Abstract: A focused laser beam is provided using a multimode laser of a type that generates a diverging beam with an asymmetric cross section. A collimation lens receives and substantially collimates the diverging asymmetric beam. An anamorphic beam expander enlarges a width of the substantially collimated beam in a first, multimode axis without substantially affecting the width of the beam in a second, single mode axis orthogonal to the first axis. Demagnification optics are arranged to receive and demagnify the enlarged width beam to produce a focused spot. The demagnification optics can include a cylindrical lens ("rod lens") having a longitudinal axis and arranged to receive the enlarged width beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis. The demagnification optics are merged with scanning optics to produce a scanned spot imaging system. The apparatus is particularly useful for exposing images, e.g., in a dye sublimation printer.

Abstract: An exposure slit is provided for a shuttle style film gate in a film transport. The exposure slit is provided on a plate that is mounted to the film gate shuttle. After the shuttle advances a frame of the film, it carries the slit with it during its return to a home position. Exposure of the film frame is made through the slit during the return travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for compressing image data to enable the storage thereof in a limited amount of memory available in an imaging system. The image data is rasterized into a plurality of scan lines representing at least a portion of an image. Each scan line comprises a sequence of pixels. The scan lines are compressed in a first coding step. A determination is made as to whether the amount of data contained in the compressed plurality of scan lines exceeds the available storage capacity of the memory. If so, the scan lines are further compressed in a second coding step to reduce the amount of data therein. The second coding step can be successively repeated using more tolerant coding thresholds until the amount of data remaining no longer exceeds the available storage capacity of the memory.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for managing a plurality of output devices to generate images from graphic image files. Each of the output devices is associated with a respective control system which includes a first queue for storing the graphic image files. The graphic image files are rasterized to develop raster image data that is stored in a second queue. A job controller selects images represented by data in the graphic image files stored in the first queue for rasterizing on a real time basis. The job controller is responsive to parameters of the graphic image files, the second queue, and the associated output device to manage the flow of image data from the first queue to a raster image processor (RIP) and from the RIP to the output device via said second queue.

Abstract: An interface provides rasterized data to an imaging device such as a color copier or laser printer. Rasterized image data received from a raster image processor is compressed and stored in an output queue until the imaging device is ready to receive an image represented by the data. A data output path between the output queue and imaging device communicates the rasterized image data to the imaging device. The compressed rasterized image data is decompressed within the data output path as the data is being communicated to the imaging device. Throughput of the imaging device is maximized by actuating the device to operate in a multiple copy mode while rasterized image data for different image pages is successively communicated to the imaging device. An abort command prevents the imaging device from processing extraneous substrates when running in a multiple copy mode.

Abstract: An exposure slit is provided for a shuttle style film gate in a film transport. The exposure slit is provided on a plate that is mounted to the film gate shuttle. After the shuttle advances a frame of the film, it carries the slit with it during its return to a home position. Exposure of the film frame is made through the slit during the return travel.

Abstract: A film recorder includes a digital image generator and a central processing unit operatively associated with the digital image generator for controlling the generation of images output from the image generator for recording. A film transport is provided to carry a photographic film. An image output from the image generator is projected onto a film plane of the film transport. An interface provides a data path between the central processing unit and a user accessible receptacle provided in the film recorder. A user replaceable memory element is inserted into the receptacle for communication with the central processing unit via the data path. The user replaceable memory element can provide various features. It can contain color look up tables for new photographic film types. Credit balance information can be provided in the user replaceable memory element to enable a user to make a predetermined number of exposures using the film recorder.

Abstract: An imaging system such as an image recorder or scanner is provided with a rearview cathode ray tube. A transparent viewport of optical quality is provided along an optical axis of the CRT which is perpendicular to the CRT faceplate and generally centered with respect to the image area. The electron beam used for scanning the images is placed off-axis with respect to the CRT screen. A deflection control system compensates for spherical distortion and for the keystone effect that results from the off-axis placement of the electron gun. The structure of the present invention eliminates halation, thereby improving the dynamic range and contrast achievable for imaging and/or scanning purposes. The phosphor layer used in the CRT is made substantially thicker than in conventional CRTs, thereby reducing blemishes and improving uniformity, resolution and light output. The partial sharing of electron beam and optical paths enables more compact imaging and scanning systems to be provided.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for selectively notching an edge of a material such as photographic film or cutting through the material using the same blade. The material is guided by a path, and the blade is mounted for variable penetration into the path. One or more solenoids are responsive to a first control command for driving the blade a first distance into the path to notch an edge of the material therein, and responsive to a second control command for driving the blade a second distance into the path to cut entirely through the material. The apparatus has particular application as a cutter/notcher for a film recorder.

Abstract: An automatic sheet loader for sheets of photographic film or the like is provided. A first drive assembly is used to drive a sheet of imaging material from a supply toward an imaging station. A second drive assembly, independent of the first drive assembly, drives the sheet of imaging material into the imaging station and subsequently retrieves the sheet from the imaging station. An ejection solenoid is used to eject the sheet from the imaging station for retrieval. During a loading cycle, the first and second drive assemblies are actuated to load the sheet into the imaging station. During a retrieval cycle, the ejection solenoid and second drive means are actuated to retrieve the sheet from the imaging station and drive it into an exposed sheet chamber without loading another sheet into the imaging station. A solenoid actuated light trap is provided between the supply and exposed sheet chambers and the imaging station.

Abstract: A takeup magazine is provided for automatically loading a strip of material such as photographic film onto a removable core. A housing contains a rotatable platter. A friction ring is mounted coaxially above the platter for rotation therewith. A removable core having a diameter smaller than that of the friction ring is mounted coaxially above the platter for rotation with the platter and the friction ring. An opening in the housing receives an end of a strip of material to be wound onto the core. The end of the material is guided to engage the core and the friction ring when the strip is pushed into the opening. The guiding of the strip can be accomplished using a first pivoting arm for guiding the end in the direction of the core and at least one second arm for urging the strip against the core.

Abstract: Registration of an image with respect to a recording medium in a film recorder or the like is provided by first roughly positioning the recording medium in a support. A beam is then scanned across an unused portion of the recording medium until it impinges a fixed reference mark such as a sprocket hole edge. The coordinates of the beam are determined at the reference mark, and a registration signal is computed therefrom. The beam is then scanned across the recording medium in response to the registration signal to record information in registered relation to the reference mark. An intensity profile of the beam is calculated as it passes over an edge of the recording medium. The focus of the beam is then adjusted according to the intensity profile. Adjustment of both beam focus and lens focus is provided.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus, such as a film recorder, uses the scanning mechanism provided for imaging photographic film to read the DX bar code on the film cassette. The DX bar code indicates the film type, film speed, and roll length. The bar code information is used to automatically set one or more parameters necessary for the proper exposure of the film.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the distance between CRT image display and a photocell spaced apart from the CRT, including apparatus to selectively illuminate a point and a line on the image screen, and apparatus which provides a distance measurement according to the ratio of the received light for the point and the line image, respectively. The present invention provides a highly accurate, non-contacting apparatus and method for measuring distance and is inherently independent of many sources of distance measurement error. Moreover, approximations in the technique are available which provide measurement accuracy to a predetermined level. The resulting apparatus, when mounted in an optical system, provides for the accurate adjustment of the optical system parameters and components.

Abstract: An image recorder for providing a CRT image and apparatus to store the image on a film disposed on a film plane. The relative position, intensity and focus parameters of the image are measured during an initial startup of the image recorder, wherein the position, intensity and focus parameters of the CRT and the image thereon are automatically aligned to assure enhanced performance. The apparatus according to the present invention provides an alignment mask disposed in the CRT plane, and the CRT parameters are measured by observation of the light collected through the alignment mask from the CRT and processing the corresponding light intensity signals. The light sensing device provides a signal which is processed typically by a microprocessor controlled geometry engine to derive a set of correction data which is based on a prototype array of initialized data values. The correction data provide signals which are combined with uncorrected CRT deflection signals to provide a corrected signal.

Abstract: An image recorder for providing a CRT image and apparatus to store the image on a film disposed on a film plane. The relative position, intensity and focus parameters of the image are measured during an initial startup of the image recorder, wherein the position, intensity and focus parameters of the CRT and the image thereon are automatically aligned to assure enhanced performance. The apparatus according to the present invention provides an alignment mask disposed in the CRT plane and the CRT parameters are measured by observation of the light collected through the alignment mask from the CRT and processing the corresopnding light intensity signals. The light sensing device provides a signal which is processed typically by a microprocessor controlled geometry engine to derive a set of correction data which is based on a prototype array of initialized data values. The correction data provide signals which are combined with uncorrected CRT deflection signals to provide a corrected signal.