Abstract: A method of determining the location of an optical feature in an image projection system, the method comprising: 1) projecting a first image of the feature onto a detector with a lens in a first position; 2) sensing, with the detector, the position of the first image of the feature; 3) projecting a second image of the feature onto a detector with a lens in a second position laterally spaced from the first position; 4) sensing, with the detector, the position of the second image of the feature; and 5) deducing the location of the defect from the difference between the positions sensed in steps 2) and 4).

Abstract: A method is provided of determining an image recording device characterisation for a target image. A number of component spectra are determined from a set of target spectra obtained from the target image such that the spectra can be represented by combinations of one or more of the component spectra. A perceptual color space data set is defined and combinations of the component spectra which correspond to the perceptual color space data set are determined. A device data set is generated in accordance with the determined combinations and a device spectra response, the device data set representing a set of colors which can be generated by an image recording device having the device spectral response. A characterisation is then determined by reference to the relationship between the device and perceptual color space data sets.

Abstract: A method of providing a surface layer or structure on a substrate. The method comprises: a) ink jet printing spaced first segments of the surface layer or structure material on the substrate and drying or curing the first segments; and b) ink jet printing further material segments in the gaps between the first segments and drying or curing the further segments, the material and/or curing and drying conditions being different to those in step (a), all the segments, after drying or curing, forming a surface layer or structure, wherein the segment material and/or curing and drying conditions are chosen so as to control the mechanical properties of the surface layer.

Abstract: An edge detection apparatus for detecting an edge on a surface. The apparatus comprises a source of coherent radiation for generating a radiation beam and directing the beam onto the surface. A radiation detector is located so as to detect radiation diffusely reflected, but not specularly reflected, from the surface. A system is provided for causing relative scanning movement between the radiation beam and the surface. A monitor is coupled to the detector for monitoring the intensity of the detected radiation.

Abstract: Image processing apparatus comprises an input device; an output device; and a processor coupled to the input and output devices. The processor is adapted to compare the tone range of an image scanned by the input scanner and the tone range provided by the output scanner, and i. if the input tone range falls wholly within the output tone range, to cause the output device to render an absolute reproduction of the image, or ii. if the input tone range overlaps the output tone range, to cause the output device to render a reproduction of the image in which that part of the input tone range falling outside the output tone range has substantially been mapped into the output tone range, providing a pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A method of recording image data on a record medium, in which at least two radiation beams impinge on a rotating reflector such that the beams are reflected onto a record medium and scanned across the record medium and the reflector rotates. Relative movement is caused between the reflector and the record medium in the directional parallel with the rotational axis of the reflector. The beams are modulated with image information so that the radiation beams expose pixels on the record medium spaced apart along respective scan lines. The angle at which the beams impinge on the reflector is adjusted so that the scan lines coincide to define a common scan line and the pixels exposed by each beam are interleaved along the common scan line.

Abstract: A method is provided of determining an image recording device characterisation for a target image. A number of component spectra are determined from a set of target spectra obtained from the target image such that the spectra can be represented by combinations of one or more of the component spectra. A perceptual colour space data set is defined and combinations of the component spectra which correspond to the perceptual colour space data set are determined. A device data set is generated in accordance with the determined combinations and a device spectra response, the device data set representing a set of colours which can be generated by an image recording device having the device spectral response. A characterisation is then determined by reference to the relationship between the device and perceptual colour space data sets.

Abstract: An edge detection apparatus for detecting an edge on a surface. The apparatus comprises a source of coherent radiation for generating a radiation beam and directing the beam onto the surface. A radiation detector is located so as to detect radiation diffusely reflected, but not specularly reflected, from the surface. A system is provided for causing relative scanning movement between the radiation beam and the surface. A monitor is coupled to the detector for monitoring the intensity of the detected radiation.

Abstract: A method of recording image data on a record medium. The method comprises causing at least two radiation beams to impinge on a rotating reflector such that the beams are reflected onto a record medium and scanned across the record medium and the reflector rotates. Relative movement is caused between the reflector and the record medium in the directional parallel with the rotational axis of the reflector. The beams are modulated with image information so that the radiation beams expose pixels on the record medium spaced apart along respective scan lines. The angle at which the beams impinge on the reflector is adjusted so that the scan lines coincide to define a common scan line and the pixels exposed by each beam are interleaved along the common scan line.

Abstract: A method of scanning an original image containing image information of different types using a CCD sensor comprising three first linear arrays of photosites sensitive to respective colors. A second linear array of photosites is provided, the pitch between adjacent photosites of the second linear array being different from the pitch between adjacent photosites of the first array.

Abstract: A method is provided of modifying pulsed image data signals for controlling an acousto-optic modulator in an image setter system. The method comprises modifying the pulse widths of the image data signals in accordance with predetermined parameters so as to improve the correspondence between the data representing the image and the data recorded on the record medium. Following modification the data signals are supplied to the acousto-optic modulator.

Abstract: A method is provided of determining a device spectral response for an image recording device. The method comprises obtaining a filtered light response from a number of filters of a filter set, wherein each filter has a pass band with at least one boundary defined by a transition region. In the wavelength region of interest adjacent transition regions of the same sense are substantially non-overlapping. The obtained filtered light response for each filter is stored as response data. The device spectral response is determined using the stored response data and separately determined data describing the spectral response of the number of filters.

Abstract: A digital imaging device has a CCD array fixed to a housing. A focussing lens is mounted via a mounting assembly to the housing to focus an image onto the detector array. The mounting assembly is operable to move the lens relative to the housing and detector array whereby the image can be displaced relative to the detector array.

Abstract: A laser diode collimating system comprises a collimating lens for receiving a laser beam from a laser diode LD. First and second orthogonally arranged cylindrical lenses are provided through which the laser beam passes. The cylindrical lenses are positioned so as to have a substantially common focal plane and operate substantially independently on the divergence and/or convergence of the laser beam in its fast axis and slow axis directions respectively. A convex lens, through which the beam passes, has a focus lying in the said common focal plane.

Abstract: Image processing apparatus comprises an input device; an output device; and a processor coupled to the input and output devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for exposing an image recording medium, the apparatus comprising a radiation source; a switch comprising an input arranged Lo receive radiation from the radiation source, and a plurality of imaging outputs, wherein the switch selectively routes the radiation received at the input to a selected one of the imaging outputs; and a device for directing the radiation from each imaging output onto the image recording medium to expose the image recording medium.

Abstract: Image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording plate, the apparatus comprising

Abstract: Image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording plate, the apparatus comprising a plate store (1) for storing a stack (12) of recording plates separated by interleaved sheets; a drum image scanner (6) on which recording plates are located for recordal of an image; and a frictional feed apparatus (2) for withdrawing recording plates from the store (1) and feeding them singly to the drum image scanner (6).

Abstract: A method of generating data representing an input profile defining a relationship between input color data generated by an input device and modified in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, and corresponding device independent data. The method comprises: a) operating the input device on a range of predetermined input colors to generate said input color data; b) processing said input color data in accordance with the predetermined algorithm to generate output data suitable for operating an output device; c) converting said output data to said device independent data; and, d) generating said input profile data such that application of said input profile to said input color data substantially generates said device independent data.

Abstract: A method of generating a bitmap representative of an original image.