(19)
(11) EP 0 031 421 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
22.09.1982 Bulletin 1982/38

(43) Date of publication A2:
08.07.1981 Bulletin 1981/27

(21) Application number: 80106694

(22) Date of filing: 31.10.1980
(84) Designated Contracting States:
BE CH DE FR GB IT LI NL

(30) Priority: 26.12.1979 US 106625

(71) Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
 ()

(72) Inventors:
  • Hoskins, Thomas Ashbrook
     ()
  • Ku, Ta Cheng
     ()

   


(54) Multiple mode printing system and method


(57) A matrix print head (9) including a plurality of printing elements (10-29) arranged in one or more straight lines is mounted for lateral movement across a print line at more than one angle. In a draft mode of operation (9) the angle is chosen to provide a greater spacing between printing elements relative to the print line than is realized in a final, or quality mode (9A) wherein the angle is chosen to provide a smaller spacing between printing elements relative to the print line. The print head operated in this manner can be for a variety of different printer types, for example, a wire matrix printer or an ink jet printer.






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