Abstract: Apparatus and method for electrophotographically producing high quality reproductions which contain different content types. Photoconductor image sectors are subjected to separate optical exposures selected for (1) good tone-scale reproduction of continuous-tone image portions and (2) high-contrast reproduction of line-type image portions. Photoconductor background area, which border continuous-tone image portions, are discharged to a level below the system's development level. Color line-art from a black and white original is also provided for in a color-copier by exposing a separate original containing a swatch of the color to be reproduced on the same image frames exposed to the image of the line-art. A digitizing tablet is used in combination with a selective erase means to provide selective screening and/or spot color effects. The digitizing tablet may be incorporated to use the exposure platen and may be of the sonic type or other types not employing grid lines visible to the photoconductor.

Abstract: A multicolor electrophotographic reproduction apparatus and method are provided for reproducing a copy in a selected colors. The apparatus includes a digitizer for inputting information denoting the location(s) of the pictorial information and the location(s) for which selected coloration is desired. The respective colors desired for reproduction of the information may be chosen from a menu of twenty-five or more colors stored in memory. In addition to an exposure source for reproducing an image of the original upon a photoconductor the apparatus also includes an illumination source for selective erase and a second illumination source which illuminates the photoconductor through a halftone screen to control the charge level on areas of a color separation image frame in accordance with the color selected to thereby effect the color which a reproduction will have.