of the plurality of glyphs.

Abstract: A character within a font is enlarged to a desired size by first determining whether the font contains existing or predefined variants of the character having the desired size. If no appropriately sized variant exists, the enlarged character is assembled from a plurality of component glyphs that are stored with the font, wherein the component glyphs include an extender that may be duplicated within the assembled character in order to achieve the desired size. In one embodiment, the font includes tables containing records of the enlarged variants for a particular character, as well as part records for the component glyphs used to assemble the enlarged character.

Abstract: Rendering an outline font. Rendering an outline font by adding Bezier control points to further define a contour of an outline font and applying an in or out test to determine if a pixel falls within the contour of an outline font.

Abstract: A method and computer software product for processing outline fonts is described to skeletonize character fonts based on their outline data. The method may comprise: reading font data from an outline font dictionary that stores the outline data of an outline font, preparing element structures and constructing a graphic path; determining whether or not the element structures constitute another graphic path; determining whether or not, within the graphic path, there is another graphic path that is completely contained and has the same cyclic direction as the graphic path, if there is, then, deleting the other graphic path; and moving the element structures that constitute the graphic path by a predetermined distance to the direction of character width based on the character width of the outline font, thereby to output a plurality of line segments which effectively eliminates the character width of the outline font.

Abstract: The principles of the present invention relate to adaptively filtering outlines of typographic characters to simply representative control data. A filtering module receives a set of control points (and instructions for connecting the control points) representing a graphical object, such as, for example, a typographical character. The filtering module adaptively filters out some variations in the outline of the graphical object to reveal common edges of the outline. The filtering module generates simplified control data that represents an outline of the common edges (e.g., representing a block “T”). Accordingly, based on the simplified control data, a computing system may be able to more efficiently recognize the graphical object represented by the control points.

Abstract: A font memory for a display includes a ROM with a storage region divided into a program storing region and a font data storing region, divided into a mono-font data storing region and a color font data storing region, and designed to map and store data in three segment storage regions in the color font data storing region with respect to a character CRA code defining characteristics of color font data. Three segment storage regions in the color font data storing region, in which color font data corresponding to a CRA code, which is not displayed on a screen, of CRA codes of color font data with respect to a specific font, are to be written, have a mono-font storage diversion changeable storage region that stores therein mono-font data with respect to a font other than the specific font.

Abstract: A hand-held communication device provides navigation key-based predictive text entry. The hand-held communication device includes a housing generally sized to be held in a human hand having a display disposed for displaying characters selectable for entry in a character position of a text string being entered and a navigation key assembly for scrolling through and selecting from the characters displayed by the display. The characters displayed by the display during text entry are arranged according to the probability of selection of each character for entry in the character position so that the character with the highest probability of selection is selected with a single input from the navigation key assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for compressing data representing a set of symbols such that each symbol of the set can be separately accessed and decompressed. Each symbol of the set of symbols is encoded in the form of a two-part code wherein a first part of the code is common for all encoded symbols and a second part of the code encodes the data representing a symbol. An identifier is given for each symbol for permitting each encoded symbol to be separately accessed and decompressed. The invention is particularly useful for storing large fonts such as a Chinese or Japanese character set.

Abstract: The handling of quoted material in an electronic environment is enhanced by using one or more quote bars. Quote bars permit quoted material to be treated as a single object and permit information about the source of a quote to be displayed. They also permit connection to a network address from which a quote may have originated. Using quote bars, the removal of copyright notices can be prevented.

Abstract: Shading a polygon includes identifying points on edges of the polygon using shading values for vertices of the polygon, connecting the points to form at least two areas within the polygon, and shading the at least two areas differently. Vertices are assigned to at least two different bins. The bins correspond to different shades. The points may be identified by identifying points on edges of the polygon having vertices assigned to different bins.

Abstract: The principles of the present invention relate to iteratively solving constraints in a font-hinting language. A computing system accesses a more complex constraint that can not be natively expressed based on the vocabulary of the font-hinting language, the more complex constraint constraining at least a portion of the outline. The computing system decomposes the more complex constraint into a plurality of simpler constraints that can be natively expressed based on the vocabulary of the font-hinting language. The computer system represents each of the simpler constraints in corresponding font-hinting language instructions that can be iteratively processed to at least approximate a solution to the more complex constraint. The font-hinting language instructions are iteratively processed at the computing system or another computing system to cause a graphical object to comply, within a specific tolerance, with the more complex constraint.

Abstract: Programs, methods and apparatus for context sensitive font generation, especially handwriting fonts. In a preferred embodiment, a computer program product contains instructions to identify a character string including upper case, lower case, and/or symbolic characters; identify the first character in the string; identify a plurality of handwritten glyphs corresponding to the character; select one of the glyphs based upon an adjacent character in the string; and repeat the foregoing steps, thereby converting the character string.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at three specific data areas of font compression, each of whose size has become significant as other data areas have been compressed. The three data areas include model factoring, character level feature measurement (local dimensions) factoring, and typeface level feature measurement (global dimensions) factoring. In general, the invention in each area is an apparatus and method used in font compression to reduce redundant information, thereby allowing a reduction in data format (e.g., words to bytes and bytes to bits) resulting in an overall reduction in storage area for a given font collection.

Abstract: A system for displaying textual information includes a receiver (300) for receiving textual information that includes a plurality of words. A text segmenter (302), operatively associated with the receiver (300), segments the plurality of words into a plurality of word segments, each word segment having one or more words. A user interface device (304) receives a signal initiated by an action of a user to indicate a display rate. A display device (306) including a processor and a memory, is coupled to the text segmenter and the user interface device. The display device (306) displays the word segments in a temporal sequence by displaying a first word segment for a first display duration, that is based on the display rate, at a first position on the display device (306) and automatically proceeding to display a second word segment for a second display duration, that is based on the display rate, at a second position on the display device (306).

Abstract: This invention provides an on-screen display device that can display an increased number of types of characters without enlarging the video RAM area. This on-screen display device includes a character generator ROM that has n (n is an integer that is equal to or larger than 3) areas, a flag holding unit that outputs an area designation flag for designating a desired number of desired areas among the n areas in the character generator ROM, a display character setting unit that writes a desired character code at a predetermined position in a video RAM, and a display control unit that reads the character code from the video RAM, reads font data corresponding to the read character code from an area in the character generator ROM, which is indicated by the area designation flag outputted from the flag holding unit, and outputs an on-screen output signal using the font data.

Abstract: A method of rendering a glyph of a vector-based font comprises the steps of: generating a MIP map for a glyph, where the MIP map comprises at least one level having a plurality of pixels and where each level is generated from original vector data for the glyph; and storing the MIP map on a computer readable medium. The method further comprises placing the glyph in an image to be rendered; retrieving the stored MIP map for the glyph; rendering a level of the MIP map, where the level is associated with a resolution of the glyph; and displaying the glyph as the rendered level.

Abstract: A method for inputting characters pairs in an electronic device having a user input device, a display for displaying characters input through the user input device, and a memory for storing characters input through the user input device, including storing a character input through the user input device in the memory and displaying the input character on the display; and determining if the input character is an opening character of a predefined character pair, and if so, automatically and without further user input, causing a corresponding closing character of the predefined character pair to be inserted in the memory and on the display, and locating an input pointer so that subsequently input characters will be inserted between the opening and closing characters in the memory and on the display.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing three dimensional shapes from two dimensional image domains uses glyph address carpets as a structured light pattern. The glyph address carpet includes a glyph encoding scheme in which the coordinates of any given point can be computed by looking at the glyph marks in a small neighborhood. The method includes calibrating at least one projecting device and at least one image detecting device and projecting a glyph address carpet pattern onto a three dimensional figure. The projected glyph address carpet pattern is detected and used to reconstruct the three dimensional coordinates for each readable glyph mark within the projected glyph address carpet pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for electronically providing vehicle identification and registration information to a vehicle. The system includes a remote control unit, which receives and stores vehicle identification and registration information. At least one computer on the vehicle is configured to receive the vehicle identification and registration information and to store such information. An electric license plate coupled to this computer for electronically displaying at least a portion of the identification and registration information stored in the computer.

Abstract: A method of rendering text on an output device using a pre-developed image of a custom font. An image file defines an image of a custom developed character set. The custom character set may be developed off-line using graphics development tools. Associated character information enables the location of specific characters within the image. When a text character is output to a display or other output device, a custom font module locates the text character within the image and defines a subimage that contains the text character. The subimage is rendered upon the output device, thereby producing an image of the text character.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low cost OSD system with minimal ROM requirements, minimal computing power required from the microcontroller, and minimal I/O port requirements. The OSD system creates a fixed frame around a small set of programmable characters. The small set of programmable characters is used to create an icon within the OSD display. The icon is selected by sending minimal information to the microcontroller. In one particular example, four bits of information are sent to the microcontroller to select one of the available sixteen different icons. The OSD frame characters and OSD programmable area icon characters are stored in ROM and no RAM is used. The OSD silicon die size is reduced as compared to a traditional OSD silicon die size.

Abstract: A portable terminal displays a menu screen in which small screens respectively corresponding to categories are shown on display positions of a display unit, wherein the display positions respectively correspond to operation positions of an operation panel.