Image forming apparatus utilizing a light image memory

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• an image memory plate having a light image memory for storing image information of a document when reflected light having the image information from the document is projected onto a first surface thereof through a first lens, and for reading out the image information stored therein in the form of reflected light when light is projected onto a second surface thereof by a light source;
• holder means for detachably holding said image memory plate;
• moving means for moving said holder means so as to project the reflected light from the document onto said first surface of said light image memory and to project the light from said light source onto said second surface of said light image memory;
• image formation means for forming the image of the image information onto a paper in accordance with the reflected light from said light image memory through a second lens;
• first transparent protection cover means for protecting said first surface of said light image memory, said first transparent protection cover means being arranged at a distance from said first surface of said light image memory greater than the depth of field of said first lens;
• and
• second transparent protection cover means for protecting said second surface of said light image memory, said second transparent protection cover means being arranged at a distance from said second surface of said light image memory greater than the depth of field of said second lens.

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• an image memory plate having a frame member and a light image memory for storing image information of a document when reflected light having the image information from the document is projected onto a first surface of said light image memory corresponding to a first side of said frame member thereof, and for reading out the image information stored therein in the form of reflected light when light is projected onto a second surface of said light image memory corresponding to a second side of said frame member thereof by a light source, said light image memory being mounted in said frame member, a surface of said frame member on said second side being made of a light reflection material;
• holder means for detachably holding said image memory plate;
• moving means for moving said holder means so as to project the reflected light from the document onto said first surface of said light image memory and to project the light from said light source onto said second surface of said light image memory;
• and
• image formation means for forming the image of the image information onto a paper in accordance with the reflected light from said light image memory.

A method of operating an image forming apparatus which comprises an image memory plate including a light image memory of first and second opposing surfaces, comprising the steps of:

• detachably mounting said image memory plate on movable holder means;
• transmitting image information light, reflected from a document, onto said first opposing surface to store the image information therein;
• moving said movable holder means and transmitting read light from a light source onto said second opposing surface to be reflected;
• and
• forming an image of the image information on a copy medium in accordance with said reflected read light.

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• image memory plate means having a light image memory of first and second opposing sides for storing image information of a document;
• holder means for detachably holding said image memory plate means;
• moving means for moving said holder means to project a reflected writing light from said document onto said first opposing surface and to project a read light onto said second opposing surface;
• and
• transparent protection cover means, for protecting said light image memory, arranged at respective distances from said first and second opposing surfaces greater than the depth of field of respective write and read lenses.