Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
  • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
  • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
  • G03G15/04—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material
  • G03G15/04027—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material and forming half-tone image

Definitions

• the present invention relates to electro ⁇ photographic reproduction apparatus and methods and, more specifically, to the improved reproduction of originals having both continuous-tone (e.g. pictorials) and other content (e.g. uniform back ⁇ ground and/or line-type.
• continuous-tone e.g. pictorials
• other content e.g. uniform back ⁇ ground and/or line-type.
• the original may be imaged through a halftone screen onto a preassigned image frame area of an electrostatically charged photoconductive member and the resulting latent image developed with electroscopic toners which are then transferred to a copy sheet.
• the pictorial image may only form a portion of the frame area of the photoconductive member, electrostatic charge on the areas of the frame outside the pictorial area (hereinafter referred to as "background” areas) will not be reduced sufficiently to prevent some development from occurring there as well and the resulting copy sheets will appear to have background areas surrounding the pictorial areas which have objectionable density known as "mottling" rather than being “substantially clean.”
• line-type information such as alpha- numerics, etc. is to be reproduced in the background areas, it is desirable that this image information not be modulated by the halftone screen during the imaging process.
• the aforesaid patent teaches the use of the mounting of one or more continuous tone originals to be reproduced on a transparent support.
• a first light source positioned in front of the originals is used to illuminate them so that reflected light therefrom, after modulation by a halftone screen, ma y be imaged oh a frame of the photoconductive member.
• the background areas of the reproduction are to have say line-type information
• the aforesaid patent teaches that a second exposure station is to be provided and the line-type information printed on a separate light reflective support. Light-absorbing masks are also mounted on this support in areas corresponding to the continuous-tone originals. After exposure of the frame to the original using illumination from the first light source, the frame is moved to the second exposure station where the frame is exposed to light reflected from the reflective portions of the second support. This has the effect of reducing the levels of charge only in the background areas of the frame except where the line-type information is to be reproduced.
• the reproduction thus formed using such an apparatus has background areas that are substantially clean with line-type information not 5 modulated by a half-tone screen.
• an object of the * 5 invention to provide an electrophotographic reproduction apparatus and method for producing reproductions from originals having both continuous tone and other content and to provide such reproductions without the disadvantages of the 0 apparatus and methods of the prior art. but yet providing such reproductions with the improved contrast obtainable through screening of the continuous tone information of the original, without compromising the image quality of line-type content 5 of the same original.
• an apparatus and method for electro- photographically producing a reproduction having a 0 half-tone screened image area on a portion of the area thereof by providing signals related to the position of an image area to be screened relative to a reference element; and in response to the signals, means independent of the imaging light source, forms 5 an electrostatic latent halftone pattern on a portion of an image frame area of the photoconductive member which is to form the reproduction of the half-tone screened image area without the reproducing of a screen pattern in other areas of the image frame.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of electrophotographic apparatus for practice of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic front elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and showing the general arrangement of electrophotographic reproduction apparatus that is in accordance with the invention.
• FIGS. 3a and 3b are schematic illustrations in cross-section of some of the elements forming a multi-layered photoconductive member for use in the apparatus of FIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating a data input station and block diagrams of controls for controlling the apparatus shown in FIG. 2.
• FIG. 5 is a flow chart indicating a series of steps used in the method of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the operating elements of a multicolor electrophotographic reproduction apparatus for practice of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a schematic front elevational ⁇ iew of another embodiment of electrophotographic reproduction apparatus for practice of the present .nvention.
• FIG. 8 is a schematic illustrating a data input station and block diagrams of controls for controlling the apparatus shown in FIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic front elevational view of a portion of another embodiment of electrophotographic reproduction apparatus for practice of the present invention.
• an electrophotographic reproduction apparatus 1 includes a photoconductive web 5 that is trained about six .transport rollers 10, 11. 12, 13, 14 and 15. thereby forming an endless or continuous web.
• Roller 10 is coupled to a drive motor M in a conventional manner.
• Motor M is connected to a source of potential V when a switch SW is closed by a logic and control unit (LCU) 31.
• LCU logic and control unit
• the roller 10 is driven by the motor M and moves the web 5 in clockwise direction as indicated by arrow A. This movement causes suc ⁇ cessive image area of the web 5 to sequentially pass a series of electrophotographic work stations of the copier.
• a charging station 17 is provided at which the photoconductive surface 9 of the web 5 is sensitized by applying to such surface a uniform electrostatic primary charge of a predetermined voltage.
• the station 17 includes an A.C.corona ' charger shown as a three wire A.C. charger.
• the output of the charger is controlled by a grid 17a connected to a programmable power supply 17b.
• the supply 17b is in turn controlled by the LCU 31 to adjust the voltage level Vo applied onto the surface 9 by the charger 17.
• a light image of a document sheet S. supported on transparent platen 2. is projected by mirrors 6. 8 and lens 7 onto the photoconductive surface 9 of the web 5. While the apparatus will be described with respect to reflection exposure of the original document sheet onto the photoconductive surface, the use of transmission exposures of an original is also contemplated by the invention.
• the projected image dissipates the electrostatic ctiarge at the light exposed areas of the photoconductive surface 9 and forms a latent electrostatic image.
• a programmable power supply 18a. under the supervision of the LCU 31. controls the intensity or duration of light from flash lamps 3 and 4 to adjust the exposure level E incident upon the web 5.
• a development station 19 includes developer which may consist of iron carrier particles and electroscopic toner particles with an electrostatic charge opposite to that of the latent electrostatic image. Developer is brushed over the photoconductive surface 9 of the web 5 and toner particles adhere to the latent electrostatic image to form a visible toner particle, transferable image.
• the development station may be of the magnetic brush type with one or two rollers.
• the apparatus 1 also includes a transfer station shown as a corona charger 21 at which the toner image on web 5 is transferred to a copy sheet 5 S'; and a cleaning station 25. at which the photoconductive surface 9 of the web 5 is cleaned of any residual toner particles remaining after the toner images have been transferred.
• a transfer station shown as a corona charger 21 at which the toner image on web 5 is transferred to a copy sheet 5 S'
• a cleaning station 25 at which the photoconductive surface 9 of the web 5 is cleaned of any residual toner particles remaining after the toner images have been transferred.
• a copy sheet S * is fed from a supply 23 to continuously driven rollers 20. 5 (only one of which is shown) which then urge the sheet against a rotating registration finger 29 of a copy sheet registration mechanism 22 and the sheet buckles.
• the finger 29 rotates free of the sheet, the driving action of the rollers 20 and Q release of the sheet buckle cause the copy sheet to move forward onto the web 5 in alignment with a toner image at the transfer station 21.
• the web has a plurality of perforations along one of its edges. These perforations generally are spaced equidistantly along the edge of the web 5.
• the web 5 may be divided into six image 0 areas by F perforations; and each image area may be subdivided into 51 sections by C perforations.
• the relationship of the F and C perforations to the image areas is disclosed in detail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3.914,047. filed in the name c of Hunt. Jr. et al and issued October 21. 1975.
• suitable means 30 for sensing web perforations.
• This sensing produces input signals into the LCU 31 which has a digital computer, preferably a microprocessor.
• the microprocessor has a stored program responsive to the input signals for sequentially actuating then de-actuating the work stations as well as for controlling the operation of many other machine functions as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,914.047. Additional encoding means may be provided as known in the art for providing more precise timing signals for control of the various functions of the apparatus 1.
• FIG. 4 a block diagram of logic and control unit (LCU) 31 is shown which interfaces "with the apparatus 1 and a document feeding apparatus 50 that includes known recirculating feeder and document positioner means. Details of a known document feeding apparatus may be found, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,451,137, issued May 29, 1984 in the name of Farley.
• Leads from feeding apparatus 50 provide inputs to and receive outputs from LCU 31 to synchronize the operation of the feeding apparatus.
• the LCU 31 consists of temporary data storage memory 32, central processing unit 33, timing and cycle control unit 34. and stored program control 36. Data input and output is performed sequentially under program control. Input data are applied either through input signal buffers 40 to a input data processor 42 or to interrupt signal processor 44. The input signals are derived from various switches, sensors, and analog-to- digital converters. The output data and control signals are applied to storage latches 46 which provide inputs to suitable output drivers 48, directly coupled to leads. These leads are connected to the various work stations, mechanisms and controlled components associated with the apparatus. An electrical power supply 84 is provided to power the LCU 31.
• FIG. 4 Also shown in FIG. 4 is an operator control panel CP and a digitizing tablet 52 upon which is placed document sheet S.
• - Document sheet S includes continuous tone pictorial information (or more generally - information to be reproduced with the selective screening process described herein) in areas P.. P_ thereof and line-type information LT (such as alphanumerics. or generally information not to be reproduced with the selective screening process described herein) in the background areas.
• a corner of the document sheet is registered in one corner of the digitizing tablet to establish a coordinate reference system for inputting information into temporary memory 32 regarding the location of the areas containing the continuous tone pictorial information.
• a keyboard 55 is provided on the operator control panel and connected to interrupt signal processor 44.
• the starred (*) button thereof is used in conjunction with a numerical code inputted by the operator through depression of particular numerical buttons on the keyboard.
• a program stored in stored program control 36 is called up and through a CRT or other display 53 (FIG. 1) requests that the operator indicate with use of keyboard 55 the position of the sheet S in the document stack to be reproduced and also indicate with use of a conventional wand 54 associated, with the digitizing tablet the position relative to the registered corner of the document sheet of the continuous tone areas to be selectively screened.
• the wand may be used to touch the sheet at the four corner points of this area.
• the points are touched in an order such that a straight line joins adjacent points as in the order a.b.c. and d to define a rectangle.
• the computer control for the digitizing tablet may also be programmed to accept inputs of area data to define other geometrical shapes such as circles.
• Transducers located beneath the sheet produce signals relating the position of the points touched relative to the registered upper right corner of the sheet.
• the tablet may be of the known sonic type wherein a spark formed by a wand creates sound waves in the air which are sensed by microphones placed along the sides of the tablet or wherein a sensor is placed in the wand and sources at known points on the sides of the tablet emit sonic signals (see. for example.
• a digitizer controller 56 knowing the times of emitting of the signals and their receipt can through triangulation principles calculate the location of a point on the platen relative to a known point such as the upper-left corner shown.
• the controller 56 for the digitizing tablet is programmed to recognize that the area is bordered by the straight lines joining adjacent points a.b. ⁇ and d and the coordinates for the area to be selectively screened can be thus calculated and communicated through interrupt signal processor 40 to be stored in temporary memory 32. This information is outputted on the display 53 showing the area to be screened.
• the coordinates for the points a. b. c and d would be x., y.; x .
• the computer control for the digitizer may be programmed to permit entry of data regarding document size, either through buttons pressed on the keyboard or by allowing the operator to input this information by touching corner points e and f on the digitizing tablet.
• the size of the document sheet may be stored in the stored program control memory 36.
• a screen exposure knob 59 which provides a means of adjusting the level of screen exposure for the particular area identified for screening.
• the store button is pressed to retain this information in memory in conjunction with this particular document sheet as identified by its position in the document stack to be reproduced.
• Inputs from each of the buttons and 5 knob provide digital level signals to the interrupt signal processor 44 for storage in the LCU's temporary memory 32.
• the operator moves the wand over the 0 points designating this area on the document sheet S, i.e.. points -g. h. i and j.
• the operator also adjusts the screen exposure knob 59 for this area to that which is desired and which need not be the same as indicated for areas a.b.c and d.
• This 5 information is also stored and displayed on the display by pressing the store button 60.
• the digitizing tablet is preferably so arranged that the edge or corner registered with the tablet is the same edge or corner which will be o reproduced as the leading edge on the photoconducto .
• This is advantageous in that it will simplify calculation of the location of the area to be screened from the reference edge without the need for format input.
• 5 the document is flipped over with the top edge at the bottom when located on the exposure platen 2 when being reproduced and thus the left edge of the document sheet S as shown in FIG. 4 will be reproduced as the lead edge on the photoconductor.
• Suitable logic or computing means may be provided on the digitizer or LCU 31 to translate the data points determined during the digitizing step for a plane or axes X. Y in the plane of the digitizing tablet to
• the copier may be programmed so that it can be operated to produce copies for a different job.
• the photoconductive web 5 comprises a transparent support 70, a halftone screen 71, a conductive layer 72, and a photoconductive layer 73.
• U.S. Patent No. 4,294,536 filed in the name of Paxton and issued October 13, 1981.
• image exposure is effected by flash lamps 3 and 4. which form a latent 0 electrostatic image of the document sheet on the web. Formation of a plurality of charge islands within the latent electrostatic image is effected by a second exposure through the rear of the web and through the integral halftone screen formed in the 5 web. This rear exposure may be carried out prior to. simultaneous with, or after image exposure of the photoconductor, the only requirement being that this rear exposure be carried out after charging by charger 17 and prior to development.
• a light source 80 for illuminating the screen from the rear of the web.
• the light source 80 comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) 81.
• Optical fibers 82 are associated with each of the LED's for directing light from the LED's to a conventional gradient index lens array (GRIN) 86.
• GRIN gradient index lens array
• SELFOC trademark of Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
• the GRIN 86 focuses the light from the output ends of the fibers onto the rear of the web.
• a linear array of LED's may be located proximate the web to expose the web either directly or through a
• the LCU calculates which of the LED's to illuminate and the duration for such exposure.
• the portions of the GRIN between the ordinates y",. y", and y" 3 . Y" * > respectively, on the Y" axis of the linear GRIN correspond to their respective counterparts on the original document and to their respective ordinate counterparts y'-,. Y ' 2 and Y l 3 • Y on ttle Y ' axis of the image frame.
• These ordinate pairs each define a transverse line past which a . respective latent electrostatic continuous tone image area on the photoconductor will pass.
• the GRIN 86 When this continuous tone area begins to pass directly below (see FIG. 2) the GRIN 86. the appropriate LED's are illuminated by the LCU.
• the parameters for determining the 5 timing of when to commence illumination and when to terminate illumination of the respective LED's are provided by the abscissa pairs "• ' -, . x' 2 and x' , x' 4 . of the image frame respectively.
• the portion of the image frame 0 corresponding to the transverse line x' as determined by signals provided by the LCU. underlies the linear GRIN array the LED's providing illumination between y" and y" commence to be illuminated. This illumination lasts until the * 5 transverse line x' (also determined by the LCU) passes by the GRIN.
• a similar logical arrangement is provided for exposing the screen onto the area of the frame between the abscissas x' , x' using illumination between points y" and y" on the 0 GRIN.
• LED's as an illumination source, it is not necessary that, during a period of their being illuminated for exposing the screen onto the charged photoconductive * 5 layer, the LED's be continuously illuminated.
• each LED can have the respective electrical- current thereto pulse-width modulated for a predetermined short period of time so in essence the illumination from each LED comprises a rapid series of flashes.
• the pulse width time or other parameter of each pulse for each LED can be individually tailored so that the LED's provide substantially equal light or a balanced output during each "flash.”
• the operator by use of the screen *5 exposure knob 59, has the ability to change the level of exposure of the screen by the LED's for a respective continuous tone area the LCU can accomplish this by varying the pulse-widths for each LED accordingly or by altering other parameters such as the pulse repetition rate of the LED or changing the level of current to the LED above or below its predetermined balanced output level.
• a latent electrostatic image of the screen incorporated within the photoconductive web is imaged upon the charged web substantially only in the area of the image frame upon which the continuous tone image is to appear and, importantly, no screened exposure is provided where noncontinuous tone information is to be provided outside of this area.
• the operator determines the desired overall exposure level for the document and for each of the areas to be screened.
• the parameters used for making the last test exposure may be assumed to be the desired exposure pa ⁇ ameters for reproducing and selectively screening the document sheet.
• This data together with the position of document sheet S in a stack of document sheets to be reproduced can be stored in the LCU's temporary memory 32 by pressing the SELECT PRINT button 66.
• Alternative means may be provided for inputting the desired parameters without making a test copy to input this information through the interrupt signal processor 44 to store the settings in temporary memory 32.
• Other document sheets that are to receive special exposure considerations are processed by the operator in a manner similar to that described for document sheet S. Thereafter, the document sheets are placed in their appropriate place in the stack and the stack placed on the tray 92 of recirculating feeder 50.
• Knob 59 is returned to its normal setting (normal for knob 59 being a "NO SCREEN" position) and the SPECIAL PRINT button 64 and NORMAL COPY button 61 are depressed.
• the feeder 90 feeds the document sheets one at a time to the exposure platen where they are appropriately registered.
• the document sheets for which no special instructions have been provided to the LCU are exposed and copied using normal exposure parameters and without illumination of the screen and returned to the top of the stack.
• the LCU 31 counts the number of document sheets delivered to the platen based on signals provided by a microswitch (not shown) positioned adjacent to feed rollers 93 located near the tray 92. When a document sheet passes this position, the switch is closed and applies a signal to the LCU. Further details of this feeder may be noted in U.S. Patent 4.451,137 to Farley.
• the exposure is accomplished using the data stored in temporary memory 32.
• FIG. 6 a four color multicolor electrophotographic reproduction apparatus is shown.
• the apparatus 100 includes a closed loop, flexible image transfer member, or photoconductive web 112.
• the web 112 which may be of the type described in FIG. 3a is supported on rollers 114a - ll4h.
• the rollers are mounted on the copier frame (not shown) with one of the rollers, for example roller 114b, rotatively driven by a motor 116 to effect continuous movement of the web 112 in a clockwise direction about its closed loop path.
• the web has a plurality of sequentially spaced. non-overlapping image areas which pass successively through electrophotographic processing stations (charge, expose, develop, transfer, clean) located about the path of the web.
• the web also includes timing marks (or regularly spaced perforations) which are sensed by appropriate means, such as timing signal generator 117 to produce timing signals. Such signals are sent to a computer controlled logic and control unit 131.
• the LCU 131 controls the entire electrophotographic process based on the instantaneous location of the web in the travel path.
• An encoder 118 associated with the roller drive motor 116 also produces timing signals for the LCU. The signals from the encoder cause the LCU to fine tune the process timing.
• the LCU 131 has a digital computer, and preferably one or more microprocessors.
• the computer has a stored program responsive to the input signals for sequentially actuating, then de-actuating the work stations as well as for controlling the operation of many other machine functions.
• a multicolored original document sheet S to be reproduced is placed, image side down, on a transparent glass platen 120 supported by the copier frame.
• Exposure lamps 122 such as xenon flash tubes, are located beneath the platen 120 within the frame. The lamps flood the document sheet with light and a reflected image of the document sheet is transmitted via mirror 124, lens 126, and mirror 128 in focus to an area 130 lying in the plane of the web 112.
• the original document could, of course, be a transparency illuminated from the back side thereof.
• the document sheet S is illuminated, for example, four times in succession to form four separate electrostatic latent images of the document. On successive illuminations a red filter 132R. a green filter 132G.
• a blue filter 132B is inserted into the light path to form color separation images at the area 130.
• a fourth filter comprising a neutral density filter 132N for providing what is known as a skeletal black image is inserted during a fourth exposure of the original.
• the timing of the flash of lamps 122 and the insertion of the colored filters are controlled by the LCU and related to the travel of the web 112 to expose adjacent, nonoverlapping areas of the web to the color separation images and the skeletal black image.
• One or more corona charging units exemplified by corona charger 134, is located upstream of the exposure area 130, and applies a uniform primary electrostatic charge, of say negative polarity, to the web 112 as it passes the charger and before it enters the exposure area.
• the photoconductive properties of the web cause the uniform charge in the .exposed areas of the web to be discharged in that portion struck by the exposure light. This forms latent i agewise charge patterns on the web in the exposed areas corresponding to the respective black and color separation images. Travel of the web then brings the areas bearing the latent images into a development area 136.
• the development area has a plurality of magnetic brush development stations, corresponding to the number of formed black and color separation images, in juxta- position to. but spaced from, the travel path of the web.
• the color separation images are red, green and blue and a skeletal black image is also to be provided, there are four development stations respectively containing complementary colored toner particles, i.e., cyan particles in station 136C, magenta particles in station 136M, yellow particles in station 136Y, and black particles in station 136B.
• Backup rollers 138C. 138M. 138Y. and 138B. located on the opposite side of web 112 from the ' development area, are associated with respective developer stations 136C, 136M, 136Y and 136B.
• Actuators 140C. 140M. 140Y and 140B selectively move respective backup rollers into contact with the web 112 to deflect the web from its travel path into operative engagement with respective magnetic brushes.
• the charged toner particles of the engaged magnetic brush are attracted to the oppositely charged latent imagewise pattern to develop the pattern.
• the logic and control unit 131 selectively activates the actuators in relation to the passage of the image areas containing corresponding latent color separation images through the development area 136. That is, as the area containing the latent red color separation image reaches the development station 136C, actuator 140C moves the backup roller 138C to deflect the web so that the latent charge image is developed by attracting cyan toner particles from the station 136C. As soon as the image area leaves the effective development area of the station 136C. the actuator 140C returns the backup roller 138C to its nondeflecting position.
• the developer station 136C no development takes place.
• a similar cycle is accomplished by the logic and control unit 131 for the developer stations 136M. 136Y and 136B.
• the red latent color separation image is developed only with cyan toner particles
• the green latent color separation image is developed only with magenta toner particles
• the blue latent color separation image is developed only with yellow toner particles
• the neutral density latent image is developed only with black toner.
• the receiver sheet is then stripped from the photoconductor by a rotating vacuum roller 123 which in accordance with signals from the LCU accurately registers the copy sheet in superimposed relationship with the next successive image frame on the photoconductor. This operation is repeated at successive transfer stations designated by prime superscripts until all four developed images are transferred to the receiver sheet.
• the receiver sheet is detacked from the web and moved along a path away from the web by a sheet transport apparatus such as. for example, a vacuum transport 160.
• the vacuum transport 160 delivers the sheet to a fixing ap- paratus. such as roller fuser 162.
• the transferred images are then fixed or fused onto the sheet and the sheet is then delivered to exit hopper 164. While the image is being fixed to the receiver sheet, the web 112 continues to travel about its path and proceeds through a cleaning area 166.
• a corona charging station 170 and a rear erase lamp 171 may be located upstream of the cleaning unit 166 to neutralize any charge remaining on the web and thus reduce the adherence forces of the toner to the web.
• the document sheet S is placed face up on a digitizing tablet 52 and registered against an appropriate corner (or centered relative to a predetermined edge) as shown In FIGS. 1 and 4.
• the digitizing tablet is used to identify document size and location of the continuous tone areas relative to say a corner of the document sheet.
• This information is stored in the LCU 131 and used to illuminate selected LED's similar to that described and shown in FIG. 4 to illuminate a transverse linear GRIN array 186 via optical fibers 182 which convey illumination from the LED's to the GRIN array.
• the LED's are used to image the screen on each of the four frames used to make the reproduction and only in the areas of each image frame upon which the continuous tone image is to appear.
• the integral screen photo- conductor used may have the dot pattern that is printed therein rotated on adjacent frames so as to avoid moire patterns.
• electrophotographic reproduction apparatus having the ability to selectively screen only those portions of a copy sheet which reproduce images from continuous tone originals while other portions of the document sheet are not reproduced by exposure through a screen.
• a duplex type of electrophotographic reproduction apparatus may be provided for handling duplex originals and providing special exposure as described above for such originals.
• variable aperture arrays such as mechanically moveable masks or alternatively electrically actuated masks such as PLZT arrays used to control screen illumination.
• PLZT is an abbreviation for a lead lanthanum zirconate titanate electro-optical material whose optical properties can be changed by an electric field.
• Programmable electroluminescent light panels which may be selectively illuminated may also be used and do not require a separate light source.
• Illuminating panels or aperture arrays need not be linear, but can be areal and cover the area of the frame so that as a respective frame of the photoconductive web underlies the panel array, illumination may be then selectively provided, as in a flash type exposure, of only the area of the screen that overlies the area of the photoconductor where the continuous tone information is or was imaged.
• LED's providing light outputs that are substantially of green color may be used in combination with an integral screen in the photoconductive web that is of a complementary color (magenta) to make non-illuminated and therefore non-discharged patterns which can be developed as halftone patterns in the pictorial areas.
• a red light emitting diode may be used with a screen that is formed of a cyan colored ink to provide the half tone spots or lines.
• An interesting feature of some LED's emitting green colored light is that they are known (see U.S. Patent 4.538.900 to Lutus et al, issued September 3, 1985), when providing a different level of drive current thereto, to change spectral content such as to- red.
• the red colored light content of the LED's may be used to image a screen pattern on the electrostatic charge on the photoconductor in accordance with the requirements of the areas requiring selective screening.
• the current level to the LED's may be adjusted to provide light outputs in the green color.
• Green color light is absorbed substantially less by the cyan dots compared with red colored light and thus the cyan colored screen is substantially transparent to light of green color.
• Control programs are known for illuminating a linear light source lying transverse to the direction of movement of a photoconductor for providing selective erase of charge from interframe and edge areas in accordance with encoded signals to the LCU determining the timing for illuminating a light source at say when the interframe area is positioned to be exposed to the light from the light source.
• An apparatus thus providing currents to selected LED's at levels suitable for generating light of a color to which the screen is transparent, for providing selective erase, and providing different currents to the LED's for generating light of a color to which the screen is not transparent, for providing selective screening, allows for the elimination of the need for an additional light source to provide the erase function.
• the invention is not limited to the use of a photoconductor with an integral screen.
• the screen may be separate from the photoconductor and when it is so, may be positioned adjacent the surface of the photoconductor that is to be developed.
• the screen When the screen is separate from the photoconductor (see FIG. 3b wherein a prime (') is used to designate similar parts to that shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 4) it may be moved into and out of position in accordance with the requirements of screening and selective erase. For example, when interframe areas are to be erased, the screen may be moved out of its blocking position or moved to a defocus position and the LED's illuminated to erase substantially all the charge in the interframe area.
• the signals from the LCU 31 may be provided to, for example, rotate the screen into its exposure position (or blocking position) so that illumination from selected LED's exposes the screen at appropriate areas of the frame as described herein.
• a solenoid operated mechanism 88 well known in the art may be provided for moving the screen in and out of its exposure position in response to signals from the LCU 31.
• interframe relates to an area on the photoconductor surface between adjacent complete image frames.
• a document may be copied by having the operator place it directly on the exposure platen.
• a digitizing tablet may be incorporated on or by the exposure platen itself.
• a cover for the exposure platen used to shield the operator from light from the exposure platen may also have incorporated therein a digitizing tablet.
• the document may be placed face-up on the underside of the platen cover and its format and areas of continuous tone information determined using the ' digitizer incorporated within the cover. As the cover is closed onto the platen, the document sheet held by the cover by vacuum or tackiness on the cover now is face down on the exposure platen and in position for exposure.
• the image may be scanned upon the electrostatically charged photoconductor and may be imaged thereon using either a scanning reflection or transmission exposure of the original or using light which has been electronically generated from say a bit stream.
• segments of the original c are scanned by a light source and the light modulated by the document is imaged upon the photoconductor.
• the information contents of a document are digitized into electrical signals by a suitable electronic image "reading"
• the advantage to this is in providing simpler controls to the laser or LED array that is used to expose the photoconductor with image information. While a separate light source for exposing the screen is suggested, it is also
• a laser beam can in one orientation of a mirror arrangement expose a
• the laser can be used to expose the photoconductive surface directly with a signal modulated with image information of both the continuous tone and line-type information.
• the invention in its broader aspects also contemplates a selective screening method and apparatusfor reproducing a composite original document formed of a continuous tone information and line-type information by the steps of (a) forming a halftone pattern screen image on an entire image frame (b) imaging the entire document on the image frame (c) erasing selectively the areas of charge outside the continuous tone information areas via signals indicating the locations to be erased (d) imaging the entire document on a second image frame (e) erasing selectively the areas of charge representing the continuous tone information, and (f) transferring the two images in register onto the same surface of a copy sheet to form a reproduction.
• an integral screen photoconductor is used as described herein, however.
• a linear electrolum ⁇ inescent light panel is positioned proximate the web transverse to the direction of web travel.
• the panel would essentially take the place of the LED's 81, optical fibers 82 and GRIN 86.
• the electro- luminescent panel when energized would be used to illuminate the screen pattern over an entire image frame.
• a linear LED array or GRIN array receiving light from selectively illuminated LED's may then be positioned facing the opposite surface of the web to selectively erase charge in accordance with signals provided via digitizing of the location of the continuous tone areas.
• the invention is also useful in an electrophotographic reproduction apparatus as illustrated in FIG's. 7-8.
• a method and apparatus are disclosed for reproducing a composite original document formed of continuous tone information and line-type information wherein the contents of the original are scanned automatically to determine the location(s) of continuous tone areas on the original document.
• an electrophotographic reproduction apparatus 201 includes a photoconductive web 205 that is trained about six transport rollers 210, 211, 212, 213, 214 and 215. thereby forming an endless or continuous web.
• Roller 210 is coupled to a drive motor M in a conventional manner.
• Motor M is connected to a source of potential V when a switch SW is closed by a logic and control unit (LCU) 231.
• LCU logic and control unit
• the roller 210 is driven by the motor M and moves the web 205 in clockwise direction as indicated by arrow A. This movement causes successive image area of the web 205 to sequentially pass a series of electrophotographic work stations of the copier.
• a charging station 217 is provided at which the photoconductive surface 209 of the web 20.5 is sensitized by applying to such surface a uniform electrostatic charge of a predetermined voltage.
• the station 217 includes an A.C.corona charger shown as a three wire A.C. charger.
• the output of the charger is controlled by a grid 217a connected to a programmable power supply 217b.
• the supply 217b is in turn controlled by the LCU 231 to adjust the primary voltage level Vo applied onto the surface 209 by the charger 17.
• a light image of a document sheet S, supported on transparent platen 202. is projected by mirrors 206. 208 and lens 207 onto the photoconductive surface 209 of the web 205. While the apparatus will be described with - ⁇ respect to reflection exposure of the original document sheet onto the photoconductive surface, the use of transmission exposures of an original is also contemplated by the invention.
• the projected image dissipates the electrostatic charge at the light exposed areas of the photoconductive surface 209 and forms a latent electrostatic image.
• a programmable power supply 218a. under the supervision of the LCU 231. controls the intensity or duration of light from lamps 203 and 204 to adjust the exposure level E incident upon the web 205.
• a development station 219 includes developer which may consist of iron carrier particles and electroscopic toner particles with an electrostatic charge opposite to that of the latent electrostatic image. Developer is brusned over the photoconductive surface 209 of the web 205 and toner particles adhere to the latent electrostatic image to form a visible toner particle, transferable image.
• the development station may be of the magnetic brush type with one or two rollers.
• the apparatus 201 also includes a transfer station shown as a corona charger 221 at which the toner image on web 205 is transferred to a copy sheet S'; and a cleaning station 225. at which t-he photoconductive surface 209 of the web 205 is cleaned of any residual toner particles remaining after the toner images have been transferred.
• a transfer station shown as a corona charger 221 at which the toner image on web 205 is transferred to a copy sheet S'
• a cleaning station 225. at which t-he photoconductive surface 209 of the web 205 is cleaned of any residual toner particles remaining after the toner images have been transferred.
• the web has a plurality of perforations along one of its edges. These perforations generally are spaced equidistantly along the edge of the web 205.
• the web 205 may be divided into six image areas by F perforations; and each image area may be subdivided into 51 sections by C perforations.
• suitable encoder means 230 for sensing web perforations. This sensing produces input signals into the LCU 231 which has a digital computer, preferably a microprocessor.
• the microprocessor has a stored program responsive to the input signals for sequentially actuating then de-actuating the work stations as well as for controlling the operation of many other machine functions. Additional encoding means may be provided as known in the art for providing more precise timing signals for control of the various functions of the apparatus 201.
• LCU 231 logic and control unit 231 which interfaces with the apparatus 201 and a document feeding apparatus 250 that includes known recirculating feeder and document positioner means. Leads from feeding apparatus 250 provide inputs to and receive outputs from LCU 231 to synchronize the operation of the feeding apparatus.
• the LCU 231 consists of temporary data storage memory 232, central processing unit 233, timing and cycle control unit 234. and stored program control 236. Data input and output is performed sequentially under program control. Input data are applied • either through input signal buffers 240 to a input data processor 242 or to interrupt signal processor 244. The input signals are derived from various switches, sensors, and analog-to-digital converters.
• the output data and control signals are applied to storage latches 246 which provide inputs to suitable output drivers 248, directly coupled to leads. These leads are connected to the various work stations, mechanisms and controlled components associated with the apparatus.
• An electrical power supply 284 is provided to power the LCU 231.
• mirror 208 is a beam splitter which allows a portion of the image of the document sheet to be imaged upon a full frame image sensor 270 which may be a vidicon camera or more preferably a CCD image sensor.
• the document sheet S when located face down on the platen 202, has an edge centered or a corner registered along a corresponding registration edge or corner of the platen.
• the image of the document as sensed by sensor 270 thus will have a registered relationship to the document and the image exposed upon an image frame area of the photoconductor.
• the original document sheet S may be composed of continuous tone images, low or high frequency halftone images and/or line-type such as alphanumeric information, etc.
• a continuous tone image comprises an unscreened image, typically a photograph.
• the signals from the portion of the sensor 270 which detects this type of image correspond to voltage values of pixels representative of the grey levels making up the picture.
• a halftone image typically a picture or scene, is one which has been reproduced through a screening process. Halftone images comprise patterns of discrete dots.
• a stream of signals corresponding to the image pixels is fed out of the sensor 270 to a buffer 270a.
• the image signals may then be fed serially to an image processor 271 (see FIG. 8).
• Image processor 271 examines the pixel signals on a block by-block basis wherein each block comprises one or more pixels.
• the image processor may comprise an autocorrelator 271a that is capable of distinguishing high frequency halftone infor- mation from other types of information.
• a dis ⁇ criminator 271b is also provided for discriminating between line-type and low frequency screened half ⁇ tone information on the one hand and continuous tone information on the other.
• the outputs of the auto- correlator and discriminator are used to set a switch 271c or logic device which provides a signal for storage in a bit map 271d that identifies the pixel under consideration as being part of an area of either continuous tone information or other type of information (line-type or screened information).
• Image processors for distinguishing between this type of information are well known and disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No.
• the locations of the bits of continuous tone information and non-continuous tone information are thus stored in the bit map in image processor 271.
• the bit map need not store the grey scale value of signal information, but only the factor that the information at a particular location in the bit map is of continuous tone information or non-continuous tone information.
• This information is fed to interrupt signal processor 244 associated with LCU 231.
• the LCU is programmed by stored program control 236 to enable a bank of light- emitting diodes (LED's) for illuminating the screen from the rear of the photoconductive web illustrated in FIG. 3a. as will be described.
• LED's light- emitting diodes
• image exposure is effected by flash lamps 203 and 204. which forms a latent electrostatic image of the document sheet on the web. Formation of a plurality of charge islands within the latent electrostatic image is effected by a second exposure through the rear of the web and through the integral halftone screen formed in the web. This rear exposure may be carried out prior to. simultaneous with, or after image exposure of the photoconductor. the only requirement being that this rear exposure be carried out after charging by charger 217 and prior to development.
• the LED bank can only be located before the exposure station when a preflash (preliminary flash) from sources 203, 204 is used to illuminate the document.
• this preflash may also be used to provide the image exposure information to be read by the image sensor 270.
• the advantage of using this preflash is that extra time is provided for the image signal proces ⁇ sor to process the data to determine the areas of the next image frame on the photoconductor that are to be selectively screened for the first exposure of that document sheet. Succeeding exposures of the same document sheet for producing additional copies need not be preflashed for interframe erase, nor is there a need for the image sensor 270 to be operative. It would thus be advantageous to logically couple the image sensor to the control logic establishing a preflash so that the sensor is turned on or is operative for the reading of the preflash, but is turned off during exposure of subsequent image frames which are to be developed.
• the light source may comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes 267 (LED's). These LED's are coupled to the output drivers 248 of the LCU 231. Optical fibers 265 are associated with each of the LED's for directing light from the LED's to a conventional gradient index lens array (GRIN) 266, such as a SELFOC (trademark of Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.) array, located proximate the rear of the web which focuses the light onto the rear of the web.
• GRIN gradient index lens array
• the LCU calculates which of the LED's to illuminate (based upon information stored in the bit map) and the duration for such exposure.
• the continuous tone image area P is defined between the ordinate lines y.. y, on the Y-axis of the platen (or original document sheet) and the abscissa lines x., x_ on the x-axis of the platen.
• y' 2 an ⁇ ** abscissa lines x' , x' 2 » which define an area corresponding to the portion of the image frame receiving the image of the continuous tone image area.
• the position of these lines are "known” or calculatable based on a registered relationship between the frame and the reference on the exposure platen.
• Corresponding LED's are associated with the ordinate lines y'-,. y' and are adapted to illuminate respective portions of the output of the GRIN array between ordinates y"-,. y" 2 thereon.
• Illumination of the LED's will be during the time period beginning with the movement of abscissa line x' past the GRIN array and will terminate with movement of abscissa line x' past the GRIN array.
• the timing for this is determined by the LCU in accordance with signals from the apparatus' encoding means.
• the determination of which LED's to illuminate being made by the LCU in accordance with the continuous tone image area sensed by the sensor 270. Where multiple areas of continuous tone image information are present on the original the appropriate LED's for illuminating the screen at the appropriate times will be made in accordance with the teachings described above.
• a latent electrostatic image of the screen incorporated within the photoconductive web is imaged upon the charged web substantially only in the area of the image frame upon which the continuous tone image is to appear and, importantly, no screened exposure is provided where non-continuous tone information is to be provided outside of this area.
• a modifi ⁇ cation of the apparatus is illustrated by elements numbered 280, 281.
• the apparatus may be programmed to either develop or not develop the image on the frame exposed to the light from the preflash. This may be controlled by controlling a programmable power supply 219a to a development roller 219b in development station 219. Where this image is developed but not transferred to a copy sheet (but eventually cleaned prior to the next exposure of this frame), the developed image may be used to determine the image characteristics of the original document.
• a light source 280 and image sensor 281 are provided to respectively illuminate the developed image and read on a line-by-line basis the image characteristics of the developed image and hence the document.
• the ad ⁇ vantage of using the developed image of a preflash illumination of a document is that the image sensor 281 need only be sensing one line at a time rather than the full frame sensor required for sensor 270.
• Another advantage is that the light source for illuminating the developed image may be matched to, and be the one most suited for, the sensor being used rather than being suited to the exposure operation.
• the data sensed by sensor 281 can be buffered and sent to image processor 271 which distinguishes between the input signals representing continuous tone areas and the input signals which are attributable to half-tone or line-type infor ⁇ mation.
• image processor 271 which distinguishes between the input signals representing continuous tone areas and the input signals which are attributable to half-tone or line-type infor ⁇ mation.
• the operation of the selective screening process is similar to that described above.
• modifications may include the placement of a light source and sensor proximate a document recirculating feeder 250 which advances a document from a stack that is supported on a tray 292. As the documents are advanced one at a time by feeder rollers against a registration edge 311 on the platen 202 the linear sensor 300 may read the image information from the document as illuminated by lamp 301 as the document sheet is moved toward registration edge 311. The image information would be processed as described above to provide selective screening of the reproduction.
• still other modifications may include the provision for the ability to adjust ' the level of screen exposure by providing controls for increasing or decreasing illumination from the LED's. Preferably the LED's are balanced initially so that illumination from each is uniform.
• the invention is not limited to the use of a photoconductor with an integral screen.
• the screen may be separate from the photoconductor and when it is so, may be positioned just downstream of the exposure station adjacent the surface of the photoconductor that is to be developed. Where the screen is separate from the photoconductor.
• a sensor such as sensor 270' (shown in phantom) may be positioned behind the photoconductor (above as viewed in FIG. 7) at the exposure station to "read" the original exposure through the photoconductor web and have selective screening be performed downstream of the exposure station by an exposure source that illuminates a halftone pattern upon the photo ⁇ conductor at locations on the image frame wherein a latent electrostatic image of the continuous tone image on the original document sheet is formed.
• FIG. 7 and 8 While the description of the embodiment of FIG's. 7 and 8 is with regard to a one color station copier the invention is also useful in a multicolor electrophotographic reproduction apparatus such as described for FIG. 6.
• an electrophotographic reproduction apparatus having the ability to automatically selectively screen only those portions of a copy sheet which are to reproduce images from continuous tone originals.
• the invention is also useful in a method and apparatus for reproducing a composite original document wherein the contents of the original are scanned automatically and continuous tone areas distinguished from other areas by use of fluorescent highlighting ink placed over or around the information on the original document sheet to be specially treated.
• a reading device sensitive to the highlighting can be used to distinguish areas of highlighting from those of other areas and thereby detect those areas of continuous tone information.
• the highlighting ink used is of a color to which the reproduction apparatus is otherwise not responsive to and thus is considered transparent by the reproduction apparatus.
• Still other modifications include providing of a low intensity screen exposure to the line-type information and a higher intensity screen exposure to areas used to reproduce the continuous tone information. This may be accomplished by either programming of the light source providing the screen exposure or providing a separate light source to provide the entire image frame with a low; i.e. small, exposure of the screen pattern, and then have' the programmable light source provide a selectively higher exposure of the screen pattern on areas reproducing the continuous tone image pattern.
• FIG. 9 a further modification is shown.
• a portion of an electrophotographic reproduction apparatus 400 is shown that is similar with that illustrated in FIG. 2 except that the screen has been omitted from the photoconductive web 405 and the portions of the LED imaging means 82 and 86 have been repositioned so as to now be located on the same side of the web which receives the optical exposure of the original document at exposure station 418 via mirror 408.
• a linear LED bar 416 is used and the image of the LED's focused onto the photoconductive web 409 by a GRIN array after the web has received a -41- uniform primary electrostatic charge from primary corona charger 417.
• a digitizing device 456 may be employed to enable the operator to select areas of the original document that are to be selectively screened.
• the digitizing function may be done automatically as described above for the embodiment of Figs. 7 and 8.
• selected LED's in the linear LED array 416 are enabled or driven by commands from the logic and control unit (LCU) 431 to form a series of charge islands in the particular area or areas of the image frame that are to be selectively screened.
• LCU logic and control unit
• the LED array used has 150 LED's to the inch (59 per centimeter) and these LED's are arranged as a line directed perpendicular to the direction of web travel indicated by the arrow.
• the appropriate LED's are illuminated commencing at a time when the area to be screened passes over the LED array.
• the LED's in this example, will each be pulsed 150 times for each inch (59 per centimeter) of travel of the web.
• the movement of the web is monitored by one or more encoders 430 which generates signals regarding web movement and feeds these signals to the LCU 431.
• the LCU may contain a program to control the pulsing frequency of each LED with rate of movement of the web. If the drive to the photoconductive member is considered to be reasonably uniform over the length of the image area to be screened the need for an encoder to time each line for firing of the LED's may be dispensed with.
• each pulse will be that appropriate for simulating a screen pattern on the selected area.
• the light from the LED's will erase charge where they expose the web and will leave charge islands, simulating the screen pattern, in the interstitial areas between exposed pixels.
• the entire image frame containing say both line type information and the screened pictorial information, has its latent electrostatic image developed and transferred to a receiver sheet or support as described for the embodiment of FIG's 1-4.
• An advantage to the use of this modification is that the LED array may now also be used as a writer of information; i.e. a non-impact printer, assuming that a data source 466, such as a computer with raster image processor are provided.
• the LED array may thus be used to write information into areas of the image frame suitably masked from the optical exposure, or erase undesired areas so as to have them not reproduce, or selectively screen areas as described above.

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• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Control Or Security For Electrophotography (AREA)
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Citations (4)

• 1986
  • 1986-12-15 EP EP19870902371 patent/EP0255543B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1986-12-15 JP JP62502764A patent/JPH0658558B2/ja not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1986-12-15 DE DE8787902371T patent/DE3682283D1/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1986-12-15 WO PCT/US1986/002671 patent/WO1987003709A1/en active IP Right Grant

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