Abstract: A method includes providing pixel data that comprises lines of pixel data and shared lines of pixel data, where the shared lines of pixel data are configured such that a first laser and a second laser of a plurality of lasers within a laser printing arrangement will print the shared lines of pixel data during printing of an image on a print medium. The shared lines of pixel data are split between the first laser and the second laser such that two shared lines of pixel data allow for printing of a single line of the image to be printed. During printing, the first and second lasers fire in accordance with lines of the shared lines of pixel data, where the firing of the second laser begins printing of lines of the image and the firing of the first laser completes printing of lines of the image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses that facilitate the alignment of multiple color planes of a latent image in a multi-beam multi-pass printer. The methods include determining, during a first pass of a transfer medium of a multi-beam printer, a first time interval between when at least one light beam from a multi-beam device is detected and when a top of a page is detected at a selected location of the transfer medium, the multi-beam device including a plurality of light beam sources, and the first pass to form a first color plane of a latent image on the transfer medium. The methods further include selecting, based at least in part on the determined first time interval, a first one of the plurality of light beam sources to begin illuminating the transfer medium to create the first color plane on the transfer medium during the first pass of the transfer medium.

Abstract: A pixel information acquiring unit acquires multilevel pixel information in which one pixel is expressed in multilevel scales. A line pixel information storing unit stores the multilevel pixel information for each main scanning line. A light emission control unit optically exposes a photosensitive element by controlling a binary light source on the basis of the multilevel pixel information. The photosensitive element is exposed to the binary light source with a period corresponding to N-fold in a sub scanning direction resolution of the multilevel pixel information, wherein N is a positive integer, so that the N times exposures corresponds to an exposure for one pixel in an original resolution. The switch on/off statuses of the binary light source are controlled in the N times exposures for each pixel, on the basis of lighting rate information for converting the multilevel scales into a lighting rate in the N times exposures.

Abstract: Methods, algorithms, software, apparatuses and systems for processing image data for imaging devices having irregular scan paths (e.g., scan paths that deviate from a conventional horizontal and/or straight line). The irregular scan paths generally correspond to actual locations of a line of output from an image output device (e.g., a printer). The method generally includes steps of selecting one or more of the input pixels, correlating a location of the selected pixel with a location on an irregular scan path, and producing an adjusted pixel based on a value of the selected pixel, the location on the irregular scan path, and/or values of one or more pixels near the selected pixel.

Abstract: A method for generating an elongated concentrated scan image on an imaging surface of a scan structure (e.g., a drum cylinder) in an imaging (e.g., xerographic or lithographic) apparatus, wherein the imaging surface is caused to move in a cross-scan (process) direction. A spatial light modulator having a two-dimensional array of light modulating elements is used to modulate a two-dimensional light field in response to predetermined scan image data, and then the modulated light is anamorphically imaged and concentrated onto an elongated imaging region defined on the imaging surface. To avoid smearing, movement of the imaging surface is synchronized with the modulated states of the light modulating elements such that image features of the scan image are scrolled (moved in the cross-scan direction) at the same rate as the cross-scan movement of the imaging surface, whereby the features remain coincident with the same portion of the imaging surface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a light emission element, a lighting signal generation section, a storage section, a communication line, a control section and an electromagnetic noise generation source. The storage section stores data used when the lighting signal generation section generates a lighting signal. The lighting signal generation section and the storage section transmit and receive the data therebetween through the communication line. The control section that controls the transmitting and receiving of the data between the lighting signal generation section and the storage section. The control section controls so as to start the transmitting and receiving of the data between the storage section and the lighting signal generation section in a state where a magnitude of the electromagnetic noise, at a position where the lighting signal generation section is disposed, generated by the electromagnetic noise generation source is smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus forms a latent image on a photoconductor by irradiating light beams from a plurality of light sources onto the photoconductor. A detection unit detects a time difference between timings of start writing on the photoconductor by the light beams in a main scanning direction. A calculation unit calculates a shift of each of the light beams in a sub-scanning direction based on the time difference detected by the detection unit and a rotation speed of the photoconductor. A correction unit corrects irradiated positions on the photoconductor by the light beams in the sub-scanning direction based on the shift calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: A multi-beam image forming apparatus and a method using the same. The image forming apparatus includes: an image process module to divide first image data into a plurality of second image data; a light scanning unit to scan the plurality of second image data using a plurality of laser beams; and a controller to control the formation of an electrostatic latent image of the first image data on a photosensitive body in an overlapping manner, using at least two of the plurality of laser beams.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing method which includes recording an image by irradiating a recording medium with laser beams which are arrayed in parallel at predetermined intervals to heat the recording medium, so that the image is composed of a plurality of lines written with the laser beams on the recording medium, and wherein in the image recording, the plurality of lines written with the laser beams include a line written first and an overwritten line, a part of which is overlapped with the line written first; and the irradiation energy for the overwritten line is smaller than the irradiation energy for the line written first.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that is operable at a plurality of image forming speeds and can be constructed at low costs without adding circuits or the like. A conversion circuit converts image data into lighting patterns for turning on/off laser light on a basis of each of units of auxiliary pixels formed by dividing a pixel as an image forming element. A shift register sequentially stores lighting patterns for pixels pixel from the conversion circuit, and sequentially outputs them to a laser drive circuit. In monochrome printing, the rotational speed of a polygon motor is set to perform a printing operation. In color printing, the difference between an image forming speed for the monochrome printing and an image forming speed for the color printing is calculated, and based on the difference, the amount of insertion of pixel pieces using the shift register is determined for a printing operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for rotary marking or machining of cylindrical materials, preferably natural cork stoppers, agglomerated cork or synthetic materials used to close wine bottles and the like. The device includes at least one feeder system of cylindrical elements, preferably natural and synthetic cork stoppers; means of sensing the presence of such cylindrical elements, a laser system, means to produce the rotation of the cylindrical elements on its axis of revolution, at a variable speed, in a tangential movement compared to the focal plane of the laser system, means of measuring the instantaneous velocity tangential to its surface and direction of rotation, optical correction and focusing means, microprocessor control based means, and means for extracting the cylindrical elements.

Abstract: A multicolor image forming apparatus includes an exposure unit to direct optical beams for optically writing different single-color images on image carriers, respectively, a pattern forming unit to form a positioning pattern on a transport member, a pattern detector to detect the positioning pattern, disposed above the transport member, a positional data detector disposed on a scanning line to detect positional data in a sub-scanning direction of the optical beams, an adjustment unit, and a storage unit. The adjustment unit detects positional deviations among the different single-color images based on detection results generated by both the pattern detector and the positional data detector, respectively, and then corrects the positional deviations. The storage unit stores as reference data the positional data in the sub-scanning direction of the optical beams detected when the positional deviations are corrected.

Abstract: An optical writing device includes: a light source including arrays arranged in a main scanning direction, each array including light-emitting elements arranged in the main scanning direction; a correction-value holding unit to hold, correspondingly with a light-emitting element, a correction value for changing timing to read out pixel data stored in an image storage unit; and a light-source drive unit to drive the light source by reading out the stored pixel data stored, according to the correction value. The correction-value holding unit includes a first area for holding a first correction value corresponding to a first light-emitting element located at an end of an array and a second area for holding a second correction value corresponding to a second light-emitting element other than the first light-emitting element, the first holding area being larger than the second holding area.

Abstract: An optical beam scanning apparatus is disclosed, including: a laser source that emits an optical beam, a deflection part that deflects the optical beam, a light receiving part that receives a returning light of the optical beam which is deflected toward the laser source by the deflection part, a signal generation part that generates a synchronization detection signal, and an optical source drive part that conducts a lighting control of the laser source. The light receiving part is arranged in vicinity to the laser source. The signal generation part detects a timing at which the light receiving part receives the returning light, by an output signal from the light receiving part to generate the synchronization detection signal. The optical source drive part conducts the lighting control of the laser source in response to the synchronization detection signal as a reference.

Abstract: In a printing device provided with a multi-laser beam, an image gradation occurs due to a difference in characteristics between respective beams. The output beam number is changed by referring to a profile (curvature, tilt, polarity and beam scan interval) of each laser beam to perform a print at an engine rotation speed corresponding to the beam number.

Abstract: A magnification adjustment method for a document processing system having a fixed frequency clock source providing a fixed frequency output signal to a plurality of raster output scanners (ROSs) and a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO)-based adjustable frequency clock source providing an adjustable frequency output signal to the ROSs is disclosed. The method includes: using a controller to determine a frequency setting for a phase increment control input signal to the adjustable frequency clock source; starting the document processing system; using the controller to set a phase accumulator control input to the frequency setting; sending a message to a ROS control module prior to imaging, including the correct clock source to use for the next image, the correct clock source being either the fixed frequency clock source or the adjustable frequency clock source; and applying the correct clock source synchronously to the beginning of an inter image panel zone.

Abstract: A measuring section that measures the position shift in the main scanning direction of a plurality of light sources, a signal generating section that generates synchronized INDEX signals that in which the writing timing of the different light sources has been adjusted according to the position shifts, a signal generating section that generates the signals for driving the light sources based on the synchronized INDEX signals and image data, and a measuring section that detects the timing shift component in the main scanning direction included in the synchronized INDEX signal generated in the condition in which adjustments have been made according to the position shift, and further shift correction is carried out in the main scanning direction based on the timing shift component, for the synchronized INDEX signal which are adjusted and generated in accordance with the position shift of a plurality of light sources.

Abstract: A plurality of the light emitting device array units are arranged along a main scan direction in a staggered manner. In a density transformation mode, a transformation pattern is used to transform image data for each matrix of n by n pixels. A rate of writing an image in a sub-scan direction is multiplied by m, and a pixel density of image data written on a photosensitive body is multiplied by (2B+1)/2 in the main scan direction, and multiplied by m(2B+1)/2 in the sub-scan direction. A transformation pattern which is selected according to a position along the main scan direction at which an image is written with respect to a position of each of the plurality of light emitting device array units is used to transform image data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a phase calculation portion, a pattern recognition portion, and a correction coefficient output portion. The phase calculation portion calculates a shift amount of the scanning lines as phase information and, from the phase information, outputs a first set of coefficients. The pattern recognition portion outputs a pattern concordance rate by performing pattern recognition on the group of pixels of interest and peripheral pixels thereof. The correction coefficient output portion outputs a second set of coefficients for correcting the first set of coefficients in accordance with the pattern concordance rate. An interpolation processing portion performs interpolation calculations by referring to the first set of coefficients, the second set of coefficients, and the pattern concordance rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for generating periodic patterns by step-and-align interference lithography, wherein at least two coherent light beams with a pattern are controlled to project onto a substrate to be exposed to form an interference-patterned region on the substrate. Thereafter, by means of moving the substrate or the light beams stepwisely, a patterned region with a large area can be formed on the substrate. According to the present invention, the optical path and exposure time may be shortened to reduce defect formation during lithographic processing and to improve the yield.

Abstract: Provided is a laser processing device for preventing damage of the camera by return light of the laser light. A laser processing device includes a laser oscillator; a camera; a polarized beam splitter for transmitting the laser light while making a light receiving axis of the camera substantially coincide with an emission axis of the laser light; an illumination light source for generating illumination light having a wavelength substantially the same as the laser light as illumination light for illuminating the workpiece; a half mirror for making the emission axis of the illumination light substantially coincide with the emission axis of the laser light; a control unit; and a shutter for blocking the return light from the workpiece based on an output control signal of the laser light, the shutter arranged on the camera side than the polarized beam splitter in a light receiving path of the camera.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for correcting color registration errors in a printing device comprising a plurality of print engines driven by a single pixel frequency clock. In some embodiments, the print engines can include a reference print engine and one or more non-reference print engines. An adjusted resolution may be computed for color data sent to each non-reference engine to offset color registration errors attributable to the non-reference engine. The adjusted resolution is computed using calibration information for the non-reference print engines relative to the reference engine, and resolution information for color data processed by the first reference engine. The resolution of color data processed by each non-reference print engine is adjusted according to the computed adjusted resolution for the non-reference engine and sent to the print engines for printing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus usable in an image forming apparatus, comprising a photoreceptor, and a plurality of exposing devices having a plurality of light emitting elements arranged therein for exposing the photoreceptor, wherein the plurality of exposing devices include at least two exposing devices having a distribution tendency similar to the plurality of light emitting elements.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is disclosed that includes plural line image sensors partially overlapped with each other in an overlapped reading portion, the image reading apparatus characterized by: plural light sources disposed so as to face the overlapped reading portion; a light source turn-on unit sequentially and independently turning on the light sources; an optical unit converging each light emitted from the light sources onto the overlapped reading portion; and a position shift detecting unit detecting a position shift of a reading position of the line image sensors in the overlapped reading portion based on data of the overlapped reading portion.

Abstract: An image forming device includes: an exposure head having a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a first direction, a first imaging optical system adapted to image light emitted from the light emitting elements, and a second imaging optical system disposed in a second direction with respect to the first imaging optical system; a latent image carrier movable in the second direction; a detection section adapted to detect a moving time the latent image carrier takes to move from a first position to a second position in the second direction; and a control section adapted to control the time from emission of a first part of the light emitting elements adapted to emit light to be imaged by the first imaging optical system to emission of a second part of the light emitting elements adapted to emit light to be imaged by the second imaging optical system based on the detection result of the detection section, thereby aligning a latent image formed on the latent image carrier by the first imaging optical sy

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface-emitting laser element having a light-emitting mesa structure with an emitting area including a high-reflectance portion and a low-reflectance portion includes forming a layered body that includes a lower reflecting mirror, a cavity structure, and an upper reflecting mirror on a substrate; forming a first area on an upper surface of the layered body; forming a second area having the same size as the first area on the upper surface of the layered body; forming a light-emitting mesa structure and a monitoring-mesa structure by etching the first area and the second area, respectively; forming a confinement structure including a current passage area surrounded by an oxide in the light-emitting mesa structure and the monitoring-mesa structure; and measuring the size of the current passage area of the monitoring-mesa structure.

Abstract: The calibration of an imaging system is adjusted for geometric distortion of an image formed by a group of imaging channels on a media supported on a media support. The media support includes a plurality of individually spaced reference features disposed on a surface of the media support and a change in an expected position of at least one of the reference features is determined. Activation timing of the channels is adjusted in accordance with such changes. The imaging channels can be supported on a movable carriage and movement of the carriage can be adjusted in accordance with such changes.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus in which cross-talk noise occurring between plural reading units is reduced, an image reading method and an image reading program are provided. There are included plural reading units that respectively operate at different timings, a noise calculation unit that acquires first read data as a result of reading of a first read object as the read object by the plural reading units, acquires an operation state of the plural reading units during the reading of the first read object, and calculates, based on the operation state and the first read data obtained in the operation state, noise information based on the operation state, and a noise removal unit that acquires second read data as a result of reading of a second read object as the read object different from the first read object by the plural reading units, and removes noise from the second read data based on the noise information calculated by the noise calculation unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that includes: a laser beam source; plural photoconductive members corresponding to plural colors; a modulation drive unit for performing pulse width modulation for each of colors by an image clock having a cycle of a pixel length,; a single piece of polygon mirror whose reflection surfaces are disposed in a rotation direction thereof with a plurality of different inclination angles with colors; a beam detector that is disposed adjacent to the photoconductive member; and an image clock/data switching unit configured to generate the image clock of a frequency varying with the colors for making the same a color-based image magnification, and switch the image clocks generated for each of the colors in synchronization with a detection signal coming from the beam detector.

Abstract: A multi-color image forming apparatus includes signal detecting units which are included in development units and detect horizontal synchronization signals, a correction unit to count pulse widths of the horizontal synchronization signals detected by the signal detecting units and correct timings of vertical offsets to be increased or decreased according to lengths of the pulse widths, and a video controller to output video data to scan multi-color images on surfaces of photosensitive drums according to the timings of the vertical offsets corrected by the correction unit. Even when any one of the laser scanning units and the development units is shifted from a reference position, the vertical offset is corrected such that the multi-color images printed on a recording medium are aligned in a vertical direction. Accordingly, preventing quality of the multi-color images from deteriorating is possible.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image forming apparatus capable of, and method of, improving color registration. The image forming apparatus can employ a beam deflector having a double-sided mirror portion that pivots to bi-directionally scan multiple light beams on multiple photosensitive media at different phases by using both mirror sides of the double-sided mirror portion. The individual monochromic images developed on the photosensitive media are transferred onto a transfer medium to overlap one another in phase to form a full color image.

Abstract: Devices and methods for manufacturing displays, solar panels and other devices using larger size workpieces are provided. The workpiece is rolled into a cylinder, thereby reducing the physical size by a factor of 3 in one dimension. The stages on which the workpieces are rolled have a cylindrical shape, which allows a more robust and/or compact movement of the glass, reduced machine weight. The workpieces are relatively thin, more flexible, and are rolled onto a cylinder with a diameter of about 1 meter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses that facilitate the alignment of multiple color planes of a latent image in a multi-beam multi-pass printer are described herein. The novel methods includes determining, during a first pass of a transfer medium of a multi-beam printer, a first time interval between when at least one light beam from a multi-beam device is detected and when a top of a page is detected at a selected location of the transfer medium, the multi-beam device including a plurality of light beam sources, and the first pass to form a first color plane of a latent image on the transfer medium. The methods further include selecting, based at least in part on the determined first time interval, a first one of the plurality of light beam sources to begin illuminating the transfer medium to create the first color plane on the transfer medium during the first pass of the transfer medium.

Abstract: Patterns are written on workpieces, such as, glass sheets and/or plastic sheets used in, for example, electronic display devices such as LCDs. The workpiece may be larger than about 1500 mm may be used. An optical writing head with a plurality of writing units may be used. The workpiece and the writing head may be moved relative to one another to provide oblique writing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus include aligning printing of a bi-directionally scanning electrophotographic (EP) device, such as a laser printer or copy machine. At least first and second scan lines formed in opposite directions define a calibration page for manufacturing, servicing or end-user operation. The page includes pluralities of objects with one formed from either the first or second scan lines, but not both, and another of the objects formed from the other of the first or second scan lines, but not both. In this manner, corrections can be implemented by simply observing misalignments between the objects. Printed calibration pages also include visually or mechanically read objects for implementing corrections. In this regard, calibrating devices external to the EP device are contemplated. Objects include lines, squares or other shapes and their arrangement on a page varies. Fiducials for macro-scale observations are also contemplated.

Abstract: A CTP system is provided, which allows its continuous use even if some of laser diodes located at dispersed sites are in a non-light emitting state due to breakage or the like. In the case where some channels are in the non-light emitting state, channel-by-channel exposure data is generated to describe the way that exposure should be performed by use of specific light-emitting channels that are determined by the locations of non-light emitting channels, while an exposure head is moved also through (a) complementary interval(s) before and/or after a standard interval, the standard interval being the interval the exposure head is moved through in normal mode. Then, the transport unit moves the exposure head through the standard interval and through the complementary interval(s), during which period the exposure controller causes the specific light-emitting channels to emit exposure light according to the channel-by-channel exposure data, thereby forming an exposed area.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a device-information storage unit configured to store a scanning frequency of an oscillating device; an image storage unit configured to store image data used for image formation; an image processing unit configured to perform an enlargement or reduction, in a direction orthogonal to a direction of the scanning of the laser beam and in accordance with a given parameter, on the image data stored in the image storage unit; a setting unit configured to calculate the parameter from the scanning frequency stored in the device-information storage unit and a predetermined reference frequency and configured to provide the parameter to the image processing unit; and a driving unit configured to drive a laser beam device according to the image data processed by the image processing unit.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus including: an image forming section which forms an image based on image information on an image carrier provided in the image forming section; a detection section which detects a print mark for color misalignment correction formed on the image carrier by the image forming section, and outputs print mark detection information; and a control section for executing color misalignment correction control based on the print mark detection information outputted from the detection section, wherein, the control section obtains a trend of a color misalignment amount of the print mark by statistically processing data of the result of the print mark detection, calculates an execution timing of color misalignment correction base on the obtained trend, and executes the color misalignment correction at the calculated execution timing.

Abstract: A continuous-sheet printing tandem electrophotography system for printing a continuous sheet includes first and second electrophotography units. A first size of the continuous sheet is measured before an image printed by the first electrophotography unit with a first parameter value is fused on the continuous sheet. A second size of the continuous sheet is measured after the image printed by the first electrophotography unit is fused on the continuous sheet. The second electrophotography unit then prints the continuous sheet with a second parameter value that is determined by a size difference between the first and the second sizes. The first and the second sizes include a page length and a page width of the continuous sheet. The parameter values include a print speed, a polygon mirror rotating speed, a video clock frequency, and a laser power.

Abstract: Methods, algorithms, software, apparatuses and systems for processing image data for imaging devices having irregular scan paths (e.g., scan paths that deviate from a conventional horizontal and/or straight line). The irregular scan paths generally correspond to actual locations of a line of output from an image output device (e.g., a printer). The method generally includes steps of selecting one or more of the input pixels, correlating a location of the selected pixel with a location on an irregular scan path, and producing an adjusted pixel based on a value of the selected pixel, the location on the irregular scan path, and/or values of one or more pixels near the selected pixel. The present invention advantageously allows for processing an input image for an output device with an irregular scan path using only enough working memory for a relatively small number of pixel rows even if the irregular scan path traverses a relatively large number of rows in the output image.

Abstract: A color-shift correction image is formed in a density D and it is determined whether the color-shift correction image can be detected successfully. If the color-shift correction image can be detected successfully, then the density is decreased. If the color-shift correction image can not be detected successfully, then the density is increased. In this manner, the minimum density is determined.

Abstract: A light oscillation device has a self oscillation semiconductor laser that has a double quantum well separated confinement heterostructure made of GaInN/GaN/AlGaN materials and that includes a saturable absorber section which is applied with a negative bias voltage and a gain section into which a gain current is injected, a light separation unit that separates a portion of laser light beams from the self oscillation semiconductor laser, a light sensing element that senses the laser light beams separated by the light separation unit, and a current control circuit which controls a current injected into the gain section of the self oscillation semiconductor laser based on an amount of the laser light beams which are sensed by the light sensing element.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and system for correcting linearity error of an electrophotographic device with a reduced number of lenses. The method and system insert additional time-slices in the data being processed by the electrophotographic device. The additional time-slices are inserted in the data in a predefined order based on a plurality of random numbers. The insertion of additional time-slices corrects the linearity error of the electrophotographic device.

Abstract: A line head, includes: a microlens array in which a plurality of microlenses having a magnification whose absolute value is below 1 are arranged in a main scanning direction of a surface-to-be-scanned, and a plurality of luminous element groups which are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the respective plurality of microlenses, wherein in each of the plurality of luminous element groups, a plurality of luminous elements are arranged at mutually different main-scanning-direction positions in the main scanning direction, the plurality of luminous elements are respectively caused to emit lights at timings in conformity with a movement of the surface-to-be-scanned in a sub scanning direction, and light beams emitted from the plurality of luminous elements are imaged on the surface-to-be-scanned at mutually different main-scanning-direction positions in the main scanning direction to form a plurality of spots side by side on the surface-to-be-scanned in the main scanning direction, and in each of the pl

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus including: a latent image carrier, on which a latent image is formed; an exposure head that includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element that is disposed in a direction in which the latent image container corresponding to the first light-emitting element is moved; and a control unit that changes over and performs a first latent image forming operation, in which the latent image is formed on the latent image container by using the first light-emitting element, and a second latent image forming operation, in which the latent image is formed on the latent image container by using the second light-emitting element, wherein the control unit controls a first light emission timing of the first light-emitting element in the first latent image forming operation and a second light emission timing of the second light-emitting element in the second latent image forming operation to be different from each other.

Abstract: A record medium determining device 1, which determines a kind of a record medium 16 by irradiating a laser light 17 to a surface of the record medium 16, detecting a received light position and a received light intensity of a reflected light 18 by a line sensor 14, and comparing a distribution state of the received light position and the received light intensity with a previously determined distribution state, is disposed on the upstream side of a record medium conveyance path 653 with respect to a fixing unit.

Abstract: A pair of support members each having a spring section in a part thereof support a mirror element, and a pair of drive mechanisms arranged respectively corresponding to a pair of the support members transform the spring sections of the corresponding support members, thereby changing a distance between each of support points at which the support members support the mirror element and a base. Accordingly, the mirror element can be translated by driving all of the drive mechanisms, or the mirror element can be inclined with respect to the base by driving some of the drive mechanisms.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning device for focusing deflected light beams onto an object to be scanned includes a light source unit, a deflector, a pitch adjustment device, and a conical-shape compression-torsion coil spring. The light source unit is rotatable about an optical axis and includes a plurality of light sources to emit the light beams and a plurality of coupling lenses disposed corresponding to the light sources. The deflector deflects the light beams emitted from the plurality of the light sources and passed through the plurality of the coupling lenses. The pitch adjustment device moves the light source unit in a first direction around the optical axis to adjust a beam pitch. The conical-shape compression-torsion coil spring urges the light source unit in a second direction opposite the first direction around the optical axis as well as in the optical axis direction. An image forming apparatus includes the multi-beam scanning device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the laser marking of workpieces (4) which are greater by at least one dimension than the inscription field (13) of laser inscription devices (1). A preferred field of application of the invention is the marking of elongate workpieces such as, for example, semiconductor columns for wafer production. The workpiece (4) is positioned in the laser inscription device in such a manner that the initial coordinates of a marking to be produced are situated within the inscription field of the laser inscription device. The laser beam is then guided by means of a beam guiding unit (12) in the inscription field (13) and a relative movement is carried out in at least one dimension between workpiece (4) and inscription field (13), which additively superimposes the beam guidance and is directed opposite to the beam deviation in the same dimension.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning device includes a light source part having a plurality of light emitting sources which light emitting sources are monolithically arranged in a surface perpendicular to an optical axis; a light deflection part configured to deflect a plurality of light beams from the light source part in a lump and scan an image carrier surface; and an image-formation optical system where lateral magnification is set so that beam spots of the plural light beams are arranged at a designated pitch in a sub-scanning direction on the image carrier surface.