Abstract: A system and method for producing a flexographic relief image printing plate from a liquid photopolymer printing blank. The system comprises one or more apparatuses for performing steps to produce the relief image printing plate which are selected from the group consisting of a) a glass setting apparatus for setting a desired gauge of the relief image printing plate, b) an apparatus for controlling UV exposure of the printing plate during an exposure step, and/or c) an apparatus for automatically performing a masking exposure of the printing plate. A microcontroller is operatively connected to the one or more apparatuses and includes software for controlling the operation of the one or more apparatuses and data storage means for storing data relating to the at least one or more apparatuses.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is disclosed. The image processing apparatus includes a detector, a parameter calculating section, a storing section, a correction section, and a pseudo continuous tone processing section. The detector detects an amount of an out of color registration of a color laser printer. The parameter calculating section calculates a correction parameter based on the amount of the out of color registration detected by the detector. The storing section stores the calculated correction parameter. The correction section corrects input image data based on the calculated correction parameter by reading from the storing section. The pseudo continuous tone processing section applies a pseudo continuous tone process to the corrected input image data.

Abstract: An imaging system including an image receiving structure including a material layer having a tunable energy transfer characteristic; and an energy source to emit an energy beam at the material having the tunable energy transfer characteristic such that marking material is pattern-wise transferred to the image receiving structure. An imaging system includes an image receiving structure disposed to be in direct contact with marking material; and an energy source to emit a pattern-wise modulated energy beam at a region of the image receiving structure contacting the marking material to pattern-wise transfer marking material to the image receiving structure.

Abstract: A luminance nonuniformity adjustment module for eliminating luminance nonuniformities in light emitting elements determines a luminance correction coefficient for each light-emitting element through a test print. The luminance nonuniformity adjustment module comprises a provisional luminance correction coefficient calculation unit, an improper coloring degree calculation unit and a luminance correction coefficient determination unit. The provisional luminance correction coefficient calculation unit calculates a provisional luminance correction coefficient by comparing a measured density value for a grayscale chart and a predetermined target density value. The improper coloring degree calculation unit calculates an improper coloring degree, which is the degree of improper coloring that occurs when other colors are expressed when developing a specific color, from the measured density values for the grayscale chart and an unbalanced chart in which the gray balance has been altered.

Abstract: An imaging device for setting an image on a printing form by at least one imaging energy source, includes a device for determining a component of a relative movement between the imaging energy source and the printing form whereon an image is to be set. An actuator device moves the imaging energy source in such a manner that undesired components of the relative movement between the imaging energy source and the printing form are reduced. An imaging module may be formed of at least two of the imaging devices. A printing press includes the imaging device or the imaging module. A method sets an image on a printing form.

Abstract: Disclosed is the prevention of the occurrence of uneven image density, as well as the image degradation caused by inhibiting the continuity of image density, produced by the photoreceptor in which uneven electrification exists, and additionally uneven sensitivity coexists, without enlargement of the apparatus as well as increase in the cost. To the exposure amount obtained by the approximate linear transformation of the pixel gradation in each segment multi-divided in the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1, in all the pixel gradation including 0 level, exposing source 2 is controlled to expose with the amount of exposure, offset with only the offset exposure amount Ea which corresponds to the difference between the initial electric potential and the reference initial electric potential V0 of the segment. The exposure amount adjustment of the offset exposure amount Ea is conducted by offsetting the exposure time in each pixel.

Abstract: If an edge of a sheet metal of an image forming apparatus damages an electric cable, the image signal is distorted and a correct image is not formed since the damage causes feeding failure and signal deterioration. This is remarkable in the conventional digital electrophotographic apparatus, since the drive signal to drive a laser or a light emitting diode (LED) for exposing the photosensitive body becomes higher in frequency as resolution and speed are increased and tends to generate the electric noise. In order to prevent damage of an electric cable by a metal frame, an apparatus having a holder for holding a feed cable is provided.

Abstract: A light flux emitted from a light source is split into two by a light flux splitting unit, and these are respectively made incident on upper and lower tiers of polygon mirrors of a deflecting unit which coaxially rotates two polygon mirrors one on the other while being shifted in angles from each other. The respective light fluxes that have been deflected for scanning at mutually different timings by the deflecting unit respectively reach individual photodetectors through a first scanning lens, mirrors, and a second scanning lens as a predetermined light system and carry out main scanning.

Abstract: There is provided an image recording apparatus able to form images without fluctuation of image dot intervals in the main scan direction. The image recording apparatus comprises a light emitting source including multiple light emitting units emitting laser beams, and a detection unit for detecting the laser beams and measuring intervals of the laser beams in the main scan direction. Based on the measured intervals of the laser beams in the main scan direction, light emission timings of the light emitting units are adjusted so that the intervals between each two image dots on the photoconductor in the main scan direction are not influenced by the interval fluctuation of the laser emitting units.

Abstract: The invention provides an exposure apparatus that outputs a stable photographic quality image unaffected by variations in ambient temperature, by suppressing the effects of the temperature variations and achieving accurate grayscale reproduction. In the exposure apparatus, input grayscale data P4 is converted into corrected grayscale data by using a conversion table for correcting for the nonlinearity of exposure density, and grayscale exposure is performed on a photosensitive material by controlling exposure conditions in an exposure head based on the corrected grayscale data; here, the conversion table actually comprises a plurality of conversion tables one for each designated temperature region, and a temperature detector is provided for detecting the ambient temperature, with provisions made to select an appropriate one of the conversion tables under the control of select data in accordance with the temperature data supplied from the temperature detector.

Abstract: A method for producing a gift card for a gift imaging product, comprises receiving an order of the gift imaging product from a user, producing the gift imaging product, producing the gift card by the user for the gift imaging product; and consolidating the gift card with the gift imaging product into one package.

Abstract: A disclosed inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by jetting a recording liquid onto a recording medium includes an image processing unit configured to obtain an output halftone level by performing halftone processing on input image data, to select a dot arrangement order according to the obtained output halftone level, and thereby to generate dot data where dots are arranged in a grid-like pattern. The disclosed inkjet recording apparatus is configured to use a pigmented ink as the recording liquid when the recording medium is a commercial printing paper, and to record the dots in a staggered arrangement where positions of the dots in odd/even-numbered columns or odd/even-numbered rows in the dot data are shifted in a sub-scanning direction or in a main-scanning direction.

Abstract: A printing apparatus free from contamination of dust into a coated layer is provided. A printing apparatus of this application includes a first ejecting head and a printing head. The first ejecting head is located on a leading side in a moving direction D of the printing head. Since electric charge is removed from an object to be printed and dust is removed therefrom, by blowing an electric charge-removing gas through the first ejecting head before an ink lands on the object to be printed, dust does not contaminate a coated layer. In addition, since a suction hole is arranged between an ejecting hole and a nozzle zone, a stream of the electric charge-removing gas is not formed in the nozzle zone, and thus a meniscus of nozzles is not disturbed.

Abstract: A high-resolution sensing method for a scanner having a motor and a charge coupled device. The charge coupled device further has m rows of sensors spaced a distance from each other. A motor with a moving speed equal to the width of one row of the sensors divided by an exposure time moves a distance equal to the width of one row of the sensors. During the exposure time, rows of the sensors are used to scan and to obtain image signals that have portions overlapped with each other. Therefore, by simply adding the number of rows of the sensors, the scanner has m times of resolution without changing the speed of the motor.

Abstract: A video controller includes a video block that connects to the print control engine and one laser driver. The video block includes a direct memory access (DMA) block, a video processor, a waveform generator including pattern and multiple pulse mode modulation, a frequency synthesizer, configuration registers, and a data bus. The frequency synthesizer connects to the waveform generator. The configuration registers connect to the DMA block, video processor and the waveform generator. The data bus, operative to carry bus control signals, connects the DMA block, video processor, waveform generator, and the configuration registers.

Abstract: A video clock generation apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus comprises a ring oscillator for generating an oscillation frequency; a loopspeed detection unit for detecting a loopspeed that represents the number of pulses generated at the oscillation frequency when the ring oscillator oscillates for a predetermined time; and a video clock generation unit for suppressing generation of front-end video clock signals for a predetermined initial time, and after a first predetermined time following initialization of the effective video clock signals, maintaining a clock state of back-end video clock signals for a second predetermined time, wherein the front-end video clock signals precede effective video clock signals for image formation and the back-end video clock signals follow the effective video clock signals, and wherein the maintained clock state is the clock state prior to the second predetermined time clock signals.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that is capable of scanning at a proper speed at all positions on a main scan line without being affected by variations in the characteristics of a f-? lens, variations in the laser beam wavelength, irregularities in the rotational speed of a polygon mirror and fluctuations in the characteristics of the f-? lens due to changes in ambient temperature. An image clock signal for exposure control is generated for each of a plurality of segments obtained by dividing a main scan line on a photosensitive drum scanned by a laser beam, based on a modulation coefficient. The modulation coefficient is corrected based on the detected phase difference between detection timing of the terminating end of the main scan line and generation timing of the last image clock signal for the last segment.

Abstract: A light-source drive control unit divides each pixel of the image data into a plurality of subpixels, deletes certain subpixels from the image data in accordance with predetermined correction data, shifts remaining subpixels in the sub-scanning direction thereby obtaining reduced image data, and controls a plurality of light sources based on the reduced image data in such a manner that one line of the subpixels is formed with a light beam emitted from a corresponding one of the light sources.

Abstract: Linear spot velocity or position variations are measured in a scanning system by a process and apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system and program product for performing multiple-pel print quality enhancement (PQE). As in known methods of PQE, a determination is made of an adjusted sub-pulse value of each pel of an image. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, at least two adjacent pels are then grouped together and a determination is made of a combined pulse width value to charge the combined area of the at least two adjacent pels. Also determined is position information indicating the alignment of the pulse width within the combined area. The combined pulse width and position information is sent as input to a pulse width modulator operating at a speed equal to the video data rate of the printer divided by the number of pels for which the pulse width data is combined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing the phase lock loop circuitry of sub-pixel clock generators for situations where frequent switching between different system printing speeds, and hence clock frequencies are required. A timing control logic circuitry is associated with the sub-pixel clock generator for a graduated change in charge pump current. The timing control logic circuitry comprises a plurality of current generators serially connected with the charge pump current via associated switches for the selective adjustment of charge pump current in a graduated manner.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a light emission element, a lighting signal generation section, a storage section, a communication line, a control section and an electromagnetic noise generation source. The storage section stores data used when the lighting signal generation section generates a lighting signal. The lighting signal generation section and the storage section transmit and receive the data therebetween through the communication line. The control section that controls the transmitting and receiving of the data between the lighting signal generation section and the storage section. The control section controls so as to start the transmitting and receiving of the data between the storage section and the lighting signal generation section in a state where a magnitude of the electromagnetic noise, at a position where the lighting signal generation section is disposed, generated by the electromagnetic noise generation source is smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An optical scanning device has: a first optical system for converting a flux of light that has been emitted from a light source into another flux of light; a second optical system for focusing the flux of light that has been converted by the first optical system as a linear image elongated in the main scanning direction; deflecting means for reflecting and deflecting the flux of light that has left the second optical system; and a third optical system for guiding the flux of light that has been deflected by the deflecting means onto a surface to be scanned. The flux of light emitted from the light source is entered into a deflection surface of the deflecting means at a limited angle in the sub-scanning section and, by setting parameters in a manner that satisfies a given condition, the pitch unevenness can effectively be reduced in the optical systems.

Abstract: A printing apparatus (100) for printing digital images onto a photosensitive medium (140) employing, for exposure energy, a light source (20) that uses various arrays of LEDs (32). The printing apparatus (100) may form the print image using sequential modulation, one color at a time, or by applying all colors simultaneously. Arrangements of discrete LEDs (32) may include high-intensity devices configured with collector cones (41) arranged as a multicone structure (141), with parabolic reflectors (65), or collimating lenses (36). Large area LEDs (46) may alternately be used, arranged on an angled mounting surface (64), for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, especially a banknote, having an individualizing mark that is applied at least once each to the front and the reverse of the value document. Here, at least one of the individualizing identifiers applied to the front and reverse is applied to the value document with a non-contact method.

Abstract: A printer includes a direct memory access controller (DMA), a video processor, and a video signal generator. A frequency synthesizer connects to the video signal generator. Configuration registers bidirectionally connect to the DMA, video processor, the video signal generator and the frequency synthesizer. A data bus electrically connects the DMA and the configuration registers.

Abstract: The intensity of a light beam is controlled accurately depending on an image to be recorded on a photosensitive medium. An apparatus for recording an image by scanning a photosensitive medium with a light beam generated based on an image signal has a recording duty ratio detector for detecting a recording duty ratio of an image to be recorded on the photosensitive medium based on the image signal, and a light beam intensity correcting memory for modulating the intensity of the light beam based on the detected recording duty ratio. Since the intensity of the light beam is modulated based on the recording duty ratio of the image recorded on the photosensitive medium, the amount of light of the light beam can be adjusted depending on the image actually recorded on the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: In a laser printer having a plurality of lasers, each of which effectuates the deposition of toner onto lines of a page to be printed, a method of printing several lines substantially simultaneously comprises storing within a single print data buffer, print data compressed using a predetermined compression methodology. The method also includes decompressing a predetermined segment of said compressed print data by one of a plurality of data de-compressors, each of which is operatively coupled to a laser that effectuates the deposition of toner onto a single line of a media.

Abstract: A method of manipulating print data in a printer capable of simultaneously printing on both surfaces of a sheet of print media, the method including the steps of: receiving first data relating to a first page to be printed in a first memory; transferring the first data from the first memory to a second memory; receiving second data relating to a second page to be printed in the first memory; and simultaneously accessing the first and second data to simultaneously print the first and second pages on both surfaces of the print media.

Abstract: A print engine for double-sided printing includes a chassis. A pair of substantially identical inkjet printhead assemblies is mounted on the chassis opposite each other. A pair of transfer rollers is mounted on the chassis and positioned with respect to the printhead assemblies to permit an inkjet printing operation to be carried out on the transfer rollers. The transfer rollers define a contact region through which a sheet of print media is fed to receive the print. A pair of cleaning stations is operatively engaged with the transfer rollers to clean the transfer rollers subsequent to the print being transferred to the sheet.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting multiple data streams from a host to a printing device. Data streams are arranged according to color, segmented and compressed, if desired. If compression is used, each segment may compressed with a different compression algorithm. Each segment contains a header describing the size of the data in the segment. The host transmits a print header containing information and instructions necessary for the print device to reassemble and process the data segments to produce a printed item.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed for imaging recording media. The imaging system includes an input opening through which recording media may be input to the imaging system, and an imaging unit for imaging the recording media that is received through the input opening. The imaging unit provides a calibration image on the recording media. The imaging system also includes a calibration image receiving unit for receiving image data representative of the calibration image. The calibration image receiving unit produces imaging unit calibration adjustment data. The imaging system also includes an imaging unit adjustment controller, and an output opening. The imaging unit adjustment controller adjusts the imaging unit responsive to the imaging unit calibration adjustment data. The recording media exits the imaging system through the output opening.

Abstract: A method for printing multiple binary bitmaps (10) with an original density level (12a) and a color (18), wherein the color (18) is the same for all the multiple binary bitmaps (10), by combining “n” number of binary bitmaps into “p” bits of a multibit image forming a “p” bit image (20), identifying at least one overprint (24a), predicting an overprint density (26a) for each overprint, calculating a set of exposures (28) needed to image each overprint density (24a) and original density (12a), setting a maximum exposure level (30) that is a number greater than or equal to the maximum of the set of exposures (28), calculating pulse width modulation levels (30) for the set of exposures (28) using the set maximum exposure level (30), and printing the color (28) at the set maximum exposure level (30) using the pulse width modulation levels (30) for each level of the “p” bit image (20) in a single pass.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a main casing, a process casing, a photosensitive member, a charger, a first duct member, a fan, and a duct moving unit. The process casing is accommodated in the main casing and removably mounted thereon. The process casing has a casing inlet formed therein. The photosensitive member is disposed in the process casing. The charger is disposed in the process casing for charging a photosensitive member. The first duct member has a duct outlet. The fan blows air on the charger through the duct outlet of the first duct member and the casing inlet. The duct moving unit moves the first duct member between a first position in which the duct outlet of the first duct member is adjacent to the casing inlet formed in the process casing, and a second position in which the duct outlet is separated farther from the casing inlet than in the first position.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning device includes a light source part having a plurality of light emitting sources which light emitting sources are monolithically arranged in a surface perpendicular to an optical axis; a light deflection part configured to deflect a plurality of light beams from the light source part in a lump and scan an image carrier surface; and an image-formation optical system where lateral magnification is set so that beam spots of the plural light beams are arranged at a designated pitch in a sub-scanning direction on the image carrier surface.

Abstract: An adaptive recording method and apparatus for optimizing power of a laser diode is provided. In a method for optimizing read power, peak power and bias power for overwrite pulses and supplying the same to the laser diode, the adaptive recording method includes the steps of discriminating the mark size of input NRZI (Non Return to Zero Inversion) data, and varying power of the overwrite pulses in accordance with the discriminated mark size.

Abstract: A method of recording a transmission image composed of dots on a recording medium having the steps of; moving a recording medium in a sub-scanning direction, and moving a recording head relatively with respect to the recording medium in a main scanning direction which is crossing the sub-scanning direction, wherein a diameter D of a dot recorded on said recording medium falls within a range expressed by 1.5A?D?A+150 [?m], wherein, A=max(Pm, Ps), Pm=pitch of an array of pixels in the main scanning direction, Ps=pitch of an array of pixels in the sub-scanning direction.

Abstract: An illumination lens applies a laser beam emitted from a laser light source onto a light valve. The laser beam divided into a number of beams and modulated in the light valve is reflected by a total internal reflection prism so that the optical path thereof is bent, and thereafter passes through a zoom lens to be focused on a recording medium mounted on the surface of a drum. At this time, an image of a single pixel is recorded with a plurality of adjacent laser beams in a subscanning direction (direction of arrangement of the laser beams). The image can be recorded on the recording medium with sufficient power density.

Abstract: Printer has a standby state in which the motor driving the laser scanning mirror is turned off immediately after a print job when another page is not ready. To increase operating speed, a signal to the printer starts a timer (Ready timer). When a page is printed, the timer is started and only when it reaches zero is the motor turned off. When data of a page is received by the printer and the Ready timer is non-zero, a sheet is immediately picked for printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printer system that incorporates an electrically addressable array of micro electro-mechanical switches of arbitrary width. In one embodiment, array of micro electro-mechanical switches of arbitrary width that comprises an electrostatic array used to attract fusible toner or electrically charged ink droplets from a hopper or ink jet assembly to a piece of paper or other printable substrate. The electrostatic array uses electrostatic latching to create the charged environment to allow the toner or ink to be attracted from the hopper or ink jet assembly toward the array. A piece of paper is interposed between the array and the hopper or ink jet assembly. Additional micro electro-mechanical switches control the release of the ink droplets from the ink jet assembly. The micro electro-mechanical switches each comprise a sealed cell that relies on pneumatic restoration forces to insure that switch contacts can be successfully broken as desired.

Abstract: When image data from an external device is image data for proof printing, the number of pages of image data is calculated. Further, the percentage of a character image region and the percentage of a photographic image region in all the image data are determined. A reduction in toner consumption is determined according to the number of pages, the percentage of the character image region and the percentage of the photographic image region, and a document is then printed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, method and computer program product, including a pattern detecting device configured detect whether or not a pattern is constructed with a lengthwise line of a single dot width on a basis of a pattern of respective multi-value data of a target pixel and circumferential pixels adjacent thereto in a main scanning direction; and a printing device configured to print size-reduced printing dots of the lengthwise line of the single dot width detected by the pattern detecting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to microlithography, in particular to the writing of photomasks for computer displays, microelectronic devices, and precision photoetching. It is also applicable to wafers, optical devices and a variety of electronic interconnection structures such as multichip modules. Other applications are possible, such as printing and graphics, as well as laser projection displays. In the present invention the data conversion is divided in two steps: first cutting the geometries in scan lines and simplifying them, and then finishing the conversion of the scan lines at the point of demand, i.e. in a beam processor in the driving electronics for each beam. The idea is to make as much as possible of the conversion at the latest possible point, i.e. at the beams. What is needed at an earlier stage is to separate the data for different beams and distribute them, and to simplify the data enough to make sure that the beam processors can always handle the data flow.

Abstract: An integrated circuit fabricated on a single substrate that includes a first interface to a page-width inkjet printhead and a general-purpose processor that is connected to the first interface. The processor runs software that controls the first interface. The first interface may also include a line loader/format unit that loads dots to be printed into local buffer storage units and formats the dots into an order required for a Memjet printhead. A Memjet second interface that is part of the first interface may also transfer data to the Memjet printhead and control a firing sequence of printhead nozzles during a print process. The line loader/format unit may use a double buffering scheme for preparing the dots for printing, where one buffer unit is read from while another buffer unit is written to. The local buffer storage units may also be divided into multiple sub-buffers where each sub-buffer is assigned a single color.

Abstract: The present invention reduces the granularity of the dots for the entire density range by optimally setting formation amounts of a low-density dot and of a high-density dot per unit area. For this purpose, the formation amounts of the low-density dot and of the high-density dot in accordance with the density level are determined in such a way that as the density level rises, the formation amount of the low-density dot is gradually increased up to a first peak amount (200%) and, after reaching the first peak, gradually decreased, and in a range of density levels higher than a predetermined density level at which the low-density dot is formed to a specified amount (200%), as the density level rises, the formation amount of the high-density dot is gradually increased up to a second peak amount (100%) smaller than the first peak amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic machine for photoengraving or photoetching screen printing plates for screen-printing high quality compact discs or CD's, comprising a central control unit operatively coupled to a photoengraving station, including a frame or plate conveyor to convey printing frames or plates under a frame photoengraving assembly adapted to scan, by a polygonal mirror and a flat field lens, a laser light beam.

Abstract: If an edge of a sheet metal of a image forming apparatus damages an electric cable, the image signal is distorted and no correct image is formed since the damage causes feeding failure and signal deterioration. This is remarkable in the conventional digital electrophotographic apparatus, since the drive signal to drive a laser or a light emitting diode (LED) for exposing the photosensitive body becomes higher in frequency as a resolution and speed are increased and tends to generate the electric noise. In order to prevent damage of an electric cable by a metal frame, an apparatus having a holder for holding a feed cable is provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a light source for emitting light constituting an optical signal, an optical waveguide for conducting the light emitted by the light source and an engine portion for receiving the light conducted by the optical waveguide. The engine portion includes a modulator for modulating the received light and a target on which an image corresponding to the optical signal is formed by being exposed by the modulated light.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus for fixing a toner image on a transfer sheet, comprises a fixing roller comprising a cylindrical light-transmitting base body capable of transmitting a heat ray; a light-transmitting elastic layer including a first light-transmitting elastic layer provided on an outer periphery of said light-transmitting base body and made of a material having a hardness A1, and a second light-transmitting elastic layer provided on an outer periphery of said first light-transmitting elastic layer and made of a material having a hardness A2; and a heat ray absorbing layer provided on an outer periphery of said light-transmitting elastic layer and to absorb said heat ray.

Abstract: A tandem type printer is provided with a plurality of scanning optical systems, a plurality of f? lenses and photoconductive drums, which correspond to the scanning optical systems, respectively. Each scanning optical system includes a laser source and a deflector that deflects the laser beam emitted by the laser source to scan, in a main scanning direction, within a predetermined angular range. The deflected laser beam is converged by the f? lens on the corresponding photoconductive drum and form an image. Images formed on the plurality of photoconductive drums are developed and transferred on a sheet in an overlaid fashion. Each f? lens includes a glass lens that is burdened with substantially all the power, in the main scanning direction, of the f? lens, and a plastic lens that is burdened with compensation for aberrations of the f? lens. Further, a diffraction lens structure is formed to compensate for a lateral chromatic aberration of the f? lens in the main scanning direction.