Optical Fiber Array Recording Method for Uniform Image Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording methods face issues with density unevenness and burns in solid images, particularly due to gaps between dots not being completely filled, leading to white missing spots and increased energy consumption when using laser arrays for thermosensitive recording media.
Innovation Solution
A recording method utilizing an optical fiber array with a specific alignment of optical fibers to emit laser light, where the ratio of diagonal lines in the image formed by overlapping writing units is 1.05 or greater, ensuring uniform image density and reducing energy application in overlapped areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If laser beams are scanned by a galvanometer mirror to perform recording, then non-contact recording is achieved, but recording time is prolonged as quantity of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single laser beam into multiple laser beams using a beam splitter or diffraction grating. These multiple beams are then scanned simultaneously across different regions of the recording medium, allowing parallel recording of multiple lines or areas. This segmentation of the recording task into simultaneous parallel operations dramatically reduces total recording time while maintaining non-contact operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from scanning a single beam sequentially across one dimension to using multiple beams that scan simultaneously across multiple dimensions or areas. By arranging beams in arrays and scanning them in parallel, the system adds a dimensional aspect to the recording process, effectively increasing throughput without proportionally increasing scanning complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If writing units are overlapped to fill gaps between dots, then white missing spots are reduced, but density unevenness and burns increase due to excessive energy in overlapped areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different energy levels or exposure parameters to different regions of the recording medium. Specifically, areas where writing units overlap receive controlled, reduced energy input compared to non-overlapped areas. This local differentiation of energy application ensures that gaps are filled without causing excessive heating or burns in the overlapped regions, maintaining uniform density throughout the image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies recording parameters such as laser power, pulse duration, or scanning speed in the regions where writing units overlap. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on the overlap detection, the system reduces energy input in overlapped areas to prevent burns while still achieving sufficient density to fill gaps between dots, thereby maintaining overall image uniformity.
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
This approach enables high-quality image recording with reduced density unevenness and burns, achieving uniform image density with less energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
emitting laser light from an optical fiber array
Implementation Method 2
an optical fiber array, in which a plurality of optical fibers configured to guide laser light emitted from the laser light-emitting elements are aligned
Implementation Method 3
a recording method for performing 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 formed of writing units with moving recording target and the optical fiber array relatively using recording device including laser light-emitting elements and emitting unit including the optical fiber array where optical fibers for guiding laser light from the laser light-emitting elements are aligned wherein (A'D/A'C) that is ratio of length of diagonal line A'D to length of diagonal line A'C in the image formed in a manner that at least part of the writing units are overlapped one another in the main-scanning direction is 1.05 or greater, where B is length of 1/2 of line width of the writing unit in the main-scanning direction, A is center point of edge of the writing unit in sub-scanning direction, A' is position proceeded inside the writing unit from A by B, line LL' is drawn to include A' and to be orthogonal to the writing unit, the length of the diagonal line A'C is length between line having A' as starting point and having angle of 45° with the line LL' and cross point C of the line with the writing unit, and the length of the diagonal line A'D is length between line having A' as starting point and having angle of 135° with the line LL' and cross point D of the line with the writing unit.