U.S. patent number 3,597,071 [Application Number 04/756,598] was granted by the patent office on 1971-08-03 for diverse-input system for electrostatically reproducing and recording information.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Xerox Corporation. Invention is credited to Burton L. Jones.
United States Patent |
3,597,071 |
Jones |
August 3, 1971 |
DIVERSE-INPUT SYSTEM FOR ELECTROSTATICALLY REPRODUCING AND
RECORDING INFORMATION
Abstract
A reproduction system of a single electrostatic processing
printer and a plurality of different imaging input devices such as
devices which are adapted to produce imaging light rays for the
printer from such informational forms as video facsimile signals,
microfilm, data processing information, light scanning platens for
full size documents, aperture cards, microfiche, etc. An interface
connection is provided for the printer and any one or more of the
input units. Paper input devices may also be arranged in the system
for selectively feeding paper from different sources into the
system.
Inventors: |
Jones; Burton L. (Fairport,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Xerox Corporation (Rochester,
NY)
|
Family
ID: |
25044197 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/756,598 |
Filed: |
August 30, 1968 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/203; 347/134;
347/138 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G
15/26 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G03G
15/26 (20060101); G03G 15/00 (20060101); G03g
015/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;355/11,3 ;346/74P,74ES
;129/1.1B ;178/6.6A |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Matthews; Samuel S.
Assistant Examiner: Hutchison; Kenneth C.
Claims
What I claim is:
1. In a system for recording originals of different forms, the
system having processing stations for producing a record indicative
of an original, said system including
a support structure,
an image receiving surface supported by the support structure for
receiving imaging rays of an original to be recorded,
a first imaging unit for producing imaging rays indicative of
originals having a first form and at approximately a one-to-one
magnification,
a second imaging unit for producing imaging rays indicative of
originals of a form different from the form of the originals
associated with said first unit,
means for operatively connecting selectively each of said units to
the support structure and in image projecting relation to said
image receiving surface,
and means for producing an imaging relationship of the units with
the image receiving surface thereby effecting the presentation of
the imaging rays of the originals from the first unit and the
second unit upon the image receiving surface.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for producing an
imaging relationship between the units and the image receiving
surface includes at least one optical element arranged to direct
the imaging light rays from the units to said surface.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said optical element is a
reflecting surface and includes means for moving said reflecting
surface to at least two positions each of which permitting the
imaging rays correspondingly from the units.
4. In a system for recording information of different forms, the
system having processing station for producing a record indicative
of the information, said system including
a support structure,
an image receiving surface supported by the support structure for
receiving imaging rays of the information to be recorded,
a first imaging unit for producing imaging rays indicative of
information in micro form and to project an enlarged image of the
information,
a second imaging unit for producing imaging rays indicative of the
information of a form different from the form of the information
associated with said first unit,
means for operatively connecting selectively each of said units to
the support structure and in image projecting relation to said
image receiving surface,
and means for producing an imaging relationship of the units with
the image receiving surface thereby effecting the presentation of
the imaging rays of the information from the first unit and the
second unit upon the image receiving surface.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the micro information is carried
on card material and said first imaging unit includes means for
receiving and handling the card material.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein said second unit is adapted to
receive a microfilm reel and to project enlarged images of the
information thereon.
7. In a system for electrostatically recording information existing
or initiated in a plurality of different forms, the system having
electrostatic processing stations for producing a record indicative
of the information, said system including
a support structure,
an image receiving surface supported by the support structure for
receiving imaging rays indicative of the information to be
recorded,
an image receiving station for receiving imaging rays indicative of
the information,
an imaging unit for producing imaging rays of each form of
information,
means for operatively connecting selectively each of said units at
the imaging station, and for producing an imaging relationship with
said image receiving surface for effecting the presentation of the
imaging rays of the information thereon.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein one of said units includes means
for producing imaging rays for an image having a magnification of
one-to-one relative to the information in its originating form.
9. system The of claim 7 wherein one of said units includes means
for receiving video signals indicative of information to be
recorded and including means for converting the video signals to
imaging rays.
10. The system of claim 7 wherein one of said units includes means
for receiving electric signals indicative of information to be
recorded and including means for converting the electric signals to
imaging rays.
11. The system of claim 10 including means responsive to actuation
of a keyboard in the formation of characters thereby for producing
said electric signals.
12. The system of claim 10 including tape recording and playback
means operatively connected to said means for converting electric
signals for generating said signals in response to information on
tape.
13. The system of claim 10 including voice recognition means
operative connected to said means for converting electric signals
for generating said signals in response to audio induced
information.
Description
This invention relates to copier/reproduction systems in general
and, more particularly, to such a system which is adapted to accept
many input forms of information to be reproduced.
Generally, copier/reproduction systems of the type adapted to
accept an input such as a letter size original, book page or
picture, incorporate a printer processing unit with a single input
station that converts the information on the letter original, book
or picture into corresponding light rays compatible as the
processing unit's operative input. For complete reproduction
capability, that is, for a system to utilize other input forms such
as microfilm, automatic document feeding operation, video signals,
alpha-numeric keyboard electronic signals, aperture cards and the
like, etc., a printer processing unit must be combined for each
form of input. Needless to say, the use of a separate printer unit
for each form of input is costly and, the space necessary to
accommodate separate printers is needlessly wasted. Therefore it is
the principal object of the present invention to arrange
copier/reproduction input units, a single printer unit and
interface structure so that the printer unit is adapted for
utilization for each of the input units.
Another object of the invention is to utilize a single printer unit
in conjunction with multiple input units adapted to be readily
attached to the printer unit for selectively presenting the printer
unit with material-to-be produced originally provided in different
forms.
Another object of the invention is to convert various forms of
information to-be-reproduced into corresponding optical
representations and to interface each of these representations with
the imaging station of a reproduction machine.
Still another object of the invention is to arrange a reproduction
system having a single printing unit, a plurality of output devices
such as, catch trays, sorters or finishing stations, and a
plurality of sources of information arranged to provide individual
inputs for the printer unit wherein the system may be readily
conditioned for producing readable copy of the information
presented to the printer unit.
The system invention may be accomplished by an arrangement which
includes a reproduction printer unit adapted to receive imaging
light rays and to convert the same to readable intelligence on
support material such as sheets or web of paper; a plurality of
input units each being capable of producing imaging light rays from
a specific medium or form of information, such as, video facsimile
signals, microfilm, data processing information, a light scanning
platen to support an original document or book page for one-to-one
reproduction, aperture cards, opaque cards, microfiche, other
microforms, various forms of computer output, such as tape, etc.
and; an interface connection between the printer unit and each of
the input units in order to effect the presentation of the output
from each input unit as the input to the printer unit.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a reproduction system embodying the
principles of the present invention of utilizing a single printer
unit and a plurality of imaging input units, a plurality of output
devices and a plurality of record material inputs;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an isometric view, partly in section of the printer unit
shown in FIG. 1, with an optical system for producing imaging light
rays for the unit and two paper input devices;
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the reproduction system arranged to
effect reproduction from a microfilm input unit and a one-to-one
copier combined with an automatic document feeding device;
FIG. 5 is a plan schematic view of two reproduction systems
remotely located and each connected by a cable adapted to carry
transmitted electrical signals to an input unit associated
respectively with the systems; and
FIG. 6 is an isometric schematic view of a reproduction system
arranged to receive inputs of different forms from several remotely
located places of origination.
For a general understanding of a typical reproduction or printer
apparatus to which the invention may be incorporated, reference is
made to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, and particularly FIG. 3 wherein various
components of a typical printer system is schematically
illustrated. For purposes of illustration, the printer unit to be
described herein is of the electrostatic type and, in particular, a
xerographic reproduction machine. As in all xerographic systems, a
light image of an original to be reproduced is projected onto the
sensitized surface of a xerographic plate to form an electrostatic
latent image thereon. Thereafter, the latent image is developed
with toner material to form a xerographic powder image
corresponding to the latent image on the plate surface. The powder
image is then electrostatically transferred to a record material
such as a sheet or web of paper or the like to which it may be
fused by a fusing device whereby the powder image is caused
permanently to adhere to the surface of the record material.
For purposes of the present disclosure, the xerographic
reproduction machine, indicated by the reference numeral 10 is
arranged as a self-contained unit having all of its processing
stations located in one unitary enclosure or cabinet. The printer
unit includes an exposure station at which a light or radiation
pattern of a document D positioned horizontally on a glass platen
is projected onto a photoconductive surface, such as a xerographic
belt 12. Imaging light rays from the document D, as "flash"
illuminated by lamps 14, are projected by a first mirror 16, a
projection lens 17 and another mirror 18 onto the belt 12, the
focal plane for the lens 17, at a position indicated in FIG. 3 by
the dotted line 19.
For purposes of more efficient flexibility and in accomplishing the
objects of the invention, it is preferred that the optical path
from he platen D to the focal plane 19 including the lens 17 with
mirrors 16 and 18 on either side thereof be arranged so that the
mirror 18 is mounted within the printer machine 10 and that the
lens 17 and the mirror 16 be mounted in the optical input unit that
supports the platen or object plane for the optical path. However,
for some purposes it may be more flexible to provide each of the
optical input units with a mirror 18 and to end the printer unit
cabinet with a wall that is closely adjacent the image plane
19.
As an interface structure and for unobstructed optical projection,
the side of the cabinet for the printer 10 is formed with an
enlarged rectangular opening to permit the projection of image
light rays from the lens 17 to the mirror 18. Similarly, the
cabinet for the input unit supporting the object plane is formed
with a corresponding rectangular opening that mates with the
opening in the printer cabinet when the two cabinets are
operatively joined together for copy/duplicating purposes. Suitable
lighttight gaskets may be utilized adjacent the exterior of each
opening in the cabinets in order to minimize the leakage of
unwanted extraneous light. The positions of the lens 17 and the
mirrors 16 and 18 relative to the platen and the image plane 19 are
such that when an input cabinet and the printer 10 are operatively
jointed, the focal plane 19 will be within the plane of the belt 12
and good optical transmission of the document image rays will be
achieved.
The xerographic belt 12 is mounted for movement around three
parallel arranged rollers 20 suitably mounted in the printer unit
10. The belt may be continuously driven by a suitable motor (not
shown) at an appropriate speed corresponding to the discharge
response of the photoconductive material that comprises the belt
and the intensity of the imaging light rays from the document D.
The exposure of the belt 12 to the imaging light rays from the
document discharges the photoconductive layer in the areas struck
by light, whereby there remains on the belt an electrostatic latent
image in configuration corresponding to the light image projected
from the document. As the belt continues its movement, the
electrostatic latent image passes a developing station at which
there is positioned a developer apparatus 21 for developing the
electrostatic latent image. After development, the powdered image
is moved to an image transfer station whereat record material or a
sheet of paper just previously separated from a stack of sheets 22
is held against the surface of the belt to receive the developed
powder image therefrom. The sheet is moved in synchronism with the
movement of the belt during transfer of the developed image. After
transfer, the sheet of paper is conveyed to a fusing station
whereat a fuser device 24 is positioned to receive the sheet of
paper for fusing the powder image thereon. After fusing of the
powder image, the sheet of paper is conveyed to an opening in the
housing for the printer unit 10 for accumulation or distribution of
the sheets of paper as they are produced.
The sheets of paper may be separated from the stack of sheets 22
arranged in the printer unit 10 and fed from the top of the stack
by means of a separator roll system 26 in timed sequence with the
movement of developed latent images on the belt 12.
Further details of the processing devices and stations in the
printer unit 10 are not necessary to understand the present
invention. A detailed description of the processing stations and
components along with the other structures in the printing unit 10
are adequately disclosed in the copending application Ser. No.
731,934 to Hewes et al. filed May 24, 1968.
The printer unit also is adapted to have positioned at one end
thereof and operatively associated therewith a roll converter unit
indicated by the reference numeral 30. The roll converter 30 is
adapted to convert a relatively large roll of paper 31 into various
sizes of sheets of paper by means of a cutter device 32 and a
control system (not shown) arranged to control cutting and feeding
of the individual sheets into operative cooperation with the
separator roller 26 positioned within the printer unit 10. With
this arrangement, precut sheets from the stack 22 of a specific
size may be fed seriatim to the transfer station for the
photoconductive belt 12 or, if it is desirable to utilize sheets
cut from a supply roll of record material, say for example in the
event that different size sheet are required for a production run
of the unit 10, the operator need only inactivate the precut paper
feeding mechanism and activate the roll converter unit with the
cutting device for affecting the cutting and feeding of sheets to
the transfer station for the printer unit. In accomplishing the
objects of the invention, the roll converter unit is housed within
its own cabinet which can be moved into and out of operative
position relative to the printer unit. A slot formed in the rear
panel of the cabinet for the printer may be made to mate with a
corresponding slot formed in the roll converter cabinet in order to
permit the movement of cut sheets from one cabinet to the other.
Once inside the printer unit cabinet, the sheets fed from the roll
converter unit are transported by the sheet moving devices for the
stack 22.
As shown in FIG. 1 at the other end of the printer unit 10, there
is positioned an output tray 40 arranged to receive sheets of paper
as they pass through a slot 41 formed in a wall housing for the
unit 10 The conveyor (not shown) associated with the fuser unit 24
is adapted to transport finished copy sheets through the slot and
into the tray. In place of the output tray 40, a sorter or multiple
sorter unit 42 may be positioned in order to receive sheets of
paper from the unit 10. The slot 41 may also be utilized to direct
fused finished copy sheets to various finishing stations such as
staplers, binders, joggers, etc. Whereas the output tray 40 will
accumulate a particular production run of the unit 10, the sorter
units 42 are adapted to sort the individual sheets in accordance
with a predetermined plan that may be programmed for the sorter
unit 42. For versatility, the operator need only attach the output
tray 40 to the printer cabinet, or bring the sorter units into
operative engagement with the output conveyor for the printer
unit.
In FIG. 1 there is also shown two optical input units 45, 46 that
may be utilized to effect individually, or by combined use, the
exposure of the belt 12 at the focal plane or exposure station 19.
The first optical unit 45 is provided with a suitable transparent
platen upon which original documents of different sizes and forms
may be positioned for illumination thereof. Details of such a unit
were previously described in relation to FIG. 3 and like structure
will be designated with the same reference numerals. A flexible
platen cover C may be positioned to rest upon the top of the
document being illuminated from below and within the unit housing.
Within the cabinet for the unit 45, the illumination lamps 14 may
be mounted and supplied with electrical power, and the mirror 16
may also be positioned to direct light rays through the sides of
the two rectangular openings formed in the adjacent unit 45 and the
unit 10. Preferably the projection lens 17 is also made part of the
optical unit 45 and the mirror 18 remains apart of the pair unit
10, as shown in FIG. 2. In the event a system arrangement utilizes
a mirror 18 for each imaging input unit so that the printer unit
ends along the plane of the belt 12, the catch tray 40 or sorters
and the fuser unit 24 must be arranged above the printer unit.
The optical unit 45 in being adapted to accommodate original
documents, books or the like characterized by having standard print
size may be considered a 1:1 image forming device. Besides a
standard 81/2 inches .times. 11 inches letter size original, the
unit platen, mirror 16 and lens 17 is capable of accepting 12
inches .times. 18 inches side-by-side originals or 5 inches .times.
8 inches cards, or any other desirable size or shape of original.
The resultant copy sheets which bears The same size of information
to be copied may be cut in the roll converter 30 to match the sizes
of the originals. By incorporating a suitable add-lens to the
projection lens 17, which is capable of varying the magnification
power of the lens, a larger document such as a two page original
may be applied to the plate on the unit 45 for effecting a
reduction of size of the informational area of the original upon a
small size of copy paper.
The other optical input unit 46 is adapted to feed minidata cards
47 in the form of aperture cards, 3X opaque cards, microfiche or
the like across a scanning station positioned with the unit. The
data on the cards may be enlarged to desired magnification and
directed to a mirror in the unit for projection by a lens out of
the unit cabinet through an interface opening in the side thereof.
A corresponding opening is formed in the cabinet for the printer 10
for permitting the impingement of image light rays upon the mirror
18. In FIG. 2, the imaging light rays so produced are directed
along the optical axis onto the mirror 18 turned to the position
indicated by the dotted line 0 for exposing the photoconductor belt
12. The minicards 47, in the form of aperture cards are formed with
suitable openings into which are secured film chips such as
microfilm frames having information reduced to a size of between
12x and 16x. If the cards 47 are of the opaque type, the minidata
thereon, having been printed by a previous process, are generally
of a size approximately one-third the size of the original
information, unreduced.
In any event, with the use of either card form, a suitable
automatic card pickoff and scanning system for presenting the
minidata of each card in seriatim or, repeatedly for multiple
copies thereof, may be utilized in order to accomplish a production
run of the printer unit 10 for a predetermined number of cards
placed in the unit 46. Such as automatic card pickoff and scanning
system that may be incorporated into the input unit 46 is disclosed
in the U.S. Pat No. 3,379,106 to Hewes et al. For scanning and
projecting microfiche frames, the unit 46 may incorporate the
microfiche handling mechanism disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,372,627
to Murray et al.
Actuating and control means may be incorporated into the printer
unit 10 and operatively connected to the units 45, 46 for imparting
rotation to the mirror 18 in a direction or position, as shown, in
FIG. 2, in order to receive and direct light rays from either of
the optical input units 45, 46 to the image plane 19.
Alternatively, either of the units 45 or 46 may contain its own
respective programming circuits for controlling operation of the
printer unit 10. Such control may also effect the proper
orientation of the mirror 18 and control either of the paper supply
units, that is, the paper feeder apparatus 22, 26 or the roll
converter 30. A control panel and housing 48 on the unit 45 may be
utilized for this programming and control and may contain the
conventional "On-Off" switches; the "number of copies " selector
switch; a copy counter indicator; a switch for the selection of
paper feeder apparatus 22, 26 or roll converter 30 and the size of
the sheets to be cut if the latter paper supply is to be utilized;
the control for the sorter system 42 if one is to be in use and,
distribution, that is, the number of copies for each distributee.
Similarly, the unit 46 may include a control panel and housing 49
for these purposes.
Another arrangement of optical input units is shown in FIG. 4,
wherein the printer unit 10 has associated therewith an optical
input unit 50 similar to input unit 45 but including an automatic
document feed mechanism 52. The document feeder is arranged upon
the top of the cabinet for the unit 50 and is adapted to feed in
seriatim original documents across the platen for the unit 50 in
order to affect a precollated production run of the printer unit 10
for a stack of documents placed in the document feeder 52. The unit
50 includes a projection lens system 17 and a mirror similar to the
mirror 16 for directing image light rays from documents being fed,
to the mirror 18 of the printer unit 10.
On the other side of the printer unit 10, there is show in FIG. 4
another optical input unit 53 arranged to support a microfilm reel
projection system 54 having an enlargement optical system for
enlarging to full size the information on each of the microfilm
frames. The unit 50 is provided with a control paneling and housing
55 similar to the panel 48 and may include specific document
feeding control such as for number of copies per document. The unit
53 includes its own control panel and housing 56 which is similar
to the panel 48 but including specific microfilm reel controls such
as frame selection, fast wind or rewind, automatic frame advancing
control.
Each of the units 50, 53 is formed with an opening in a side of the
cabinet therefor, that is adapted to cooperate with corresponding
openings formed in the printer unit 10 in order to permit the
transmission of imaging rays from either of the optical units 50,
53 to the photoconductor 12.
Another arrangement of optical input units is illustrated in FIG. 5
wherein there is shown two copying/duplicating machines 10, each
coupled with transmitting and receiving devices 60 and 62, each
coupled with transmitting and receiving devices 60 and 62
respectively, to form reproduction system capable of producing
readable hard copy from information received by way of telephone
cables or by RF signals. Each reproduction system may be operated
in a different location such as distant cities or the various
floors of a large office building and, are operatively connected
together by a two way cable or RF link illustrated by the reference
numeral 64. Each reproduction system is a duplicate of the other
and is connected by suitable cables or RF links that will permit
the transmission of video facsimile and control signals. While any
number of reproduction systems may be employed, only two are
illustrated and these are operatively arranged so that control
signals and information to be copied can be transmitted and
received in either direction. Since both reproduction systems are
duplicates, only one will be described in some detail.
Each reproduction system includes a printer unit 10 in cooperative
relationship with the optical input 45 previously described, and,
an electrical-optical converter in the form of the transmitting and
receiving facsimile apparatus 60 or 62, as the case may be. The
unit 60, 62 is adapted, in one mode of operation, to convert input
video facsimile signals into a corresponding optical representation
of the information supplied in the signal. This may be accomplished
by a CRT adapted to receive electric signals indicative of the
information of a document scanned by a "flying spot" scanner of
another CRT in the other reproduction system and to effect "flying
spot" scanning upon the mirror 18 in the printer unit 10. In
another mode of operation, the CRT in the unit 60, is adapted to
scan a document positioned on a suitable platen for this unit and
to produce corresponding video signals and to transmit these
signals to the duplicate unit 62 in the other reproduction system.
With both modes of operation, the electrical-optical converters or
facsimile apparatus are adapted to produce video signals, transmit
the same to remote locations and to receive video signals for
converting the same to facsimile reproductions of documents being
reproduced. Details of an optical unit type portrayed by the unit
60 may be found in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,149,201 to Huber et al. and
therefore further details thereof are not necessary. As previously
stated, the signals received by the unit 60 are generated from the
similar unit 62 associated with the other reproduction unit.
The arrangement illustrated in FIG. 5 then has the capability of
producing copies directly from the documents by virtue of the
optical input unit 45 at 1:1 or other magnification The arrangement
is also capable of reproducing information carried by way of a
cable or an RF link in the form of video signals from relatively
long distances and to present this information in graphical form
suitable for reproduction by printer unit 10. The units 60, 62 may
include their own specific controls for operation and also
supervisory controls which integrate into the controls of each
other and other similar facsimile units that may be employed in the
arrangement of FIG. 5. Such controls are disclosed in the U.S. Pat.
No. 3,303,280 to Fox et al. and further detailed disclosure thereof
is not necessary for the present invention.
The arrangement is additionally capable of receiving inputs
simultaneously from both units 45 and, 60 or 62, the combination o
which is adapted to produce on a single sheet, representation from
both informational sources. When an original is being scanned by
the unit 60 while on the platen for the unit 45, the mirror 18 is
moved out of the optical path. The system is also capable of
transmitting information from an original placed on the platen for
the unit 45 for reproduction thereof at a remote location at the
same time the same original is being copied by the printer unit 10
located at the originating station. This may be accomplished by
utilizing a mirror 18 that is semitransparent and capable of
presenting an image at the exposure station 19 for the unit 10
while at the same time allowing the image to be received by the
unit 60 and converted to a corresponding video signal for
transmission to the unit 62.
Another arrangement of imaging units for reproduction purposes is
illustrated in FIG. 6. In this arrangement, the printer unit 10 is
combined with 1:1 document optical input unit 45 and an interface
unit 70 which may be a character generator adapted to convert
electromagnetic signals, such as video facsimile signals to graphic
representations suitable for producing an image configuration on
the photoconductor belt 12 in the unit 10. The unit 70 is provided
with a mirror and a lens such as the mirror 16 and the lens 17 in
the unit 45 and is formed with an opening in a wall of the cabinet
therefor, thereby effecting cooperation with the corresponding
opening in the unit 10 and the mirror 18. This cooperation, as in
the other previously described arrangement, establishes an
operative engagement between the signal-to-graphic interface unit
70 with the printer unit.
The interface unit 70 is illustrated as being coupled to two
remotely located facsimile units 72, 74 by way of cables 76. Each
of the units 72, 74 is adapted to scan optically original and to
convert the resultant optical image to electric signals. In this
function, the units 72, 74 are similar to the facsimile devices 60,
62 in the arrangement of FIG. 5. The electric signals produced by
the units 72, 74 being indicative of the optical images of the
originals, are transmitted by the respective units to the interface
unit for conversion of the signals into corresponding optical
representations that can be utilized to produce electrostatic
images on the belt 12.
The interface unit 70 is also operatively coupled by cables 78 to
two remotely located alpha-numeric transmitting devices 80, 82 each
being provided with an alpha-numeric typewriter keyboard. Use of
one of the units by an operator serves to produce signals
indicative of the alpha-numeric characters selected by the operator
on the respective keyboard. These signals are converted to
alpha-numeric characters by the interface unit 70 in order to
present corresponding optical images for reproduction by the
printer unit 10. A tape recording device 84 is coupled into the
cables 78 and may receive simultaneous recording when either of the
units 80, 82 is operated in order to permit a latter playback for
the interface unit. Any other previously produced tape may be
utilized instead of those produced with the units 80, 82 in order
to acquire hard, readable copy from the printer 10 of the material
contained in the tape.
For still further versatility, the cables 78 are also connected to
a voice recognition scanner 86 which is adapted to produce
electrical signals indicative of audio transcription such as voice
induced recordings. Such scanner may include an optical scanning
device for converting recognized sound recordings into a
corresponding optical representation and the into a video facsimile
signal representative of the optical results. The video signal may
then be transmitted and converted by the interface unit 70 into
optical images suitable for reproduction as line copy by the
printer unit 10. Incorporate with the units 70 may be suitable
storage and retrieval systems having a computer that will use
audiotape, videotape or even movie film as a storage form. Any
number of different retrieval devices may be then utilized to
recall stored information from the computer for print out purposes
by the printer unit 10.
With the arrangements comprising the 1:1 optical input unit 45 in
combination with: in FIG. 1, the minicard unit 46, in FIG. 4 the
microfilm reel projection system 53; in FIG. 5, the transmitting
and receiving facsimile system 60; in FIG. 6, the signal to graphic
interface unit 70 and any one or all of the input devices thereto,
there is provided standard copying/duplicating service in the form
of the unit 45 and any one of a multitude of other services capable
of accepting and handling other various forms of information for
conversion to a form which can be utilized for producing hard
readable copy.
Other arrangements of inputs to the printer unit 10 may be
incorporated than those illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 6. Fox
example, in FIG. 1 the 1:1 optical unit 45 may be replaced by the
microfilm reel projection system 53 thereby allowing the user full
use of most types of miniaturized masters such as microfilm,
microfiche, aperture cards and opaque cards in the event that a
particular production run is to involve exclusively stored data
material. In such an arrangement, the control panel 56 for the unit
53 may include additional controls which are effective to operate
the respective units sequentially. Another arrangement would
integrate either of the two miniature input form units 46, 53 with
either of the facsimile systems 60 or 70 with some of the devices
72, 74, 80, 82, 84, and 86.
For any arrangement of input units, operative cooperation is
assured as between the units and/or the printer unit 10 optical
systems, by the physical association of the cabinets for the units,
and the matching openings which permit the transmission of imaging
light rays between the input units and the printer unit. Locking
clamps may be provided on all the units for preventing the
inadvertent movement of the unit during use and, interlock switches
and alignment devices may be utilized on each unit for insuring
proper optical alignment of all the optical structure involved and
to terminate or suspend operation in the event misalignment or
separation of units occur. For facility, each of the units are
provided with caster wheels and locking brakes thereby aiding in
the movement of the units into and out of cooperative engagement.
The positioning of the optical input units may be reversed,
assuming that units are available which are oriented as left-handed
and right-handed, or only one input unit utilized and the printer
unit positioned against an office wall. This latter arrangement has
significant advantage if there is a shortage of office space. With
the printer unit fixed against a wall, each optical input unit can
be applied as needed rather than arranging two input units in
operative engagement with the printer unit.
From the foregoing it may be appreciated that the present invention
allows the use of a single reproduction unit in conjunction with a
multitude of different optical input units, paper supply devices
and paper output apparatus. It will be apparent that arrangements
other than those described above may be devised without departing
from the scope of the invention which is limited only by the
accompanying claims.
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