PRINTING METHODS AND APPARATUS

摘要

Printing methods and the apparatus therefor are provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. According to one embodiment of this invention a radiant energy source selectively transmits radiant energy through a plurality of character patterns arranged in columns and rows. The character patterns are adapted to move relative to the source so that radiation modulated by predetermined ones of the character patterns is selectively applied to a plurality of input paths of an optical positioning means. The optical positioning means includes optical tunnel means which acts to position radiation received at any of a plurality of input paths thereto to a single output location. Photoreceptor means is located at the output location of the optical positioning means whereupon modulated radiation applied to any of the input paths of the optical positioning means is communicated to and imaged upon such photoreceptor means. The photoreceptor means thereby receives modulated radiation corresponding to selected character patterns. The photoreceptor means may then be developed and the images present thereon transferred to print receiving means.