convert text to coordinate for engraving systems

[meysam_b]

hi friends, I should develop a program for handling a engraving system(2D) with step motors, we need convert text and digits to (X,Y) coordinate for track points for draw characters with step motors.

how can we convert text to coordinates ? where is start point? 

thanks.

[muks]

Does the text contain direct x,y reading? Do you get it in string? are you storing the text? From where do you get the text values? Do you have an array in the text file?

[JarleEkanger]

are you saying need to convert a text string into coordinates along lines that the engraver should follow to "print" that text string onto your engraved media? e.g. convert "A" to a track of coordinates the engraver needs to follow to engrave an "A"?

I would suspect you need to obtain a font file that describes each symbol you are going to convert. That font should preferably be vector based. From that point you need to go sequentially through your text string and create a coordinate track for each symbol in the string (and add spacing). 

PS! remember to embed proper kerning into your routine!

[meysam_b]

yes we need vector based fonts.

how can we create it? 

we need a work space that operator enter text and digits and when run engraving we should follow strings with vectors and create coordinates for electronic part.

[meysam_b]

I think I should design a new font with vectors. but i don't know how?

[JarleEkanger]

i have no idea, Google it... there must be a syntax for it? you could of course also look into buying a font?

[Hooovahh]

I thought this would be fun so attached is a quick way of doing this.  You give it text, and a font size, and it will create an XY pair of where pixels should be on.  Of course before you use this you'll need some kind of way of translating XY coordinates from pixels to inches, and then you need to take into account the tool size being used because you'll want your tool to be the same size as a pixel if you go with this font style otherwise there would be gaps between pixels.

[meysam_b]

hi hoovahh.

how do you do? 

your sample is nice but not suitable for me! your sample create dots not following. I need follow font like when you write a 'C' character by pen.

we need have coordinates for move 

one way is create vector for each character. I'm thinking about PLT format from corelDRAW software.

[billko]

Do you have a way of compensating for tool deflection?

[edit]

Sorry, i was thinking of the project like you were using an end mill, not an engraver, so I have no idea if you need to think about that or not.

[/edit]

[vag.123]

thanks alot for uploading...