Reflex-type digital offset printing system with serially arranged single-pass, single-color imaging systems

A reflex-type digital offset printing system for generating a full color image on a print medium in response to image data including a plurality of single-color image data portions, the printing system comprising:

• one or more feed rollers forming a print medium feed path extending in a process direction;
• a plurality of single-color imaging systems arranged in series along the print medium feed path, each of said single-color imaging systems including:
• an imaging cylinder having a cylindrical outer imaging surface;
• a liquid source for applying a fountain solution on the outer imaging surface;
• at least one spatial light modulator including a plurality of light modulating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array and disposed in a two-dimensional homogenous light field such that each said modulating element receives an associated portion of the homogenous light field, wherein each modulating element is individually adjustable between a first modulated state and a second modulated state such that a two-dimensional modulated light field is formed only by said associated portions of the homogenous light field directed onto each said modulating element that is disposed in said first modulated state,
• at least one anamorphic optical system positioned to receive said two-dimensional
• modulated light field, and arranged to concentrate said modulated light field in an elongated scanning region of the outer imaging surface such that the concentrated modulated light portions remove said fountain solution from said elongated scanning region to produce an elongated scan line image that is aligned in a cross-process direction;
• and
• an ink source for applying an ink material to the outer imaging surface exposed by said elongated scan line image;
• and
• a system controller for coordinating transmission of said single-color imaging data portions to said spatial light modulators such that single-color image portions are successively transferred in a superimposed manner onto the print medium by the plurality of single-color imaging systems, whereby said full color image is generated on said print medium.