Abstract: Each of a plurality of driver circuits includes a first 3-terminal switch element, a second 3-terminal switch element, and a 3-terminal light emitting element driven by the first 3-terminal switch element. The first 3-terminal switch element in a first circuit of adjacent driver circuits is driven by one of first and second clocks and the first 3-terminal switch element in a second circuit of the adjacent driver circuits is driven by the other of the first and second clocks. The second 3-terminal switch element in the first circuit supplies a signal to the second driver circuit, the signal representing an operational state of the first circuit. The second 3-terminal switch element in the first circuit includes a control electrode to which a third clock is supplied. The second 3-terminal switch element in the second circuit includes a control electrode to which a fourth clock is supplied.

Abstract: When a position detector detects that the position of a spot on a projection plane designates a non-projection region, the level of a driving signal of a laser is corrected. Specifically, the correlation between the quantity of laser light detected by a light-receiving portion and the level of the driving signal of the laser in accordance with prescribed data is detected. Then, the characteristic value of the laser indicated by the detected correlation is compared with the characteristic value at room temperature stored beforehand to indicate the correlation between the quantity of light emitted by the laser at room temperature and the level of the driving signal. Then, based on the comparison result, the level of the driving signal of the laser in accordance with image data is corrected.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a method for printing three-dimensional objects, layer by layer utilizing an optimized scheme of predefined passes for each layer based on considerations related to both throughput and quality of printing. Embodiment of the invention may include generating a scanning plan for a layer such that the accumulated length for all the scanning passes in the layer is minimized. The optimization scheme may be performed based on image data parameters, such as sizes, locations, dimensions and shapes of the imaged areas of the layer.

Abstract: An exposure device includes a circuit board, a light-emitting element member, a driving signal generating unit and a first voltage supply unit. The light-emitting element member is disposed on the circuit board. The light-emitting element includes plural light-emitting elements arranged in a line and plural switching elements disposed so as to correspond to the plural light-emitting elements. When the plural switching elements sequentially set the respective light-emitting elements to be in a state where the respective light-emitting elements can turn on, the respective light-emitting elements turn on sequentially. The driving signal generating unit is disposed on the circuit board. The driving signal generating unit generates driving signals for driving the respective light-emitting elements arranged in the light-emitting element member. The first voltage supply unit is disposed on the circuit board. The voltage supply unit supplies a first predetermined voltage to the light-emitting element member.

Abstract: An exposure head including: light-emitting elements disposed at a first pitch in a first direction; and drive circuits disposed at a second pitch wider than the first pitch in the first direction on one side of the light-emitting elements in a second direction orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the first direction and configured to cause the light-emitting elements to emit light.

Abstract: A main controller controls drive of an LSU for irradiating laser light onto a charged photoreceptor, based on control data read from a non-volatile memory. The main controller causes the LSU to irradiate a beam of light onto the photoreceptor so as to form on the photoreceptor an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image to be formed. A controlling section reads through an image reading section control data from the non-volatile memory at a different timing from a timing at which the main controller controls the LSU. The controlling section controls drive of the LSU based on the read control data.

Abstract: A tandem type color image forming apparatus, which can continuously form color images each containing two or more colors, including: a signal creating section having, for each color, two or more image area setting counters for generating an image valid area signal to set a starting position and a width of an image formation area in a sub-scanning direction; and a control section for executing color image formation control on a predetermined face of paper, based on an image top signal for controlling writing of an image on an image carrier and the image valid area signal for each color, wherein the control section sets each of the outputs of the image area setting counters independently according to a preset image formation mode, and selects and controls one of the image area setting counters for each image formation of each color.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing thermal printing techniques onto thermally sensitive print media use one or more laser arrays to provide optical heating. Thermal management of the laser arrays is described. Techniques for alignment of multiple monolithic arrays onto a common carrier are described. Various output optics are described.

Abstract: Positioning displacement characteristics of each of scanning beams are obtained in advance. The positioning displacement characteristics is indicative of a relation between temperature and a displacement amount by which each of the scanning beams is displaced in a sub-scanning direction. A displacement control is performed based on the positioning displacement characteristics by shifting the positioning displacement characteristics in a direction opposite to that of a trend of the positioning displacement characteristics within a pixel pitch.

Abstract: A light output device includes: an output unit including a light source; a control voltage generation unit that detects output power of the light source, and generates a control voltage for controlling a drive current of the light source; a control unit that sets a target value of the output power; a voltage-current conversion unit that converts the control voltage into the drive current; a setting unit that sets an inclination of a characteristic line of control voltage-drive current conversion in the voltage-current conversion unit; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the voltage-current conversion unit such that the drive current becomes a target current value for setting the output power to the target value in a predetermined control voltage value on the characteristic line, wherein the setting unit sets the inclination of the characteristic line to a first inclination where the drive current does not reach a maximum current value.

Abstract: A laser exposure method for performing exposure is provided in which a supporting stage (2) supporting a plurality of objects (workpieces 5) and a laser beam illumination device (3) illuminating the objects while a focus servo control based on reflected light is being effected are moved relative to each other. The method includes a control start step of starting the focus servo control when the laser beam has reached a focus start position (FS) on an object; a control stop step of stopping the focus servo control when the laser beam has reached a focus stop position (FE) on the object; and a retaining step of retaining a position of an optical component (objective lens 35) at a predetermined position for a period until the laser beam starting from the focus stop position (FE) on the object reaches a focus start position (FS) on a subsequent object.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a lower body including a plurality of photosensitive members and having an opening; an upper body which is configured to open and cover the opening; a plurality of exposure units which are supported by the upper body and which are opposed to the photosensitive members when the cover covers the opening; a main substrate provided in the housing; an exposure control substrate which is provided to the upper body and controls light emission of the exposure units; a plurality of first cables which electrically connect the exposure units to the exposure control substrate, respectively, each of the first cables including a plurality of signal lines; and a second cable which electrically connects the exposure control substrate to the main substrate and which includes at least one signal line, a number of which is smaller than a total number of the signal lines included in the first cables.

Abstract: A disclosed optical path switching device includes a polarization bistable VCSEL that emits a beam having a rising polarization plane, a laser light source configured to emit a beam having a polarization plane orthogonal to the rising polarization plane, and an optical path switching unit configured to switch an optical path of the beam emitted from the polarization bistable VCSEL by switching the angle of the rising polarization plane of the beam emitted from the polarization bistable VCSEL. The beam emitted from the polarization bistable VCSEL is incident on an entrance window of the optical path switching unit, and the beam emitted from the laser light source is incident on an exit window of the polarization bistable VCSEL.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting elements, a first storage unit that stores first correction values corresponding to the light emitting elements, a counting unit that counts the number of pixels whose gray-scale values designated by image data are within a predetermined range included in an image, a selection unit that selects a first mode or a second mode according to the relationship between the number counted by the counting unit and a threshold value, and a driving unit that drives the light emitting elements corresponding to the predetermined number of pixels to emit amounts of light corresponding to the first correction values when the first mode is selected by the selection unit, and drives the light emitting elements corresponding to the predetermined number of pixels to emit amounts of light corresponding to the image data when the second mode is selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: A memory read control unit (606) reads out image data of one pixel from a memory (603) in synchronism with a clock signal. On the basis of the image data of one pixel, a converting unit (604) converts the density of a corresponding pixel into digital data of a plurality of bits and stores the digital data in a shift register (606). A pixel-piece insertion and deletion control unit (607) inserts data of one bit into the shift register or deletes data of one bit from the shift register. The pixel-piece insertion and deletion control unit (607) estimates a data storing state in the shift register and controls image data read-out from the memory (603) in accordance with the estimated data storing state.

Abstract: An image-data transfer controller divides one line of image data for each of a plurality of light-emitting-element array units, transfers the divided image data to respective light-emitting-element array units, to drive light-emitting elements in the light-emitting-element array units for an exposure in a main-scanning direction. The image-data transfer controller performs a plurality of data transfers during one-line interval in the main-scanning direction, while performing a data processing of the one line of image data in the respective light-emitting-element array units, to drive a light-emitting element array formed with the light-emitting elements arranged in one direction.

Abstract: A light scanning apparatus includes a plurality of light sources. A detection unit detects the light power of a light beam output from at least one of the plurality of light sources. A control unit controls the driving current of at least one selected light source on the basis of the detection result by the detection unit such that the light power of the selected light source equals a target light power. The light source is selected from the plurality of light sources on the basis of the light-emitting characteristic of each light source. The control unit controls, on the basis of the driving current of the selected light source, the driving currents of light sources which remain unselected in the plurality of light sources.

Abstract: A line head, includes: a head substrate; a first light emitting element group which is arranged on the head substrate and includes a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element; a second light emitting element group and a third light emitting element group which are arranged in a first direction on the head substrate; a first wiring which is arranged between the second and the third light emitting element groups on the head substrate and is electrically connected with the first light emitting element; a second wiring which is arranged between the second and the third light emitting element groups on the head substrate and is electrically connected with the second light emitting element; and a connecting portion which is arranged on the head substrate and is electrically connected with the first and the second wirings.

Abstract: A high-quality image forming apparatus that is capable of accurately adjusting the size and position of an image during image formation on a second surface of a transfer material, even when there has been expansion/contraction of the transfer material due to thermal fixing after image formation on a first surface thereof, to thereby avoid image displacement during two-sided image formation and multiple image formation.

Abstract: A common data line serially connects a first dot memory group and a second dot memory group in layout order of driven devices so as to form each pair. First word lines are connected to the first dot memory group. Second word lines are connected to the second dot memory group. A data writing section supplies the correction values for the first dot memory group and the correction values for the second dot memory group while shifting the timing and supplies writing signals to the first word lines and the second word lines at predetermined timing. A chip area is reduced and costs of a driving apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: A control device and a method for controlling scanning speed of a scanner. The control device includes a decision device and a driving device. The decision device further includes an image buffer, an up-down counter and a comparator. The decision device receives the input image data and utilizes the up-down counter to compute data access volume inside the image buffer. The comparator decides whether to increase or decrease the scanning speed according to the data access volume and also outputs decision data to the driving device.

Abstract: An exposure device for a non-impact printing apparatus which includes a plurality of light-emitting elements for forming images, a driver element for individually applying energy output levels to the light-emitting elements, lens for focusing the light emitted by the light-emitting elements, storage ability for storing a list of setting values for setting the energy output levels, wherein the list includes a plurality of series of setting values, each one of the series enabling to attribute at least one setting value to each one of the light-emitting elements, each one of the series being selectable as a function of an exposure device condition. A method is also provided for adjusting a non-impact printing apparatus which includes the step of selecting the most adequate series of setting values on the basis of an analysis of the optical density of printed images on a receiving medium.

Abstract: A drive circuit for supplying a drive current to a plurality of driven elements includes a plurality of drive output terminals to be connected to the driven elements. The drive output terminals are arranged with a specific pitch in between in an arrangement direction. The drive circuit further includes a plurality of drive transistors. Each of the drive transistors is arranged in an occupied area with a specific width in the arrangement direction larger than the specific pitch.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and method that detects a light beam deflected by a polygon mirror at least at two separate locations on the line in the horizontal scanning direction, measures the difference in time of passage between these locations, makes a comparison between the thus determined interval and a reference interval, and generates a proper amount of correction corresponding to the determined interval, such as either correction data adapted to change the frequency of a pixel clock, or further correction data to change the period of the pixel clock by pixels.

Abstract: One scanning interval of a laser beam is divided into a plurality of blocks, correction data, which corresponds to optical characteristics of an optical unit placed between a laser element and a photosensitive drum, is stored in memory in association with each block, the correction data corresponding to a block being scanned by the laser beam is read out of the memory, and the laser is driven upon correcting the laser drive signal based upon the correction data read out and correction data corresponding to a block adjacent to the block being scanned by the laser.

Abstract: In a line head, a plurality of element arrays arranged in a first direction. Each array includes a plurality of light emission elements arrayed in a second direction which is perpendicularly to the first direction. The light emission elements emit light for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive surface of an image carrier. A switcher activates the light emission elements in at least one of the element arrays while deactivating the others. A developer develops the latent image as a visible image with toner.

Abstract: A light amount correcting method for a light emitting apparatus having a plurality of light emitting devices, includes: measuring light amount values of a plurality of the light emitting devices; extracting high frequency components from the measured light amount values; extracting low frequency components from the measured light amount values; calculating a first correction value for correcting a light amount value of a first light emitting device on the basis of the high frequency components; and correcting a second correction value for correcting the light amount value of the first light emitting device on the basis of the low frequency components; and correcting a light amount value of a second light emitting device such that it is included in both of the first allowable range and the second allowable range.

Abstract: In a line head, a plurality of element arrays arranged in a first direction. Each array includes a plurality of light emission elements arrayed in a second direction which is perpendicularly to the first direction. The light emission elements emit light for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive surface of an image carrier. A switcher activates the light emission elements in at least one of the element arrays while deactivating the others. A developer develops the latent image as a visible image with toner.

Abstract: In a line head, a plurality of element arrays arranged in a first direction. Each array includes a plurality of light emission elements arrayed in a second direction which is perpendicularly to the first direction. The light emission elements emit light for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive surface of an image carrier. A switcher activates the light emission elements in at least one of the element arrays while deactivating the others. A developer develops the latent image as a visible image with toner.

Abstract: A method comprising storing a first line of data that is received from processing circuitry across a first set of conductors prior to receiving a first signal from a laser engine having a plurality of laser units and providing the first line of data and a second line of data that is received from the processing circuitry across the first set of conductors to the laser engine in response to receiving the first signal is provided.

Abstract: A driver circuit in an optical print head uses driving transistors to drive a row of light-emitting elements. The gate electrodes of the driving transistors are at least partly oriented so that driving current flows in the channels below the gate electrodes in a direction different from the direction of the row the light-emitting elements. This orientation reduces the temperature dependency of the driving current, so that the optical print head can produce the same high image quality at low ambient temperatures as at room temperature.

Abstract: A circuit for driving a plurality of light emitting units includes a current biasing unit that biases a light emitting current with an overshoot current and supplies the resultant current to each of the light emitting units. The light emitting current is determined based on an amount of light emitted from each of the light emitting units.

Abstract: If an edge of a sheet metal of an image forming apparatus damages an electric cable, the image signal is distorted and a correct image is not formed since the damage causes feeding failure and signal deterioration. This is remarkable in the conventional digital electrophotographic apparatus, since the drive signal to drive a laser or a light emitting diode (LED) for exposing the photosensitive body becomes higher in frequency as resolution and speed are increased and tends to generate the electric noise. In order to prevent damage of an electric cable by a metal frame, an apparatus having a holder for holding a feed cable is provided.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus sets a DAC output voltage 1602, a VI conversion current ID 1603, and a laser current IL 1604 using a correction profile 1601, and performs density nonuniformity correction that addresses various factors contributing to density nonuniformity.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser modulation signal is generated for modulating a semiconductor laser. The semiconductor laser is driven based on the semiconductor laser modulation signal. An output impedance of a semiconductor laser modulation signal generating unit and an input impedance of a semiconductor laser driving unit are corrected. The semiconductor laser modulation signal is transmitted as a low amplitude differential signal, from the semiconductor laser modulation signal generating unit to the semiconductor laser driving unit.

Abstract: A light-emitting device has a plurality of pixel circuits arranged in one direction, each of the plurality of pixel circuits having a light-emitting element that emits light according to the amount of driving current, a driving transistor that supplies the driving current to the light-emitting element, a holding transistor that supplies a data signal supplied via a data line to the driving transistor, and a connecting line that connects the driving transistor to the holding transistor. The holding transistor, the light-emitting element, and the driving transistor are arranged in a direction crossing the arrangement direction of the plurality of pixel circuits. The light-emitting element is provided between the holding transistor and the driving transistor.

Abstract: A disclosed device for generating a pulse-width modulated signal according to image data and based on a pixel clock signal includes a pixel clock generating unit configured to generate the pixel clock signal and a modulated data generating unit configured to generate the pulse-width modulated signal. The pixel clock generating unit includes a multi-phase clock signal generating unit, a comparing unit, a frequency calculation unit, a counting unit, and a pixel clock signal output unit. The modulated data generating unit includes a data converting unit, an edge time calculation unit, and a pulse-width modulated signal output unit.

Abstract: An improved ROS driver circuit for an electrophotographic printing system includes a sub-pixel clock generator, a parallel to serial converter, and a raster output scanner (ROS) light source. The sub-pixel clock generator generates a sub-pixel clock signal that has a period less than a period of a video data clock and this clock signal is used by the parallel to serial converter to convert a parallel video data stream into a serial video data bit stream. The serial video data bit stream modulates the ROS light source to provide sub-pixel control of the light signal generated by the ROS light source.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes an approximation formula determination unit, a sensitivity correction value determination unit and a bias current controller. The approximation formula determination unit determines an nth-order approximation formula and an mth-order approximation formula, which represent the sensitivity characteristic of the image carrier along the main-scanning direction thereof, from sensitivity data representing the sensitivity of each area obtained by dividing the surface of the image carrier into a plurality of areas. The sensitivity correction value determination unit determines a sensitivity correction value, which is a correction value of sensitivity in each area, from the nth-order approximation formula and mth-order approximation formula. The bias current controller controls a bias current in accordance with the sensitivity correction value.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods presented herein allow for the alignment of images. In some embodiments, a plurality of PWM modules each receive input data and corresponding input phase-shifted clock signals. In some embodiments, each PWM module generates an output phase-shifted PWM signal based on the input data and its corresponding input phase-shifted clock signal. In some embodiments, a selector selects one of the output phase-shifted PWM signal based on timing relationships between an event signal and the phase-shifted clock signals.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a light source that emits a light beam in a main scanning direction according to image data to be used for image formation, a control unit that controls the light source, and detectors that detect the light beam. The main scanning direction is divided into areas and a cycle of a pixel clock is corrected in each area independently based on detection results of the detectors so as to correct an image position and image magnification.

Abstract: After a voltage of opposite polarity is applied between electrodes of liquid crystal shutters for each of an odd number of colored lights emitted cyclically, a dummy operation of the liquid crystals is performed during a wait period until a next write command pulse is received. During the dummy operation, LEDs which emit the colored lights are kept off. Delays in response of the liquid crystals are reduced by driving the liquid crystals continuously, and molecular arrangement in the liquid crystals is kept constant whenever possible by performing an even number of shutter operations and thereby driving the liquid crystals for the same color with a voltage of the same polarity.

Abstract: A method for forming a pixel (20) having a predetermined density onto a sensitized recording medium moving in a length direction energizes a pixel exposure source (14) to begin exposure at the leading edge (34) of a pixel (20) and for a first predetermined time interval. The pixel exposure source (14) is de-energized for a period depending on the predetermined density and on media transport speed, then re-energized at the termination of the period. The pixel exposure source (14) is then de-energized at the end of a second predetermined time interval to terminate exposure at the trailing edge (36) of the pixel (20), whereby spatial dimensions of each pixel (20) are maintained at variable transport speed or density of pixel (20).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is capable of forming a clear image by using laser beams projected from a plurality of laser light sources. The image forming apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on a medium to be scanned by laser beams, which are projected from a plurality of laser light sources and periodically deflected by a rotational deflecting unit, so that the laser beams scan the medium, which is uniformly charged and moving in a sub-scanning direction, in a main-scanning direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. A pixel clock generating unit generates pixel clocks, which are used for controlling timings of projection of the laser beams, separately for each of the laser light sources, and for performing a phase change of each of the pixel clocks; and a phase control unit that controls independently each of the pixel clocks.

Abstract: A pixel circuit includes a light-emitting element which emits light having the intensity corresponding to an amount of a driving current; a driving transistor which supplies the driving current to the light-emitting element; a storing circuit which writes a data signal instructing the light-emitting brightness of the light-emitting element during a writing period of time to store the data signal; and a buffer circuit which supplies a signal output from the storing unit to the driving transistor.

Abstract: A line head includes a substrate, light emitting elements disposed on the substrate, drive circuits that drive the light emitting elements, and wirings that electrically connect the drive circuits and the light emitting elements. The light emitting elements form n (n?2) light emitting element rows. The drive circuits are electrically connected with the wirings to light emitting elements belonging to a number of light emitting element rows equal to or smaller than n?1.

Abstract: An exposure head, includes: an imaging optical system; a first light emitting element that emits a light which is to be focused by the imaging optical system; a second light emitting element that emits a light which is to be focused by the imaging optical system; a first TFT circuit that is connected with the first light emitting element via an interconnection wire; and a second TFT circuit that is connected with the second light emitting element via an interconnection wire, wherein the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element are provided between the first TFT circuit and the second TFT circuit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main motor that drives a photosensitive element; a polygon motor that drives a polygon mirror; a main motor drive circuit that drives the main motor; a polygon motor drive circuit that drives the polygon motor; a package; and a board, wherein: the package is mounted on the board and is disposed in a vicinity of the main motor; and the main motor drive circuit and the polygon motor drive circuit are formed in the package.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the invention includes plural photoconductive bodies for forming a color image, an exposure unit to scan a laser light in a main scanning direction of each of the plural photoconductive bodies and to perform exposure, and a light amount correction unit to create, for each of the plural photoconductive bodies, light amount correction data for correcting a light amount of the laser light outputted form the exposure unit so that a light receiving sensitivity of each of the plural photoconductive bodies in the main scanning direction becomes uniform, and the light amount correction unit includes a first storage unit to store reference correction data, a second storage unit to store reference correction data, a second the reference correction data is made an absolute amount, by a relative amount correspondingly to each of the plural photoconductive bodies, and a combining unit to combine the reference correction data and the relative correction data to create the light amount correcti

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a media type of a print medium. Embodiments of the apparatus include an emitter, a polarization filter, and a detector. The emitter is configured to emit light toward a surface of the print medium. The polarization filter is configured to filter polarized light reflected from the surface of the medium. The detector is coupled to the polarization filter and configured to detect the filtered light. The detector is also configured to generate an electrical signal representative of the detected light.