CA1115409A - Pneumatically actuated image scanning reader/writer - Google Patents
Pneumatically actuated image scanning reader/writerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1115409A CA1115409A CA366,744A CA366744A CA1115409A CA 1115409 A CA1115409 A CA 1115409A CA 366744 A CA366744 A CA 366744A CA 1115409 A CA1115409 A CA 1115409A
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- scanning
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- air
- reading
- indicia
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
A hollow tubular shaft, containing optical elements for use in a helical scanning facsimile transceiver, is supported horizontally by air bearings and translated linearly along its major axis through cylindrical reading and writing stations by means of a pneumatic cylinder and piston coaxial with the shaft. An integral reaction-powered air motor provides shaft rotation, and laser beams perform the reading and writing operations, both of which may take place within the same apparatus or either one of which may be executed at a location remote from that of the other.
The reading station contains an optical encoding pattern enabling continuous control of the position of the radiation beams relative to the indicia being read, and an electronic memory facilitates the temporary storage and manipulation of information to be recorded by the writing station. A fail-safe system prevents damage to the scanning mechanism in the event of interruption of the pneumatic or electrical supplies.
The apparatus finds particular utility in the production of printing plates for use in Graphic Arts reproduction processes.
A hollow tubular shaft, containing optical elements for use in a helical scanning facsimile transceiver, is supported horizontally by air bearings and translated linearly along its major axis through cylindrical reading and writing stations by means of a pneumatic cylinder and piston coaxial with the shaft. An integral reaction-powered air motor provides shaft rotation, and laser beams perform the reading and writing operations, both of which may take place within the same apparatus or either one of which may be executed at a location remote from that of the other.
The reading station contains an optical encoding pattern enabling continuous control of the position of the radiation beams relative to the indicia being read, and an electronic memory facilitates the temporary storage and manipulation of information to be recorded by the writing station. A fail-safe system prevents damage to the scanning mechanism in the event of interruption of the pneumatic or electrical supplies.
The apparatus finds particular utility in the production of printing plates for use in Graphic Arts reproduction processes.
Description
This is a divisional application of application Serial No. 261,533 filed September 20th, 1976.
This lnvention relates generally to reading and/or writing facsimile apparatus.
Systems which read and write images by scanning, for use in the point-to-point transmission and reception of graphic and other indicia of various types, including pictorial and textual matter, ~ake many forms and are generally old and well-known in the art, as typified by the following references:
Young, U. S. Patent No. 2,394,649, issued February 12, 1946, for "Scanning Apparatus".
Young, U. S. Patent ~o. 2,532,799, issued December 5, 1950, for "Facsimile System Having a Rotating Scanner Moving Longi-tudinally Within a Stationary Transparent Drum".
Artzt et al., U. S. Patent No. 2,569,648, is~ued October 2, 1951 for "Facsimile System and Apparatus".
Stephens et al., U. S. Patent No. 3,622,222 issued November 23, 1971 for "Electronic Scanner Utilizing a Laser for the Slmultaneous Scanning and Reproduction of Images".
Furthermore, my U. S. Patent No. 3,816,659 issued June 11, 1974 for "Scanning Apparatus", which is now assigned to the assignee of this application, discloses an earlier apparatus suited to either the reading or writing of graphic and other indicia by a facsimile method.
A primary objective of this invention is to provide a low cost combined reading and/or writing facsimile apparatus having particular utility in the preparation of printing plates for use in the Graphic Arts, and especially in the newspaper industry.
` ` ' .' ' ' ~ ~ ., It is a further objective of this invention to provîde combined facsimile reading (transmission) and/or writing (recording~ apparatus of re]Latlvely simple construction.
An additional objective is to reduce the number of moving parts required to perform the scanning operations in a facsimile transmitter and receiver.
Another objective is to enable the use of simple optical systems in the electro-optical readlng and/or writing of large area, high resolu-tion images.
Yet another objective is to improve the geometric accuracy and efficiency with which facsimile information is transmitted and received.
Still a further objective is to provide a scanning system having smooth and accurately controlled motions to thus obtain clear and accurately reproduced images.
Other objects, features and benefits of the apparatus will become appsrent from the description and claims which follow.
A pneumatically actuated apparatus for the electro-optical reading and writing of graphic indicia by helical raster scanning is comprised of a first stationary semi-cylindrical member for supporting the image bearing material which is to be read photo-electrically when illuminated by a beam of reading radiation; a second stationary cylindrical or semi-cylindrical member having its major axis aligned with that of the first semi-cylindrical member for supporting material to be modified when exposed to a radiant energy writing beam modulated by the information which is to be recorded; and an intervening elongated optical scanning member positioned for concentric rotation about, and translation along, the common axis joining the two stationary members.
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Optical components contained within the scanning member are used to foc:us individual collimated beams of radiation on the reading and writing surfaces, and by the action of electro-pneumatic control systems, the scanning member may be caused to execute simultaneous image reading and writing operâtions. Additional means are provided for generating output signals containing linear and angular position and velocity information concerning the instantaneous location of the scanning beams relative both to a stationary encoding pattern and to the other materials being scanned, and for the synchronous transmission and reception of such graphic indicia between like apparatus at different locations. The writing of computer-stored or otherwise "memorized" indicia is also contemplated.
The parent application is directed to in a scanning system, means for supporting an element to be scanned, rotary scanning means for scanning said element, means for providing smooth operation of the rotary scanning means, including: supporting means for pneumatically supporting said rotary scanning means; air-driven motor means for rotating said scanning means; and air-driven translating means for translating said rotary scanning means along its axis of rotation.
The present divisional application is directed to another aspect of the invention and more particu]arly in a system for scanning a given area:
scanning means for scanning said area along a series of parallel paths and producing an output signal; and means including triangular indicia along a line that is substantially perpendicular to said scanning paths and within said scanning area for inserting a synchronizing signal in said output signal.
The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings wherein:
~igure 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of , - 4 -.: ~ , :, . .
ll~.S40~9 the facsimile apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a system incorporating the present invention;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a modified form of the scanning drive system of the present invention~ incorporating dual air motors;
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a modified form of the optical configuration for use in the apparatus of Figure 1 or Figure 2, and Figure 5 is a block diagram of the electronic system shown in the perspective view of Figure 2.
Figure 1 illustrates a simplified facsimile apparatus, or ~ 4a -. ....
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ll~S4C)9 "electronic camera", constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention wherein graphic or other indicia may be transferred electro-optically, by synchronous helical scanning in real time, from a reading station to a recording material contained in an adjacent image reproducing station within the apparatus. The opto-mechanical portion of the system is comprised of three major components, each of generally cylindrical configuration, namely: a copy reading station 25; a pneumatically-actuated scanning drive system 10; and an image writing station 28; all of which are assembled in horizontal end-to-end 0 relationship and aligned about a single mechanical and optical axis.
Referring first to the scanning drive system 10, a pneumatic cylinder 12 is substantially closed at its end by conventional annular air bearings 17, 18 (such as Model No. B-2348, of Dover Instrument Corp.
Waltham, MA.) which, when energized by compressed aLr supplied from an external pneum~tic source (not shown) over lines 39, 19 and 20 provide essentiallY friction-free support for an elongated, tubular optical scannin~ member 14 to the mid-point of which there is secured, in sub-stantially friction-free pneumatic pressure sealing relationship with the interior wall of cYlinder 12, a disc-shaped piston or pressure plate 13.
When the air bearings are adequately pressurized they supportmember 14 and render it free to rotate and/or translate axially within cylinder 12 and also minimize the escape of air laterally therefrom.
Air line 39 also suppliescompressed air via control valves 50',54' and lines 63. 62 to chambers 11, lla (separated by piston 13) of pneumatic cylinder 12, where it effects axial translation of shaft member 14 through bearings 17, 18 and provides motive power forrotation of the shaft. Within drive system 10 the ho'llow shaft 14, which is sealed by internal airtight barriers 15, 16 is powered for smooth rotation about its major axis by ", ~ :
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1~1S409 an internal air motor 22 which receives compressed air from chamber lla of cylinder 12 via manual control valve 54', adjustment of which varies the !3peed of shaft rotation. The air is introduced into member 14 through entry orifice 21 and is vented to the atmosphere only through a circumfer-ential ring of jet-producing holes 22, each inclined tangentially with respect to radii of shaft 14 to provide the reaction torque which rotates the shaft at a speed which is a function of the applied air pressure.
Prior to commencing a scanning operation the pneumatic pressure in chamber lla of cylinder 12 is adjusted, by manipulation of valve 54'~
to obtain the desired speed of rotation of shaft 14 while, simultaneously, the pressure in chamber 11 is similarlv changed - by adjustment of valve 50' -to prevent translational motion of the shaft. In order to execute a scanning operation from ri~ht to left. for example, the pressure in chamber 11 must be progressively reduced, by continuous ad~ustment of valve 50'.
to enable piston 13 to move at the desired rate of line advance from its initial DOSitiOn in the vicinity of bearing 18 to a final position in the vicinitv of bearin~ 17. thereby causing indicia-bearing material 102 to be helically scanned by the beam 91a of readin~ radiation in station 25.
Shaft 14 may then be returned to its initial position. or to any desired.
intermediate translational position, bv increasing the pressure in chamber 11 to counterbalance the steadY pressure in chamber lla. A some-what similar translational mechanism is shown in Bruck. U.S. Patent No. 3,806,208, issued April 23, 1974 for "Hydrostatic Bearin~ Systems."
Furthermore, and as is shown in Figure 3. it would be possible - if required -to provide shaft 14 with an additional air-entry orifice 21a on the left side of piston 13 and a second air motor 22a near the opposite end of shaft 14, in order to produce a rotational system having more preciselv balanced pneumatic characteristics.
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Copy reading station 25 contains an elongated, arcuately-shaped platen (not shown) for supporting a sheet 102 bearing line or halftone indicia at the focal point of the optical reading system. The beam of copy readillg radiation 91 from a light source such as helium-neon laser 90 is aligned axially with that end of member 14 which extends into reading station 25 and, after slight broadening due to its passage through beam expander 103 (such as Model B-34-60 of Oriel Corp., Stamford, CONN.), beam 91 passes throu~h the central aperture 92a in an~led mirror 92 and is collimated by lens 104, thereby minimizing variations in the focal point of the scanning spot as member 14 translates. The collimated beam 91 is focused on the front surface of copY 102 by means of a lens 93 and angled mirror 94, both of which are mounted inside scanning member 14.
As is best shown in Figure 4, mirror 94 is set at an angle other than 45 to the common optical axis in order to minimize the response of photo-detector 81 to specular reflections from the front surEace of copy 102, and an angle of 52 has proven satisfactory for this purPose. Mirror 94 reflects beam 91a radially through a transparent aperture 107 in the sidewall of member 14, enablin~ it to impinge upon copy 102.
A portion of the light from beam 91a, after being modulated in intensity by variations in the reflectivity of coPy sheet 102, is re-received by mirror 94, collimated by lenses 93 and 104, and inter-cepted and reflected by the annular portion of angled mirror 92 along path 96 to reading photodetector 81, where it is converted into a varying video si~nal on conductor 82 of electronic system 80'. An alternate copy reading optical system capable o~ providin~ an image of enhanced contrast at photodetector 81 may employ a laser 90 having a polarized radiation beam (such as Model 3124 H-P of Hughes Aircraft Corp., Torrance, CA.), in which event annular mirror 92 is replaced by a polarizing beam splitter .
. -~lIS40:9 cube (such as Part No. 675-3405 of Perkin-Elmer Corp., Norwa]k, CT.) Within electronic circuit 80' the video signals received over conductor 82 from photodetector 81 as a result of helical scanning of the line-type indicia present on copy sheet 102 are amplified by a con-ventional video amplifier, and then fed over conductor 84 to an acousto-optical light modulator 85 (such as Model DLM-l-IR of Datalight~ Inc., Bloomfield, CT.) which is located in the path of an image writing radiation beam 98 generated by a laser 97 having a spectral output and power density suited to the non-linear imaging characteristics of material 29 (such as the offset lithographic printing plate described in my co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 459z039 "Printing Plate Blank and Image Transfer Sheet Therefor" filed April 8, 1974 and now U.S. Patent No.
3,945,318 issued March 23, 19~6).
The modulated radiation beam emerging from modulator 85 is broadened sli~htly by lts passa~e through beam expander 105, and is collimated by lens 106. The collimated beams 98a is then directed along the axis of scanning member 14 and refocused by lens 99 on the radiation responsive material 29 for recording thereon a representation of the graphic indicia contained on copy sheet 102. An intervening mirror 100, which is positioned angularly as taught by my previously-mentioned U.S.
Patent No. 3,816,659, is used to reflect beam 98a radially through a transparent aperture 108 in the sidewall of member 14.
While the apparatus of Fig. 1 performs the basic electronic image dissection, transfer and reconstruction functions which characterize the facsimile art, its operatin~ efficiency and commercial utility are compromised by the need for manual adjustment of valve 50' in order to control the translational motion of shaft 14; by its abilitY to write only those line and halftone images which are customarily reproduced by litho-. : . , ::. . ; . . :, .,. : `:: :,: . . :~ . .~ ~ , :
S4(~9 graphic and other high-contrast reproduction processes; and bY its inability to operate in synchronism with similar read-writer apparatus in a facsimile mode. All of these deficiencies are overcome in the preferred apparatus 8hown in Fi~. 2 wherein electro-pneumatic servo systems provide accurate automatic control of the linear translation and speed of rotation of scanning shaft 14, and the electronic system 80 is capable of processing the video si~nals from detector 81 to suit the character-istics of line, halftone, continuous tone or other indicia 102, which may be reproduced on any one of a wide variety of ima~e receptive materials 29 such as silver halide, diazo, or those described in the followin~
disclosures:
Landsman, U.S. Patent No. 3,739,088 issued June 12, 1973, entitled "Printin~ Plate Production Method and Apparatus", Landsman, U.S. Patent No. 3,742,853 issued July 3, 1973, entitled "Method of Forming Relief Printing Plate"
Lands~an, U.S. Patent No. 3,779,779 issued December 18, 1973, entitled "Radiation Etchable Plate", German Offenlegungschriften DT 2500-905, filed July 24, 1975 German 0ffenlegungschriften DT 2500-906, filed July 24, 1975 The i~proved apparatus is capable of operating from composite video and synchronizing data received over conductor 83 from an external computer or memory storage means, or from similar external image scanning reader/
writer apparatus; and of feeding internally generated video and synchronizin~
data over conductor 89 to a compatible device such as, for example, a duplicate remotely located reader/writer.
The copy readin~ station 25 of Fig. 2 contains elongated, arcuately shaped supporting structures for the material to be scanned, and includes a rectangular encoding pilttern which is divided diagonally to form two -: , . : . , : :
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optically contrasting triangles 27, 8. Also located in station 25 is a flexible, optically transparent cover sheet 26 behind which the llne, halftone, textual or other copy material 102 is secured, by means not shown, for scanning by laser beam 91a. As is ~enerally disclosed in my previously mentioned U.S. Patent No. 3,816,659, the encoding pattern 27, 8 provides reflective SignalS to photodetector8lwhich define the trans-/ lational and rotational rates of scanning member 14.
Station 25 also contains a magnetically operated synchronizin~pulse source in the form of an electrical conductor 150 supported under tension between fixed terminal points 151, 152 and connected, via lines 153, 154 to electronic system 80. Conductor 150 is positioned PrOximate to the translational path of a small Permanent magnet 9 embedded in the peripherv of a brake rin~ 23 which is mounted on rotarY scanning shaft 14, so that the once-per-revolution current pulse induced in conductor 15n by magnet 9 occurs simultaneously with the PaSSage of readin~ laser beam91a over the upper edge of encoder pattern 27, thereby providing a time reference si~nal which identifies the commencement of each scan line of the video data generated by photodetector 81.
At image writin~ station 28 the stationary circular end plates 30.31 bY means of which the ed~es of a flexible sheet of image receptive material 29 are retained aligned and supPorted to form either a partial or complete cylinder, are each provided with a central, circular aPerture throu~h which scanning member 14 is free to translate durin~ operation of the apparatus. It would, of course, be possible to automate the loading and unloading of copy sheet 102 and/or image receiving sheet 29, and to provide a capability for simultaneously accommodatin~ more than one such sheet in each station. Moreover, image writin~ station 28 could be replaced bY a second image reading station 25 or, conversely. reading - - .. .
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station 25 could be replaced by a second writin~ station 28, if required.
Furthermore, because it maY be desirable to maintain certain tvpes of copv material, particularly those of the "paste-up" varietY, in a relatively flat ph~sicaL condition whenever possible, the radius of curvature imparted to copy 102 when it is secured behind support sheet 26 in reading station 25 may be relatively benign and substantially greater than (e.g. twice as great as) the radius of curvature of the image receptive material 29 employed in writin~ station 28. In this event a read/write electronic memory system is employed to temporarily store the video data in nuantized form, on a line-by-line basis, and to write out such data synchronously, but at a proportionately reduced rate (e.~. at half the reading rate), to modulator 85 in order to compensate for the lengthwise shrinkage of each scan line of the written image which would otherwise result. Furthermore, by modifying the rate at which video data is written from the memory it is Possible to provide unidirectional shrinkage or stretch (anamorphism) of the recorded ima~e and, by writing each line of video data in the reversed time sequence (i.e., last in/first out o~ memory) to produce a mirror reproduction of copy 102 on image receptive material 29.
In Figs. 1 and 2 it is to be understood that lens 93, mirror 94, aperture 107, barrier 15. motor orifices 22, brake ring 23, piston 13. air orifice 21, barrier 16, mirror 100. aperture 108 and lens 99 are all fixed to, or parts of, tubular scanning shaft 14 and rotate as well as translate with member 14. All other parts of the apParatus are normally stationary and are supported in fixed relation to each other. Finally, it is possible to modify the oPtical system to enable the readin~ and writing functions to be performed by a sin~le laser, if required, bY emploYin~ the optical configuration shown in Fi~. 4 wherein a small portion 98b of the radiation beam 98 of laser 97 is diverted, by means of the beam splittin~ mirror lO9 ~.
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1~154(~9 and a secondary optical path including mirror 110, 111 and beams 98c, 98d to mirror 112 where it can Perform a function similar to that of beam 91 associated with reading laser 90, as previously described with reference to Fig, 1.
TurninR now to the pneumatic control system for member 14 in Fig. Z, it can be seen that compressed air supPlied bv a source external to the apparatus is introduced through input air line 66 and passes throu~h a sequence of air cleaning, drYin~ and pressure regulatin~ devices shown generally at 67. The conditioned air then travels throuxh a first pneumatic pressure-controlled switch actuator 32 provided with normally-open electrical switch contacts 73 which are set to close at and above a desired pressure (such as 60 PSIG) and charges air storage tank 34 over line 33 via check valve 33a. Tank 34 is eauipped with an output air line 35 havin~
a dial-tyPe pressure gauge 36, a final air filter 37, and a second pneumatic pressure-controlled switch actuator 38 provided with normally-open electrical switch contacts 74 set to close whenever the pressure in output line 39 reaches or exceeds a desire value (such as 55 PSIG).
Each time the apparatus is placed in its start-up mode the pressure in air line 40 gradually increases until air bearings 17, 18 become activated via lines 19, 20 thereby elevating scannin~ member 14 to a fr~e position as previously described. Compressed air is also supPlied via line 39 to the inPut port 43 of a first bi-directional air control valve 41 (such as the Model A3DB2 127 of Skinner Electric Valve Company, New Britain, CT.) actuated by an electric solenoid 72, where it flows throu~h air diverter means 65 to a first output port 42. Port 42 is connected, bY
means of a manually-adjustahle preset throttle valve 45, toa first input port 47 of a second two-way air valve 46 actuated by electric solenoid 71, where the air flows through air diverter means 64 to outPut port 48.
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Air from port 48 then flows through line 63 to pressurize chamber 11 of pneumatic cylinder 12. The resulting pressure gradient ~enerated hetween chambers 11, lla acts on piston 13, causin~ scanning member 14 to translate toward writing station 28 until its metallic brake ring 23 seats against stationary brake pad 24, thereby arresting member 14. Because the air in chamber lla is at approximately room ambient Pressure at this time, the rate at which member 14 translates is governed by the preadjusted de~ree of openin~ of throttle valve 45.
When the air pressure at the input and output of storage tank 34 reaches a desired value such as 60 PSIG, the normally-open series-connected switches 73 and 74 associated with pneumatic actuators 32, 38 respectively, close and complete an electrical circuit from power source 70 to the parallel-connected solenoid coils 71, 72 of air-control valves 46. 41. The energization of these coils causes air diverters 64~ 65 to assume their alternate positions, establishing new air paths to cylinder 12. A first such air path includes line 39~ diverter 65 and ports 43~ 44 of valve 41, and line 61 which supPlies the first input ports 52, 56 of current-to-pressure transducers 50, 54 (such as the Model T5120-1 of Fairchild Instruments, Winston-Salem, N.C., each of which contains an electrically-modulated pilot valve and a pneumatically-controlled booster valve, coupled in tandem) as well as the high-pressure side of reduction valve 60 Pressure modulated air from port 51 of transducer 50 is fed over line 58 to a second input port 49 of valve 46, where it passes through diverter 64, output port 48, and line 63 and flows into chamber 11 of cylinder 12~ A
second air path from line 61, throu~h ports 56. 57 of current-to-pressure transducer 54, supplies modulated air over line 62 to Pressurize the remaining chamber lla of cylinder 12, thereby also suPplyin~ pressurized air to air motor orifices 22 via air entry hole 21 and enablin~ scanning , ... .
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member 14 to commence rotation as soon as it has translated (due to the rising pressure differential between chambers lla and 11) sufficientlY
far toward reading station 25 to disen~age brake means 23, 24.
Transducers 50. 54 electro-mechanically modulate the pneumatic preæsures ap~lied to chambers 11, lla of cylinder 12 in order to control the translation and speed of rotation of scannin~ member 14. The associated electrically-controlled pilot valves are fed with air at about 20 PSIG via reduction valve 60, line 59 and second input ports 53, 55 and the transducers exhibit an overall pneumatic sensitivity of approx-imately 27 PSI Per milliampere of input control current applied from the electronic system 80 via conductors 86, 87 and 88 respectively.
In the event of a sustained interruption of either the incoming electrical power orthe pneumatic supPly source, or the simultaneous failure of both, a fail-safe system which includes tank 34 will continue to furnish pressurized air to cYlinder 12 and air bearin~s 17, 18 for severalminutes, enabling the rotation of member 14 to be brought to a stop before it makes Physical contact with the air bearings. The sequence of events followin~ an electrical power failure only, or a combined electrical and pneumatic supply failure, is as follows:
a. Solenoid coils 71. 72 immediately become de-ener~ized and cause valves 46. 41 to return to their initial positions, thereby removing the air supply from lines 61, 62 and couplin~ line 63 direct to line 39 to unbalance the pressure differential between chambers 11, lla of cylinder 12.
b. Member 14 then translates toward writing station 28 until brake 23, 24 becomes energized, thereby stopping its rotary and translational motion.
c. Member 14 remains supported within air bearin~ 17, 18 :. . . .
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1~ ~t~n~ -until the pressure in line 39 falls almost to the room ambient pressure, at which time it settles gently into physical contact with these bearings.
In the electronic system 80 of ~ig. 2, which is shown in block diagram form in Fig. 5, the line-by-line video signaLs generated by photodetector 81 as a result of sequential reflective scanning of the optical encoding pattern 27, 8 and line-type copy 102 in reading station 25, are amplifiedby preamplifier 155 to an amplitude such as 5 volts peak-to-peak and then applied to one input of a voltage comparator 156. A
fixed reference voltage Vr f , such as 2.5 volts, is the second input to comparator 156, so that when the video input signal amplitude exceeds V f an output signal level of about 5 volts is provided, whereas when the input signal is less than V f the comparator output voltage is esRentially zero. Thus, the output of comparator 156 is a sequence of voltage transitions which constitute a quantized electrical representation of the two different reflectivity levels exhibits by the line-type copy 102 scanned by reading laser beam 91a.
As was explained heretofore, a magnet 9 mounted on scanning shaft 14 rotates in close proximity to conductor 150 and generates therein a once-per-revolution pulse voltage which is conveyed bY conductor4 153, 154 to the input of synchronizing pulse amplifier 157. The amplified pulse is used to reset counter 169, driven by clock 167, to zero at the commencement of each scan line over pattern 27, 8 and copy 102, so that if shaft 14 is rotating at a constant speed counter 169 will count through a series of numbers each one of which will uniquely identify one particular angular position of shaft 14 and laser beam 91a. Such output si~nals are delivered over individual ones of a multiplicity of output conducts identified as 181 a-x.
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The pro~ram lo~ic array 170 is driven by signals received from counter 169 over appropriate ones of conductOrs 181a-x and contains a predetermined series of numbers. Array 170 provides an output signal, on an approDriate one of a ~roup of output conductors identified as 182a-x,when ever coincidence is obtained between a count received from counter 169 and one of the Preset numbers contained within lo~ic array 170. These signals are used individuallv to control the functioning of each circuit which is required to operate in synchronism with an instantaneous angular position of sllaft 14, such as the scan line starting and stopPin~ positions at which video data is to be read into the dual memory storage 159 or 161 via address counter 160 or 162 and electronic selector switches 158a and 163a or 163b; the time during which video data is to be read from memory via electronic selector switches 158b and 163a or 163b; the rotational error signal derived from shaft 14, which is fed over conductor 182 to phase detector 177 for con~rol purposes; and the enabling signal for application to synchronizing gate 171 whenever laser beam 91a is traversing the triangular encoding pattern located in the focal plane of reader 25.
~uantized comPosite video signals from volta~e comparator 156, and the enabling signal from program logic array 170. are applied to the inPutS of synchronizin~ gate 171, and the resulting separated output (in the form of encoder pattern signals onlY) is coupled to a pulse-width-to-voltage converter 173 which develops an output voltage proportional to the ratio between the durations of the two signals ~enerated by photo-detector 81 as the adjacent optically-contrasting segments of encoding pattern 27, 8 are scanned by laser beam 91a. This output voltage, which varies as a function of the linear position of beam 91a relative to pattern 27, 8 is summed at junction 174 with a reference voltage, provided by ramP generator 172, which varies linearly with time and is initiated by ~ ' ,. : , :
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a "start" command received from the equipment operator, via switch 180, at the commencement of each complete scanning sequence. The resulting error si~nal is amplified and filtered by a circuit 175 which embodies the phase-locked loop principles described in Technical Bulletin AN-535 (Motorola Inc., Phoenix, AZ) and provides an output control current on conductor 86 which is applied to electro-pneumatic transducer 50 to modulate the air-pressure differential between chambers 11, lla of cylinder 12 in a direction which will minimize any error in the translational position of scanning member 14 relative to encoder pattern 27, 8 and copy sheet 102.
In the event that the dual air motor configuration shown in Fig. 3 is incorporated in shaft 14 it would be advantageous to add a unity-gain inverting amplifier having its input connected to the junction of transducer coil 50 and resistor 147, and its output connected to the junction of transducer coil 54 and resistor 148, in order to minimize any pneumatic interaction between the rotary and translational control loops which might otherwise result.
Each of the electronic switches 158a, 158b and 163a, 163b is operated in synchronism with alternate revolutions of scanning shaft 14 to enable, for example, a complete scan line of quantized video data to be read into memory 159 while, concurrently, the preceding line of video data is being read out of memory 161 to drive the acousto-optical modulator 85 as previously described. The lines of video data are generated at a rate which is a combined function of the resolving power and angular velocity of laser beam 91a and the radius of curvature of copy 102 in station 25, and are read into the selected memory via switch 158a at a rate (such as 9 megabits/sec.) derived from data clock 167 via switches 163a or 163b.
Similarly, and provided that the radius of curvature of copy 102 corresponds to that of imane receiving material 29 and thereby results in a 1:1 read/write ~:11540~
dimensional ratio in the line scan direction, the lines of video data may be extracted alternately from the memories at the data clock rate fl, via electronic switches 158b and 163a or 163b. However, if as is shown in Fig. 2, the radius of curvature of copy 102 differs from that of reproduction material 29 (e.g., is twice as great) then the data readout rate must be reduced proportionately (e.g., by the inclusion of a 2:1 frequency divider 165 in data clock line f2 to the memories) in order to preserve the 1:1 read/write dimensional relationship in the line scan direction. The substitution of other appropriate memory clock frequencies for f2 would allow reproductions to be obtained at dimensional ratios other than 1:1 in the line scan direction and, if two such reader/writer units are operated in a transmit/receive facsimile mode, control of the reproduction ratio in the translational direction of scanning could be effected by introducing appropriate differences between their translational scanning rates.
Line-by-line synchronization of the memorized video data is obtained by releasing the rest line of the selected address counter 160 or 162 at the appropriate angular position during each revolution of scanning shaft 14, as determined by signals receiver over conductors 182 from program logic array 170. Also, an operator- adjusted switch 179 permits the ~ address counters to be suitably enabled to allow video data to be read from memory in a reversed sequence (last in, first out), thereby causing a mirror image of copy 102 to be written by laser beam 9 & in station 28. If required, the video data may be fed through a unity gain polarity inverter 164, via switch 166, before being sent to the driver amplifier 168 of acousto-optical modulator 85 to control the intensity of laser beam 98a, thereby allowing the writing of either a positive or a negative image on information receptive material 29. Also, if it is required to reproduce images from an origin 102 having continuous tone characteristics this may ,: ` , -.:`,`,, :: `:. .. ` ::
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be done either by feeding the analog video signals from preamplifier 155 direct to the input of the driver amplifier 168 of a linearized acousto-optical modulator 85 or, alternatively, by changing voltage comparator 156 to an N-blt parallel A-D converter, the output of which would be fed to an M-word, N-bit dual memory 159, 161 wherein each address location would contain the quantized ~rey level for one picture element of original 102.
In the latter event it would also be possible to control the dimensions of the image recorded on material 29, as was previously described.
The speed of rotation and phase of scanning member 14 are stabilized by comparin~, in phase detector 177, the once-per-revolution rotational error si~nal obtained on conductor 182 from program logic array 170 with a reference pulse obta;ned from frequency divider 176 by appropriately countin~ down the output frequency fl of clock 167. When these two signals are not coincident an error signal is developed which, after pro-eessing in cireuit 178 in aeeordanee with the proeedures deseribed in the previously mentioned phase-loeked loop diselosure of Motorola, Ine., provides a eontrol current on conductor 88 which is applied to an electrical bridge circuit comprised of rotary balance potentiometer 149, the operatin~ coils of eleetro-pneumatie transdueers 50, 54 and current limiting resistors 147, 148. When the brid~e is balanced to minimize inter-action between the rotary and linear control systems, any ehan~e in the error si~nal eurrent provided by the rotary phase-locked control loop flows proportionately in each of transducer coils 50, 54 thereby eausin~ a corresponding ehange in air pressure within each of chambers 11, lla of cYlinder 12. These balanced chan~es prevent translational motion of piston 13 and shaft 14 while, at the same time, allowing the rotational speed of shaft 14 to increase or decrease in response to the controlled variation in pneumatic pressure caused at orifices 22 of the air motor, thereby minimizin~ the ma~nitude of the rotational error.
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4~9 The apparatus is typically prepared for operation by loadin~ into station 25 the copy 102 which is to be read and transcribed; by loading lnto station 28 the image receptive material 29 ~o be written upon; by supplyin~ appropriate electrical power and comPressed air; and by setting switches 179, 166 to provide the desired orientation and polarity for the image which is to be written. Pneumatically-driven scannin~ member 14 is allowed to accelerate to its operational speed and to come under control of the rotary phase-locked loop 176, 177, 178. When the "start" command is given by the operator, member 14 translates under the control of si~nals derived from encoder pattern 27, 8 and ramp generator 172, and the output signals produced by photodetector 81 as copy 102 is scanned by reading laser beam 91a are fed--after signal processing-- to modulator 85 of the writing leaser beam 98. Beam 98à scans material 29 and exposes thereon a reproduction of part, or all, of the indicia contained in copy 102 to form the output record in writing station 28.
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This lnvention relates generally to reading and/or writing facsimile apparatus.
Systems which read and write images by scanning, for use in the point-to-point transmission and reception of graphic and other indicia of various types, including pictorial and textual matter, ~ake many forms and are generally old and well-known in the art, as typified by the following references:
Young, U. S. Patent No. 2,394,649, issued February 12, 1946, for "Scanning Apparatus".
Young, U. S. Patent ~o. 2,532,799, issued December 5, 1950, for "Facsimile System Having a Rotating Scanner Moving Longi-tudinally Within a Stationary Transparent Drum".
Artzt et al., U. S. Patent No. 2,569,648, is~ued October 2, 1951 for "Facsimile System and Apparatus".
Stephens et al., U. S. Patent No. 3,622,222 issued November 23, 1971 for "Electronic Scanner Utilizing a Laser for the Slmultaneous Scanning and Reproduction of Images".
Furthermore, my U. S. Patent No. 3,816,659 issued June 11, 1974 for "Scanning Apparatus", which is now assigned to the assignee of this application, discloses an earlier apparatus suited to either the reading or writing of graphic and other indicia by a facsimile method.
A primary objective of this invention is to provide a low cost combined reading and/or writing facsimile apparatus having particular utility in the preparation of printing plates for use in the Graphic Arts, and especially in the newspaper industry.
` ` ' .' ' ' ~ ~ ., It is a further objective of this invention to provîde combined facsimile reading (transmission) and/or writing (recording~ apparatus of re]Latlvely simple construction.
An additional objective is to reduce the number of moving parts required to perform the scanning operations in a facsimile transmitter and receiver.
Another objective is to enable the use of simple optical systems in the electro-optical readlng and/or writing of large area, high resolu-tion images.
Yet another objective is to improve the geometric accuracy and efficiency with which facsimile information is transmitted and received.
Still a further objective is to provide a scanning system having smooth and accurately controlled motions to thus obtain clear and accurately reproduced images.
Other objects, features and benefits of the apparatus will become appsrent from the description and claims which follow.
A pneumatically actuated apparatus for the electro-optical reading and writing of graphic indicia by helical raster scanning is comprised of a first stationary semi-cylindrical member for supporting the image bearing material which is to be read photo-electrically when illuminated by a beam of reading radiation; a second stationary cylindrical or semi-cylindrical member having its major axis aligned with that of the first semi-cylindrical member for supporting material to be modified when exposed to a radiant energy writing beam modulated by the information which is to be recorded; and an intervening elongated optical scanning member positioned for concentric rotation about, and translation along, the common axis joining the two stationary members.
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Optical components contained within the scanning member are used to foc:us individual collimated beams of radiation on the reading and writing surfaces, and by the action of electro-pneumatic control systems, the scanning member may be caused to execute simultaneous image reading and writing operâtions. Additional means are provided for generating output signals containing linear and angular position and velocity information concerning the instantaneous location of the scanning beams relative both to a stationary encoding pattern and to the other materials being scanned, and for the synchronous transmission and reception of such graphic indicia between like apparatus at different locations. The writing of computer-stored or otherwise "memorized" indicia is also contemplated.
The parent application is directed to in a scanning system, means for supporting an element to be scanned, rotary scanning means for scanning said element, means for providing smooth operation of the rotary scanning means, including: supporting means for pneumatically supporting said rotary scanning means; air-driven motor means for rotating said scanning means; and air-driven translating means for translating said rotary scanning means along its axis of rotation.
The present divisional application is directed to another aspect of the invention and more particu]arly in a system for scanning a given area:
scanning means for scanning said area along a series of parallel paths and producing an output signal; and means including triangular indicia along a line that is substantially perpendicular to said scanning paths and within said scanning area for inserting a synchronizing signal in said output signal.
The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings wherein:
~igure 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of , - 4 -.: ~ , :, . .
ll~.S40~9 the facsimile apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a system incorporating the present invention;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a modified form of the scanning drive system of the present invention~ incorporating dual air motors;
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a modified form of the optical configuration for use in the apparatus of Figure 1 or Figure 2, and Figure 5 is a block diagram of the electronic system shown in the perspective view of Figure 2.
Figure 1 illustrates a simplified facsimile apparatus, or ~ 4a -. ....
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ll~S4C)9 "electronic camera", constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention wherein graphic or other indicia may be transferred electro-optically, by synchronous helical scanning in real time, from a reading station to a recording material contained in an adjacent image reproducing station within the apparatus. The opto-mechanical portion of the system is comprised of three major components, each of generally cylindrical configuration, namely: a copy reading station 25; a pneumatically-actuated scanning drive system 10; and an image writing station 28; all of which are assembled in horizontal end-to-end 0 relationship and aligned about a single mechanical and optical axis.
Referring first to the scanning drive system 10, a pneumatic cylinder 12 is substantially closed at its end by conventional annular air bearings 17, 18 (such as Model No. B-2348, of Dover Instrument Corp.
Waltham, MA.) which, when energized by compressed aLr supplied from an external pneum~tic source (not shown) over lines 39, 19 and 20 provide essentiallY friction-free support for an elongated, tubular optical scannin~ member 14 to the mid-point of which there is secured, in sub-stantially friction-free pneumatic pressure sealing relationship with the interior wall of cYlinder 12, a disc-shaped piston or pressure plate 13.
When the air bearings are adequately pressurized they supportmember 14 and render it free to rotate and/or translate axially within cylinder 12 and also minimize the escape of air laterally therefrom.
Air line 39 also suppliescompressed air via control valves 50',54' and lines 63. 62 to chambers 11, lla (separated by piston 13) of pneumatic cylinder 12, where it effects axial translation of shaft member 14 through bearings 17, 18 and provides motive power forrotation of the shaft. Within drive system 10 the ho'llow shaft 14, which is sealed by internal airtight barriers 15, 16 is powered for smooth rotation about its major axis by ", ~ :
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1~1S409 an internal air motor 22 which receives compressed air from chamber lla of cylinder 12 via manual control valve 54', adjustment of which varies the !3peed of shaft rotation. The air is introduced into member 14 through entry orifice 21 and is vented to the atmosphere only through a circumfer-ential ring of jet-producing holes 22, each inclined tangentially with respect to radii of shaft 14 to provide the reaction torque which rotates the shaft at a speed which is a function of the applied air pressure.
Prior to commencing a scanning operation the pneumatic pressure in chamber lla of cylinder 12 is adjusted, by manipulation of valve 54'~
to obtain the desired speed of rotation of shaft 14 while, simultaneously, the pressure in chamber 11 is similarlv changed - by adjustment of valve 50' -to prevent translational motion of the shaft. In order to execute a scanning operation from ri~ht to left. for example, the pressure in chamber 11 must be progressively reduced, by continuous ad~ustment of valve 50'.
to enable piston 13 to move at the desired rate of line advance from its initial DOSitiOn in the vicinity of bearing 18 to a final position in the vicinitv of bearin~ 17. thereby causing indicia-bearing material 102 to be helically scanned by the beam 91a of readin~ radiation in station 25.
Shaft 14 may then be returned to its initial position. or to any desired.
intermediate translational position, bv increasing the pressure in chamber 11 to counterbalance the steadY pressure in chamber lla. A some-what similar translational mechanism is shown in Bruck. U.S. Patent No. 3,806,208, issued April 23, 1974 for "Hydrostatic Bearin~ Systems."
Furthermore, and as is shown in Figure 3. it would be possible - if required -to provide shaft 14 with an additional air-entry orifice 21a on the left side of piston 13 and a second air motor 22a near the opposite end of shaft 14, in order to produce a rotational system having more preciselv balanced pneumatic characteristics.
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Copy reading station 25 contains an elongated, arcuately-shaped platen (not shown) for supporting a sheet 102 bearing line or halftone indicia at the focal point of the optical reading system. The beam of copy readillg radiation 91 from a light source such as helium-neon laser 90 is aligned axially with that end of member 14 which extends into reading station 25 and, after slight broadening due to its passage through beam expander 103 (such as Model B-34-60 of Oriel Corp., Stamford, CONN.), beam 91 passes throu~h the central aperture 92a in an~led mirror 92 and is collimated by lens 104, thereby minimizing variations in the focal point of the scanning spot as member 14 translates. The collimated beam 91 is focused on the front surface of copY 102 by means of a lens 93 and angled mirror 94, both of which are mounted inside scanning member 14.
As is best shown in Figure 4, mirror 94 is set at an angle other than 45 to the common optical axis in order to minimize the response of photo-detector 81 to specular reflections from the front surEace of copy 102, and an angle of 52 has proven satisfactory for this purPose. Mirror 94 reflects beam 91a radially through a transparent aperture 107 in the sidewall of member 14, enablin~ it to impinge upon copy 102.
A portion of the light from beam 91a, after being modulated in intensity by variations in the reflectivity of coPy sheet 102, is re-received by mirror 94, collimated by lenses 93 and 104, and inter-cepted and reflected by the annular portion of angled mirror 92 along path 96 to reading photodetector 81, where it is converted into a varying video si~nal on conductor 82 of electronic system 80'. An alternate copy reading optical system capable o~ providin~ an image of enhanced contrast at photodetector 81 may employ a laser 90 having a polarized radiation beam (such as Model 3124 H-P of Hughes Aircraft Corp., Torrance, CA.), in which event annular mirror 92 is replaced by a polarizing beam splitter .
. -~lIS40:9 cube (such as Part No. 675-3405 of Perkin-Elmer Corp., Norwa]k, CT.) Within electronic circuit 80' the video signals received over conductor 82 from photodetector 81 as a result of helical scanning of the line-type indicia present on copy sheet 102 are amplified by a con-ventional video amplifier, and then fed over conductor 84 to an acousto-optical light modulator 85 (such as Model DLM-l-IR of Datalight~ Inc., Bloomfield, CT.) which is located in the path of an image writing radiation beam 98 generated by a laser 97 having a spectral output and power density suited to the non-linear imaging characteristics of material 29 (such as the offset lithographic printing plate described in my co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 459z039 "Printing Plate Blank and Image Transfer Sheet Therefor" filed April 8, 1974 and now U.S. Patent No.
3,945,318 issued March 23, 19~6).
The modulated radiation beam emerging from modulator 85 is broadened sli~htly by lts passa~e through beam expander 105, and is collimated by lens 106. The collimated beams 98a is then directed along the axis of scanning member 14 and refocused by lens 99 on the radiation responsive material 29 for recording thereon a representation of the graphic indicia contained on copy sheet 102. An intervening mirror 100, which is positioned angularly as taught by my previously-mentioned U.S.
Patent No. 3,816,659, is used to reflect beam 98a radially through a transparent aperture 108 in the sidewall of member 14.
While the apparatus of Fig. 1 performs the basic electronic image dissection, transfer and reconstruction functions which characterize the facsimile art, its operatin~ efficiency and commercial utility are compromised by the need for manual adjustment of valve 50' in order to control the translational motion of shaft 14; by its abilitY to write only those line and halftone images which are customarily reproduced by litho-. : . , ::. . ; . . :, .,. : `:: :,: . . :~ . .~ ~ , :
S4(~9 graphic and other high-contrast reproduction processes; and bY its inability to operate in synchronism with similar read-writer apparatus in a facsimile mode. All of these deficiencies are overcome in the preferred apparatus 8hown in Fi~. 2 wherein electro-pneumatic servo systems provide accurate automatic control of the linear translation and speed of rotation of scanning shaft 14, and the electronic system 80 is capable of processing the video si~nals from detector 81 to suit the character-istics of line, halftone, continuous tone or other indicia 102, which may be reproduced on any one of a wide variety of ima~e receptive materials 29 such as silver halide, diazo, or those described in the followin~
disclosures:
Landsman, U.S. Patent No. 3,739,088 issued June 12, 1973, entitled "Printin~ Plate Production Method and Apparatus", Landsman, U.S. Patent No. 3,742,853 issued July 3, 1973, entitled "Method of Forming Relief Printing Plate"
Lands~an, U.S. Patent No. 3,779,779 issued December 18, 1973, entitled "Radiation Etchable Plate", German Offenlegungschriften DT 2500-905, filed July 24, 1975 German 0ffenlegungschriften DT 2500-906, filed July 24, 1975 The i~proved apparatus is capable of operating from composite video and synchronizing data received over conductor 83 from an external computer or memory storage means, or from similar external image scanning reader/
writer apparatus; and of feeding internally generated video and synchronizin~
data over conductor 89 to a compatible device such as, for example, a duplicate remotely located reader/writer.
The copy readin~ station 25 of Fig. 2 contains elongated, arcuately shaped supporting structures for the material to be scanned, and includes a rectangular encoding pilttern which is divided diagonally to form two -: , . : . , : :
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optically contrasting triangles 27, 8. Also located in station 25 is a flexible, optically transparent cover sheet 26 behind which the llne, halftone, textual or other copy material 102 is secured, by means not shown, for scanning by laser beam 91a. As is ~enerally disclosed in my previously mentioned U.S. Patent No. 3,816,659, the encoding pattern 27, 8 provides reflective SignalS to photodetector8lwhich define the trans-/ lational and rotational rates of scanning member 14.
Station 25 also contains a magnetically operated synchronizin~pulse source in the form of an electrical conductor 150 supported under tension between fixed terminal points 151, 152 and connected, via lines 153, 154 to electronic system 80. Conductor 150 is positioned PrOximate to the translational path of a small Permanent magnet 9 embedded in the peripherv of a brake rin~ 23 which is mounted on rotarY scanning shaft 14, so that the once-per-revolution current pulse induced in conductor 15n by magnet 9 occurs simultaneously with the PaSSage of readin~ laser beam91a over the upper edge of encoder pattern 27, thereby providing a time reference si~nal which identifies the commencement of each scan line of the video data generated by photodetector 81.
At image writin~ station 28 the stationary circular end plates 30.31 bY means of which the ed~es of a flexible sheet of image receptive material 29 are retained aligned and supPorted to form either a partial or complete cylinder, are each provided with a central, circular aPerture throu~h which scanning member 14 is free to translate durin~ operation of the apparatus. It would, of course, be possible to automate the loading and unloading of copy sheet 102 and/or image receiving sheet 29, and to provide a capability for simultaneously accommodatin~ more than one such sheet in each station. Moreover, image writin~ station 28 could be replaced bY a second image reading station 25 or, conversely. reading - - .. .
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station 25 could be replaced by a second writin~ station 28, if required.
Furthermore, because it maY be desirable to maintain certain tvpes of copv material, particularly those of the "paste-up" varietY, in a relatively flat ph~sicaL condition whenever possible, the radius of curvature imparted to copy 102 when it is secured behind support sheet 26 in reading station 25 may be relatively benign and substantially greater than (e.g. twice as great as) the radius of curvature of the image receptive material 29 employed in writin~ station 28. In this event a read/write electronic memory system is employed to temporarily store the video data in nuantized form, on a line-by-line basis, and to write out such data synchronously, but at a proportionately reduced rate (e.~. at half the reading rate), to modulator 85 in order to compensate for the lengthwise shrinkage of each scan line of the written image which would otherwise result. Furthermore, by modifying the rate at which video data is written from the memory it is Possible to provide unidirectional shrinkage or stretch (anamorphism) of the recorded ima~e and, by writing each line of video data in the reversed time sequence (i.e., last in/first out o~ memory) to produce a mirror reproduction of copy 102 on image receptive material 29.
In Figs. 1 and 2 it is to be understood that lens 93, mirror 94, aperture 107, barrier 15. motor orifices 22, brake ring 23, piston 13. air orifice 21, barrier 16, mirror 100. aperture 108 and lens 99 are all fixed to, or parts of, tubular scanning shaft 14 and rotate as well as translate with member 14. All other parts of the apParatus are normally stationary and are supported in fixed relation to each other. Finally, it is possible to modify the oPtical system to enable the readin~ and writing functions to be performed by a sin~le laser, if required, bY emploYin~ the optical configuration shown in Fi~. 4 wherein a small portion 98b of the radiation beam 98 of laser 97 is diverted, by means of the beam splittin~ mirror lO9 ~.
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1~154(~9 and a secondary optical path including mirror 110, 111 and beams 98c, 98d to mirror 112 where it can Perform a function similar to that of beam 91 associated with reading laser 90, as previously described with reference to Fig, 1.
TurninR now to the pneumatic control system for member 14 in Fig. Z, it can be seen that compressed air supPlied bv a source external to the apparatus is introduced through input air line 66 and passes throu~h a sequence of air cleaning, drYin~ and pressure regulatin~ devices shown generally at 67. The conditioned air then travels throuxh a first pneumatic pressure-controlled switch actuator 32 provided with normally-open electrical switch contacts 73 which are set to close at and above a desired pressure (such as 60 PSIG) and charges air storage tank 34 over line 33 via check valve 33a. Tank 34 is eauipped with an output air line 35 havin~
a dial-tyPe pressure gauge 36, a final air filter 37, and a second pneumatic pressure-controlled switch actuator 38 provided with normally-open electrical switch contacts 74 set to close whenever the pressure in output line 39 reaches or exceeds a desire value (such as 55 PSIG).
Each time the apparatus is placed in its start-up mode the pressure in air line 40 gradually increases until air bearings 17, 18 become activated via lines 19, 20 thereby elevating scannin~ member 14 to a fr~e position as previously described. Compressed air is also supPlied via line 39 to the inPut port 43 of a first bi-directional air control valve 41 (such as the Model A3DB2 127 of Skinner Electric Valve Company, New Britain, CT.) actuated by an electric solenoid 72, where it flows throu~h air diverter means 65 to a first output port 42. Port 42 is connected, bY
means of a manually-adjustahle preset throttle valve 45, toa first input port 47 of a second two-way air valve 46 actuated by electric solenoid 71, where the air flows through air diverter means 64 to outPut port 48.
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Air from port 48 then flows through line 63 to pressurize chamber 11 of pneumatic cylinder 12. The resulting pressure gradient ~enerated hetween chambers 11, lla acts on piston 13, causin~ scanning member 14 to translate toward writing station 28 until its metallic brake ring 23 seats against stationary brake pad 24, thereby arresting member 14. Because the air in chamber lla is at approximately room ambient Pressure at this time, the rate at which member 14 translates is governed by the preadjusted de~ree of openin~ of throttle valve 45.
When the air pressure at the input and output of storage tank 34 reaches a desired value such as 60 PSIG, the normally-open series-connected switches 73 and 74 associated with pneumatic actuators 32, 38 respectively, close and complete an electrical circuit from power source 70 to the parallel-connected solenoid coils 71, 72 of air-control valves 46. 41. The energization of these coils causes air diverters 64~ 65 to assume their alternate positions, establishing new air paths to cylinder 12. A first such air path includes line 39~ diverter 65 and ports 43~ 44 of valve 41, and line 61 which supPlies the first input ports 52, 56 of current-to-pressure transducers 50, 54 (such as the Model T5120-1 of Fairchild Instruments, Winston-Salem, N.C., each of which contains an electrically-modulated pilot valve and a pneumatically-controlled booster valve, coupled in tandem) as well as the high-pressure side of reduction valve 60 Pressure modulated air from port 51 of transducer 50 is fed over line 58 to a second input port 49 of valve 46, where it passes through diverter 64, output port 48, and line 63 and flows into chamber 11 of cylinder 12~ A
second air path from line 61, throu~h ports 56. 57 of current-to-pressure transducer 54, supplies modulated air over line 62 to Pressurize the remaining chamber lla of cylinder 12, thereby also suPplyin~ pressurized air to air motor orifices 22 via air entry hole 21 and enablin~ scanning , ... .
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member 14 to commence rotation as soon as it has translated (due to the rising pressure differential between chambers lla and 11) sufficientlY
far toward reading station 25 to disen~age brake means 23, 24.
Transducers 50. 54 electro-mechanically modulate the pneumatic preæsures ap~lied to chambers 11, lla of cylinder 12 in order to control the translation and speed of rotation of scannin~ member 14. The associated electrically-controlled pilot valves are fed with air at about 20 PSIG via reduction valve 60, line 59 and second input ports 53, 55 and the transducers exhibit an overall pneumatic sensitivity of approx-imately 27 PSI Per milliampere of input control current applied from the electronic system 80 via conductors 86, 87 and 88 respectively.
In the event of a sustained interruption of either the incoming electrical power orthe pneumatic supPly source, or the simultaneous failure of both, a fail-safe system which includes tank 34 will continue to furnish pressurized air to cYlinder 12 and air bearin~s 17, 18 for severalminutes, enabling the rotation of member 14 to be brought to a stop before it makes Physical contact with the air bearings. The sequence of events followin~ an electrical power failure only, or a combined electrical and pneumatic supply failure, is as follows:
a. Solenoid coils 71. 72 immediately become de-ener~ized and cause valves 46. 41 to return to their initial positions, thereby removing the air supply from lines 61, 62 and couplin~ line 63 direct to line 39 to unbalance the pressure differential between chambers 11, lla of cylinder 12.
b. Member 14 then translates toward writing station 28 until brake 23, 24 becomes energized, thereby stopping its rotary and translational motion.
c. Member 14 remains supported within air bearin~ 17, 18 :. . . .
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1~ ~t~n~ -until the pressure in line 39 falls almost to the room ambient pressure, at which time it settles gently into physical contact with these bearings.
In the electronic system 80 of ~ig. 2, which is shown in block diagram form in Fig. 5, the line-by-line video signaLs generated by photodetector 81 as a result of sequential reflective scanning of the optical encoding pattern 27, 8 and line-type copy 102 in reading station 25, are amplifiedby preamplifier 155 to an amplitude such as 5 volts peak-to-peak and then applied to one input of a voltage comparator 156. A
fixed reference voltage Vr f , such as 2.5 volts, is the second input to comparator 156, so that when the video input signal amplitude exceeds V f an output signal level of about 5 volts is provided, whereas when the input signal is less than V f the comparator output voltage is esRentially zero. Thus, the output of comparator 156 is a sequence of voltage transitions which constitute a quantized electrical representation of the two different reflectivity levels exhibits by the line-type copy 102 scanned by reading laser beam 91a.
As was explained heretofore, a magnet 9 mounted on scanning shaft 14 rotates in close proximity to conductor 150 and generates therein a once-per-revolution pulse voltage which is conveyed bY conductor4 153, 154 to the input of synchronizing pulse amplifier 157. The amplified pulse is used to reset counter 169, driven by clock 167, to zero at the commencement of each scan line over pattern 27, 8 and copy 102, so that if shaft 14 is rotating at a constant speed counter 169 will count through a series of numbers each one of which will uniquely identify one particular angular position of shaft 14 and laser beam 91a. Such output si~nals are delivered over individual ones of a multiplicity of output conducts identified as 181 a-x.
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The pro~ram lo~ic array 170 is driven by signals received from counter 169 over appropriate ones of conductOrs 181a-x and contains a predetermined series of numbers. Array 170 provides an output signal, on an approDriate one of a ~roup of output conductors identified as 182a-x,when ever coincidence is obtained between a count received from counter 169 and one of the Preset numbers contained within lo~ic array 170. These signals are used individuallv to control the functioning of each circuit which is required to operate in synchronism with an instantaneous angular position of sllaft 14, such as the scan line starting and stopPin~ positions at which video data is to be read into the dual memory storage 159 or 161 via address counter 160 or 162 and electronic selector switches 158a and 163a or 163b; the time during which video data is to be read from memory via electronic selector switches 158b and 163a or 163b; the rotational error signal derived from shaft 14, which is fed over conductor 182 to phase detector 177 for con~rol purposes; and the enabling signal for application to synchronizing gate 171 whenever laser beam 91a is traversing the triangular encoding pattern located in the focal plane of reader 25.
~uantized comPosite video signals from volta~e comparator 156, and the enabling signal from program logic array 170. are applied to the inPutS of synchronizin~ gate 171, and the resulting separated output (in the form of encoder pattern signals onlY) is coupled to a pulse-width-to-voltage converter 173 which develops an output voltage proportional to the ratio between the durations of the two signals ~enerated by photo-detector 81 as the adjacent optically-contrasting segments of encoding pattern 27, 8 are scanned by laser beam 91a. This output voltage, which varies as a function of the linear position of beam 91a relative to pattern 27, 8 is summed at junction 174 with a reference voltage, provided by ramP generator 172, which varies linearly with time and is initiated by ~ ' ,. : , :
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a "start" command received from the equipment operator, via switch 180, at the commencement of each complete scanning sequence. The resulting error si~nal is amplified and filtered by a circuit 175 which embodies the phase-locked loop principles described in Technical Bulletin AN-535 (Motorola Inc., Phoenix, AZ) and provides an output control current on conductor 86 which is applied to electro-pneumatic transducer 50 to modulate the air-pressure differential between chambers 11, lla of cylinder 12 in a direction which will minimize any error in the translational position of scanning member 14 relative to encoder pattern 27, 8 and copy sheet 102.
In the event that the dual air motor configuration shown in Fig. 3 is incorporated in shaft 14 it would be advantageous to add a unity-gain inverting amplifier having its input connected to the junction of transducer coil 50 and resistor 147, and its output connected to the junction of transducer coil 54 and resistor 148, in order to minimize any pneumatic interaction between the rotary and translational control loops which might otherwise result.
Each of the electronic switches 158a, 158b and 163a, 163b is operated in synchronism with alternate revolutions of scanning shaft 14 to enable, for example, a complete scan line of quantized video data to be read into memory 159 while, concurrently, the preceding line of video data is being read out of memory 161 to drive the acousto-optical modulator 85 as previously described. The lines of video data are generated at a rate which is a combined function of the resolving power and angular velocity of laser beam 91a and the radius of curvature of copy 102 in station 25, and are read into the selected memory via switch 158a at a rate (such as 9 megabits/sec.) derived from data clock 167 via switches 163a or 163b.
Similarly, and provided that the radius of curvature of copy 102 corresponds to that of imane receiving material 29 and thereby results in a 1:1 read/write ~:11540~
dimensional ratio in the line scan direction, the lines of video data may be extracted alternately from the memories at the data clock rate fl, via electronic switches 158b and 163a or 163b. However, if as is shown in Fig. 2, the radius of curvature of copy 102 differs from that of reproduction material 29 (e.g., is twice as great) then the data readout rate must be reduced proportionately (e.g., by the inclusion of a 2:1 frequency divider 165 in data clock line f2 to the memories) in order to preserve the 1:1 read/write dimensional relationship in the line scan direction. The substitution of other appropriate memory clock frequencies for f2 would allow reproductions to be obtained at dimensional ratios other than 1:1 in the line scan direction and, if two such reader/writer units are operated in a transmit/receive facsimile mode, control of the reproduction ratio in the translational direction of scanning could be effected by introducing appropriate differences between their translational scanning rates.
Line-by-line synchronization of the memorized video data is obtained by releasing the rest line of the selected address counter 160 or 162 at the appropriate angular position during each revolution of scanning shaft 14, as determined by signals receiver over conductors 182 from program logic array 170. Also, an operator- adjusted switch 179 permits the ~ address counters to be suitably enabled to allow video data to be read from memory in a reversed sequence (last in, first out), thereby causing a mirror image of copy 102 to be written by laser beam 9 & in station 28. If required, the video data may be fed through a unity gain polarity inverter 164, via switch 166, before being sent to the driver amplifier 168 of acousto-optical modulator 85 to control the intensity of laser beam 98a, thereby allowing the writing of either a positive or a negative image on information receptive material 29. Also, if it is required to reproduce images from an origin 102 having continuous tone characteristics this may ,: ` , -.:`,`,, :: `:. .. ` ::
`,:: ::' ::: ~ ' ' ,. . .`. ~' ::: . ::, ';
40~
be done either by feeding the analog video signals from preamplifier 155 direct to the input of the driver amplifier 168 of a linearized acousto-optical modulator 85 or, alternatively, by changing voltage comparator 156 to an N-blt parallel A-D converter, the output of which would be fed to an M-word, N-bit dual memory 159, 161 wherein each address location would contain the quantized ~rey level for one picture element of original 102.
In the latter event it would also be possible to control the dimensions of the image recorded on material 29, as was previously described.
The speed of rotation and phase of scanning member 14 are stabilized by comparin~, in phase detector 177, the once-per-revolution rotational error si~nal obtained on conductor 182 from program logic array 170 with a reference pulse obta;ned from frequency divider 176 by appropriately countin~ down the output frequency fl of clock 167. When these two signals are not coincident an error signal is developed which, after pro-eessing in cireuit 178 in aeeordanee with the proeedures deseribed in the previously mentioned phase-loeked loop diselosure of Motorola, Ine., provides a eontrol current on conductor 88 which is applied to an electrical bridge circuit comprised of rotary balance potentiometer 149, the operatin~ coils of eleetro-pneumatie transdueers 50, 54 and current limiting resistors 147, 148. When the brid~e is balanced to minimize inter-action between the rotary and linear control systems, any ehan~e in the error si~nal eurrent provided by the rotary phase-locked control loop flows proportionately in each of transducer coils 50, 54 thereby eausin~ a corresponding ehange in air pressure within each of chambers 11, lla of cYlinder 12. These balanced chan~es prevent translational motion of piston 13 and shaft 14 while, at the same time, allowing the rotational speed of shaft 14 to increase or decrease in response to the controlled variation in pneumatic pressure caused at orifices 22 of the air motor, thereby minimizin~ the ma~nitude of the rotational error.
.. ,: . .
.: , . .
-- , . ; : ' ~
- ~ . :,: . ~ ., .
4~9 The apparatus is typically prepared for operation by loadin~ into station 25 the copy 102 which is to be read and transcribed; by loading lnto station 28 the image receptive material 29 ~o be written upon; by supplyin~ appropriate electrical power and comPressed air; and by setting switches 179, 166 to provide the desired orientation and polarity for the image which is to be written. Pneumatically-driven scannin~ member 14 is allowed to accelerate to its operational speed and to come under control of the rotary phase-locked loop 176, 177, 178. When the "start" command is given by the operator, member 14 translates under the control of si~nals derived from encoder pattern 27, 8 and ramp generator 172, and the output signals produced by photodetector 81 as copy 102 is scanned by reading laser beam 91a are fed--after signal processing-- to modulator 85 of the writing leaser beam 98. Beam 98à scans material 29 and exposes thereon a reproduction of part, or all, of the indicia contained in copy 102 to form the output record in writing station 28.
.. . .
:. . : .: :.:
: L ; :, ~ :
. ~. , `: : ~,. ,. ~; ,' : :: : : -. .; `. ` :` ' , . ' ~ " , '.... ' ' ' ' ' ~ "
Claims (5)
1. In a system for scanning a given area:
(a) scanning means for scanning said area along a series of parallel paths and producing an output signal; and (b) means including triangular indicia along a line that is substantially perpendicular to said scanning paths and within said scanning area for inserting a synchronizing signal in said output signal.
(a) scanning means for scanning said area along a series of parallel paths and producing an output signal; and (b) means including triangular indicia along a line that is substantially perpendicular to said scanning paths and within said scanning area for inserting a synchronizing signal in said output signal.
2. In a system for scanning a given area as defined in claim 1, wherein said indicia covering triangular shaped areas have one side of each triangle perpendicular to said scanning paths.
3. In a system for scanning an area as defined in claim 1, wherein said scanning means comprises optical scanning means, and said indicia comprise areas of contrasting light-absorbtivity with respect to their surrounding area.
4. In a system for optically scanning a given area:
a. scanning means for optically scanning said area along a series of parallel paths and producing an output signal, and b. means, including triangular indicia along a line that is substantially perpendicular to said scanning paths and within said scanning area, for inserting a synchronizing signal in said output signal, there being a plurality of triangular indicia along said line.
a. scanning means for optically scanning said area along a series of parallel paths and producing an output signal, and b. means, including triangular indicia along a line that is substantially perpendicular to said scanning paths and within said scanning area, for inserting a synchronizing signal in said output signal, there being a plurality of triangular indicia along said line.
5. In a system for optically scanning a given area:
a. scanning means for optically scanning said area along a series of parallel paths and producing an output signal, and b. means, including triangular indicia along a line that is substantially perpendicular to said scanning path and within said scanning area, for inserting a synchronizing signal in said output signal, said indicia covering triangular-shaped areas with one side of each triangle perpendicular to said scanning paths, therebeing a plurality of triangular indicia along said line.
a. scanning means for optically scanning said area along a series of parallel paths and producing an output signal, and b. means, including triangular indicia along a line that is substantially perpendicular to said scanning path and within said scanning area, for inserting a synchronizing signal in said output signal, said indicia covering triangular-shaped areas with one side of each triangle perpendicular to said scanning paths, therebeing a plurality of triangular indicia along said line.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA366,744A CA1115409A (en) | 1975-12-31 | 1980-12-12 | Pneumatically actuated image scanning reader/writer |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US645,583 | 1975-12-31 | ||
| US05/645,583 US4131916A (en) | 1975-12-31 | 1975-12-31 | Pneumatically actuated image scanning reader/writer |
| CA366,744A CA1115409A (en) | 1975-12-31 | 1980-12-12 | Pneumatically actuated image scanning reader/writer |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1115409A true CA1115409A (en) | 1981-12-29 |
Family
ID=25669210
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA366,744A Expired CA1115409A (en) | 1975-12-31 | 1980-12-12 | Pneumatically actuated image scanning reader/writer |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1115409A (en) |
-
1980
- 1980-12-12 CA CA366,744A patent/CA1115409A/en not_active Expired
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| MKEX | Expiry |