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Abstract

A method of writing a pattern filled character (FIG. 3) or graphics object from internal memory of a processor (11) to bitmap memory (13a), in a manner that minimizes the amount of data required to be read. The pattern mask is replicated to cover the character mask (FIGS. 5A-5C). The masks are combined to obtain a composite mask, whose values are then expanded to a pattern color value if the corresponding pixel is to be printed or to a transparency value if the corresponding pixel is not to be written. (FIG. 4) A transparency write process is used such that only those values that do not match the transparency value are written (FIG. 6). The method can be modified for colored and uncolored pattern fills of both characters and graphics objects.

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First Claim