Abstract: Gray scale input data, derived from continuous tone data, is transformed into pulse patterns for driving a marking engine so that a variety of marks of different sizes and shapes are formed in any given pixel region. Gray scale input data is arranged (received) as an array of pixels, in the native engine resolution, including multi-bit per pixel gray level values. A pixel in the array is analyzed in a transformation (window) to determine the pulse pattern output based on the gray level value of the current pixel and on the gray level values of adjacent vertical and horizontal pixels.

Abstract: The output of a conventional laser printer having a resolution of 300.times.300 dots per inch (DPI), and a predetermined threshold level for forming image dots, is enhanced by selectively providing interleaved image dots between the normal scan lines of the laser printer. Such interleaved image dots between scan lines may be achieved by appropriately energizing the two pixels directly above and directly below that desired interleaved dot, with the energizations at one or both pixels being selectively below the threshold level for producing a dot on the scan line, but with the combined energization at the desired interleaved point being above the threshold level to produce the desired interleaved dot. An input 600.times.

Abstract: A conventional display device, such as a marking engine for a laser printer or digital copier, having a nominal resolution (where the energy source for the display device can be selectively activated) and a predetermined threshold level for producing output image dots, is modified to a different (higher or lower) resolution or modified to produce output dots along axes different from the axes of the display device (such as for producing halftone screens on angles), by selectively activating the energy source to produce overlap areas that exceed the device threshold and thereby produce dots at positions that are not on the normal resolution positions of the device.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the creation and application of visual images such as textual characters is provided, which preferably makes use of a digital computer (12) and laser printer (16). In the preferred method, a desired image is developed using the computer (12), typically with specific selection of font style, image orientation and size of characters; the final image is then printed using printer (16) on a substrate (18) presenting a release surface (20). An image-removing web (22) is then applied over the printed image, causing the printed image to adhere to the web (22). The web (22) is then stripped from the substrate (18) and can be applied to any selected support surface.