Abstract: An image recording apparatus for recording an image on an image recording medium includes a digital-to-analog converter for converting digital image data into analog image data, and a multiplier for multiplying the analog image data from the digital-to-analog converter by a signal for correcting for variations in the image recording apparatus. The density of gradations of the image to be recorded is controlled with an output signal from the multiplier. The resolution of the digital-to-analog converter ranges from 8 to 12 bits. The apparatus comprises a multiplying digital-to-analog converter, and the signal for correcting for variations is represented by digital data.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member has a photosensitive layer provided on an electroconductive support with interposition of an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer containing a polyether-polyurethane and an electroconductive substance.An electrophotographic apparatus, comprises an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer provided on an electroconductive support with interposition of an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer containing a polyether-polyurethane and an electroconductive substance.A facsimile apparatus comprises an electrophotographic apparatus and a receiving means for receiving image information from a remote terminal, the electrophotographic apparatus comprising an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer provided on an electroconductive support with interposition of an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer containing a polyether-polyurethane and an electroconductive substance.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus in which a color image of an original document is copied on a sheet of paper using a photosensitive recording medium and three mask members corresponding to red, green and blue color components. The mask members have light shielding images corresponding to color-separated images of the original document. The mask member is superposed on the photosensitive recording medium and the latter is exposed to the color-separated light component through the mask member. To provide a background-white color copies, detected is a transmission rate of the color-separated light component transmitting through the mask member and an amount of the color-separated light component applied through the mask member to the photosensitive recording medium is controlled in response to the detected transmission rate.

Abstract: A system for providing a personal booklet, such as a passport, with a picture of the face and personal data of the bookholder to thereby provide the booklet holder's identity. The system includes entering a picture of the face of an applicant, the picture being attached to an application form, as a figure image into an image composing device, entering personal data of the applicant entered in the application form as an character image, producing a composite image of the figure and character images, printing the composite image onto a thermal transfer type photosensitive printing paper, transfering the printed composite image onto an image receiving layer coated on a transparent cover sheet bound in the booklet, and sandwiching the image receiving material layer between a supporting sheet bound in the booklet next to the transparent cover sheet and the transparent cover sheet.

Abstract: A simulator simulates a hard copy to be made and displays an image thereof on a color monitor. In such a simulation, a lighting condition correction unit corrects a video signal in accordance with the lighting conditions where the color monitor is installed. The color balance and density of the simulated image under an illumination thus are the same as the hard copy to be made.

Abstract: A printing system includes a liquid crystal shutter matrix panel, a light source for illuminating the liquid crystal shutter matrix panel from its back, and a photosensitive medium disposed in confronting relation to the illuminating means with the liquid crystal shutter matrix panel interposed therebetween. A positioning unit positions the liquid crystal shutter matrix panel and the photosensitive medium longitudinally and transversely with respect to each other. An image data generator generates image data from a desired image. The shutter of the liquid crystal shutter matrix panel is driven by a liquid crystal driver on the basis of the image data generated by the image data generator. An image formed by the liquid crystal shutter matrix panel is focused onto the photosensitive medium by a focusing optical system, thereby reproducing the image on the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A color image recording apparatus exposes a photosensitive recording medium to light through a succession of mask members produced by a monochromatic laser printer based on colored image information. An exposure unit exposes the photosensitive recording medium and includes a scanning unit driven at a predetermined scanning speed to expose the photosensitive recording medium to light through each of the mask members. An exposure amount setting unit selectively sets light exposures to be applied to the photosensitive recording medium by the scanning unit, and an exposure amount indicating unit selectively indicates exposure amounts to be applied to the photosensitive recording medium by the scanning unit. A data converting unit converts the exposure amount into equivalent scanning speed data to control the scanning speed of the exposure unit.

Abstract: An image exposure apparatus exposes a photosensitive recording medium to an image corresponding to an image displayed on the screen of a cathode-ray tube which is used as a light source. A video image detector substantially detects whether there is a video image supplied to the cathode-ray tube or not. A microprocessor starts an exposure in response to an exposure command given by an exposure command switch only when it is detected by the video image detector that there is a video signal.

Abstract: A video image printer is coupled to a video signal source such as a video camera, an electronic still camera, a video tape recorder, a television receiver, or the like, for producing a hard copy bearing a recorded image which is displayed by on a monitor display. The video image printer includes a liquid crystal light valve with a liquid crystal orientation thereof variable depending on an applied video signal, color filters mounted on one end of the liquid crystal light valve, and a light source optically coupled to the one end of the liquid crystal light valve. A photographic film is disposed on the side of an opposite end of the liquid crystal light valve, the film carrying a self-processing solution. The film is selectively exposed to an image that is formed by light from the light source through the color filter means and the liquid crystal light valve controlled by the applied video signal.

Abstract: A grey level non-impact recording apparatus and method provides data signals to a recording head having N recording elements per inch so that M sub-lines per inch can be recorded, wherein M is greater than N. In a specific example of a 400 dpi LED printhead, grey level data is sent to the printhead at a rate to record say 2400 lines per inch to provide a resolution of 400 dpi.times.2400 dpi grey level sub-pixels. Data from a data source may have a pixel resolution of 1/400".times.1/400" and the apparatus employs six sub-lines to record each of these pixels. The control for controlling the duration of recording of each LED for each sub-line includes a comparator which receives a grey level data signal at one input terminal and pulses representing a time changing count at another terminal. The count is produced by counter means and changes in response to signals from a clock means.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming a mask member on the basis of a color image information and exposing a photosensitive recording medium to light through the mask member to thereby forming a color image, including a light source for emitting light, at least two color separation filter units for passing the light therethrough and providing transmitted lights having different (broader and narrower) half-widths in spectrum to thereby irradiate the light having a desired half-width in spectrum to the photosensitive recording medium, a position detecting unit for detecting each position of said color separation filter units, and a switching unit for performing a switching operation between the color separation filter units to position desired one of said color separation filter units in an optical path of the light.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus which is arranged to convert an optical image into an electrical image signal by an image pick-up and to record the image signal via a recording head on a flexible record bearing medium is provided with a head shifting mechanism which, after the apparatus is triggered, shifts the recording head from a retired position thereof to a recording (or confronting) position relative to the medium in response to the operation of the apparatus performed prior to commencement of an exposure operation by an exposure device performed on the image pick-up.

Abstract: A laser scanning optical system including a rotatable polygonal mirror for scanning the photosensitive surface with the laser beam in a scanning direction, a lens unit for converging the laser beam reflected by the polygonal mirror on the photosensitive surface, a first reflection mirror for reflecting the laser beam passed though the lens unit to the photosensitive surface, a second reflection mirror for reflecting the laser beam reflected by a part of the first reflection mirror, a sensor arranged to receive the laser beam which is reflected by the second reflection mirror and has passed through a specific position equivalent to the photosensitive surface for generating a synchronizing signal for commanding start of modulation of the laser beam, and first and second lens elements both interposed between the specific position and the sensor so as to keep a conjugate condition therebetween.

Abstract: A virtually transparent magnetic layer is included as an additional layer in a color negative film. Information exchange between various users of the film--such as the camera user, the dealer, and the photofinishers film-to-video printer--is carried via plural longitudinal magnetic tracks on the film, each track being dedicated to the writing and reading of a predetermined set of related parameters. The photofinisher-dedicated track locations fill the exposed image area of each frame. The camera tracks lie along the edges of the film between the film perforations, the preforations being widely spaced for this purpose. All data, such as cropping, zooming, rotating or character superposition instructions, is recorded as individual pieces of information identified by virtual data identifiers to enable the film-to-video printer to quickly access and execute such instructions by altering the video signal produced from each frame of the developed film.

Abstract: A system for recording and reading an image information wherein an image containing a certain form and data is recorded on each frame of a microfilm and a desired datum is selected and read from the microfilm. The system comprises a printer for printing a form cord for discriminating the form style recorded on each frame of the microfilm, and a reader for reading the form cord and reading-out the corresponding form style from a form memory to determine the position of the desired datum so that the desired datum is extracted from the printed image. The form cord preferably includes information relating to the kind, fount, size and pitch of letters in addition to the information relating to the form style. The form cord may be printed on each frame of the microfilm preferably in the form of bar cord with or without data cords and check cords. Data cords may be attached to respective data or may be printed collectively at a certain location on each frame of the microfilm.

Abstract: A multi-mode image recording apparatus which can record on a common photo-sensitive sheet either an analog color image produced by reflecting white light off an original or a digital color image produced by modulating one or more infrared lasers according to an electrical signal. The photo-sensitive sheet is sensitive to three bands of visible radiation and to at least one band of infrared and is developed by pressure to three visible colors.

Abstract: A color image recording apparatus exposes a photosensitive recording medium to light through a succession of mask members produced by a monochoromatic laser printer based on colored image information. A latent image thus formed on the recording medium is then developed into a colored image on a color developer sheet. The mask members have identifying marks indicating the colors of the mask members. The color image recording apparatus includes mask member identifying sensors for identifying the identifying marks, a plurality of storage trays each for storing one of the mask members, and feed rollers for individually feeding the mask members from the storage trays. The mask member having one specific color is positioned at an exposure zone where a filter having a corresponding color is provided.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus of the type using intermediate mask members having thereon intermediate light shielding images. To reproduce a color image, three mask members are produced which correspond to three primary colors. Each of the mask member carries thereon a light shielding image corresponding to one of the three primary colors contained in the original image wherein the light shielding image yields a first gradation error with respect to the original image. A photosensitive recording medium is successively exposed to light through the mask members to form a latent image corresponding to the light shielding images. The latent image formed on the photosensitive recording medium is developed to provide a visible image on a developer sheet wherein the visible image yields a second gradation error with respect to the light shielding image.

Abstract: Because the prior art liquid crystal driving control circuit needs shift registers, latch circuits and selectors in a number corresponding to the number of cells in the liquid crystal shutter array, the structure of the circuit inevitably becomes complicated and involves a large number of components to thereby push up the production cost. Since this invention method controls a liquid crystal shutter array with pulse width modulation, image data can be serially converted into the data necessary for switching ON/OFF the driving voltage, and the conversion circuit can be structured with only one system. As this invention method controls opening/closing of the cells with binary pulse width signals in a number corresponding to the number of liquid crystal cells, the structure of the circuit can be simplified and yet efficiency of recording in controlled gradation can be enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting the quantity of light from an optical printer arranged a plural number of luminous elements therein, which comprises a producing circuit for producing a plural number of timing signals of different pulse widths and output timing, and a combining circuit for combining the timing signals according to the correcting data, thereby driving the respective luminous elements based on a correcting signal obtained by combination thereof.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a color image on a photosensitive medium having low sensitivity in which color separation image masks are sequentially generated in a smectic liquid crystal device which may be controlled by a computer and the photosensitive medium is exposed through the image mask. The separation image masks may be altered during exposure to compensate for uneven illumination and to achieve tonal scales.

Abstract: Video images of each frame of a roll of film are stored in a first memory when printing the frames on a photographic material. Thereafter, the images are read out from the first memory for image processing and written in a designated area of a second memory. Video signals for a number N of frames are written in memory area of the second memory designated for the respective frames to provide composite video signals and then are read out to be printed as a composite image on a photographic material as an index print. When printing each frame of the roll of film, a first mirror is removably inserted into a printing path to project an image of the frame to a TV camera in order to provide three color video signals. Video signals for several frames are electrically composed to provide composite video signals which are printed as a single composed image having reduced images inlaid in a matrix on a photographic paper.

Abstract: An image read-out and reproducing method comprises the steps of conveying an image storage sheet, on which an image has been recorded, or a recording sheet, on which an image is to be reproduced, in a sub-scanning direction by a single sub-scanning system, and reading out the image from the image storage sheet by scanning the image storage sheet with read-out light in a main scanning direction and detecting the light emitted from the image storage sheet which is being scanned. An image is reproduced on the recording sheet by scanning the recording sheet with reproducing light modulated in accordance with the image, which has been read out, in a main scanning direction. Laser beams produced by a plurality of semiconductor lasers are combined, and the combined laser beams are utilized as the read-out light. Only one or some of a plurality of the semiconductor lasers are operated at the time of image reproduction, and the laser beams emitted thereby are modulated and utilized as the reproducing light.

Abstract: An intgeral printhead includes a single fiber optic faceplate substrate to which are connected light emitting diode arrays, driver circuits for selectively controlling the energization of the light emitting diodes and interconnecting conductive lines all disposed on the same fiber optic faceplate substrate which thereby provides the optical lens system for the light emitting diodes and a supporting substrate to which the active components are mounted and electrically interconnected by the conductive lines.

Abstract: A paper drive system for a fiber optic cathode ray tube based recorder in which a rotating compliant foam pressure pad maintains the paper in intimate contact with the fiber optic faceplate. The paper web from a paper supply is gripped between a tire on the rotating pressure pad and a drive roller before passing the faceplate, and thereafter is gripped between the tire on the pressure pad and an idler roller.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus with a variable magnification capability includes: a recording unit for recording an image by scanning a photosensitive material with a laser beam or the like; a circuit for generating an image recording signal for modulating the laser beam based on an image signal; an inputting unit for setting a desired magnification; and an adjusting circuit for adjusting the image recording signal based on the desired magnification. The adjusting circuit includes a circuit for setting the size of a standard image dot, and for changing the size, along the scanning direction of the beam, of a portion of the dots to obtain a desired degree of magnification/reduction of the image. The size of the standard dot is defined by a reference signal of a predetermined frequency. The size of the modified dots is defined by changing the frequency of the reference signal for the modified dots.

Abstract: A cylindrical lens for use in a light beam scanning optical system is arranged to have luminous flux enter a deflection device for converting it into a straight line along a plane perpendicular to a rotation axes of the deflection device. The luminous flux deflected by the deflection device is turned over by the concave surface of a cylindrical mirror or spherical mirror to converge on the surface of a photoconductor through the cylindrical lens. The deflection device with the cylindrical lens and cylindrical mirror or the spherical mirror provided behind the deflection device in the light path fullfills the following equations..vertline.s/R.vertline..gtoreq.0.50.15<d/.vertline.R.vertline.<0.45(.vertline.d.sub.2 .vertline.+.vertline.d.sub.3 .vertline./.vertline.R.vertline.<0.

Abstract: An optical printer head with a light emitting diode array comprises means for setting a distance between a light emitting surface of a light emitting diode array chip and a rod lens array. The means is provided with two reference position levels at which the light emitting diode array chip and the rod lens array are held. Therefore, there is no necessity for adjusting the distance between the light emitting diode array chip and the rod lens array so that a productivity thereof is much improved.

Abstract: A method of scanning is disclosed in which an array of light sources is used to record an image on a light-sensitive recording medium. Each of the light sources is modulated in accordance with an information signal. Multiple passes of the array are made relative to the recording medium, and a set of raster lines is recorded in each pass. The raster lines of successive sets are interleaved to space the raster lines closer together than the spacing of the light sources in the array. In order to provide precise spacing of the raster lines, the array of light sources is advanced a constant distance between successive sets of raster lines.

Abstract: SIGHT-MOD (tm) is a commercially available array of magneto-optic light modulators each of which can cause light to be transmitted or blocked in response to an electrical signal. By combining a SIGHT-MOD (tm) array with a passive array of optical fibers arranged at one end to match the positions of the SIGHT-MOD (tm) pixels and at the other end arranged in a straight line, together with optical illuminating and imaging elements, a completely solid state digital print head can be created capable of generating 300 or more dots of modulated light per inch.

Abstract: A laser printer records an image on a medium as a function of digital data which is received at an input data rate. A laser beam is used for recording pixels of the image on the medium while the medium is advanced in a longitudinal direction at a controlled uniform rate. The pixels are recorded by scanning the beam across the medium in a transverse direction, at a scan velocity, using a multifaceted, rotating mirror which reflects the beam onto the medium. The scan velocity is proportional to the angular velocity of the rotating mirror. Beam intensity is modulated as a function of the input digital data. In order for the average data rate of recording to be compatible with the input data rate while maintaining a high instantaneous scan velocity, the beam is scanned across the medium by only one of every N-facets of the rotating mirror.

Abstract: An electrode array for an electrooptical facsimile recorder and a method of controlling this electrode array are disclosed. A plurality of spot electrodes are inserted between two main electrodes deposited on a lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) substrate. In this manner, three partial lines of electrically controllable light gates are formed which provide a line-at-a-time output of the information to be reproduced. The individual light gates are controlled by driver ICs with push-pull output stages. To control the individual partial lines, different voltages must be applied to the main and spot electrodes.

Abstract: A color image recording apparatus which can form by color correction, a high-quality image on a recording material, with which an image is printed on a back surface of a transparent layer thereof and the printed image is observed from the transparent layer side and can protect an image surface or improve image quality. The apparatus comprises input means for inputting color image information; color correcting means for performing color correction of the color image information; converting means for performing mirror image conversion of the color image information; image forming means for performing image formation based on image signals from the color correcting means; and means for changing correcting parameters of the color correcting means and instructing a converting operation by the converting means in correspondence with types of recording materials of the image forming means.

Abstract: In a two-page printer system, there is included a first and second print engine placed on a path in which paper to be printed travels and displaced a distance, L, from one another along the path, the first print engine printing a first side of the paper and the second print engine printing a second side of the paper. The two-page printer system also includes an apparatus for coordinating the printing of the paper, the two-page printer further including a process controller for generating control signals. The apparatus comprises a first storage element for storing information to be printed. A processor element, operatively connected to the first storage element, formats the information to be printed in a form required by the printer, the information to be printed being fetched from first storage element.

Abstract: Modular optical LED printhead arranged for a fixed focus distance outside the printhead structure. A supporting and registration plate contains a rectangular opening in which the lens is located. The plate is secured to the overall LED supporting structure of the printhead by end members which, with side members, completely seal the LED's and connections from contaminants. The registration plate has at least two surfaces thereon which mate with surfaces in the associated apparatus to accurately position the plate. During the alignment process of the printhead, the lens and plate are adjusted to provide a focus at a fixed distance from one of the registration surfaces of the plate. Alignment of the lens across the axis of the LED array is provided by recessed set screws and a shim. Because of the fixed distance from the registration surface, the printhead can be installed in suitably constructed apparatus without further alignment.

Abstract: In a color copier, color infidelities in the copied image resulting from overlapping spectral absorption characteristics of the cyan, magenta and yellow layers in the recording material and from the superposed spectral sensitivities of the red, green and blue decomposition systems in the reader/scanner of the original are compensated for by determining the mixture components in advance using a shade wedge, and subtracting such components during the copying process.

Abstract: An image recording system includes an electro-optic image section having a luminescent display device, such as a high-resolution monochrome cathode ray tube (CRT), that successively directs its light output through a red, a green, and blue filters to expose recording film contained within a camera. The recording film can take the form of positive roll film that is processed into slides or self-developing film units. The CRT is controlled to sweep a scan line at specified line positions while modulating the output light in a digital manner and repeat the line sweep until all pixel positions for that line are properly exposed. After all lines for a particular color are imaged, the filter is changed to the next color to be imaged and the process repeated until all scan lines for the different colors are completed. The system allows very precise exposure control to create developed images having fine gradation in color density and hue.

Abstract: An apparatus for making photographs from a video image including a video system for creating the video image and for displaying the video image to the subject, a photographic system for producing a photograph from the video image, and a computer for transferring the video image from the video system to the photographic system. The computer system digitizes the video image signal from the video system, stores it in a digitized format and converts it to an analog signal for display by the video system and for producing photographs by the photographic system. And a method of producing photographs from a video image using the above apparatus.

Abstract: This invention concerns an image processing system which is constructed by combining a plurality of image readers each adapted to read an image electrically and produce image data as output and a printing means for producing the image on a recording medium based on the introduced image data. During the course of transfer of an image signal from the image readers to the printing means, the image processing system automatically delays the actuation of the image readers when the mode of prohibiting the transfer of image signal exists, whereas the image processing system automatically actuates the image readers immediately after the mode of prohibiting the transfer of image signal changes to the mode of permitting the transfer.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for obtaining image signal by tonal processing of an input signal. Pulse-width modulation of the input signal is achieved thorugh comparison with a second signal of a predetermined shaped, for example a triangular signal. In order to avoid the influence of fluctuating factors in pulse-width modulation, the apparatus also has a third signal generator, and the pulse-width modulated signal or a pattern signal generated by the third signal generator is selectively used for image formation.

Abstract: An image taking apparatus consisting of a main unit capable of image recording in at least one of a first recording mode in which an object image is focused by a focusing system onto an image reading device is photoelectrically read and a second recording mode in which the object image is focused by a focusing system onto a recording medium for image recording, and a sub unit detachably attachable to the main unit is used for the recording in the second recording mode, and, when it is attached to the main unit, it receives the light image of the object image from the main unit and executes recording in the second recording mode.

Abstract: An image read-out and recording apparatus comprises a device for splitting a light beam into a read-out beam and a recording beam, a common light deflector for deflecting the read-out beam and the recording beam, and a read-out sub-scanning device for moving an image original exposed to the deflected read-out beam with respect to the light deflector at an angle with respect to a direction of main scanning effected by deflection. A light detection system is provided for photoelectrically detecting light reflected by the image original, light passing through the image original, or light emitted by the image original when the image original is exposed to the read-out beam, and generating image signals representing an image recorded on the image original.

Abstract: An optical printer head with a light emitting diode array comprises means for setting a distance between a light emitting surface of a light emitting diode array chip and a rod lens array. The means is provided with two reference position levels at which the light emitting diode array chip and the rod lens array are held. Therefore, there is no necessity for adjusting the distance between the light emitting diode array chip and the rod lens array so that a productivity thereof is much improved.

Abstract: A laser beam scanning apparatus for beam scanning a medium with the laser beam being deflected by a deflector, comprising a first mirror provided for reflecting the laser beam after deflected by the deflector and a second mirror provided for folding a light path between the first mirror and the recording medium in relation that a first light path between the deflector and the first mirror is intersected with a second light path between the second mirror and the recording medium. The first and second mirrors are arranged so as to be movable in parallel respectively for adjusting a length of scanning line on the recording medium in a direction perpendicular to the scanning line, wherein either one of the first and second mirrors is moved when adjusting said moved mirror has lesser shift amount of the scanning line on the recording medium as compared with the other mirror.

Abstract: An image reader/recorder assembly unit for use in a facsimile system is provided with an image reader containing a number of sensor elements aligned in an image scanning direction and an image recorder containing a number of recording elements. The image reader and the image recorder are of a specific length shorter than the full scanning width. Image data is read and recorded as the image reader and the image recorder move in the image scanning direction, both of these units being mounted on independent carriages. In addition, the edges of adjacent image data are recorded twice at a lower density to achieve a predetermined density through two recording operations despite superimposition. This prevents degradation of the recorded image data quality.

Abstract: When a copying error is noted after a start of copying operation, an error switch is depressed. Upon depression of the error switch, an error signal is applied to a central processing unit which in turn controls a recording sheet transporting means so that the recording sheet is transported at a higher speed.

Abstract: An area exposure apparatus for exposing a text on a recording carrier and a method for the area exposure is disclosed. In accordance with the device configuration, text is exposed on a recording carrier (12) which continuously moved forward in a forward move direction. To this end, the recording carrier is scanned over a maximum area and consequently exposed by means of an intensity modulated laser beam along scanning lines (Z1, Z2) at right angles relative to the forward move direction, and coupled in a predetermined manner to the forward movement. The scanning lines formed by the scanning extend over a plurality of characters of the text. For the exposure of the recording carrier with a text which exceeds a given length to width ratio, and has a predetermined narrower width than the recording carrier, which is hence relatively narrow, the recording carrier (12) is shifted in the direction of the lines of the text and at the same time is scanned in the direction of the height of the characters of the text.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing multi-color, continuous tone images on a photographic element sensitive to radiation outside the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum includes at least two laser diodes which may be simultaneously modulated, beam combiners to combine radiation emitted by the laser diodes into a single colinear beam and a rotating polygonal mirror for scanning the combined colinear beam across the surface of the photographic element.

Abstract: The roller phototracer for producing images on photosensitive films inter alia for the manufacture of printed circuits, comprises a film-holding roller movable in rotation and an optics-carrying slide movable in translation along an axis parallel to the axis of the roller, the optics-carrying slide bearing an optical device optically connected to a laser emitter via at least one space filter and at least one acousto-optical modulator for directing a light beam towards the film or switching of the beam in order to light up or extinguish a set of lines of light spots on the film depending on the rotation of the roller and the elementary movements of the slide. The phototracer is characterised in that it also comprises structure for directing a number of light beams towards the film simultaneously and from the same laser emitter, and structure for bringing about a partial overlap of the light spots on the film.

Abstract: A surface-scanning system of the kind that defines an optical path and has a scanning assembly comprised of X and Y angularly oscillating scanners for deflecting a portion of the path, and first and second optical elements aligned with stationary portions of the optical path and driven in rectilinear oscillating motion along the path to provide focus correction respectively for the X and Y scanners. The X direction scanner is of the resonant type and has a mechanism for dynamically tuning its resonant frequency, the first optical element is mounted to oscillate in rectilinear resonant motion, and the tuning mechanism of the X direction scanner is arranged to receive a signal representing the oscillations of the first optical element and to tune the resonant frequency of the X direction scanner to synchronize its resonant motion with that of the first optical element.