US4578701A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method of recording an optional number of color separation images in an optional order and in optional positions on a recording medium
Assignee: Dainippon Screen Manufacturing Co Ltd
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Filing: 1983-08-01
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Granted: 1986-03-25
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Expires: 2003-08-01
Abstract
Abstract In a color separation image reproduction system, the unrecorded area of a photosensitive film is minimized by providing for recording the color separation images on the film in arbitrarily selectable order and position. Only the necessary color separation images are recorded on the film, so that film area is not recorded with unnecessary images. Different size images are accommodated in the inventive system by a pulse generation circuit which, by sectioning of a pulse sequence representing a scanning cycle, determines appropriate order and position of the images.
Inventors
- 👤 Etsuo Nakaji
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:36
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/46; H04N1/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of recording color separation images in an image reproducing system which records a plurality of color separation images from scanning of a color original picture comprising the step of recording each of an optional number of color separation images on a film in an optional order and in optional positions during one scanning cycle of recording according to section pulses which divide one scanning cycle into a plurality of time sections.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of recording color separation images in an image reproducing system which records a plurality of color separation images from scanning of a color original picture comprising the step of recording each of an optional number of color separation images on a film in an optional order and in optional positions during one scanning cycle of recording according to section pulses which divide one scanning cycle into a plurality of time sections.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
93 words
In a system for recording color separation images in an image reproducing system which records a plurality of color separation images including means for scanning of a color original picture and producing the color separation images, the improvement comprising: (a) a means for generating section pulses which divide one scanning cycle of a recording means in an arbitrary manner; (b) a selector means which selects and distributes said section pulses to an image output device for selecting between image signals and test pattern signals for reproduction and for determining an arbitrary arrangement therebetween.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
93 words
In a system for recording color separation images in an image reproducing system which records a plurality of color separation images including means for scanning of a color original picture and producing the color separation images, the improvement comprising: (a) a means for generating section pulses which divide one scanning cycle of a recording means in an arbitrary manner; (b) a selector means which selects and distributes said section pulses to an image output device for selecting between image signals and test pattern signals for reproduction and for determining an arbitrary arrangement therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
99 words
In a color separation image reproduction apparatus including scanning means, memory means for storing sets of color separation images obtained by scanning an original and recording means for recording said color separation images on a record medium, the improvement comprising: maximizing means for maximizing utilization of said record medium, including positioning means for positioning record areas corresponding to said color separation images on said record medium to minimize unused area on said record medium, and selecting means for selecting for recording on said record areas an arbitrary subset of a set of said color separation images for an original.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
99 words
In a color separation image reproduction apparatus including scanning means, memory means for storing sets of color separation images obtained by scanning an original and recording means for recording said color separation images on a record medium, the improvement comprising: maximizing means for maximizing utilization of said record medium, including positioning means for positioning record areas corresponding to said color separation images on said record medium to minimize unused area on said record medium, and selecting means for selecting for recording on said record areas an arbitrary subset of a set of said color separation images for an original.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
An improved image reproduction apparatus as recited in claim 3 further comprising dividing means for dividing said record medium into different sized record areas corresponding to different sizes of different color separation images for recording said different color separation images thereon.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
An improved image reproduction apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said maximizing means further includes ordering means for arranging said record areas for each of said color separation images in an arbitrary order on said record medium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
49 words
An improved image reproduction apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said maximizing means further includes means for recording each of a plurality of color separation images and test patterns at arbitrarily selected image sizes at arbitrarily selected locations on said record medium using electronically generated halftone dot patterns.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
An improved image reproduction apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said maximizing means further includes means for recording each of a plurality of color separation images and test patterns at arbitrarily selected locations on said record medium using electronically generated halftone dot patterns.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
74 words
An improved image reproduction apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said positioning means, said selecting means and said ordering means comprise section pulse generating means for generating a plurality of section pulses dividing a recording scanning cycle for selecting different record areas of said record medium positioned to minimize unused area on said record medium and for recording said arbitrary subset of said set of color separation images in an arbitrary order thereon.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
An improved image reproduction apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said section pulse generating means comprises second selecting means for selecting between a color separation image and a test pattern signal for recording on said record areas of said record medium.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
88 words
An improved image reproduction apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said section pulse generating means comprises first setting means for setting timing of a first section pulse representing a recording start signal for an area to be recorded upon, second setting means for setting time durations of said section pulses to represent a length in the scan direction of the area to be recorded upon, and adding means for determing starting times and durations for the section pulses in accordance with said first and second setting means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
52 words
An improved image reproduction apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said adding means comprises a plurality of adders and said section pulse generating means further comprises comparing means for comparing outputs of respective adders with a count of pulses dividing said scanning cycle for producing respective ones of said section pulses.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
An improved image reproduction apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said record medium comprises photosensitive film and said recording means comprises laser means for exposing said photosensitive film to said color separation images.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
An improved image reproduction apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said unused area comprises unrecorded areas of said record medium.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
280 words
A method of electronically reproducing images wherein color separation data of Yellow (Y), Magenta (M), Cyan (C) and Black (K) color separations obtained by scanning an original are stored in a memory and then a photosensitive film is exposed to a laser beam controlled by a signal obtained by respectively comparing the said color separation data with corresponding halftone dot data generated by a halftone dot generator comprising the steps of: (a) (i) obtaining a one-time pulse signal representing each revolution of a recording drum and (ii) obtaining an N-time pulse signal representing positions of the recording drum in a main scanning direction by a plurality of pulses output between occurrences of the one-time pulse signal; (b) outputting from a section pulse generation means section pulses corresponding to at least one of the color separations Y, M, C and K according to the one-time pulse signal and the N-time pulse signal, said section pulses having a duration corresponding to a length in the main scanning direction of the corresponding color separation; (c) obtaining from a selecting means (i) a first gate signal for controlling an output of the halftone dot generator in correspondence with each of the color separations and (ii) a second gate signal for controlling an output of the memory in correspondence with each of the color separations to be recorded according to each of the section pulses obtained in the step (b); and (d) (i) from the halftone dot generator obtaining a halftone dot data corresponding to the color separation according to the first gate signal and (ii) from the memory obtaining the color separation data corresponding to the color separation according to the second gate signal.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
280 words
A method of electronically reproducing images wherein color separation data of Yellow (Y), Magenta (M), Cyan (C) and Black (K) color separations obtained by scanning an original are stored in a memory and then a photosensitive film is exposed to a laser beam controlled by a signal obtained by respectively comparing the said color separation data with corresponding halftone dot data generated by a halftone dot generator comprising the steps of: (a) (i) obtaining a one-time pulse signal representing each revolution of a recording drum and (ii) obtaining an N-time pulse signal representing positions of the recording drum in a main scanning direction by a plurality of pulses output between occurrences of the one-time pulse signal; (b) outputting from a section pulse generation means section pulses corresponding to at least one of the color separations Y, M, C and K according to the one-time pulse signal and the N-time pulse signal, said section pulses having a duration corresponding to a length in the main scanning direction of the corresponding color separation; (c) obtaining from a selecting means (i) a first gate signal for controlling an output of the halftone dot generator in correspondence with each of the color separations and (ii) a second gate signal for controlling an output of the memory in correspondence with each of the color separations to be recorded according to each of the section pulses obtained in the step (b); and (d) (i) from the halftone dot generator obtaining a halftone dot data corresponding to the color separation according to the first gate signal and (ii) from the memory obtaining the color separation data corresponding to the color separation according to the second gate signal.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
333 words
A method of electronically reproducing images wherein color separation data of Yellow (Y), Magneta (M), Cyan (C) and Black (K) color separation obtained by scanning an original are stored in a memory and then a photosensitive film is exposed to a laser beam controlled by a signal obtained by respectively comparing the color separation data or test pattern data obtained from a test pattern generator with corresponding halftone dot data generated by a halftone dot generator comprising the steps of: (a) (i) obtaining a one-time pulse signal representing each revolution of a recording drum and (ii) obtaining an N-time pulse signal representing positions of the recording drum in a main scanning direction by a plurality of pulses output between occurrences of the one-time pulse signal; (b) outputting from a section pulse generation means section pulses corresponding to at least one of the color separations Y, M, C and K according to the one-time pulse signal and the N-time pulse signal, said section pulses having a duration corresponding to a length in the main scanning direction of the corresponding color separation; (c) obtaining from a selecting means (i) a first gate signal for controlling an output of the halftone dot generator in correspondence with each of the color separations, (ii) a second gate signal for controlling an output of the memory in correspondence with each of the color separations to be recorded according to each of the section pulses obtained in the step (b); and (iii) a third gate signal for controlling an output of the test pattern generator in correspondence with each of the color separations; and (d) (i) from the halftone dot generator obtaining a halftone dot data corresponding to the color separation according to the first gate signal (ii) from the memory obtaining the color separation data corresponding to the color separation according to the second gate signal, and (iii) from the test pattern generator obtaining the test pattern data corresponding to the color separation according to the third gate signal.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
333 words
A method of electronically reproducing images wherein color separation data of Yellow (Y), Magneta (M), Cyan (C) and Black (K) color separation obtained by scanning an original are stored in a memory and then a photosensitive film is exposed to a laser beam controlled by a signal obtained by respectively comparing the color separation data or test pattern data obtained from a test pattern generator with corresponding halftone dot data generated by a halftone dot generator comprising the steps of: (a) (i) obtaining a one-time pulse signal representing each revolution of a recording drum and (ii) obtaining an N-time pulse signal representing positions of the recording drum in a main scanning direction by a plurality of pulses output between occurrences of the one-time pulse signal; (b) outputting from a section pulse generation means section pulses corresponding to at least one of the color separations Y, M, C and K according to the one-time pulse signal and the N-time pulse signal, said section pulses having a duration corresponding to a length in the main scanning direction of the corresponding color separation; (c) obtaining from a selecting means (i) a first gate signal for controlling an output of the halftone dot generator in correspondence with each of the color separations, (ii) a second gate signal for controlling an output of the memory in correspondence with each of the color separations to be recorded according to each of the section pulses obtained in the step (b); and (iii) a third gate signal for controlling an output of the test pattern generator in correspondence with each of the color separations; and (d) (i) from the halftone dot generator obtaining a halftone dot data corresponding to the color separation according to the first gate signal (ii) from the memory obtaining the color separation data corresponding to the color separation according to the second gate signal, and (iii) from the test pattern generator obtaining the test pattern data corresponding to the color separation according to the third gate signal.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
255 words
An apparatus for electronically reproducing images wherein color separation data of Yellow (Y), Magenta (M), Cyan (C) and Black (K) color separations obtained by scanning an original are stored in an image memory and then a photosensitive film is exposed to a laser beam controlled by a signal obtained by respectively comparing the said color separation data with corresponding halftone dot data generated by a halftone dot generator comprising: (a) an encoding means for (i) providing a one-time pulse signal representing each revolution of a recording drum and (ii) providing an N-time pulse signal representing positions of the recording drum in the main scanning direction by a plurality of pulses output between occurrences of the one-time pulse signal; (b) a section pulse generation means for outputting section pulses corresponding to at least one of the color separations Y, M, C and K according to the one-time pulse signal and the N-time pulse signal, the section pulse generation means being operable for setting (i) the duration of the section pulse and (ii) an interval between an occurrence of the one-time pulse input thereto and an occurrence of the first section pulse; and (c) a selecting means comprising four switch means for said four color separations, each of said switch means operable to select section pulses for outputting (i) a first gate signal for making the halftone dot generator output data correspond to a specific color separation and (ii) a second gate signal for making data output from the image memory correspond to a specific color separation.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
255 words
An apparatus for electronically reproducing images wherein color separation data of Yellow (Y), Magenta (M), Cyan (C) and Black (K) color separations obtained by scanning an original are stored in an image memory and then a photosensitive film is exposed to a laser beam controlled by a signal obtained by respectively comparing the said color separation data with corresponding halftone dot data generated by a halftone dot generator comprising: (a) an encoding means for (i) providing a one-time pulse signal representing each revolution of a recording drum and (ii) providing an N-time pulse signal representing positions of the recording drum in the main scanning direction by a plurality of pulses output between occurrences of the one-time pulse signal; (b) a section pulse generation means for outputting section pulses corresponding to at least one of the color separations Y, M, C and K according to the one-time pulse signal and the N-time pulse signal, the section pulse generation means being operable for setting (i) the duration of the section pulse and (ii) an interval between an occurrence of the one-time pulse input thereto and an occurrence of the first section pulse; and (c) a selecting means comprising four switch means for said four color separations, each of said switch means operable to select section pulses for outputting (i) a first gate signal for making the halftone dot generator output data correspond to a specific color separation and (ii) a second gate signal for making data output from the image memory correspond to a specific color separation.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
197 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 16 in which the section pulse generation means comprises: (a) a counting means for counting the frequency of an N 0 time pulse signal obtained from the N-time pulse signal by increasing the frequency thereof to obtain a pulse count number x; (b) a recording start point setup means for setting the counting means to a count number X 0 corresponding to a recording start point of a color separation to be recorded first in the main scanning direction; (c) a length setup means for setting the counting means to a count number x 1 coresponding to the length of the color separation to be recorded first in the main scanning direction; (d) a summing means for respectively carrying out additions X 1 =X 0 +x 1 , X 2 =X 1 +x 1 , X 3 =X 2 +x 1 and X 4 =X 3 +x 1 in cascade by being given the values X 0 and x 1 ; and (e) an outputting means for outputting section pulses respectively when X 0 <x<X.sub., X < x<X 2 , X 2 <x<X 3 , and X 3 <x<X 4 .
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
76 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 17 in which said selecting means comprises: (a) a terminal group composed of a plurality of terminals each connected to receive as an input a corresponding section pulse and further including a grounded terminal; (b) a switching device for selecting one terminal out of said group of terminals; and (c) a distributing contact means which distributes signals output from said switching device to obtain the first and second gate signals.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
339 words
An apparatus for electronically reproducing images wherein color separation data of Yellow (Y), Magenta (M), Cyan (C) and Black (K) color separations obtained by scanning an original are stored in an image memory and then a photosensitive film is exposed to a laser beam controlled by a signal obtained by respectively comparing the color separation data with a corresponding halftone dot data generated by a halftone dot generator or with test pattern data obtained from a test pattern generator comprising: (a) an encoding means for (i) providing a one-time pulse signal representing each revolution of a recording drum and (ii) providing an N-time pulse signal representing positions of the recording drum in the main scanning direction by a plurality of pulses output between occurrences of the one-time pulse signal; (b) a section pulse generation means for outputting section pulses corresponding to at least one of the color separations Y, M, C and K according to the one-time pulse signal and the N-time pulse signal, the section pulse generation means being operable for setting (i) the duration of the section pulse and (ii) an interval between an occurrence of the one-time pulse input thereto and an occurrence of the first section pulse and; (c) a selecting means comprising a first group of four switch means for said four color separations, each of said switch means operable to select section pulses for outputting (i) a first gate signal for making the halftone dot generator output data correspond to a specific color separation and (ii) a second gate signal for making data output from the image memory correspond to a specific color separation, and a second group of four switch means for said four color separations, each switch means of said second group operable to select section pulses to output (iii) a third gate signal for making the halftone dot generator output data correspond to a specific color separation and (iv) a fourth gate signal for making the test pattern generator ouput data correspond to a specific color separation to be recorded.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
339 words
An apparatus for electronically reproducing images wherein color separation data of Yellow (Y), Magenta (M), Cyan (C) and Black (K) color separations obtained by scanning an original are stored in an image memory and then a photosensitive film is exposed to a laser beam controlled by a signal obtained by respectively comparing the color separation data with a corresponding halftone dot data generated by a halftone dot generator or with test pattern data obtained from a test pattern generator comprising: (a) an encoding means for (i) providing a one-time pulse signal representing each revolution of a recording drum and (ii) providing an N-time pulse signal representing positions of the recording drum in the main scanning direction by a plurality of pulses output between occurrences of the one-time pulse signal; (b) a section pulse generation means for outputting section pulses corresponding to at least one of the color separations Y, M, C and K according to the one-time pulse signal and the N-time pulse signal, the section pulse generation means being operable for setting (i) the duration of the section pulse and (ii) an interval between an occurrence of the one-time pulse input thereto and an occurrence of the first section pulse and; (c) a selecting means comprising a first group of four switch means for said four color separations, each of said switch means operable to select section pulses for outputting (i) a first gate signal for making the halftone dot generator output data correspond to a specific color separation and (ii) a second gate signal for making data output from the image memory correspond to a specific color separation, and a second group of four switch means for said four color separations, each switch means of said second group operable to select section pulses to output (iii) a third gate signal for making the halftone dot generator output data correspond to a specific color separation and (iv) a fourth gate signal for making the test pattern generator ouput data correspond to a specific color separation to be recorded.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
339 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 19 in which the section pulse geneation means comprises: (a) a counting means for counting the frequency of an N 0 time pulse signal obtained from the N-time pulse signal by increasing the frequency thereof to obtain a pulse count number; (b) a recording start point setup means for setting the counting means to a count number X 0 corresponding to a recording start point of a color separation to be recorded first in the main scanning direction; (c) a first length setup means for setting the counting means to a count number x 1 corresponding to the length of the color separation to be recorded first in the main scanning direction; (d) a second length setup means for setting the counting means to a count number x 01 corresponding to the length of a color separation to be recorded second in the main scanning direction; (e) a first summing means for respectively carrying out additions X 1 =X 0 +x 1 , X 2 =X 1 +x 1 , X 3 =X 2 +x 1 and X 4 =X 3 +x 1 in cascade by being given the values X 0 and x 1 ; (f) a second summing means for respectively carrying out additions X 01 =X 4 +X 01 , X 02 =X 01 +x 01 , X 03 =X 02 +X 01 and X 04 =X 03 +X 01 in cascade by being given the values X 4 and x 01 ; (g) a first outputting mean for outputting a first group of section pulses corresponding to the first and the second gate signals, when X 0 <x<X 1 , X 1 <x<X 2 , X 2 <x<X 3 and X 3 <x<X 4 ; and (h) a second outputting means for outputting a second group of section pulses corresponding to the third and the fourth gate signals when X 4 <x<X 01 , X 01 <x<X 02 , X 02 <x<X 03 and X 03 <x<X 04 .
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
156 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 20 in which said selecting means comprises: (a) a first terminal group composed of a plurality of terminals each connected to receive as an input one of a first group of section pulses and further including a grounded terminal; (b) a first switching device for selecting one terminal out of said first group of terminals; (c) a first distributing contact means which distributes signals output from said first switching device to obtain the first and second gate signals; (d) a second terminal group composed of a plurality of terminals each connected to receive as an input one of a second group of section pulses and further including another grounded terminal; (e) a second switching device for selecting one terminal out of said second group of terminals; and (f) a second distributing contact means which distributes signals output from said second switching device to obtain the third and fourth gate signals.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-03-24 | 1989-09-23 | 1990-03-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-24 | 1993-09-23 | 1994-03-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-24 | 1997-09-23 | 1998-03-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |