Abstract: An error reducing raster scan method for a raster scan device having multiple simultaneous scan lines, the method including the steps of separating scan lines to be placed adjacent to each other into different scan groups, so that no two scan lines to be placed adjacent to each other are in the same scan group, and a scanning a set of scan lines from a different one of the scan groups on each scan across the area.

Abstract: A single facet wobble free light scanner which eliminates the effects of wobble caused by bearing inaccuracies or other mechanical factors. A pentaprism, pentamirror, right angle prism or right angle mirror monogon 30 is rotated about an axis passing through its sides and through the axis of the applied light beam 8. By reflections off of two mirrored surfaces 22, 24, the output light beam 28 creates a plane of light. When, or if, the pentaprism 30 wobbles about the rotational axis, the effects of the wobble are eliminated because via the internal reflections of the pentaprism, the output light beam 28a is parallel to the original output light beam 28, the parallel light beams 28,28a being focused onto the scan surface by external optics 70.

Abstract: A single facet wobble free light scanner which eliminates the effects of wobble caused by bearing inaccuracies or other mechanical factors. A pentaprism, pantamirror, right angle prism or right angle mirror monogon 30 is rotated about an axis passing through its sides and through the axis of the applied light beam 8. By reflections off of two mirrored surfaces 22, 24, the output light beam 28 creates a plane of light. When, or if, the pentaprism 30 wobbles about the rotational axis, the effects of the wobble are eliminated because via the internal reflections of the pentaprism, the output light beam 28a is parallel to the original output light beam 28, the parallel light beams 28, 28a being focused onto the scan surface by external optics 70.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of laser scanning systems using a multifaceted rotating polygon or pyramid as the scanner. In particular, a beam of light, such as that generated by a laser beam, is directed onto a first facet of the scanner. This beam is expanded and reflected back to the same facet or any other facet on the scanner by optical means positioned adjacent the scanner so that the beam is caused to follow the facet of the scanner upon which the beam is reflected during a complete scan and to shift to the next facet for the following scan.

Abstract: An acousto-optic device including an acousto-optic medium having a plurality of closely spaced transducers bonded thereto in a linear array. A signal of the same frequency is supplied to those transducers which are to diffract out or deflect elemental portions of a light beam incident upon the acousto-optic medium to thereby provide a plurality of light spots which can be written in parallel.

Abstract: A flying spot scanning system is provided by utilizing reflected light from a multifaceted rotating polygon which is then directed to the scanned medium. A light source illuminates at least one of the facets of the polygon during each scanning cycle to provide a scanning beam of light. In each scanning cycle, information is transmitted to the scanned medium by modulating the light from the light source in accordance with a video signal. A first cylindrical lens is employed in convolution with other optical elements to focus the scanning beam to a spot in a focal plane at the surface of the medium. Start of scan detection is provided for the synchronization of the scanning cycles by means apart from the scan width on the medium. A portion of the beam at the start of scan position is deflected to impinge upon a second cylindrical lens which focuses the deflected beam to a spot received by a detector element.

Abstract: An optical flying spot scanner having a lens array positioned between a scan line and a detector array and inclined at an angle to the axis of the scan line. Each of the lenses of the lens array has a coordinate position in a plane parallel to the scan line related to a particular segment of the scan line such that the information content of each segment of the scan line is transmitted to a different one of the tiered detectors of the detector array.

Abstract: A flying spot scanning system is provided by utilizing reflected light from a multifaceted rotating polygon which is then directed to the scanned medium. A light source illuminates a portion of the mirrored sides of the polygon during each scanning cycle, to provide a desired sequence of spot scanning. In each scanning cycle, information is transmitted to the scanned medium by modulating the light from the light source in accordance with a video signal. An optical convolution of elements is selected in combination with the light source to assure a uniform spot size throughout the scan width on the scanned medium. One of these elements is a cylindrical lens placed in the optical path between the polygon and the scanned medium for allowing a wide variance in runout tolerance of the scanning system.

Abstract: A flying spot scanning system is provided by utilizing reflected light from a multifaceted rotating polygon which is then directed to the scanned medium. A light source illuminates at least two contiguous facets of the polygon during each scanning cycle, to provide the desired sequence of spot scanning. To assure a uniform spot size at the scanned medium, an optical convolution of elements is selected in combination with the light source such that an adequate depth of focus at the medium is assured. In each scanning cycle, information is transmitted to the scanned medium by modulating the light from the light source in accordance with a video signal.

Abstract: An apparatus which can function either in a copier mode or in a raster scan mode. A first unit of the apparatus, containing elements to produce an information modulated, scanning light beam, is movably mounted upon a second unit of the apparatus, containing optical elements for directing light upon a photosensitive medium, such that the movable unit can be located clear of the document supporting platen of the second unit to provide copier operation or can be located immediately adjacent the platen of the second unit to provide raster scanning operation. Optical means are provided in the movable unit to provide light focusing capabilities for the raster scan mode of operation.

Abstract: A scanning system is employed which utilizes an unmodulated beam for reading a document (original size or microfilm) and utilizes a modulated beam for printing an image (original size or a microimage) which beams both originate from the same laser source and strike the same facets of a polygon scanner at the same location or at spaced vertically aligned locations.

Abstract: A flying spot scanning system is provided by utilizing reflected light from a multifaceted rotating polygon which is then directed to the scanned medium. A light source illuminates a portion of the mirrored sides of the polygon during each scanning cycle, to provide a desired sequence of spot scanning. In each scanning cycle, information is transmitted to the scanned medium by modulating the light from the light source in accordance with a video signal. An optical convolution of elements including at least two lenses having power in one optical plane and substantially no power in the other plane, is provided in combination with the polygon. One of these lenses is placed in the optical path between the polygon and the scanned medium with its power plane substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the polygon for allowing a wide variance in runout tolerance of the scanning system.

Abstract: A flying spot flat field scanning system is provided wherein a laser beam is directed to a polygon scanner which sweeps the beam via a pair of relatively movable mirrors across a document to provide a scan in an x direction. The mirrors move relative to one another across the document to provide a scan in a y direction and move at such a relative rate to maintain optical conjugates constant.

Abstract: A flying spot scanning system for scanning a laser beam to a photoreceptor is provided wherein the size of the spot may be varied for gray scale rendition. This is accomplished by providing a scanner with a reflecting surface which varies in width (scanning direction).

Abstract: An acousto-optic modulation device is provided which is comprised of an interaction material of an injection moulded plastic integrally combined with a transducer which is bonded automatically to the interaction material during the injection process. A beam of light is projected through the interaction material, the light being diffracted by an acoustic field established by the transducer.