IMAGE DATA CONVERTER, IMAGE DATA CONVERSION METHOD, PRINTER AND IMAGE DATA PRINTING METHOD

摘要

PURPOSE: To reformat (or unwind) a graphic picture in a bit map memory to a column-order format from a line-order format. CONSTITUTION: A method and a device for converting the format of picture data to a column format from a line format and a printer which is constituted by embodying the method and device. A conversion circuit which allows to react to write in a first address space is provided for converting the format of picture data from the line format to the column format. A CPU 30 writes the line-format picture data in the first address space and the conversion circuit converts the format to a second format. Then the CPU 30 writes the picture data in a second address space. The converted picture data of original picture data are stored in a memory in accordance with an 'unwind' flag set by the CPU 30. After the data are written in the memory, the CPU 30 starts DMA- transfer of the picture data to a printer engine.