Processor unit with provision for automated control of processing parameters

Abstract

An imaging device for preparing a printing surface for a printing operation transfers information related to how the printing precursor should be processed to a processor. The processor is automated to make local adjustments according to the information provided. The information can be transferred for each printing precursor or only when changes occur. The transfer is automated.

1 . An apparatus for processing one or more precursor batches of identically coated precursors, the apparatus comprising:
 an imaging device for imagewise converting the precursor according to the image data to yield an imaged precursor the thermal imaging device having an associated imaging device controller for receiving image data defining an image to be imparted to a precursor by the imaging device;   a processor for processing the imaged precursor, the processor having an associated processor controller; and   means for automatically transferring digital information about the precursor from the digital thermal imaging device controller to the processor controller.   
   
   
       2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the means for automatically transferring digital information about the precursor from the imaging device to the processor comprises means associated with the digital thermal imaging device for writing a code on the precursor and means associated with the processor for reading the code. 
   
   
       3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the means associated with the digital thermal imaging device for writing a code on the precursor comprises an addressable radiation source. 
   
   
       4 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the means for transferring digital information is configured to transfer digital information comprising one or more of:
 a precursor type, a precursor length, a precursor width, a precursor thickness, a precursor exposure sensitivity, an imaging exposure delivered to the precursor, and   data about an image imparted to the precursor by the digital thermal imaging device.   
   
   
       5 . A digital thermal apparatus for processing one or more precursor batches identically coated precursors, the apparatus comprising:
 a digital thermal imaging device for imagewise converting the precursor according to the digital image data to yield an imaged precursor the digital thermal imaging device having an associated imaging device controller for receiving digital image data defining an image to be imparted to a precursor by the imaging device;   a processor for processing the imaged precursor, the processor having an associated processor controller; and   means for automatically transferring information about the precursor from the imaging device controller to the processor controller, said means comprising means associated with the imaging device for writing a code on the precursor and means associated with the processor for reading the code.   
   
   
       6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the means associated with the imaging device for writing a code on the precursor comprises an addressable radiation source. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein the addressable radiation source comprises adjusting physical locations of one or more heating elements disposed to heat the precursor. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus source according to  claim 5  wherein the means for transferring information is configured to transfer information comprising one or more of: a precursor type, a precursor exposure sensitivity, and an imaging exposure delivered to the precursor. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus according to  claim 5  comprises a width measurement mechanism for determining a width of the precursor, and the method comprises measuring a width of the precursor using the width measurement mechanism and including the measured width in the information. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , the precursor is one of a lithographic printing surface;
 a screen;   a gravure printing surface including a gravure cylinder;   a letterpress printing surface; and   or a flexographic printing surface.   
   
   
       11 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , further comprising a processor for processing the items by a process involving a developer chemistry; and
 maintaining an index representing a status of the developer chemistry based upon the actual imaged areas determined for the processed items and replenishing the developer chemistry when the index indicates that the developer chemistry requires replenishment.