Patent ID: 7375739

Claim:
An image management system comprising; a memory device accessible by at least one processor, the memory device configured to be operatively coupled to an input device, the input device being operable to produce a plurality of input signals associated with a plurality of different images, the memory device storing a plurality of instructions, the instructions directing the processor to: (a) receive one of the input signals; (b) determine which one of the images is associated with the received input signal; and (c) cause an image forming device to produce an array of secondary energy streams which are operable to form laser-treated regions associated with a determined image, the image forming device being operatively coupled to the processor, the image forming device having: (i) an energy device including an energy source, the energy device operable to output a plurality of pulses of energy along a path, each of the pulses including a primary energy stream; (ii) a support which supports the energy device; and (iii) an image control device supported by the support and positioned to intersect the path, the image control device having a face which defines a plurality of cavities, the image control device having a plurality of elements, each one of the elements being movably positioned within one of the cavities between an outward position and an inward position, the image control device operable to: (x) receive the pulses of energy at different times; and (y) for each one of the received pulses of energy: (1) output an output pulse of energy, the output pulses of energy forming the array of secondary energy streams which are reflectable away from the face of the image control device toward an object, each one of the secondary energy streams being caused, at least in part, by one of the elements having the outward position, the secondary energy streams operable to form the laser-treated regions in the object, the laser-treated regions being associated with the determined and image; (2) substantially absorb a portion of the received pulse due, at least in part, to a least one of the elements having the inward position: or substantially direct the portion of the received pulse away from the object due, at least in part, to the at least one element having the inward position.