Abstract:
An image forming apparatus which forms toner images of different colors by at least one image forming means with a rotatably driven image bearing means, and forms a picture by transferring the different colored toner images formed by the image forming means onto an image transfer medium supported on a rotatably driven endless bearing means, or directly onto the endless bearing means, the image forming apparatus wherein a latent image writing position on the image bearing means being angularly spaced by approximately 180° from an image transfer position comprising:
pattern detecting means for detecting a color misregistration detecting pattern formed on the endless bearing means; and drive control means for individually controlling rotation speeds of rotary means, such as the image bearing means and the endless bearing means, so as to suppress a periodical rotation variation by using detecting information of a vibration component on the periodical rotation variation, which is obtained from detecting signals derived from the pattern detecting means.
Abstract:
In an image forming apparatus for simultaneously recording plural image lines (L1;L2) on a recording medium (5) by scanning simultaneously with plural light beams along parallel scanning lines in a primary scanning direction, two light beam detectors (B;C) each having a starting-side are arranged in such a way that the starting-sides are not in parallel to each other so that the distance between the starting-sides differs depending on the scanning line. The difference (T3) in the distances (T1;T2) of two light beams is measured, and the deviation between the two light beams is determined on the basis of the difference in the distances.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a method for providing precise color-to-color registration of color dots in a multicolor proof with a thermal printer comprising a CPU and Printer Controller, a Motion Controller, a writing drum, and a writing head coupled to a translation means. Using the disclosed method, a proof and a dye donor member with a predetermined dye color thereon are mounted on the writing drum. The writing head is then moved to a predetermined start position defined by a sensor at a predetermined position along the translation means which has its optical path blocked by the writing head. The writing head is then moved forward to a predetermined home position which is defined by a next subsequent pulse from a multi-pulse radial position-indicating encoder coupled to the translation means occurring after the writing head leaves the start position. In sequence, the writing drum and then the translation means are accelerated with a separate predetermined substantially constant acceleration until a separate predetermined velocity is obtained. After the predetermined velocity of the translation means is obtained, the printing of color dots on the proof is started upon the receipt of a next subsequent pulse from a multi-pulse radial position-indicating encoder coupled to the writing drum. 1. A method of printing color dots on a multicolor proof with a thermal printer comprising a rotatable writing drum and a writing head which is coupled to a translation means comprising the steps of: (a) activating the translation means for moving the writing head to a predetermined fixed start position; (b) moving the writing head in a forward direction to a home position defined by the detection of a next subsequent pulse from a first radial position encoder coupled to the translation means after the writing head has reached the predetermined fixed start position in step (a), and simultaneously therewith stopping the movement of the translation means and the writing head, where the first radial positional encoder produces a predetermined plurality of pulses per revolution of the translation means; (c) accelerating the writing drum with a substantially constant acceleration to a predetermined velocity in response to the receipt of the next subsequent pulse from the first radial position encoder in step (b); (d) accelerating the translation means with a predetermined substantially constant acceleration to a predetermined velocity in response to the writing drum reaching the predetermined velocity in step (c); (e) selectively energizing a predetermined number of thermal elements in the writing head for starting the printing of color dots of a dye color onto a receiver member mounted on the writing drum in response to the writing drum reaching a predetermined radial position after the translation means has reached the predetermined velocity; and (f) repeating steps (a) through (e) for each other dye color needed to print the multicolor proof.
Abstract:
A beam steering apparatus (502) for use in a laser pattern generation apparatus, having a steering mirror (602) for deflecting the radiant energy beam to a first point in space, a second steering mirror (604) for deflecting the radiant energy beam to a second point in space, and a position detection means (605-608) comprising a first beam splitting means (605) for creating an alignment beam from said radiant energy beam, a second beam splitting means (606) for creating a first positional beam and a second positional beam from said alignment beam, a first sensor (608) to detect the position of said radiant energy beam at said first point in space from said first positional beam, and a second sensor (607) to detect the position of said radiant energy beam at a second point in space from said second positional beam.
Abstract:
A novel closed loop direct position feedback control method and recording apparatus for producing on a recording medium a plurality of successive print lines or otherwise component images. An appendant demarcation device provide for the proper abutting and spacing of each independent print character to prevent or minimize any perceived "banding" in the printed image. The apparatus includes a device for transporting the medium along a path orthogonal to the print head, a recording station in the path and having a translating head for inking, pring, or otherwise suitable device, for producing single lines or swaths of print in conjunction with the indexed advance of the medium relative to the print head. The transport device is operative to advance a first print line or swath through the recording station to form a first print line, to identify and store the position coordinates of each print line or swath, and to advance the recording medium for successive line or swath printing. The direct position feedback control apparatus also includes demarcation sensing and printing device for relative positioning, whereby the distance between the location of any sensed or printed demarcation reference and the next successive print line is controlled such that each print line will neglect the positioning error in any previous print line or swath.
Abstract:
In an image forming apparatus for simultaneously recording plural image lines (L1;L2) on a recording medium (5) by scanning simultaneously with plural light beams along parallel scanning lines in a primary scanning direction, two light beam detectors (B;C) each having a starting-side are arranged in such a way that the starting-sides are not in parallel to each other so that the distance between the starting-sides differs depending on the scanning line. The difference (T3) in the distances (T1;T2) of two light beams is measured, and the deviation between the two light beams is determined on the basis of the difference in the distances.
Abstract:
A system for precisely positioning a printing element relative to a rotating drum, as in a drum printer, employs two position signals for alignment purposes. A pair of linear grids is disposed along a path of travel of the printing element for generating, with the aid of optical beam and sensor devices, a periodic electric signal which varies in accordance with printing element position. One of the grids is stationary and the second of the grids moves with a carriage supporting the printing element. An encoder positioned alongside the drum is operative with a set of markings having a variation in spatial frequency, or a grid overlay, to produce an alternating electric signal which varies in accordance with rotational position of the drum. Motors which rotate the drum as well as a lead screw which translates the printing element may be constructed as synchronous motors to permit phase locking to each other. Circuitry responsive to periodic signals outputted by the linear grids and the encoder introduce phase shift between motor drive signals to align position of the printing element with position of the drum independently of any backlash which may be present between the lead screw and the carriage driven by the lead screw.
Abstract:
An image forming device, such as an LED printer, liquid crystal printer, laser printer or the like, comprises a sheet feeding unit (2), a sheet carrier (22), a pulse motor (12) provided for the sheet carrier (22) and driven to carry a sheet (10) fed from the sheet feeding unit (20) to a printer (16) for printing an image over at least one entire line of a sheet (10), and which is perpendicular to the direction in which the sheet is carried, by one printing operation thereof, a motor controller (14) for controlling the stepping motion of the pulse motor (12) for moving the sheet (10), a printing controller (18) for controlling the printing operation of the printer (16) in such a way that each printing operation thereof is synchronized with the stepping motion of the pulse motor (12), and an outlet tray (24) for receiving the printed sheet (10). Such a device can be of smaller size, and can be cheaper to produce, than previously-proposed devices.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a method for providing precise color-to-color registration of color dots in a multicolor proof with a thermal printer comprising a CPU and Printer Controller, a Motion Controller, a writing drum, and a writing head coupled to a translation means. Using the disclosed method, a proof and a dye donor member with a predetermined dye color thereon are mounted on the writing drum. The writing head is then moved to a predetermined start position defined by a sensor at a predetermined position along the translation means which has its optical path blocked by the writing head. The writing head is then moved forward to a predetermined home position which is defined by a next subsequent pulse from a multi-pulse radial position-indicating encoder coupled to the translation means occurring after the writing head leaves the start position. In sequence, the writing drum and then the translation means are accelerated with a separate predetermined substantially constant acceleration until a separate predetermined velocity is obtained. After the predetermined velocity of the translation means is obtained, the printing of color dots on the proof is started upon the receipt of a next subsequent pulse from a multi-pulse radial position-indicating encoder coupled to the writing drum.
1. A method of printing color dots on a multicolor proof with a thermal printer comprising a rotatable writing drum and a writing head which is coupled to a translation means comprising the steps of:
(a) activating the translation means for moving the writing head to a predetermined fixed start position; (b) moving the writing head in a forward direction to a home position defined by the detection of a next subsequent pulse from a first radial position encoder coupled to the translation means after the writing head has reached the predetermined fixed start position in step (a), and simultaneously therewith stopping the movement of the translation means and the writing head, where the first radial positional encoder produces a predetermined plurality of pulses per revolution of the translation means; (c) accelerating the writing drum with a substantially constant acceleration to a predetermined velocity in response to the receipt of the next subsequent pulse from the first radial position encoder in step (b); (d) accelerating the translation means with a predetermined substantially constant acceleration to a predetermined velocity in response to the writing drum reaching the predetermined velocity in step (c); (e) selectively energizing a predetermined number of thermal elements in the writing head for starting the printing of color dots of a dye color onto a receiver member mounted on the writing drum in response to the writing drum reaching a predetermined radial position after the translation means has reached the predetermined velocity; and (f) repeating steps (a) through (e) for each other dye color needed to print the multicolor proof.
Abstract:
A novel closed loop direct position feedback control method and recording apparatus for producing on a recording medium a plurality of successive print lines or otherwise component images. An appendant demarcation device provide for the proper abutting and spacing of each independent print character to prevent or minimize any perceived "banding" in the printed image. The apparatus includes a device for transporting the medium along a path orthogonal to the print head, a recording station in the path and having a translating head for inking, pring, or otherwise suitable device, for producing single lines or swaths of print in conjunction with the indexed advance of the medium relative to the print head. The transport device is operative to advance a first print line or swath through the recording station to form a first print line, to identify and store the position coordinates of each print line or swath, and to advance the recording medium for successive line or swath printing. The direct position feedback control apparatus also includes demarcation sensing and printing device for relative positioning, whereby the distance between the location of any sensed or printed demarcation reference and the next successive print line is controlled such that each print line will neglect the positioning error in any previous print line or swath.