Quality graphics for daisy-wheel word processing

• Published in: IEEE transactions on consumer electronics Vol. 35; no. 1; pp. 16 - 23
• Main Author: Kostopoulos, G.K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.02.1989; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Subjects: Aerospace industry; Applied sciences; Computer graphics; Electronics; Emulation; Exact sciences and technology; Hardware; Image resolution; Input-output equipment; Laser theory; Physics computing; Printers; Printing; Text processing; Typesetting; Printing; Word processing; Printer; Service quality; Graphism
• ISSN: 0098-3063; 1558-4127
• DOI: 10.1109/30.24649

Word processors using daisy-wheel printers presently offer quality lettering but lack graphics capability. An approach for dot-matrix emulation is suggested that may also offer high-resolution graphics. Since graphics can best be represented by dot collections, the one hundred daisy-wheel spokes can be digitized and, through appropriate selections, are able to form unlimited graphic images. The implementation of the proposed approach requires that the spokes imprints be digital, and that subcharacter horizontal displacement of the printing mechanism be available, as well as half space platen rotation. The latter two features are usually found in most daisy-wheel printers. The proposed concept calls for the assignment of various arrangements to the wheel's spokes, which in total will completely cover a predefined dot matrix area. Such areas placed in contiguity will be able to depict full-page images. Spoke dot arrangement will be firstly single-dot covering each and all matrix elements, and secondly multidot depending on the wheel's design. Examples are provided in which a dot-matrix area of (1/120")*(1/12") is considered. Using this system, daisy-wheel wordprocessing systems will be able to offer the user typeset-quality fonts as well as graphics.< >