Dot printer and method for grey level recording with different bit-depth dimensions

DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
A non-impact recording apparatus for recording grey level exposures of pixels with different bit-depth dimension, the recording apparatus comprising: a recording element; means for providing first image data signals of a first predetermined multibits per pixel bit-depth dimension and for providing second image data signals of a second predetermined multibits per pixel bit-depth dimension; means for providing a third signal representing the first bit-depth dimension and for providing a fourth signal representing the second bit-depth dimension; an exposure clock counter means for counting exposure clock pulses and outputting a count signal in response to said clock pulses, said count signal representing a count value, said counter means being an up/down counter having a down and up-counting modes; adjusting means responsive to said third signal for adjusting counting in said counter means in accordance with the multibits per pixel bit-depth dimension of said first image data signals to provide count values associated with the first bit-depth dimension and responsive to said fourth signal for adjusting counting in said counter means in accordance with the multibits per pixel bit-depth dimension of said second image data signals to provide count values associated with the second bit-depth dimension; comparator means for comparing a multibits-per-pixel image dam signal with the count signal from said counter means and generating a signal; and means responsive to said signal from said comparator means for controlling the recording element to control a recording duration.
2.
The apparatus of claim 1 and wherein the counter means includes an n-stage count register and an m-stage count register wherein m and n are each whole numbers greater than one and said adjusting means generates a signal for switching between the down and up counting modes in accordance with the signal representing a current bit-depth dimension of operation.
3.
The apparatus of claim 2 and including multiplexer means connected to the outputs of the n-stage and m-stage registers for outputting a combined count value