Patent ID: 8537427

Claim:
A method of adjusting line data, the method being performed by a processing device that processes image data for forming dots of toner on a recording medium, based on line data representing a dot pattern for one line by dot data indicative of dot formation and blank data indicative of no dot formation, the method comprising: determining whether X or more blank data are arranged consecutively, the X or more blank data including adjacent blank data adjacent to dot data on at least one side of the dot data, where X is an integer greater than one (X≧1); and converting Y blank data including the adjacent blank data into dot data if it is determined that the X or more blank data are arranged consecutively in the determining step, where Y is an integer greater than or equal to one and less than or equal to X (X≧Y≧1), wherein when Y is greater than one, the Y blank data are consecutive blank data, wherein adjustments are performed for each pixel that includes a predetermined number of consecutive data, each of the consecutive data being one of dot data and blank data, the method further comprising: acquiring consecutive data for one pixel from the line data sequentially, each of the consecutive data being one of dot data and blank data; and storing the consecutive data for one pixel in a storage section as a subject pixel, wherein the determining step further includes determining whether X or more blank data are arranged consecutively on a next pixel side of next-side dot data based on a present subject pixel and on a next pixel acquired in the acquiring step, the next-side dot data being closest to the next pixel among dot data in the present subject pixel; and wherein the converting step further includes, if it is determined in the determining step that the X or more blank data are arranged consecutively, converting, into dot data, Y blank data including next-side blank data in the present subject pixel and adjacent to the next-side dot data on the next pixel side thereof.