Dot matrix 60107 223227260 2008-07-03T03:52:53Z XLinkBot 6163802 BOT--Reverting edits by [[:en:Special:Contributions/59.95.209.59|59.95.209.59]] to revision 217199448 (googlepages\.com) {{Merge|Dot matrix display|date=April 2008}} {{for|the character of the [[animated television series]] ReBoot|ReBoot}} {{for|the character of the movie Spaceballs|Spaceballs}} [[Image:Wikidotmatrix.PNG|right|300px]] A '''dot matrix''' is a 2-dimensional [[array]] of dots used to generate characters, symbols and images. Typically the dot matrix is used in older [[computer printer]]s and many digital [[display device]]s. In printers, the dots are usually the darkened areas of the paper. In displays, the dots may light up, as in an [[light-emitting diode|LED]] or [[cathode ray tube|CRT]] display, or darken, as in an [[liquid crystal display|LCD]], however multicolour LCDs are sometimes initially dark and light up. In the context of printers, the term mainly refers to [[computer printer#Obsolete and special-purpose printing technologies|impact printer]]s, with a column of 8, 9 or 24 "pins" hitting an ink-impregnated fabric ribbon, like a [[typewriter]] ribbon, onto the paper. It was originally contrasted with [[daisy wheel]] printers and [[line printer]]s. Almost all modern computer printers also create their output as matrices of dots, but use a different technology like [[laser printer|laser printing]] or [[inkjet printer|inkjet printing]], and are not called Dot Matrix printers. Dot Matrix printers survive where multi-part forms are needed, as the impact can make a [[carbonless copy]], for security purposes. A dot matrix is useful for marking materials other than paper. In manufacturing industry, many marking applications use dot matrix inkjet or impact methods. This can also be used to print 2D matrix codes, e.g. [[Datamatrix]]. [[Image:Bling-Bling Skywriting David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|"Bling Bling": Dot matrix-style [[skywriting]].]] ==See also== *[[Dot matrix display]] *[[Dot matrix printer]] ==External links== * [http://www.oki.co.uk/fcgi-bin/public.fcgi?pid=37&cid=125&chid=10&pncid=5&nid=236 Flatbed Dot Matrix Printer Technology] [[Category:Display technology]] {{compu-hardware-stub}} [[it:Dot matrix]]