Serial printing apparatus

A serial printing apparatus including a type element formed with a plurality of characters, drive means for driving the type element relative to a sheet along a plurality of spaces and selector means for moving the type element so that a character corresponding to an input signal assumes a printing position, characterized by comprising:

• selection time computer means for computing a selection time required for the selector means to move the type element from a first position corresponding to a first input signal to a second position corresponding to a second input signal;
• sensor means for sensing a present velocity of the type element relative to the sheet;
• velocity computer means for computing, as a predetermined function of the selection time and present velocity, a new velocity such that the type element will move from a first space corresponding to the first input signal to a second space corresponding to the second input signal in a length of time substantially equal to the selection time;
• and
• control means for commanding the drive means to drive the type element at the new velocity when the type element reaches the first space.