Burroughs, Inc.

Timothy R Geis

William M Koos, Jr

Richard M Rudy

William F Buholtz

A real time graphic processor is disclosed which processes graphic cell specifications on a scan line-by-line basis to generate pixel data. The pixel data from each cell specification is assembled to form a completed scan line of pixel data which is used to modulate a printing element, such as a laser diode. The invented graphic processor contains a special purpose cell specification processor which, in addition to generating the pixel data, modifies the cell specification by substituting new horizontal location and cell height indicator values. The modified graphic cell specification is then recirculated to the cell specification processor memory for processing the next scan line.

Real time graphic processor

Disclosed is a processor and method for the real time generation of linear arrays of pixel data. The generated pixel data is used to modulate a laser diode as it scans across a printing medium, thereby producing printed font and logo characters. In accordance with the present invention, the real time processor receives a series of cell specifications on a scan line-by-scan line basis, the cell specifications identifying the font type and placement information. The real-time processor uses this information to access from its font memory a linear array of pixel data corresponding to the identified font type. The accessed pixel data is used to modulate the laser diode as it scans the printing medium line-by-line. Thus, as the laser diode is modulated by the pixel's 'ones' and 'zeros', it is pulsed 'off' and 'on', thereby generating pixel dots on the print medium itself or on a photosensitive drum which subsequently prints an image on a page through an electrostatic process.

Real time cell specification processor

The present invention relates to magnetic toner imaging-multiplexing techniques and apparatus wherein the number of required voltage drivers is substantially reduced. The apparatus includes a multi-pole magnet assembly surrounded by a shell-like member operatively coupled to a drive motor for creating relative motion between said magnet assembly and said shell-like member. A multiplicity of helical, highly permeable electrodes are circularly disposed around the periphery of the shell member with electrical connections to external voltage drivers through a slip-ring assembly. Magnetic imaging toner is circulated across the toner electrodes as a result of the relative motion between the shell and the magnet assembly. Field concentrating apparatus is disposed within the shell adjacent to a dielectric drum on which the intelligible image is to be produced. As the toner is circulated across the shell, a toner tree or brushlike pile of toner is formed at points where the toner electrodes intersect the magnetic field from the concentrating apparatus and the dielectric drum. Dots of toner are deposited on the drum at these points when the electrodes are driven to a suitable electrical potential. A modification of this apparatus incorporates a plurality of magnetic wire pins arranged parallel to the axis of the shell in diagonal arrays there across. Field concentrating members extend parallel to the shell axis and cause toner trees or brushes to be generated at the line of pins normal to the magnet pole faces as the magnet assembly is moved relative to the shell.

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Orlando, FL, United States of America

Timothy R Geis