Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for digital image compensation wherein the image is divided into tiles, at least one of the tiles employing a rectfill. Compensation is provided by reducing the size of the rectfill at the edges by half a pixel all around. As a result, any minor overlaps of adjacent pixels are eliminated, resulting in only the correct pixels being filled.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the volume of data necessary to represent an image by utilizing tiling and imagemasking techniques is disclosed. Initially, an image described by raster content having an original number of bits per pixel is provided. The image is divided into tiles such that each of the tiles represents a portion of the image. Then, for each of the tiles, a determination is made on how best to represent the tile, as a collection of rectfills, imagemasks, raster data or a combination thereof. Once each tile has been converted, the new image is then saved.

Abstract: A magnetic clamp for firmly clamping the edge of an imaging media on an imaging bed has one or more magnetic assemblies located in a clamp frame. The magnetic assemblies include magnets which may be permanent magnets. the magnets are prevented from contacting the imaging bed surface by pole pieces. The pole pieces contact the surface of an imaging bed thus channelling the magnetic flux generated by the magnets through the surface to provide a clamping force. In one embodiment, the magnetic assemblies are slidable in a frame to allow clamping of different thickness media.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for applying tonal correction to a binary halftone image formatted in a bit-mapped manner. The binary halftone image is descreened to obtain an individual tonal value for a plurality of pixels representing the binary halftone image. The individual tonal value is compared to a calibrated tonal value to determine a tonal change for each pixel. Based on the tonal change for each pixel, a probability of change is determined for each pixel in a set of pixels out of the plurality of pixels. The probability of change is used to determine which edge pixels undergo a state change (i.e., on to off) to effectuate a desired tonal adjustment of the binary halftone image. Error diffusion may be applied to further distribute the state changes of the edge.

Abstract: A computer-to-plate method and apparatus is described for imaging media sleeves by employing a laser-based imaging head in conjunction with a two stage mandrel comprising an expandable arbor and an intermediate sleeve. Most of the bulk of the mandrel is contained in the expandable arbor, which may be expanded hydraulically to mechanically engage the intermediate sleeve. The media sleeve to be imaged is mounted on the intermediate sleeve by conventional means. The method and apparatus of the invention makes possible the rapid changing between different sizes of media sleeves without requiring the handling of bulky mandrels and without endangering the precision optics imaging head of the apparatus, while maintaining the mounting precision.

Abstract: A continuously moving object is imaged by a video projector producing a rapid sequence of stationary images. A galvanometer actuated mirror tracks the motion of the moving object and synchronizes it to the sequence of stationary images in order to avoid motion caused blurring of the images. The moving object is flat or is wrapped around a cylinder.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an array of individually addressable micromachined light reflecting ribbons provide a high speed light valve action by employing a method in accordance with which the ribbons flex about their longer axis under the action of an applied electrostatic field. The ribbons are mounted on pedestals such that the resulting micromechanical structures are substantially symmetrical with respect to a plane along their long axis through the centers of the pedestals and normal to the substrate. This micromechanical arrangement ensures a structure with a high natural frequency, thereby allowing high light valve switching speeds. The particular mode of deformation also ensures a robust structure. The method may be applied in either “bright field” or “dark field” (Schlieren) mode. The particular combination of materials employed allows the method to be used in higher incident power applications such as those encountered in the printing industry.

Abstract: An imaging device for preparing a printing surface for a printing operation transfers information related to how the printing precursor should be processed to a processor. The processor is automated to make local adjustments according to the information provided. The information can be transferred for each printing precursor or only when changes occur. The transfer is automated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved multimode multi-track optical recording system are disclosed. A monolithic array of individually addressable multimode laser diode stripes is imaged onto a recording media, where the individual diode stripe images form a plurality of tracks. Introduction of astigmatism between each multimode laser diode and the recording medium causes the diode stripe images to be relatively sharply focussed on their short axes, but less focussed on their elongated axes. This blurring of the diode stripe images on their elongated axes at the surface of the recording media overcomes near-field non-uniformity in the power distribution of the multimode diode, increasing the reliability and overall performance of the recording system.

Abstract: The imaging debris produced by imaging a media with a higher power laser is prevented from accumulating on an optical imaging element by establishing a substantially non-turbulent fluid flow across the optical element. The non-turbulent flow forms a barrier between the optical element and the imaging environment such that debris is not able to reach a surface of the optical element during an imaging operation.

Abstract: A thermosensitive composition consisting of a mixture of polyacrylic acid, a salt of a long chain fatty acid such as silver behenate, an infra-red absorbent and modifiers such as additional polymers and fillers. Both the water solubility and affinity to water and oil changed when composition is heated.

Abstract: A roller used in handling a media sheet or plate has a non smooth surface. In some embodiments the surface comprises a braided sheath. The sheath may comprise a material such as polyethylene.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an imaging element for lithographic offset printing. The imaging element comprises hydrophobic polymer particles in an aqueous medium, a substance for converting light into heat and an inorganic salt. The imaging element may be used for printing long run lengths on lower quality paper and in the presence of set-off powder. The imaging element may be imaged and developed on-press and may be sprayed onto a hydrophilic surface to create a printing surface that may be processed wholly on-press. The hydrophilic surface may be a printing plate substrate or the printing cylinder of a printing press or a seamless sleeve around the printing cylinder of a printing press. This cylinder may be conventional or seamless.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the quiet, contactless handling of objects using pickup devices of the Bernoulli type. The method is particularly suitable for the contactless handling of items much larger than an individual pickup, for example the handling of lithographic printing plates. According to the method of the present invention, a flow of fluid is established between the pickup face of the Bernoulli pickup and the surface of the object to be supported. The fluid is made to flow over a laminar flow surface at a velocity sufficient to produce a pressure differential between the flowing fluid and a surrounding fluid medium. Bernoulli lift is maximized by making the laminar flow surface as smooth and protrusionúfree as possible, and by ensuring that the location and extent of the laminar flow surface substantially coincides with the maximal lateral limits of the low-pressure zone between the pickup face and the opposing object surface.

Abstract: A stepper for imaging integrated circuit and flat panel displays uses a thermoresist instead of photoresist and separates the mask into multiple masks, each one containing only part of the features which need to be imaged. The fmal image is generated by combining the images from all the masks on a single die taking advantage of the fact that thermal resists do not follow the reciprocity law. For maximum resolution each one of the multiple masks contains features of only one size.

Abstract: A system and method for scaling raster image data in multiple directions. One embodiment of the present invention comprises obtaining input scan lines containing a raster image and obtaining at least one scaling value. The method involves a process for altering the length of the scan lines to produce modified scan lines. The method also involves the generation of a plurality of masks, wherein the masks comprise a number of selected bits, and wherein the number of selected bits is based on the scaling value. The method processes sequences of the modified scan lines with individual masks to produce a plurality of output scan lines. The output scan lines are configured to form a raster image having a modified scale in multiple directions.

Abstract: A stepper for imaging integrated circuit and flat panel displays uses a thermoresist instead of photoresist and separates the mask into multiple masks, each one containing only part of the features which need to be imaged. The final image is generated by combining the images from all the masks on a single die taking advantage of the fact that thermal resists do not follow the reciprocity law. For maximum resolution each one of the multiple masks contains features of only one size.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an imaging element for lithographic offset printing. The imaging element comprises hydrophobic polymer particles in an aqueous medium, a substance for converting light into heat and an inorganic salt. The imaging element may be used for printing long run lengths on lower quality paper and in the presence of set-off powder. The imaging element may be imaged and developed on-press and may be sprayed onto a hydrophilic surface to create a printing surface that may be processed wholly on-press. The hydrophilic surface may be a printing plate substrate or the printing cylinder of a printing press or a seamless sleeve around the printing cylinder of a printing press. This cylinder may be conventional or seamless.

Abstract: Several components are used in combination to effect an apparatus for a spray system, which improves the transfer characteristics and efficiency of polymer applied to the surface of a printing plate. In accordance with this invention, the apparatus comprises: a nozzle for spraying a solid stream of polymer, a circumferential conduit surrounding the polymer spray that carries heated, high-pressure air, which heats, atomizes and improves the transfer efficiency of the polymer, a mixer that allows the mixing of the polymer's constituent reagents immediately prior to the polymer entering the spray nozzle, a fast shut-off valve that allows precision control of the spray nozzle's output, a shroud equipped with vacuum to remove and recycle “overspray”, and a cleaning arm, equipped with a vacuum, that may be activated to clean unused polymer from the components of the nozzle, and to prime the spray nozzle with fresh polymer.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an elastomeric printing plate, with a printing surface finish that allows it to be used in flexographic printing, is grown by a method based on an inkjet process. By employing two different materials, one used as a removable filler, the printing plate is grown in inverted orientation with its printing surface against a modifying surface that modifies the growth of the printing plate and, in particular, ensures that the raised image on the printing plate has a smooth surface finish. The present invention allows the generation of a flexographic printing plate in a short time without the need for high power CO2 lasers and liquid processing steps.