Dot Graphics - Star Micronics NX-10 User Manual

CHAPTER 7
DOT GRAPHICS
Subjects we'll cover in Chapter 7 include-
. This printer's bit image graphics capabilities;
l
Printing a pre-defined shape;
l
Plotting a calcurated shape;
l
High-resolution graphics.
In Chapter 6 you were introduced to a form of computer
graphics; you were able to actually define characters dot by dot.
In this chapter you'll learn to use the same principles to make
your printer print whole pages of dot graphics! We'll show you
how to use dot graphics to create "super download characters".
In addition, you'll see how your printer can be used as a
graphics plotter. This can have some practical business applica-
tions as well as create some terrific computer art!
COMPARING DOT GRAPHICS WITH DOWNLOAD
CHARACTERS
A good understanding of dot graphics requires an understand-
ing of how dot matrix printers work; you may want to review
the first few pages in Chapter 6. The principles for dot graphics
are the same as those for download characters.
There are some differences in the way they are implemented
however. While download commands can be used to define a
character between four and eleven columns of dots wide, dot
graphics commands can be used to define a shape as narrow as
one column of dots wide or as wide as 1920 dots!
There is no "descender data" with dot graphics; graphics im-
ages are always printed with the top seven or eight pins of the
print head, depending on whether you have a 7-bit or &bit inter-
face.