| 摘要 |
A mechanism is disclosed for converting monochrome dot matrix printers to color printers by means of a ribbon shift mechanism on ribbon cartridges, the action of which is controlled by print head motion. The mechanism comprises a ribbon guide, which redirects the ribbon vertically across the print head. This guide is attached to the ribbon cartridge via a slide, which allows the ribbon to slide horizontally, across its width, effecting a shift relative to the head. Friction pads on the guide contact the print media, holding the guide still relative to the media until head motion exceeds the slide limit. Then the pads are moved to a new position on the media. The print head can thus move across the color bands of a multicolor ribbon, providing a color selection mechanism. A printer driver can control this to effect color printing. Using this device, a monochrome dot matrix printer can be converted to color printing capability by simply replacing the ribbon cartridge and installing a supporting printer drive. The invented device can also be used to spread strike wear over the width of the print ribbon, extending, and potentially doubling, ribbon life.
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