Digital/optical hybrid printer utilizing reflective spatial light modulation technology

A printer comprising:

• a conveyor for holding photosensitive media;
• a lens positioned adjacent said conveyor;
• an optical printer positioned to direct an optical exposure through said lens to said photosensitive media;
• a digital printer positioned to direct digital exposure through said lens to said photosensitive media;
• a controller connected to said optical printer and said digital printer;
• and
• wherein said optical printer and said digital printer are controlled by said controller so as to direct both said optical exposure and said digital exposure simultaneously through said lens to said photosensitive media.

A printer comprising:

• a conveyor for holding photosensitive media;
• a lens positioned adjacent said conveyor;
• an optical combiner positioned with respect to said lens so as to direct light through said lens to said photosensitive media;
• an optical printer positioned to direct an optical exposure to said optical combiner;
• a digital printer positioned to direct digital exposure to said optical combiner;
• a controller connected to said optical printer and said digital printer;
• and
• wherein said optical printer and said digital printer are controlled by said controller so as to direct both said optical exposure and said digital exposure simultaneously to said optical combiner.

A method of exposing a photosensitive media comprising:

• positioning said photosensitive media adjacent a lens;
• positioning an optical printer to transmit an optical exposure through said lens;
• positioning a digital printer to transmit a digital exposure through said lens;
• and
• controlling said optical printer and said digital printer to simultaneously transmit said optical exposure and said digital exposure through said lens to said photosensitive media.

A method of exposing a photosensitive media comprising:

• positioning an optical printer to transmit an optical exposure to an area of said photosensitive media;
• positioning a digital printer to transmit a digital exposure to said area of said photosensitive media;
• and
• controlling said optical printer and said digital printer to simultaneously transmit said optical exposure and said digital exposure to said area of said photosensitive media.