Optical Fiber Array Laser Recording for High-Resolution Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording methods using thermal heads face issues with print missing due to surface deterioration from dirt or foreign matter, while non-contact methods like laser recording are inefficient for high-resolution image recording as they require prolonged recording times.
Innovation Solution
A recording method utilizing an optical fiber array with laser light-emitting elements aligned in a main-scanning direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction, where the length of a diagonal line is longer than half the line width of the writing unit, allowing for smooth edge rendering and high-resolution image formation by overlapping or adjoining writing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thermal head recording method is used, then recording speed is fast, but print missing occurs due to surface deterioration from dirt or foreign matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based thermal head recording system with a non-contact laser recording system. The laser beam records images on the recording medium without physical contact, eliminating the problem of surface deterioration and print missing caused by dirt and foreign matter accumulation on thermal heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single laser beam into multiple laser beams (first laser beam and second laser beam) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows simultaneous recording of different portions of the image, significantly reducing recording time while maintaining high quality without the mechanical contact issues of thermal heads.
2Manufacturing precision
If single laser beam scanning method is used, then recording quality is high, but recording time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recording task by dividing the single laser beam into multiple independent laser beams (first laser beam for first image data, second laser beam for second image data). Each beam can record different portions of the image simultaneously, reducing overall recording time while maintaining the high precision of laser recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous parallel recording by having multiple laser beams operate simultaneously on different portions of the recording medium. The first laser beam and second laser beam record their respective image data at the same time, eliminating the sequential recording time delay while maintaining continuous high-quality laser recording action.
3Productivity
If laser array exposure unit is used, then recording time is reduced, but edges in sub-scanning direction become rough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different recording strategies to different spatial locations. In the main-scanning direction, multiple laser beams are used for parallel recording to reduce time. In the sub-scanning direction, sequential processing with overlapping writing units ensures smooth edges. This local differentiation of recording quality requirements resolves the contradiction between speed and edge smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the image data to determine optimal writing unit parameters and overlapping regions before actual recording. By pre-calculating the writing units and their overlaps in the sub-scanning direction, the system ensures smooth edges are achieved before the recording process begins, allowing fast parallel recording without compromising edge quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and high-resolution image recording with smooth edges in the sub-scanning direction, improving readability and reducing maintenance needs compared to thermal head methods, while also addressing the inefficiencies of prolonged recording times in laser-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of laser light-emitting elements 13, 413 respectively coupled to the optical fibers 12, 412 in a manner that the laser light can be emitted
Implementation Method 2
an optical fiber array 11, in which a plurality of optical fibers 12 configured to guide laser light emitted from the laser light-emitting elements are aligned
Implementation Method 3
recording on thermosensitive recording media with a change in hue or reflectance caused by heating
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
Recording method including: emitting laser-light from optical-fiber-array to record image of writing-units with moving recording target and the optical-fiber-array relatively using recording device 1 including laser-light-emitting-elements and emitting unit 13 including the optical-fiber-array, where optical fibers 12 to guide laser-light emitted from the laser-light-emitting-elements are aligned, wherein diagonal line A'C is longer than B in the image formed by overlapping or adjoining at least part of the writing-units in main-scanning direction, where B is length of 1/2 line width of the writing-unit in main-scanning direction, A is center of edge of the writing-unit in sub-scanning direction, A' is position proceeded from A towards inner-side of the writing-unit by B, line LL' is drawn to include A' and be orthogonal to the writing-unit, diagonal-line is drawn with A' as starting point and to have angle of 45° with line LL', and C is intersection between the diagonal-line and the writing-unit.