CA1171359A - Light valve devices and electronic imaging/scan apparatus with locationally-interlaced, optical addressing - Google Patents
Light valve devices and electronic imaging/scan apparatus with locationally-interlaced, optical addressingInfo
- Publication number
- CA1171359A CA1171359A CA000404116A CA404116A CA1171359A CA 1171359 A CA1171359 A CA 1171359A CA 000404116 A CA000404116 A CA 000404116A CA 404116 A CA404116 A CA 404116A CA 1171359 A CA1171359 A CA 1171359A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- light valve
- address
- array
- location
- sector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/03—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on ceramics or electro-optical crystals, e.g. exhibiting Pockels effect or Kerr effect
- G02F1/055—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on ceramics or electro-optical crystals, e.g. exhibiting Pockels effect or Kerr effect the active material being a ceramic
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/04—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa
- H04N1/19—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using multi-element arrays
- H04N1/191—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using multi-element arrays the array comprising a one-dimensional array, or a combination of one-dimensional arrays, or a substantially one-dimensional array, e.g. an array of staggered elements
- H04N1/192—Simultaneously or substantially simultaneously scanning picture elements on one main scanning line
- H04N1/193—Simultaneously or substantially simultaneously scanning picture elements on one main scanning line using electrically scanned linear arrays, e.g. linear CCD arrays
- H04N1/1931—Simultaneously or substantially simultaneously scanning picture elements on one main scanning line using electrically scanned linear arrays, e.g. linear CCD arrays with scanning elements electrically interconnected in groups
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/46—Colour picture communication systems
- H04N1/50—Picture reproducers
- H04N1/504—Reproducing the colour component signals line-sequentially
Abstract
LIGHT VALVE DEVICES AND ELECTRONIC IMAGING/SCAN APPARATUS
WITH LOCATIONALLY-INTERLACED, OPTICAL ADDRESSING
Abstract of the Disclosure A light valve device for locationally-interlaced, optical addressing of an imaging or scan zone includes an array having a plurality of location-address sectors, each including a plurality of discrete light valve pixel portions which are electrically addressable to control the passage of light. Each light valve pixel portion is coupled for common electrical address with one light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors, so as to form inter-sector groups, but is independently addressable with respect to light valve pixel portions of its own location-address group.
WITH LOCATIONALLY-INTERLACED, OPTICAL ADDRESSING
Abstract of the Disclosure A light valve device for locationally-interlaced, optical addressing of an imaging or scan zone includes an array having a plurality of location-address sectors, each including a plurality of discrete light valve pixel portions which are electrically addressable to control the passage of light. Each light valve pixel portion is coupled for common electrical address with one light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors, so as to form inter-sector groups, but is independently addressable with respect to light valve pixel portions of its own location-address group.
Description
- ~1713~
LIGHT VALVE DEVICES AND ELECTRO~IC IMAGING/SCAN
APPARATUS WITH LOCATIONALLY-INTERLACED, OPTICAL ADDRESSING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to light valve devices and apparatus (e.g., electronic imaging ap-paratus) using such devices, and more specifically to such devices and apparatus having improved addressing configurations and modes.
Description of the Prior Art Recently, it has been found that light valve devices provide a highly u~eful vehicle in electronic imaging. One preferred light valve configuration comprises a piece of ferro-electric ceramic material, such as lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate (PLZT), which is sandwiched between crossed polari-zers and electrically activatible to operate in a Kerr cell mode. An array of such light valves com-prises such crossed polarizers and a panel of PLZTmaterial that has a plurality of electrodes formed on one of its major surfaces. The electrodes are ar-ranged in a manner facilitating the selective appli-cation of discrete elec~rical fields across (in a direction perpendicular to the direction of viewing) discrete surface areas which constitute picture ele-ment portions (pixels) of the panel. Upon applica-tion of such fields, the PLZT material becomes bire-fringent and rotates the direction of polarization of incident light by an extent dependent on the field magnitude. This results in transmisæion of light through the PLZT pixels and cooperating polarizers ~"~!~
~ 17~3~9
LIGHT VALVE DEVICES AND ELECTRO~IC IMAGING/SCAN
APPARATUS WITH LOCATIONALLY-INTERLACED, OPTICAL ADDRESSING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to light valve devices and apparatus (e.g., electronic imaging ap-paratus) using such devices, and more specifically to such devices and apparatus having improved addressing configurations and modes.
Description of the Prior Art Recently, it has been found that light valve devices provide a highly u~eful vehicle in electronic imaging. One preferred light valve configuration comprises a piece of ferro-electric ceramic material, such as lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate (PLZT), which is sandwiched between crossed polari-zers and electrically activatible to operate in a Kerr cell mode. An array of such light valves com-prises such crossed polarizers and a panel of PLZTmaterial that has a plurality of electrodes formed on one of its major surfaces. The electrodes are ar-ranged in a manner facilitating the selective appli-cation of discrete elec~rical fields across (in a direction perpendicular to the direction of viewing) discrete surface areas which constitute picture ele-ment portions (pixels) of the panel. Upon applica-tion of such fields, the PLZT material becomes bire-fringent and rotates the direction of polarization of incident light by an extent dependent on the field magnitude. This results in transmisæion of light through the PLZT pixels and cooperating polarizers ~"~!~
~ 17~3~9
-2-varying as a function of the respective address~ng fields.
My U.S. Pa~ent 4,229,095 di~close~ various 5 embodiments of electronic color-imaging apparatus that utilize such light valve arrays to effect multicolor exposure of panchromatic recording media. For example, a color im~ge is formed electronically by selectively opening and closing individual light valves of such 10 arrays in synchronization with the energization of red, green and blue exposing sources and according to the red, green and blue color ~nformation for the pixels of that image. One preferred embodiment disclosed in that patent comprises a linear ligh~ valve array disposed in 15 spaced transverse relation to the recording media feed path. The p~xels of the array are addresæed con-currently wlth image information, a line at a time, and the movement of the recording medium, and the red, green and blue color exposures are ~ynchronized with 20 successive actuations of the linear array.
It can be appreciated that light valves must 7 address many image pixels per line in order to form images having even moderate detail. The number of pixels per line increases in accordance with the resolu-25 tion requirements of the imaging application, e.g., becoming a6 large as 250 pixels per inch or larger for high quality continuous tone imaging. Each pixel of the recording medium must be independently addre~sable with light in ~ccordance with the unique content of the image 30 to be reproduced. Therefore, discretely activatible electrode means has been provided for each pixel portion of the l~ght valve ~rray, ~nd each electrode means has had its own high voltage "off-on" switch, e.g., a transistor amplifier. The cost and complexity of these 35 many 6witches and their connection ~nd p~ckaging pre6ent problems in electronic imagin~ with light valve dev~ces.
One solution to minimize ~uch problem~ i8 to provide a smaller number of transversely-spaced pixel ~713~9 portions in ~he light valve array and then effect multiple passes of the recording medium, with a transverse-indexing of the array (or recording medium~
between passes. Thus, if light valve pixel portions are spaced with a three-pixel inter-space and the recording medium is transported past the light valve array four times, only one-fourth the usual number of high voltage switches i6 required. However, multiple passes require additional time and CAn present registration problems.
SUMMARY_OF THE INVENTION
An important purpose of the present invention is to provide improved configurations and modes for llght valve devices that are useful, for example in electronic imaging apparatus, 60 as to ameliorate the problems outlined above. A significant advantage of the present invention is the reduction in eost and complex-- ity of electronic addressing structure for guch devices and apparatus, without the necessity of multiple pas~es of the recording medium.
The above and other ob~ec~s and advantages are accomplished in accordance with the presen~ invention by providing a locationally addressing ligh~ valve array hav~ng a plurality of location-address ~ectorB J each ~ector including a plurality of discrete light valve pixel portions which are electrically sddressable to control the passage of light. Each of these disorete pixel portions is electrically coupled to one corre-sponding light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors (forming inter-se tor groups), but iB electrically independent of other light valve pixel portion~ in it~ vwn loca~ion-addre6s sector. In accord with a highly advant~geous embodiment of the pre~ent invention, mean~ for electrically addres6ing this light valve array include ~ plurality of switch means, each selectively activatible to couple a respective inter-sector group of pixel portions to ~13~9 energizin~ voltage, and control means for sequentially activAting said switch means.
In one advantageous aspect of the invention this locationally-addressing array is used in coopera-tion with an informationally-addressing light valve array comprising a plurality of discrete lnformation-address sectors which are independently electrically addressable to control passage of light. Each of the information-address sectors is opticelly aligned with a respective location-address sector of the locationally-addressing array. Thus, when light i~ directed to an exposure or scan station via both of tho~e arrays, inter-sector pixel groups of the locationally-addressing array can be sequentially addressed, ln coordination with the inform~tional address of the sectors of the informationally-addressing array, to effect ; locationally-interlaced exposure of a recording medium.
In ano~her adv~n~ageous aspect the locationally-addressing array is predetermlnedly located, between a ~ource which illuminate6 a record member and an array of discrete electro-optic detector~, so that each of the detectors is opt~c~lly aligned with a respective one of the location-sddress sector6.
Sequential activation of the inter-sector pixel group6 thus effects locationally-in~erlaced scanning of the record memberO In a further aspect of the pre~ent invention, the locationally-interlaced imaging configuration i5 used in cooperat~on with the locationally-interlaced scanning configuration as parts of a scanner/printer apparatus.
Other advantageous constructions and features of the pre~ent invention will beeome apparent to one skilled in the art when cons~dering the subsequent, more detailed description of preferred embodiments. Thi~-description is set forth with reference to the attacheddrawings wherein:
~1359 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. .
. Figure 1 is a ~chematic illu6tration of one embodiment of electronic imaging apparatu6 in accordance with the preeent invention;
Figures ~ and 3 are ~chematic view6 of prior art light valve array configurations and addree6ing me~ns;
Figure 4 is ~n enl~rged perspective vlew of one embodiment of light valve device ln accordance w~th the present invention, which is ueeful~ for example, in the Fig, 1 embodimen~ of the pre~ent invention;
Figure 5 i6 ~ diagram illustr~ting one pre-ferred embodiment of addres6ing electronic6 for use with the light valve ~rray shown in Fig. 4;
Figure 6 i6 a schematic perspeet~ve view ~howing one embodiment of a locationally-interlsced-~can device in accordance with the pre~ent invention; and Figure 7 i6 a ~chematic perspective view showing one embodiment of an area light valve device constructed in accordance with the pre~ent invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
_ Referring now ~o Fig. 1, there is shown one illustrative embodiment of electronic imag~ng app~ratus 10 incorporating ~tructural and funetional improvements in accordance with the preRent ~nve~tion. In gener~l~
~he spp~ratus lQ compri6e~ an illumination source 11 which direct~ flood illumination toward an imaging zone 12 via a light vaIve imaging device 13 ~nd imaging lene 14. As is known in the art, ~t i6 the general functlon of uch apparatu6 for ~maging device 13 to modulate light from ~ource 11, pixel by pixel, in accordanee with the im~ge to be reproduced. In the illu~trated embodi-ment the light valve imaging deviee 13 i6 a linear arr~y and i6 di6posed to control the p~s age of light to ~ucceesive transver~e ~trip portion~ of a l$ght-sen~itive rPcording medium M aB it i6 moved p~et ~he imaging zone 12, e.g. by drive mean~ 16. App~ratu~ 10 1 3 ~ 9 is adapted for electronic color imaging, and separate red (R), green (G) and blue (~) light 60urces are provided at source 11 for sequential energization by control 15 during line imaging periods. It will be appreciated from the subsequent description that the structural approach of the present invention has significant advantage in many other elec~ronic imaging configurations, e.g. where only one color light is used or in an srea light valve array configuration where the image medium remains stationary during exposure.
The improvements of apparatus 10, according to the present invention, pertain to the light valve imaging device 13, including its addresslng, und will be described in more detail below. However, first a brief description of a typical prior art light valve array and address structure will be helpful in appreciating the advantages of the presen~ invention.
Thus, the linear light valve array 20 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a plurality of discrete, separately-addressable pixel portions Pl, P2...PX on a PLZTpanel 21 and cooperating crossed polarizers 22 and 23.
Prior art address means for light valve array 20 is shown in more detail in Fig. 3 where it c~n be Reen th~t pixel portions Pl and P2 are defined by a common ground electrode 24 and independently addressable electrodes 25, all formed on panel 21. High voltage electronic switches 26 (e.g. transistor amplifiers) ~re provided to selectively energize electrodes 25 of each pixel portion, with voltage V, in response to ~ slgnal from addressing control means 27, e.g. a serial-in, parallel-out shlft regis~er. In addressing the light valve 20, each of the elements of shift regi6ter 27 ~re loaded with ~nformation 6ignals ~"Y" or "0") in accord-ance with the appropriate "on or off" condition for the image pixel portion corresponding to its coupled pixel portion of the light valve ~rray 20. Upon output of the~e signals from the shift register 27, the swltches - ~171359 26 appropriately energize, or leave unenergized, electrodes 25. Thus, each pixel portion of light valve array 20 requires its own high voltage electronic switch 26 to isolate the low-voltage signal circuitry, includ-ing shift register 27, frorn the high-voltage energizing circuitry inc]uding electrodes 25.
Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, there is shown one preferred embodiment, in accord with this invention, for the light valve device of the Fig. 1 embodiment.
Thus, light valve imaging device 13 comprises a high-resolution, locationally-addressing light valve array which includes addressable electro-optic panel 31, formed for example of PLZT ceramic material, and cooperating crossed polarizing means 32 and 33. It will be appreciated that although the portions of the Fig. 4 structure are shown in spaced relation, they usually will be contiguous. The panel 31 comprises a plurality of discrete pixel portions Al, A2...; Bl, B2...;
Cl, C2...; etc., which are defined along the length of the panel by grounding and addressing electrode structure. The addressing electrode structure can be like that shown in Fig. 3.
In accordance with the present invention, the addressing electrodes within the different location-address sectors, viz. Al-A4, Bl-B4, Cl-C4, etc., of the panel 31, are energizable independently of the other electrodes comprising such~a sector. That is, the addressing electrode for pixel portion Al is energizable independently of the electrodes for pixel portions A~, A3 and A4. ~owever, as shown in Fig.
5, each addressing electrode, within the location-address sectors, is electrically coupled to one corre-sponding addressing electrode in each of the other 1 17~3~9 sectors. Thus, addressing electrodes of pixel portions Al, Bl, Cl~ Dl are connected to a common electrical bus line Ll and form an lnter-sector pixel portion group of the locationally-addressing light valve array. Similarly, the A2, B2, C2 electrodes are coupled to bus line L2, the A3, B3, C3 electrodes are coupled to bus line L3 and the A4, B4, C~ electrodes are coupled to bus line L4 to form other inter-sector groups.
The electrode bus lines Ll, L2~ L3 Rnd L4 respectively are coupled to high voltage switches 41, 42, 43 and 44, e.g. transistor amplifiers. Those switches are adapted to selectively energize their respective buses (and the coupled addressing electrode~) with a high voltage "V" in response to loca~ion-~ddress signals from location-address means SR-2, e.g. a shift register or a reset~able counter. For example, address means SR-2, bearing signals as indicated would activate switch 41 to an "on" condition but leave switches 42, 43, 44 in the "off" condition. Thus, pixel portions Al, Bl, Cl, etc., would be turned to an "on"
(light transmitting) condition by their addre~sing electrodes, but the remaining illustrated electrodes would remain "off." In ~uccessive portlons of a line period, switches 42, 43 and 44 are respectively switched "on" with all other switches "off" so that wlthin each line period all p~xel portions of the modulator panel 31 have been turned "on" in an interl~ced fashion.
It is ~o be noted that the ~tructure thu~ f~r described does not provide imagewise control of light passing to ~he exposure zone. In~tead, ~t prov{des locationally-interlaced optical addressing of a line at imaging zonP 1 ~ Further, it should be noted ~t this stage, that only four high volt~ge switches are`utllized for twelve pixels as compared to one for each pixel portion in prior art devices. It will be under~tood that the electronic economy of this configuratlon i~
~17~35~
, g significantly more than represented by the Fig. 4 and 5 illustration, because light valve panels 31 for a complete line will have many more pixel portions than shown, e.g. 200 per inch.
How the locationally-addressing light valve structure described above can be utilized to accomp-lish improved electronic imaging in accordance with the present invention, can be understood by consider-ing the remaining structure shown in Figs. 4 and 5.
Thus, light valve imaging device 13 further comprises a low-resolution, informationally-addressing light valve array comprising addressable electro-optic panel 35 sandwiched between polarizers 34 and 36.
Polarizer 34 has the same polarization direction as polarizer 33 and both are crossed with respect to polarizer 36. It can be seen that light introduced through polarizer 36 will only pass polarizers 33-34 if rotated gOv by ~he energization pixel portions A, B, C, etc., of panel 35. Similarly, light which does pass polarizers 33-34 wlll only pass polarizer 32 (which also ls crossed with respect to polarizers 33-34) if rotated 90~ by the energi~ation of the pixel portions of locationally-addressing panel 31.
The relative location of panels 31 and 35 can be interchanged with the same optical effects result-ing. Polarizers 34-35 can be a single polarizing means; however, dual polarizers are preferred for maximum light contrast between on-off conditions.
As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the low-resolution, information address sectors A, B, C, etcO, of panel 35 are optically aligned with respective loca~ion-address sectors Al-A4, Bl-B4, Cl-C4, etc., o panel 31. Referring to Fig. 5, it can be s en that each of information-address sectors A3 B9 C of panel 35 have their ad-dressing electrodes connectable to a source of high voltage "V" by high voltage switch means 45, 46, ,~
,"~
~713~
47, respectively. Switch means 45, 46, 47 ~re in turn actuatable between an off~on condition by ~er$~1-in, parallel-out shift register SR-l. As described in more detail below, successlve sets of information signals (each containing information represent~tive of a plur-ality of spaced image pixels along a line of the image to be reproduced) are cyclically input to the shift register SR-l and output in synchronization with the activation of switches 41-44 by SR-2, the energization of light source 11 ~nd the movement of image medium M.
Referring ~gain to Fig. 1 as well ~s Fig6. 4 and 5, one preferred mode of oper~tion for electronic imaging in accordance with the present invention can be described. Thus, while a given line of the recording medium M is in the exposure st~tion 12, color control 15, ~cting in response to signals from centr~l process-ing unit (CPU) 49 and clock 50 effects at least three sequential light exposure perlods, one each of red, green And blue light. During each such light exposure period locationally-addressing light valve panel 31 i6 ~`.`
actuated under control of unit 49 and SR-2, sequentially turning on the inter-sector pixel groups A,l, Bl9 Cl, through A4, B4, C4, etc. During e~ch activat~on of ~n inter-sector pixel group of locationally-addressing panel 31, appropri~te im~ge information isinput to register SR-l for informationally-addressing panel 35.
For example, if the image to be reproduced requires red light exposure of pixel Al (of e line of the record~ng medium then located ~t the exposure ~-one), information address ~ector A will be energized to an "on" condition during the sub-p~rlod of locational-addre~s by panel 31 th~t energizes the inter-sector pixel group containing pixel portion Al. If the Bl pixel of that line also required red light, inform~tion address sector B would ~1RO be energized during this sub-period; otherwi~e it would rlot. During recordlng of ~1713~9 a complete line of three-color information, this sequence iB repeated for each inter-6ector group of locationally-~ddressing panel 31 and for each light color. It will be appreciated that the information signals input to shift register SR-l for panel 35 must be properly form~tted to correspond with the electrode connections of pPnel 31 and the activation program of register SR-2. Various means to accomplish proper sig-nal format will occur to those skilled in the art based on the foregoing description.
One preferred mode to obtain a properly formatted signal, directly from the detecting-scan of a record member to be reproduced, is illu~tr~ted in Fig.
6. This embodiment also illustrates the independent utility of the present invention's locationally-addre66ing, light valve array configuration as a detecting scanner. As shown in Flg. 6, a record member T (e.g. ~ transparency image to be reproduced by electronic imaging ~pparatus 10) is moved along a scan path past scanning detector 60 by drive means 61, which is controlled e.g. by a known servo device under the regulation of clock 50. Note, in this embodiment clock 50 also regulates CPU 49 of imaging ~pparatus 10~
As transparency T moves p~st scan st~tion 62, 6ucce6slve line portions are illuminsted by 60urce 63.
Imaging optics 64, e.g. an array of grad~ent index fiber lense6, are loc~ted on the oppo~lte side of the scan fitation and direct light that is transmitted by the transparency to light valve ecan array 66. Array 66 is constructed with the 6ame element~ 31, 32, 33 ~s shown ln Fig. 4 and has addressing means like that 6hown for p~nel 31 in Fig. 5.
Thus different inter-~ector groups of pixel portions of sc~nning light valve ~rr&y 66 are energized in 6ucce6sion as described previously, and during their "on" condition transmit l~ght passing through the trans-parency T. Color illter disc~ 67, 68, 69, etc., sre
My U.S. Pa~ent 4,229,095 di~close~ various 5 embodiments of electronic color-imaging apparatus that utilize such light valve arrays to effect multicolor exposure of panchromatic recording media. For example, a color im~ge is formed electronically by selectively opening and closing individual light valves of such 10 arrays in synchronization with the energization of red, green and blue exposing sources and according to the red, green and blue color ~nformation for the pixels of that image. One preferred embodiment disclosed in that patent comprises a linear ligh~ valve array disposed in 15 spaced transverse relation to the recording media feed path. The p~xels of the array are addresæed con-currently wlth image information, a line at a time, and the movement of the recording medium, and the red, green and blue color exposures are ~ynchronized with 20 successive actuations of the linear array.
It can be appreciated that light valves must 7 address many image pixels per line in order to form images having even moderate detail. The number of pixels per line increases in accordance with the resolu-25 tion requirements of the imaging application, e.g., becoming a6 large as 250 pixels per inch or larger for high quality continuous tone imaging. Each pixel of the recording medium must be independently addre~sable with light in ~ccordance with the unique content of the image 30 to be reproduced. Therefore, discretely activatible electrode means has been provided for each pixel portion of the l~ght valve ~rray, ~nd each electrode means has had its own high voltage "off-on" switch, e.g., a transistor amplifier. The cost and complexity of these 35 many 6witches and their connection ~nd p~ckaging pre6ent problems in electronic imagin~ with light valve dev~ces.
One solution to minimize ~uch problem~ i8 to provide a smaller number of transversely-spaced pixel ~713~9 portions in ~he light valve array and then effect multiple passes of the recording medium, with a transverse-indexing of the array (or recording medium~
between passes. Thus, if light valve pixel portions are spaced with a three-pixel inter-space and the recording medium is transported past the light valve array four times, only one-fourth the usual number of high voltage switches i6 required. However, multiple passes require additional time and CAn present registration problems.
SUMMARY_OF THE INVENTION
An important purpose of the present invention is to provide improved configurations and modes for llght valve devices that are useful, for example in electronic imaging apparatus, 60 as to ameliorate the problems outlined above. A significant advantage of the present invention is the reduction in eost and complex-- ity of electronic addressing structure for guch devices and apparatus, without the necessity of multiple pas~es of the recording medium.
The above and other ob~ec~s and advantages are accomplished in accordance with the presen~ invention by providing a locationally addressing ligh~ valve array hav~ng a plurality of location-address ~ectorB J each ~ector including a plurality of discrete light valve pixel portions which are electrically sddressable to control the passage of light. Each of these disorete pixel portions is electrically coupled to one corre-sponding light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors (forming inter-se tor groups), but iB electrically independent of other light valve pixel portion~ in it~ vwn loca~ion-addre6s sector. In accord with a highly advant~geous embodiment of the pre~ent invention, mean~ for electrically addres6ing this light valve array include ~ plurality of switch means, each selectively activatible to couple a respective inter-sector group of pixel portions to ~13~9 energizin~ voltage, and control means for sequentially activAting said switch means.
In one advantageous aspect of the invention this locationally-addressing array is used in coopera-tion with an informationally-addressing light valve array comprising a plurality of discrete lnformation-address sectors which are independently electrically addressable to control passage of light. Each of the information-address sectors is opticelly aligned with a respective location-address sector of the locationally-addressing array. Thus, when light i~ directed to an exposure or scan station via both of tho~e arrays, inter-sector pixel groups of the locationally-addressing array can be sequentially addressed, ln coordination with the inform~tional address of the sectors of the informationally-addressing array, to effect ; locationally-interlaced exposure of a recording medium.
In ano~her adv~n~ageous aspect the locationally-addressing array is predetermlnedly located, between a ~ource which illuminate6 a record member and an array of discrete electro-optic detector~, so that each of the detectors is opt~c~lly aligned with a respective one of the location-sddress sector6.
Sequential activation of the inter-sector pixel group6 thus effects locationally-in~erlaced scanning of the record memberO In a further aspect of the pre~ent invention, the locationally-interlaced imaging configuration i5 used in cooperat~on with the locationally-interlaced scanning configuration as parts of a scanner/printer apparatus.
Other advantageous constructions and features of the pre~ent invention will beeome apparent to one skilled in the art when cons~dering the subsequent, more detailed description of preferred embodiments. Thi~-description is set forth with reference to the attacheddrawings wherein:
~1359 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. .
. Figure 1 is a ~chematic illu6tration of one embodiment of electronic imaging apparatu6 in accordance with the preeent invention;
Figures ~ and 3 are ~chematic view6 of prior art light valve array configurations and addree6ing me~ns;
Figure 4 is ~n enl~rged perspective vlew of one embodiment of light valve device ln accordance w~th the present invention, which is ueeful~ for example, in the Fig, 1 embodimen~ of the pre~ent invention;
Figure 5 i6 ~ diagram illustr~ting one pre-ferred embodiment of addres6ing electronic6 for use with the light valve ~rray shown in Fig. 4;
Figure 6 i6 a schematic perspeet~ve view ~howing one embodiment of a locationally-interlsced-~can device in accordance with the pre~ent invention; and Figure 7 i6 a ~chematic perspective view showing one embodiment of an area light valve device constructed in accordance with the pre~ent invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
_ Referring now ~o Fig. 1, there is shown one illustrative embodiment of electronic imag~ng app~ratus 10 incorporating ~tructural and funetional improvements in accordance with the preRent ~nve~tion. In gener~l~
~he spp~ratus lQ compri6e~ an illumination source 11 which direct~ flood illumination toward an imaging zone 12 via a light vaIve imaging device 13 ~nd imaging lene 14. As is known in the art, ~t i6 the general functlon of uch apparatu6 for ~maging device 13 to modulate light from ~ource 11, pixel by pixel, in accordanee with the im~ge to be reproduced. In the illu~trated embodi-ment the light valve imaging deviee 13 i6 a linear arr~y and i6 di6posed to control the p~s age of light to ~ucceesive transver~e ~trip portion~ of a l$ght-sen~itive rPcording medium M aB it i6 moved p~et ~he imaging zone 12, e.g. by drive mean~ 16. App~ratu~ 10 1 3 ~ 9 is adapted for electronic color imaging, and separate red (R), green (G) and blue (~) light 60urces are provided at source 11 for sequential energization by control 15 during line imaging periods. It will be appreciated from the subsequent description that the structural approach of the present invention has significant advantage in many other elec~ronic imaging configurations, e.g. where only one color light is used or in an srea light valve array configuration where the image medium remains stationary during exposure.
The improvements of apparatus 10, according to the present invention, pertain to the light valve imaging device 13, including its addresslng, und will be described in more detail below. However, first a brief description of a typical prior art light valve array and address structure will be helpful in appreciating the advantages of the presen~ invention.
Thus, the linear light valve array 20 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a plurality of discrete, separately-addressable pixel portions Pl, P2...PX on a PLZTpanel 21 and cooperating crossed polarizers 22 and 23.
Prior art address means for light valve array 20 is shown in more detail in Fig. 3 where it c~n be Reen th~t pixel portions Pl and P2 are defined by a common ground electrode 24 and independently addressable electrodes 25, all formed on panel 21. High voltage electronic switches 26 (e.g. transistor amplifiers) ~re provided to selectively energize electrodes 25 of each pixel portion, with voltage V, in response to ~ slgnal from addressing control means 27, e.g. a serial-in, parallel-out shlft regis~er. In addressing the light valve 20, each of the elements of shift regi6ter 27 ~re loaded with ~nformation 6ignals ~"Y" or "0") in accord-ance with the appropriate "on or off" condition for the image pixel portion corresponding to its coupled pixel portion of the light valve ~rray 20. Upon output of the~e signals from the shift register 27, the swltches - ~171359 26 appropriately energize, or leave unenergized, electrodes 25. Thus, each pixel portion of light valve array 20 requires its own high voltage electronic switch 26 to isolate the low-voltage signal circuitry, includ-ing shift register 27, frorn the high-voltage energizing circuitry inc]uding electrodes 25.
Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, there is shown one preferred embodiment, in accord with this invention, for the light valve device of the Fig. 1 embodiment.
Thus, light valve imaging device 13 comprises a high-resolution, locationally-addressing light valve array which includes addressable electro-optic panel 31, formed for example of PLZT ceramic material, and cooperating crossed polarizing means 32 and 33. It will be appreciated that although the portions of the Fig. 4 structure are shown in spaced relation, they usually will be contiguous. The panel 31 comprises a plurality of discrete pixel portions Al, A2...; Bl, B2...;
Cl, C2...; etc., which are defined along the length of the panel by grounding and addressing electrode structure. The addressing electrode structure can be like that shown in Fig. 3.
In accordance with the present invention, the addressing electrodes within the different location-address sectors, viz. Al-A4, Bl-B4, Cl-C4, etc., of the panel 31, are energizable independently of the other electrodes comprising such~a sector. That is, the addressing electrode for pixel portion Al is energizable independently of the electrodes for pixel portions A~, A3 and A4. ~owever, as shown in Fig.
5, each addressing electrode, within the location-address sectors, is electrically coupled to one corre-sponding addressing electrode in each of the other 1 17~3~9 sectors. Thus, addressing electrodes of pixel portions Al, Bl, Cl~ Dl are connected to a common electrical bus line Ll and form an lnter-sector pixel portion group of the locationally-addressing light valve array. Similarly, the A2, B2, C2 electrodes are coupled to bus line L2, the A3, B3, C3 electrodes are coupled to bus line L3 and the A4, B4, C~ electrodes are coupled to bus line L4 to form other inter-sector groups.
The electrode bus lines Ll, L2~ L3 Rnd L4 respectively are coupled to high voltage switches 41, 42, 43 and 44, e.g. transistor amplifiers. Those switches are adapted to selectively energize their respective buses (and the coupled addressing electrode~) with a high voltage "V" in response to loca~ion-~ddress signals from location-address means SR-2, e.g. a shift register or a reset~able counter. For example, address means SR-2, bearing signals as indicated would activate switch 41 to an "on" condition but leave switches 42, 43, 44 in the "off" condition. Thus, pixel portions Al, Bl, Cl, etc., would be turned to an "on"
(light transmitting) condition by their addre~sing electrodes, but the remaining illustrated electrodes would remain "off." In ~uccessive portlons of a line period, switches 42, 43 and 44 are respectively switched "on" with all other switches "off" so that wlthin each line period all p~xel portions of the modulator panel 31 have been turned "on" in an interl~ced fashion.
It is ~o be noted that the ~tructure thu~ f~r described does not provide imagewise control of light passing to ~he exposure zone. In~tead, ~t prov{des locationally-interlaced optical addressing of a line at imaging zonP 1 ~ Further, it should be noted ~t this stage, that only four high volt~ge switches are`utllized for twelve pixels as compared to one for each pixel portion in prior art devices. It will be under~tood that the electronic economy of this configuratlon i~
~17~35~
, g significantly more than represented by the Fig. 4 and 5 illustration, because light valve panels 31 for a complete line will have many more pixel portions than shown, e.g. 200 per inch.
How the locationally-addressing light valve structure described above can be utilized to accomp-lish improved electronic imaging in accordance with the present invention, can be understood by consider-ing the remaining structure shown in Figs. 4 and 5.
Thus, light valve imaging device 13 further comprises a low-resolution, informationally-addressing light valve array comprising addressable electro-optic panel 35 sandwiched between polarizers 34 and 36.
Polarizer 34 has the same polarization direction as polarizer 33 and both are crossed with respect to polarizer 36. It can be seen that light introduced through polarizer 36 will only pass polarizers 33-34 if rotated gOv by ~he energization pixel portions A, B, C, etc., of panel 35. Similarly, light which does pass polarizers 33-34 wlll only pass polarizer 32 (which also ls crossed with respect to polarizers 33-34) if rotated 90~ by the energi~ation of the pixel portions of locationally-addressing panel 31.
The relative location of panels 31 and 35 can be interchanged with the same optical effects result-ing. Polarizers 34-35 can be a single polarizing means; however, dual polarizers are preferred for maximum light contrast between on-off conditions.
As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the low-resolution, information address sectors A, B, C, etcO, of panel 35 are optically aligned with respective loca~ion-address sectors Al-A4, Bl-B4, Cl-C4, etc., o panel 31. Referring to Fig. 5, it can be s en that each of information-address sectors A3 B9 C of panel 35 have their ad-dressing electrodes connectable to a source of high voltage "V" by high voltage switch means 45, 46, ,~
,"~
~713~
47, respectively. Switch means 45, 46, 47 ~re in turn actuatable between an off~on condition by ~er$~1-in, parallel-out shift register SR-l. As described in more detail below, successlve sets of information signals (each containing information represent~tive of a plur-ality of spaced image pixels along a line of the image to be reproduced) are cyclically input to the shift register SR-l and output in synchronization with the activation of switches 41-44 by SR-2, the energization of light source 11 ~nd the movement of image medium M.
Referring ~gain to Fig. 1 as well ~s Fig6. 4 and 5, one preferred mode of oper~tion for electronic imaging in accordance with the present invention can be described. Thus, while a given line of the recording medium M is in the exposure st~tion 12, color control 15, ~cting in response to signals from centr~l process-ing unit (CPU) 49 and clock 50 effects at least three sequential light exposure perlods, one each of red, green And blue light. During each such light exposure period locationally-addressing light valve panel 31 i6 ~`.`
actuated under control of unit 49 and SR-2, sequentially turning on the inter-sector pixel groups A,l, Bl9 Cl, through A4, B4, C4, etc. During e~ch activat~on of ~n inter-sector pixel group of locationally-addressing panel 31, appropri~te im~ge information isinput to register SR-l for informationally-addressing panel 35.
For example, if the image to be reproduced requires red light exposure of pixel Al (of e line of the record~ng medium then located ~t the exposure ~-one), information address ~ector A will be energized to an "on" condition during the sub-p~rlod of locational-addre~s by panel 31 th~t energizes the inter-sector pixel group containing pixel portion Al. If the Bl pixel of that line also required red light, inform~tion address sector B would ~1RO be energized during this sub-period; otherwi~e it would rlot. During recordlng of ~1713~9 a complete line of three-color information, this sequence iB repeated for each inter-6ector group of locationally-~ddressing panel 31 and for each light color. It will be appreciated that the information signals input to shift register SR-l for panel 35 must be properly form~tted to correspond with the electrode connections of pPnel 31 and the activation program of register SR-2. Various means to accomplish proper sig-nal format will occur to those skilled in the art based on the foregoing description.
One preferred mode to obtain a properly formatted signal, directly from the detecting-scan of a record member to be reproduced, is illu~tr~ted in Fig.
6. This embodiment also illustrates the independent utility of the present invention's locationally-addre66ing, light valve array configuration as a detecting scanner. As shown in Flg. 6, a record member T (e.g. ~ transparency image to be reproduced by electronic imaging ~pparatus 10) is moved along a scan path past scanning detector 60 by drive means 61, which is controlled e.g. by a known servo device under the regulation of clock 50. Note, in this embodiment clock 50 also regulates CPU 49 of imaging ~pparatus 10~
As transparency T moves p~st scan st~tion 62, 6ucce6slve line portions are illuminsted by 60urce 63.
Imaging optics 64, e.g. an array of grad~ent index fiber lense6, are loc~ted on the oppo~lte side of the scan fitation and direct light that is transmitted by the transparency to light valve ecan array 66. Array 66 is constructed with the 6ame element~ 31, 32, 33 ~s shown ln Fig. 4 and has addressing means like that 6hown for p~nel 31 in Fig. 5.
Thus different inter-~ector groups of pixel portions of sc~nning light valve ~rr&y 66 are energized in 6ucce6sion as described previously, and during their "on" condition transmit l~ght passing through the trans-parency T. Color illter disc~ 67, 68, 69, etc., sre
3 ~ ~
rotated between photodetectors 71, 72, 73, etc., and respective locational-address sectors of array 66. The rotation of filters is controlled by clock 50 to be in proper timed relation with the color exposure periods of the imaging apparatus 10~ Clock 50 slso controls the successive, locationally-interlaced activations of inter-sector groups of light valve array 66 to provide a complete lnterlaced line scan during e~ch color period (in proper timed relation with corresponding activations of inter-sector groups of panel 31).
Thus signals from de~ectors 71, 72, 73, etc., will comprise the proper image information (for each pixel portion of each line of the transparency T), in the proper format, to address to shift register SR-l of apparatus lO in ~roper timed relation with the acti-vation of array 31 by its addres& means SR-2. As indicated in Fig. 6, the parallel signals from the datectors are transformed to a Rerial form by parallel-to-serial shift register 76, after having any desired image-enhancement signal processing performed thereon by image proces~ and control logic 77.
Although the Fig. 6 scanner embodiment i5 one useful configuration, record members to be reproduced can also be sc~nned by conventional scanners (e.g.
flying spot scanners or CCD array~). Proper Rignal formatting is then effected with dedicated hsrdware and/or software.
Referring now to Fig. 7, an aIternate embodi-ment of the present invention is shown. Specifically, area arr~y 80 csmprlses high-resolution locationally-addressing panel 81 ~nd low-resolution informationally-~ddressing panel 85. Area polarizers (not shown) are provided between ~nd on each end of the light valve arr&ys, with polarization directions as descrlbed with respect to the Fig. 4 linear array configuration. A
plurality of location-address means I~ II, III, etc. p each such as SR-2 shown in Fig. S for array 31y are ~ 171 3~g provided respectively for each linesr row of area array 81. Likewise, information-addres6 shift registers S-l, 5-2, S-3 and S-4 are provided ~o control low-resolution information sectors I-A through IV-C, etc. Thus, it will be appreciated that by operating each row of locationally-addressing area array 81 in the mode described with respect to Figs. 4 and 5 and similarly coordinating the activation of corresponding rows I-IV
of low-resolution area array 85, a stationary recording medium can be imaged in an electrically efficient fashion similar to that previously described with respect to linear array embodiments.
The invention has been described in detail wlth particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it ~ill be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and cope of the invention.
rotated between photodetectors 71, 72, 73, etc., and respective locational-address sectors of array 66. The rotation of filters is controlled by clock 50 to be in proper timed relation with the color exposure periods of the imaging apparatus 10~ Clock 50 slso controls the successive, locationally-interlaced activations of inter-sector groups of light valve array 66 to provide a complete lnterlaced line scan during e~ch color period (in proper timed relation with corresponding activations of inter-sector groups of panel 31).
Thus signals from de~ectors 71, 72, 73, etc., will comprise the proper image information (for each pixel portion of each line of the transparency T), in the proper format, to address to shift register SR-l of apparatus lO in ~roper timed relation with the acti-vation of array 31 by its addres& means SR-2. As indicated in Fig. 6, the parallel signals from the datectors are transformed to a Rerial form by parallel-to-serial shift register 76, after having any desired image-enhancement signal processing performed thereon by image proces~ and control logic 77.
Although the Fig. 6 scanner embodiment i5 one useful configuration, record members to be reproduced can also be sc~nned by conventional scanners (e.g.
flying spot scanners or CCD array~). Proper Rignal formatting is then effected with dedicated hsrdware and/or software.
Referring now to Fig. 7, an aIternate embodi-ment of the present invention is shown. Specifically, area arr~y 80 csmprlses high-resolution locationally-addressing panel 81 ~nd low-resolution informationally-~ddressing panel 85. Area polarizers (not shown) are provided between ~nd on each end of the light valve arr&ys, with polarization directions as descrlbed with respect to the Fig. 4 linear array configuration. A
plurality of location-address means I~ II, III, etc. p each such as SR-2 shown in Fig. S for array 31y are ~ 171 3~g provided respectively for each linesr row of area array 81. Likewise, information-addres6 shift registers S-l, 5-2, S-3 and S-4 are provided ~o control low-resolution information sectors I-A through IV-C, etc. Thus, it will be appreciated that by operating each row of locationally-addressing area array 81 in the mode described with respect to Figs. 4 and 5 and similarly coordinating the activation of corresponding rows I-IV
of low-resolution area array 85, a stationary recording medium can be imaged in an electrically efficient fashion similar to that previously described with respect to linear array embodiments.
The invention has been described in detail wlth particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it ~ill be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and cope of the invention.
Claims (9)
1. A light valve device for locationally-interlaced, image addressing of an exposure station, said device comprising:
(a) 8 first linear light valve array adapted for optical alignment with a line at such exposure station, said first array having a plurality of location-address sectors that each include a plurality of discrete light valve pixel portions which are electrically addressable to control the passage of light, each light valve pixel portion being coupled for common electrical address, in an inter-sector group, with one light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors, but independently addressable with respect to the other light valve pixel portions of its own location-address sector; and (b) a second linear light valve array having a plurality of information-address sectors which are each independently electrically addressable to control passage of light, said second array being supported with respect to said first array so that each of said information-address sectors is in optical alignment with a respective location-address sector of said first array, whereby successive inter-sector groups of pixel portions of said first array can be sequentially addressed in timed relation with informational address of said second array sectors to effect complete image-wise address of a line at an exposure station.
(a) 8 first linear light valve array adapted for optical alignment with a line at such exposure station, said first array having a plurality of location-address sectors that each include a plurality of discrete light valve pixel portions which are electrically addressable to control the passage of light, each light valve pixel portion being coupled for common electrical address, in an inter-sector group, with one light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors, but independently addressable with respect to the other light valve pixel portions of its own location-address sector; and (b) a second linear light valve array having a plurality of information-address sectors which are each independently electrically addressable to control passage of light, said second array being supported with respect to said first array so that each of said information-address sectors is in optical alignment with a respective location-address sector of said first array, whereby successive inter-sector groups of pixel portions of said first array can be sequentially addressed in timed relation with informational address of said second array sectors to effect complete image-wise address of a line at an exposure station.
2. The invention defined in Claim 1 further comprising:
(c) means for electrically addressing said first linear array including a plurality of location-switch-means each activatible to couple a respective inter-sector group of pixel portions to energizing voltage and first control means for sequentially activating said location-switch-means;
and (d) means for electrically addressing said second linear array including a plurality of information-switch-means each selectively activatible to couple a respective information-address sector to energizing voltage and second control means for selectively activating said information-switch-means in parallel, in accordance with image information.
(c) means for electrically addressing said first linear array including a plurality of location-switch-means each activatible to couple a respective inter-sector group of pixel portions to energizing voltage and first control means for sequentially activating said location-switch-means;
and (d) means for electrically addressing said second linear array including a plurality of information-switch-means each selectively activatible to couple a respective information-address sector to energizing voltage and second control means for selectively activating said information-switch-means in parallel, in accordance with image information.
3. In electronic imaging apparatus of the kind having means for supporting recording media at an imaging station, means for directing illumination toward said imaging station and light valve means, located between said illuminating means and said supporting means, for imagewise modulating such light in accordance with image information, the improvement wherein said light valve means comprises:
(a) a first linear light valve array optically aligned with a line of such exposure station, said first array having a plurality of location-address sectors that each include a plurality of discrete light valve pixel portions which are electrically addressable to control the passage of light, each light valve pixel portion being coupled for common electrical address, in an inter-Rector group, with one light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors, but independently addressable with respect to the other light valve pixel portions of its own location-address sector;
(b) a second linear light valve array supported in optical alignment with said first array, said second array having a plurality of information-address sectors which are each inde-pendently electrically addressable to control passage of light, each of said information-address sectors of said second array being located in opti-cal alignment with a respective location-address sector of said first array;
(c) means for electrically addressing said first linear array including a plurality of location-switch-means, each activatible to couple a respective inter-sector group of pixel portions to energizing voltage, and first control means for sequentially activating said location-switch-means;
and (d) means for electrically addressing said second linear array including a plurality of information-switch-means, each selectively activatible to couple a respective information-address sector to energizing voltage, and second control means for activating said information-switch-means in parallel in accordance with image information.
(a) a first linear light valve array optically aligned with a line of such exposure station, said first array having a plurality of location-address sectors that each include a plurality of discrete light valve pixel portions which are electrically addressable to control the passage of light, each light valve pixel portion being coupled for common electrical address, in an inter-Rector group, with one light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors, but independently addressable with respect to the other light valve pixel portions of its own location-address sector;
(b) a second linear light valve array supported in optical alignment with said first array, said second array having a plurality of information-address sectors which are each inde-pendently electrically addressable to control passage of light, each of said information-address sectors of said second array being located in opti-cal alignment with a respective location-address sector of said first array;
(c) means for electrically addressing said first linear array including a plurality of location-switch-means, each activatible to couple a respective inter-sector group of pixel portions to energizing voltage, and first control means for sequentially activating said location-switch-means;
and (d) means for electrically addressing said second linear array including a plurality of information-switch-means, each selectively activatible to couple a respective information-address sector to energizing voltage, and second control means for activating said information-switch-means in parallel in accordance with image information.
4. The invention defined in Claim 3 further comprising means for synchronizing said first and second control means to effect complete imagewise address of a line of such recording medium at said imaging station.
5. The invention defined in Claim 3 wherein said electronic imaging apparatus further comprises locationally-interlaced-scan device including:
(e) means for positioning a record element at a scan station;
(f) scan light source means for directing uniform scan light toward a line at said detection station;
(g) a linear light valve scan array which is optically aligned with a line of said scan station, said scan array having a plurality of location-address sectors that each include a plurality of discrete light valve pixel portions which are electrically addressable to control the passage of light, each light valve pixel portion being coupled for common electrical address, in en inter-sector group, with one light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors, but being inde-pendently addressable with respect to the other light valve pixel portions of its own location-address sector;
(h) a plurality of electro-optic detectors located, optically, on the opposite side of said scanning light valve array from said scan light source means, each of said detectors being located in optical alignment with a respective location-address sector of said scan array; and (i) scan control means for sequentially addressing the respective inter-sector groups of said scan array in synchronization with the sequential address of said first control means and for supplying signals from said electro-optic detectors respectively to said second control means.
(e) means for positioning a record element at a scan station;
(f) scan light source means for directing uniform scan light toward a line at said detection station;
(g) a linear light valve scan array which is optically aligned with a line of said scan station, said scan array having a plurality of location-address sectors that each include a plurality of discrete light valve pixel portions which are electrically addressable to control the passage of light, each light valve pixel portion being coupled for common electrical address, in en inter-sector group, with one light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors, but being inde-pendently addressable with respect to the other light valve pixel portions of its own location-address sector;
(h) a plurality of electro-optic detectors located, optically, on the opposite side of said scanning light valve array from said scan light source means, each of said detectors being located in optical alignment with a respective location-address sector of said scan array; and (i) scan control means for sequentially addressing the respective inter-sector groups of said scan array in synchronization with the sequential address of said first control means and for supplying signals from said electro-optic detectors respectively to said second control means.
6. A light valve device for locationally-interlaced, optical addressing of an image exposure or scan stations said device comprising a linear light valve array adapted for optical alignment with a line of such station, said array having a plurality of location-address sectors that each include a plurality of dis-crete light valve pixel portions which are electrically addressable to control the passage of light, each light valve pixel portion being coupled for common electrical address, in an inter-sector group, with one light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors, but independently addressable with respect to the other light valve pixel portions of its own location-address sector.
7. The invention defined in Claim 6 further comprising a plurality of electro-optic detectors, each of said detectors being located in optical alignment with a respective location-address sector of said array.
8. The invention defined in Claim 6 further comprising means for electrically addressing said array including a plurality of switch means, each selectively activatible to couple a respective inter-sector group of pixel portions to energizing voltage.
9. The invention defined in Claim 8 further comprising control means for sequentially activating said switch means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US268,975 | 1981-06-01 | ||
| US06/268,975 US4374397A (en) | 1981-06-01 | 1981-06-01 | Light valve devices and electronic imaging/scan apparatus with locationally-interlaced optical addressing |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1171359A true CA1171359A (en) | 1984-07-24 |
Family
ID=23025322
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000404116A Expired CA1171359A (en) | 1981-06-01 | 1982-05-31 | Light valve devices and electronic imaging/scan apparatus with locationally-interlaced, optical addressing |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4374397A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0079946A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS58500881A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1171359A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1982004367A1 (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3428743A (en) * | 1966-02-07 | 1969-02-18 | Thomas F Hanlon | Electrooptic crystal controlled variable color modulator |
| US3470310A (en) * | 1966-05-23 | 1969-09-30 | Rca Corp | Color image display system utilizing a light valve |
| US3982239A (en) * | 1973-02-07 | 1976-09-21 | North Hills Electronics, Inc. | Saturation drive arrangements for optically bistable displays |
| DE2322473A1 (en) * | 1973-05-04 | 1974-11-21 | Philips Patentverwaltung | FACSIMILE DEVICE FOR WRITING AND READING MECHANICALLY MOVED DOCUMENTS |
| US3891560A (en) * | 1974-01-28 | 1975-06-24 | Hughes Aircraft Co | Large screen color display |
| US4316196A (en) * | 1977-03-10 | 1982-02-16 | Bell & Howell Corporation | Illumination and light gate utilization methods and apparatus |
| US4129357A (en) * | 1977-08-11 | 1978-12-12 | Nasa | Partial polarizer filter |
| FR2410924A1 (en) * | 1977-12-01 | 1979-06-29 | Thomson Csf | FAXING PROCESS USING A SMECTIC LIQUID CRYSTAL CELL AND TRANSMITTER-RECEIVER FACSIMILE IMPLEMENTING THIS PROCESS |
| IL55032A (en) * | 1978-06-29 | 1984-05-31 | Stolov Michael | Color picture display system including electronically controlled slides |
| US4229095A (en) * | 1979-01-29 | 1980-10-21 | Eastman Kodak Company | Electro-optical color imaging apparatus |
| DE3018452C2 (en) * | 1980-05-14 | 1983-11-10 | Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart | Facsimile writing device |
-
1981
- 1981-06-01 US US06/268,975 patent/US4374397A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1982
- 1982-05-24 JP JP57502072A patent/JPS58500881A/en active Granted
- 1982-05-24 WO PCT/US1982/000703 patent/WO1982004367A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1982-05-24 EP EP19820902124 patent/EP0079946A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1982-05-31 CA CA000404116A patent/CA1171359A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4374397A (en) | 1983-02-15 |
| JPS58500881A (en) | 1983-05-26 |
| EP0079946A4 (en) | 1986-01-20 |
| EP0079946A1 (en) | 1983-06-01 |
| JPH0430222B2 (en) | 1992-05-21 |
| WO1982004367A1 (en) | 1982-12-09 |
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