JPS63189270A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize a desired density and obtain favorable image quality at the time of recording a multi-gradational image, by connecting an adjacent information referencing means for referencing recording information for an adjacent pixel and a recording signal controlling part for varying a recording signal according to the result of referencing, to an optical shutter array. CONSTITUTION:In an image recorder employing an optical shutter array, a monochromic photographic printing paper with a gamma of 1.5 is used as a photosensitive material 102, and a fluorescent tube having a fluorescence wavelength in a high- sensitivity region of the material 102 is used as a light source 101. When an image signal 108 is inputted to the image printer, a controlling part 109 calculates a control signal corresponding to the density level of each pixel on an image on the basis of an image signal 108, performs correction for eliminating the effects of recording information for an adjacent pixel, and generates a signal for designating the position of the image. The control signal outputted by the controlling part 109 applies a voltage according to the density level of the image to each shutter part 107 of the shutter array 106, thereby controlling the quantity of light transmitted through the shutter part 107. Thus, characters or images are recorded on the material 102 while expressing multiple gradations with a high contrast ratio for each pixel.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to an image recording device that records image information such as characters and images on a photoreceptor using an optical shutter array using an electro-optic material, and particularly relates to an image recording device that records good multi-gradation images. It is something.

[Background of the invention]

Conventionally, methods for recording electrical image information on recording paper include methods that apply a high electric field onto the recording paper using a multi-stylus method, scanning a laser beam using a rotating mirror, or using an LED array. A method for optically recording an image on a photoreceptor is known. It is also known that a ceramic body having an electro-optic effect can be used as a substrate for an optical shutter array to optically convert electrical signals and use them for image recording. The present invention relates to an improvement of an image recording apparatus using such a method. This electro-optic ceramic body is made of transparent ferroelectric ceramics (Pb+-x, Lax) (Zry+Ti1-y)+-x
3 (hereinafter simply referred to as PLZT or PLZTx/y including the composition) is particularly preferably used at present. This PLZT is a typical piezoelectric material Pb(Z
rx+Ti+-x)0. Loss of La atoms in ceramics%
It was made transparent for the first time by adding it. FIG. 10 shows a phase diagram of PLZT at room temperature and polarization-14 field characteristics in each phase. I'bZrlL
exhibits antiferroelectricity (^FE), but Pb
Ti0. In PZT with solid solution, rhombohedral ferroelectric phase (F
E), and further PbTi0. As the value increases, it becomes a tetragonal ferroelectric phase. In compositions where the amount of La is small, such as in regions (1) and (II) of the phase diagram, the composition has a tetragonal ferroelectric phase (1) and a rhombohedral ferroelectric phase (If), similar to PZT. The composition of the region (Ill) is slim loop (Sli disorder-1).
phase (SFE) exhibiting polarization-'xi characteristics called
). The region (■) has a composition rich in PbZrOz and exhibits an antiferroelectric phase (8FE), and the region (V) rich in La is a paraelectric cubic crystal. For example, as disclosed in JP-A-54-136118, (Pb6.s 24 yLao, o y6 ) (Zr
PLZT with the composition: o, 7o+Tjo-5O)o-981L. , 6/. ,,. We have proposed a recording apparatus that uses a plurality of optical shutter elements as optical shutter elements and applies a voltage corresponding to the density level of an image signal to each optical shutter section to adjust the transmitted light intensity of each shutter section. PLZ
To,. 76/Oe? . The transmitted light intensity is the minimum in the FE phase, whereas the transmitted light intensity is the maximum in the FE square deaf, and depending on the applied electric field, the transmitted light intensity changes between the FE phase and the F phase.
Two phase states with E phase are controlled. In the above proposal, the intensity of the transmitted light is made variable through such electric field control, thereby allowing recording to be performed. However, when using the change in the transmitted light intensity of PLZT itself caused by the above-mentioned phase change, the ratio (contrast ratio) between the maximum value and the minimum value of the shutter transmitted light intensity cannot be made large enough, which results in a soft exposure. If a photoreceptor is used, it has the drawback that it cannot cover the dynamic lens of the photoreceptor, and it is impossible to express multi-level halftones. On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-77824 discloses (Polarizer-P
We are proposing a printer that utilizes changes in the polarization direction due to birefringence using an optical shutter array consisting of an LZT analyzer. However, in the conventional method of controlling each shutter section in a printer such as D, the voltage value applied to each shutter section is binary and the exposure time per pixel is constant, so the amount of transmitted light is binary. there were. In order to express halftones using a printer that uses an optical shutter array in which the amount of transmitted light is binary, a set of multiple pixels must be treated as one unit, and this must be achieved by changing the dot pattern. If you try to express halftones of 8 levels, the resolution will drop significantly. For example, when an electro-optic ceramic body such as PLZT is used as an optical shutter element, the response time is much shorter than that of the currently used optical shutter using a winter-like liquid crystal, and the element has an excellent shutter function. *Ta PLZ
A polarizer/analyzer is placed on the AfJfl of the T substrate, and an optical shutter that utilizes changes in the polarization direction due to birefringence can be used as a zoo.
It is possible to create one with an extremely large contrast ratio of o:i. The applicant filed the patent application No. 61-21836.
By using an electro-optic ceramic body with such excellent characteristics, the specification of No. 8 allows printers that have conventionally displayed binary values to have high resolution, a large dynamic range, and multi-level halftone expression. In order to provide an image printer capable of producing an image, an optical printer consisting of a light source, a photoreceptor, and a polarizer (a ceramic element having an electro-optical effect and an analyzer) installed between the light source and the photoreceptor is proposed. The present invention is characterized in that an image having gradation is obtained by an optical shutter array having a plurality of sections and a control device capable of applying a voltage to each shutter section of the optical shutter array based on image information. We are proposing image printers. That is, as the optical shutter 7 ray according to this proposal, one having a configuration as shown in the expanded view of the fflll diagram is used. That is, an element in which a group of counter electrodes is provided on one or both sides of a translucent ceramic substrate 11 having an electro-optic effect, a polarizer 13 and an analyzer 1 provided on the front and back sides of the element.
4. In the figure, φ indicates the angle between the electric field direction 15 generated when a voltage is applied to the opposing electrode group and the polarization direction 16 of the polarizer 13, and ζ indicates the angle between the polarization direction 16 of the polarizer 13 and the analyzer 1.
This is the angle formed by the polarization direction 17 of 4. Although ζ may be set to any value, it is preferable to set ζ = 0'' or ζ = 90°, since the transmitted light intensity of the shutter becomes maximum or minimum, respectively, when the applied voltage is 0, making it easier to control. As shown above, the transmitted light intensity I of the optical shutter of t is ζ=9o° and the height 1=1.4cer(λ) ・Tpol
(λ)−sin22φ5in2(” , Δn) −(1
) λ ζ = 0°. Here, Δn is the birefringence of the translucent ceramic substrate, ■. is the incident light intensity, λ is the wavelength of the incident light in vacuum, Tcer (λ) and Tpol (λ) are the transmittances of the ceramic substrate and the two polarizing plates for light at wavelength λ, respectively, and d is the electro-optic effect. is the effective thickness of the device shown. I in equations (1) and (2) changes as Δn changes, but when φ=45°! ! The maximum value of ■ is the maximum and the most preferable shutter function is the closing angle φ of 45
Even if the angle is shifted by ±5 degrees, for example, the maximum value of ■ decreases by 3% or less, so there is almost no problem in practice even if φ is not set strictly at 45 degrees. If, for example, a second-order electro-optic effect (Kerr effect) is used as an electro-optic effect, Δn changes in proportion to 29 of the electric field, and is expressed as follows. Here, R is the second-order electro-optic coefficient, %IIO is the refractive index when no electric field is applied, and E is the applied electric field. The relationship between the applied electric field E (or applied voltage ■) and the light transmission intensity ■ obtained by substituting equation (3) into equation (1) or (2) is shown in Figure 12 when φ = 45°. One song #1C-1 shows the formula (1), and the song @C-2 shows (
Z) shows that it is possible to control the light transmission intensity according to the applied electric field, that is, by applying a voltage to the opposing electrode group provided on the ceramic element, an electric field proportional to the voltage is generated. Therefore, the light transmission intensity of the optical shutter can be controlled by a voltage signal. In addition, @12
In graph C-1 in the figure, the initial and minimum electric field Eb (voltage vh) that maximizes the transmitted light intensity I is a half-wavelength electric field (voltage)
It is called. As a ceramic having such an electro-optic effect, the above-mentioned PLZT is preferably used. In particular, PLZT having a composition in the shaded region (III) in the phase diagram shown in FIG. It is suitable as an optical shutter because it exhibits a relatively large secondary electro-optic effect and has a small memory effect. Furthermore, among them (Pbo,
s+v Lao, os) (Zro, ssy Tio,
5s) O, sy, sO5 compositions have particularly large two electro-optic coefficients R, and are therefore more preferable. FIG. 13 shows the pattern of the counter electrode group used in the present invention. In FIG. 13(a), 20 is a driving electrode for applying a voltage according to an image signal;
1 is a common 7-sath electrode. An electric field is applied to the electrode gap 22, and this portion becomes each shutter portion. 13th
The pattern shown in Figure 13(b) is preferable because it prevents crosstalk between adjacent electrodes and leads to improved image quality, and the pattern shown in Figure 13(c) improves the density of the shutter portion on the substrate. It has advantages. FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a state in which a counter electrode group is provided on the ceramic substrate 11, fIS14 (, ) shows an example in which electrodes 21 and 22 are formed on the surface of the ceramic substrate 11, and tI414 (b ) is a device in which a groove is provided on the surface of the substrate 11, and electrodes 21 and 22 are provided to fill the groove, and the effective electric field of the substrate 11 is applied, and the effective thickness d of the element exhibiting the electro-optic effect is large. That's good. 14th
In Figure (c), electrodes 21 and 22 are formed on both sides of the substrate 11, which is preferable because the effective thickness d is further increased. A polarizing plate is usually used for the polarizer and analyzer. A polarizing plate is made of a polymer film, which is obtained by stretching polyvinyl alcohol and aligning the molecules in the direction of stretching, impregnating the film with iodine to create long chains of iodine molecules, washing and drying the film. The optical shutter with the above configuration has a large contrast ratio, a wide dynamic lens, and a multi-stage intermediate 7g
4 expressions are possible. That is, since the contrast ratio of the optical shutter array used in the present invention to be described later is 1000:1 or more, a photoreceptor having a gamma (γ) of 0.8 or more and 2.7 or less can be used. Among them, gamma (γ) is 1 or more,
By using a photoreceptor with a diameter of 2 or less, it is possible to provide an image recording apparatus that fully takes advantage of the wide dynamic lens of the shutter array. Therefore, as the photoreceptor of the first structure I & requirement of the present invention described later, selenium for electrophotography, amorphous silicon, organic optical semiconductor (OPC), etc. can be used, but in particular, it is possible to use high-resolution halftone expression. As an image printer, a light-sensitive material using silver halide, such as photographic paper, is suitable, and a color light-sensitive material is also preferred. When performing multi-stage halftone expression, a soft-tone photoreceptor has the advantage of being easier to control because it is less susceptible to changes in exposure amount due to errors in applied voltage. The amount of transmitted light exposed to the photoreceptor in each shaft is the transmitted light intensity.

[ is integrated by the shutter opening time t. Therefore, methods for controlling the amount of light transmitted through each shutter section by a control device to obtain halftones can be broadly classified into the following three methods, all of which can achieve the purpose of the above-mentioned proposal by the applicant. (1) A method in which the transmitted light intensity is constant and the shack opening time t per pixel is controlled and variable. Figure 2 (,) shows a model in which one shutter is removed and the amount of transmitted light within one sub-scanning time is varied by controlling the shutter opening time.
This is an example. When an image is recorded by moving the photoreceptor, the amount of transmitted light within the sub-scanning time is the amount of exposure per pixel on the photoreceptor. By moving the photoconductor in a direction perpendicular to the shutter 7 rays by an amount of movement that approximates the size of the shutter part within the sub-scanning time and controlling the shutter opening time, images with gradation can be recorded. It will be done. Figure 12 (b
) shows this, in which case each electrode is common, a constant voltage signal (the half-wave voltage Vh shown in FIG. 12 is particularly preferred) is applied to each electrode, and a voltage is applied to each electrode by switching. The sub-scanning may be performed while controlling the time taken. (2) A method in which the shutter opening time per pixel is constant and the intensity of transmitted light is controlled. FIG. 13(a) shows an example in which one shutter is taken out and the amount of transmitted light within one sub-scanning time is varied by controlling the voltage applied to the shutter. Pl & 3 Figure (b) shows an example of realizing this second method, in which the voltage value corresponding to the concentration level of each liI element in the image is set to 1 for each electrode.
The light is applied to each line at the same time, and sub-scanning is performed while controlling the intensity of light transmitted through each shutter section. FIG. 3(c) shows another example of realizing the second method, in which the controller generates a time-series signal and sequentially switches each electrode, thereby performing main scanning and sub-scanning. It was designed to do this. (3) A method of controlling both the transmitted light intensity I per pixel and the shutter opening time. Figure 4(a) shows one shutter taken out.The voltage applied to the shutter is variable and the time for applying voltage to the electrodes is controlled.Figure 4(b) shows this. This shows an example of implementing the third method, in which a voltage signal that is common to each electrode and monotonically changes at a constant period is applied to each electrode with four elements, and one voltage signal is applied to each electrode by switching. The sub-scanning is performed while controlling the time during which voltage is applied to the poles. The above describes a method for controlling the amount of transmitted light and obtaining an image with gradation. Here, the control of the voltage applied to the shutter electrode and the control of the voltage application time may be made linearly variable and controlled in an analog manner, or the variation range may be divided stepwise and digitally controlled. It may also be possible to perform appropriate control. Note that the higher the dot density exposed to the photoreceptor is, the better the image quality will be, but it will be more difficult to process as an image printer. In order to obtain a sufficiently satisfactory image quality on the photoreceptor with the naked eye, 6 dots to 16 dots per lzz (image is appropriate. [Problems to be solved by the invention] The above-mentioned patent application by the present applicant 61-218368
The proposal in the specification provided an image recording device that could obtain hard copies with excellent image quality in terms of gradation and resolution, but subsequent research led to the creation of multi-gradation It has been found that when recording an image, adjacent vixels are mutually affected by the electric field. This phenomenon occurs especially when grayscale control is performed and high voltage is applied to both adjacent (L, R) pixels, the central (C)
) was found to have a significant effect on vixels. ' ° Lower margin/' The present invention aims to provide an image recording device that can achieve the intended density and obtain good image quality when recording multi-gradation images. do. [Means for Solving the Problems] The above object is to provide a PLZT optical shutter 7 consisting of a light source, a recording material, and a large number of light modulating pixels installed between them.
In the image recording device that has a ray and records image information on a recording material by modulating light for each pixel, an adjacent information reference means that refers to recorded information of an adjacent pixel; This is achieved by an image recording apparatus characterized in that a recording signal control section that makes the signal variable is connected to an optical shutter array.

[Effect]

When a dot image is recorded on a photoreceptor by a PLZT optical shutter array, the reference range of the gradation level of the image signal given to the light modulation pixel is determined by the elapsed time in the vertical direction and the position of the light modulation pixel in the horizontal direction. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating this. Here, one line earlier in chronological order...
After the image signals of the gradation levels L, C, R, etc. are given, the next recording signal corresponding to the subsequent density is given.
Even if L, C, Ro, etc. are applied to mutually adjacent light modulation pixels, an image with good reproducibility cannot necessarily be obtained. That is, even if a recording signal corresponding to a certain density is applied, the transmitted light intensity I will differ depending on the application state of the adjacent light modulation pixels on both sides. This phenomenon occurs because in a PLZT optical shutter array, the light modulating vixels are arranged close to each other, so for example, when a high electric field or a long electric field is applied to the adjacent vixels, the positive electrode of one of the adjacent vixels (L) , this is because the electric fields generated by the negative electrode and the negative and positive electrodes of the other vixel (R>) are similarly applied to the center (C) vixel. The figure f shows the influence of the recording signal (applied electric field) on the light modulation pixels L and R located at
It is a 516 figure. That is, looking at the focused vixel C, even if the electric field applied to the vixel C is constant (solid line), the left and right vixels L,
Depending on the strength of the electric field applied to R (solid line), the strength of the electric field superimposed and applied to vixel C (dashed line) differs, and the degree of influence is large when the electric field applied to left and right vixels L%R is large. , (f: tS16 Figure (e)) The fact that the degree of influence is large means that the expected gradation cannot be obtained even if a recording signal is given to the PLZT optical shutter 7 rays0. It is designed to remove. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the shutter open time is variable as a gradation control means, and the shutter open time T of the pixel C is used to obtain the amount of transmitted light corresponding to a certain density with good reproducibility regardless of the driving state of the adjacent pixel. is T = Tc(He) + T(He%HR,HL)-(
4). Here, HclHR%HL is the gradation level HR of the pixel of interest on Hch: the gradation level of the pixel on the right: H: the gradation level of the adjacent pixel on the left, and Tc: corresponds to the gradation level Hc, as described above. The pulse width, T (Hc
, HR, H): 41tl positive pulse width. In addition, as the gradation control means shown in Fig. 3, the pulse voltage value is varied while keeping the shutter open time constant, and the pulse voltage is used to obtain the amount of transmitted light corresponding to a certain density with good reproducibility, regardless of the driving state of adjacent pixels. The voltage value ■ is V = Vc (He) 10 V (He, HR, HL) - (
5). Here, V c: a pulse voltage value corresponding to the 1Ii9 tone level He V (He, Hh, Ht): a corrected pulse voltage value. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a recording pulse control section that controls the shutter open time shown in equation (4) above to obtain an amount of transmitted light corresponding to a certain density for a PLZT optical shutter array. In the figure, one column of recording data D, -Dn is stored in a line memory LM by a shift lock SCL output in synchronization with a recording cycle T. Guided by line memory ''LH
The output of o is directed to multiplexer MPXc. Also, the output of line memory LH0 is shifted by one dot, that is, D2 is the 2nd dot: here, D2 is the 3rd dot, Y here, and so on.
. . . D n-1 is combined with the n-th dot and inputted to the multiplexer MPX, and inputted to the multiplexer MPXL after being shifted one dot at a time in the opposite direction. Also multiplexer HPXC+, MPXRI,
Since the output of the n-ary counter CNT is connected to the selection input terminal of MPXL, the multiplexers MPXC and MP
The output of XRlMPXL is the data Hc of the recording data D(b) to be recorded corresponding to the count value 11 of the n-ary kahunta CNT, and the data H of the adjacent pixels R and L.
R1HL is shown. The calculation formula (4) is stored in the read-only memory IJROM, and the output signals He%HR and HL of the multiplexers MPX0 and MPX are connected to the address input of the read-only memory IJROM. From read-only memory + tR'oM, record data D(h) (
The pulse width T in equation 4) is output. This recording signal is connected to the optical shutter array via the drive circuit DRIVER. That is, the Pt51 diagram shows a CNT, a 1-ary counter as an adjacent information reference means that refers to the recorded information of adjacent pixels.
is the multiplexer MPXo1M connected to the selection acquisition terminal.
PX, , MPX2, read-only memory ROM and drive circuit DRI that make recording signals variable according to reference results
It is composed of a recording pulse control section consisting of a VER. The above embodiment is a circuit diagram of an embodiment in which the pulse width of the recording pulse is made variable according to the recording information of the recording pattern, and the influence from adjacent pixels is removed to impart gradation. Similarly, regarding a circuit in which the recording pulse voltage is varied according to the recording information of the recording pattern, the influence from adjacent pixels is removed, and gradation is imparted.
This can be carried out by storing the voltage value correction formula shown in equation (5) or by performing the correction process in the memory RO and outputting it to the voltage variable drive circuit DRIVER. In addition, the gradation control method and the influence correction method from adjacent pixels are separated, and for example, by varying the pulse width of the recording pulse on one hand and the voltage value of the recording pulse on the other, the intended amount of transmitted light can be obtained by both. You can also. Further, as a method for making the recording signal variable in accordance with the adjacent information reference means and the reference result, this can be done by making the frequency of the recording pulse variable or by making the duty ratio of the recording pulse variable. Note that the method of removing the influence of the driving state of adjacent pixels according to the present invention may be used in conjunction with other correction methods, such as those for eliminating the influence of previous history.

【Example】

First, an example of an optical shutter array will be described. For PLZT having the composition of the shaded region (I[l) in the phase diagram of the jllO diagram, 150 zX 2.0jzX
Cut out a thin piece in the shape of O04 scrap and polish its surface to make it transparent. Grooves are formed on both sides of this 0-order r'LZT plate using processing means such as ultrasonic processing. Figure 14 (a) by fusing thin metal pieces such as copper and nickel.
) Form an electrode pattern as shown in (). Next, PLZT
Place a polarizer and analyzer on the front and back sides of the thin plate and fix it. At this time, the direction of the electric field applied to the electrode gear 7b 22 and the polarization direction of the polarizer are fixed at an angle of 45°, and the polarizer and the analysis direction are fixed at an angle of 90". Commercially available products include Polaroid's IIN-32 and 11N-22.Here, it is desirable that the PLZT thin plate and the analyzer be in close contact with each other, and it is appropriate to bond them directly. In this embodiment, the width 23 of the window through which light passes is 120 μm.
l, the interelectrode pressure B24 is 60μ11, and the electrode width 25 is 60μ
Let it be l. In this case, the dot density is 8.3 per 1111
The maximum voltage (Vb) applied to the shutter electrode at the dot is approximately 30 µ. Next, an embodiment of an image recording apparatus using the above-mentioned optical shutter array will be described. FIG. 5 is a developed view showing the configuration of the first embodiment, which is an image printer that forms monochrome images on photographic paper. In the figure, 101 is a light source, 102 is a photoreceptor stretched around the drum circumference, and 103 is a slit 10 that transmits light from the light source 101.
The slit plate 106 is the above-mentioned optical shutter array having a plurality of optical shutter parts 10. Further, 109 converts the input image signal 108 into a control signal corresponding to the density level of each pixel on the image for each shutter section 107 of the optical shutter array 106 and outputs the control signal, and outputs the control signal according to the density level of each pixel on the image. This control section includes a circuit configuration that eliminates the influence of recorded information of adjacent pixels shown in FIG. 1 on the amount of transmitted light. Here, monochrome photographic paper with a gamma (γ) of 1.5 is used as the photoreceptor 102, and a fluorescent tube with an emission wavelength in the high sensitivity range of the photoreceptor 102 is used as the light source 101, so that fluctuations in light due to the power supply are avoided. Using a circuit similar to that of the original, the lights were kept on while printing. Further, each shutter section 107 of the optical shutter array 106 is structured so as to maintain a very close position in contact or non-contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 102. When the image signal 108 is input to the image printer having such a configuration, the control unit 109 calculates a control signal according to the density level of each m element on the image based on the image signal 108.
It performs correction to remove the influence of recorded information on adjacent pixels, and also generates a signal to specify the position of the image. The control signal output by the control unit 109 in 22 is based on the second control method shown in FIG. The amount of light transmitted through the shutter section 107 is controlled. A drum shaft with a photoreceptor 102 stretched around its circumferential surface is provided parallel to the optical shutter array 106, and when the control unit 109 controls the drum to rotate (sub-scan) in synchronization with the control signal, the photoreceptor (Photographic paper) Letters and ii on 102
! It is possible to record images such as ii images while expressing gradations with large contrast ratios in multiple stages for each pixel. In the first embodiment described above, the same effects can be obtained by the following partially modified configuration. FIG. 6 shows a light source portion that enters the optical shutter array 106a, in which light is guided from a light source 101a having a light emitting section similar to a point light source to each shutter section 107a of the optical shutter array 106a using an optical fiber 118. By using the optical fiber 118, a degree of freedom is obtained regarding the positional relationship between the light source portion and the optical shutter array. In FIG. 7, a focusing light transmitting body (for example, self-cleaning lens array, trade name) 119 is installed between the optical shutter array 106b and the photoreceptor 102b, and each shutter section 1 (not shown) is installed.
1oz photoreceptor without scattering the light emitted from the 0fb
The image is formed on the convergent light transmitting body 11
By providing 9, it becomes possible to arrange the photoreceptor 102b and the light shutter 7 with an appropriate distance from each other, and this eliminates the problem in the above embodiments, such as blurring of the optical image if the distance between them is not close. has been resolved. In this embodiment as well, the control unit 109b calculates a control signal according to the density level of each pixel on the image based on the image signal, and performs a correction calculation to remove the influence of recorded information of adjacent pixels, so that the control signal becomes light. The i@8 diagram shown next shows one type of image signal input to the control g109c, which is applied to the shutter array 106b, and attempts to record the image information on the original 131C on the photoreceptor as it is. This is an image information reading device used in the event. A thin linear portion 132c on the original 131C is reduced by an imaging lens 133C of an imaging system, and an image is formed on a solid-state imaging device (CCD) 134c. The solid-state imaging probe 134C used here is a line image sensor in which imaging elements of several micrometers are arranged in a row.
The image information of the linear portion 132c of c is the solid-state image sensor 134
c. Therefore, each element of the solid-state imaging cable 134C is set to correspond to each shutter part of the optical shutter array, and the original 131c is moved in the direction of the arrow in the figure at a speed corresponding to the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum (WIJ When scanning), the image information 108C of the document 131c read by the solid-state imaging element 134c is input to the control unit 109c and recorded on the photoreceptor. Image information 10 input in this form
8c is processed in a simple manner in the control unit 109c, including a correction calculation for removing the influence of the recorded information of the adjacent pixels. Next, as another embodiment of the present invention, a color video printer for hard copying a video signal onto photographic color stamp III paper will be described with reference to FIG. Prepare three optical shutter arrays as explained in the previous example,
Blue and green on the light incidence side of each light shutter array. Red (hereinafter, blue, green, and red may be expressed as Il, [;, R) filters 2268, 226G, and 226R are arranged, and behind them are a slit plate 203 and blue, green, and red filters, respectively. The light sources 201B and 2 are fluorescent tubes with main luminous areas.
Provided as 01G and 201R. Note that this light source may be a common incandescent lamp. On the other hand, a plurality of optical fibers 218 are connected to each of the shutters 206B, 206G, and 206R, and to the two parts 207B and 207 in order to guide light from the light exit port of the shutter 711 to the surface of the photoreceptor 202'7. The end of the optical 7 fiber 218 on the photoconductor side is arranged in a sheet-like arrangement 227 in three rows, and the photoconductor 202
Fix it as tightly as possible. As the photoreceptor 202, for example, 130z stomach x 180z
Use color-bottled photographic paper with a size of i and a ma of 1.5-2.0 and excellent gradation and color reproducibility. The control unit 209 controls input video image signals (B, G, R, 5 sync
The density levels of each color of blue, green, and red are calculated based on the NTSC) 208, and the three shutter arrays 206B, 206G, 206
Each shutter section 207B of R. The voltage level value is sequentially stored for each fin in the memory corresponding to the position of ZOfuG, 207R, and correction processing is performed in each shutter array 206B, 206 based on the recorded information of adjacent pixels for each of 206R. Furthermore, a signal for sub-scanning is generated based on the synchronization information included in the video image signal, and the photoreceptor 202 is sequentially sub-scanned by a certain amount in accordance with the signal, and the voltage stored in the memory is The level value is converted into a voltage value by a D converter, and each shutter section 2078.207G. The voltage is applied to the electrodes provided on the 207R one line at a time (in this way, after the exposure for the image is completed,
When the photoreceptor 202 completes the developing and fixing process, the image projected onto the cathode ray tube becomes a high-quality hard copy. In the above embodiment, the optical fibers 21B in the portion facing the photoconductor 202 are arranged in a three-column sheet-like arrangement 227, with one column each for blue, green, and red. When the optical fibers 218 emitted from the optical fibers 218 are bundled into sets of one blue fiber, one green fiber, and one swimmer fiber, and are arranged in a line so as to be in close contact with the photoreceptor 202, the image obtained on the photoreceptor 202 is Although there is a slight decrease in resolution, the control unit 209 can control the simultaneous exposure of three colors. Although the photoreceptor 202 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 uses color positive photographic paper, it is also possible to use color negative photographic paper, and in this case, the negative photographic paper is provided with a color filter suitable for exposure. However, the control section converts the image signal into a signal for negative photographic paper and outputs the signal to each shutter section, thereby making it possible to obtain a high-quality color hard copy similar to that of color positive photographic paper. Note that the correction term in equation (4) or equation (5) above also depends on the shape of the optical shutter array, and the degree of influence becomes smaller as the interval between each pixel becomes larger. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the influence can be reduced by making the element shape staggered and widening the distance between adjacent elements. However, the structure of the element-1 becomes complicated, and the image is formed by jagged lines due to main scanning, and as the value of 1/x increases on the diagram, the effect becomes thicker (and it becomes difficult to achieve high resolution.) [Effects of the Invention] ] The optical shutter array of the present invention has a large dynamic range for each shutter section, and is capable of controlling the gradation in multiple stages. Therefore, it has excellent gradation properties and resolution, and the gradation of adjacent pixels is excellent. A high-quality hard copy with excellent density reproducibility, in which the influence on recorded information is quickly removed, can be obtained.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a control section used in the present invention. FIGS. 2, 3, and f:tS4 are all examples of signals applied to the image recording apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram showing the second embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a phase diagram of PLZT, FIG. 11 is a 61 diagram of an optical shutter array used in the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the intensity of transmitted light of the optical shutter and the applied electric field. Figures 13(a), (b), and (c) show electrode patterns formed on the ceramic substrate, and Figures 14(a) and (b)
-(c) shows a cross-sectional view of a ceramic substrate on which electrodes are formed. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the recorded information reference range of adjacent pixels in the present invention, and FIG. fjS16 is a graph showing an example of the influence of previous history. *FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an optical shutter array provided in a staggered pattern. 1.101,201...Light source 2.102,202...Photoreceptor 3.103,203...Slit plate 4.104...Slit 6.106,206...Light shutter array 7.107
, 207... Optical shutter section 8.108, 208...
Image signal 9.109, 209--Control vc position (control unit) 11-
... Ceramic substrate 13 ... Polarizer 14 ... Analyzer 20 ... For driving? It pole 21... Earth electrode Fig. 2 Fig. 8 Fig. 9 Fig. 7 Fig. 6 Fig. 12 Fig. 14 Fig. 15 Fig. 17 Fig. 16

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) It has a PLZT optical shutter array consisting of a light source, a recording material, and a large number of light modulating pixels installed between them, and modulates the light for each pixel to record image information on the recording material. An image recording device, characterized in that an adjacent information reference means for referring to recorded information of adjacent pixels, and a recording signal control section for varying a recording signal in accordance with the reference result are connected to an optical shutter array. . (2) The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the voltage value of the recording pulse is made variable as a method of making the recording signal variable in accordance with the reference result. (3) The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the recording pulse application time is made variable as a method of making the recording signal variable in accordance with the reference result. (4) The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the frequency of the recording pulse is made variable as a method of making the recording signal variable in accordance with the reference result. (5) The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the duty factor of the recording pulse is made variable as a method of making the recording signal variable in accordance with the reference result.