Michael Joseph Dougherty

US Patent:

55966845, Jan 21, 1997

Filed:

Nov 23, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/344549

Inventors:

Thomas M. Ogletree - Austin TX
Michael J. Dougherty - Houston TX

Assignee:

Compaq Computer Corporation - Houston TX

International Classification:

G06K 1500

US Classification:

395109

Abstract:

A method processes a plurality of bits stored in a first memory and representing an image to be printed by reproducing the bits in a fast scan direction. The method includes the step of reading a plurality of groups from the first memory into a second memory, wherein each of the groups comprises a number of bits greater than one bit and is stored in the second memory in the fast scan direction, and wherein each group is read one group at a time. Further, the method includes copying a predetermined number of bits from each of the plurality of groups to a sample storage area. After the copying step, the method samples the bits of the copied groups wherein the sampled bits form a pattern having a center bit having a binary state. Finally, after the sampling step, the method outputs a print signal representative of the binary state if the pattern does not match a predetermined pattern, or outputs a print signal different than the binary state if the pattern matches a predetermined pattern.