CSI means “Control Sequence Introducer” and is described by the code 9B (hex.) or ESC [ :
7-Bit-environment ➛ hex. 1B, hex. 5B (= ESC [ )
8-Bit-environment ➛ hex. 9B
It is sensible to use only ESC [ as “Control Sequence Introducer” if MTPL is used
associated with any other printer emulation.
The last character (in the following example t) specifies the function of the sequence.
The header is followed by the Data Structure in ASCII, hexadecimal und decimal syntax
with the necessary parameters, e.g.:
ASCII CSI n "t" [A] set form lenght in lines
hex. 9B n 74
dec. 155 n 116
For the parameter (here n) it is necessary to differentiate between two types of syntax:
if the parameter is in pointed parentheses, the decimal value is transferred
if the parameter is not in pointed parentheses, the ASCII value is transferred
Example:
Parameter syntax: <n>, with n=0
to be transmitted: dec.0 (hex.00)
Parameter syntax: n, with n=0
to be transmitted: ASCII "0" (hex.30, dec.48)
Each sequence description or a number of the available parameters is additionally speci-
fied with a code level from A to C in square brackets (e.g. “[A]”).
This three code levels are defined as follows:
[A] This code level is to be used for creating new printer driver versions.
[B] This is an optional extension of the MTPL standard.
[C] This function is to be used to ensure compatibility tp previous products. When
creating new printer driver versions this code level should not be used anymore.
STOP
Introduction 3