Printer Plotters Key Terms

Learn the key terms that apply to printer plotters

A printer is a peripheral device that produces graphics and text on physical media, such as paper or transparencies. Historically, a plotter has been a separate device that uses vector graphics to make a graphical plot. Today, large-format printers perform plotting functions with raster graphics, although these devices still use vector graphic printing languages. These languages are an efficient way of providing drawing instructions, producing files that are considerably smaller than files that use raster graphics.

 

Vector graphics

Vector graphics are a method of describing any object by using geometrical primitives like curves, lines, points and polygons. Pure vector graphics plotting devices, such as pen plotters, have all but disappeared except for specialized applications, such as engineering drawings.
Try: TechTarget describes vector graphics in greater detail.

Raster graphics

Modern large-format printer plotters use raster graphics to perform plotting functions. This technique uses a grid of pixels to represent an object. Unlike vector graphics, images rendered by raster graphics cannot change resolution without losing quality.
Try: The Keiger Printing Company offers an extensive discussion of raster graphics and their effect on image quality.

Computer-aided design (CAD)

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer technology to create virtual designs of objects. This technology makes frequent use of plotters to create hard copies of these designs.
Try: John Wiley & Sons provides definitions for a range of computer related terms, including a more detailed definition of CAD.

Inkjet printer plotter

Inkjet printer plotters create an image by using heat or electricity to propel droplets of ink onto the medium. They combine black, cyan, magenta and yellow inks to create a variety of colors. Injket printer plotters are inexpensive and have largely replaced the pen plotters that were previously used to render engineering drawings.
Try: FreshPatents.com provides a definition of inkjet printer plotters.

Bezier curve

A Bezier curve is a type of parametric curve that can be used to model smooth curves. Printer plotters that use vector graphics commonly employ Bezier curves because they can be scaled indefinitely. These types of printer plotters may also use image manipulation programs that refer to Bezier curves as "paths."
Try: MoshPlant.com provides a complete discussion of a Bezier curve.

Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language (HPGL)

Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language (HPGL) is a printer control language originally used by Hewlett-Packard printers and plotters that is now used by virtually all plotters. HPGL commands have two letters with optional parameters. An HPGL file typically consists of setup commands followed by commands that actually print the image.
Try: VeryDOC.com provides an overview of HPGL, including a sample HPGL program.

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