Abstract: A semiconductor device is located between a first die-set part and a second die-set part of a press, and the first and second die-set parts are moved relative to each other for punching and shaping the semiconductor device therebetween. At least one parameter is monitored with at least one sensor attached to the first die-set part and/or the second die-set part at different positions of the first die-set part when it is moving relative to the second die-set part. Variations of the at least one parameter at different relative positions of the first and second die-set parts are compared, and a failure is determined to have occurred when the present variation of the parameter is different from its expected variation during normal operation of the press when there is no failure.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to light-based 3D printing. A computer aided design (CAD) representation of an object is obtained. Mirror and lighting requirements of a light-based 3D printer containing at least one mirror and at least one light source are determined based on the CAD representation of the object. Mirror and lighting characteristics of the at least one mirror and the at least one light source are adjusted based on the determined mirror and lighting requirements, the adjusting resulting in a first 3D light-based printer configuration. A 3D printing process is then initiated, wherein initiating the 3D printing process includes exposing a photosensitive material within the light-based 3D printer to light based on the first light-based 3D printer configuration.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a digital-to-analog converter coupled to receive a reference voltage and a binary-encoded digital input signal. The electronic device provides an analog output signal that represents the value of the binary-encoded digital input signal and a transmission gate is coupled to pass the analog output signal. A blank pulse generator is coupled to receive selected bits of the binary-encoded digital input signal and to pulse the transmission gate off when the selected bits change value, thus providing a blanked analog output signal.

Abstract: A signal transmission circuit includes an input terminal to which an input signal is input, a high-frequency oscillation circuit that outputs a high-frequency wave, a switching mixing circuit that modulates the high-frequency wave according to the input signal to generate modulated signals including first to third modulated signals, a first output terminal from which the first modulated signal is output, a second output terminal from which the second modulated signal is output, and a third output terminal from which the third modulated signal is output. While the first modulated signal is output from the first output terminal, the second and third modulated signals are not output. While the second modulated signal is output from the second output terminal, the first and third modulated signals are not output. While the third modulated signal is output from the third output terminal, the first and second modulated signals are not output.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a light source; and a rotational polygon mirror having N reflecting surfaces, the rotational polygon mirror being configured to reflect a light flux emitted from the light source so that a scanning surface is scanned along a main-scanning direction with reflected from the rotational polygon mirror. A width of the light flux incident on the rotational polygon mirror in a direction corresponding to the main-scanning direction is smaller than a width of each reflecting surface of the rotational polygon mirror in the direction corresponding to the main-scanning direction.

Abstract: A drawing control device includes: a fill-stroke generating unit that generates a fill stroke that includes a plurality of strokes that fill a drawing area; a shape-stroke generating unit that generates a shape stroke which is a stroke of a shape to be formed on the drawing area; a first detecting unit that detects an overlap portion where the fill stroke and the shape stroke overlap with each other; a modifying unit that removes the overlap portion from the fill stroke to modify the fill stroke to obtain a drawing stroke; a drawing-instruction generating unit that generates a drawing instruction for drawing each stroke in the drawing stroke; and a drawing control unit that controls a drawing device by using the drawing instruction to cause the drawing device to draw the drawing stroke on an object.

Abstract: A light scanning device includes an optical unit. The optical unit includes a polygon mirror and a polygon motor. The polygon mirror includes n (n is an integer equal to or larger than 1) mirror surfaces and guides light in a main scanning direction of an image bearing member. The polygon motor includes m (m is an integer equal to or larger than 1 and is coprime with n) poles and rotates the polygon mirror.

Abstract: A scanning system for use in an imaging apparatus includes a mirror assembly having a rotating mirror with a plurality of facets, a motor operatively coupled to the rotating mirror and closed loop control circuitry coupled to the motor. The mirror assembly generates a lock signal indicative of whether or not the motor is substantially at a target speed. A controller is communicatively coupled to the mirror assembly for controlling rotation of the rotating mirror, the controller generating a reference signal received by the motor assembly indicating the target speed for the rotating mirror. The reference signal is varied based at least in part upon an acceleration profile that accelerates the motor so that overshoot of the target speed is substantially reduced.

Abstract: An optical scanning unit includes a light source including a plurality of light-emitting elements; a light detector to detect a light beam emitted from the light source; a light-flux splitter, angled to the optical axis of the light beam emitted from the light source, having an aperture, a portion of reduced thickness susceptible to warping, a concave face of the warped light-flux splitter as a reflecting face, and a convex face of the warped light-flux splitter opposite the concave face as a non-reflecting face; and a light-flux splitter pressing unit to press the light-flux splitter onto a light-flux splitter holding member without blocking the aperture. Light beam passed the aperture is used as a write-use light flux. The reflecting face reflects a light flux other than the write-use light flux as a monitor-use light flux. The light-flux splitter pressing unit presses a portion of maximum convexity of the non-reflecting face.

Abstract: A scanning optical device that scans a photoreceptor with laser light includes a light source, a light outputting section, and a projection. The laser light from the light source is output through the light outputting section so that the photoreceptor is irradiated with the laser light. The projection projects through a partition wall toward the photoreceptor. The light outputting section is disposed in a position separated from the photoreceptor by the partition wall. The projection contains a polygon motor that rotates a polygon mirror to reflect the laser light.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a light source; a photosensitive member; a brushless motor including a stator and a rotor; a rotary polygon mirror rotated by the brushless motor; an energization switching unit that turns on/off energizations of the coils; a voltage detecting unit that outputs a detection signal based on induced voltages generated in coils of the stator by rotation of the rotor; and a motor controlling unit that controls the turning on/off of the energizations by the energization switching unit based on the detection signal. In a non-image forming period after one image forming operation, the motor controlling unit performs a low-speed process where the motor controlling unit maintains a rotation speed of the brushless motor at a speed, which is lower than a speed in the image forming operation, and at which the induced voltages are detectable by the voltage detecting unit.

Abstract: A disclosed control device includes a first unit configured to generate image data of multiple images to be superposed one on the other to form a single image and transmit the image data. The second control unit transmits to the first control unit a horizontal sync reference signal for achieving synchronization of the images in a horizontal direction. Based on the horizontal sync reference signal, the first control unit transmits to the second control unit a transfer clock signal that indicates transmission timing of the image data and an effective area signal that indicates an effective area of the image data. The first control unit asserts the effective area signal for an effective-area-signal assertion period that occurs between two consecutive reference-signal assertion periods during which the horizontal sync reference signal is asserted.

Abstract: The emission intensity of a laser beam source, at a time when a laser beam emitted from the laser beam source and scanned by an optical scanning device becomes incident to a laser beam detector provided in a predetermined position on the scanning path of the laser beam in order to hold a position of an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor constant in the main scanning direction, while at the same time, changing the emission intensity of the laser beam, is set so as to become the consistently same emission intensity regardless of a change in emission intensity at the time of electrostatic latent image formation onto a photoreceptor. This allows the detection timing of a laser beam by a laser beam detector to be kept constant.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes at least one scanning unit having a deflector for scanningly deflecting a light beam from a light source, and an imaging optical system for imaging the light beam scanningly deflected by the deflector upon a plurality of photosensitive drums, wherein, at each of a plurality of light paths extending from the deflector to the plurality of photosensitive drums, at least one reflection member for turning the light path into a sub-scan direction is provided, wherein the plurality of light paths are different in the number of the reflection members, wherein a polarization direction of a light beam incident on each reflection of the plurality of light paths is S-polarized at an optical axis of the imaging optical system, wherein the reflection surfaces of all the reflection members of the plurality of light paths have the same film structure, and wherein the difference among the plurality of light paths of a total turn angle defined by the reflection surface or surfaces of the ref

Abstract: An optical scanning device 65 is adapted to bring a deflector mirror plane 651 into independent pivotal motions about a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to each other. A mirror driver section including a first axis driver and a second axis driver is so controlled as to bring the deflector mirror plane 651 into pivotal motion about the first axis thereby deflecting a light beam L for scanning along a main scan direction. On the other hand, the deflector mirror plane 651 is pivotally moved about the second axis thereby to adjust the scanned beam L for its position on a photosensitive member 2 with respect to a subscan direction. Thus, even if the scanned beam is deviated from a reference scan position with respect to the subscan direction due to component tolerances or assembly errors, such a deviation can be corrected.

Abstract: A laser beam source that emits a laser beam includes a reflecting unit that has a plurality of reflecting members and reflects the laser beam emitted from the laser beam source, a deflecting and scanning unit that deflects and scans with the laser beam reflected by the reflecting means, and an adjusting unit that moves at least part of the reflecting members, and adjusts the size of the laser beam entering the deflecting and scanning unit.

Abstract: An optical scanning device 65 is adapted to bring a deflector mirror plane 651 into independent pivotal motions about a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to each other. A mirror driver section including a first axis driver and a second axis driver is so controlled as to bring the deflector mirror plane 651 into pivotal motion about the first axis thereby deflecting a light beam L for scanning along a main scan direction. On the other hand, the deflector mirror plane 651 is pivotally moved about the second axis thereby to adjust the scanned beam L for its position on a photosensitive member 2 with respect to a subscan direction. Thus, even if the scanned beam is deviated from a reference scan position with respect to the subscan direction due to component tolerances or assembly errors, such a deviation can be corrected.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, includes: a latent image carrier whose surface includes an effective image region spanning across a predetermined width in a main scanning direction and is driven in a sub scanning direction approximately orthogonal to the main scanning direction; a latent image former which has a light source and a deflection mirror oscillating, and deflects a light beam from the light source using the deflection mirror so as to scan the effective image region with the deflected light beam; and a scanning mode controller which switches selectively between a single-side scanning mode and a double-side scanning mode, the single-side scanning mode being a mode in which the light beam is scanned only in a first direction included in the main scanning direction, the double-side scanning mode being a mode in which the light beam is scanned in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein a condition to form latent images on the latent image carrier in the singl

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, includes: a latent image carrier whose surface includes an effective image region spanning across a predetermined width in a main scanning direction and is driven in a sub scanning direction approximately orthogonal to the main scanning direction; a latent image former which has a light source and a deflection mirror oscillating, and deflects a light beam from the light source using the deflection mirror so as to scan the effective image region with the deflected light beam; and a scanning mode controller which switches selectively between a single-side scanning mode and a double-side scanning mode, the single-side scanning mode being a mode in which the light beam is scanned only in a first direction included in the main scanning direction, the double-side scanning mode being a mode in which the light beam is scanned in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein a condition to form latent images on the latent image carrier in the singl

Abstract: This invention makes it possible to prevent any uneven density and degradation in resolution in reciprocal laser scanning using a movable mirror. An image forming apparatus forms an image on a photosensitive member by scanning the photosensitive member with a laser beam reflected by a movable mirror with reciprocating the movable mirror whose rotation angle is changeable in accordance with an electrical signal. The apparatus detects the rotation direction of the movable mirror, and weights, on the basis of the rotation direction, image data of two lines along the sub-scanning direction in correspondence with the ratio of the scanning length after the start of laser write for a line of laser scanning to compensate the image to be formed using the movable mirror.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, includes: a latent image carrier whose surface includes an effective image region spanning across a predetermined width in a main scanning direction and is driven in a sub scanning direction approximately orthogonal to the main scanning direction; a latent image former which has a light source and a deflection mirror oscillating, and deflects a light beam from the light source using the deflection mirror so as to scan the effective image region with the deflected light beam; and a scanning mode controller which switches selectively between a single-side scanning mode and a double-side scanning mode, the single-side scanning mode being a mode in which the light beam is scanned only in a first direction included in the main scanning direction, the double-side scanning mode being a mode in which the light beam is scanned in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein a condition to form latent images on the latent image carrier in the singl

Abstract: A laser beam source that emits a laser beam includes a reflecting unit that has a plurality of reflecting members and reflects the laser beam emitted from the laser beam source, a deflecting and scanning unit that deflects and scans with the laser beam reflected by the reflecting means, and an adjusting unit that moves at least part of the reflecting members, and adjusts the size of the laser beam entering the deflecting and scanning unit.

Abstract: This invention is to obtain a multi-beam scanning apparatus which always executes synchronization detection at the same timing to prevent any jitter, and an image forming apparatus using the apparatus. In a multi-beam scanning apparatus which guides a plurality of light beams emitted from a light source to an optical deflector, guides the plurality of light beams deflected by the optical deflector onto a target scanning surface through a scanning lens system, and guides some of the plurality of light beams deflected by the optical deflector to a synchronization detecting unit to execute synchronization using a sync signal obtained by the synchronization detecting unit, the synchronization detecting unit includes a BD slit which determines the synchronization detecting timing, and the BD slit has a smooth member.

Abstract: A light beam L from a laser source 62 impinges upon a deflection mirror surface 651 from the direction of a pivot axis (sub scanning direction Y) at an acute angle ? with respect to the surface normal NL to the deflection mirror surface 651, and the light beam scans in a main scanning direction X. Since the light beam is incident upon the deflection mirror surface 651 along the direction of the pivot axis, the length of a movable plate 653 in the main scanning direction X may be relatively short. Further, a first optical system 63 shapes the light beam incident upon the deflection mirror surface 651 into an elongated cross sectional shape which is long in the main scanning direction X, and the movable member 653 is finished as an elongated strip which elongates in the main scanning direction X. Hence, the movable plate 653 is light-weight and can pivot stably at a faster speed than in a conventional apparatus.

Abstract: An optical printer has a DMD as a spatial light modulator. An optical image corresponding to a picture frame is projected from the DMD onto a photographic paper in a variable size to print the picture frame in a designated print size. When a maximum print size is designated, image data stored in three color image memories is entirely converted into mirror drive data for driving all micromirrors of the DMD in accordance with the image data. When a smaller print size is designated, the image data is thinned to reduce the image data size in correspondence with the smaller print size. Also a smaller area of the DMD is selected as an active area in which micromirrors are driven in accordance with the thinned image data, to print a picture in the smaller print size.

Abstract: In a laser printer which uses a scanning mirror 12 with torsional hinges 36A, 36B driven by electrical coils 30A, 30B to provide resonant pivoting, at least one sensor 84, 88 is located proximate each end of a resonant sweep or scan. Pulses or signals from the sensor indicating the passing of a sweeping or scanning light beam are connected to computational circuitry 92 in a feedback loop. This information is used to determine the center of the beam sweep. The center of the beam sweep is then aligned with the center of the photosensitive medium, such as a rotating drum 44, by adjusting the DC current provided to the drive coils.

Abstract: A scanning optical apparatus includes a first optical element for converting a state of light beam emitted from a light source into another state, a second optical element for converting the light beam from the first optical element into a line image elongated in a main scanning direction, a deflecting element for deflecting and scanning the light beam from the second optical element, and a scanning optical element for forming an image of the light beam deflected by the deflecting element on a surface to be scanned with a spot-like shape. A deflecting surface of the deflecting element and the surface to be scanned are nearly conjugate in a sub scanning cross section. The position where the wave aberration in the sub scanning cross section of the light beam on an optical axis in the deflected light beam becomes least is located on the side of the deflecting element with respect to the surface to be scanned.

Abstract: An optical scanning system for a printer includes an optical scanning unit having a deflector divided into a plurality of deflection regions to allow repetitive scanning of light emitted from a light source by rotation, the optical scanning unit for scanning light onto a photosensitive belt traveling around a plurality of rollers; a first photodetector installed at a position separated from the edge of the photosensitive belt, to be able to receivable light scanned beyond the edge of the photosensitive belt; a second photodetector installed a predetermined distance apart from the first photodetector, to be able to receive light scanned just beyond the edge of the photosensitive belt until the light hits the edge of the photosensitive belt; a scanning reference position signal generator for generating a scanning reference position signal at a point in time at which a signal output from the first photodetector in response to the reception of light, and a signal output from the second photodetector in response t

Abstract: Disclosed is a photographic printer with bi-directional sweeping of a monochrome CRT to expose a photosensitive medium. Image data from a host system is received by the printer and stored in a data drive system. The data drive system converts the data into a series of rows of dot row data to produce the appropriate image desired. Linear deflection amplifiers sweep the CRT's electron beam across the face of the CRT to expose the medium utilizing the dot row data. The present invention sweeps and writes data bi-directionally, eliminating the retrace period associated with sweeping and writing in one direction, and without any hold periods once printing starts. The data in every other dot row is processed in reverse order so that the dot row data utilized in the reverse writing sweep will be exposed onto the medium in proper relationship to the rows written above and below it.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photographic printer with bi-directional sweeping of a color CRT to expose a photosensitive medium. Image data from a host system is received by the printer and stored in a data drive system. The data drive system converts the data into a series of rows of dot row data to produce the appropriate image desired. Linear deflection amplifiers sweep the CRT's electron beam across the color phosphor areas on the face of the CRT to expose the medium utilizing the dot row data. The present invention sweeps and writes data bi-directionally, eliminating the retrace period associated with sweeping and writing in one direction, and without any hold periods once printing starts. The data in every other dot row is processed in reverse order so that the dot row data utilized in the reverse writing sweep will be exposed onto the medium in proper relationship to the rows written before and after it.