Abstract:
A deflected beam optical scanning system is disclosed including means for generating a composite beam (24) having at least one scanning beam (14) which impinges at spot (42) on scanned surface (38) and a position sensing beam (18) which impinges at spot (58) on encoding surface (56) of encoding and collecting rod (52). A rotating mirror (28) causes spots (42 and 58) to move synchronously respectively across scanned surface (38) and encoding surface (56). As spot (58) moves along encoding surface (56), a patterned structure (64) on its surface imposes modulation on position sensing beam (18). Modulation of position sensing beam (18) indicates movement of scanning beam (14) across scanned surface (38). Encoding and collecting rod (52) gathers the modulated light and supplies it to encoder light-detection diode (72). An electronic circuit uses the modulation of beam (18), sensed by the encoder light-detection diode (72), to continuously measure the location of scanning beam (14) on scanned surface (38).
Abstract:
An apparatus for preparing a medium for use in a printing process supports the medium (2) for rotation about an axis. A head (6) is mounted for movement parallel to the axis and includes means to direct a laser beam onto the surface of the medium (2). The laser beam engraves or exposes a series of cell sites (C) around the medium. an acousto-optic modulator (12) positioned in the path of the laser beam deflects the beam substantially in the direction of rotation of the medium (2). In a preferred example, the beam tracks the surface of the medium (2) at a speed matched to that of the medium so as to keep the beam stationary on a cell site while that site is being engraved or exposed. The beam may also be deflected to skip backwards or forwards over immediately adjacent cell sites.
Abstract:
A scanner module for use in an imaging system includes a laser scanner operable under control of the imaging system for scanning a laser spot along a scan line to write a plurality of pixels along the scan line. The scanner further includes a scanner module memory including pixel placement correction data downloadable to the imaging system for use in controlling the placement of pixels along the scan line. The scanner module memory may further include output power correction data downloadable to the imaging system for use in controlling the output power of the laser scanner in the generation of the plurality of pixels along the scan line. Imaging systems use the correction data stored in the one or more replaceable scanner modules for use in controlling the placement of pixels along the scan line and/or for use in controlling output pwer of the laser scanner. Systems and methods for generating the correction data for the laser scanner modules are also described. Scan correction data can be used to reduce differences in the scan profiles of multiple scanners, such that the multiple scanners produce substantially the same scan profile. In this manner, color planes formed using multiple scanners can be placed in substantial registration with one another, thereby alleviating the visual effects of scan profile differences from scanner-to-scanner.
Abstract:
PURPOSE: A photo scan system is provided to control an exposure time with respect to a light beam spot between each pixel locations within a predetermined wide range corresponding to a set gray scale. CONSTITUTION: A light source(11) provides a light beam. A scanning means(13,14) scans a spot of the light beam along a scan line on a scan target surface in a set location. An electronic control unit(20) controls locations of pixels formed by the spot of a light beam and an exposure time of each pixel. The electronic control unit(20) compensates for a speed of a light beam spot which changes according to the scan line to locate the pixels at equal interval. The electronic control unit(20) changes an emitting interval of the light beam spot. The electronic control unit(20) changes an exposure time of each pixel suitable to a gray scale of image data.
Abstract:
An image sensor unit includes a frame storing a linear illuminator that linearly illuminates a document, a rod lens array is used to form an image of light reflected from the document irradiated by the linear illuminator, and a printed circuit board on which a light-receiving sensor that converts light whose image has been formed by the rod lens array into an electrical signal is mounted. In the frame, a lens storage compartment, a linear illuminator storage compartment, and the linear illuminator are adjacently arranged substantially in parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction, with an inter-compartment portion formed in the frame interposed therebetween. At least one pin insertion opening is formed that extends from an inner wall of the lens storage compartment opposing the inter-compartment portion into an outside of the frame and through which a pressing pin is inserted, and in the inter-compartment portion, a face defining the lens storage compartment is formed as a vertical reference face with which a side plate of the rod lens array is brought into close contact for fixing. A notch used for applying an adhesive to the side plate of the rod lens array is disposed corresponding to the pin insertion opening and is formed to be open from the lens storage compartment to the linear illuminator storage compartment.
Abstract:
This invention is directed to an image printing apparatus which can print images without any halfway offset or obverse/reverse pixel offset at a low cost. An image printing apparatus includes a clock generating section which generates a dot clock as the basis of each pixel forming an image, an image printing section which prints a one-line image in a main scanning direction in accordance with image data with reference to the dot clock output from the clock generating section, and prints a one-page image by repeating in the sub-scanning direction one-line image printing performed in the main scanning direction, and a clock control section which changeably controls the frequency of the dot clock during scanning of one line in the main scanning direction.
Abstract:
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image forming unit in which a light beam scans in a second scan region wider than a first scan region. The light beam is modulated in accordance with an image signal within the range of the first scan region for every scanning cycle and guided onto the effective image region to form a line latent image. A write timing adjuster adjusts a write start position for writing a latent image along the main scanning direction, based on a time difference between a first detection signal output when a first light beam scanning away from the effective image region moves passed an optical sensor, and a second detection signal output when a second light beam scanning toward the effective image region moves passed the optical sensor.
Abstract:
An optical scanning apparatus provides improved image quality by changing the amount of writing scale compensation for a pixel clock during a scanning cycle. A pixel clock generation unit of the optical scanning apparatus divides the scanning cycle into multiple division periods. A phase change of the pixel clock is carried out for each of the division periods. The phase change can also be different from scanning cycle to scanning cycle.
Abstract:
Apparatus for fixing the position of an optical sensor within a range of motion in relation to an optical apparatus. The fixing apparatus provides permits a range of motion through five degrees of freedom (DOF) during the securing process. The apparatus includes a housing for the optical assembly, a middle bracket, with the middle bracket secured to the optical apparatus. The range of motion is provided by a gimbal design in the housing and middle bracket which creates the five DOF. There are no screws involved in the fixing process to impart torques or forces to the parts being aligned and secured in position. An ultraviolet (UV) activated adhesive is used to secure the sensor housing to the middle bracket and the middle bracket to the optical scanner housing. The middle bracket is formed of a material transparent to UV light, and a high percentage of the UV light can pass through it to cure the adhesive applied between the parts. A vertical hole runs through tabs of both the housing and the middle bracket. The adhesive is applied into this region where it is constrained by the parts. The adhesive is a liquid during the alignment process which allows relative motion between the parts. When alignment is complete, the adhesive region is exposed to UV light which cures the adhesive into a solid vertical column, creating a form of chemical rivet. This chemical rivet provides a very strong mechanical interlock of the components in addition to the adhesive bonding of the components.