Abstract: A calibration system for a platesetter or imagesetter is applicable to systems that have a media drum and a carriage, including a light source and a spatial light modulator for selectively exposing the media that is held against the drum. The invention can be applied to internal or external drum systems. The calibration system comprises a calibration sensor that is scanned relative to the spatial light modulator. The controller then analyzes the response of the calibration sensor to generate calibration information that is used to configure the spatial light modulator. The use of this calibration sensor allows for job-to-job calibration of the spatial light modulator, in one example, that ensures; the generation of a high quality images, without banding, for example, on the media. This calibration system is also used to detect a best focus position for projection optics by measuring a contrast ratio between exposure and dark levels for various focus settings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an autofocus system for an imaging system, such as an external drum platesetter. The autofocus system automatically focuses each of a plurality of scan lines produced by an imaging system on a supply of recording material, and includes a control loop with scan line to scan line feedforward of a motor command waveform.

Abstract: A print drive that is placed in a prepress workflow between a raster image processor and an output device receives first and second raster data corresponding to first and second image data, and processed by the raster image processor. The print drive uses the second raster data to modify the first raster data. In one embodiment, the first raster data is digitally combined with the second raster data using a digital doubleburner. In another embodiment, a digital masker uses the second raster data as a mask to selectively delete a portion of the first raster data. When used in succession, the digital masker and the digital doubleburner permit the editing of raster data which is rendered through the output device as a modified printed image.

Abstract: In an imaging system and method are disclosed, including a first illumination source for producing a first illumination field, a modulation system for modulating the first illumination field, and an optical imaging system for directing the modulated illumination field to an imaging surface. The optical imaging system includes at least one optical lens for directing the modulated illumination field toward the imaging surface along the optical axis of said optical lens. The at least one optical lens includes a first surface facing the modulation system and a second surface facing the imaging surface. The optical imaging system also includes a second illumination source for producing a second illumination field. The second illumination field has a frequency that is different than the frequency of the first illumination field.

Abstract: A hose and cable routing system for routing and flexing a coolant supply hose, a coolant return hose, and an electrical cable to a laser system mounted on a movable optical carriage in an imaging system without introducing mechanical disturbances to the optical carriage. The hose and cable routing system includes a support tray, mounted to the imaging system, for supporting the coolant hoses and electrical cable, and a movable support bracket for supporting and running the coolant hoses and electrical cable from the support tray to the optical carriage. A track is provided to guide the movable support bracket along the imaging system in response to a displacement of the optical carriage. A vibration isolator is mounted between the support bracket and the optical carriage. Other embodiments of the hose and cable routing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image sensor sub-assembly for a scanner or other image acquisition device includes an image sensor array that detects light imaged by a scanner optical system and an image sensor module that enables calibration of the position of the image sensor array relative to the optical system. In this way, with the optical system being constructed within tolerances, the module enables alignment of the image sensor array to the optical system by its adjustment. Preferably, the sensor module is calibrated to defined standards, making the optical system's calibration independent of the specific module and the module's calibration independent of the specific optical system used in a given scanner. Preferably, the module enables positioning of the sensor array with six degrees of freedom. Further, the electronic circuit board, on which the sensor array is integrated, is separate from the board, on which the analog to digital converters are located.

Abstract: A low profile side punch assembly is provided to punch registration openings along the side edge of media in an imagesetter. The side punch assembly includes a punch actuator having a scissors configuration to provide a low profile. The punch assembly is fixed to a side face of the imagesetter. The punch assembly can be located at any location along the side face. This location can also be subsequently adjusted if necessary. The location of the punch pin is accurately set during manufacture with respect to the media surface of the imagesetter by a reference surface in the side face and by the side face of the drum. A drive mechanism for the punch actuator is also provided with a positive retraction of the actuator. The location of the punch pin may also be sensed to prevent advancement of the media before the punch pin has been retracted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding recording media against a media support surface of an imaging system using an arrangement of variable cross-section vacuum grooves. Each vacuum groove has a continuously decreasing cross-section along its length. Each vacuum groove has a maximum cross-section adjacent a vacuum port and a minimum cross-section at a distal end of the vacuum groove.

Abstract: An output manager that is included in a prepress workflow between a raster image processor and an output device generates a print production format file. The file is created by defining an output device and a press, and configuring a press profile in response to the output device and the press. The output manager receives a reduced resolution image, modifies the reduced resolution image responsive to the press profile, and stores the modified reduced resolution image in a print production file according to the CIP3 format.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved illumination system for use in imaging systems that may produce a non-overlapped near field image in the slow axis direction, and a far field image of the illumination source in the slow axis direction at a light modulator. In an embodiment, the illumination system produces an area of illumination for a light modulator along a slow axis direction and along a fast axis direction, and includes a plurality of laser diode emitters, a first array of first micro lenses, and a second array of second micro lenses. The plurality of laser diode emitters are arranged in an array, and each of the laser diode emitters produces illumination in a slow axis direction and in a fast axis direction. Each first micro lens in the first array corresponds to one of the laser diode emitters, and collimates illumination in the slow axis direction. Each of the second micro lenses of the second array corresponds to one of the first micro lenses.

Abstract: An anti-aliasing method and apparatus for use with a stripe topology color display provides sub-pixel level smoothing in a manner which enhances the apparent resolution of the display, yielding enhanced object shape and positioning, while maintaining accurate foreground and background colors. The method or apparatus includes the steps or means of: generating a 1 bit per pixel super-sampled bitmap for the image, in which there is greater than or equal to 1 bit for each sub-pixel of the image; determining an average intensity I for each position of the image from the bitmap; determining a sub-pixel intensity S for each sub-pixel using the average intensity I, a foreground intensity F and a background intensity B; and setting a sub-pixel value V for each sub-pixel to produce the sub-pixel intensity on the display.

Abstract: A method, which is implemented via software on a computer, configures punches to be used on a web or sheet handling machine. The method includes: determining a queue of jobs to be processed on the machine; gathering setup information for each job; defining a punch configuration for each job; establishing punch sharing between jobs; and generating one or more punch configuration files for each job. The method can be transferred to a computerized controller via a computer-readable medium containing punch configuration code.

Abstract: A scanner, utilizing a local buffer, prevents the occurrence of stop/start artifacts in the image data by selecting a scan rate that will not overflow the buffer. This is accomplished by having the host computer communicate to the scanner to instruct a modification to a default scanning speed. The modification is based upon an expected rate at which the host computer can consume the image data, prior to the beginning of the document scan. Consequently, the scanner does not generate image data faster than they can be accepted by the host computer, thus avoiding the need to stop the relative movement between the image sensor and the document.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a supply roll to a rotatable support shaft in an imaging system. The apparatus includes a first collet/collar assembly for accurately positioning the supply roll at a desired location on the support shaft, and a second collet/collar assembly for frictionally coupling the support shaft to an interior surface of a supply core of the supply roll using a deformable gland.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for canceling crosstalk noise arising on signal lines output from an image sensor. More specifically, the crosstalk noise is canceled by a current mirror that is coupled to the signal line. The current mirror adjusts the voltage level on the signal line by drawing a current therefrom that is proportional to the amount and polarity of the crosstalk noise. The amount of crosstalk noise is determined by an amount of coupling within an A/D converter coupled to the signal lines. The current mirrors can further adjust the voltage on the signal line by drawing a current therefrom that is proportional to crosstalk arising due to a voltage level on another signal line. Such a current mirror allows pixel data to be conveyed to the A/D converter, via the signal lines, without imparting aberrations due to crosstalk noise.

Abstract: A print drive that is placed in a prepress workflow between a raster image processor and an output device receives first and second raster data corresponding to first and second image data, and processed by the raster image processor. The print drive uses the second raster data to modify the first raster data. In one embodiment, the first raster data is digitally combined with the second raster data using a digital doubleburner. In another embodiment, a digital masker uses the second raster data as a mask to selectively delete a portion of the first raster data. When used in succession, the digital masker and the digital doubleburner permit the editing of raster data which is rendered through the output device as a modified printed image.

Abstract: A conventional imagesetting system includes an imagesetter for transferring an image onto media, a wet chemical processor for processing the imaged media, an enclosed dryer section for drying the media by circulating air thereabout, and extraction rollers for extracting the media from the enclosed dryer section.

Abstract: A cylindrical component is secured in a slot of a mechanical assembly. The slot is defined by two registration surfaces which meet at a vertex and a third surface which meets one of the registration surfaces. The securing method includes: placing the cylindrical component into contact with the two registration surfaces; applying a force F1 against the cylindrical component causing compression of the cylindrical component into the two registration surfaces; and applying an anti-rotational force against the third surface to prevent redirection of the force F1. One fastener which uses the above method includes: a surface which contacts the cylindrical component; a threaded engagement mechanism which secures the fastener to the mechanical assembly through a clearance hole in the fastener; and a protruded section which prevents rotation of the fastener by engagement with the third surface.