Condensed Bitmap Font Library for Handheld Diagnostic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld automotive diagnostic devices face challenges in displaying East Asian languages, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean fonts, due to the large memory requirements of graphically-based bitmapped character sets, which exceed the memory capacity of cost-effective, consumer-targeted devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that condense large graphically-based bitmapped character sets by selecting only the necessary characters and generating a composite code table, allowing for efficient storage and display of diagnostic trouble codes and their definitions using a condensed bitmap font library, thereby reducing memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If graphically-based bitmapped character sets are used to display East Asian languages, then language display capability is improved, but memory requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complete bitmapped character set into multiple compressed font files, each containing a subset of characters. The system loads only the necessary font files into memory based on the specific language and character requirements, rather than loading the entire character set at once. This segmentation allows the device to support multiple East Asian languages while keeping individual memory allocations manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where compressed font files are stored in permanent memory, and only the necessary portions are decompressed and loaded into RAM when needed. The system nests multiple levels of compression and selection, allowing the complete character set to be stored in a compact form in permanent memory while providing full functionality when expanded in operational memory.
2Loss of information
If more memory is allocated to store complete character sets, then character display completeness is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compression of the complete character sets during manufacturing, storing them in a condensed format in permanent memory. The system prepares multiple compressed font files in advance, organized by language and character frequency. When the device operates, it selectively decompresses and loads only the necessary portions, achieving complete character display capability without requiring large amounts of expensive RAM.
3Adaptability or versatility
If faster processors and more memory are added to provide additional features, then device functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by loading only the specific font files and character data needed for the current language and display requirements, rather than loading complete character sets. The system uses compression algorithms to store excess character data in permanent memory, accessing it on-demand. This approach provides full functionality when needed while keeping base memory requirements low, avoiding the need for expensive high-capacity RAM.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld diagnostic device and method for displaying bitmapped graphic characters is provided which utilizes a condensed bitmap library. In particular, the present invention provides a method for condensing extremely large graphically-based bitmapped character sets, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean or any other graphically-based bitmapped character set, and storing them in simple and economical handheld automotive diagnostic devices.