Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image carriers and an optical writing device including light sources that emit light beams of different wavelengths, a deflector that deflects the light beams emitted from the light sources and synthesized on an identical axis in a sub-scanning direction, a first beam separator, a second beam separator, a first imaging device, and a second imaging device. The first beam separator and the second beam separator are located between the first imaging device and the second imaging device and transmit or reflect the light beams according to travel directions or wavelengths thereof. One of the targets is scanned with the light beam transmitted through the second beam separator. Another target is scanned with the light beam reflected by the second and first beam separators. The first and second imaging devices narrow the beams in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, respectively.

Abstract: A dual mode imaging system includes a dual wavelength ROS suitable for imaging xerographic media and erasable media. When included in an imaging system this includes media transport for selectively conveying non-erasable and erasable media to corresponding imaging positions in the dual mode imaging system. The system further includes a photoreceptor and a raster scanned light beam positioned to selectively image one of the photoreceptor and the erasable media. The media transport includes a non-erasable media transport path and an erasable media transport path, the erasable media transport path diverted from the non-erasable media transport path. An erasable medium in the diverted erasable media transport path intercepts a UV imaging raster scanned light beam, and in the absence of an erasable medium, the photoreceptor intercepts an IR raster scanned light beam.

Abstract: A defect once around signal time period of a defect source inherent in a marking device is determined, the defect source having one or more banding frequencies. A reference scanline time delay, which is a time between a page sync signal and a writing of a reference scanline, is determined. A test target is written, sensed and analyzed. A reference scanline phase offset of each banding frequency relative to the reference scanline is determined. A banding phase of each banding frequency is determined based at least on the defect once around signal time period, reference scanline time delay and reference scanline phase offset.

Abstract: A light from a laser light source (11) is collected at a position of a slit (125a) in a vertical direction by a first optical system (12a) to form an intermediate image which is long in a horizontal direction corresponding to an arrangement direction of light modulator elements. An undesired light such as side lobes which appear on the both sides of the intermediate image in the vertical direction is blocked by a slit (125a) and the intermediate image is reformed by a second optical system (12b), to direct a liner illumination light onto the spatial light modulator (13). Thus, in a state where moving ribbons are sagged and first order diffracted lights are emitted in a light modulator element, it is possible to prevent a zeroth order light from being emitted from both end portions of ribbons, to thereby enhance contrast of the signal light.

Abstract: A MEMS mirror for a laser printing application includes providing a CMOS substrate including a pair of electrodes, and providing a reflecting mirror moveable over the substrate and the electrodes. Voltages applied to the electrodes create an electrostatic force causing an end of the mirror to be attracted to the substrate. A precise position of the mirror can be detected and controlled by sensing a change in capacitance between the mirror ends and the underlying electrodes.

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 multi-beam exposure apparatus of the present invention includes a two-dimensional light modulator which is configured to project plural exposure beam spots onto an exposure surface, the plural exposure beam spots being arranged in parallel with the scanning direction while two-dimensionally arrayed; and a pixel block shifting member which divides the plural beam spots into plural blocks in the scanning direction and projects the plural exposure beam spots onto the exposure surface by shifting a relative position between the blocks in a direction orthogonal to a scanning direction, and thereby the scan-exposing of a space between the exposure beam spots in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction is performed with the exposure beam spot of another block. According to the multi-beam exposure apparatus, the number of dots which can simultaneously be exposed in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction can be increased.

Abstract: Provided are a semiconductor laser diode, and a printhead and an image forming apparatus including the semiconductor laser diode. The semiconductor laser diode includes a concave-convex pattern, and emits light having a Gaussian light intensity distribution. High quality images are provided by applying the semiconductor laser diode to a printhead and an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A device for projection of an operations panel includes a printer portion, a media feedpath extending through the printer portion having a media input and a media output, an image projector forming an image on one of the media input or an image receiving surface, the image projector defining an operations panel for making operation selections.

Abstract: An electrooptic device having a simple structure that can efficiently increase deflection of a beam is provided. The device includes: an electrooptic crystal (11) having an electrooptic effect; an electrode pair of a positive electrode (12) and a negative electrode (13) for generating an electric field inside the electrooptic crystal; and a power source for applying a voltage between the electrode pair so as to generate a space charge inside the electrooptic crystal. With this arrangement, by using a simple structure, a change in a deflection angle is temporally rapid, and a large deflection angle that can not be obtained by a conventional electrooptic crystal prism can be acquired at a low applied voltage.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method to print patterns with improved edge acuity. The method for printing fine patterns comprises the actions of: providing an SLM and providing a pixel layout pattern with different categories of modulating elements, the categories differing in the phase of the complex amplitude.

Abstract: A light scanning device includes: a light source; an aperture stop regulating a width of a light beam emitted from the light source; a deflector deflecting and scanning the light beam emitted from the light source; at least one scanning lens forming an image on a scanned surface with the light beam deflected and scanned; and a phase-type optical element. In the light scanning device, a phase modulation portion is provided to at least a portion of the phase-type optical element, and a phase difference between the phase modulation portion and a region other than the phase modulation portion is not ? [radian]. Thus, asymmetry in a curve representing the relationship between a beam spot diameter and defocus can be corrected to reduce variation of the beam spot diameter with respect to the defocus. Consequently, highly-accurate light scanning can be performed.

Abstract: An object is to repress image degradation due to sensitivity unevenness and a change of sensitivity of a recording medium. Laser light emitted from a plurality of laser light sources are combined, the combined laser light is irradiated to the recording medium including a photosensitive layer and a light-transmitting layer provided over the photosensitive layer, and wavelengths of the laser light emitted from the plurality of laser light sources are determined so as to be distributed within a predetermined wavelength range which is greater than or equal to a resonance minimum wavelength range between a first wavelength wherein light transmittance thereof through the light-transmitting layer is maximized and a second wavelength wherein the light transmittance thereof through the light-transmitting layer is minimized and a different between the first and second wavelengths is minimized.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a projection-type display apparatus, which can address or realize a reduction in weight and size, a reduction in power consumption, and a reduction in noise, and address or realize a reduction in price, and a control method for the projection-type display apparatus, as well as a control program for the projection-type display apparatus. The projection-type display apparatus includes a solid-state light source that emits light, a mirror device that controls an emitting direction of the incident light to thereby subject the incident light to temporal modulation, and a projecting device that projects the modulated light.

Abstract: An optical multi-beam scanning device has a plurality of pre-deflection optical units, an optical path synthesizing member and an excessive light processing member. The excessive light processing member processes excessive light emitted from an excessive light emitting surface with is not an incident surface nor an emitting surface of the optical path synthesizing member. The excessive light processing member has a multi-stage taper constitution with a plurality of taper surfaces having different tilt angles.

Abstract: In each light modulator element of a special light modulator with diffraction grating structure where moving ribbons and fixed ribbons are alternately arranged, the maximum light-amount (I1) when an output light-amount first becomes maximum from when the moving ribbons start to sag and the maximum light amount-voltage becoming an displacement amount (P1) at the maximum light-amount, are obtained and the minimum of a plurality of maximum light-amounts is set as a target ON light-amount (It). Since a voltage (corresponding to a displacement amount (Pt1)) between the maximum light amount-voltage and the minimum light amount-voltage at a displacement amount (P2) is obtained as a target ON-voltage for the target ON light-amount (It), it is thereby possible to prevent moving distance of the moving ribbons among ON/OFF from largely differing among the light modulator elements and achieve an appropriate image recording.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a laser source for emitting a beam, a photoconductive surface, a scanning device and a controller. The controller designates at least a first part and a second part of each line of image data, corresponding to a first part and a second part of each associated sweep of the beam. The laser source is modulated based upon the first part of the line of image data during the first part of a first one of the associated sweeps of the beam. The laser source is not modulated according to image data for the second part of the first one of the sweeps. During the first part of a second one of the associated sweeps of the beam, the laser source is not modulated based upon image data. However, the laser source is modulated based upon the second part of the line of image data during the second part of the second one of the sweeps.

Abstract: A method of embedding a security mark or code on a film during the printing process is provided. The security mark or code includes unique print identification information that can be tracked to determine sources of piracy. The security code is incorporated to the film print in the form of a shift in the light exposure (e.g., color density) of pre-selected frames within pre-selected zone of pre-selected scenes. By shifting the color density and thereby marking a particular zone within a scene, these markings can be used to place a unique print ID onto the film print. This embedded security code (e.g., print ID) will be virtually undetectable to the viewer and film pirates; yet will enable the identification of the film source in the event of piracy.

Abstract: A drive signal for driving a semiconductor laser is generated on the basis of an image signal inputted in synchronism with a pixel clock. A bias signal to the semiconductor laser is generated at a timing earlier than the drive signal by a predetermined time. The bias signal is disabled in synchronism with the leading edge of the drive signal.

Abstract: When manufacturing a recording medium, a material layer 12 formed on a substrate 11 that composes the recording medium is exposed to a laser beam in accordance with a recording pattern. The material layer 12 has a predetermined reflectivity for the laser beam 13 so as to produce return light for the laser beam 13. By detecting this return light, the focusing of the laser beam on the material layer is adjusted. By doing so, a laser beam can be easily and accurately focused on a material layer during a process in which a laser beam is shone, in accordance with a recording pattern, onto a material layer formed on a recording medium or a production plate used when manufacturing a recording medium.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus for recording image information on an image forming body, the apparatus including: a light source for emitting light; a light valve of diffraction grating type, for modulating the light emitted from the light source according to the image information, the light valve comprising a plurality of ribbons arranged in an array; and an optical section for forming an image on the image forming body with the light diffracted and modulated by the light valve, wherein a longitudinal direction of the ribbons of the light valve is arranged at a specific angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to the array direction of the ribbons.

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 spatial light modulator has a plurality of grating elements. Each grating element can be switched between a diffracting state and a reflecting state, and only zeroth order light beams from the spatial light modulator are directed onto photosensitive material. An irradiation position on the photosensitive material is moved in a direction perpendicular to a width direction corresponding to an arrangement direction of the grating elements. The minimum line width on the photosensitive material corresponds to a width of a predetermined number of grating elements where the predetermined number is two or more. Each group of grating elements which are spatially continuously in the diffracting state or spatially continuously in the reflecting state consists of the predetermined number of grating elements or more while writing is performed. This makes it possible to appropriately record an image on the photosensitive material at high addressable resolution.

Abstract: An electrooptic device having a simple structure that can efficiently increase deflection of a beam is provided. The device includes: an electrooptic crystal (11) having an electrooptic effect; an electrode pair of a positive electrode (12) and a negative electrode (13) for generating an electric field inside the electrooptic crystal; and a power source for applying a voltage between the electrode pair so as to generate a space charge inside the electrooptic crystal. With this arrangement, by using a simple structure, a change in a deflection angle is temporally rapid, and a large deflection angle that can not be obtained by a conventional electrooptic crystal prism can be acquired at a low applied voltage.

Abstract: An image data processing section subjects input image data to image processing, and outputs first to fourth image data. First to fourth pulse width modulation circuits are PWM circuits in each of which a plurality of reference positions are set in one pixel, and output pulses corresponding to the first to fourth image data. A synthesis circuit synthesizes the pulses output from the first to fourth pulse width modulation circuits, and a laser emits a light beam in accordance with the synthesized pulse.

Abstract: An exposure head includes a light emitting substrate having a transparent substrate, a plurality of light emitting elements that is disposed on one face of the transparent substrate, and one or a plurality of light detecting units that is disposed on the transparent substrate and can detect light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements and propagating inside the transparent substrate. The light that is emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements and is transmitted through the transparent substrate is projected on an image carrier that faces the plurality of light emitting elements with the transparent substrate interposed therebetween so as to form a predetermined pattern on the image carrier. Inside the transparent substrate, a plurality of reformation points that diffusely reflects light propagating inside the transparent substrate is formed.

Abstract: A lithographic scanning apparatus includes a light projection device for seamlessly and uniformly projecting a scanning light onto a light exposing area. The light projecting device further includes an array of micromirrors having a predefined distribution pattern of reflectance variations for reflecting an incident light onto the light exposing area to seamlessly and uniformly scanning a reflecting light over the light exposing area. In one of a lithographic scanning apparatus, the micromirrors of the micromirror array are coated with a reflective coating of different reflectance to provide the predefined distribution pattern of reflectance variations. In another lithographic scanning apparatus, the micromirrors of the micromirror array are coated with stripes of reduced reflectance whereby each micromirror may have predefined total reflectance to provide the predefined distribution pattern of reflectance variations.

Abstract: A liquid transfer article is provided including a support assembly and an imaged surface formed directly on the surface of the support assembly by digital photopolymerization. The support assembly is in the form of a polymeric base, and the liquid transfer article is formed by providing a liquid photopolymer on the surface of the base and then irradiating the polymer with a light source to form the image. The liquid transfer article is reimagable and may be used in gravure printing processes, as well as other printing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to scanning apparatuses using a vibration light modulator and, more particularly, to a scanning apparatus using a vibration light modulator, which performs high speed scanning using a plurality of diffracted beams, formed from a single beam by the reflection and diffraction thereof, and allows each of diffracted beams to form a plurality of pixels by vibrating actuating cells of the light modulator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a printing apparatus using an order-separation type optical modulator. The printing apparatus includes an illumination lens system, a diffraction type optical modulator, a filter system, and a projection system. The illumination lens system converts light, which is output from a light source, into linear light and outputs linear, parallel light, the diffraction type optical modulator performs desired modulation on the linear, parallel light emitted from the illumination lens system and forms diffracted light having a plurality of diffraction orders.

Abstract: A control substrate of spatial light modulator for a bi-directional micro mirror array includes a plurality of unit cells, each includes a common electrode at a fixed constant potential and an addressing electrode under the mirror plate on opposite sides of a pivot point of the mirror hinge, a pair of micro landing tips, a single CMOS transistor electrically connected to a storage capacitor, and a word-line/bit-line interconnection structure for communicating signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for creating a pattern on a workpiece sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is emitted onto a computer controlled reticle having a multitude of modulating elements (pixels). The pixels are arranged in said computer controlled reticle according to a digital description. An image of said computer controlled reticle is created on said workpiece, wherein said pixels in said computer controlled reticle are arranged in alternate states along at least a part of one feature edge in order to create a smaller address grid. The invention also relates to an apparatus for creating a pattern on a workpiece. The invention also relates to a semiconducting wafer and a mask.

Abstract: A film exposure apparatus employs a liquid crystal display. The film exposure apparatus may reduce the film and plate fabrication cost and time required in a publication printing process and may also enhance printing quality. The apparatus may include an exposure device that illuminates the LCD. The LCD may display an image in one or more gray scales that may correspond to color concentrations in a document to be reproduced. The LCD may control the amount of light that passes through the LCD and that exposes red (R), green (G), and blue (B) films.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for compensating for the movement of a substrate in a lithographic apparatus during a pulse of radiation include providing an optical structure configured to move a patterned projection beam incident on the substrate in synchronism with the substrate.

Abstract: A supply chain monitoring system having a laser-based image system usable within an object processing facility to form images in objects, a reader operable to read the images on the objects, and an object tracking system coupled to the reader over a data network. The laser-based image system includes an image forming device operable to form an array of laser-treated regions in the objects in single shot events, where the arrays of laser-treated regions are associated with images.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing an image onto a recording medium based on input image data, comprises an electrostatic latent image carrier for forming an electrostatic latent image, and an exposure controller for forming the electrostatic latent image corresponding to one pixel upon exposure of the electrostatic latent image carrier with a combination of a plurality of different exposure amounts, wherein the exposure controller performs the exposure with the combination of the plurality of exposure amounts in a manner to satisfy a condition for an index value LNR expressed by a following general equation (1) using an optical density od (n) standardized on the condition of the maximum optical density equal to 1.0, identification information comb assigned to identify each combination of the plurality of exposure amounts, and the number of varieties m of a cumulative exposure amount used for modulation of the image data.

Abstract: An image exposure apparatus of a different angle incident type is provided having a single optical sensor unit for determining the timing for start point synchronization along the main scanning direction, an output level detecting device determining the output level of each beam of light which can be detected by the optical sensor unit, a first modulating device modulating the output level of each beam of light with a pixel data in the light path for exposure, and a second modulating device modulating the output level of each beam of light to a higher level outside of the light path for exposure than the level determined by said output level detecting device.

Abstract: The optical scanning apparatus includes a light amount reducing filter such as a neutral density filter which has transmittance ?nd satisfying an expression ?nd=(W1/W0)/(?AOM×?ref×?tra) and a light amount reducing function using absorption or reflection and which is disposed between a laser light source and an AOM on an optical path of laser light beam. In the expression, W0 denotes the amount of light emitted from the laser light source, W1 denotes the amount of light required for recording on a recording medium, ?AOM denotes diffraction efficiency in the AOM, ?ref denotes a sum of reflectances of reflective optical elements located between the laser light source and a surface to be scanned, of the recording medium, and ?tra denotes a sum of transmittances of transmissive optical elements located between the laser light source and the surface to be scanned, other than transmittance of the neutral density filter.

Abstract: A platesetter may have an optical imaging head which includes a diffractive modulator having individually controlled ribbons associated with individual pixels imaged onto a printing plate. One method for reducing artifacts transferred to a medium includes the steps of: determining values of intensity versus pulse width variations for each ribbon of the modulator based upon empirical data; weighting the determined values according to a predetermined weighting factor dependent upon physical, optical, chemical and structural characteristics of a printing plate to yield an image on the printing plate having minimum visible artifacts; and applying the weighted values to ribbon drivers of the modulator.

Abstract: In a multi-exposure drawing method for drawing a pattern on a drawing surface, using an exposure unit including a plurality of optical modulation elements arranged in a matrix manner, the unit is continuously and relatively moved at a constant velocity with respect to the drawing surface in an array-direction defined by a matrix-arrangement of the modulation elements. Optical modulation elements, spaced at a regular interval in an alignment of optical modulation elements along the array-direction, are successively and selectively driven based on a same bit datum, to thereby modulate a light beam made incident thereon, whenever the exposure unit is moved by a distance corresponding to the regular interval, resulting in the production of a pixel dot on the drawing surface in a multi-exposure manner by the modulated light beams.

Abstract: In an image recording apparatus for recording an image by guiding zeroth order diffracted light beams from a plurality of diffraction grating type light modulator elements as signal beams to a recording medium, a transition of each of light modulator elements from an OFF state to an ON state is detected and when this transition is detected, the light modulator element is temporarily supplied with an auxiliary driving voltage (V3) between a driving voltage (V1) for bringing the light modulator element into the ON state and a driving voltage (V2) for bringing the light modulator element into the OFF state. This suppresses an overshoot due to a sharp change of the light modulator element to the ON state and achieves beam writing with appropriate line space ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for digitally generating images on photosensitive material comprising a light source, a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit and imaging optics. According to the invention, the LCD unit and the imaging optics are mounted in the same lens tube.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a printing system having a linear diffractive spatial light modulator (LDSLM) assembly that diffracts light from a laser source according to or under the influence of an applied electric field applied to the LDSLM assembly. In one embodiment, the LDSLM assembly includes a linear array of diffractive MEMS elements. For example, each of the diffractive MEMS elements can include a number of deformable ribbons having a light reflective planar surface. Preferably, the linear array of diffractive MEMS elements including the ribbons and drive electronics are integrally formed on a single substrate. In other embodiments, the LDSM assembly can include two or more linear arrays of diffractive MEMS elements, and the laser source can include an array of multiple lasers or laser emitters.

Abstract: A method of providing drive signals to an illuminator module having a plurality of channels in a printing application. Binary image data including image bits is provided from a data source to the illuminator module. Each image bit is converted to a multi-bit amplitude value within the illuminator module, wherein the conversion of each image bit to the multi-bit amplitude value depends at least on a value of the image bit and which channel is associated with the image bit. Pulse width modulation (PWM) may be applied to the drive signals using programmable transition delays. Apparatus for performing the aforementioned method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The image recording method and apparatus are used to record an image formed by a group of light source elements disposed in a two-dimensional manner corresponding to recording pixels on a recording medium. In the image recording method and apparatus, an image recording position on the recording medium by the group of light source elements is moved in a direction that contains a component in at least one of two-dimensional disposing directions of the group of light source elements during the recording while modulating, in response to the movement, each recording pixel of the group of light source elements in accordance with an image to be recorded to thereby record the image on the recording medium. The image recording position is moved in accordance with a set magnification for changing the resolution par recording pixel of the group of light source elements.

Abstract: An image signal with an overshoot is generated on a positive-going edge of an input image signal with an overshoot producing unit. Then, a light signal with an overshoot is outputted from a recording light source in response to the image signal with the overshoot supplied from the overshoot producing unit. The light signal outputted from the recording light source is applied to scan a photosensitive medium to record an area gradation image on the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A beam scanning apparatus projects a beam onto a photoconductive drum according to corresponding image data, and includes a micro polarized array which is formed to receive a beam emitted from a light source and has a plurality of polarized cells arrayed in a predetermined direction. A polarization direction adjuster adjusts transmission directions of polarized elements of each polarized cell according to the image data. A light detecting plate receives the beam from the micro polarized array, transmitting polarized elements having a predetermined direction to a photoconductive drum.

Abstract: An electronic trapping implementation in imager with laser driver is provided by comparing an output image from the imager to a reference image to obtain a difference image and calculating one or more frequency and amplitude modulations based on the difference image and applying the one or more frequency and amplitude modulations to the imager until the difference image is eliminated.

Abstract: An illumination lens applies a laser beam emitted from a laser light source onto a light valve. The laser beam divided into a number of beams and modulated in the light valve is reflected by a total internal reflection prism so that the optical path thereof is bent, and thereafter passes through a zoom lens to be focused on a recording medium mounted on the surface of a drum. At this time, an image of a single pixel is recorded with a plurality of adjacent laser beams in a subscanning direction (direction of arrangement of the laser beams). The image can be recorded on the recording medium with sufficient power density.

Abstract: A high speed pulse width modulation system for driving a linear array spatial light modulator, including: a pixel-serial data source that provides at least one or more pixel-serial input data streams; a fundamental system clock signal; phase-shifted versions of the fundamental system clock signal; and a serial-to-parallel converter for converting the at least one or more pixel-serial input data streams into one or more pixel-parallel data streams. Also included is a decoder for decoding data of a single input pixel into at least two or more related pulse width modulation (PWM) signals, and a circuit for combining the at least two or more PWM signals into a single PWM signal capable of driving one of a plurality of inputs on a linear array spatial light modulator.