Cirrus Technology Inc.

Malcolm Winsor

In a digital imaging system in which a number of lasers provide different colored beams that are combined into a single collimated focused beam so that the film is exposed to all color components simultaneously, an improved alignment system in which critical adjustments are entirely independent from the optical source or subsequent mirrors. The elevation of the final beam path is controlled by independently changing the angular path of each beam component before it is directed along the final beam path. The azimuth and elevation and the final lateral position of each beam component along the final beam path is independently adjusted by changing the azimuth and elevation angle of a mirror that deflects the corresponding beam component along the final beam path. In a preferred embodiment, a light beam is directed by a movable mirror to a modulator for varying the intensity of the beam in accordance with the digital data. The mirror and the modulation means are supported together in fixed relationship on a movable mount that is angularly adjustable independently from the optical source and from subsequent optical components. This arrangement significantly reduces the time required to set up and adjust the optical system.

Adjustment mechanism for equipment converting digital data into a light

In a digital imaging system in which a number of lasers provide different colored beams that are combined into a single collimated focused beam so that the film is exposed to all color components simultaneously, an improved mirror mount in which individual critical adjustments are made without affecting the setting of other adjustments. A mirror is mounted on a block that is in face-to-face relationship with a stand. A pivot ball is positioned in two recesses in the opposing faces to permit angular adjustment of the mounting block in a first plane relative to said stand, and a second adjustment permits movement of said block relative to said stand about the pivot ball in a plane perpendicular to said first plane. A third adjustment permits transverse movement of the mirror mount.

Mirror mount for use in equipment for converting digital data into a

In a photoplotter for making use of digital data to produce photographic images, a collimated light source provides precision focusing. Three laser light beams are combined into a single coincident beam so that the film is exposed to all color components simultaneously. In the beam alignment system, the different adjustments are entirely independent which simplifies the alignment of the light beams. The elevation of the final beam path is controlled by independently changing the angular path of each beam component before it is directed along the final beam path, by means of three movable platforms each carrying an optical modulator and a mirror. The azimuth and elevation angles and the lateral position of each beam component along the final beam path are independently adjusted by changing the azimuth and elevation angles and the lateral position of a mirror that deflects the corresponding beam component along the final beam path. The adjustments are substantially independent with a miniumum of interaction. A moving mirror assembly causes the beam to move laterally to scan a film on a rotating drum. In a second embodiment, the beam remains stationary while the film and revolving drum are moved laterally.

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Mont Vernon, NH, United States of America

Malcolm Winsor