Importance

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Abstract

Method and apparatus for graphic-image processing and font modification in laser printers, wherein the fonts and graphic images represented by a list of parameters are converted to discrete points, transformed to a new coordinate system wherein the font characters are scaled and rotated, and quantized according to the resolution of the printer, to provide the desired font and/or graphic image thereon. The present invention further selectively dithers are quantized image to enhance the resolution of the printer while accommodating picture elements which lie between the quantized positions of the laser printer. The quantized and dithered signal is separated into an image outline and a map of interior areas to be filled, which signals are processed to provide an outlined and a filled image and combined for receipt by the raster operator. The raster operator provides an image output data signal to the laser printer. Thus, the apparatus and method according to the present invention provides a significantly greater processing of font and graphic images while maintaining high quality.

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First Claim