Abstract: The present invention is for an image processing apparatus (10) for writing images to a thermal print media (32). The image processing apparatus (10) comprises a vacuum imaging drum (300). A lead screw (252) moves printhead (500) relative to the vacuum imaging drum (300). A motor (258) rotates the vacuum imaging drum (300). A variable vacuum blower (224) supplies vacuum to an interior portion (304) of said vacuum imaging drum (300) which holds the thermal print media (32) on a surface of the drum. A controller (186) changes a speed of the vacuum blower (224) to vary the vacuum in the vacuum imaging drum (300) when the thermal media (32) is loaded or unloaded.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) comprises an imaging drum (300) for holding print media (32) and donor material (36) in registration on the imaging drum (300). A print head (500), driven by a lead screw (250) and stepper motor, moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the imaging drum (300) as the imaging drum (300) rotates. The print head (500) is brought repeatably to a mechanical registration position using sensors. For coarse positioning, the print head (500) is moved to a first linear sensor position, with the drive motor operated in full-step mode. For fine positioning, the drive motor is then operated in microstepping mode, during which a second sensor detects rotational orientation by detecting a rotational indicator mounted on the lead screw (250). The rotational indicator permits straightforward adjustment for fine-tuning, being adjustable to any one of a number of fixed positions relative to lead screw rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method for adjusting a focus of a multichannel printhead (500) for an imaging processing apparatus (10) performing the steps of establishing a home focus position and moving the printhead (500) in a first direction a predetermined number of coarse density. The printhead (500) is moved to the coarse focus position and then moved in a second direction a predetermined number of fine steps. A series of second test patches is printed on the media (32) at each of the fine steps. A fine focus position is determined by checking a fine density of each of the second test patches and selecting the fine focus position corresponding to the second test patch having a highest fine density.

Abstract: An imaging system having a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing device is provided for focusing a light source which generates a beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus includes an imaging drum for holding donor sheets and receiver sheets in registration on the drum. A registration device including a non-reflective indicia on the surface of the drum facilitates the proper registration of the donor and receiver sheets.