Abstract: A method for improving liquid crystal spatial light modulator (10) uniformity is disclosed wherein an original code value (40) is obtained for a first pixel and a conditioned code value (50) is assigned to the first pixel. The conditioned code value is determined by characterizing the luminance response of a sample pixel of the spatial light modulator and defining an interpolation zone (18) for code values bounded between a minimum luminance code value and a threshold code value (16) for the sample pixel. The threshold value corresponds to a luminance level at which there is a generally linear relationship of luminance to code values. If the original code value lies within the interpolation zone, an interpolated value is calculated as the conditioned code value. The pixel of the spatial light modulator is modulated according to the conditioned code value.

Abstract: A method for dynamically registering multiple patterned layers on a substrate (3) comprises: depositing a first layer on the substrate; printing a first pattern (20) on the first layer; depositing a second layer on the first pattern; and printing a second pattern on the second layer while dynamically detecting the first pattern to align the second pattern with the first pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for digital printing images in annular-radial coordinates onto discs having an axis of rotation, the printing to occur between an inner radius R.sub.1 of the disc and an outer radius R.sub.2 of the disk. The Apparatus includes a linear printhead array extending radially of the disc at least between inner radius R.sub.1 and outer radius R.sub.2 ; and a drive adapted to rotate the disc about the axis while the printhead is imagewise addressed to create an imaged area that is symmetric to the center of the disc. The drive is adapted to rotate the disc at an annular velocity such that the spatial resolution of the printed image along the outer edge of the image is the same as that of an original image being printed. The image area may be continuous about substantially the entire annular surface of the disc or divided into discrete sections to be printed in associated tiles located on the disc such that:(x.sub.i, y.sub.i)=>(r.sub.i, .theta..sub.i),where (x.sub.i, y.sub.

Abstract: A process for printing an image data signal, using a parallel input print head which has an input data bus which is narrower than the image data signal, includes the steps of splitting the image data signal into multiple data groups such that each data group (1) has a maximum allowable width equal to the width of the input data bus and (2) consists of consecutive binary value bits of the image data signal. The data groups are loaded to the print head, and the data of the one data group is printed according to its binary weighting in the image data signal. The loading and printing steps are repeated for each data group. The printing step comprises deamplifying the value of the bits of the data groups and amplifying a printer's output by a factor according to the binary weighting of each data group being printed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating all of the print levels represented by an image data signal using a parallel input print head which has an input data bus which is narrower than the image data signal involves processing and printing image data multiple times. Each time the image data is processed, it is reduced from its original width down to the width which the print head can accept. The process includes the steps of determining the minimum number of times L.sub.min that the print head must be loaded to accomplish printing using the full width of the image data signal; processing the image data L times, where L.gtoreq.L.sub.min, to produce L output signals that (1) are no wider than the width of the input data bus and (2) have values such that the sum of the values of the L output signals equals the value of the input data signal; and using the L output signals to drive the print head.

Abstract: A media transport system for controlling the position and velocity of media in a document production apparatus marking engine having a media positioning system driven by a motor, includes a motion control loop to control the motor; a sensor adapted to detect the position of the media and to create a trigonometric signal characteristic of the position of the media, the trigonometric signal comprising frequency and phase components; a resolver electronics subsystem adapted to trigonometrically process the trigonometric signal to create a resolved signal; and means for comparing the resolved signal to a reference clock signal of predetermined frequency and phase to provide an error signal used to control the motor that drives the media positioning system. The trigonometric signal may include a sine portion and a cosine portion. The sine portion of the trigonometric signal is sin(.omega..sub.e *t+.phi..sub.e) and the cosine portion of the trigonometric signal is cos(.omega..sub.e *t+.phi..sub.e); where .omega..