Patent ID: 6421032
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: B41J,G06F

Abstract:
In a method of creating an external character for an image forming apparatus having a display screen, the display screen extending over an area having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, said method comprising the steps of displaying at least a portion of image data in a specifying area on said display screen, said image data being displayed in the form of at least one dot determined by associated dot information in said image data, displaying a dot-shaped cursor in said specifying area of said display screen, and creating an external character on said displayed image data using said cursor, the improvement wherein said step of creating an external character comprises:scrolling said image data in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction to create an external character with said cursor being fixed at a position in said specifying area; and which method further comprises: providing a visible position indicating guide having portions that lie on a plurality of lines which intersect at the position of said cursor; and a plurality of external character management modes, each of which is individually selectable to manage said image data, said plurality of external character management modes including an external character registration mode for creating said external character on said image data and registering said external character.