Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Computer graphics processing – Character generating
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-27
2003-05-20
Jankus, Almis R. (Department: 2671)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Computer graphics processing
Character generating
Reexamination Certificate
active
06567088
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an image processing device which synthesizes images in documentation systems, such as word processors, tape printing apparatuses, stamp making apparatuses or the like.
2. Prior Art
Conventionally, image processing devices of the above-mentioned kind are capable of forming character string images by arranging a plurality of character images output from a character generator ROM in response to codes representing characters (including letters, numerals, symbols, graphics, etc.) entered via a keyboard or the like and images of nonstandard characters registered in advance, for layout. Further, images formed by combining a plurality of units of images of characters, i.e. character images and images of registered nonstandard characters, can also be employed as nonstandard registered characters (see Japanese Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. 8-20861)
However, in image processing devices of the above-mentioned kinds, images of registered nonstandard characters are treated as individual units. Therefore, although the images of registered nonstandard characters can be arranged similarly to other character images when character string images are formed, it is impossible to synthesize a background image which is elaborately and freely designed or laid out for ornamental purposes with a desired portion of a character string image formed in advance, or to lay out a character string image inside a desired graphic image.
On the other hand, in a tape printing apparatus or a stamp making apparatus, an outer frame can be added to the periphery of a character string image. However, such an outer frame is formed e.g. by synthesis using predetermined format data or by connecting frame components laid out on opposite ends of the printing area or the stamping area with predetermined designs, by ruled lines or the like(see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 62-271774 or Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 8-156334). However, this manner of synthesis prevents the user from making use of designs or the like selected or newly plotted as outer frames to be added to the character string image data.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the invention to provide an image processing device which is capable of freely designing an outer frame, a background image and other plotting images and to combine the same with a character string image, thereby easily forming an image, the whole of which is elaborately designed or laid out for ornamental purposes.
To attain the above object, the invention provides an image processing device comprising:
character string image data-storing means for storing character string image data created by arranging at least one character image data item formed in response to text input;
processing image data-selecting means for selecting processing image data from character image data created in response to the text input, nonstandard character registration image data created by nonstandard character registration, blank image data formed of data representing a blank image area, and registered image data created by subjecting any of the character image data, the nonstandard character registration image data, and the blank image data, to a sizing process, and registering the resulting image data; and
synthesized image data-forming means for forming synthesized image data by synthesizing the processing image data with at least part of the character string image data by carrying out a synthesis operation, the synthesis operation including any of logic operations.
According to this image processing device, a processing image data item selected from various image data items is synthesized with a synthesis area of at least part of a character string image data item, thereby enabling various synthesized image data items to be created. More specifically, not only character image data, nonstandard character registration image data and blank image data but also registered image data registered by carrying out a sizing process of any of the above-mentioned kinds of image data can be selected for use as processing image data for synthesis. Further, blank image data can be employed e.g. when character string image data is to be changed into data of reverse image of a character by executing a logic operation, such as NOR. Therefore, according to the image processing device of the invention, it is possible to select processing image data from image data items having sizes and designs required or suitable for synthesis as desired to thereby carry out synthesis of the processing image data and the character string image data. This makes it possible to easily form synthesized images decorated as desired.
Preferably, the image processing device further includes image registration means for creating new registered image data having a designated size based on the processing image data and registering the new registered image data.
According to this preferred embodiment, it is possible to create new registered image data having a designated size based on selected processing image data, as a candidate of new processing image data. In the process, the registered image data is selected as processing image data, whereby it is possible to form new registered image data having a different size or synthesize the same with character string image data. That is, new registered image data can be formed for registration one after another from the state in which there is no registered image data item or from the state in which there are several registered image data items. For instance, if registered image data having the same size as that of character string image data as synthesis object data is formed for registration based on desired character image data or nonstandard character registration image data, it is possible to easily form synthesized image data which reflects a pattern or a design of original character image data or nonstandard character registration image data over the whole image thereof by selecting the registered image data as processing image data for synthesis with character string image data. Therefore, according to the image processing device, synthesized image the whole of which is elaborately designed or laid out for ornamental purposes can be more easily formed.
Preferably, the synthesized image data-forming means has a plurality of logic operation modes for selectively carrying out the logic operations.
According to this preferred embodiment, one of the logic operation modes can be designated according to image-synthesizing conditions, which enables desired synthesized image data to be formed more easily.
Preferably, the logic operation modes include a logic operation mode in which the synthesized image data is identical to the character string image data.
According to this preferred embodiment, it is possible to select as a logic operation mode not only normal logic operations, such as an OR operation, an AND operation, a NOR operation, a NAND operation and an EXOR operation, but also an OFF operation where synthesized image data is identical to character string image data. This saves the trouble of selecting different operating procedures depending on whether or not synthesis by the logic operation is to be carried out. Therefore, the operating procedures become easy to understand. Since the settings can be changed by selecting from the menu options displayed on the screen, it is easy for the user to operate the device and it is possible to prevent erroneous operations. When the OFF operation is designated, the processing image data set for synthesis may be canceled, or alternatively a blank image data item may be automatically selected as the processing image data, followed by executing the OR operation or the EXOR operation.
More preferably, the image registration means includes size-designating means for designating a size of the new registered image data, the size-designating means having a plurality of size-designating modes for selecting a method of designating the size of
Hogan & Hartson LLP
Jankus Almis R.
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