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US4712102A
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Method and apparatus for displaying enlarged or enhanced dot matrix characters
Assignee: IBM Information Products Corp
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Filing: 1985-07-03
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Granted: 1987-12-08
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Expires: 2005-07-03
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for displaying enlarged or enhanced dot matrix characters is disclosed. Using stored sets of binary data elements which define the shape of the respective characters of a set, logical operations are performed to add additional binary data elements to provide the desired enlarged character. Characters may be enlarged in the vertical and horizontal directions by lengthening the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal linear components which together comprise the character. Characters may also be enhanced by thickening the linear components thereof in a direction orthogonal to that of the linear components, and made more dense with additional dots along the length of the linear components. The stored data defines the character with a high density in the horizontal direction and a lower density in the vertical and diagonal directions. The characters are enlarged, and enhanced, by defining a reference matrix which comprises a subset of the stored binary data elements, expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix at locations between the stored binary data elements, and comparing portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding portions of a predetermined matrix, and converting to a dot those added binary data elements that match the elements of the predetermined matrix. Characters may be differentially enlarged, or enhanced in one manner but not another, or they may be thickened toward the middle of each character.
Inventors
- 👤 Demetrios Troupes
- 👤 Randall W. Alexander
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:29
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K15/00; G06K15/02; G06K15/10; G09; G09G; G09G5/00; G09G5/22; G09G5/24; G09G5/26; G06K2215/00; G06K2215/0002; G06K2215/004; G06K2215/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of displaying enlarged dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the method comprising (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a low density; (b) performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary data elements to generate associated additional binary data elements which enlarge the size of the respective character in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions by lengthening the diagonal linear components and the selected vertical or horizontal linear components; and (c) selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the diagonal and selected vertical or horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of displaying enlarged dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the method comprising (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a low density; (b) performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary data elements to generate associated additional binary data elements which enlarge the size of the respective character in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions by lengthening the diagonal linear components and the selected vertical or horizontal linear components; and (c) selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the diagonal and selected vertical or horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary elements to generate associated additional binary data elements comprises generating additional binary data elements to increase the length of the horizontal, diagonal and vertical linear components thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
110 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary elements to generate associated additional binary data elements comprises (a) defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (b) expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; and (c) comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
104 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of performing logical operations further comprises performing logical operations which selectively enhance the respective character by thickening and defining more densely at least one of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, and the step of selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements further comprises selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements to display characters in which at least one of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are selectively thickened in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof and selectively made more dense along the length thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
81 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the step of performing logical operations further comprises generating additional binary data elements to increase the length of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, to selectively increase the thickness of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof, the selectively increase the density of the vertical and diagonal linear components thereof, and to maintain the high density of the horzontal linear components thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of performing logical operations further comprises performing logical operations which selectively enhance the respective character by thickening at least one of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, and the step of selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements further comprises selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements to display characters in which at least one of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are selectively thickened in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear component thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the step of performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary elements to generate associated additional binary data elements comprises generating additional binary data elements to increase the length of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, and to increase the thickness of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the step of selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements comprises positioning each of the generated binary data elements to thicken the upper portion of the character downwardly and the lower portion of the character upwardly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of performing logical operations further comprises performing logical operations which selectively enhance the respective character by defining more densely at least one of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, and the step of selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements further comprises selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements to display characters in which at least one of the vertical, diagonal and linear components thereof are selectively made more dense along the length thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the step of performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary elements to generate associated additional binary data elements comprises generating additional binary data elements to increase the length of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, to selectively increase the density of the vertical and diagonal linear components thereof, and to maintain the the density of the horizontal linear components thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
166 words
Apparatus for displaying enlarged dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the apparatus comprising (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a low density; (b) means for performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary data elements to generate associated additional binary data elements which enlarge the size of the respective character in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions by lengthening the diagonal linear components and the selected vertical or horizontal linear components; and (c) means for selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the diagonal and selected vertical or horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
166 words
Apparatus for displaying enlarged dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the apparatus comprising (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a low density; (b) means for performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary data elements to generate associated additional binary data elements which enlarge the size of the respective character in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions by lengthening the diagonal linear components and the selected vertical or horizontal linear components; and (c) means for selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the diagonal and selected vertical or horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the means for performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary elements to generate associated additional binary data elements comprises means for generating additional binary data elements to increase the length of the horizontal, diagonal and vertical linear components thereof.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
116 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the means for performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary elements to generate associated additional binary data elements comprises (a) means for defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (b) means for expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; and (c) means for comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
103 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the means for performing logical operations further comprises means for performing logical operations which selectively enhance the respective character by thickening and defining more densely at least one of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, and the means for selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements further comprises means for using the generated associated additional binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are selectively thickened in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof and selectively made more dense along the length thereof.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
82 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the means for performing logical operations comprises means for generating additional binary data elements to increase the length of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, to selectively increase the thickness of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof, to selectively increase the density of the vertical and diagonal linear components thereof, and to maintain the high density of the horizontal linear components thereof.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
91 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the means for performing logical operations further comprises means for performing logical operations which selectively enhance the respective character by thickening at least one of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, and the means for selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements further comprises means for selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are selectively thickened in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the means for performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary elements to generate associated additional binary data elements comprises means for generating additional binary data elements to increase the length of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, and to increase the thickness of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
89 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the means for performing logical operations further comprises means for performing logical operations which selectively enhance the respective character by defining more densely at least one of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, and the means for selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements further comprises means for selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are selectively made more dense along the length thereof.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the means for performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary elements to generate associated additional binary data elements comprises means for generating additional binary data elements to increase the length of the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof, to selectively increase the density of the vertical and diagonal linear components thereof, and to maintain the high density of the horizontal linear components thereof.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
211 words
A method of displaying enlarged and thickened, high density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the method comprising: (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal components of a lower density; (b) defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size, selectively thickened in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof, and selectively made more dense along the length thereof.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
211 words
A method of displaying enlarged and thickened, high density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the method comprising: (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal components of a lower density; (b) defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size, selectively thickened in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof, and selectively made more dense along the length thereof.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements enlarging the character in the vertical direction.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements enlarging the character in the horizontal direction and maintaining the high density of the horizontal linear components of the character.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermind matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements enlarging the character in the horizontal direction.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermind matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements thickening the character in the horizontal direction.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements thickening the character in the vertical direction and increasing the density of the character in the vertical direction.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements increasing the density of the diagonal linear components of the character.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portion of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements eliminating selected consecutive horizontal dots.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
97 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of enlarging the reference matrix by adding predetermined blank binary data elements comprises adding predetermined binary data elements to the upper portion of the reference matrix at locations generally below the corresponding binary data element locations representing the stored character, and adding predetermind binary data elements to the upper portion of the reference matrix at locations generally above the corresponding binary data element locations of the base character so that the upper portion of the character is thickened downwardly and the lower portion of the character is thickened upwardly.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
222 words
Apparatus for displaying enlarged and thickened, high density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the apparatus comprising: (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a lower density; (b) means for defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) means for expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; and (d) means for comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) means for selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size, selectively thickened in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof, and selectively made more dense along the length thereof.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
222 words
Apparatus for displaying enlarged and thickened, high density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the apparatus comprising: (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a lower density; (b) means for defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) means for expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; and (d) means for comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) means for selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size, selectively thickened in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof, and selectively made more dense along the length thereof.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the means for selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements comprises means for positioning each of the generated binary data elements to thicken the upper portion of the character downwardly and the lower portion of the character upwardly.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
211 words
A method of displaying enlarged and thickened, low density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the method comprising (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a lower density; (b) defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) expanding the referenc matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the horizontal, diagonal and vertical linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size and thickened in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction thereof while maintaining a uniform density along the length thereof.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
211 words
A method of displaying enlarged and thickened, low density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the method comprising (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a lower density; (b) defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) expanding the referenc matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the horizontal, diagonal and vertical linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size and thickened in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction thereof while maintaining a uniform density along the length thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
97 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the step of expanding the reference matrix by adding predetermined blank binary data elements comprises adding predetermined binary data elements to the upper portion of the reference matrix at locations generally below the corresponding binary data element locations of the base character, and adding predetermined binary data elements to the upper portion of the reference matrix at locations generally above the corresponding binary data element locations of the base character so that the upper portion of the character is thickened downwardly and the lower portion of the character is thickened upwardly.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements enlarging the character in the horizontal direction.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements enlarging the character in the vertical direction and thickening the character in the vertical direction.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements thickening the character in the horizontal direction.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements eliminating overlapping dots.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
220 words
Apparatus for displaying enlarged and thickened, low density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the apparatus comprising (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a lower density; (b) means for defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) means for expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) means for comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermind matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) means for selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the horizontal, diagonal and vertical linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size and thickened in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction thereof while maintaining a uniform density along the length thereof.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
220 words
Apparatus for displaying enlarged and thickened, low density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the apparatus comprising (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a lower density; (b) means for defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) means for expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) means for comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermind matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) means for selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the horizontal, diagonal and vertical linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size and thickened in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction thereof while maintaining a uniform density along the length thereof.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
98 words
The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the means for enlarging the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements comprises means for adding predetermined binary data elements to the upper portion of the reference matrix at locations generally below the corresponding binary data element locations of the base character, and means for adding predetermined binary data elements to the upper portion of the reference matrix at above the corresponding binary data element locations of the base character so that the upper portion of the character is thickened downwardly and the lower portion of the character is thickened upwardly.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
213 words
A method of displaying enlarged, high densitiy dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the method comprising: (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and horizontal linear components of a lower density; (b) defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size, and selectively made more dense along the length thereof without thickening the linear components in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
213 words
A method of displaying enlarged, high densitiy dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the method comprising: (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and horizontal linear components of a lower density; (b) defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size, and selectively made more dense along the length thereof without thickening the linear components in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements enlarging the character in the vertical direction.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements enlarging the character in the horizontal direction and maintaining the high density of the horizontal linear components of the character.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements thickening the character in the vertical direction and increasing the density of the character in the vertical direction.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements increasing the density of the diagonal linear components of the character.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
222 words
Apparatus for displaying enlarged, high density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the apparatus comprising: (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a lower density; (b) means for defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) means for expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) means for comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) means for selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size, and selectively made more dense along the length thereof without thickening the linear components in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
222 words
Apparatus for displaying enlarged, high density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the apparatus comprising: (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a lower density; (b) means for defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) means for expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) means for comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) means for selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size, and selectively made more dense along the length thereof without thickening the linear components in a direction generally orthogonal to the linear direction thereof.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
217 words
A method of displaying enlarged, low density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the method comprising (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a low density; (b) defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size and uniform density along the length of the linear components thereof without increasing the thickness of the linear components in a direction generally orthogonal to the length thereof.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
217 words
A method of displaying enlarged, low density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the method comprising (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a low density; (b) defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size and uniform density along the length of the linear components thereof without increasing the thickness of the linear components in a direction generally orthogonal to the length thereof.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 45 wherein the step of comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements enlarging the character in the horizonal direction.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 45 wherein the step of comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of the predetermined matrix comprises comparing the selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with a predetermined matrix for defining the binary state of the added binary data elements enlarging the character in the vertical direction.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
226 words
Apparatus for displaying enlarged, low density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the apparatus comprising (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a low density; (b) means for defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) means for expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) means for comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) means for selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size and uniform density along the length of the linear components thereof without increasing the thickness of the linear components in a direction generally orthogonal to the length thereof.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
226 words
Apparatus for displaying enlarged, low density dot matrix characters comprised of selected binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, the apparatus comprising (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining a respective character having horizontal linear components of a high density and vertical and diagonal linear components of a low density; (b) means for defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (c) means for expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; (d) means for comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix; and (e) means for selectively using the converted additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display characters in which the vertical, diagonal and horizontal linear components thereof are lengthened to display a character of enlarged size and uniform density along the length of the linear components thereof without increasing the thickness of the linear components in a direction generally orthogonal to the length thereof.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
140 words
The method of thickening toward the middle dot matrix characters comprised of a matrix of binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in adjacent horizontal rows, the method comprising (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining the shape of a respective character; (b) performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary data elements to generate associated additional binary data elements which thicken the respective enlarged character in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction of the horizontal, diagonal and vertical linear components thereof; and (c) selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display enlarged characters in which the upper portion of the character is thickened downwardly and the lower portion of the character is thickened upwardly.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
140 words
The method of thickening toward the middle dot matrix characters comprised of a matrix of binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in adjacent horizontal rows, the method comprising (a) storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining the shape of a respective character; (b) performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary data elements to generate associated additional binary data elements which thicken the respective enlarged character in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction of the horizontal, diagonal and vertical linear components thereof; and (c) selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display enlarged characters in which the upper portion of the character is thickened downwardly and the lower portion of the character is thickened upwardly.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
110 words
The method of claim 49 wherein the step of performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary elements to generate associated additional binary data elements comprises (a) defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (b) expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; and (c) comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 50 wherein the step of expanding the reference matrix comprises adding binary elements to the upper portion of the enlarged matrix at locations generally below the corresponding binary data element locations representing thre stored character and adding binary data elements to the lower portion of the enlarged matrix at locations generally above the corresponding binary data element locations representing the stored character.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 50 wherein the step of expanding the reference matrix comprises adding blank binary data elements in matrix locations between the binary data elements of the defined reference matrix, the additional binary data elements and reference matrix together representing the matrix of binary data elements for the desired thickened character.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 49 wherein the step of storing sets of binary data elements defining the shape of a respective character comprises storing sets of binary data elements having linear components of a high density in a first direction and linear components of a lower density in a second direction orthogonal to said first direction.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
154 words
Apparatus for thickening toward the middle dot matrix characters comprised of a matrix of binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in adjacent horizontal rows, the apparatus comprising (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining the horizontal, vertical and diagonal components necessary to define the shape of a respective character; (b) means for performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary data elements to generate associated additional binary data elements which thicken the respective enlarged character in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction of the horizontal, diagonal and vertical linear components thereof; and (c) means for selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display enlarged characters in which the upper portion of the character is thickened downwardly and the lower portion of the character is thickened upwardly.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
154 words
Apparatus for thickening toward the middle dot matrix characters comprised of a matrix of binary data elements representing either a dot or a blank in a matrix of positions arranged in adjacent horizontal rows, the apparatus comprising (a) means for storing sets of binary data elements, each set defining the horizontal, vertical and diagonal components necessary to define the shape of a respective character; (b) means for performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary data elements to generate associated additional binary data elements which thicken the respective enlarged character in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction of the horizontal, diagonal and vertical linear components thereof; and (c) means for selectively using the generated associated additional binary data elements together with the stored binary data elements to display enlarged characters in which the upper portion of the character is thickened downwardly and the lower portion of the character is thickened upwardly.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
116 words
The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the means for performing logical operations on a set of the stored binary elements to generate associated additional binary data elements comprises (a) means for defining a reference matrix substantially comprising a subset of the set of stored binary data elements; (b) means for expanding the reference matrix by adding blank binary data elements to the defined reference matrix between the binary data elements of the set of stored binary data elements; and (c) means for comparing selected portions of the expanded reference matrix with corresponding selected portions of a predetermined matrix and converting selected added binary data elements to a dot when the reference matrix matches the predetermined matrix.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus of claim 55 wherein the means for expanding the reference matrix comprises means for adding binary elements to the upper portion of the enlarged matrix at locations generally below the corresponding binary data element locations representing the stored character and adding binary data elements to the lower portion of the enlarged matrix at locations generally above the corresponding binary data element locations representing the stored character.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 55 wherein the means for expanding the reference matrix comprises means for adding blank binary data elements in matrix locations between the binary data elements of the defined reference matrix, the additional binary data elements and reference matrix together representing the matrix of binary data elements for the desired thickened character.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the means for storing sets of binary data elements defining the shape of a respective character comprises means for storing sets of binary data elements which have a high density in a first direction and a low density in a second direction orthogonal to said first direction.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-12-07 | 1991-06-08 | 1991-12-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-12-07 | 1995-06-08 | 1995-12-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-12-07 | 1999-06-08 | 1999-12-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |