CA1283953C - Internal drum plotter - Google Patents
Internal drum plotterInfo
- Publication number
- CA1283953C CA1283953C CA000548803A CA548803A CA1283953C CA 1283953 C CA1283953 C CA 1283953C CA 000548803 A CA000548803 A CA 000548803A CA 548803 A CA548803 A CA 548803A CA 1283953 C CA1283953 C CA 1283953C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- internal drum
- recording material
- drum plotter
- cylinder axis
- laser beam
- 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 - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- H04N1/06—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 cylindrical picture-bearing surfaces, i.e. scanning a main-scanning line substantially perpendicular to the axis and lying in a curved cylindrical surface
- H04N1/0607—Scanning a concave surface, e.g. with internal drum type scanners
- H04N1/0621—Scanning a concave surface, e.g. with internal drum type scanners using a picture-bearing surface stationary in the main-scanning direction
- H04N1/0635—Scanning a concave surface, e.g. with internal drum type scanners using a picture-bearing surface stationary in the main-scanning direction using oscillating or rotating mirrors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41B—MACHINES OR ACCESSORIES FOR MAKING, SETTING, OR DISTRIBUTING TYPE; TYPE; PHOTOGRAPHIC OR PHOTOELECTRIC COMPOSING DEVICES
- B41B19/00—Photoelectronic composing machines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/435—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material
- B41J2/47—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using the combination of scanning and modulation of light
- B41J2/471—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using the combination of scanning and modulation of light using dot sequential main scanning by means of a light deflector, e.g. a rotating polygonal mirror
-
- 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
- H04N1/06—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 cylindrical picture-bearing surfaces, i.e. scanning a main-scanning line substantially perpendicular to the axis and lying in a curved cylindrical surface
- H04N1/0607—Scanning a concave surface, e.g. with internal drum type scanners
Abstract
ABSTRACT
An internal drum plotter including a laser source producing a laser beam output, apparatus for modulating the laser beam output to apply information content thereto, apparatus for supporting laser recording material in a generally circular cylindrical configuration about a cylinder axis and scanning apparatus for receiving the modulated laser beam and reflecting it onto the laser recording material, the scanning apparatus including a stabilized reflector arranged for rotation about the cylinder axis for reflecting the modulated laser beam directly onto the laser recording material, wherein the stabilized reflector is insensitive to wobble in the position thereof in directions perpendicular to the cylinder axis.
An internal drum plotter including a laser source producing a laser beam output, apparatus for modulating the laser beam output to apply information content thereto, apparatus for supporting laser recording material in a generally circular cylindrical configuration about a cylinder axis and scanning apparatus for receiving the modulated laser beam and reflecting it onto the laser recording material, the scanning apparatus including a stabilized reflector arranged for rotation about the cylinder axis for reflecting the modulated laser beam directly onto the laser recording material, wherein the stabilized reflector is insensitive to wobble in the position thereof in directions perpendicular to the cylinder axis.
Description
~ ~2~33~i3 ~4~54int.usa I-281 16.9.1987 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to laser plotters and more particu]arly to internal drum plotters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various ~ypes of laser plotters are known in the art.
There are two general types: flat bed plotters and drum plotters.
Both types are well known, and are produced and marketed by several companies including the present applicant/assignee.
Plotter~ of the internal drum variety have been proposed but technical problems requiring complex opto-mechanical solutions have made such plotters a relatively expensive product. An example of one such internal drum plotter is~described in Computer Technology Review, Summer, 1984, pages 199 - 2~3 anA in a catalog sheet issued by the manufacturer, Macdonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., of Richmond, British .
Colombia, Canada. This device, identif~ed as FIRE 9~G~ is stated ~-to include a single faceted air bearing spinner and precision linear micropositioner for ensuring high line quality and eometric accuracy.
Penta prism~, ~which are known to be insensitive to wobbling in directions ~perpendicular to the axis of rotation ~ .
thereof,~ have been~used ln flat bed scanners, as shown in U.S.
Patent 4,475,787 to Searkweather, but have not been proposed for uee in inte:rnal drum scanners. In the Starkweather patent, which ~ ~ -:
~: :
is particularly suited for flat bed plotters, the penta prism is arranged in association with a lens in the path of the output light beam ~rom the penta prism for focusing the parallel planes of the light beam into a fine point of light defining a scan line. While Starkweather deals adequately with the problem of ::
wobble, it greatly reduces ~he effective duty cycle of the apparatus, thus significantly slowing its operation.
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~33~53 SUMMARY OF I~IE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an intern~l drum plotter which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art internal drum scanners, is relatively inexpensive, has a high duty cycle, and is highly accurate, eliminating distortions which are inherent in flat bed plotters.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an internal drum plotter including a laser source producing a laser beam output, apparatus for modulating the laser beam output to apply information content thereto, apparatus for supporting laser recording material in a generally circular cylindrical configuration about A cylinder axis and scanning apparatus for receiving the modulated laser beam and reflecting it onto the laser recording material, the scanning appar~tus including a stabilized reflector arranged for rotation about the cylinder axis for reflecting the modulated laser beam directly onto the laser recording material, wherein the stabilized reflector is insensitive to wobble in the position thereof in directions perpendicular to the cylinder axis. :~
The stabilized reflector i preferably a penta prism but may alternatively be a combination of mirrors which is -similarly insensitive to wobble in the position thereof in directions perpendicular to the cylinder axis.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment .
of the present invention the apparatus for supporting includes ':
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.: . . ': .: - ~. ,. ' :. - .
^- ~2~3~S3 means for securing the recording material against a cylindrical support surface by exerting a compressive force thereon in the plane of the material, tangen~ially to the cylinder axis.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided automatic apparatus for feeding and removing the recording material in association with the apparatus for supporting, thereby enabling the internal drum scanner to be operated outside o~ a darkroom environment.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention apparatus is provided for displacing the scanning apparatus axially along the cylinder axis and for synchronizing the axial motion of the scanner with the rotation of the stabilized reflector.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, t~ken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 i3 an optical diagram of the optical train of the internal drum scanner constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 2 and 3 are respective side and perspective view illustrations o~ part of the apparatus of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is a side illu~tration corresponding to Fig. 2 for an alternative embodiment of internal drum scanner employing a combination of mirror~ instead of a penta prism;
Fig. 5 is a side view illustration of the apparatus of Fig. 1, showing the path of the recording material therethrough;
and Fi6.' 6 is a block diagr~m illustration of the interconnections between the various optomechanical components of the plotter, illustrating information flows and synchronization.
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`` 12~9S3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EM~ODIMENT
Re~erence is now made to Figs. 1 - 6, which illustrate an internal drum plotter constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The internal drum plotter comprises a laser source 1~, typically a 4 milliwatt Helium-Neon laser which produces a laser beam output which is focused by a lens 12 onto a modulator 14, such as a model AOM 125 manu~actured by Interaction Corp of Chicago, Illinois. The modulator 14, typically an acousto-optic modulator is activated by a computer 15 (Fig. 6) and is operative to insert information content sought to be recorded by the plotter. The modulator is typically capable of switching the laser beam on and off up to 15 million times per second.
The modulated output of modulator 14 is supplied via bending and folding optics 16 to a beam expander 18, which is operative to ~recollimate, enlarge and spatially filter the modulated beam and to direct it along ~n axis 2~ of a circular cylindrical support 22.
The relatively wide output (typically ~.5 inches in diameter) of beam expander 18 impinges on a scanner assembly 23, comprising 8 ~ocusing lens 24 and a stabilized re~lector 26, preferably a penta prism, which is driven for rotation about axis 2~ as by an electric motor 28. The entire scanner assembly 23 is arranged ~or selectable displacement along ~xis 2~, such that the beam re~lected from st&bllized reflector 26 can impinge on every usable area on the inside of the cylinder support 22. It is a : ~ : 6 , ~ ~ ;
:: :
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33~53 particular characteristic of internnl drum scanners that the distance between reflector 26 and support 22 is precisely equal at every location along the cyllnder. Accordi~gly, distortions arising in flat bed scanners need not be corrected for.
Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate graphically the path of the light rays through the stabilized reflector 26 in the form of a penta prism to the cylindrical support 22. It is a particular feature of the stabilized reflector that it is insenstive to wobble in directions perpendicular to the axis of its rotation, (herein axis 2~). Accordingly the use of hlghly accurate bearings for the scanner as~embly 23 (Fig. 1) may be obviated, significantly reducing the cost and complexity of manufacture and maintenance of the apparatus.
Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the stabilized reflector 26 comprises an arrangement of an even number of mirrors 3~ rigidly coupled to each other instead of a penta prism, as in the embodiments of Figs. 2 and 3. The advantage of using mirrors as in this embodlment, is that the laser beam does not have a significant distance to travel through glass and thus accompanying distortions, including chromatic distortions, are avoided. The disadvantage of using mirror~ however, is that it is significantly more expensive.
Fig. 5 illustrates the apparatus of Fig. 1 in a side-view sectional illustration, which shows the path of recording material 4~, such as film, through the apparatus. Typically the film 4~ is stored in roll form in an input cassette 42, which is optically sealed from the outside. Film 4~ is fed by a film : : :
: :
~. ~: . . ... .. .. . .. .. , . . ., .. . . . . . - -:. . ~ , : :: ~ . , ~ :
.: . : . .
,,: . ; . , :: - . . : . -33~353 driving roller 44 50 that it lies in tight engagement with the lnner surface of cylinder support 22. In contrast to prior art internal drum scanners, no vacuum system i9 required to maintain the film in tight engagement with the inner surface. Tight engagement is provided by applying a compression force in the plane of the film, as by roller 44 co-operating with a film pressure roller 45, when the opposite edge of the ~ilm engages a film stop bar 46. l~i~ compressive force forces the film to bow outwardly into tight engagement with the inner surface of support 2Z.
The sc~nner assembly, including a carriage 48, motor 28 and rotary encoder is shown disposed along axis 2~ within cylinder support 22.
Upon conclusion of the plotting operation for a given portion of film, the film may be cut by a cutter 5~ and allowed to fall into an output cassette 52, which is also optically sealed, so bhat it can be removed without requiring the entire apparatus to be maintained in darkroom conditions.
Referring now to Fig. 6, it is seen that the supply of data to modulator 14 ls synchronized with the speed of rotation o~ the stabilized reflector 26, as sensed by a sensor 54, (Fig.
l). Preferably the linear motlon of the scanner assembly 23, produced by a lead-screw motor 56 is synchronized with the speed .
of motor 28, both of whlch are synchronous motors, which receive alternating current drive inputs from a common generator 58.
Motor 56 is typically a multi-termlnal motor which provides smooth movement even at relatlvely low rotational speeds. The ~ :~
' -; .
- ~ , , :, . . .
: . - :: ' ~ - , - , . .
- - ~ ' current generator 58 typically comprises a crystal osclllator 59 having frequencies o~ about 4~ Hz and about 2~ Hz and a pair o~ power amplifierq 6~, each o~ vhich provides an output to one of the two motors 28 and 56.
Linear motion of carriage 48 is provlded along llnear bearings typically comprising a nylon molybdenum sulfide alloy pressed onto teflon-coated aluminum. This type of bearing has a number of advantages such as; the absence of contam~nant liquids, no requirement for periodic lubrication, a lower friction co-efficient, ne~ligible wear, a small difference between the static and dynamic friction coe~icients and low cost.
It will be appreciated by persons sk$11ed in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove, rather the scope of the present invenSion is defined only by the claims which follow~
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The present invention relates to laser plotters and more particu]arly to internal drum plotters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various ~ypes of laser plotters are known in the art.
There are two general types: flat bed plotters and drum plotters.
Both types are well known, and are produced and marketed by several companies including the present applicant/assignee.
Plotter~ of the internal drum variety have been proposed but technical problems requiring complex opto-mechanical solutions have made such plotters a relatively expensive product. An example of one such internal drum plotter is~described in Computer Technology Review, Summer, 1984, pages 199 - 2~3 anA in a catalog sheet issued by the manufacturer, Macdonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., of Richmond, British .
Colombia, Canada. This device, identif~ed as FIRE 9~G~ is stated ~-to include a single faceted air bearing spinner and precision linear micropositioner for ensuring high line quality and eometric accuracy.
Penta prism~, ~which are known to be insensitive to wobbling in directions ~perpendicular to the axis of rotation ~ .
thereof,~ have been~used ln flat bed scanners, as shown in U.S.
Patent 4,475,787 to Searkweather, but have not been proposed for uee in inte:rnal drum scanners. In the Starkweather patent, which ~ ~ -:
~: :
is particularly suited for flat bed plotters, the penta prism is arranged in association with a lens in the path of the output light beam ~rom the penta prism for focusing the parallel planes of the light beam into a fine point of light defining a scan line. While Starkweather deals adequately with the problem of ::
wobble, it greatly reduces ~he effective duty cycle of the apparatus, thus significantly slowing its operation.
, ;' -:
.:.
:: :
, ' : ' ~ : ' :
:
::
:~: : :
~ 2 : : :
- - .
~33~53 SUMMARY OF I~IE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an intern~l drum plotter which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art internal drum scanners, is relatively inexpensive, has a high duty cycle, and is highly accurate, eliminating distortions which are inherent in flat bed plotters.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an internal drum plotter including a laser source producing a laser beam output, apparatus for modulating the laser beam output to apply information content thereto, apparatus for supporting laser recording material in a generally circular cylindrical configuration about A cylinder axis and scanning apparatus for receiving the modulated laser beam and reflecting it onto the laser recording material, the scanning appar~tus including a stabilized reflector arranged for rotation about the cylinder axis for reflecting the modulated laser beam directly onto the laser recording material, wherein the stabilized reflector is insensitive to wobble in the position thereof in directions perpendicular to the cylinder axis. :~
The stabilized reflector i preferably a penta prism but may alternatively be a combination of mirrors which is -similarly insensitive to wobble in the position thereof in directions perpendicular to the cylinder axis.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment .
of the present invention the apparatus for supporting includes ':
' .- : . :: .:
.: . . ': .: - ~. ,. ' :. - .
^- ~2~3~S3 means for securing the recording material against a cylindrical support surface by exerting a compressive force thereon in the plane of the material, tangen~ially to the cylinder axis.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided automatic apparatus for feeding and removing the recording material in association with the apparatus for supporting, thereby enabling the internal drum scanner to be operated outside o~ a darkroom environment.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention apparatus is provided for displacing the scanning apparatus axially along the cylinder axis and for synchronizing the axial motion of the scanner with the rotation of the stabilized reflector.
.
, , : : :
.
:
::: : : ~
::
:: , " . ' .', '~ ' ' ' ' : . ' , .' . , -` ~2~3~S~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, t~ken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 i3 an optical diagram of the optical train of the internal drum scanner constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 2 and 3 are respective side and perspective view illustrations o~ part of the apparatus of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is a side illu~tration corresponding to Fig. 2 for an alternative embodiment of internal drum scanner employing a combination of mirror~ instead of a penta prism;
Fig. 5 is a side view illustration of the apparatus of Fig. 1, showing the path of the recording material therethrough;
and Fi6.' 6 is a block diagr~m illustration of the interconnections between the various optomechanical components of the plotter, illustrating information flows and synchronization.
.
: :
:
~;
: ~ ~:: : : . .
~ 5 :::
: ~ :
`` 12~9S3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EM~ODIMENT
Re~erence is now made to Figs. 1 - 6, which illustrate an internal drum plotter constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The internal drum plotter comprises a laser source 1~, typically a 4 milliwatt Helium-Neon laser which produces a laser beam output which is focused by a lens 12 onto a modulator 14, such as a model AOM 125 manu~actured by Interaction Corp of Chicago, Illinois. The modulator 14, typically an acousto-optic modulator is activated by a computer 15 (Fig. 6) and is operative to insert information content sought to be recorded by the plotter. The modulator is typically capable of switching the laser beam on and off up to 15 million times per second.
The modulated output of modulator 14 is supplied via bending and folding optics 16 to a beam expander 18, which is operative to ~recollimate, enlarge and spatially filter the modulated beam and to direct it along ~n axis 2~ of a circular cylindrical support 22.
The relatively wide output (typically ~.5 inches in diameter) of beam expander 18 impinges on a scanner assembly 23, comprising 8 ~ocusing lens 24 and a stabilized re~lector 26, preferably a penta prism, which is driven for rotation about axis 2~ as by an electric motor 28. The entire scanner assembly 23 is arranged ~or selectable displacement along ~xis 2~, such that the beam re~lected from st&bllized reflector 26 can impinge on every usable area on the inside of the cylinder support 22. It is a : ~ : 6 , ~ ~ ;
:: :
: ` ::
: `
33~53 particular characteristic of internnl drum scanners that the distance between reflector 26 and support 22 is precisely equal at every location along the cyllnder. Accordi~gly, distortions arising in flat bed scanners need not be corrected for.
Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate graphically the path of the light rays through the stabilized reflector 26 in the form of a penta prism to the cylindrical support 22. It is a particular feature of the stabilized reflector that it is insenstive to wobble in directions perpendicular to the axis of its rotation, (herein axis 2~). Accordingly the use of hlghly accurate bearings for the scanner as~embly 23 (Fig. 1) may be obviated, significantly reducing the cost and complexity of manufacture and maintenance of the apparatus.
Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the stabilized reflector 26 comprises an arrangement of an even number of mirrors 3~ rigidly coupled to each other instead of a penta prism, as in the embodiments of Figs. 2 and 3. The advantage of using mirrors as in this embodlment, is that the laser beam does not have a significant distance to travel through glass and thus accompanying distortions, including chromatic distortions, are avoided. The disadvantage of using mirror~ however, is that it is significantly more expensive.
Fig. 5 illustrates the apparatus of Fig. 1 in a side-view sectional illustration, which shows the path of recording material 4~, such as film, through the apparatus. Typically the film 4~ is stored in roll form in an input cassette 42, which is optically sealed from the outside. Film 4~ is fed by a film : : :
: :
~. ~: . . ... .. .. . .. .. , . . ., .. . . . . . - -:. . ~ , : :: ~ . , ~ :
.: . : . .
,,: . ; . , :: - . . : . -33~353 driving roller 44 50 that it lies in tight engagement with the lnner surface of cylinder support 22. In contrast to prior art internal drum scanners, no vacuum system i9 required to maintain the film in tight engagement with the inner surface. Tight engagement is provided by applying a compression force in the plane of the film, as by roller 44 co-operating with a film pressure roller 45, when the opposite edge of the ~ilm engages a film stop bar 46. l~i~ compressive force forces the film to bow outwardly into tight engagement with the inner surface of support 2Z.
The sc~nner assembly, including a carriage 48, motor 28 and rotary encoder is shown disposed along axis 2~ within cylinder support 22.
Upon conclusion of the plotting operation for a given portion of film, the film may be cut by a cutter 5~ and allowed to fall into an output cassette 52, which is also optically sealed, so bhat it can be removed without requiring the entire apparatus to be maintained in darkroom conditions.
Referring now to Fig. 6, it is seen that the supply of data to modulator 14 ls synchronized with the speed of rotation o~ the stabilized reflector 26, as sensed by a sensor 54, (Fig.
l). Preferably the linear motlon of the scanner assembly 23, produced by a lead-screw motor 56 is synchronized with the speed .
of motor 28, both of whlch are synchronous motors, which receive alternating current drive inputs from a common generator 58.
Motor 56 is typically a multi-termlnal motor which provides smooth movement even at relatlvely low rotational speeds. The ~ :~
' -; .
- ~ , , :, . . .
: . - :: ' ~ - , - , . .
- - ~ ' current generator 58 typically comprises a crystal osclllator 59 having frequencies o~ about 4~ Hz and about 2~ Hz and a pair o~ power amplifierq 6~, each o~ vhich provides an output to one of the two motors 28 and 56.
Linear motion of carriage 48 is provlded along llnear bearings typically comprising a nylon molybdenum sulfide alloy pressed onto teflon-coated aluminum. This type of bearing has a number of advantages such as; the absence of contam~nant liquids, no requirement for periodic lubrication, a lower friction co-efficient, ne~ligible wear, a small difference between the static and dynamic friction coe~icients and low cost.
It will be appreciated by persons sk$11ed in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove, rather the scope of the present invenSion is defined only by the claims which follow~
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Claims (20)
1. An internal drum plotter comprising:
a laser source producing a laser beam output;
means for modulating the laser beam output to apply information content thereto;
means for supporting laser recording material in a generally circular cylindrical configuration about a cylinder axis; and scanning means for receiving the modulated laser beam and reflecting it onto the laser recording material, the scanning apparatus including a stabilized reflector arranged for rotation about the cylinder axis for reflecting the modulated laser beam directly onto the laser recording material, wherein the stabilized reflector is insensitive to wobble in the position thereof in directions perpendicular to the cylinder axis.
a laser source producing a laser beam output;
means for modulating the laser beam output to apply information content thereto;
means for supporting laser recording material in a generally circular cylindrical configuration about a cylinder axis; and scanning means for receiving the modulated laser beam and reflecting it onto the laser recording material, the scanning apparatus including a stabilized reflector arranged for rotation about the cylinder axis for reflecting the modulated laser beam directly onto the laser recording material, wherein the stabilized reflector is insensitive to wobble in the position thereof in directions perpendicular to the cylinder axis.
2. An internal drum plotter according to claim 1 and wherein said stabilized reflector comprises a penta prism.
3. An internal drum plotter according to claim 1 and wherein said stabilized reflector comprises a combination of mirrors which is insengitive to wobble in the position thereof in directions perpendicular to the cylinder axis.
4. An internal drum plotter according to claim 1 and wherein said means for supporting includes means for securing the recording material against a cylindrical support surface by exerting a compressive force thereon in the plane of the material, tangentially to the cylinder axis.
5. An internal drum plotter according to claim 2 and wherein said means for supporting includes means for securing the recording material against a cylindrical support surface by exerting a compressive force thereon in the plane of the material, tangentially to the cylinder axis.
6. An internal drum plotter according to claim 3 and wherein said means for supporting includes means for securing the recording material against a cylindrical support surface by exerting a compressive force thereon in the plane of the material, tangentially to the cylinder axis.
7. An internal drum plotter according to claim 1 and also comprising automatic apparatus for feeding and removing the recording material in association with the apparatus for supporting, thereby enabling the internal drum plotter to be operated outside of a darkroom environment.
8. An internal drum plotter according to claim 2 and also comprising automatic apparatus for feeding and removing the recording material in association with the apparatus for supporting, thereby enabling the internal drum plotter to be operated outside of a darkroom environment.
9. An internal drum plotter according to claim 3 and also comprising automatic apparatus for feeding and removing the recording material in association with the apparatus for supporting, thereby enabling the internal drum plotter to be operated outside of a darkroom environment.
10. An internal drum plotter according to claim 4 and also comprising automatic apparatus for feeding and removing the recording material in association with the apparatus for supporting, thereby enabling the internal drum plotter to be operated outside of a darkroom environment.
11. An internal drum plotter according to claim 1 and also comprising means for displacing the scanning means axially along the cylinder axis and for synchronizing the axial motion of the scanner means with the rotation of the stabilized reflector.
12. An internal drum plotter according to claim 2 and also comprising means for displacing the scanning means axially along the cylinder axis and for synchronizing the axial motion of the scanner means with the rotation of the stabilized reflector.
13. An internal drum plotter according to claim 1 and also comprising means for synchronizing the supply of data to the modulating means with the axial displacement of the scanning means and the rotation of the stabilized reflector.
14. An internal drum plotter comprising:
a laser source producing a laser beam output;
means for modulating the laser beam output to apply information content thereto;
means for supporting laser recording material in a generally circular cylindrical configuration about a cylinder axis, including means for securing the recording material against a cylindrical support surface by exerting a compressive force thereon in the plane of the material, tangentially to the cylinder axis; and scanning means for receiving the modulated laser beam and reflecting it onto the laser recording material,
a laser source producing a laser beam output;
means for modulating the laser beam output to apply information content thereto;
means for supporting laser recording material in a generally circular cylindrical configuration about a cylinder axis, including means for securing the recording material against a cylindrical support surface by exerting a compressive force thereon in the plane of the material, tangentially to the cylinder axis; and scanning means for receiving the modulated laser beam and reflecting it onto the laser recording material,
15. An internal drum plotter comprising:
a laser source producing a laser beam output;
means for modulating the laser beam output to apply information content thereto;
means for supporting laser recording material in a generally circular cylindrical configuration about a cylinder axis;
scanning means for receiving the modulated laser beam and reflecting it onto the laser recording material; and automatic means for feeding and removing the recording material in association with the apparatus for supporting, thereby enabling the internal drum plotter to be operated outside of a darkroom environment.
a laser source producing a laser beam output;
means for modulating the laser beam output to apply information content thereto;
means for supporting laser recording material in a generally circular cylindrical configuration about a cylinder axis;
scanning means for receiving the modulated laser beam and reflecting it onto the laser recording material; and automatic means for feeding and removing the recording material in association with the apparatus for supporting, thereby enabling the internal drum plotter to be operated outside of a darkroom environment.
16. An internal drum plotter according to claim 14 and also comprising means for displacing the scanning means axially along the cylinder axis and for synchronizing the axial motion of the scanner means with the rotation of the stabilized reflector.
17. An internal drum plotter according to claim 15 and also comprising means for displacing the scanning means axially along the cylinder axis and for synchronizing the axial motion of the scanner means with the rotation of the stabilized reflector.
18. An internal drum plotter according to claim 14 and also comprising means for synchronizing the supply of data to the modulating means with the axial displacement of the scanning means and the rotation of the stabilized reflector.
19. An internal drum plotter according to claim 15 and also comprising means for synchronizing the supply of data to the modulating means with the axial displacement of the scanning means and the rotation of the stabilized reflector.
20. An internal drum plotter according to claim 16 and also comprising means for synchronizing the supply of data to the modulating means with the axial displacement of the scanning means and the rotation of the stabilized reflector.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL80241A IL80241A (en) | 1986-10-07 | 1986-10-07 | Internal drum plotter |
| IL80241 | 1986-10-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1283953C true CA1283953C (en) | 1991-05-07 |
Family
ID=11057188
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000548803A Expired - Fee Related CA1283953C (en) | 1986-10-07 | 1987-10-07 | Internal drum plotter |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4853709A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0264341B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS63158580A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE92659T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1283953C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3786874T2 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL80241A (en) |
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-
1986
- 1986-10-07 IL IL80241A patent/IL80241A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1987
- 1987-09-29 US US07/102,330 patent/US4853709A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-10-06 AT AT87630201T patent/ATE92659T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1987-10-06 DE DE87630201T patent/DE3786874T2/en not_active Revoked
- 1987-10-06 EP EP87630201A patent/EP0264341B1/en not_active Revoked
- 1987-10-07 JP JP62253462A patent/JPS63158580A/en active Pending
- 1987-10-07 CA CA000548803A patent/CA1283953C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS63158580A (en) | 1988-07-01 |
| EP0264341A3 (en) | 1989-02-08 |
| DE3786874D1 (en) | 1993-09-09 |
| IL80241A (en) | 1991-03-10 |
| US4853709A (en) | 1989-08-01 |
| EP0264341A2 (en) | 1988-04-20 |
| IL80241A0 (en) | 1987-01-30 |
| DE3786874T2 (en) | 1993-11-11 |
| ATE92659T1 (en) | 1993-08-15 |
| EP0264341B1 (en) | 1993-08-04 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |