JPH01500300A - high resolution photographic film printer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] high resolution photographic film printer This invention relates to film printers, and more specifically, to data printers. Photosensitive according to a digitized signal generated and/or stored in a processing system It relates to printers used to expose film.

Description of prior art The same requirements for telecommunications and graphics display peripherals will be improved. This created a need for new digitized printers and plotters. Synchronized rotation Starting with the very early facsimile machines that had a This progressed to more recent facsimile machines that form images linearly as they advance. walking. Through this technological advancement, the design gives high resolution images and transmission speeds There was a competition between the designs that increased the degree. The original image playback method is very slow and cumbersome. Since the resolution was consistently sacrificed to ensure that the entire transmission method did not become completely inoperable, Became. The characteristics of such resolution make it possible to reduce the transmitted data to words and very commonly High resolution (600 lines/inch and Applications of higher values) are primarily in the transmission of photographs for use in newspapers and magazines. Limited.

Rapid advances in data processing have also improved the manner in which data is transmitted. Initially , the primary mechanism for converting computer images into fixed copies is graphics. It was a plotter. Using a fixed coordinate system and assigning data points to specific X-Y values A graphic plotter is used to place the plotter on a coordinate system. A degree of resolution can be obtained that is limited only by the mechanical equipment used. love However, this data is “plotted” one point at a time, and the transmission rate is limited by the plotter. Limited by the amount of time it takes to physically travel between data points.

For the more common facsimile machines, the earlier use of treated paper and electrolytic methods This has now been replaced by more complex units using laser and electrostatic technology. ing. One commercially available product, Allied Laser Rittaive (Al lied La5er Linotype), the photographic film is a line scan band. where the laser is incremented past the Expose the film that matches the digital information that has been set.

In a more recent development, a computer battle in Gardena, Calif. Qui soto incobolete sodo (Computer C1rcuit, In c,) deflects the laser beam and supports it by a curved glass plate. McDonald's Laser manufactured by MacDonald Dettwiler Provides a photo plot system. As currently understood, Kono products (models) The Dell "7 Fire (Fire) 9000') has a rotating mirror on its rotation axis. gives a high-resolution image by linearly increasing increments along the line. mirror's Each linear increment exposes an additional portion of the film. The film is circular with respect to the mirror placed in a cylindrical curved planar shape, thereby covering the film surface along its entire linear path. Keep it equidistant from the rotating mirror system along the body.

The most important operating characteristic for high resolution printers is the reproducibility of the results. Ma With the exception of Cdonald Dettweiler's laser photoplotting system, All printers deal with the unavoidable problems of paper or film transport, primarily film There are inherent limitations in this regard due to lum offset. Furthermore, exposure to film The mechanical part for harvesting the energy is highly assembled across the entire film surface. must be fairly reliable to ensure that exposure continues in a systematic manner .

Summary of the invention This invention has the underlying purpose of producing very high resolution images on film. as a mechanism for mechanically obtaining By providing a single small diameter optical fiber placed closely adjacent to each other, Improving the film printer of knowledge. This target is located at one end of a very thin optical fiber. is attached to the peripheral surface of the disk and transmits data from it to the film, while the other A rotatable device with the fiber end of the disk placed at or near the center of the axis of the disk. This is achieved inventively by providing a disc. An electrical signal from an external signal source A light-emitting diode (LED), which is driven by It will be destroyed. The fiber thereby transmits the coded optical signal generated by the LED. to the film for its exposure. These original signals can be directly imaged. In the case of digital transmissions, they may be generated directly from an optical reader or they may be Interactions such as digital image processors, directly or from buffers It may also be the output of a computer system.

A rotatable disk carries LED excitation across a semicircularly arranged expanse of film. Follow the originating fiber. Exposure then proceeds piecewise and the disc is placed on the film surface. It is moved horizontally line by line across the surface. Each path of the fiber with LED excitation is considered to be the exposure track, and the discrete rotation of the lead screw causes a lateral movement of the rotating fiber optic disk, causing exposure on the film. This results in a rask scan of the line. 180° is essentially the maximum effect possible. Because of the actual tracing arc, the two LED pumping fibers are separated by 180”. It is possible to leave it there. In such cases, the rotating disc will move laterally after each half revolution. You can move forward. In this way, one LED-driven fiber is exposed to the “track”. When starting, the other fiber leaves the area of exposure. The plot of the image is Then proceed at twice the speed obtained with only fiber.

To obtain high resolution, the relative position of the film and the position of the fiber optic disk It is necessary to maintain absolute control between This control is in this case a fixed location This is first achieved inventively by holding the film in place. Support for film The retention is provided at its outer edge by a stationary ring, which adjusts for differences in film width. It is adjustable laterally. A second level of control for film positioning. The bell consists of a pair of stationary film support systems directly adjacent to a rotating fiber optic disk. This is achieved by providing a shoe with one shoe placed on either side of it. . The stationary shoe forms the support for the film and for the rotating fiber. to accurately refer to the surface of the emulsion. Stationary ring and film support shoe The film ensures accurate exposure over the entire 180° surface. It preferably has a semicircular cylindrical shape extending over the dish by 180° or more so as to make the shape of the plate.

Mechanically reliable and control the lateral position of the disc with respect to the film Regarding film/optical disc positioning by providing a definitive method Additional control is gained. Model for LED disc, support shoe and disc All motor drives move laterally along the axis of rotation as one unit. Positive Precise lateral movement is provided by a stepper motor. 1,000 pixels/i With multi-exposure resolution, controlled rotation of the lead screw causes each new exposure to Light passes across the film in 0.001 inch (0.025 mm) increments for the path. Advance fiber disc.

Photographic film is virtually held in place by a stationary ring and support shoe Similarly, the requirement for high resolution means that the exact location of the emitting optical fiber is always Requires that it be easily determined. The flow of information bits is the expansion of the film. It is not only necessary to ensure that the exact spatial location of the exposure Linear distortion is important for accurate reproduction of images, ensuring consistency.

Under this invention, the spatial orientation of the optical fiber is synchronized with the rotatable optical disk. utilizes a magnetic track that rotates and is read by a stationary magnetic pickup. It is given by A magnetic track is a surface on a fiber optic disk, or the diameter can be smaller and within one of the stationary shoes. conventionally provided as a surface formed on a second disc which may be placed on the good.

The magnetic head has a pre-recorded clock track, and is effectively 180° apart. Read the code embedded in the clock track at two locations. of these codes The optical fiber passes through one of the films as it passes under the magnetic head. are positioned at both exposure edges. For example, if two fibers are used If the 180° marker is entry of the other fiber from the film after its exposure track is complete. Exit and placed to match. Each piece of information for each clock on the track A segment indicates the exact pixel location. An earlier version of 1.000 pixels/inch The value has a diameter of approximately 1 mil (0,025 mm), i.e. the diameter of the pixel exposure. Based on the selection of optical fiber.

In this way, for each inch that the fibers travel along the surface of the film, 1000 clocks exist. Furthermore, the magnetic head reads one of the 180° cords. With each readout, the fiber position is set to a new position of the film for subsequent scanning. 1 horizontally with respect to the film to result in an unexposed track. Only steps have to be moved. Each magnetic head with 180° code In passing, the stepper motor moves the fiber optic assembly one incremental step; That is, a value of 0.001 inch (0.025 mm), or approximately the length of the fiber. causing it to move laterally by the diameter. This 0.001 inch increment between exposures The movement does not have any adverse consequences regarding the image quality, it is a fiber optic disc. Because of its consistency through the lateral advancement of the stepper and through the lead screw This is because the translational motion of the motor movement may provide for a smooth transition between the "scanning" racks.

If two magnetic heads are provided, the magnetic track will also be different for each exposure scan. Conventional inexpensive buffers and pixel exposure information are used to store pixel exposure information for It can work conveniently. Once the starting 180° signal is obtained and necessary for the first exposure scan. After providing the required information, this temporary magnetic buffer is loaded for reading by a later scan. The next subsequent scan can be placed.

As mentioned above, this invention ensures stability and reproducibility of film exposure, surroundings via mechanical equipment, allowing reliable reproduction at high resolution values. provides an axially driven set of signals transmitted to the Furthermore, the machine of this invention The machine is the simplest, simplest and easiest to manufacture. Rotational mechanics and Information electronics and control functions are not complex. A high degree of contrast, i.e. A single LED is used for on/off (bi-level) film exposure. stomach Utilizes 256 digital gray scale current levels without any change to the mechanical shift It is possible to obtain continuous tone film exposure using color film pudding As far as the machine is concerned, the device requires a 3-chip (LED) replacement for this single chip. Only the essential points are required. Red, green, and blue LED emissions can be integrated into the same single The full color spectrum will be produced around the disk through the fibers.

Mechanical retention of the film, as well as lateral resting rings and adjacent support shoes The method used to support the film during exposure allows the high-resolution exposure of the film to be This allows the image to be easily reproduced by film exposure. The geometry of the exposure depends on the temperature difference. ensure accurate reproduction excluding changes caused by Without this, complete alignment If the area is 12 inches x 18 inches (30 cm x 46 cm) Yes, it occurs throughout the entire range of exposure.

Additional flexibility regarding film exposure is provided by laser diodes placed around the disk. This is possible through the use of a code.

Laser diodes not only allow a large number of parallel outputs (exposures), but also has the added advantage of allowing greater spacing crossover between the film and the film. Leh The signal coupling is done by a slip ring, magnetically coupled to the stationary primary coil of the transformer. This can be done by any of several means, including an optically rotating secondary coil, etc. . Gives you the opportunity to place more exposure power on your surroundings while still having considerable control This makes the use of laser diodes particularly advantageous.

Greater separation of the optical fiber from the film exposed surface and therefore this Significant intersection of field dimensions can be achieved by adding a lens near the end of each fiber. can be achieved.

The lens is selected such that the fiber's "image 1" is projected onto the surface of the film. be done. The increased control gained over the optical signal increases the output fiber and photographic film allowing for larger changes in the distance between the resulting images. Improve quality.

Various other objects, advantages and features of this invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description. The distinct and novel features are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims.

Brief description of the drawing FIG. 1 shows an enclosed photographic film printer according to the invention, partially shown in phantom. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a linter.

FIG. 2 shows the invention partially broken away and with the outer protective housing removed. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photographic film printer.

FIG. 3 shows a base according to the invention partially cut away and partially shown in phantom; Film pick-up and discharge rollers mounted on the base support and FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing the exposure carriage support and power member.

FIG. 4 shows the mounting of support and power members in accordance with the present invention, some of which are shown in phantom. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing the exposure carriage mounted thereon.

5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the exposure carriage of FIG. 4. FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a rotating fiber optic disk and adjacent pairs according to the present invention. An enlargement taken substantially along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 showing the directional support shoe. It is a mostly side sectional view.

FIG. 7 shows the film take-up and discharge roller, and the film. The light of FIG. 2 shows how it is placed in position for exposure according to the invention. 7-7 is a partial side cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 7-7.

FIG. 8 shows a transverse film support member shown in its operative position in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view, a portion of which is shown in phantom.

FIG. 9 shows the positioning of the support bracket, with its intermediate position shown in phantom. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a stationary ring support bracket.

Figure 10 is the same as that of Figure 8 showing the lateral ring supports holding sections of photographic film. 10 is a partial side cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 10-10. FIG.

FIG. 11 shows the use of a focusing peripheral lens in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial front view showing a portion of the optical fiber rotating disk when the optical fiber rotating disk is used.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary block diagram of an electronic circuit for driving the electrical components of the present invention. The following is an example of a block diagram.

Description of the preferred embodiment A photographic film printer 5 is shown in FIG. An upper housing received by and attached to the housing base 10 or is contained within an outer housing consisting of a cover 7. One piece of photographic film 14 is outside part housing film slot 17 and therein (shown in phantom). The film passes through the film printer 5 that forms the exposure outer frame 21, and the photo frame is printed at that location. Film 14 is exposed. The photographic film 14 is then removed from the exposure frame 21. from the film printer 5 to the second film slot (not shown in Figure 1). ).

As shown by the virtual line in FIG. 1, the exposure outer frame 21 is placed within the printer support base 24. A number of separate film support structures are placed and placed within the printer support base 24. It consists of a structure (see Figure 2). A pair placed in the housing film slot 17 The film guide 27 of the film 14 guides the film 14 as described in more detail below. Provision is made for lateral adjustment of the internal film support structure depending on the width. Shown in Figure 1 In the overall printing method of the present invention, the photographic film 14 is entering the printer 5 and being exposed while in the semicircular shape of the exposure outer frame 21. and then from the film printer 5 to the tick-up assembly (not shown) including passing through.

The general structure used to provide support and exposure for photographic film 14 is This is best illustrated with reference to the figures. Once in the external housing (for illustrative purposes A film 14 (shown as transparent in the figure) is formed on its lateral walls. It enters the printer support base 24 through the support base film slot 31 . centre The film 14 is then moved by a pair of film pick-up pinch rollers (not shown in FIG. It grabs the film and exposes the film in Figure 1. A pair of filaments directing the film 14 to various elements referred to as an assembly 21. advance it through the lum loading guide 33. The film has - uniform exposure throughout. The film loading guide guides you to place the film 14 in the proper position to achieve 33. passes over the film exposure assembly 21 and the exposure After the film has remained long enough for the via the roller 39 and then the support formed on the printer support base 24. The film is inserted through a slot (not shown) that is structurally similar to the holding base film slot 31. Exit the linter support base 24. The exit pinch roller 39 A pair of pick-up pinch rollers (not shown in FIG. 2) adjacent the slot 31 ), and the photographic film 14 thereby connects the photographic film printer 5. Provide a means of transportation through.

As shown in FIG. 2, the film exposure assembly 2 shown schematically in FIG. 1 has first and second outer disks separated by a central rotating disk assembly 48. consists of a number of separate elements, each containing a stationary ring 43, 44, the The individual members will be described in further detail in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5. external static Both the retaining ring 43,44 and the rotating disc assembly 48 are supported by a pair of support rods. It is attached to and rides on the heads 51 (only one is shown in FIG. 2). rotate Lateral movement of disk assembly 48 is caused by rotational disk assembly attached thereto. This is done by rotating the lead screw 53. The lead screw 53 is printer support (not shown in Figure 2) and from the motor. A terminal journal block 54 located on the opposite side of the motor within the holding base 24. Extends to. The movement of the rotating disk assembly 48 is linked to the rotation of the lead screw 53. control over the lateral positioning of rotating disk assembly 48 is restored. via the motor for the head screw 53. Pair of external stationary rings 43. The positioning of 44 is based on the film guide to which stationary rings 43, 44 are mechanically coupled. This is done manually by a lateral displacement of 27. Film guide 27 and interconnections To prevent unintentional lateral movement of stationary rings 43 and 44, Film guide holding teeth 55 are provided. As discussed in more detail below , both the first and second outer stationary rings 43,44 are arranged so that the photographic film 14 Provides lateral support for film 14 while lying on film exposure assembly 21. give strength. In FIG. 10, only the second outer stationary ring 44 is shown; The stationary ring 43 is its mirror image. External stationary ring 43.44 shaped The resulting recessed surface 56 receives the lateral edges of the photographic film 14. preferred In some embodiments, the recessed surface 56 is machined on the outer stationary ring. and the amount of retraction from the ring surface is preferably 0.025 inches (.64 m). m) and the width of the recessed surface is 0.25 inches (,64 cm). This way uni, the film guide 27 is moved laterally to correspond to the width of the photographic film 14. Photograph of the retracted surface 56 of the adjusted and thus paired outer stationary ring 43,44. It is important to ensure the corresponding correspondence with the width of the film 14.

As mentioned above, the photographic film 14 has a pair of film take-up and release points. The film is advanced through the photographic film printer 5 by jersey pinch rollers 39a and 39b. It will be done. The pinch rollers 39a and 39b are of the conventional design (Minnesota Motor Corporation). Inning and Manufacturing M i n i n g & M a n u f a c turtng) ), the preferred dimensions being 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) Ohmic material and 7/8 inch (2,2 cm) steel or aluminum rod , covered by an outer layer of elastic material 57, such as sponge rubber. Consists of a rod. The photographic film 14 is such that each two rollers are attached to the photographic film 1 4 frictionally and advance it through the film printer 5. It is received between pinch rollers 39a and 39b that are mounted close to each other. however , the elastic sponge surfaces 57 of the pinch rollers 39a, 39b also have a controlled tension Grasp the photographic film 14 in such a way as to allow the amount to be Maintaining the film 14 in tension while being transported through the true film printer 5 .

Both sets of pinch rollers 39a, 39b are independent in the preferred embodiment. A rotational power source may also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of pinch roller motors 58 are provided. The rotational force generated by the motor 58 is removed by any conventional means. It is transmitted to each pinch roller 39a, 39b. Figure 3 is shown in Figure 3. A direct form of transmission utilizing a pair of pinch roller gears 59 is illustrated. Figure 3 Although not shown, any two pins of the pinch roller pair 39a, 39b The rotational force between the rollers is also transmitted through elastic cables and the like. You may be In an alternative embodiment, only one pinch roller motor 58 is provided. (alternative embodiments not shown) and different pinch roller 39a from pinch roller motor 58 to allow rotational speed; Power is transmitted to 39b, and thus the photographic film placed in the film printer 5 is A slight tension level on the membrane 14 is also maintained.

The lead screw 53 is rotatably mounted within the printer support base 24 and is attached to the printer support base 24. The motor 63 provides the required speed to accurately position the rotating disk assembly 48. Gives controlled rotation. Support rod 51 similarly extends across support base 24. and each support rod 51 is supported by a pair of mounting portions 65 located at its lateral ends. will be supported. As shown in FIG. is received and supported by the edge 67. The support rod 51 is a pair of linear bears. The carriage 67 on the ring 71 is in turn slidably received and supported. tree A threaded bearing 74 on carriage 67 receives lead screw 53; As a result, the rotation of the lead screw 53 is controlled along the range of the rotary lead screw 53. This causes a lateral movement of the carriage 67.

The individual members of rotating disk assembly 48 are most clearly shown in FIG.

The rotatable disk assembly 69 rotates the exposure disk between adjacent stationary support shoes 79. a pair of stationary film support shoes 79 in a manner to permit rotation of film 77; Consisting of a central exposure disk 77 located in between but spaced therefrom. The first o and second support frames 81, 83 are respectively attached to the film support shoes 79. and providing support thereto, first and second support frames 81.8 3 is similarly mounted on the carriage 67. In either case, the method of attachment may be The machined screw may be of conventional type, with the film support shoe 79 and support frame 81.83 in the preferred embodiment.

The exposure disk 77 is mounted on a shaft 87 of an electric disk motor 89 and retained by it. The first and second hubs 93,94 each have an exposure protruding from the disk 77 in the opposite direction of the disk motor shaft 87 and As will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Fiber 97 is received. When installed, the protruding double hub 93 is attached to the mounting bracket. LED housing 10 mounted on a first support frame 81 having a cut 103 1 and optically coupled.

Additional operational details of rotating disk assembly 48 can be obtained with reference to FIG. is possible. first and second support frames 81.83 or first and second support frames 81.83; 2 secondary film support shoes 79a and 79b, and place them in the center. Recalling that the exposure disk 77 is kept in close proximity to the The disk 77 is rotatably supported on a motor shaft 87 of a disk motor 89. . The disk motor shaft 87 connects the hub 111 onto the disk rotor shaft 87. a shaft having a set screw 113 or the like to hold the The support is received by the hub 111. The first and second central hubs 93.94 are Similarly, the shaft support is mounted centrally on the exposure disk 77 on the opposite side of the hub 111. It will be done.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable magnetic disk 114 is attached to the shaft bearing hub 1. 11, and a spacer disk 115 maintains the separation distance therebetween. It is located between the magnetic disk 114 and the exposure disk 77. As mentioned above, magnetic The optical disc 114 corrects the angular displacement of the exposure disc 77 with respect to the photographic film 14. A clocking track may be provided to enable accurate determination. magnetic de Disk 114 is preferably of a diameter such that it can be placed within stationary support shoe 79. Ru. The information placed on the clocking track is mounted on the second support frame 83. access is obtained through the magnetic helad 116 formed in the support frame 83. (see FIG. 5).

The first and second central hubs 93,94 are housings for optical fibers 97. I will provide a. A telescoping fiber optic receptor located within the second central hub 94 is located within the second central hub 94. Electromagnetic radiation from the excitation LED crystal 118 placed in the ED housing 101 receive. After exiting the second central hub 94, the optical fiber 97 connects to the exposure disk 77. before continuing to their respective locations around the periphery of the first central hub 93.

Any conventional fastening system, such as a mechanical screw 119, can be used to join the central hubs 93,94 of.

After the pair of optical fibers 97 are separated within the first central hub 93, the pair of first hubs are opened. A port 121 (only one shown in FIG. 6) is formed in the first central hub 93 to accommodate the optical fiber. allows fiber 97 to pass therethrough. Glass fiber 97 is preferably 1 mil (.03 mm) in diameter, and thus the diameter of the first hub opening 121. must be large enough to allow passage of optical fiber 97 therethrough. Must be. A 0.01 inch (0.3 mm) diameter hub opening is the preferred implementation. Provided in the example. Each of the optical fibers 97 is then connected to the surface of the exposure disk 77. Exposure disk 77 adjacent peripheral surface 127 of exposure disk 77 substantially along the surface of the exposure disk 77 . 77 extends unrestrained toward the disk opening 124 formed in the disk 77 . center circumference A through hole 131 extends from the peripheral surface 127 to the disk aperture 124 to accommodate the optical fiber. The blade 97 enters the disk opening 124 and exits the opening 124 to the peripheral surface 127. fiber optic terminal. Optical fiber 97 looks like this Inset receptacle section of second central hub 94 adjacent LED crystal 118. extending along the surface of the exposure disk 77 from the first central hub 93; It is then installed onto the surrounding surface 127 in a manner that minimizes the amount of machining required. I get kicked.

When two optical fibers are provided, two peripheral through holes 131 are provided for the exposure diode. are placed facing each other on the screen 77.

When the exposure disk 77 is rotated, both optical fibers are placed on the photographic film 14. Adjustment screws to ensure transmission along exactly the same scanning track. A shaft support 134 is provided on the exposure disk 77 on the opposite side of the hub 111. So With respect to the internal rotation of the adjusting screw 134, the base of the adjusting screw 134 to prevent warpage or bending from occurring around the exposure disk 77. and finally produce a controllable warp around it. Use the adjustment screw 134. By adjusting the amount of warpage around the optical fibers 97 using Providing an identical scanning track across the photographic film 14 during zero rotation of the screen It can be made like this. The shaft bearing includes a hub 111 and an associated rotatable disk. Any conventional locking screw 135, such as the locking screw 135 shown in FIG. Forming the rotating unit in such a way as to allow warpage to occur using fixation means of .

To ensure reliable reproduction of images that require high-resolution values, The rolling disk assembly 48 is configured so that it traverses the base of the photographic film 14 in a lateral direction. As the photographic film 14 adjacent to the rotating exposure disk 77 moves to It is very important to give absolutely reliable support. first and second The stationary film support shoes 79a and 79b of 2 are used to hold the emulsifier surface of the photographic film 14. in slidable contact with a surface. The stationary film support shoe 79a179b is made of aluminum. It may be conveniently machined from aluminum. However, the static film support -79a, 79b to minimize the adverse effects of abrasion on the surface of the photographic film 14. Chrome plated and worn to reduce wear.

In the preferred embodiment, the exposure disk 77 is 0.125 inches (0.32 cm). m) (equal to the width of the peripheral surface 127). Adjacent static film support Holding shoe 79a% 79b is therefore 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) The width or thickness of the adjacent stationary support shoe may be The spacing between them is 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). to get the most accurate exposure In this case, the emitting end of the optical fiber 97 is placed as close as possible to the surface of the photographic film 14. It is necessary to place the moving peripheral surface 127 on the surface of the photographic film 14. Care must be taken to ensure that there is no contact with surfaces. surrounding surface 127 is thus 0.001 inch (0.03 inch) from the surface of the photographic film 140. Conveniently pull in by m　m　　. In this embodiment, the peripheral surface 127 The possibility of abrasive damage to the surface of film 14 is significantly reduced. photo fill The frame itself is usually 1.004 inches to 0.00 inches (.

1-. The thickness is 18 mm). Accurate exposure likewise requires a known time factor. and thus, to ensure constant and predictable exposure times, high-quality A high quality and reliable disc motor 89 is provided. Model BO3-2317- Clifton Precis, such as 3A-C. ion) is suitable for this purpose.

Reduces the effect of distance changes between the photographic film 14 and the tip of the optical fiber 97 For this reason, a lens 136 (see FIG. 11) is located at or around the peripheral surface 127. It is mounted nearby in the peripheral through hole 131. In such a case, the optical fiber 9 7 is a through hole] The end is inside 31, but it is located one focal length from 1/lens 136. , i.e. at the same distance the lens is placed from the photographic film 14. It will be destroyed. The use of lens 136 is advantageous in two ways. First, the focus is logically on It can be placed at a specific pre-selected location from the fiber output terminal, so Accurate images minimize the distance between the film surface and the fiber output terminal. no longer rely on difficult design tasks to The lens 136 From a design point of view, it may be It's much more important than anything else. The size is defined as the depth of field for the lens. Then, it is determined that the image divergence is within acceptable limits for a particular application. consists of the straight-line distance on each side of the focal point. When no lens is provided, optical fiber All of the light energy emanating from the optical fiber 97 diverges with an angular velocity of This angle is approximately 20°.

The farther the fiber is from its target, the more inaccurate the image will be or Or emanate more. However, as shown in Figure 11, if the lens is If the diverging image is fixed from lens 136 after exiting the fiber, once again focused at a specified distance. Furthermore, the shape of the lens 136 and the peripheral strip Depending on its placement in the louhole 131, the view of the focused image The depth of field is generated, which is the depth of the film-fiber for a given image intersection. allows for larger changes in distance than would otherwise be possible without the lens. Ru.

Regardless of the location of the fiber and/or lens, the photographic film 14 Accurately and consistently in place for exposure methods that utilize a rotatable exposure disk 77. It is equally important that the As illustrated in FIG. The transport system for the film 14 is very simple, but the transport system for the film 14 is very simple. Pretty reliable to put in place. Inlet housing film slot 31 Entering the printer support base 24 via a (reference characters "a" and "b' are (used in FIG. 7 to distinguish between pairs of complementary structures), the photographic film 14 is engaged with and assertively held between a pair of film entrance pinch rollers 39a; Ru. To prevent damage to the surface of the photographic film 14, the film entrance An outer elastic layer 57 is provided on each of the pinch rollers 39a. After that, chrome The film loading guide 33a, conveniently manufactured from sheet metal of plated steel, The film is directed toward various film support surfaces placed on the film exposure assembly 21. guide you through the program. Film guide cap 144 is placed on the film exposure assembly. , thereby allowing the photographic film 14 to pass through various locations in the film exposure assembly 21. Cause the film to follow the semicircular shape of the supporting surface. In an alternative embodiment, The film guide cap is provided with an inner layer of felt (not shown) and the mechanism is also provided, whereby the guide cap with felt prevents further exposure. from the film during its transport on the film assembly before starting photoprocessing. Take a half-retracted position. After completing the film transport, the felt is re-filmed. and remains in place during exposure of photographic film 14.

Returning to FIG. 7, after exposure, the photographic film 14 is designed to Provided by a pair of film exit pinch rollers 39b which are similar to pinch loader 39a. Under the applied power, the film removal guide 33 is removed from the film exposure assembly 21. transported via b. The film 14 is passed from the housing 10 to the exit film slot. It is released through the cut 31b. Traditional film take-up and film minutes A printing unit (not shown) may be used in conjunction with the photographic film printer 5. , thereby allowing continuous sheets of photographic film 14 to be used, and further increases the efficiency provided by the film printer 5.

Photographic film 14 in a consistently stable position relative to film exposure assembly 21 In addition to the importance of the film guide cap 144 in maintaining the The beam 14 rests on the circumference of the circular film exposure assembly 21 with an arc of 180° or more. It is also important to ensure that the temperature is within 50°F. It is shown in Figure 7. The angle γ is the angle at which the photographic film 14 first contacts the film exposure assembly 21. A radius α is formed at a circumferential location, and the photographic film is placed in the film exposure assembly 2. 1 and the last radius β that touches the radius β. Photo filter for image exposure In order to take advantage of the full 180'' extent of the beam 14, the angle γ should always exceed 180°. and preferably within the range of 185° to 190°. No. The change in angle γ is caused by the film entrance and film removal loading guide 33a; This is accomplished by changing the contact location through adjustments made to 33b.

Photographic film 14 is typically provided with a width of 18 inches (46 cm). but However, in the preferred embodiment, the photographic film printer 5 is a 30 inch x 1 It has external dimensions of 4 inches (76 cm x 36 cm) and is between 6 inches and 20 inches. (15 cm to 51 cm) wide photographic film can be accepted.

Varying the width of the film provides a suitable setting for the photographic film 14 during its exposure. Film exposure assembly 21 must also be adjusted to maintain support. do not have. Referring to FIG. 8, the first and second outer stationary rings 43,44 are It is shown in place as part of film exposure assembly 21. As described above, The first and second outer stationary rings 43,44 are attached to support rods (shown in phantom). Attached to and supported by the support rod 51, the support rod 51 also has different widths. first and second outer stationary rings 43 . 44 lateral sliding movements. First and second outer stationary rings 43. The lateral movement of 44 is effected by manual pressure applied to film guide 27. and controlled. Before moving the first and second outer stationary rings 43.44 , the film guide 27 first has film guide holding teeth 55 (not shown in FIG. 8). (no) must be removed from the list. As shown by the phantom line in Figure 8, the filter The film guide 27 is raised vertically to position 27A, and the film guide 27 is Remove from guide holding teeth 55. Thereafter, the lateral movement of the outer stationary ring 43.44 is , proceed as described below with reference to FIG. Vertical direction of film guide 27 Directional movement is achieved by pivoting between the film guide 27 and the stationary ring support bracket 151. This is made possible by the cut connection 147, which in turn supports the stationary ring 43.44. Ru. The stationary ring support bracket 151 has a pair of linear support ring bearings 153 is slidably attached to and received by the support rod 51 via.

The lateral movement of stationary rings 43,44 is best illustrated with reference to FIG. clarity The actual ring assembly is removed and replaced with a stationary ring support bracket Only 151 is shown attached to support rod 51. first and second quiescent The lateral displacement of the rings 43, 44 remains symmetrical with respect to the rotating disk assembly 48. To ensure that the film guide cable 157 id 27. The film guide cable 157 is arranged in a conventional manner. attached to a series of cable pulleys 159 attached to the housing base 10 (Fig. (not shown). Regarding the lateral movement of either film guide 27, The cable 157 is arranged so that the corresponding film guide 27 is located laterally opposite to the first guide 27. cause it to move an equal distance in the direction. In Figure 9, the film guide cage Arrows A and B shown adjacent to cable 157 illustrate this reciprocating motion. Ru.

In operation, photographic film 14 passes through outer housing film slot 17a. through the photographic film printer 5, and through the pick-up pinch roller 39a. and onto the film exposure assembly 21 by the film loading guide 33a. It is loaded and held in place by the film guide cap 144. photo Exposure of the true film 14 then proceeds line by line until the optical disc is exposed to the film. Progress gradually across the spread. If two optical fibers 97 are used For example, each revolution of exposure disk 77 provides two scans. 300rpm disc In rotation, 5 revolutions per second or 10 scan tracks per second is exposed. At this rotation speed, 18 inches in 1 mil (0,025 mm) increments Full scanning exposure of 46cm wide film (46 cm) is 1,800 seconds or 1/2 hour Requires. This rotation speed of 300 rpm is 120.000 pixels/sec or Assuming a writing or exposure speed of 0.1 seconds for 12,000 pixels, that is 1 Equivalent to one scan line for a 2 inch (30 cm) film length. write Increasing the exposure speed to 1 million pixels/second results in an almost 8x increase in overall Reduce the scan exposure time from the previously calculated 1/2 hour to 3.8 minutes.

The amount of information required for an exposure depends on both the desired resolution and the nature of the exposure. . As an example, 12'X with a resolution of 1.000 pixels/inch (394 pixels/cm) A 10' exposure (30cm x 45cm) produces 216 million pieces for black and white. Requires a single bit pixel, or 27 megabytes of memory. of memory The requirements increase with the use of different exposure methods. Conventional 256 level gray - Selection of scale (8 bits/pixel) reduces memory requirements to 216 megabytes of memory Three primary color LEDs increased to the bite and placed in the LED housing 101 Color reproduction using 256 levels of each of the red, green, and blue color pixels requires 648 megabytes for the file.

FIG. 11 is a schematic for an exemplary electronic circuit for driving the electrical components of the present invention. It is a block diagram. The rotating exposure disk 77 and two optical fibers 97 are approximately Illustrated diagrammatically. Both ends of the two optical fibers 97 are juxtaposed with the LED 118. shown. LED 118 is provided as an output from LED driver 204 Driven by line 200. Although shown as a single line, one skilled in the art will understand that the line Line 200 represents the power line and return line in the exemplary embodiment of the device. will understand. The LED driver 204 handles black and white photo playback. can be a simple TTL driver gate, or 256 levels Can be an analog amplifier when used for grayscale photo reproduction. L The ED driver 204 outputs the output from the digital-to-analog converter 212. is driven by line 208 provided by Digital to analog converter 212 operates in a conventional manner and generates an analog signal in response to multi-bit digital inputs. Generates log output.

For example, in the embodiment shown, digital to analog converter 212 has line 216 as its input, which is the output of data storage register 220. connected to.

Line 216 represents one or more digital data lines and 25 Eight digital data lines are shown for a six-level gray scale. this , the digital-to-analog converter 212 connects the LED driver 204 and and data storage register 2 to drive LEDllB via line 200. 20 on line 216 to a 256 level analyzer on line 208. Convert to log output. The digital-to-analog converter 212 has a large number of gray For levelless black and white processing, the output of data storage register 220 is Shown in phantom to be a single bit that directly drives the LED driver 204. It will be done.

Data storage register 220 preferably resides on a device such as host computer 234. Multi-bit storage register with input on line 230 from digital data source It is. Line 230 preferably carries a data bus, such as an 8-pit data bus. show. Data storage register 220 operates as a buffer and synchronizer, and its Therefore, the data is hosted at the first data rate, as will be more clearly stated below. may be loaded into data storage registers 230 from host computer 234 and exposed. output on line 216 at a second data rate synchronized with the rotation of optical disk 77; can be given as follows.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the example system has a clock track 244 that A rotating magnetic disk 114 is magnetically encoded thereon. magnetic disk is Preferably, a hard disk drive used in the field of personal computers. disks with magnetic coatings, such as the recording disks currently used in It is a luminium disk.

The rotating components of such a hard disk drive are Easily adaptable for use.

Returning to FIGS. 5 and 6, rotating disk 114 is closest to exposure disk 77. Adjacently, the shaft receiver is shown attached to hub 111. In this way, the magnetic disk The disk 114 rotates in synchronization with the exposure disk 77. As mentioned above, magnetic disk 114 is preferably smaller than the internal diameter of the first secondary film support shoe 79a. the magnetic disk 114 has an external diameter such that the magnetic disk 114 is attached to the first secondary film support shoe. 79a and is protected thereby. As shown in Figure 5, the secondary support Holding frame 83 has a window 117 formed therein. The magnetic read/write head 116 is mounted on the second support frame 83 and with the read/write head 116 opening the window 117. positioned so that it is suspended through the Read/write head 116 is head 11 6 on one surface of the magnetic disk 114 when the magnetic disk 114 is not rotating. It is positioned to just touch window 117. magnetic disk recording technology As is well known in the art, when the magnetic disk 114 rotates, the rotating magnetic disk The movement of air along the surface of 114 prevents damaging contact with the surface. read/write head 116 has a magnetically encoded clock. the header by a distance close enough to detect magnetic flux changes in the track track 244. This causes the dot 116 to "jump up" from the surface.

Returning to FIG. 11, the read/write head 16 is connected to the amplifier 2 via line 260. 64. A rotating clock track 244 provides access to the read/write header. The small electrical signal induced in the lead 116 is amplified by the amplifier 264 and The output signal on pin 268 is applied to the input of pulse generator 272. pulse generation Generator 272 outputs a first signal on line 276 in response to the input signal on line 268. Generates clock output. Line 276 provides data storage as a synchronous clock input. is applied to register 220. Data storage register 220 is connected to the clock on line 276. In response to the lock signal input, the data output on line 216 (grayscale to the analog converter 212 (in the embodiment) or (in the black and white embodiment) ) directly to the LED driver 204. The clock on the magnetic disk drive 14 track track 244 is encoded so that it has a resolution of 1,000 pixels per inch. each half turn of the exposure disk 77 to expose photographic film (not shown) at the image resolution. clock signal to correspond to each of the 12,000 data times that occur during the rotation. is generated.

Clock track 244 is further coded with a distinguishable code and has two optical One of the fibers 97 is shown aligned with the leading edge of the photographic film. This The code is generated intact only once per each half revolution of the exposure disk 77. Ta For example, distinguishable codes may be spaced closer together than 12,000 pixel clocks. It may be convenient to set two clock pulses apart. Closely spaced black The clock pulses are detected by pulse generator 272, which are closely spaced pulses. In response to clock pulses, it generates an output signal on line 280 and connects two optical fibers. One of the bars 97 is shown at the leading edge of the photographic film. Line 280 is Provided as a load input to data storage register 220. data storage register 220 is responsive to the load signal on line 280 and is to be placed at the leading edge of the film. Data corresponding to the data begins to be output on line 216. At the same time, load signal 280 is provided as an input to the host computer 234 to generate a new scan line. Indicates to the host computer that it is being exposed on photographic film. load signal 280 is communicated to the host computer 234, where the electronics retrieve the previously sent data. data for the next command line should be sent. It tells the host computer 234 that there is something. Preferably a data storage register Data storage register 220 includes a buffer memory portion, in which data storage register 220 is While outputting previously stored data on line 216 at a synchronous data rate, A host computer 234 scans at least one scan line of digital data. to data storage register 220 at an asynchronous data rate. teenager In an alternative embodiment, the synchronization clock 276 is connected to the line (shown in phantom). 284 to the host computer 234, so that The host computer 234 operates on the line 230 in synchronization with the rotation of the optical disk 77. give digital data to. In an alternative embodiment, the data storage register 220 receives data from line 230 and outputs the data on line 216. It can be a simple latch to provide data. In a further alternative, Magnetic disk 114 may have additional magnetic tracks recorded thereon. and multiple read/write heads (not shown) may be provided so that Input data can be recorded on and read from the additional tracks.

In this manner, magnetic disk 114 provides an expensive method for buffering input data. may provide a means to do so.

In embodiments with LEDs for each of the primary colors of the photograph, the data storage register 220, digital-to-analog converter 212, and LED driver 204 is reproduced for each of the three colors. Each of the three data storage registers 220 may be driven by the same pulse generator 272.

As also shown in FIG. 11, the load signal 280 from pulse generator 272 is Provided as an input to stepper motor driver 300 via line 304.

Stepper motor driver 300 provides phased steps on a set of lines 308. A conventional design that provides a stepping signal to stepper motor 63 is convenient. technology As is well known in the art, the phased stepping signals on line 308 are By aligning the phase with can be made to The stepper motor driver 300 is loaded on the line > 304 in response to the signal and emits a phased stepping signal on line 308. only the amount by which the rotating disk assembly 48 is advanced by 0.001 inch. Advance the first screw 53. In this manner, the rotating disk assembly 48 provides an optical Each half revolution of disk 77 advances 0.001 inch.

Line 320 is provided as an input to stepper motor driver 300 and is computer 234 or a single pushbutton. connected to a reset signal that can originate from any source. The reset signal is Stella, <Motor A driver 300 provides a series of phased stepping signals on line 308. The rotation direction of the stepper motor 63 is reversed to cause the rotation of the rotating disk. Return assembly 48 to starting location.

Exemplary structures have been disclosed to illustrate the principles of this invention; Within the scope of a patent, all that reasonably and properly fall within the scope of a contribution to technology. It should be understood that it is desirable to implement all changes.

<222 i2ri10 Nong Fl(]・12　Engraving (no change in content) Procedural amendment (formality) %formula% 1.Display of the incident PCT/US87101130 2. Name of the invention high resolution photographic film printer 3. Person who makes corrections Relationship to the incident: Patent applicant Address: Transsweet, California, 90503, United States ・Kay, Oregon Court, 2808 Name: Toulbell Corporation Representative Representative: Gerlach, Richard Kay 4, agent Address: 2-1-29 Minamimorimachi, Kita-ku, Osaka Sumitomo Bank Minamimorimachi Building Telephone: Osaka ( 06) 361-2021 C) 6, Subject of correction Translation of Figure 12 of the drawing 7. Contents of correction We have added the translation of drawing No. 12 drawn in 21 ink as shown in the attached sheet. In addition, the contents There are no changes.

that's all international search report

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. a film for exposing photographic film based on received digital information; a printer, the surface of the photographic film (14) being fixed during the exposure; means for maintaining the stationary position; a rotating disk exposure assembly (21); MBRI is characterized by the following: an axis of rotation, a central hap (93) and a peripheral edge (93), both of which are concentric with said axis of rotation; 127); an exposure disk (77) having at least one optical fiber (97) attached to the exposure disk (77); The fiber (97) is characterized in that the first end is closest to the central hap (93). are also placed adjacent to each other, and the second end is placed closest to said peripheral edge (127). He and more rotatably supporting said exposure disk (77) in a rotating disk assembly (21); means for holding the film (14) across said surface of the photographic film (14) during its exposure; means for laterally translating said rotating disk exposure assembly (21); and, a light energy source (101) directed at the first end of the optical fiber (97); and, In response to the received digital data, the light energy source (101) Controls the emission of recording energy and controls the rotation of the exposure disk (77) and exposure adjustment. coordinating said ejection with a lateral translational movement of said disk (77) of said assembly (21); A film printer characterized by: 2. for laterally translating the rotating disk exposure assembly (21); The means is stepba motor (89), A first end is attached to and rotated by the stepper motor (89). , and the second end is connected to the exposure assembly (2) by means of a threaded connection (54). 1) and a lead screw (53) attached to the step bar. Controlled rotation of the lead screw (53) by the motor (89) controls the exposure assembly. A film printer according to claim 1, which causes a lateral movement of the film (21). . 3. Claim 1, wherein said light energy source is characterized by a light emitting diode (118). The film printer according to item 1. 4. Two optical fibers (97) are attached to the exposure disk (77), and the fiber Each of the bars (97) has a first end located closest to said central hub (93). , and the second end is closest to the peripheral edge (127) of the exposure disk (77). A film printer according to claim 1, located in close proximity. 5. Said second ends of two optical fibers (97) are arranged in front by an arc of approximately 180°. A film according to claim 4, separated along the peripheral edge (127). printer. 6. The rotating disk exposure assembly (21) further characterized by a focusing lens (136) located adjacent the end of the This provides a focused image of light energy and the photographic film. as claimed in claim 1, which would protrude onto an adjacent surface of the lumen (14). film printer. 7. The means for rotatably supporting the exposure disk (77) a pair of disks placed adjacent to each other and receiving the exposure disk (77) therebetween; stationary film support shoes (43, 44); a rotating member mounted on one of said pair of stationary film support shoes (43, 44); a motor (89), wherein the motor (89) is configured to move the exposure disk (77). having a protruding shaft (87) for receiving and supporting a central hub (93); The motor (89) rotates the exposure disk (77) around the rotation axis. cause the a carrier for receiving and supporting the film support shoes (43, 44); carriage (81, 83), said carriage (81, 83) being capable of transverse translational movement; as claimed in claim 1, interconnected with and responsive to means for movement. film printer. 8. The means for controlling the emission of light energy comprises a rotating disk exposure assembly. The magnetic disk (114) mounted on the magnetic disk (21) and the magnetic disk (114) ), the magnetic head (116) being positioned closest to the magnetic head (116); The disk (114) is configured to rotate the magnetic head (114) when the exposure disk (77) is rotated. tracks of magnetically recorded information so that they can be read by A film printer according to claim 1, which is located in this. 9. Fiber optic photographic film printer for converting digital information into light images a semicircular cylindrical stationary film support part (79); a photographic film selectively received by the support (79) and forming an internal photosensitive surface; The spread of mu (14) and characterized by a rotatable disc (77) received within a cylindrical film support (79) and wherein said rotatable disk (77) has a periphery substantially following said internal photosensitive surface. has an arc of and further During that exposure, from a central location (101) on said rotatable disk (77), Light energy is transmitted to a peripheral location (127) on the disk (77) adjacent to the internal photosensitive surface. an optical fiber attached to said disk (77) to enable the transmission of fiber (97) and During exposure of the internal photosensitive surface, the cylindrical film rotates around an arc of the circumference and Said rotatable disk (77) in translation along an axis parallel to the support (79) a means for moving the In response to said digital information, rotational and translational movement of the rotatable disk (77) is performed. and means for controlling the transmission of optical energy during dynamic movement. Photographic film printer.