Image data conversion method and character code/character pattern conversion apparatus

Abstract From the Canadian patent

An image data conversion technique is disclosed in which the picture image data is converted into a runlength code in order to compress the bit information to be transmitted. The invention achieves a shorter conversion time than prior systems while at the same time ensuring that a smaller conversion table than required by other prior systems can be used. Particular use is made of a character code/character pattern converter. This latter circuit includes a character pattern generator which generates a character pattern signal corresponding to the character code. A converter converts the character pattern signal to a runlength code and this is then multiplied by a character enlargement …