Dot matrix converter

Claim 1

In a dot matrix display system including character printers having means for displaying characters represented as an array of bits, using a source of bit signals in a matrix array whose elements correspond to the dots of the intended character, a dot matrix size converter for enlarging an original m × n matrix where each row of said matrix comprises n signal bits and each column comprises m signal bits and where at least one of the two dimensions of said matrix is to be enlarged, said converter comprising: signal selecting means for selecting from the m rows of signal bits of said matrix a plurality of row groups where each row group includes at least a first row which is adjacent to a second row in a row group adjacent to the aforementioned row group, the number of row groups of signal bits being k - m + 1 where k equals the number of rows in the enlarged matrix signal to be produced by said converter; logic means responsive to said signal selecting means for comparing each pair of opposed signal bits in said first and second rows and determining the logical sums of said pairs of opposed signal bits; and means responsive to said logic means for inserting a "1" output signal bit between said first and second rows whenever said logical sum of said pair of opposed signal bits is "1", the inserted signal being inserted between the said opposed bits from which it was determined and a "0" output bit being inserted whenever said logical sum is "0", whereby said enlarged matrix signal is produced for displaying.