Patent ID: 7292364
Filing Date: 2007-11-06
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A printing apparatus which stores index data having N-bit format sent from an external device in a memory, expands the index data stored in the memory to dot data having N times the resolution of the index data, and executes a print process by scanning a carriage that carries a printhead on a print medium on the basis of the expanded dot data, wherein N is more than two, said apparatus comprising: memory control means for controlling a write process to write the index data in the memory on the basis of a write request, and controlling N read accesses based on FIFO controlling to read out the same index data for one column from the memory on the basis of a read request; expansion means for expanding each of the index data read out from the memory by said memory control means to the dot data for N columns, and selecting the dot data for one column; a register for storing the expanded dot data for the selected one column; and printhead control means for transferring the dot data for one column stored in said register by said expansion means to the printhead, wherein said dot data for one column corresponds to a number of nozzles of the printhead, wherein said expansion means selects the dot data for a different one column every time the index data is read out from the memory by said memory control means, and wherein said register is reused for different columns of expanded dot data.