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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image output method of registering converted character patterns in a font cache memory, and, in response to the reception of a code corresponding to one of said character patterns, forming a visible memory by
the character pattern registered in said font cache memory, and an apparatus therefor.
2. Related Background Art
There are recently commercialized various apparatus, such as laser beam printer, adopting a scalable font such as outline font.
Said outline font is featured by the easiness in working on the desired characters, but necessitates a longer time required for generating the character dot pattern. For this reason, the character pattern which has been used at least once in the
past is registered in the font cache memory, together with the information on "character set identification (for example gothic style)", "character code" and "size (height and width of character)", and, when the same character is instructed, the
character pattern is read from the font cache memory and developed into dot form. Thus the processing time of the apparatus is shortened by effecting the generation of the character pattern only once for the character of same code and same style.
It will be understood that, in the conventional method mentioned above, the character pattern is generated at the entry of a character code and thus generated character pattern is registered in the font cache memory. For this reason, the
character pattern registered in the font cache memory can be utilized for the second and subsequent entries of the character code, but the effect of process time reduction cannot be attained for the character code entered for the first time, as the
generation of the character pattern has to be executed anew.
Also in the conventional recording apparatus as explained above, the outline font is usually composed of a train of contour coordinates representing the form of the character, but there exist various methods for forming such coordinates. For
this reason, in the apparatus there is provided, according to the method of constituting the outline font, exclusive means for generating character dot patterns (font scaler or rasterizer). Consequently, if there are employed multiple outline fonts
constituted by plural methods, there have to be provided font scalers respectively corresponding to such methods.
Also the character dot patterns generated by such different font scalers may be mutually different, even for a same style, a same size and a same character code, because of differences in the constituting method of the font, in the designing of
character shape or in the process in the font scalers.
For this reason, a character dot pattern, which has been used at least once in the past, is registered in the font cache memory together with the information of font scaler, character set identification, character code and size, and is read from
the font cache memory area and is developed into a character dot pattern in response to the entry of the same character code. In this manner the process time of the apparatus for pattern generation can be reduced by effecting the generation only once in
each font scaler for a same character dot pattern.
In such conventional recording apparatus with plural font scalers, since the font cache memory only registers the information of the character set identification, character code and size, there has been a drawback that the character dot patterns
prepared by different font scalers cannot be identified.
Also since the character pattern is generated only at the end of the character code, in a mode of use of the recording apparatus in which the content of the output character information is frequently changed, the advantage of the font cache
memory cannot be expected for the character code entered for the first time, and there is required a considerable time before the character is printed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In consideration of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide an image output method of generating patterns corresponding to predetermined codes and storing said patterns in a memory prior to the entry of codes as image
information, and utilizing thus stored patterns for output in response to the entered codes, thereby reducing the time required for dot pattern development and increasing the process speed, and an apparatus adapted for executing such method.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image output method of developing code information, stored in information development memory means, into a pattern according to the form information stored in said information development
memory means, then registering such developed pattern in pattern memory means, and in response to the input data which coincide with the code information and the form information stored in the pattern memory means, executing the pattern development of
said input data utilizing the developed information registered in said pattern memory means, and an apparatus adapted for executing such method.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output method of storing identification data for identifying plural font scalers, together with the generated character pattern and the character development information,
thereby enabling to read character patterns corresponding to each font scaler, and an apparatus adapted for executing such method.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output method of individually memorizing different character form information corresponding to a same character code, also memorizing each character pattern generated according
to said memorized character form information, each character code, each character form information and information on each generating means, then comparing thus memorized character code, character form information and information generating means with
those of entered print information, and reading the memorized character pattern based on the result of said comparison, and an apparatus adapted for executing such method.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output apparatus comprising selection means for selecting predetermined developed information of plural kinds stored in developed information memory means, and/or modification
means for modifying the predetermined developed information stored in the developed information memory means.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output method of individually memorizing different character form information corresponding to a same character code, also memorizing each character pattern generated
corresponding to thus memorized character form information, each character code, each character form information and information on each generating means, then comparing thus memorized character code, character form information and information on
generating means with those in the entered print information, and reading the memorized character pattern from generated pattern memory means based on the result of said comparison and under the control of control means, whereby, even in case of forming
character patterns of different forms, a desired character pattern can be read with the identification of the form of already memorized character pattern, and an apparatus adapted for executing such method.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output method of, when each generating means generates a character pattern of a different form by referring to each character form information stored in each font memory,
storing each generated character pattern, the character form information of each character pattern, information on the generating means for each character pattern and each character code in generated pattern memory means, comparing each character code,
each character form information and information on each generating means in the input print information with those stored in said generated pattern memory means and reading each character pattern from the generated pattern memory means under the control
of control means, whereby the readout of a desired character pattern can be achieved, even in case of generating a character pattern of a different form, by identifying the form of the already stored character pattern, and an apparatus adapted for
executing such method.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output method wherein, when each generating means generates a character pattern of a different form by referring to each character form information stored in each font memory
and when each generated character pattern, the character form information of each character pattern, the information on the generating means for each character pattern and each character code are stored in generated pattern memory means, registration
means automatically registers, in the generated pattern memory means, each character pattern generated by each generating means and predetermined development information corresponding to each character pattern based on predetermined development
information stored in advance in development information memory means, whereby each desired character pattern corresponding to each generating means can be registered in classified manner in the generated pattern memory means, and an apparatus adapted
for executing such method.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output method of individually storing different character form information corresponding to a same character code, also storing each character pattern generated from said stored
character form information, each character code, each character form information and information on each generating means, then comparing said stored character code, character form information and information on the generating means with those in the
input print information, and reading a character pattern based on the result of said comparison under the control of control means, whereby a desired character can be read, even in case of forming a character pattern of a different form, by identifying
the form of the already stored character pattern, and an apparatus adapted for executing such method.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output method of selecting predetermined development information of plural kinds stored in development information memory means, thereby being capable of registering character
patterns according to various development information in generated pattern memory means, and an apparatus adapted for executing such method.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output method of:
generating in advance a pattern, based on code information to be converted into pattern and font scaler information;
storing said generated pattern together with said corresponding code information and said font scaler information; and
controlling the output utilizing said stored pattern, based on code information representing the pattern to be obtained as output, and an apparatus adapted for executing such method.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output method of:
storing in advance plural font scaler information required for converting scalable font into a dot pattern;
selecting a font scaler according to information for selecting one of said plural font scaler information; and
converting the scalable font into a dot pattern for caching, based on the selected font scaler, and an apparatus adapted for executing such method.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a recording apparatus capable of executing the character processing method of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a character processing apparatus constituting a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the data storage state in a cache memory 1-4 shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a view showing the data format of an information area IF and a pattern storage area PAT of the cache memory 104 shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the first character pattern generating sequence in a character processing method embodying the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a character processing apparatus constituting a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the data storage state in a cache memory 104 shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a view showing the data format of an information area IF and a pattern storage area PAT of the cache memory 104 shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the second character pattern generating sequence in a character processing method embodying the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a character processing apparatus constituting a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of the development information stored in a conversion information memory 1-10 shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the first font pattern conversion/registration sequence in a character processing apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the third character pattern generating sequence in a character processing method embodying the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the second font pattern conversion/registration sequence in a character processing apparatus of the present invention;
FIGS. 15A and 15B are views showing an example of conversion information in a character processing apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the fourth character pattern generating sequence in a character processing method embodying the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of the detailed sequence of a converted information registration routine shown in FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another recording apparatus in which the present invention is applicable;
FIG. 19 is a view showing data format in a converted information memory in an embodiment 5;
FIG. 20 is a view showing the data areas in a font cache memory;
FIG. 21 is a view showing the data format in the font cache memory;
FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the sequence of the character pattern registration into the font cache memory;
FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the printing sequence;
FIGS. 24A and 24B are views showing the data format in the converted information memory in an embodiment 6;
FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the sequence of the character pattern registration into the font cache memory;
FIG. 26 is a view showing the data format in the conversion information memory in an embodiment 7;
FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the printing sequence;
FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the sequence of registration into the conversion information memory at the printing sequence;
FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the sequence of the character pattern registration into the font cache memory;
FIGS. 30A and 30B are views showing the data format in the conversion information memory in an embodiment 8; and
FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the sequence of the character pattern registration into the font cache memory.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[1st embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a recording apparatus, such as a laser beam printer, in which the character processing method of the present invention is applicable.
A main body 1500 (printer) of the apparatus receives and stores print information (character codes etc.), form information and macro instructions supplied from an external host computer, generates character patterns (to be generated by the
character pattern process of the present invention) and form patterns, and forms an image on a recording sheet constituting the recording medium. There are also shown an operation panel 1501 including switches and LED indicators for various operations,
and a printer control unit 1000 for controlling the entire printer 1500 and analyzing the character information supplied from the host computer. Said printer control unit 1000 converts the character information into a video signal of corresponding
character patterns for supply to a laser driver 1502, which drives a semiconductor laser 1503 and on-off switches the laser beam 1504 emitted from said semiconductor laser 1503 according to the input video signal. The laser beam 1504 is laterally
deflected by a rotary polygon mirror 1505 to scan an electrostatic drum 1506, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern thereon. Said latent image is developed into a visible image by a developing unit 1507 positioned around
the electrostatic drum 1506, and is transferred onto the recording sheet, which is composed of a cut sheet, contained in a cassette 1508 mounted on the main body 1500 and supplied therefrom by a feed roller 1509 and transport rollers 1510, 1511 to said
electrostatic drum 1506.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a character processing apparatus constituting a 1st embodiment of the present invention, wherein same components as those in FIG. 1 are represented by same numbers.
There are provided a reception buffer 1-8 for storing the data received from a host computer 300; and a CPU 1-1 provided with a ROM 101a and a RAM 101b and adapted to control the various units according to a character processing program and a
printing program stored in the ROM 1-1a and shown in flow charts to be shown later.
There are further provided a first font memory 1-2 storing an outline font to be used by a first font scaler; a second font memory 1-3 storing an outline font to be used by a second font scaler; a cache memory 1-4 for storing character patterns
to be generated, based on the outline fonts stored in the second font memory 1-3 and the first font memory 1-2; a page buffer 1-5 for storing the received data in the unit of a page; and a bit map memory 1-6 for storing output image information of a
page, which is to be supplied to a printer engine 1-7 (cf. FIG. 1) for obtaining an output image 200.
In the character processing apparatus of the above-explained configuration, when the generating means (by functions of the CPU 1-1) generate character patterns of different forms by referring to the character form information respectively stored
in the font memories 1-2, 1-3, each generated character pattern, the character form information of each character pattern, the information on the generating means for each character pattern and each character code are stored in the generated pattern
memory means (cache memory 1-4). Then each character code, each character form information and the information on each generating means in the input print information are compared with those stored in said generated pattern memory means, and the readout
of each character pattern from said generated pattern memory means is controlled by the control means (CPU 1-1). Thus it is rendered possible, even in case of forming character patterns of different forms, to read a desired character pattern, while
identifying the forms of already stored character patterns.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the data storage state in the cache memory 1-4 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a view showing the data structure in an information area IF and a pattern area PAT in the cache memory 1-4 shown in FIG. 3.
As shown in these drawings, the character patterns generated by the first and second font scalers are stored in the pattern area PAT, and the conversion information relative to said character patterns are stored in the information area IF (cf.
FIG. 3). Also as shown in FIG. 4, the information area IF stores font scaler information FS (an identification number representing the composing method of outline font or scalable font; the font of each company relies on each independent format (for
example information on start and end of a straight line) and each independent character design, requiring a corresponding magnification change and a hardware or a software for developing into a dot pattern. This information identifies these parameters,
and corresponds to the information on generating means in the present invention), a character set identifier IF1 (representing the character style such as Gothic), a registered character code IF2, and a character size IF3 of said character pattern (size
being defined by the width and the height). The development means conversion into bit map data.
In the present embodiment, the character set can be defined by the data including the character pitch, the orientation such as vertical/horizontal writing, the graphic set such as ASCII, and the type face such as Courrier (type style such as
Gothic), and corresponds to characters of a code system (for example of 8 bits) within a font (a group of characters represented by same data except for the above-mentioned graphic set).
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the first character pattern generating sequence in a character processing method embodying the present invention, wherein numbers (1)-(13) represent process steps. In this embodiment, it is assumed
that data of a page are stored in the page buffer memory 1-5 prior to the start of this routine.
At first data (information) of a character is read from the page buffer memory 1-5 (step 1). Said information of a character contains the font scaler identifying information, character set identifying information, code information, and character
form (size) information.
Then there is discriminated whether the character pattern generated by the same font scaler is stored, by referring to the information areas in the font cache memory 1-4 (step 2), and, if not stored, the first font scaler 1-2 or the second font
scaler 1-3 is selected according to the font scaler information (step 3), and the font information is fetched (step 4). Then the font scaler designated in the step 1 is used to generate a character pattern (developed on the RAM 1-1b) from the read
outline font (step 5), and said character pattern is registered in the cache memory 1-4 (step 6).
On the other hand, if the step 2 identifies the same font scaler information, there is discriminated whether a same character set is instructed (step 7), and, if NO, the sequence proceeds to the step 3 explained above. If YES, there is further
discriminated whether a same character code is instructed (step 8), and, if NO, the sequence proceeds to the step 3 explained above, but, if YES, there is discriminated whether the character of a same size is instructed (step 9). If NO, the sequence
returns to the step 8, but, if YES, namely if a same character code and a same size are detected, the corresponding character pattern is read from the font cache memory 1-4 (step 10) and is written into the bit map memory 1-6 (step 11). Then there is
discriminated whether the bit map memory development of a page has been completed (step 12), and, if NO, the sequence returns to the step 1, but, if YES, the image data developed in the bit map memory 1-6 are transferred to the printer engine 1-7 for
printing on the recording medium as the output 200 (step 13).
In the character process method of the present invention explained above, different character form information corresponding to a same character code are individually stored, and each character pattern generated according to said stored character
form information, each character code, each character form information and information on each generating means are stored. Then said stored character code, character form information and information on the generating means are compared with those in
the input print information, and the stored character pattern is read, based on the result of said comparison, under the control of control means, so that a desired character pattern can be read, even when character patterns of different forms are
generated, with identification of the forms of the already stored character patterns.
[2nd embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a character processing apparatus constituting a 2nd embodiment of the present invention, wherein same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are represented by same numbers. This embodiment is
provided with a second cache memory 6-1 as shown in FIG. 6, and is featured by a fact that, as shown in FIG. 7, the cache memory 1-4 is provided therein with a font scaler information area FS.
In FIG. 6 there is provided a 2nd cache memory 6-1 for storing character patterns generated from a second font memory 1-3.
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the data storage state in the cache memory 1-4 shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a view showing the data structure of the information area IF and the pattern area PAT of the cache memory 1-4 shown in FIG. 8,
wherein same components as those in FIGS. 4 and 5 are presented by same symbols.
As shown in FIG. 7, the cache memory 1-4 is provided with a font scaler information area FS, independent from the information area IF.
In the following there will be explained, with reference to a flow chart shown in FIG. 9, a second character generating sequence in the character processing method of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the second character pattern generating sequence in a character processing method embodying the present invention, wherein numbers (1) to (14) indicate process steps. In the present embodiment it is
assumed that data of a page are already stored in the page buffer memory 1-5 prior to the start of this routine.
At first data (information) of a character are read from the page buffer memory 1-5 (step 1). Said information of a character contains the font scaler identifying information, the character set identifying information, the code information, and
the character form (size) information.
Then there is discriminated whether a character pattern generated by a same font scaler has already been stored, by referring to the information areas in the font cache memory 1-4 (step 2), and, if not, the first font memory 1-2 or the second
font memory 1-3 is selected according to the font scaler information (step 3), and the font information is fetched (step 4). Then the font scaler designated in the step 1 is used to generate a character pattern (developed on the RAM 1-1b), from the read
outline font (step 5). Subsequently the cache memory 1-4 or 6-1 is selected for registering the character pattern, according to the designated font memory (step 6), and the registration is made in thus selected cache memory 1-4 or 6-1 (step 7).
On the other hand, if the step 2 identifies that the character pattern by the same font scaler has already been stored, there is discriminated whether it belongs to a same character set (step 8), and, if NO, the sequence proceeds to the step 2
mentioned above. If YES, there is further discriminated whether it is of a same character code, and, if NO, the sequence proceeds to the step 3 mentioned above, but if YES, there is further discriminated whether it is of a same character size (step 10). If NO, the sequence returns to the step 9, but, if YES, namely if a same character code and a same size are detected, the corresponding character pattern is read from the font cache memory 1-4 or the cache memory 6-1 (step 11) and stored in the bit map
memory 1-6 (step 12). Then there is discriminated whether the bit map memory development of a page has been completed (step 13), and, if NO, the sequence returns to the step 1, but, if YES, the image data developed in the bit map memory 1-6 are
transferred to the printer engine 1-7 for printing on the recording medium as the output 200 (step 14).
The above-explained embodiment is provided with two font memories storing outline fonts of different constituting methods, but it is also possible to incorporate an outline font in the recording apparatus and to load another outline font from the
host computer 300, thereby enabling addition, modification or renewal of the outline font.
[3rd embodiment (conversion information being stored)]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a character processing apparatus constituting a 3rd embodiment of the present invention, wherein same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are represented by same numbers. In this
embodiment, a conversion information memory 1-10 is provided as shown in FIG. 10.
The conversion information memory 1-10 stores, for example as shown in FIG. 11, the conversion information for the character patterns to be generated in advance. The data stored in the cache memory 1-3 are same as those in FIGS. 3 and 4, and
will not, therefore, be explained further.
In the above-explained character processing apparatus, when the generating means (achieved by the functions of the CPU 1-1) generate character patterns of different forms by referring to the character form information stored in the font memories
1-2, 1-3, and when each generated character pattern, the character form information of each character pattern, the information on the generating means for each character pattern and each character code are stored in generated pattern memory means,
registration means (achieved by a function of the CPU 1-1) automatically registers, in generated pattern memory means (cache memory 1-3), each character pattern generated by each generating means based on predetermined conversion information stored in
advance in the conversion information memory means (conversion information memory 1-10) and the predetermined conversion information corresponding to said character pattern, whereby the desired character patterns corresponding to each generating means
can be registered in classified manner in the generated pattern memory means.
Also the selection means (selecting instruction from the host computer 300 in the present embodiment) selects the plural predetermined conversion information stored in classified manner in the conversion information memory means (conversion
information memory 1-10), whereby the character patterns according to various conversion information can be registered in classified manner in the generated pattern memory means.
Also the modification means (achieved by a function of the CPU 1-1 in the present embodiment) modifies the predetermined conversion information stored in the conversion information memory means (conversion information memory 1-10), whereby the
character pattern to be stored in the generated pattern memory means can therefore be modified.
Furthermore, predetermined conversion information, corresponding to the character patterns to be stored in advance in the generated pattern memory means (cache memory 1-3), are stored in the conversion information memory means (conversion
information memory 1-10) together with the generated data, and the registration means (CPU 1-1) registers the character patterns generated by the generating means (achieved by their function of the CPU 1-1) according to said stored conversion information
and the generated data, and the predetermined conversion information corresponding to said character patterns in the generated pattern memory means, according to the frequency of appearance thereof. It is thus rendered possible to preferentially
register the character patterns of higher frequencies of appearance, corresponding to each generating means, in the generated pattern memory means.
FIG. 11 shows an example of the conversion information to be stored in the conversion information memory 1-10 shown in FIG. 10.
As shown in FIG. 11, the conversion information memory 1-10 stores, for each font scaler FS, the conversion information 1-10a, 1-10b for each set of an appearing counter CNT, a character set identifier ID, a character form FO and a character code
CO.
In the following explained is the font pattern development into the font cache memory 1-3 shown in FIG. 10, with reference to a flow chart shown in FIG. 12.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of a first font pattern conversion/registration sequence in a character processing apparatus of the present invention, wherein numbers (1) to (7) indicate process steps.
At first there are read information of the character patterns to be registered in advance, from the conversion information memory 1-10 (step 1), and there is discriminated whether all the character patterns have been registered (step 2). If YES,
the sequence is terminated. If NO, there is selected a character set, according to the font scaler information FS and the character identification ID stored in the conversion information memory 1-10 shown in FIG. 11 (step 3). Subsequently a scalable
font corresponding to said character set is read from the font memory 1-2 (step 4). Then the character pattern generating means is selected according to the font scaler information (step 5), and a character pattern is generated by the selected font
scaler, according to the character form stored in the conversion information memory 1-10 (step 6). Subsequently the generated character pattern is registered in the font cache memory 1-3, together with the information shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the
sequence returns to the step 2.
FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of a third character pattern generating sequence in a character processing method embodying the present invention, wherein numbers (1) to (12) indicate the process steps.
In the present embodiment it is assumed that code data of a page have been stored in the page buffer memory 1-5 prior to the start of this routine.
At first data (information) of a character are read from the page buffer memory 1-5 (step 1). Said information of a character includes the font scaler information, the character set identifying information, the code information and the character
form (size) information.
Then there is discriminated whether a character pattern generated by a same font scaler has already been stored, by referring to the information areas in the font cache memory (step 2), and, if not, the font information is fetched (step 4). Then
the font scaler designated in the step 1 is used to generate a character pattern (developed on the RAM 1-1b), from the read outline font (step 5). Subsequently the character pattern is registered in the cache memory 1-4 (step 6) and the sequence
proceeds to a step 10.
On the other hand, if the step 2 identifies that the character pattern by the same font scaler has already been stored, there is discriminated whether it belongs to a same character set (step 3), and, if NO, the sequence proceeds to the step 4
mentioned above. If YES, there is further discriminated whether it is of a same character code (step 7), and, if NO, the sequence proceeds to the step 4 mentioned above. If YES, there is discriminated whether it is of a same size (step 8), and, if NO,
the sequence returns to the step 7, but, if YES, namely if a same character code and a same size are detected, the corresponding character pattern is read from the font cache memory 1-4 (step 9) and is stored in the bit map memory 1-6 (step 10). Then
there is discriminated whether the bit map memory development of a page has been completed (step 11), and, if NO, the sequence returns to the step 1, but, if YES, the image data developed in the bit map memory 1-6 are transferred to the printer engine
1-7 for printing on the recording medium as the output 200 (step 12).
In this manner, the development of the character patterns in advance dispenses with the character conversion at the entry of the character code, thereby shortening the time required for the character conversion process and enabling high-speed
printing process.
FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the second font pattern conversion/registration sequence in a character processing apparatus of the present invention, wherein numbers (1) to (8) indicate process steps. In the present embodiment it
is assumed that the conversion information memory 1-10 contains at least two sets of the conversion information 1, 2 as shown in FIG. 15.
At first, from the information of plural character patterns stored in the conversion information memory 1-10 and to be registered in advance in the cache memory 1-3, there is selected one indicated by a conversion information flag (step 1), which
is designated by the operation panel attached to the apparatus or by a command from the host computer 300.
Then there is read information on the character patterns to be registered in advance, from the conversion information memory 1-10 (step 2), and there is discriminated whether all the registrations have been completed (step 3). If YES, the
sequence is terminated, but, if NO, a character set is selected according the font scaler information FS and the conversion information ID stored in the conversion information memory 1-10 shown in FIG. 11 (step 4). Then a scalable font corresponding to
said character set is read from the font memory 1-2 (step 5), the character pattern generating means is selected according to the font scaler information (step 6), and a character pattern is generated by the selected font scaler according to the
character form stored in the conversion information memory 1-10 (step 7). The generated character pattern is registered in the font cache memory 1-3, together with the information shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (step 8), and the sequence returns to the step 3.
In the above-explained embodiment, the conversion information flag is assumed to be designated for example from the operation panel, but it may also be automatically selected for example from the capacity of the font cache memory 1-3.
Also in case there are provided plural control languages for analyzing the control information entered from the host computer 300, it is also possible to have conversion information for each control language and to automatically recognize and
select the conversion information corresponding to each control language.
Also in a recording apparatus in which the resolving power of the printer engine 1-7 is switchable, the apparatus may be so constructed as to automatically select the conversion information matching each resolving power.
In the above-explained embodiment the conversion information memory 1-10 shown in FIG. 11 is composed of an ordinary RAM, it may also be composed of a non-volatile memory, of which content may be rewritten by instructions from the operation panel
1501 shown in FIG. 1 or from the host computer 300. In such case the font scaler information, the character set identifier, the character size and the character code may be designated singly or in combination at a time.
Also the data stored in the conversion information memo | | |
