Vector Font Processing in Embedded Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embedded systems face challenges in supporting high-quality font display with large storage requirements, leading to increased product costs and prolonged system startup times due to the need for large bitmap font files and limited computing capability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing vector font generation using two processors, where the second processor converts vector-based font data into bit-based data stored in volatile memory, allowing for efficient memory usage and faster system startup, while the first processor activates the on-screen display function upon completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If bitmap font files are used to support high-quality font display, then display quality is improved, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of font data representation from bitmap (raster) format to vector format. Vector fonts use mathematical equations to define character shapes, allowing infinite scaling without quality loss. This parameter change enables high-quality display at any resolution while dramatically reducing storage requirements compared to bitmap fonts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional pixel-based bitmap representation to mathematical equation-based vector representation. This dimensional change allows the font data to be defined by geometric primitives (points, lines, curves) rather than fixed pixel grids, enabling flexible rendering at different resolutions without storing multiple bitmap versions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large bitmap font files are stored in flash memory, then font display capability is improved, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from bitmap to vector font format, the patent reduces the quantity of data that needs to be stored in flash memory. Vector fonts require significantly less storage space while maintaining or improving display quality, thereby reducing hardware costs without compromising font display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single vector font file that can be dynamically rendered into different bitmap representations as needed. Instead of storing multiple bitmap font files for different scenarios, the system copies/generates bitmap data on-demand from the vector source, reducing storage requirements while maintaining versatility.
3Quantity of substance
If vector font conversion is performed, then storage space is reduced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs vector-to-bitmap conversion in advance during system initialization or when needed, pre-processing the font data into a format suitable for rapid display. This preliminary action converts the vector font into bitmap format before it is actually needed for display, reducing the processing time during critical display operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate conversion process where vector font data is first converted into a cached bitmap representation that can be quickly displayed. This intermediary bitmap format acts as a bridge between the compact vector source and the rapid display requirement, allowing fast rendering without repeatedly processing the vector data.
4Productivity
If font data is converted from vector to bit-based format, then display performance is improved, but computing resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the computationally intensive vector-to-bitmap conversion in advance or on-demand rather than in real-time during display operations. By pre-converting or caching the bitmap data, the system reduces computing resource consumption during critical display moments while maintaining high display performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing font data is used in an embedded system exhibiting a display function. The embedded system includes a first processor, a second processor, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The method for processing font data includes steps of: issuing a request by the first processor; converting vector-based font data stored in the non-volatile memory into bit-based font data by the second processor wherein the bit-based font data are stored in the volatile memory, and generating a finish notice by the second processor after the vector-based font data are converted into the bit-based font data; and activating the on screen display function of the embedded system responding to the finish notice by the first processor.