Brother Kogyo Kabushiki-Kaisha

Yousuke Ito

Ichiro Sasaki

Osamu Takagi

Hiroshi Taira

Kenji Sakakibara

Shigeyuki Hayashi

Yumio Matsumoto

Michitoshi Akao

Takatoshi Takemoto

Hiroshi Morisaki

Takeshi Izaki

Takashi Tomizawa

Tokunori Katoh

Kazunori Tanabe

Yasuo Kimura

Takakuni Sonoda

A method of converting image outlline data representative of segments defining an outline of an image area to be reproduced, into dot data representative of image dots which collectively represent the image area. In the method, the outline of the image area is superimposed on a coordinated pixel screen wherein a plurality of vertical pixel lines and a plurality of horizontal pixel lines cooperate to provide intersections defining a matrix of dot positions which are selectively used as the image dots. The vertical and horizontal pixel lines form a plurality of sections each having four corners defined by the respective four intersections of the pixel lines. Each one of the plurality of sections is determined as a relevant section if any one of the segments of the outline of the image area passes through the relevant section. The dot data are prepared such that the dot data represents the presence of the image dot at a predetermined one of four corners of each relevant section.

Method for converting image data into dot data

An image recording apparatus having an exposure unit, a pressure developing unit and a thermal fixing unit. The apparatus employs a separate type image recording mediums including a microcapsule sheet and a separate developer sheet. The thermal fixing unit applies heat to the developer sheet carrying an output image thereon. A heat application means of the thermal fixing unit is positioned spaced away from the imaging surface of the developer sheet for avoding direct contact therewith.

Image recording apparatus

An image outputting apparatus divides an image to be outputted into a plurality of pixels and delivers the image, with a pixel-wise concentration being modulated in multiple levels, to the output means. The image outputting apparatus includes output mode storage means which stores output modes for outputting the image in different numbers of levels of concentration equal to and less than the maximum number of levels of concentration applicable to each pixel. The image recording apparatus is capable of outputting an image in a selected number of levels of concentration equal to or below the maximum number of levels of concentration applicable to each pixel, and by selecting a proper output mode to meet the intention, a plurality of kinds of images which render different impressions can be produced.

Image outputting apparatus

Apparatus for preparing image reproduction data from original image data which define visible representations to be reproduced, including a memory for storing original image data defining a plurality of visible representations each of which has at least one enclosed solid-imaging area to be solid-imaged, a first data preparing device for preparing solid-imaging data representative of the at least one solid-imaging area of a first kind of the visible representations, by effecting determination on the number of a winding count for the first kind of visible representations, based on the original image data, a second data preparing device for preparing solid-image data representative of the at least one solid-imaging area of a second kind of the visible representations, without effecting determination on the number of the winding count for the second kind of visible representations, based on the original image data, and a selector for selectively rendering operative one of the first and second data preparing means.

Apparatus for preparing image reproduction data

An imaging device includes a first motor for feeding one of two sheets and a second motor for feeding the other sheet. The amounts of feeding of the sheets is detected and used to control the motors to maintain a predetermined relationship between the sheets.

Imaging device

Growing community of inventors

Nagoya, Japan

Yousuke Ito