Graphic input or output device including a fiber optic bundle with electronic means for providing coherence

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end of the array is merely gathered into at least one

GRAPHC INPUT OR OUTPUT DEVICE bundle, at random. The only constraint on the bundled INCLUDING A FIBER OPTIC BUNDLE WITH end is that the cross sectional area of the bundle is con ELECTRONIC MEANS FOR PROVIDING figured to correspond generally with the area of the COHERENCE 5 photosensitive RAM.

In this embodiment the diameter of each fiber is

REFERENCES chosen to be large compared to the area of a bit location Reference is made to the magazine articles Build the in the RAM. As a result, a plurality of RAM memory Micro D-Cam Solid-State Video Camera. Part I, Byte 10 bits is positioned to correspond to a single pixel (Picture Magazine, September 1983, pp. 20-31, and Part II, in Element). Moreover, the number of fibers is chosen to Byte Magazine, October, 1983, pp. 67-86, which are be large (approximately 3000) compared to the number incorporated herein by reference. Reference is also of pixels required for satisfactory optical definition. made to a 12 page product description entitled Micron Consequently the input at the linear end of the array of Technology, Inc. IS32 Optic RAM32,768 Bit Image Sen fibers comprises 3000 signals and so provides high reso sor, also incorporated herein by reference, which de 15 lution, yet the signals at the sensor array end are of scribes the characteristics of the IS32 Optic RAM, and relatively low density compared to the density (64,000) gives both supplier information and a description of of the available addressable memory locations in the addressing circuits. sensor RAM. In this manner tolerances may be relaxed. TECHNICAL FIELD 20 and costs reduced even though resolution is high. For example, if two mil diameter fibers are used, the linear

This invention relates to graphics input or output input array will have a density of more than three thou devices and more particularly to such a device includ sand fibers over, say the width of a 8.5 inch letter size ing a fiber optic bundle. document. The output end could, in this example, be BACKGROUND ART 25 bundled into a rectangle of approximately 217x92 mils, which would perfectly match a commercially available

Graphics input or output devices are well known in 64 K Photosensitive RAM. This RAM can be pur the art. One such device employing a linear array of chased in OEM quantities for about $4.00, a price far photodiode sensors is commercially available from lower than any other high density photosensitive device "Reticon' of Sunnyvale, Calif.

This array of photodiodes is positioned so that light 30 on the market today. Since the bundle of approximately 3000 fibers is physically abutted or optically focussed impinging upon a document to be copied forms an against the sensor RAM, each fiber corresponds to an image on the array through a suitable lens system. The area of the document is moved by a control mechanism which addressableRAM memory occupying the space of about twenty locations.

synchronously strobes the array to provide signals rep

Coherence is preserved in this embodiment by em resentative of the linear image segment being scanned. 35 ploying

A problem with this type of arrangement is that a into a computer a Look-up Table which can be incorporated considerable distance is required between the array and ble program or embodied in a Programma Read Only the document in order to reduce the scanned image to a manner. The Look-up Memory (PROM) in a conventional size compatible with the minute size of the array. Fur Table records the correspon ther, all the sensors have to be perfect and the signals 40 dence between the position of each fiber in the linear provided by the array require additional means to store input end and one of its associated addresses in the and convert the signals to digital form. RAM to which it couples at the bundled end. The cor Graphic devices are known which employ fiber optic respondence is determined upon manufacture by pass bundles to permit segments of a scanned image to be ing light through a narrow slit (smaller than the diame applied to minute sensor arrays without the consider- 45 ter of each fiber), which is oriented transversely to the able distance previously required. The signal output of linear array and is moved across the fibers of the array such a fiber optic bundle still requires conversion to sequentially. As the slit passes each fiber, the corre digital form and the fiber bundle has to provide physical sponding illuminated RAM addresses are noted, and coherence between the input and output (picture ele one address is chosen. The correspondence thus estab ments or pixels) such that the relationships between the 50 lished is stored in a bit map, which may be recorded signals at the input ends of the fibers and at the output permanently in, for example, a BROM. Once the bit ends of fibers are identical. The term "physical coher map is stored, the system is initialized for later use. ence' means that those relationships are maintained Alternatively, the correspondence may be determined physically by keeping the fibers at the output end in a in the absence of a permanent built-in bit map by initial predetermined physical relationship with respect to the 55 izing the system each time the system is used, or, by fibers at the input end. The requirement of coherence in using a computer program containing the Look-up Ta a bundle of so many fibers of such small size is difficult ble.

to achieve and, therefore, costly. The device can be used to scan a document for fac

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

simile or for intelligent copier applications, as de 60 scribed, or in a reverse mode by coupling an imaging

An inexpensive graphics input or output device is display to the bundled end, and by generating an image achieved in a preferred embodiment by employing a on the face of the display, in accordance with a bit map bundle of optical fibers and a random access memory generated during initialization. In the printer embodi (RAM) which is adapted for sensing light signals. Such ment the linear end may be abutted against a xero a memory is available commercially, is inexpensive and 65 graphic drum for selective discharge of linear segments is known to be useful to sense light signals. One end of of the drum as the drum rotates. The scanner, the the fibers is constrained to form a linear array which printer, or both may be attached to a computer, such as can be used, for example, to scan a document. The other a personal computer, having sufficient bit processing

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capability to provide facsimile or intelligent copier op map of each fiber is individually read out and recorded. eration with relatively little adaptation. The arrangement for moving slit 21 as required may be

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

any convenient translation mechanism suitable for this purpose, and a detailed discussion of such an arrange

FIGS. 1, 4, 9, and 14 are schematic representations of 5 ment is not necessary for an understanding of this inven systems in accordance with this invention. tion. All that is necessary is that a slit be passed along FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a portion of an the fiber ends at 12 to illuminate the fibers in sequence initializing apparatus in accordance with this invention. to establish an appropriate Look-up Table or Bit Map FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a portion of during an initialization procedure. A suitable control the system in FIG. 1. 10 circuit for controlling the movement of slit 21 and for FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a random controlling source 19 is represented by circuit board 30 distribution of light signals in a non-coherent fiber bun in FIG. 1. The apparatus to accomplish initialization dle. can be included as part of the apparatus of FIG. 1, or FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are schematic representations of may be a separate dedicated fixture as shown in FIG. 2. portions of a graphic printer in accordance with this 15 RAM 17 includes X and Y address decoders 31 and invention. 32 in a familiar manner as indicated in FIG. 3. All bit FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are schematic representations of locations in the RAM are initialized or precharged prior portions of the scanner arrangement of FIG. 9. to each "interrogation' cycle, in which all bits are inter FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the address rogated to determine which address was illuminated ing organization for blocks of bit locations in RAM in 20 when light enters the next consecutive fiber during the the systems of FIGS. 1, 4, 9, or 14; and initialization process. Specifically, incident light dis FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic representations of the charges the bit location (or locations) of the RAM cor system of FIG. 14. responding to the fiber at end 12 which is illuminated at

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

any given instant during the initialization process. The 25 RAM is then interrogated and the address (or ad

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative portable graphics input dresses) of the discharged bit location (or locations) is device 10 in accordance with one aspect of this inven stored in the Look-up Table or Read Only memory tion. The device comprises an optical fiber bundle 11 (ROM) 35 under the control of control circuit 30 of having first and second ends 12 and 13 respectively. FIG. 1. At the termination of the initialization process, The ends of the fibers at 12 are constrained, by ferrule 30 the addresses of all the consecutively discharged bit - 15 into a linear array positioned for scanning successive locations of RAM 17 are stored. This procedure estab linear segments or lines of an image when moved with lishes the coherence between the randomly gathered respect to a document 16, for example, along an axis fiber ends at 13 and the linear arrangement offiber ends aligned with double-headed arrow Y. at 12, The system is now ready for operation. The ends of the fibers at 13 are not organized, but 35 As noted, each fiber, preferably, is larger in diameter rather are gathered and bunched randomly, and fused. than the area occupied by a group of bit locations in the The fused bundle is abutted physically or focussed opti (sensor) RAM. This relationship ensures that at least cally onto the surface of Random Access Memory one unambiguous bit location in the sensor RAM will be (RAM) 17. The diameter of each fiber is chosen to be illuminated during each interrogation cycle, and that a large compared to the area of a bit location in the RAM, defect in the RAM will not cause loss of information. so that twenty or so bits of the RAM correspond to The redundancy of about 10 to 20 bit locations, corre each fiber at end 13. The choice of size ensures that any sponding to a single fiber, was selected for convenience light entering a fiber at end 12 impinges at least one because of the economy and availability of 64KRAMs, useable bit location of the RAM when it exits at end 13. and the excellent resolution, economy and general util Coherence, that is, the ordered relationship, between 45 ity of the device using 2 mil fibers. Practical conse the light signals entering the linear array of fibers at end quences of this choice will be discussed below, in rela 12 and light exiting the fibers at the bundled end 13 is tion to FIGS. 9 and 11. A lower level of redundancy provided by storing, in a Look-up Table in a computer, may be chosen, without sacrificing required resolution or by a Programmable Read Only memory (PROM), by varying the RAM size or geometry, the fiber size, or the address of a bit location in RAM 17 which senses 50 other characteristics.

light exiting a particular fiber at end 13 as light is di A suitable sensor RAM for the embodiment disclosed rected into each of the fibers at end 12 in sequence. is available commercially from Micron Technology Initialization of an embodiment such as that shown in Inc., of Boise, Id. The RAM is divided into two sec FIG. 1 is illustrated by the apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3. tions, each 256 by 128 cells. Accordingly, it is conve The apparatus, includes a light source 19 enclosed by 55 nient in the illustrative embodiment to divide the fibers housing 20. A side of housing 20 in FIG. 2, is placed at end 13 into two arrays to associate with the two adjacent to ends 12 of FIG. 1 during an initialization sections of the RAM if the Micron Technologies RAM process. The side 20 includes a slit 21 which, for exam is used. Appendix II describes in detail the address ple, may be formed in an opaque film or tape 23 which structure of the Micron Technology IS32 Optic RAM is moved along an axis, represented by double headed 60 and circuitry for its use. For speed of operation, it may arrow X in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a manner to expose the be desirable to divide the fibers into a greater number of fibers of the linear array at end 12, in sequence, to light. sections to reduce the addressing requirements. This causes the illumination of a sequence of bit loca A complete system for entering graphics information tions in (sensor) RAM 17 of FIG. 3, corresponding to into a computer using such a sensor RAM is disclosed in the sequence of fibers illuminated in the linear array. 65 detail in the September 1983 issue of Byte Magazine at Slit 21 is narrow (less than a fiber diameter) and is pro pp. 20-31. the computerinterfaces and control software gressively moved along the linear array in synchronism for the system are described in the October issue of that with the interrogation of the RAM 17, so that the bit same publication at pp. 67-86. These two articles are

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attached hereto as Appendix I, and are hereby incorpo domly dissected linear input distributed over the entire rated by reference and made of record. The present (sensor) RAM-instead of a line from the array being invention can be used with the system described in laid out on a line of the sensor, as it would be in the case those publications, by providing, in addition, the herein of a direct lens projected image. It is clear that resolu described fiber optic array, a sensor array, and a mem tion is significantly improved. ory for storing a Look-up Table or Bit Map.

FIG. 4 shows schematically an arrangement of the Look-up Table Fragment Diagram type shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 for use with the system of Input Array Output Array the above-mentioned publications. The arrangement Fiber Associated RAM Address includes RAM chip 61 divided into two sections 62 and 10 507 4122 63 as is available commercially. Sections 62 and 63 are S08 73 mated with randomly-bundled fiber arrays 65 and 66 509 243 respectively. The other ends of the fibers are con S10

strained to a linear geometry by ferrule 68 and posi 512 989 tioned to scan a portion of a document, shown by way 15 of illustration as the letter A on document 70. A means for advancing document 70 is represented by block 71 The input fiber numbers shown, constitute, illustra and may comprise, for example, a mechanism like that tively, a fragment taken from the 0-3000 sequence of used in the Houston Instruments DMP-4 plotter. Hous fibers and shows one related RAM address for each ton Instruments is a division of Bausch & Lomb. RAM 20 fiber. The RAM addresses are chosen, illustratively, 61 is addressed by address decoders 72 and 73 under the from the 10 or 20 addresses corresponding to a given control of a Look-up Table implemented as part of a fiber in such a way that the chosen address for each computer or by a familiar PROM providing a bit map. fiber is at least 20 cells away from the RAM address of The addressing control arrangement is represented by nearby fibers.

block 82. 25 The operation of a scanner embodying the principles The linear array in FIG. 4 is shown intersecting a of this invention can be understood by proceeding as letter "A" on document 70. In the absence of a Look-up follows: First the linear end of the fiberbundle is juxta Table or Bit Map, noncoherence between the input and posed with a first line (or linear segment) of a docment output array produces a random distribution of the light to be scanned. A light source illuminates the document signals input to the linear array of fibers. That distribu 30 (possibly by being strobed), and the storage means for tion is shown as it appears from the output as repre storing the Look-up Table or Bit Map is activated for sented in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 specifically, represents the applying the sequence of stored addresses to the (sen random distribution by numbers of associated fibers in sor) RAM in order to read the incoming light signals the linear array placed with respect to possible positions (presence or absence of light) in each of the sequence of of the associated other ends of those fibers in array 35 fibers corresponding to the sequence of RAM addresses sections 62 and 63. It is clear that the interrogation of interrogated. Since the generated sequence of RAM RAM sections 62 and 63 could make no sense of the addresses corresponds to the sequence of fibers in the input signals in the absence of a Look-up Table. linear end of the bundle, the light signal outputs are But a Look-up Table or Bit Map which stores the coherent. These output signals are stored in memory, or relationship between the input offibers 1,2,3,... and the 40 transmitted, or both, in a manner entirely consistent addresses in RAM 61 associated with the output ends of with the teachings of the above-mentioned Byte Maga those fibers, would enable sense to be made of the ran zine articles.

dom distribution by controlling the RAM address de A fiber optic bundle configured linearly at one end coders to take the output sensed at the stored addresses and randomly in a square or rectangular array at the in a sequential relationship identical to that in the linear 45 other can be used for printing with the output at the array. Consequently, during a scan period when light linear end. In order to adapt the above electronically directs signals into the fibers at 68 in FIG. 4 from a controlled coherence arrangement to printing, the face linear segment of the document, the Look-up Table or plate of a high intensity display (e.g. a cathode ray tube) Bit Map 82 of FIG. 4 applies a sequence of addresses to is juxtaposed against the randomly gathered rectangular interrogate the memory in order to generate output end of the fiber bundle. The electron beam of the tube is signals coherent with the fiber positions at 68. Next, moved to successive positions on the face plate accord document 70 is advanced incrementally with respect to ing to a Bit Map generated during an initializing proce ferrule 68, and RAM 61 is interrogated again in accor dure as described above. But a (sensor) RAM is not used dance with the Look-up Table or Bit Map. The process in the printer as was the case with the scanner. Rather, is repeated until the document is entirely scanned. The 55 the Bit Map controls the consecutive positions of the apparatus of FIG. 1 is assumed to include a lamp (not beam with respect to the tube face. Since the fibers are shown) for illuminating the document. Provision for abutted (physically or optically) against the face plate, illumination may correspond to that provided in any light signals are directed to consecutive fibers in a man familiar copier. The illumination means is represented ner to provide coherent information at the linear array by block 83 in FIG. 4. 60 end of the fibers. The linear array is juxtaposed opti The following Table 1 represents a Look-up Table or cally with, for example, a xerographic drum, for selec Bit map for an illustrative six fibers. It should be clear tively discharging the drum for printing. The printing that the operation of the RAM interrogation according system is depicted in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. to the Look-up Table during each scan period is entirely FIG. 6 shows a portion 100 of a printer in accordance consistent with the operation described in the above 65 with the principles of the present invention. The printer mentioned publications. But the results are considerably comprises a cathode ray tube (CRT) 101 including a different because the optical input received by the cathode 102 for generating electrons and X and Y de RAM during each interrogation is effectively a ran flection plates 103 and 104 respectively. The X and Y

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deflection plates are operative in response to voltages We have now described the general organization and applied to the plates by deflection control circuit 105 operation of a scanner and a printer utilizing a randomly normally to scan a line from side to side on the face 106 organized fiber bundle having an electronic means for of the plate and then to increment to the next line for achieving coherence. Now we will describe the elec repeating the operation until the entire face is scanned. 5 tronic organization of the scanner and printer. The presence or absence of electrons in each position in FIG.9 is schematic block diagram of the organization a line determines whether the phosphor on the inside of linear of the scanner of FIG. 1. Rectangle 200 represents a the face plate emits light or not. Alternatively, a CRT of segment (line) of a document illustratively 8.5 different construction in which the beam can be vec inches in width and one fiber in height. The blocks tored to sequentially specified positions on the tube face 10 within the linear slice are numbered from left to right as can be used. viewed b1, b2, b3, ... b3025. This slice is scanned by the FIG. 7 shows a front view of face plate 106 of the and sequentially ordered fibers at end 12 of the fiber bundle, CRT of FIG. 6. Superimposed on face plate 106 is the the fibers the light signals detected thereby are channelled via to randomly bundled end 13, which is shown end 110 of a fused bundle of fibers (which could also be labelled according a circle). The physical structure is similar to that 15 12. The light patterntoentering the ordering of the fibers at end from the linear segment of achieved by, for instance, extending the fibers of the the document is, of course, scrambled when it exits the fiber optic face plate of U.S. Pat. No. 3,273,445 issued other end of the fiber. FIG. 10 shows how Sept. 20, 1966 to W. P. Siegmund, and gathering them bling occurs. In the figure, representativesuch a scram in a bundle as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,307 issued 20 the segment are shaded, b16, b30, b31 and b1503,alongfibers Nov. 29, 1977 to Demaine et al. The remote end of the others, b3, b12, b1500 and b3024 are shown unshadedand to bundle offibers is configured in a linear array by ferrule represent dark and light areas along the segment respec 111 as shown in FIG.8. We have established above how the coherence between the randomly bundled end of a tively. The remote (bundled) end of the fibers are desig bundle of fibers and a linearly arrayed opposite end of 25 nated to correspond. The lack of coherence is clear. those fibers is obtained during an initialization proce theReturning fibers is to FIG. 9, we see that the bundled end of attached (in one embodiment) to the face of dure and maintained electronically. We will assume for random access memory RAM201. During initialization illustrative purposes that a bit map is employed to store RAM 201 is organized illustratively, into fifty five rows the relationship between the positions at the two ends of of fifty five blocks of bit locations which, when multi the fiber bundle. Such a bit map is provided in bit map 30 plied out yields 3025, the number of fibers in the em control circuit 115 of FIG. 6. Circuit 115 is operative to bodiment of FIG.9, with each fiber in the bundle corre control deflection control circuit 105 to direct desired sponding in position to one of the blocks of bit locations information to a specified spot on face 106 so that the in RAM 201. FIG. 11 shows a representative fiber information enters the proper fiber in bundle 110 of b3024 superimposed on a representative block desig FIG.8. In turn, the proper output is in the correct 3s nated bl13. As shown block b. 13 includes a plurality position in the linear array end of the fibers as shown in of sensor elements e of the regular array of elements on FIG.8. A suitable vector CRT for this purpose is avail the RAM, some of which correspond with the edges of able commercially from General Consumer Electronics fiber b3024, and others with the center region of the Corporation (GGE) in Santa Monica, Calif. fiber end. During initialization a central element may be The linear array is juxtaposed with a drum 112 of a 40 chosen as representative of the block b. 13. copier, as shown in FIG. 8. One suitable copier arrange The linear end of the fibers is moved, with respect to ment which can be adapted conveniently to this end is a document, as indicated in FIG. 1 by a suitable me disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,458, issued to L. B. chanical arrangement represented by block 204 in FIG. Hoffman June 1, 1982. The optical system of the device 9. One suitable mechanical arrangement is shown in the shown in that patent is replaced by a fiber optic bundle 45 above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,458. The mechani arranged so that the linear end is juxtaposed against the cal arrangement is operated under the control of a con drum and the randomly bundled end is juxtaposed trol circuit 205 which is clocked by clock source 206. against the light input to the copier as shown in FIG. 6. Clock source 206 also enables the generation of a In addition, the paper transport (original) is omitted as is string of RAM addresses corresponding to the sequence the light source in that patent. Instead CRT face plate 50 b1, b2, b3, b3025 of the linear array end of the fibers. To 106 is abutted against the bundled end of the fibers. this end, the scanner of FIG. 9 includes an address The printer operation is as follows: The beam of a generator 207, the output of which is connected to a CRT is directed to the sequence of (3000) addresses, read only memory (ROM) 208. An output from clock stored during initialization, and the beam of the CRT 206 is connected to address generator 207. Each clock (102 of FIG. 6) is either activated or not in each instance 55 pulse is operative to activate control circuit 205 to move according to the image to be printed. The light signal in the linear array to a next scan position and simulta each instance is applied, via the fiber bundle, to dis neously to increment address generator 207. Each clock charge the drum. When the entire sequence of addresses pulse thus causes the address generator to scan through is completed, the drum is rotated to a next linear posi the 3025 bit map addresses stored in ROM, addressed 0 tion and the sequence of addresses is again applied to 60 through 3025.

the CRT for directing the light signals again. The pro Address generator 207, in response, applies an ad cess is repeated until the entire document is recorded on dress to ROM 208. ROM 208 responds, in a well under the drum. What is described herein illustratively pro stood manner, to generate the address string corre duces resolution far beyond what is presently available sponding to the sequence of fibers at the linear array. from non-laser printers. Yet presently available elec- 65 end as stored during initialization. The address string is tronics and CRTs provide sufficient speed of operation applied to RAM 201 by means of an eight bit decoder and light intensities to produce high quality systems as 210, as shown in FIG. 12. The decoder is operative, in disclosed herein, at low cost. the usual manner, to select a particular word in RAM

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201. Each time a clock pulse occurs, the linear end of with the copier drum as discussed hereinbefore and the array scans a next segment of the document and shown in FIG. 8.

ROM 208 applies an address string to decoder 210. The control arrangement for directing stored signals Each address of the address string selects a word in to the proper fiber at the face of the CRT for printing RAM 201 and applies the 256 bits of the selected word will now be discussed in connection with FIG. 14. The to multiplexer (MUX) 211. MUX 211 is a 256 to 1 MUX object of the control is to apply an address string from and is operative to apply a binary 1 or 0 to linear mem ROM to the deflection control circuit of the CRT to ory 214 of FIG.9 depending upon whether the selected generate the sequence of positions to which the electron block of bit addresses (i.e., b. 13 of FIG. 11) is illumi beam of the CRT is to be vectored (or fired if in Raster nated or not in the instant scan period. Linear memory 10 Scan Mode).

214 also receives clock pulses from clock 206 for incre FIG. 14 shows the linear array 300 of fibers to be menting to a next of fifty five positions, each for storing juxtaposed with a drum as shown in FIG. 8. The me fifty five bits (1 or 0) representing the presence and chanical apparatus for moving the array with respect to absence of light incident upon the consecutive blocks a document is represented by block 301. Control circuit (bL13 of FIG. 11) addressed by the address string dur 15 302 is operative to increment the relative positions of ing each scan period. the linear array and a document (not shown) in response Note that the 3025 fibers cover virtually the entire to a clock pulse. A source of clock pulses is represented RAM. Because the 64K bit RAM is organized into only by block 304.

3025 blocks, as already indicated, each fiber corre The clock source also increments an address genera sponds to about twenty or so bit locations as was men 20 tor 305 which applies an address to ROM 306. ROM tioned hereinbefore. In a preferred embodiment it is 306 responds by applying an address string to the de convenient to take the address of the center bit location flection control circuit 307. FIG. 15 shows a portion of of the block in each instance. The center bit location the deflection control circuit 307. The circuit includes generally will be fully illuminated when the corre two eight bit digital to analog (D/A) converters 310 sponding fiber is illuminated, unlike the edge bit loca 25 and 311. Each converter is followed by an amplifier, tions which may be only partially illuminated. Thus 312 and 313 respectively for providing voltages to they illumination of the center bit is more reliably correlated and x plates as indicated.

with illumination of the fiber. If we use a sixteen bit Each D/A converter is responsive to an eight bit address from generator 207 of FIG. 9, eight bits of the word of the type represented in FIG. 13 and included in address select the row of the RAM and eight bits select 30 each of the addresses of the address string applied by the column. We can take six bits to select a block in a the ROM. Thus, the string of addresses is operative to row and six bits to select a block in a column, leaving move the beam to consecutive positions in the fiber two bits in each instance. The remaining two bits, as bundle array (viz to the right as viewed in FIG. 10). shown in FIG. 13 determine the offset from the corner The presence or absence of the beam in each of those of the selected block to the approximate center of that 35 positions dictates whether a binary 1 or 0 is supplied. block. In this manner, the address of the center of a The activation or deactivation of the beam from source block is identified with relatively few address bits. 315 is responsive to the output of linear memory 316 to While only one bit position of the sensor RAM may this end.

be adequate and actually used, the point of having many The inclusion of a lens between the fiber bundle and bit locations available is to be able to configure the the face plate of the CRT provides additional advan RAM, during initialization, so that each fiber illumi tages in terms of brightness and resolution. FIG. 16 nated equally will cause an output from the RAM that shows such an arrangement including a lens. The linear is equal in intensity. Since such RAMs or other sensor array end of a fiber bundle is represented by line 320. arrays (CCDs) may be less than perfect, having the The bundled end is represented by line 321 of much ability to arrange all of the illuminated bit locations 45 reduced dimension. Lens 322 focuses the image of face corresponding to each fiber permits one to use chips plate 325 of CRT 326 down to the size of the fiber optic containing defective sensor elements. The ability to bundle. The lens allows greater flexibility in size of the average (or to use sensor bit location selection) to cor CRT and reduces the accuracy requirements on the rect for variation in fiber transmissive ability is also electron beam position and size (the beam size actually helpful to achieve high quality at low cost. 50 can be quite large-2 to 4 times the fiber size and The operation proceeds quickly to allow the scanning greater). The light energy required to discharge a xero of a typical document (8.5'x11") in 3915 scan periods. graphic drum varies from 5 to 50 ergs/cm. Currently The addresses required during each scan period can be available CRTs provide sufficient light energy to ac generated in less than 1.7 nanoseconds. Consequently, complish such discharge, while document scanning is each scan period takes 1.7 nanoseconds, and the entire 55 carried out at rates of speed which are high compared document can be scanned far faster than by many cur to presently available facsimile or copy equipment. rently available facsimile, copier, or printer devices. It is not necessary to employ a CRT to achieve the For implementing the printer of FIG. 6, the fiber advantage of this invention. A light source with a light bundle end to the right as viewed in FIG. 10 is attached valve array such as a liquid crystal array may be substi to the face plate of CRT 101 of FIG. 6 rather than to the tuted for the CRT. Also an array of light emitting di face of a Random Access Memory. The control ar odes may be employed.

rangement for generating an address string is operative Of course, once graphics information has been stored to control the deflection plates inside the CRT as indi in a suitable digital medium (and many personal com cated in FIG. 6 so as to produce a scrambled image on puters may be adequate for such purposes when prop face plate 106 of the CRT in FIG. 7. Light signals are 65 erly equipped), that information can be manipulated to directed to fibers at the bundled end (to the right in provide intelligent copier operation prior to printing. In FIG. 10), and they exit, unscrambled at the linear array some instances, manipulation of the information may be (to the left in FIG. 10). The linear end is juxtaposed accomplished by means of available software or a suit

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able modification thereof. The storage size of the docu sensor array including a plurality of sensing ele ment also can be reduced or enlarged (by well-known ments having distinct addresses, electronic compression/expansion means), providing a storage means coupled to said random access sensor capability similar to microfilm. array for storing a string of sensor addresses corre In addition, a scanner employing a fiber bundle in 5 sponding to fibers in said bundle, the number of accordance with the principles of this invention can be addresses in said string being less than the total quite small and thus portable. The entire scanner can be number of available sensor addresses, and configured like a wand so that, together with a feed control means coupled to said storage means and mechanism, an assembly approximately inch by 3 adapted to cause the interrogation of said string of inches by 9 to 10 inches may form an entire scanner, for O addresses to associate optical signals emerging optical character recognition (OCR) or in-library elec from said fiber bundle with signals. tronic microfilming applications. 8. A combination in accordance with claim 7 also Although the invention has been described in terms including versely first means for moving said linear array trans with respect to an initial linear reference posi of a specific sensor array, it is to be understood that any photosensor that can be read out on a specific location 15 tion.

basis can be used. Consequently, devices such as CCDs, said9. first

A combination in accordance with claim 8 wherein means comprises means for moving said linear

CIDs, photodiodes, Vidicon, Plumbicon, and the like array incrementally with respect to a sheet of paper on may be employed. Similarly, any addressable light source, of which a CRT is illustrative, may be used for which said initial linear reference position is defined. 10. A combination in accordance with claim 9 also printing embodiments. including means for applying to said memory means What is claimed is:

1. A combination of elements comprising: said string of addresses between consecutive ones of a non-coherent fiber optic bundle having first and said incremental movements of said linear array, and means for storing signal output from said interrupted second ends arrayed in first and second geometries, 25 sensor respectively, said first end being adapted to receive sence ofaddresses radiation representative of the presence or ab in corresponding fibers.

a pattern of optical radiation input signals represen 11. A combination of elements for establishing posi tative of data, a randon access photo-sensor array energy coupled to fibers at an input end between tional correspondence

input signals applied to fiber optic bundle and the said bundle at said second end, said random access 30 corresponding output signals at the photo-sensor array comprising a given number of bundle, said combination including otuput end of said sensors, each sensor having a distinct address, means for generating a beam of radiation having a memory means coupled to said random access photo width smaller than the diameter of the fibers in said sensor array for storing a string of sensor addresses, bundle and for moving said beam along a path said string comprising addresses corresponding to 35 including the input ends of the fibers, fibers in said bundle, the number of addresses in a random access photo-sensor array energy coupled said string being less than said number of available to the output end of said fiber bundle, said sensor sensor addresses, and array comprising a given number of sensors, each control means for causing the interrogation of the of said sensors having a characteristic address in random access photo-senser array addresses in said 40 said array, said array being positioned so that as string in a sequence to reconstruct the pattern of said beam is moved along said path, a plurality of input signals present at the first end of said bundle. corresponding sensors may be illuminated, and 2. A combination in accordance with claim 1 includ memory means coupled to said random access photo ing means for constraining the fibers of said first end senser array for storing a string of addresses corre into a first geometry which comprises a linear array. 45 sponding to fibers in said bundle, said string having 3. A combination in accordance with claim 1 includ a smaller number of addresses than the given num ing means for constraining the fibers of said first end ber of addresses available in said sensor array. into a first geometry which comprises a rectangular 12. A combination of elements comprising: array. a non-coherent fiber optic bundle comprising fibers 4. A combination in accordance with claim 2 includ 50 having first and second ends, ing means for constraining the fibers of said second end means for constraining the first ends of said fibers in into a rectangular array. a linear array in a manner to permit exposure of 5. A combination in accordance with claim 1 also said first fiber ends to a pattern of input signals including menas juxtaposed with-the fibers of said first formed from electromagnetic radiation, end for moving a document with respect to those fibers, 55 a random access array of photo-sensors energy cou and radiation means for exposing at least a linear por pled to aid fiber bundle at said second ends, said tion of said document for generating said input signals. random access array comprising a given number of 6. A combination in accordance with claim 3 also discrete sensors, each having a characteristic ad including means for constraining said fibers at said sec dress, ond end into a second geometry of linear configuration. 60 memory means coupled to said random access array 7. A combination of elements comprising: for storing a string of sensor addresses correspond a fiber optic bundle having first and second ends, ing to fibers in said bundle, the number of addresses means for constraining the first ends of said fibers in in said string being less than said given number of a linear array in a manner to permit exposure of available sensor addresses, and said fibers to a pattern of input signals formed form 65 control means coupled to said memory means for electromagnetic radiation, causing the interrogation of the addresses in said radiation sensing means energy coupled to said sec string in an order corresponding to the sequence of ond end and comprising a random access photo first fiber ends in said linear array to reconstruct

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array is about a size to correspond to the optical image the pattern of input signals present at the first fiber exiting the second end of the fiber optic bundle. 14. The combination of claim 7 wherein said sensor ends. array is about a size to correspond to the optical image 5 exiting the second end of the fiber optic bundle.

13. The combination of claim 1 wherein said sensor k