DefinitionGENERAL STATEMENT OF THE CLASS SUBJECT MATTER This class deals with the communication or reproduction of a static image or sequence of static images in which the local light, or density variations composing the image do not vary with time (e.g., a document image) by a method or apparatus involving at least one of the following steps: (1) scanning a static image to capture an image-containing area by resolving it into an area or a plurality of areas of which at least one of the two dimensions is elemental, simultaneously or in a sequence, and the generation in response thereto of an image-representative signal or image-representative data; (2) communication of an image-representative signal or image-representative data over any supporting communication network; or (3) reproduction of an image-containing area in response to an image-representative signal or image-representative image data by reproducing a corresponding image area or a plurality of image areas of which at least one of the two dimensions is elemental, simultaneously or in a sequence. In this class, a facsimile system or method is a system or method for the communication or reproduction of an arbitrarily composed image in which the local light, or density variations composing the image do not vary with time, such as documents (both written and printed), maps, charts, photographs, etc., but not motion picture film or video. Communication of an image-representative signal or image-representative data (i.e., facsimile communication) is over an analog network or a digital network and involves one or more of the means or steps of transmitting, receiving, relaying, storing & forwarding, storing & retrieving, etc. Reproduction involves the presentation of an image-representative signal or image-representative data on a fixed medium, such as paper (i.e., static data presentation or printing). This class also provides for a system or method for processing an image-representative signal or image-representative data in combination with, or to specifically enable or enhance, communication or reproduction thereof. This class also provides for a system or method for processing an image-representative signal or image-representative data to engrave a printing form, and where not otherwise classified, provides for the mechanical or structural arrangements, and control thereof, for engraving a printing surface to create a printing form. SUBCOMBINATIONS OF FACSIMILE COMMUNICATION AND STATIC DATA PRESENTATION SYSTEMS This class includes circuits, devices, or systems specially designed for dealing with communication of an image-representative signal or image-representative data (i.e., facsimile communication) and static data presentation of an image-representative signal or image-representative data (i.e., printing), as distinct from merely signals or data corresponding to a particular frequency range. Electrical or electronic circuits, devices, or systems not specific to facsimile communication and static data presentation, which may constitute sub combinations of such apparatus, are classified in the appropriate class for such circuits, devices, or systems. LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS COMBINATIONS OF OTHER APPARATUS WHICH INCLUDE APPARATUS OF THIS CLASS This class does not include the following subject matter: 1. Systems in which an alphanumeric or like character of an image-representative signal or image-representative data, which may be generated according to step (1) above, is recognized by comparison with stored information or by other means, are dealt with elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.) 2. Systems for photographic copying or photocopying by direct optical reproduction of an original image in which a signal or data of a characteristic of the image may be derived and employed to modify the operation of the system, are dealt with elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.) 3. Systems for the reproduction of an image as in step (3) above, but which involve an image-representative signal or image-representative data corresponding to graphical image data or an alphanumeric or like character, which, unlike step (3) above, is produced from a signal generated by cams, punched card, or tape, or from a coded control signal or by other means (e.g., computer generated), are dealt with elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.) 4. Facsimile communication over a telephone line or network is dealt with elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.) |
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