Printing method for use with dot printer

Abstract

A printing method to increase the printing speed of a dot printer. Before printing on the basis of the dot data representative of an original dot pattern showing fonts, graphics and the like, the original dot pattern is converted by converting M (M .gtoreq.3) dots successive in the line direction into N (M >N .gtoreq.2, M.noteq.2N) dots. Then, printing is performed on the basis of the thus converted dot data. In a modification, conversion is performed by converting each dot into n (n.gtoreq.2) successive intermediate dots in the line direction and when 2n or more intermediate dots are successive, selecting every m {(2n -1).gtoreq..sub.m .gtoreq.(n+1)}-th intermediate dot. In another modification, pattern conversion is effected by converting each dot into n (n.gtoreq.2) successive intermediate dots, in a zone where printing is possible at the same dot interval as that of the original dot pattern, selecting only dots out of the intermediate dots that are arranged at the same dot interval as that of the original dot pattern, and in the other zone, selecting every m {(2n -1).gtoreq..sub.m .gtoreq.(n+1)}-th intermediate dot.