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US4783145A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Multiple gradation dot-matrix picture forming method
Assignee: Fujifilm Holdings Corp
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Filing: 1986-07-28
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Granted: 1988-11-08
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Expires: 2006-07-28
Abstract
Abstract A method of forming a dot-matrix image, in which uniform light is applied to an array of light gates. The transmission of each of the light gates is controlled over several steps according to pictorial data to thus provide a finely graded image. Preferably, a contact screen converts the graded intensities to differently sized dots.
Inventors
- 👤 Isamu Hatanaka
- 👤 Masaaki Takimoto
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 13:51
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/40; H04N1/40025; H04N1/40031; G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/1335; G02F1/133509; H04N1/405; H04N1/4055
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for forming a dot-matrix picture, comprising the steps of: applying light from a light source through an array of light gates to a photo-sensitive material; controlling an intensity of said light transmitted through each of said light gates according to picture data having a spatial distribution corresponding to a spatial distribution of said array of light gates, said transmitted intensity being controlled to provide at least two levels of non-zero light intensities; converting said transmitted light of controlled intensity to an exposed dot on said photo-sensitive material, the area of said exposed dot being related to the intensity of said transmitted light.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for forming a dot-matrix picture, comprising the steps of: applying light from a light source through an array of light gates to a photo-sensitive material; controlling an intensity of said light transmitted through each of said light gates according to picture data having a spatial distribution corresponding to a spatial distribution of said array of light gates, said transmitted intensity being controlled to provide at least two levels of non-zero light intensities; converting said transmitted light of controlled intensity to an exposed dot on said photo-sensitive material, the area of said exposed dot being related to the intensity of said transmitted light.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said array of light gates of said applying step corresponds to a liquid crystal array and said controlling step is conducted by applying electrical signals to said liquid crystal array according to said picture data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said applying step applies a substantially uniform beam of light to a planar array of said light gates.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said applying step adjusts quantities of light passing through said light gates by controlling said light gates according to picture data, the light passing through each light gate being modulated to have an illuminance distribution before reaching said photo-sensitive material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of conveying said photosensitive material relative to said array of light gates.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for forming a dot-matrix picture, comprising the steps of: applying light from a light source through an array of light gates to a photo-sensitive material; controlling an intensity of said light transmitted through each of said light gates according to picture data having a spatial distribution corresponding to a spatial distribution of said array of light gates, said transmitted intensity being controlled to at least two levels of non-zero transmission; and converting said transmitted intensity to a beam of light the area of which is related to said transmitted intensity, by the use of a photosensitive material having a gamma (γ) value more than one (1).
Claim 8
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for forming a dot-matrix picture, comprising the steps of: applying light from a light source through an array of light gates to a photo-sensitive material; controlling an intensity of said light transmitted through each of said light gates according to picture data having a spatial distribution corresponding to a spatial distribution of said array of light gates, said transmitted intensity being controlled to at least two levels of non-zero transmission; and converting said transmitted intensity to a beam of light the area of which is related to said transmitted intensity, by the use of a photosensitive material having a gamma (γ) value more than one (1).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as recited in claim 6, wherein said converting step comprises passing said transmitted light through a contact screen.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as recited in claim 7, further comprising the step of placing said contact screen adjacent said array of light gates.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as recited in claim 7, further comprising the step of placing said contact screen adjacent said photosensitive material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as recited in claim 7, further comprising the step of placing said contact screen in close contact with said array of light gates and with said photosensitive material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-11-08 | 1992-05-09 | 1992-11-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-11-08 | 1996-05-09 | 1996-11-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-11-08 | 2000-05-09 | 2000-11-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |