Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing and printing pen-stroke image information on a raster-type output device. The image is first vectorized, then given one of a number of slope classifications. For vertical vectors and vectors within a predetermined angle of the vertical, only every n'th dot on the vector is printed. For vectors in the next slope class closer to the horizontal, every (n/2)'th dot is printed. For vectors in the next slope class closer to the horizontal, dots nk, nk+m.sub.2, and nk+m.sub.1 are printed, where k is any integer, m.sub.2 is n/4, and m.sub.1 is n/2. For dots in the next slope class closer to the horizontal, every (n/4)'th dot is printed. A novel vector endpoint modification scheme, novel redundant dot removal schemes, and a novel adaptive print speed control are also disclosed.

Abstract: A printer-plotter system includes a vacuum-buffered bidirectional paper drive system for moving paper uniformly forward and backward over a sprocketed platen and sprocketed drum. The platen comprises a stationary portion with a flat region and a rotatable sprocketed portion. The platen and drum are connected by a drive belt for synchronous rotation of the drum with the sprocketed portion of the platen to assure proper contact of a print head with the flat region of the stationary portion and proper movement of paper by the sprocketed portion after printing.

Abstract: A printer-plotter system is provided having a single horizontally movable, print-plot head comprising geometrically arranged thermal resistor elements which are processor-controlled for plotting continuous multi-directional line segments and for printing, while plotting, upper and lower case alphanumeric characters and punctuation characters in four orthogonal directions. Characters are printed in 5-columns-by-7-rows dot matrix form, with neighboring dots partly overlapping each other in order to impart a continuous or drawn appearance rather than a discontinuous dot appearance to the printed characters. The geometric arrangement of the head elements also provides for varying the width of line segments plotted along selected orthogonal directions.