초록 ▼

A high-resolution laser graphics plotter for plotting data on a recording medium as selectively positioned spots (pixels) of variable intensity is disclosed. The intensity of a collimated laser beam is modulated in response to plotting data to produce a modulated light beam. The modulated light beam

A high-resolution laser graphics plotter for plotting data on a recording medium as selectively positioned spots (pixels) of variable intensity is disclosed. The intensity of a collimated laser beam is modulated in response to plotting data to produce a modulated light beam. The modulated light beam produces a spot on a light-sensitive film positioned in a flat field image plane. A multi-facet rotating mirror scans the modulated beam across the image plane. A flat field scan lens is positioned between the rotating mirror and the image plane to provide correction for the non-linear velocity of the beam as it is scanned across the image plane, and to provide a constant diffraction limited spot size for each spot plotted. A spot placement means is provided to generate the spot placement signal which cooperates with the plot data to modulate the laser beam. The spot placement means also provides error correction for the facet-to-facet and facet-to-axis errors in the rotating mirror to permit high resolution (500 spots per inch) plotting on wide format film. A micro-stepping motor assembly is provided to advance the film across the image plane.

대표청구항 ▼

A high-resolution graphics plotter for plotting data on a recording medium as selectively positioned spots of variable intensity, the plotter comprising: (a) a collimated light source, for providing a beam of light, the light beam having a diameter; (b) a light intensity modulator responsive to the

A high-resolution graphics plotter for plotting data on a recording medium as selectively positioned spots of variable intensity, the plotter comprising: (a) a collimated light source, for providing a beam of light, the light beam having a diameter; (b) a light intensity modulator responsive to the data, for modulating the intensity of the light beam; (c) a light-sensitive film positionable in a flat field image plane for exposure by the modulated light beam; (d) a rotatable multi-facet mirror, for scanning along a line the modulated light beam across the image plane of said film, said mirror having facet-to-facet and facet-to-axis errors, each facet of said mirror rotated into a start plot position relative to said film, at which position plotting of the scan line begins; (e) a light beam control means positioned between said mirror and the image plane, for providing compensation for the non-linear velocity of the modulated light beam as it is scanned across the image plane; and (f) a spot positioning means responsive to the rotation of said mirror, for compensating for the facet-to-facet and facet-to-axis errors, and for generating a spot placement signal which cooperates with the data to produce the selectively positioned variable intensity spots.