Multi-Level Imaging Using Single-Pass Imaging System Having Spatial Light Modulator and Anamorphic Projection Optics
First Claim
1. A method for generating scan line image on an imaging surface in response to scan line image data including a plurality of pixel image data portions, the method comprising:
- configuring a spatial light modulator in accordance with said scan line image data, said spatial light modulator including a plurality of light modulating elements arranged in an array having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; and
utilizing the spatial light modulator to generate a first substantially one-dimensional scan line image on said imaging surface by directing homogenous light onto the spatial light modulator such that the plurality of configured light modulating elements generate a modulated light field that is transmitted through an anamorphic optical system onto said imaging surface, wherein the anamorphic optical system is formed and positioned such that said modulated light field is anamorphically imaged and concentrated in a process direction, and such that said substantially one-dimensional scan line image extends in a cross-process direction on said imaging surface,wherein configuring said spatial light modulator includes adjusting an associated modulating element group of said plurality of light modulating elements in accordance with each associated pixel image data portion of said scan line image data group, where each said associated modulating element group includes an associated plurality of said light modulating elements that are substantially aligned in the process direction.
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Abstract
An imaging system utilizes an anamorphic optical system to concentrate a two-dimensional modulated light field in a process direction such that a one-dimensional scan line image extending in a cross-process direction is generated on an imaging surface. The modulated light field is generated by directing homogeneous light onto light modulating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array. The array is configured using a scan line image data group made up of pixel image data portions. An associated group of the light modulating elements aligned in the process direction is configured by each pixel image data portion. When a pixel value is “partially on” (i.e., between “fully on” and “fully off”), the light modulating elements of the associated group are configured such that modulating elements located in the center of each group are activated, and elements located on the upper and lower ends of each group are deactivated.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for generating scan line image on an imaging surface in response to scan line image data including a plurality of pixel image data portions, the method comprising:
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configuring a spatial light modulator in accordance with said scan line image data, said spatial light modulator including a plurality of light modulating elements arranged in an array having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; and utilizing the spatial light modulator to generate a first substantially one-dimensional scan line image on said imaging surface by directing homogenous light onto the spatial light modulator such that the plurality of configured light modulating elements generate a modulated light field that is transmitted through an anamorphic optical system onto said imaging surface, wherein the anamorphic optical system is formed and positioned such that said modulated light field is anamorphically imaged and concentrated in a process direction, and such that said substantially one-dimensional scan line image extends in a cross-process direction on said imaging surface, wherein configuring said spatial light modulator includes adjusting an associated modulating element group of said plurality of light modulating elements in accordance with each associated pixel image data portion of said scan line image data group, where each said associated modulating element group includes an associated plurality of said light modulating elements that are substantially aligned in the process direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20)
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19. A single-pass imaging system for generating scan line image on an imaging surface in response to scan line image data including a plurality of pixel image data portions, comprising:
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a homogenous light generator for generating homogenous light such that the homogenous light forms a substantially uniform homogenous light field; a spatial light modulator including a plurality of light modulating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array and disposed in the homogenous light field such that each said modulating element receives an associated homogenous light portion of the homogenous light, wherein each modulating element is individually adjustable between a first modulated state and a second modulated state, whereby when said each modulating element is in said first modulated state, said each modulating element modulates an associated received homogenous light portion such that an associated modulated light portion is directed in a corresponding predetermined direction, and when said each modulating element is in said second modulated state, said each modulating element modulates the associated received homogenous light portion such that the associated modulated light portion is prevented from passing along said corresponding predetermined direction; an anamorphic optical system positioned to receive said modulated light portions from said each modulating element disposed in said first modulated state, and arranged to concentrate said modulated light portions such that the concentrated modulated light portions produce an elongated scan line image that is aligned in a cross-process direction; and means for configuring the spatial light modulator such that each modulating element of an associated group of said plurality of light modulating elements is adjusted in accordance with each associated pixel image data portion of said scan line image data group, wherein each said associated modulating element group includes an associated plurality of said light modulating elements that are substantially aligned in the process direction.
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Specification