Raster-to-swath image data conversion printing system and related method

A method for controlling swath printing of an image by columns of marking elements on a printhead, each column being disposed along an array direction and being spaced apart by an offset distance, as the printhead is moved at a scan speed along a scan direction, the image being printed according to image data that is provided in raster row format, said method comprising:

• moving the printhead in a carriage scan direction that is substantially perpendicular to the array direction;
• receiving an input, via an encoder, to provide on the location of the carriage along the carriage scan direction;
• storing the image data in raster row format in an image memory buffer;
• extracting the image data from the image memory buffer and rotating the image data from raster row format to column format by a direct memory access controller;
• transferring the image data in column format from the direct memory access controller to a plurality of stroke buffers;
• generating stroke firing strobe signals by an encoder control portion based on the input from the encoder;
• providing the signals to the printhead driver control portion;
• providing the image data in column format from the stroke buffers to the printhead driver control portion;
• and
• sending signals from the printhead driver control portion to the printhead to cause the marking elements to print according to the timing of the stroke firing strobe signals as the printhead is moved along the scan direction.

A raster-to-swath image data converter device for controlling the printing of image information provided in raster row format by a plurality of columns of marking elements that will print in columns an image swath by swath according to image data that is provided to an image memory buffer in raster row format, the converter device comprising:

• an encoder to provide input on the location of the columns of marking elements;
• and
• a printer controller for reformatting the image data that is provided to the image memory buffer in raster row format and controlling the marking elements to print a swath of the image as the marking elements are moved relative to the encoder, the printer controller comprising:
• a direct memory access controller portion for extracting the image data from the image memory buffer and rotating the image data from raster row format to column format;
• a plurality of stroke buffers for receiving the image data in column format from the direct memory access controller;
• an encoder control portion for providing stroke firing strobe signals based on the input from the encoder;
• and
• a marking element driver control portion for generating data requests from the stroke buffers based on the input provided by the encoder and providing signals necessary to cause the marking elements to print according to the timing of the stroke firing strobe signals.