System and method for controlling gradation

A gradation control system comprising:

• means for decoding lower n bits (n is an integer equal to 1 or greater than 1) of a binary number expressing a gradation per dot, to derive 2n decoded data;
• means for grouping said 2n decoded data with respect to a plurality of dots, to produce 2n first bit planes;
• means for giving to an element a signal of pattern corresponding to each of said first bit planes for a time obtained by subtracting an unconditional time common to all of said first bit planes from a time obtained by adding a time that depends on a decoded value of each of said first bit planes, to an initializing time common to all of said first bit planes;
• means for giving to said element a signal of all bit effective pattern for said unconditional time;
• means for grouping, per bit weight, respective bits of said binary number excluding said lower n bits, that expresses the gradation per dot, to produce at least one second bit plane;
• and
• means for giving to said element a signal of pattern corresponding to each second bit plane for a time that depends on a weight of said second bit plane.

A gradation control method comprising the steps of:

• decoding lower n bits (n is an integer equal to 1 or greater than 1) of a binary number expressing a gradation per dot, to derive 2n decoded data;
• grouping said 2n decoded data with respect to a plurality of dots, to produce 2n first bit planes;
• giving to an element a signal of pattern corresponding to each of said first bit planes for a time obtained by adding a time that depends on a decoded value of each of said first bit planes, to an initializing time common to all of said first bit planes;
• grouping, per bit weight, respective bits of said binary number excluding said lower n bits, that expresses the gradation per dot, to produce at least one second bit plane;
• and
• giving to said element a signal of pattern corresponding to each second bit plane for a time that depends on a weight of said second bit plane.

A gradation control method comprising the steps of:

• decoding lower n bits (n is an integer equal to 1 or greater than 1) of a binary number expressing a gradation per dot, to derive 2n decoded data;
• grouping said 2n decoded data with respect to a plurality of dots, to produce 2n first bit planes;
• giving to an element a signal of pattern corresponding to each of said first bit planes for a time obtained by subtracting an unconditional time common to all of said first bit planes from a time obtained by adding a time that depends on a decoded value of each of said first bit planes, to an initializing time common to all of said first bit planes;
• giving to said element a signal of all bit effective pattern for said unconditional time;
• grouping, per bit weight, respective bits of said binary number excluding said lower n bits, that expresses the gradation per dot, to produce at least one second bit plane;
• and
• giving to said element a signal of pattern corresponding to each second bit plane for a time that depends on a weight of said second bit plane.