Patent Publication Number: US-6667758-B2

Title: Image processing apparatus and method for simultaneously scanning and proofing

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Reference is made to commonly-assigned copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/946,020, filed Sep. 4, 2001, entitled IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS WITH INTERNAL SCANNER, by Roger S. Kerr et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a color image processing apparatus and method for simultaneously scanning and proofing an image, in general, and in particular to a color image processing apparatus incorporating an input scanner and a printer, and a method for scanning and proofing an image at the same time. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pre-press color-proofing is a procedure that is used by the printing industry for creating representative images of printed material without the high cost and time that is required to actually produce printing plates and set up a high-speed, high volume, printing press to produce an example of an intended image. These may require several corrections and be reproduced several times to satisfy or meet the customers requirements resulting in a large loss of profits and ultimately higher costs to the customer. 
     One such commercially available image processing apparatus has half-tone color proofing capabilities and is arranged to form an intended image on a sheet of thermal print media. Dye is transferred from a sheet of dye donor material to the thermal print media by applying a sufficient amount of thermal energy to the dye donor sheet material to form the intended image. This image processing apparatus generally includes a material supply assembly or carousel and a lathe bed scanning subsystem or write engine. The write engine includes a lathe bed scanning frame, translation drive, translation stage member, printhead, and imaging drum and thermal print media and dye donor sheet material exit transports. 
     Although conventional input scanners and image processing apparatus work satisfactorily, they are not without drawbacks. The number of input scans and intended images printed per hour of a conventional image processing apparatus is, in part, limited by having to scan the image and store it as a digital data file and then ripping the digital data file so it can be printed on the image processing apparatus. Generally, the faster the intended image can be scanned and exposed onto the thermal print media, the greater the throughput of the pre-press process. 
     In conventional input scanning and image processing apparatus, the image must be scanned, stored on some type of data storage medium, and ripped, then printed, before the scanned image file can be viewed as a half tone image to determine whether any defect occurred during the scanning process. Unfortunately, any defects in the scanning of the image are not seen until the image is ripped and printed, or worse, used in a page layout on a CEPS or PS (Post Script) workstation prior to any printing. This is aggravating and results in a loss of time spent on storing and ripping the image, working with the image on the CEPS or PS workstation, and scanning and printing (versus printing while scanning). 
     The image processing apparatus of the present invention, which receives thermal print media and dye donor materials for processing an intended image onto the thermal print media, includes an input scanner for digitally scanning an image. The intended image is attached to an input scanner portion of the drum, and thermal print media and dye donor material are loaded on the imaging portion of the drum. Once the imaging drum spins up to speed, the translation system, which is timed to the drum, begins to translate the input scanning head and the printhead across the drum. As data from the input scanner is ripped and fed to the printhead, energy from the printhead creates the intended image on the thermal print media. The input scanner is incorporated into the image processing apparatus of the present invention so that the scanned image file can be viewed early on to determine whether any defects have occurred. The defects can then be remedied in an earlier stage of the process. 
     Advantages of the present invention include the following: 
     1) the image processing apparatus prints the image as it is being scanned; 
     2) dramatically increase throughput of the pre-press process; 
     3) printing of the image can be initiated without having to store the entire image as a digital data file; 
     4) the same drum, translator drive, and associated electronics are used to scan and print, which is less expensive than two sets; 
     5) the same machine electronics and controls electronics are used to scan and print; 
     6) the scanned data file is printed as a halftone image prior to working with the image on a CEPS or PS workstation, which saves time and expense; and 
     7) one piece of equipment is used to scan and print the image instead of two pieces of equipment. This single apparatus uses less floor space and is more convenient and generally less expensive and easier to troubleshoot than two pieces. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an image processing apparatus for scanning and proofing images at the same time, including: 
     a) a rotatable drum comprising a scanning portion adjacent to an imaging portion, the drum being mounted for rotation about an axis, the imaging portion of the drum being arranged to mount a receiver sheet and a donor sheet in superposed relationship thereon, the scanning portion of the drum being arranged to mount an input image thereon; 
     b) a motor for rotating the drum; 
     c) a printhead; 
     d) an input scanner; 
     e) a lead screw for moving the printhead in a first direction, the printhead being mounted on the lead screw; and 
     f) a linear translation subsystem on which the printhead, scanner, drum, and lead screw are mounted. In its simplest form the present apparatus includes an imager, an input scanner connected to the imager, and a mechanism for scanning and proofing the image at the same time. A method for scanning and printing at the same time is also included in the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein examples of the invention are shown, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a side view in vertical cross-section of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view in horizontal cross section, partially in phantom, of a lead screw according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a vacuum imaging drum according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a plan view of a vacuum imaging drum surface according to the present invention; 
     FIGS. 6A-6C are plan views of a vacuum imaging drum according to the present invention, showing a sequence of placement for thermal print media and dye donor sheet material; 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a drum, printhead, and external scanner according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a drum and internal scanner according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a drum and internal scanner, taken along line  9 — 9  of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a color imaging process according to the present invention; and 
     FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a color image proofing process according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also, in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “front,” “rear,” “lower,” “upper,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Referring in more detail to the drawings, the invention will now be described. 
     Turning first to FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, which is generally referred to as  10 , includes an image processor housing  12 , which provides a protective cover for the apparatus. The apparatus  10  also includes a hinged image processor door  14 , which is attached to the front portion of the image processor housing  12  and permits access to the two sheet material trays. A lower sheet thermal print material tray  50   a  and upper sheet input image material tray  50   b  are positioned in the interior portion of the image processor housing  12  for supporting thermal print media  32 , or an input image, thereon. Only one of the sheet material trays  50  will dispense the thermal print media  32  out of the sheet material tray  50  to create an intended image thereon. The alternate sheet material tray either holds an alternative type of thermal print media  32 , or an input image, or functions as a back up sheet material tray. In this regard, lower sheet material tray  50   a  includes a lower media lift cam  52   a , which is used to lift the lower sheet material tray  50   a  and, ultimately, the thermal print media  32  upwardly toward lower media roller  54   a  and upper media roller  54   b . When the media rollers  54   a, b  are both rotated, the thermal print media  32  is pulled upwardly towards a media guide  56 . The upper sheet input image material tray  50   b  includes an upper media lift cam  52   b  for lifting the upper sheet thermal print material tray  50   b  and, ultimately, the thermal print media  32  towards the upper media roller  54   b , which directs it toward the media guide  56 . 
     Continuing with FIG. 1, the movable media guide  56  directs the thermal print media  32  under a pair of media guide rollers  58 . This engages the thermal print media  32  for assisting the upper media roller  54   b  in directing it onto the media staging tray  60 . The media guide  56  is attached and hinged to the lathe bed scanning frame  202  at one end, and is uninhibited at its other end for permitting multiple positioning of the media guide  56 . The media guide  56  then rotates the uninhibited end downwardly, as illustrated. The direction of rotation of the upper media roller  54   b  is reversed for moving the thermal print medium receiver sheet material  32 , which is resting on the media staging tray  60 , under the pair of media guide rollers  58  upwardly through an entrance passageway  204  and up to the imaging drum  300 . 
     A roll  30  of dye donor material  34  is connected to the media carousel  100  in a lower portion of the image processor housing  12 , as shown in FIG.  1 . Four rolls  30  are ordinarily used, but, for clarity, only one is shown in FIG.  1 . Each roll  30  includes a dye donor material  34  of a different color, typically black, yellow, magenta and cyan. These dye donor materials  34  are ultimately cut into dye donor sheet materials  36  and passed to the imaging drum  300  for forming the medium from which dyes embedded therein are passed to the thermal print media  32  resting thereon. In this regard, a media drive mechanism  110  is attached to each roll  30  of dye donor material  34 , and includes three media drive rollers  112  through which the dye donor material  34  of interest is metered upwardly into a media knife assembly  120 . After the dye donor material  34  reaches a predetermined position, the media drive rollers  112  cease driving the dye donor material  34 . Two media knife blades  122  positioned at the bottom portion of the media knife assembly  120  cut the dye donor material  34  into dye donor sheet materials  36 . The lower media roller  54   a  and the upper media roller  54   b  along with the media guide  56  then pass the dye donor sheet material  36  onto the media staging tray  60  and ultimately to the imaging drum  300 . 
     FIG. 1 shows an imaging drum  300  and a load roller  350 . Once the thermal print medium receiver sheet material  32  is moved into position, the load roller  350  is moved into contact with the thermal print medium receiver sheet material  32  against the imaging drum  300 . Once the thermal print medium receiver sheet material  32  is in place, the dye donor sheet material  36  is positioned on the imaging drum  300  in registration with the thermal print media  32 . Using the same process as described herein for loading the thermal print media  32  to the imaging drum  300 , the dye donor sheet material  36  rests atop the thermal print media  32 , with a narrow gap between the two created by micro-beads embedded in the surface of the thermal print media  32 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1, a laser assembly  400  includes a quantity of laser diodes  402  in its interior. The lasers are connected via fiber optic cables  404  to a distribution block  406  and ultimately to a printhead  500 . The printhead  500  directs thermal energy received from the laser diodes  402 . This causes the dye donor sheet material  36  to pass the desired color across the gap to the thermal print media  32 . The printhead  500  attaches to a lead screw  250  (see FIG.  2 ). A lead screw drive nut  254  and drive coupling (not shown) permit axial movement along the longitudinal axis of the imaging drum  300  for transferring the data to create the intended image onto the thermal print media  32 . 
     For writing, the imaging drum  300  rotates at a constant velocity. The printhead  500  begins at one end of the thermal print media  32  and traverses the entire length of the thermal print media  32  for completing the transfer process for the particular dye donor sheet material  36  resting on the thermal print media  32 . After the printhead  500  completes the transfer process for the particular dye donor sheet material  36  resting on the thermal print media  32 , the dye donor sheet material  36  is removed from the imaging drum  300  and transferred out of the image processor housing  12  via a skive or ejection chute  16 . The dye donor sheet material  36  eventually comes to rest in a waste bin  18  for removal by the user. The above-described process is then repeated for the other three rolls  30  of dye donor materials  34 . 
     Continuing with FIG. 1, after the color from all four sheets of the dye donor sheet materials  36  has been transferred, the dye donor sheet material  36  is removed from the imaging drum  300 . The thermal print media  32  with the intended image thereon is then removed from the imaging drum  300  and transported via a transport mechanism  80  out of the image processor housing  12  and comes to rest against a media stop  20 . 
     Operation of the image processing apparatus  10  includes metering a length of the thermal print media (in roll form) from the material assembly or carousel. The thermal print media  32  is then measured and cut into sheet form of the required length and transported to the imaging drum  300 . It is then registered, wrapped around, and secured onto the drum  300 . Next, a length of dye donor material (in roll form)  34  is metered out of the material supply assembly or carousel, measured, and cut into sheet form of the required length. It is then transported to the imaging drum  300  and wrapped around the imaging drum using the load roller  350 , so that it is superposed in the desired registration with respect to the thermal print media, which has already been secured to the imaging drum. 
     After the dye donor sheet material  36  is secured to the periphery of the imaging drum  300 , the scanning subsystem  200  or write engine provides the scanning function. This is accomplished by retaining the thermal print media  32  and the dye donor sheet material  36  on the spinning imaging drum  300  while it is rotated past the printhead  500  that will expose the thermal print media  32 . The translator drive  258  then traverses the printhead  500  and translation stage member  220  axially along the axis of the imaging drum in coordinated motion with the rotating imaging drum  300 . These movements combine to produce the intended image on the thermal print media  32 . 
     After the intended image has been written on the thermal print media  32 , the dye donor sheet material  36  is removed from the imaging drum without disturbing the thermal print media beneath it. The dye donor sheet material  36  is then transported out of the image processing apparatus  10  by a material exit transport. Additional dye donor sheet materials  36  are sequentially superimposed with the thermal print media  32  on the imaging drum. Then they are imaged onto the thermal print media until the intended image is complete. The completed image on the thermal print media is then unloaded from the imaging drum and transported to an external holding tray on the image processing apparatus by the receiver sheet material exit transport. 
     The sheet material exit transports are a sheet material waste exit and an imaged sheet material exit. The dye donor sheet material exit transport includes a waste dye donor sheet material stripper blade, which is disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the imaging drum. In the unload position, the stripper blade contacts the waste dye donor sheet material on the imaging drum surface. When not in operation, the stripper blade is moved up and away from the surface of the imaging drum. A driven waste dye donor sheet material transport belt is arranged horizontally to carry the waste dye donor sheet material, which is removed by the stripper blade from the surface of the imaging drum to an exit formed in the exterior of the image processing apparatus. A waste bin for waste: dye donor sheet materials is separate from the image processing apparatus. 
     Continuing with a description of the operation of the apparatus, the media carousel  100  is rotated about its axis into the desired position, so that the thermal print media  32  or dye donor material (in roll form)  34  can be withdrawn, measured, and cut into sheet form of the required length, and then transported to the imaging drum. To accomplish this, the media carousel  100  has a vertical circular plate, preferably with, though not limited to, six material support spindles. The support spindles are arranged to carry one roll of thermal print media, and four rolls of dye donor material. They provide the four primary colors, which are preferably used in the writing process to form the intended image. One roll is used as a spare or for a specialty color dye donor material, if so desired. Each spindle has a feeder assembly to withdraw the thermal print media or dye donor material from the spindles. 
     Turning to FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus  10  includes the imaging drum  300 , scanner  455 , printhead  500 , and lead screw  250 , which are assembled in the lathe bed scanning frame  202 . The imaging drum  300  is mounted for rotation about an axis X in the lathe bed scanning frame  202 . The printhead  500  is movable with respect to the imaging drum  300 , and is arranged to direct a beam of light to the dye donor sheet material  36 . The beam of light from the printhead  500  for each laser diode  402  (shown in FIG. 1) is modulated individually by modulated electronic signals from the image processing apparatus  10 . These are representative of the shape and color of the original image. The color on the dye donor sheet material  36  is heated to cause volatilization only in those areas in which its presence is required on the thermal print media  32  to reconstruct the shape and color of the original image. 
     Continuing with FIG. 2, the printhead  500  is mounted on a movable translation stage member  220 , which is supported for low friction movement on translation bearing rods  206 ,  208 . The translation system  210  includes the translation stage member  220 , the translation bearing rods  206 ,  208 , and the translator drive  258 . The translation bearing rods  206 ,  208  are sufficiently rigid so as not sag or distort between mounting points and are arranged as parallel as possible with the axis X of the imaging drum  300 , with the axis of the printhead  500  perpendicular to the axis X of the imaging drum  300  axis. The front translation bearing rod  208  locates the translation stage member  220  in the vertical and the horizontal directions with respect to axis X of the imaging drum  300 . The rear translation bearing rod  206  locates the translation stage member  220  only with respect to rotation of the translation stage member  220  about the front translation bearing rod  208 . This is done so that there is no over-constraint of the translation stage member  220 , which might cause it to bind, chatter, or otherwise impart undesirable vibration or jitters to the printhead  500  during the generation of an intended image. The translator drive  258  traverses the translation stage member and printhead axially along the imaging drum 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lead screw  250  includes an elongated, threaded shaft  252 , which is attached to the translator linear drive motor  258  on its drive end and to the lathe bed scanning frame  202  by means of a radial bearing  272 . A lead screw drive nut  254  includes grooves in its hollowed-out center portion  270  for mating with the threads of the threaded shaft  252 . This allows the lead screw drive nut  254  axial movement along the threaded shaft  252  as the threaded shaft  252  is rotated by the linear drive motor  258 . The lead screw drive nut  254  is integrally attached to the to the printhead  500  through the lead screw coupling (not shown) and the translation stage member  220  at its periphery, so that the threaded shaft  252  is rotated by the linear drive motor  258 . This moves the lead screw drive nut  254  axially along the threaded shaft  252 , which in turn moves the translation stage member  220 , and ultimately the printhead  500  axially along the imaging drum  300 . 
     As best illustrated in FIG. 3, an annular-shaped axial load magnet  260   a  is integrally attached to the driven end of the threaded shaft  252 , and is in a spaced-apart relationship with another annular-shaped axial load magnet  260   b  attached to the lathe bed scanning frame  202 . The axial load magnets  260   a  and  260   b  are preferably made of rare-earth materials such as neodymium-iron-boron. A generally circular-shaped boss  262  part of the threaded shaft  252  rests in the hollowed-out portion of the annular-shaped axial load magnet  260   a , and includes a generally V-shaped surface at the end for receiving a ball bearing  264 . A circular-shaped insert  266  is placed in the hollowed-out portion of the other annular-shaped axial load magnet  260   b . It has an arcuate-shaped surface at one end for receiving ball bearing  264 , and a flat surface at its other end for receiving an end cap  268  placed over the annular-shaped axial load magnet  260   b , which is attached to the lathe bed-scanning frame  202  for protectively covering the annular-shaped axial load magnet  260   b . This provides an axial stop for the lead screw  250 . 
     Continuing with FIG. 3, the linear drive motor  258  is energized and imparts rotation to the lead screw  250 , as indicated by the arrows. This causes the lead screw drive nut  254  to move axially along the threaded shaft  252 . The annular-shaped axial load magnets  260   a ,  260   b  are magnetically attracted to each other, which prevents axial movement of the lead screw  250 . The ball bearing  264 , however, permits rotation of the lead screw  250  while maintaining the positional relationship of the annular-shaped axial load magnets  260 , i.e., slightly spaced apart. Mechanical friction between them is thus prevented, yet the threaded shaft  252  can continue to rotate. 
     The printhead  500  travels in a path along the imaging drum  300 , moving at a speed synchronous with the imaging drum  300  rotation and proportional to the width of the writing swath. The pattern transferred by the printhead  500  to the thermal print media  32  along the imaging drum  300  is a helix. 
     In operation, the scanning subsystem  200  or write engine contains the mechanisms that provide the mechanical actuations for the imaging drum positioning and motion control to facilitate placement of loading onto, and removal of the thermal print media  32  and the dye donor sheet material  36  from the imaging drum  300 . The scanning subsystem  200  or write engine provides the scanning function by retaining the thermal print media  32  and dye donor sheet material  36  on the rotating imaging drum  300 . This generates a once per revolution timing signal to the data path electronics as a clock signal, while the translator drive  258  traverses the translation stage member  220  and printhead  500  axially along the imaging drum  300  in a coordinated motion with the imaging drum rotating past the printhead. Positional accuracy is maintained in order to control the placement of each pixel, so that the intended image produced on the thermal print media is precise. 
     During operation, the lathe bed scanning frame  202  supports the imaging drum and its rotational drive. The translation stage member  220  and write head are supported by the two translation bearing rods  206 ,  208  that are positioned parallel to the imaging drum and lead screw. They are parallel to each other and form a plane therein, along with the imaging drum and lead screw. The translation bearing rods are, in turn, supported by the outside walls of the lathe bed scanning frame of the lathe bed scanning subsystem or write engine. The translation bearing rods are positioned and aligned therebetween. 
     The translation drive  258  is for permitting relative movement of the printhead  500  by means of a DC servomotor and encoder, which rotates the lead screw  250  parallel with the axis of the imaging drum  300 . The printhead  500  is placed on the translation stage member  220  in the “V” shaped grooves. The “V” shaped grooves are in precise relationship to the bearings for the front translation stage member  220  supported by the front and rear translation bearing rods  206 ,  208 . The translation bearing rods are positioned parallel to the imaging drum  300 . The printhead is selectively locatable with respect to the translation stage member; thus it is positioned with respect to the imaging drum surface. The printhead has a means of adjusting the distance between the printhead and the imaging drum surface, and the angular position of the printhead about its axis using adjustment screws. An extension spring provides a load against these two adjustment means. The translation stage member  220  and printhead  500  are attached to the rotational lead screw  250 , which has a threaded shaft, by a drive nut and coupling. The coupling is arranged to accommodate misalignment of the drive nut and lead screw so that only forces parallel to the linear lead screw and rotational forces are imparted to the translation stage member by the lead screw and drive nut. The lead screw rests between two sides of the lathe bed scanning frame  202  of the lathe bed scanning subsystem  200  or write engine, where it is supported by deep groove radial bearings. At the drive end, the lead screw  250  continues through the deep groove radial bearing through a pair of spring retainers. The spring retainers are separated and loaded by a compression spring, and to a DC servomotor and encoder. The DC servomotor induces rotation to the lead screw  250 , which moves the translation stage member  220  and printhead  500  along the threaded shaft as the lead screw  250  is rotated. Lateral movement of the printhead  500  is controlled by switching the direction of rotation of the DC servomotor and thus the lead screw  250 . 
     The printhead  500  includes a number of laser diodes  402 , which are tied to the printhead and can be individually modulated to supply energy to selected areas of the thermal print media  32  in accordance with an information signal. The printhead  500  of the image processing apparatus  10  includes a plurality of optical fibers, which are coupled to the laser diodes  402  at one end and at the opposite end to a fiber optic array within the printhead. The printhead  500  is movable relative to the longitudinal axis of the imaging drum  300 . The dye is transferred to the thermal print media  32  as radiation is transferred from the laser diodes by the optical fibers to the printhead, and thus to the dye donor sheet material  36 , and is converted to thermal energy in the dye donor sheet material. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, the imaging drum  300  has a cylindrical-shaped vacuum drum housing  302 . The drum is, by definition, hollow, and includes a hollowed-out interior portion  304 . The imaging drum  300  further includes a number of vacuum grooves  332  and vacuum holes  306  extending through the vacuum drum housing  302 . Vacuum is applied from the hollow interior portion  304  of the imaging drum  300  through these vacuum grooves and holes. The vacuum supports and maintains the position of the thermal print media  32  and the dye donor sheet material  36 , even as the imaging drum  300  rotates. 
     Continuing with FIG. 4, the ends of the imaging drum  300  are closed by a vacuum end plate  308 , and a drive end plate  310 . The drive end plate  310  is provided with a centrally disposed drive spindle  312 , which extends outwardly therefrom through a support bearing. The vacuum end plate  308  is provided with a centrally disposed vacuum spindle  318 , which extends outwardly therefrom through another support bearing. 
     The drive spindle  312  extends through the support bearing and is stepped down to receive a DC drive motor armature (not shown), which is held on by a drive nut. A DC motor stator (not shown) is stationarily held by the late bed scanning frame member  202  (see FIGS.  1  and  2 ), encircling the DC drive motor armature to form a reversible, variable DC drive motor for the imaging drum  300 . A drum encoder mounted at the end of the drive spindle  312  provides timing signals to the image processing apparatus  10 . 
     As shown in FIG. 4, the vacuum spindle  318  is provided with a central vacuum opening  320 . The central vacuum opening  320  is in alignment with a vacuum fitting with an external flange that is rigidly mounted to the lathe bed scanning frame  202  (see FIGS.  1  and  2 ). The vacuum fitting has an extension, which extends within but is closely spaced from the vacuum spindle  318 , thus forming a small clearance. With this configuration, a slight vacuum leak is provided between the outer diameter of the vacuum fitting and the inner diameter of the central vacuum opening  320  of the vacuum spindle  318 . This assures that no contact exists between the vacuum fitting and the imaging drum  300  that might impart uneven movement or jitters to the imaging drum  300  during its rotation. 
     The opposite end of the vacuum fitting is connected to a high-volume vacuum blower (not shown), which is capable of producing 50-60 inches of water at an air flow volume of 60-70 CFM. The vacuum blower provides vacuum to the imaging drum  300 . The vacuum blower provides the various internal vacuum levels required during loading, scanning and unloading of the thermal print media  32  and the dye donor sheet materials  36  to create the intended image. With no media loaded on the imaging drum  300 , the internal vacuum level of the imaging drum  300  is preferably approximately 10-15 inches of water. With just the thermal print media  32  loaded on the imaging drum  300 , the internal vacuum level of the imaging drum  300  is preferably approximately 20-25 inches of water. This level is desired so that when a dye donor sheet material  36  is removed, the thermal print media  32  does not move and color to color registration is maintained. With both the thermal print media  32  and dye donor sheet material  36  completely loaded on the imaging drum  300 , the internal vacuum level of the imaging drum  300  is approximately 50-60 inches of water in this embodiment. 
     In operation, vacuum is applied through the vacuum holes  306  extending through the drum housing  302 . The vacuum supports and maintains the position of the thermal print media  32  and dye donor sheet material  36  as the imaging drum  300  rotates. The ends of the imaging drum are preferably enclosed by the cylindrical end plates, which are each provided with a centrally disposed spindle  318 . The spindles extend outwardly through support bearings and are supported by the scanning frame. The drive end spindle extends through the support bearing and is stepped down to receive the motor armature, which is held on by a nut. The stator is held by the scanning frame, which encircles the armature to form the reversible, variable speed DC drive motor for the imaging drum. An encoder mounted at the end of the spindle provides timing signals to the image processing apparatus. The central vacuum opening  320  on the opposite spindle  318  is in alignment with a vacuum fitting with an external flange that is rigidly mounted to the lathe bed scanning frame  202 . The vacuum fitting has an extension extending within the vacuum spindle and forming a small clearance. A slight vacuum leak between the outer diameter of the vacuum fitting and the inner diameter of the opening of the vacuum spindle assures that no contact exists between the vacuum fitting and the imaging drum, which might impart uneven movement or jitters to the drum during its rotation. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, the outer surface of the drum  300  is provided with an axially extending flat  322 , which preferably extends approximately 8 degrees of the drum  300  circumference. The drum  300  is provided with donor support rings  324 , which form a radial recess  326  (see FIG.  4 ). This recess extends radially from one side of the axially extending flat  322  around the drum  300  to the other side of the axially extending flat  322 , from approximately one inch from one end of the drum  300  to approximately one inch from the other end of the drum  300 . 
     The imaging drum axially extending flat has two main purposes. First, it assures that the leading and trailing ends of the dye donor sheet material are somewhat protected from the effect of air during the relatively high speed rotation that the drum undergoes during the imaging process. Here, the air will have less tendency to lift the leading or trailing edges of the dye donor sheet material. The axially extending flat also ensures that the leading and trailing ends of the dye donor sheet material are recessed from the periphery of the imaging drum. This reduces the chance of the dye donor sheet material coming into contact with other parts of the image processing apparatus, such as the printhead. Such contact could cause a jam and possible loss of the intended image, or even catastrophic damage to the image processing apparatus. 
     The imaging drum axially extending flat also acts to impart a bending force to the ends of the dye donor sheet materials as they are held onto the imaging drum surface by vacuum from within the interior of the imaging drum. When the vacuum is turned off to that portion of the imaging drum, the end of the dye donor sheet material will tend to lift from the surface of the imaging drum. Thus turning off the vacuum eliminates the bending force on the dye donor sheet material, and is used as an advantage in the removal of the dye donor sheet material from the imaging drum. 
     As shown in FIGS. 6A through 6C, the thermal print media  32  when mounted on the drum  300  is seated within the radial recess  326 . Therefore, the donor support rings  324  have a thickness which is substantially equal to the thickness of the thermal print media  32  seated therebetween. In this embodiment, this thickness is 0.004 inches. The purpose of the radial recess  326  on the drum  300  surface is to eliminate any creases in the dye donor sheet material  36 , as the materials are drawn down over the thermal print media  32  during the loading of the dye donor sheet material  36 . This ensures that no folds or creases will be generated in the dye donor sheet material  36 , which could extend into the image area and seriously adversely affect the intended image. The radial recess  326  also substantially eliminates the entrapment of air along the edge of the thermal print media  32 , the vacuum holes  306  in the drum  300  surface cannot always ensure the removal of the entrapped air. Any residual air between the thermal print media  32  and the dye donor sheet material  36  can also adversely affect the intended image. 
     External Scanner 
     In the present invention, the input scanner  455  is located either outside the drum, as shown in FIG. 7, or inside the drum, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The scanner  455  is most preferably a drum scanner comprising a CCD array  468  in the scanner head for interpreting the input image, which is, for example, a painting, print, artist&#39;s sketch, film negative or positive. With the external scanner, the same drum  300 , translator drive/translation stage, rods, drive, and associated machine electronics and controls electronics are preferably used to both scan and print, which conserves space and money. Preferably, the same lead screw is also used. Thus, the proofer and scanner share control electronics, including linear rotation (e.g., moving the lead screw, moving the printhead linearly along the drum), motion rotation, and media feeding mechanisms. 
     Referring to FIG. 7, a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10  illustrates a drum  300 , input scanner  455 , and printhead  500 . The input scanner  455  is mounted externally and adjacent to the drum. One long drum  300  comprising a proofing, or imaging, portion  461  adjacent to a scanning portion  462  is shown in FIG.  7 . In this embodiment, the cylindrical drum is approximately twice the length of a conventional vacuum imaging drum, but with the same diameter. The centerline  454  is as indicated in FIG.  7 . The intended image is wrapped around the proofing, or imaging, portion  461 , as described herein, and the input image is similarly wrapped around the scanning portion  462 . The printhead  500  is shown adjacent to the intended image  457 . The input scanner  455 , which is shown next to the printhead, is illustrated in a position that is suitable for scanning the input image  456 . 
     The images are held to the drum side by side by a vacuum within the drum, as described herein. Alternatively, the input image is removably mounted on the drum by the operator using clamps or adhesive tape. 
     In operation, the drum  300  rotates at a constant velocity while the printhead  500  moves axially along the longitudinal axis of the proofing/imaging portion  461  of the drum  300  for transferring the data to create the intended image  457  onto the thermal print media. Meanwhile, the input scanner  455  moves axially along the longitudinal axis of the scanning portion  462  of the drum while the CCD array  468  in the scanner head scans the input image  456 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2, the printhead  500  and the scanner  455  are movably attached to the same lead screw  250 . The printhead  500 , scanner  455 , and lead screw  250  are assembled in a frame as illustrated in FIG.  2 . The printhead is mounted on a first translation stage member  220 . Though it is mounted on the same lead screw, the scanner in 
     FIG. 2 is shown on a separate, second translation stage member  222 . As described hereinabove, the lead screw drive nuts  254  and drive coupling permit axial movement along the longitudinal axis of the drum  300  for transferring the data to create the intended image on the thermal print media  32 , and for scanning the input image  456 . 
     For the external scanner, the proofer and the scanner preferably are tied to and utilize the same lead screw  250  and translation stage  220 . Since the drum  300  is longer, the translation stage is correspondingly longer. Alternatively, two separate translation stages  220 ,  222  may be employed, one  222  with a scanning head for taking input data, and one  220  with a laser thermal printhead for writing images. The two translation stages are tied to the same lead screw  250 , with two separate nuts  254  tying each translation stage to the lead screw. The translation stages are driven by the same mechanism as described hereinabove. Alternatively, each translation stage could be tied to a separate lead screw  250  (first),  465  (second), though this is less preferred. 
     Alternatively, the apparatus  10  may include two identically sized, adjacent drums rather than one long drum. In that case, one drum is used for proofing or writing the image, and the other drum is for scanning. A figure showing a schematic diagram of this embodiment would be identical to FIG. 7, except for a separation in the middle of the drum, indicating two side by side drums. The scanner  455  and printhead  500  could be tied to the same lead screw  250  or two different lead screws  250 ,  456 , and mounted on one translation stage  220  or two separate translation stages  220 ,  222 . 
     The apparatus may alternatively include a flat bed scanner and proofer, which are preferably either side by side or on top of one another on different platens within the same apparatus. In its simple form, the image processing apparatus comprises: a) an output imager; b) an input scanner connected to the imager; and c) a mechanism for scanning and proofing the image at the same time. The imager and scanner are set to the same pre-determined baseline settings as a starting point for image correction. The scanner and imager are preferably enclosed by the same apparatus housing. 
     Although both the scanner and proofer portions of the apparatus are intended for use at the same time, either portion of the embodiment of FIG. 7 may be utilized on its own. In other words, the operator may choose to use the apparatus as just a proofer or plate writer all or some of the time, or as just an image scanner. In the former case, the proofer/writer portion  461  is used, and in the latter case, the scanner portion  462  of the drum is employed. 
     Internal Scanner 
     Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9, a cross-sectional view and a perspective view from the open end  466  of the drum  300  surprisingly show the input scanner  455  within the hollowed-out interior  304  of the drum. When the input scanner  455  is located inside the hollow drum interior  304 , the image to be captured, such as a painting, print, artist&#39;s sketch, film negative or positive, which is the input image  456 , is transported to or otherwise placed in the interior of the drum. For the purposes of illustration, the three stars in FIG. 8 indicate a design on the input image inside the drum. The apparatus  10  writes the proof external to the drum, and scans the image internal to the drum. Two working environments are created in the same space where one existed before. This makes for a more compact apparatus. The scanner and writer/proofer share one drum, one translation stage, one set of control electronics, one set of machine electronics, etc. Thus, the cost of manufacturing the apparatus is decreased, floor space is saved, and trouble shooting is facilitated. 
     The reverse is also included herein. In that more technically difficult case, the printhead is internal and the scanner is external to the drum. The proof is written inside the drum, while the image is scanned outside the same drum. In this embodiment, the input image is taped, clipped, or vacuum adhered to the outside surface of the drum, and the thermal print media is similarly adhered to the inside surface of the drum. The above-mentioned benefits are also seen for this apparatus. 
     As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the hollow drum  300  is comprised of a cylindrical outer drum wall  458 , and a cylindrical inner drum wall  459 , which is parallel to it. The optical centerline  454  is as indicated in FIG.  9 . The outer drum wall  458  encloses the inner drum wall  459 . Between the two parallel drum walls is a vacuum chamber  460 , as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. When the image processing apparatus is in operation, a vacuum is applied in the vacuum chamber  460  between the two drum walls  458 ,  459 . Preferably, vacuum is applied from the hollow vacuum chamber  460  through vacuum grooves and/or holes  306  in both the inner and outer drum walls. The vacuum grips the input image  456  against the inner drum wall  459  via the vacuum holes in the inner drum wall. Outside the drum, a vacuum exerted through the vacuum holes  306  in the outer drum wall likewise maintains the intended image  457  in position against the outer drum wall  458 . The intended image and the input image are held in place without damage to the images until the vacuum is turned off. 
     In an alternate embodiment, there are no vacuum holes in the inner drum wall. Instead, although the intended image is held against the outside of the drum by a vacuum, the input image is held against the inner drum wall by the centrifugal force generated by the spinning drum (see FIG.  1 ). 
     In use, the operator inserts the input image into the hollowed-out interior of the drum by means of a slot  464  in the drum, or by rolling the input image and inserting it into an open end  466  of the drum. The closable drum slot  464  extends through the inner and outer walls. The drum can be accessed through a door (not shown) in the housing. The operator attaches the edges of the image to the inside edges of the drum by means of clamps or adhesive tape. Instead of an end plate  308  provided with a centrally disposed vacuum spindle  318 , one end  466  of the drum may be left open, as shown in FIG. 8, to accommodate the input image. In that case, the drum is only supported at its opposite end, and the end of the vacuum chamber at the open end is walled  463 , as shown in FIG.  8 . Alternatively, the drum end may have a door which the operator can open to insert the input image. 
     As the rotating drum revolves at its controlled speed, the scanner scans the input image as it revolves within the drum interior. The scanning head of the input scanner  455  is positioned inside the hollow interior portion  304  of the drum  300  so that it scans the input image  456 . The scanning head travels in a path along the drum, while being moved at a speed synchronous with the drum rotation. The scanner then separates the original digital image into three or more subtractive primaries in black. The scanner separates the colors and creates a half tone digital file (bitmap). Rotation of the drum is not impaired by the presence or operation of the scanner. Operation of the proofer is also not interfered with by operation of the scanner. 
     Where the scanning head is inside the drum, or where the scanner is external and the printhead is inside the drum, the scanner and proofer are tied to separate lead screws by two separate nuts. Preferably, one translation stage holds the scanning head for taking input data, and a second translation stage holds the laser thermal printhead for writing images. The translation stages are driven by the same mechanism as described hereinabove. The scanner  455  is shown tied to its lead screw  465  in FIG.  8 . The scanner preferably moves back and forth, too, as the drum rotates. The scanner head is less preferably the width of the drum. The scanner and printhead are preferably connected to and utilize the same drive mechanism. 
     Where a greater degree of automation is desired, the input image can alternatively be transported to the interior or exterior of the drum by means of a transport mechanism rather than being placed in or on the drum by the operator. The transport mechanism is preferably similar to the above-described material input and exit transport systems for the thermal print media. In this embodiment, the alternate material tray  50   b  positioned in an interior portion of the image processor housing  12  as shown in FIG. 1 is an input image material tray. The operator places the input image  456  in the input image material tray  50   b  and depresses the appropriate “input image” control button or icon. The apparatus is configured to transport the input image from the material tray  50   b  to the exterior surface or interior wall of the drum, depending on the scanner location. 
     The dye donor sheet material  36  is removed from the drum  300  and exits the image processor housing  12  via a skive or ejection chute  16  after the printhead  500  completes the transfer process for the particular dye donor sheet material  36  resting on the thermal print media  32 . The dye donor sheet material  36  eventually comes to rest in a waste bin  18  for removal by the user. The input image, on the other hand, exits the apparatus  10  via the transport mechanism. As shown in FIG. 1, the input image ends up resting on an exit tray  22 , on the opposite side of the apparatus, where it awaits removal by the operator. 
     In the alternate embodiment, the input image is removed by the operator. In this embodiment, the operator untapes or unclips the input image and slides it out of the same open end of the drum. Optionally, a blower can be set at the supported end of the drum to blow the input image out of the open end of the drum at the completion of the process. The operator would then receive the image from the open end of the drum. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, the apparatus preferably includes a light source  470  for illuminating the input image. The light source  470  is preferably positioned either within the input scanner  455  or within the vacuum chamber  460  in the vacuum imaging drum, or both. When the light source  470  is in the vacuum chamber, it shines through the vacuum holes in the inner drum wall and through the input image from the rear of the image. This is useful, for example, where the image is a film negative. Where the input image is a painting or the like, reflectance from inside the scanner head is preferred over back lighting. The apparatus  10  controls include buttons or icons which the user depresses to select the appropriate pre-programmed lighting. 
     In summary, then, a preferred embodiment of the image processing apparatus with an internal scanner includes a rotatable drum, which is comprised of an outer, cylindrical drum wall enclosing an inner, cylindrical drum wall. The embodiment further includes a vacuum chamber between the outer drum wall and the inner drum wall, means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum chamber, and a plurality of openings through the outer drum wall for communicating the vacuum from the vacuum chamber to the exterior surface of the drum. Particularly where the input image is a film negative or positive, the embodiment includes a plurality of openings through the inner drum wall for communicating the vacuum from the vacuum chamber to the interior surface of the drum. Particularly where the input image is a film negative or positive, the drum comprises a sealable slot along its length for admitting the input image into the hollowed out interior of the drum. A light source within the vacuum chamber is particularly preferred where the input image is a film negative. Where an automated system is desired, the apparatus includes an automated transport mechanism for transporting the input image to the drum, and the transport mechanism includes a sheet material tray in a housing of the apparatus. 
     Where the input image is a painting, print, or artist&#39;s sketch, the scanner comprises a light source for reflectance. Where the input image is a painting, print, or artist&#39;s sketch, the inner wall of the drum comprises clips along its edge for removably mounting the input image on the inner wall. 
     Also included herein is the reverse case, where the apparatus includes: 
     a) a rotatable drum comprising a hollowed out interior portion, and an imaging portion on its interior surface, and a scanning portion on its exterior surface, the drum being mounted for rotation about an axis, the imaging portion of the drum being arranged to mount a receiver sheet and a donor sheet in superposed relationship thereon, the scanning portion of the drum being arranged to mount an input image thereon; 
     b) a motor for rotating the drum; 
     c) a printhead inside the hollowed-out interior portion of the drum; 
     d) an input scanner outside the drum; 
     e) a first lead screw for moving the printhead in a first direction, the printhead being mounted on the first lead screw, and a second lead screw for moving the scanner in a first direction, the scanner being mounted on the second lead screw; and 
     f) a linear translation subsystem or subsystems on which the printhead, scanner, drum, and lead screws are mounted. Again, preferably the receiver sheet is thermal print media, the donor sheet is dye donor sheet material, and the input image is a painting, print, artist&#39;s sketch, or a film negative or positive. 
     Process 
     Referring to FIG. 10, a preferred image production process according to the present invention includes the following steps: 
     a) introducing an input image, as shown in Block  501 , to a scanner, as shown in Block  502 , within an image processing apparatus comprising the scanner, an imager, and memory; 
     b) contemporaneously forwarding the image data from the scanner to the imager, as shown in Blocks  503  and  504 , and to memory; and 
     c) outputting a trial image, as shown in Block  505 , from the imager (Block  504 ). 
     The process preferably further includes the steps of: 
     d) inputting corrective data to the imager (Block  503 ); and 
     e) outputting an intended image from the corrected data, as shown in Block  506 . 
     The steps of the process are preferably undertaken within a single image producing apparatus comprising the scanner, the imager, and a printer. The operator picks up the print-out, reviews it, and remedies defects prior to final output. 
     The present invention also includes a color image production process for scanning and writing images to a thermal print media at the same time, comprising the steps of: 
     a) inputting an intended image to an image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus comprising a rotatable drum, a translation system, and an input scanner and a printhead mounted on the translation system adjacent to the drum; 
     b) attaching an input image to an input scanner portion of the drum; 
     c) loading thermal print media and dye donor material onto an imaging portion of the drum; 
     d) spinning the drum; 
     e) translating the input scanner and the printhead along the drum using the translation system, which is in coordinated motion to the spinning drum; 
     f) ripping and feeding data from the scanner portion of the drum to the printhead; and 
     g) creating a trial image on the thermal print media. 
     The process preferably also includes the steps of: 
     h) modifying and re-ripping the image as required; and 
     i) creating the intended image on the thermal print media. 
     The method preferably further includes the step of: printing the scanned image as a half tone image prior to working with the image on a workstation, and at the same time that the image is being created on the thermal print media. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 11, a preferred process herein comprises the steps of: 
     1) attaching an input image to a scanner portion of a drum, as indicated in Block  100 ; 
     2) loading print media and dye donor material onto an imaging portion of the same drum, as indicated in Block  101 ; 
     3) spinning the drum at a controlled speed sufficient to produce the intended image, as indicated in Block  102 ; 
     4) translating the scanning head of an input scanner across the scanning portion of the drum, and a printhead across the imaging portion of the drum, as indicated in Block  103 ; 
     5) ripping and feeding data from the input scanner to the printhead, as indicated in Block  104 ; and 
     6) creating intended image on the print media, as indicated in Block  105 . 
     Simply put, this image producing process for scanning and writing images to a thermal print media includes the step of printing the image on a printer as the image is being scanned on a scanner, the scanner, printer, and output imager being within a single image processing apparatus. 
     In short, the process includes the steps of scanning an image, separating the original digital image into subtractive primaries, creating a half tone digital file, and printing the image as it is being scanned. The scanner takes the original image, separates the colors, and creates a bitmap. The image is scanned and written at the same time. Once the operator is finished screening it, and the paper comes out of the proofing apparatus, the operator can touch it up. Once the image is scanned, the operator has a hard copy image from the digital imager. 
     The present invention can be used in other applications, such as writing to imagesetter film or writing to IR thermal plates. The present invention is applicable to any type of drum. Also, the dye donor may have dye, pigments, or other material, which are transferred to the thermal print media. The term “thermal print media” is meant to include paper, films, plates, and other material capable of accepting or producing an image. Ink jet printers are included herein along with laser thermal printers. The die may be colorant, ink, or the like. 
     The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, this description is for illustrative purposes only. It is intended that the doctrine of equivalents be relied upon to determine the fair scope of these claims in connection with any other person&#39;s product which fall outside the literal wording of these claims, but which in reality do not materially depart from this invention. 
     Parts List 
       10 . Image processing apparatus 
       12 . Image processor housing 
       14 . Image processor door 
       16 . Donor ejection chute 
       18 . Donor waste bin 
       20 . Media stop 
       22 . Exit tray 
       30 . Roll media 
       32 . Thermal print media 
       34 . Dye donor roll material 
       36 . Dye donor sheet material 
       38 . Low cost support roll material 
       50 . Sheet material trays 
       50   a . Lower sheet thermal print material tray 
       50   b . Upper sheet input image material tray 
       52 . Media lift cams 
       52   a . Lower media lift cam 
       52   b . Upper media lift cam 
       54 . Media rollers 
       54   a . Lower media roller 
       54   b . Upper media roller 
       56 . Media guide 
       58 . Media guide rollers 
       60 . Media staging tray 
       80 . Transport mechanism 
       98 . Master lathe bed scanning engine 
       100 . Media carousel 
       110 . Media drive mechanism 
       112 . Media drive rollers 
       120 . Media knife assembly 
       122 . Media knife blades 
       198 . Master lathe bed scanning engine 
       200 . Lathe bed scanning subsystem 
       202 . Lathe bed scanning frame 
       204 . Entrance passageway 
       206 . Rear translation bearing rod 
       208 . Front translation bearing rod 
       210 . Translation system 
       220 . Translation stage member (first) 
       222 . Second translation stage member 
       250 . Lead screw (first) 
       252 . Threaded shaft 
       254 . Lead screw drive nut 
       258 . Translator drive linear motor 
       260 . Axial load magnets 
       260   a . Axial load magnet 
       260   b  Axial load magnet 
       262 . Circular-shaped boss 
       264 . Ball bearing 
       266 . Circular-shaped insert 
       268 . End cap 
       270 . Hollowed-out center portion 
       272 . Radial bearing 
       300 . Imaging drum 
       301 . Axis of rotation 
       302 . Drum housing 
       304 . Hollowed-out interior portion 
       306 . Vacuum hole 
       308 . Vacuum end plate 
       310 . Drive end plate 
       312 . Drive spindle 
       318 . Vacuum spindle 
       320 . Central vacuum opening 
       322 . Axially extending flat 
       324 . Donor support ring 
       326 . Radial recess 
       332 . Vacuum grooves 
       346 . First radial recess 
       348 . Second radial recess 
       350 . Load roller 
       400 . Laser assembly 
       402 . Laser diodes 
       404 . Fiber optic cables 
       406 . Distribution block 
       454 . Optical centerline 
       455 . Scanner 
       456 . Input image 
       457 . Intended image 
       458 . Outer drum wall 
       459 . Inner drum wall 
       460 . Vacuum chamber 
       461 . Imaging/proofing portion of drum 
       462 . Scanning portion of drum 
       463 . End wall of vacuum chamber 
       464 . Drum slot 
       465 . Second (scanner) lead screw 
       466 . Open end of drum 
       468 . CCD array in scanner head 
       470 . Light source 
       500 . Printhead