Halftone computer imager
US5542031A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K2215/0065
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer imager for processing computerized data receives signals in PostScript format. An interpreter generates compressed data signals for presentation to a rasterizer. The rasterizer and interpreter utilize parallel processing and differentiate between character, graphic and contone image page elements, each of which is processed in a different manner to maximize speed and minimize memory and other imager component utilization. Decompressed and rasterized data is presented to a graphics accelerator that includes separate circuitry for processing character and graphics/image data. There is also circuitry to resolve page location conflicts. A halftone unit is included and receives the resolved, rasterized data for presentation to a video interface and ultimately a printer or other output imaging device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.