Calligraphic character synthesis using a brush model

Abstract

The paper proposes a novel methodology which allows calligraphic writing to be synthesized realistically. The approach models the physical process of brush stroke creation and consists of three separate aspects, namely, the physical geometry of the writing brush, the dynamic movement, e.g., the position and orientation, of the brush along the stroke trajectory and the amount of ink absorbed in the brush bundle as well as the ink depositing process. By controlling these physical parameters associated with the writing process, very realistic calligraphic writing can be generated. In particular, the aesthetic features commonly associated with calligraphy, such as the varying widths of a stroke, the impression of physical rubbing between the brush and the underlying paper, the varying shades of grey caused by different degrees of ink content in the brush, and the black and white trails created by fast movement of a drying brush can be simulated. This is the first time physically-based model of a brush has been used to synthesize calligraphic writing and the model has been implemented on a PC-based platform.