Abstract:
A multibeam scanning apparatus includes a polygon mirror (5) provided between laser beam generation sources (1a, 1b) and a photosensitive drum (10) of a target, for deflecting laser beams (La, Lb) emitted from the laser beam generation sources to scan the photosensitive drum (10), galvanomirrors (3a, 3b) provided between the polygon mirror (5) and each of the laser beam generation sources (1a, 1b), for allowing a radiating position of each of the laser beams (La, Lb) to move on the photosensitive drum (10), a sensor (13) located in a downstream position of the polygon mirror (5) and optically in conjugation with the photosensitive drum (10), for sensing the radiating positions of the laser beams (La, Lb) on the photosensitive drum (10), and controller (14, 15, 16) for controlling the galvanomirrors (3a, 3b) in order to set the radiating positions of the laser beams (La, Lb) on the photosensitive drum (10) in response to a signal output from the sensor (13).
Abstract:
A method and means for compensating for lateral registration errors in printing machines of the type having a plurality of image processing stations (A,B,C) for forming a composite image on an imageable surface (13) which moves relative to the stations. Monitoring means (146,156) are provided for determining the angular displacement DIAMETER of the surface from a reference (302) in the process direction to thereby determine the lateral registration error at each of the image processing stations. Actuating means (138) are provided to move the image processing stations laterally relative to the surface to provide lateral registration of the images formed on the surface. Means may also be provided for compensating for process direction registration errors including means (139) to rotate the image processing stations relative to the surface to provide process direction registration of the images formed on the surface.
Abstract:
The image forming apparatus can retain a stable and high image quality for many hours without use of any high precise mechanical parts and without causing any non-uniformity and mal-registration in color image. In the image forming apparatus, an image recording medium (photosensitive drum) (6a) is driven by a rotative driving mechanism (pulleys and belts); and an image recording section (print bar) (6c) records an image repeatedly on the rotating image recording medium (6a) in a direction perpendicular to a rotational direction of the image recording medium. The image recorded on the image recording medium (6a) is transcribed onto an image transcribing medium (paper) (22) being fed in the rotational direction of the image recording medium (6a) to form an image. In particular, the apparatus comprises a rotation detecting section (rotary encoder) (6r) for detecting angular travel rates of the image recording medium (6a); and a recording timing control section (5) for controlling recording timing (HSYNC) at which the image is started to be recorded in the direction perpendicular to the rotational direction of the image recording medium (6a), on the basis of the angular travel rates detected by the rotation detecting section (6r).
Abstract:
A system for locating a plurality of engraving heads on an engraver wherein a plurality of engraving heads are automatically positioned into a predetermined configuration. A mechanism for positioning the engraving heads preferably includes a leadscrew and a drive nut which is rotatable relative to the leadscrew. In addition, each of the engraving heads preferably includes a rotatable drive nut with a respective motor for rotating the nut whereby the heads may be selectively positioned into a predetermined configuration. In a further aspect of the invention, the engraving heads are mounted on a carriage which is movable in an axial direction relative to a cylinder to be engraved. The heads are selectively positionable on the carriage and the carriage includes a nut threadably engaged with a leadscrew whereby the carriage may be driven in an axial direction relative to the cylinder to be engraved. In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for engraving a cylinder including mounting a cylinder in the engraver, automatically adjusting a plurality of engraving heads into a predetermined configuration, and engraving a plurality of images onto the cylinder.
Abstract:
In an electronic image printing apparatus of the type in which a light sensitive image recording layer (53) is exposed by a light beam (60,60',60''), an apparatus (57,92,154) is provided for determining and controlling the position of the light beam (60,60',60'') which comprises one or two alternating pluralities of diffraction grating patterns (4,6,8;18,20,22) disposed in a corresponding relationship with at least a portion of the light sensitive image recording layer (53) to produce a diffraction grid (52) which when irradiated by the light beam (60,60',60'') provides a diffracted beam which is representative of the position of the light beam on the diffraction grid (52). The position of the diffracted beam is detected to provide the requisite signal for controlling the position of the light beam (60,60',60'').
Abstract:
A document (11) to be scanned is corner referenced on a transparent platen (12), with the document's image facing down. The platen defines an X-Y coordinate system matrix. A moving line of light (24) extends in the X direction and illuminates the document's image, line by line, as the line of light moves in the Y direction. The line of light that is thus reflected from the document is sensed by a linear CCD sensor array (27) having a large number of individual sensor cells (28) arranged in a line that effectively extends in the X direction. Each cell of the CCD array defines an individual pixel (PEL) within the line of light that is reflected from the document. A reflection target (54) is located at a known position relative to the platen's referencing corner, to be scanned prior to scanning the document. Sensing of the target enables (1) the X direction physical position of the CCD sensor array relative to the referencing corner to be accurately determined (86), and (2) the Y direction physical position of the line of light relative to the the referencing corner to be accurately determined (87), both parameters being determined prior to scanning of the document.
Abstract:
Precise positioning of image data on an imaging belt (30) in the electrostatographic printing process is accomplished using a positioning means. Lateral position of the imaging belt (30) is detected using a light source (40) and photodetector (44,72,130,208,226) determine an imaging belt edge position and tying the transfer of image data to that position. Circumferential position of the imaging belt is detected using one or more transparent windows which pass over the photodetector (44,72,130,208,226) which, in turn, is illuminated by the light source (40) when a window passes it. The signal from the detector is used to calculate a circumferential adjustment and either the light source or imaging belt motion is adjusted accordingly. Nonoptical embodiments using magnetic or capacitive detectors also can be used to detect the imaging belt circumferential position. A method for positioning image data on an imaging belt is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method and means for compensating for lateral registration errors in printing machines of the type having a plurality of image processing stations (A,B,C) for forming a composite image on an imageable surface (13) which moves relative to the stations. Monitoring means (146,156) are provided for determining the angular displacement ⌀ of the surface from a reference (302) in the process direction to thereby determine the lateral registration error at each of the image processing stations. Actuating means (138) are provided to move the image processing stations laterally relative to the surface to provide lateral registration of the images formed on the surface. Means may also be provided for compensating for process direction registration errors including means (139) to rotate the image processing stations relative to the surface to provide process direction registration of the images formed on the surface.
Abstract:
An apparatus (100) for assembling components of a color optical scanner subassembly which includes a first filter member (80), a second filter member (70) and a photosensor unit (52). The apparatus includes an imaging means (50, etc.) for impinging an imaging light beam from a line object onto the first and second filter assemblies (80, 70) for producing spatially separated color component images (53, 55, 57) of the line object on the photosensor unit (52). The apparatus (100) also includes a physical adjustment assembly (114, 116, 120, 122, 126, 128, 132, 134, 150, 156, etc.) for holding and selectively adjusting the relative position of the first filter member (80), the second filter member (70) and the photosensor unit (52) in response to data signals generated by the photosensor unit. This positioning accurately locates the filter members relative to the photosensor unit for optimizing performance of the color optical scanner.
Abstract:
A scanning polygon in a ROS system is driven by a motor (20) whose speed is varied in response to desired changes in the resolution of the scan line being formed at a photosensitive surface. The motor of choice is a 2-phase AC hysteresis synchronous motor which is run by square wave input signals (48, 50) to the two motor windings which are 90° out of phase. The motor input signals are at a power level which is variable (36) in response to changes (33) in the frequency of the square wave inputs. The power level variations are applied at the wave front transition so as to prevent the motor from jumping out of synchronism at these points, thus enabling smooth motor operation.