Dellas G. Frederiksen

Pixel image edge enhancement method and system

A data processing system that prints characters using a raster-scan pixel representation employs an inversion technique to achieve the filling of interior pixels within a polygon. At intersections of segments that define edges of the polygon, a common pixel may be shared by the last pixel of a first line segment and a first pixel of a second line segment. The inversion action is inhibited when considering the last pixel of the aforesaid first segment and is turned on for the first pixel of the next segment. In this manner, double inversions that cause fill splinters are avoided. The data processing system also employs a method for rendering vectors with pen widths of varying magnitude where, based upon the angle of inclination of the vector, its end points are derived. The end points are then modified by addition of integer offset values to take into account differences between given pen widths and pixel-integer pen widths. Then, resultant co-ordinate end points are revised to provide an approximately square end, based upon the found angle of inclination. A procedure is also described for assuring a best choice of a pixel to turn ON at an intersection of line segments.