Abstract: An image forming apparatus can apply a smoothing process to multiple value image data without generation of errors due to an unnecessary smoothing process. A template matching process unit determines whether or not the original image data is to be subjected to a smoothing process, and outputs the original image data together with a selection signal indicative of a result of the determination. A smoothing process unit selectively applies a smoothing process to the original image data based on the determination of the template matching process unit so as to output smoothed image data. A first control signal source outputs a first control signal representing whether or not application of the smoothing process is permitted on an individual image basis. A second control signal source outputs a second control signal representing whether or not application of the smoothing process is permitted on an individual pixel basis.

Abstract: In the controller I/F, the LSYNC thinning section converts the resolutions of the image data received from the printer section by thinning out a line-synchronizing signal /PMSYNCIN input from the printer section according to pre-set resolution and sends the signal to the external device as a thinned line-synchronizing signal /POPMSYNC. The input buffer once stores the image data transmitted from the external device in synchronism with /PILSYNC which is the same cycle as that of /POPMSYNC. When reading out the image data from the input buffer, identical data is repeatedly read out according to the set resolution. Even if the printer section receives an image data having a different resolution from the external device, there is no need to change the image-formation speed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus records an image on a recording medium by scanning the recording medium with a plurality of beams modulated according to individual information signals. A beam detect device detects the plurality of beams arriving at respective predetermined positions and generates a plurality of beam detect signals corresponding to the plurality of beams, respectively, and a beam detect signals separating device separates the plurality of beam detect signals into individual beam detect signals. An image formation start timing for each beam is controlled according to each beam detect signal separated from others by the beam detect signals separating device.