Abstract: Disclosed is a plotter for recording information on a light sensitive medium by modulating a laser beam incident on the medium. Data is processed into digital light modulation signals, and corresponding control signals deflect the modulated light beam to scan the medium transversely while sweeping a high resolution raster perpendicular to the scan direction. In a method disclosed, data is processed in a preselected raster format. Instructions and parameters are determined for modulating a laser light beam according to the data thus presented, and deflecting the modulated light beam to intersect a recording medium. All raster combinations possible in the selected data format are constructed and stored in advance of data presentation, as is the appropriate time scan control information. Information is then recorded on the medium in transverse scans, each scan being structured of a relatively large number of lateral raster lines composed of dots whose intensities correspond to the original data.

Abstract: An improved high speed photographic data plotting system is disclosed. This system uses a modulated laser light which is moved or scans a photographic film on a concave cylindrical surface from source location on a central axis. The scan is in a direction transverse to the length of the film. The laser light source location on the central axis can be incrementally stepped between each scan so that exposure of the film is in lines along the length of the film. The system includes means for feeding a film to a concave surface, means for securing the film to the surface, and means for cutting the film into a segment. The laser light source is exterior to the photographic chamber and the light beam is modulated and is transmitted along a central axis onto a rotating surface (source location) which projects the light beam normal to the central axis and onto the film.