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AU757062B2 - A replenishable one time use camera system - Google Patents
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AU757062B2 - A replenishable one time use camera system - Google Patents

A replenishable one time use camera system Download PDF

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Publication number
AU757062B2
AU757062B2 AU83237/98A AU8323798A AU757062B2 AU 757062 B2 AU757062 B2 AU 757062B2 AU 83237/98 A AU83237/98 A AU 83237/98A AU 8323798 A AU8323798 A AU 8323798A AU 757062 B2 AU757062 B2 AU 757062B2
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AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
ink
actuator
image
print
print head
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
AU83237/98A
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AU8323798A (en
AU8323698A (en
Inventor
Kia Silverbrook
Peter Treloar
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Google LLC
Original Assignee
Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AUPO7991A external-priority patent/AUPO799197A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0877A external-priority patent/AUPP087797A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0895A external-priority patent/AUPP089597A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0869A external-priority patent/AUPP086997A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0884A external-priority patent/AUPP088497A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0886A external-priority patent/AUPP088697A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0871A external-priority patent/AUPP087197A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0876A external-priority patent/AUPP087697A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0880A external-priority patent/AUPP088097A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0881A external-priority patent/AUPP088197A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0887A external-priority patent/AUPP088797A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0885A external-priority patent/AUPP088597A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0879A external-priority patent/AUPP087997A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0870A external-priority patent/AUPP087097A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0878A external-priority patent/AUPP087897A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPP0883A external-priority patent/AUPP088397A0/en
Application filed by Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd filed Critical Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
Priority to AU83237/98A priority Critical patent/AU757062B2/en
Priority claimed from PCT/AU1998/000549 external-priority patent/WO1999004551A1/en
Publication of AU8323798A publication Critical patent/AU8323798A/en
Publication of AU8323698A publication Critical patent/AU8323698A/en
Priority to AU2002301938A priority patent/AU2002301938B2/en
Priority to AU2002301835A priority patent/AU2002301835B2/en
Priority to AU2002301825A priority patent/AU2002301825B2/en
Priority to AU2002301824A priority patent/AU2002301824B2/en
Priority to AU2002301837A priority patent/AU2002301837B2/en
Priority to AU2002301834A priority patent/AU2002301834B2/en
Priority to AU2002301836A priority patent/AU2002301836B2/en
Priority to AU2002301831A priority patent/AU2002301831B2/en
Priority to AU2002301827A priority patent/AU2002301827B2/en
Priority to AU2002301832A priority patent/AU2002301832B2/en
Priority to AU2002301833A priority patent/AU2002301833B2/en
Priority to AU2002301829A priority patent/AU2002301829B2/en
Publication of AU757062B2 publication Critical patent/AU757062B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Priority to AU2004203503A priority patent/AU2004203503B2/en
Priority to AU2004214593A priority patent/AU2004214593B2/en
Priority to AU2005200470A priority patent/AU2005200470B2/en
Priority to AU2005200484A priority patent/AU2005200484B2/en
Priority to AU2005200483A priority patent/AU2005200483B2/en
Priority to AU2005200485A priority patent/AU2005200485B2/en
Priority to AU2005200488A priority patent/AU2005200488B2/en
Priority to AU2005202931A priority patent/AU2005202931B2/en
Assigned to GOOGLE INC. reassignment GOOGLE INC. Alteration of Name(s) in Register under S187 Assignors: SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LIMITED
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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  • Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)

Description

I- WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -1- A REPLENISHABLE ONE TIME USE CAMERA SYSTEM Field of the Invention The present relates substantially to the concept of a disposable camera having instant printing capabilities and in particular, discloses A Low Cost Disposable Camera System.
Background of the Invention Recently, the concept of a "single use" disposable camera has become an increasingly popular consumer item. Disposable camera systems presently on the market normally include an internal film roll and a simplified gearing mechanism for traversing the film roll across an imaging system including a shutter and lensing system. The user, after utilising a single film roll returns the camera system to a film development centre for processing. The film roll is taken out of the camera system and processed and the prints returned to the user. The camera system is then able to be re-manufactured through the insertion of a new film roll into the camera system, the replacement of any worn or wearable parts and the re-packaging of the camera system in accordance with requirements. In this way, the concept of a single use "disposable" camera is provided to the consumer.
Recently, a camera system has been proposed by the present applicant which provides for a handheld camera device having an internal print head, image sensor and processing means such that images sense by the image sensing means, are processed by the processing means and adapted to be instantly printed out by the printing means on demand. The proposed camera system further discloses a system of internal "print rolls" carrying print media such as film on to which images are to be printed in addition to ink to supplying the printing means for the printing process.
The print roll is further disclosed to be detachable and replaceable within the camera system.
Unfortunately, such a system is likely to only be constructed at a substantial cost and it would be desirable to provide for a more inexpensive form of instant camera system which maintains a substantial number of the quality aspects of the aformentioned arrangement.
In particular, in any "disposable camera" it would be desirable to provide for a simple and rapid form of replenishment of the consumable portions in any disposable camera so that the disposable camera can be readily and rapidly serviced by replenishment and return to the market place.
It would be further desirable to provide for a simple means of storage of replenishable portions of a displosable camera system to allow for their rapid replenishment.
It would be further desirable to provide, in such a camera system, an ink cartridge for the storage of inks to be utilized in the printing out of images.
It would be desirable to provide for an extremely low cost camera system having as great quality as possible.
In this respect, the camera system, as previously proposed should include mechanisms for sensing and processing sensed images in addition to mechanisms for printing out the images on print media via a printhead system. It would be further desirable to provide for a system having a convenient and compact arrangement of components such that they can be inexpensively manufactured in an inexpensive manner so as to allow for the readily disposable form of printing.
In any form of disposable camera arrangement, there will be the attraction for clone manufacturers to attempt to copy the process of refurbishing a used camera so as to derive profit from the refurbishment process.
Unfortunately, such refurbishment may cause untold damage to the camera in particular in use of inappropriate inks and print media within the camera. The inappropriate use of such materials may result in an inferior quality product, SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -2especially where the refurbishment is done by a counterfeiter wishing to pass off their product as being one of the "originals". In this respect, the damage to the camera may be permanent, resulting in an inferior product where the consumer will readily blame the manufacturer for the production of such an inferior product even though it may not be the manufacturer's fault.
It would therefore be desirable to provide for a camera and refilling processing system which alleviates these problems thereby providing the consumers with a better quality product and a higher level of quality assurance.
In the field of photography, three important effects are of great relevance. The first is the distinction between colour and black and white. A significant portion of photography now utilises colour, however a non-insignificant portion of photography still is steeped in the field of black and white photography. Additionally, sepia tones have been generally utilised in traditional camera photography and are still highly popular for the production of traditional looking camera photographs especially with wedding photos or the like. It would therefore be desirable to be able to readily provide for the selection between these multiple different types of outputs such that a user can readily utilise any of the different output formats.
Further, it is desirable to provide as versatile a one time use camera system as possible so that it can produce a substantially number of differentspecialized effects instantly on demand.
Unfortunately, on a disposable camera, it is desirable to provide as low a degree of functional complexity as possible in addition to minimizing power requirements. In this respect, it is necessary to dispense with as much of the user interface complexity as possible in addition to providing for efficient operation.
Unfortunately, such a system is likely to only be constructed at a substantial cost and it would be desirable to provide for a more inexpensive form of instant camera system which maintains a substantial number of the quality aspects of the aforementioned arrangement.
It would be further advantageous to provide for the effective interconnection of the sub components of a camera system.
It would be advantageous to provide for a camera system having an effective color correction or gamut remapping capabilities.
Unfortunately, such a system is likely to only be constructed at a substantial cost and it would be desirable to provide for a more inexpensive form of instant camera system which maintains a substantial number of the quality aspects of the aforementioned arrangement.
It would be further advantageous to provide for the effective interconnection of the sub components of a camera system and for the effective driving of moveable parts within the camera system.
It would be further advantageous to provide for the effective interconnection of the sub components of a camera system.
Further, as it is proposed utilising such a re-capping mechanism in a disposable handheld camera system, it will be desirable to provide for an extremely inexpensive form of re-capping mechanism that can be utilised in an inexpensive form of disposable camera.
It would be further desirable to provide for a simplified form of automated picture counting in a disposable camera system.
Unfortunately, such a system is likely to only be constructed at a substantial cost and it would be desirable to provide for a more inexpensive form of instant camera system which maintains a substantial number of the quality SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -3aspects of the aformentioned arrangement.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide for the efficient and effective one time use disposable camera system.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handheld camera system comprising: a core chassis; an ink cartridge unit including an ink supply and print head unit, the ink cartridge unit being mounted on the chassis; a roll of print media rotatably mounted between end portions of the chassis, the print head unit being adapted to print on the print media; a platten unit including mounted below the print head unit; image sensor and control circuitry interconnected to the print head unit and adapted to sense an image for printing by the print head unit; an outer casing for enclosing the chassis, ink cartridge unit, the print media, the platten unit and the circuitry.
Preferably, the camera system further comprises a cutting unit adapted to traverse the print media so as to separate the print media into separate images. The cutting unit can be mounted on the platten unit and the platten unit can further include a print head recapping unit for capping the print head when not in use.
The camera system can further comprise a series of pinch rollers for decurling the print media.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided in a camera system comprising an image sensor device for sensing an image; a processing means for processing the sensed image; a print media supply means provided for the storage of print media; a print head for printing the sensed image on the print media stored internally to the camera system; a portable power supply interconnected to the print head, the sensor and the processing means, a method of providing for the effective storage of the print media and the power supply comprising storing the power supply in a centrally located cavity inside a roll of the print media.
Preferably, the print media and the power supply are stored in a detachable module which is detachable from the camera system. The print media can be adapted to rotate around the power supply when the camera system is printing the sensed image on the print media. The portable power supply can comprises at least one battery and preferably comprises two standard batteries placed end to end. The batteries can be AA type batteries.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print head ink supply unit for supplying a pagewidth print head for the ejection of ink by the print head having a first surface having a plurality of holes for the supply on ink to a series of ejection nozzles, the print head supply unit comprising a plurality of long columnar chambers for storing an ink supply, one for each output color, the chambers running substantially the length of the printhead adjacent the first surface thereof; and a series of tapered separators separating the chambers from one another, the tapered separators being tapered into an end strip running along the first surface along substantially the length of the printhead.
The unit can further include a series of regularly spaced structural support members for supporting the tapered separators in a predetermined relationship to one another. The tapered separators can be formed in a single ejection molded unit with a wall of the unit abutting the printhead. The tapered separators taper to substantially abut a slot in the wall of the unit, the slot being adapted for the insertion of the print head. The unit can be constructed from two plastic injection moulded portions welded together.
The long columnar chambers can be filled with a sponge like material to aid usage. Preferably, the print head outputs at least three separate colors for the provision of full color output images.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -4- The unit can include a series of air channels communication of each of the chambers with an external ambient atmosphere, the air channels having an erratic wandering path from an end communicating with the chamber to an end connecting the ambient atmosphere. The channel also preferably contains hydrophobic surfaces to prevent ink flow therein. The channel can be manufactured in the form of a channel having an exposed surface which is subsequently sealed by means of an adhesive surface being attached to the unit.
Each chamber can further include an aperture defined in a wall therein for the insertion of a refill needle for refilling the chamber with ink.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print head ink supply unit wherein one a portion of the unit includes a series of air channels defined therein for communication of each of the chambers with an external ambient atmosphere, the air channels having an erratic wandering path from an end communicating with the chamber to an end connecting the ambient atmosphere.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera system comprising an image sensor and processing device for sensing and processing an image; a print media supply means provided for the storage of print media; a print head for printing the sensed image on print media stored internally to the camera system; the image sensor and processing device comprising a single integrated circuit chip including the following interconnected components: a processing unit for controlling the operation of the camera system; a program ROM utilized by the processing unit; a CMOS active pixel image sensor for sensing the image; a memory store for storing images and associated program data; a series of motor drive units each including motor drive transistors for the driving of external mechanical system of the camera system; and print head interface unit for driving the print head for printing of the sensed image.
Preferably, the motor drive transistors are located along one peripheral edge of the integrated circuit and the CMOS pixel image sensor is located along an opposite edge of the integrated circuit.
Preferably, the image sensor and processing device further include a halftoning unit for halftoning the sensed image into corresponding bi-level pixel elements for printing out by the print head. The halftoning unit can implement a dither operation and includes a halftone matrix ROM utilized by the halftoning unit in performing the halftoning operation.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for authentication of the refill of a camera system having an internal ink supply and print media for the printing out of images sensed by the camera system, the system comprising: refill means for providing a supply of the ink and print media to the camera system; communication connection means within the camera system adapted to interconnect with a corresponding communication connection means within the refill station; a camera system interrogation means stored internally to the camera system and adapted to utilize the communication connection means to interrogate the refill station so as to determine the authenticity there of.
The camera system interrogation means can be created on a silicon chip integrated circuit stored within the camera system, with the camera system interrogation means being created on the same silicon chip as an image sensor for sensing images by the camera system. The communication connection means can a JTAG interface of the chip.
Preferably, the camera system interrogation means includes a sensitive memory value store such as a flash memory store fabricated with a conductive metal plane covering the sensitive memory value store.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 Upon a determination of the authenticity of the refill station, the camera system interrogation means can resets the value of a print counter indicating the number of prints left for output by the camera system.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handheld camera system comprising an image sensor device for sensing an image; a processing means for processing the sensed image; a storage means for storing images and programs for utilization by the processor means; a print media stored internally to the camera system; a print head for printing the sensed image on the print media; an alterable switch for storing a current state of output types of the camera system; a switch interconnected to the processing means and having a number of predetermined states and the processing means adapted to monitor the switch state and process the sensed image in accordance with the switch state to cause the print head to output a corresponding modified image in accordance with the switch state.
Preferably, the processing means is adapted to output at least two images from the group of: digitally enhanced standard color images, sepia color images, black and white images, black and white images with minor color additions, multi-passport photograph images, sketch simulated images, bordered images, panoramic images, images with additional clip arts, kaleidoscope effect images, or color modified images.
The processing means and the switch can be created on a single integrated circuit device, the device being programmable by an externally device with the switch being externally programmable. The camera system can also comprise a detachable jacket having printed information on the surface thereof indicative of the type of effect.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided in a camera system comprising an image sensor device for sensing and storing an image; a processing means for processing the sensed image; a print media supply means provided for the storage of print media; a print head for printing the sensed image on print media stored internally to the camera system; a first button and second button each interconnected to the processing means; a method of operation of the camera system comprising utilizing the first button to activate the image sensor device to sense an image; and utilizing the second button to activate the print head to print out a copy of the image on the print head.
Preferably, the utilization of the first button also results in the printing out of the sensed image on the print media using the print head. The camera system can further include an activation indicator such as a light emitting diode and the method can further comprises the steps of activating the activation indicator for a predetermined time interval when the image sensor is initially activated; storing the sensed image for at least the predetermined time interval; deactivating the activation indicator after the predetermined time interval; and deactivating the sensor device after the predetermined time interval. Further, the predetermined interval can be extended if the second button is activated.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided in a camera system comprising: an image sensor device for sensing an image; a processing means for processing the sensed image; a print media supply means provided for the storage of print media for printing of images; a page width print head moulding including a print head for printing the sensed image on print media stored internally in the print media supply means in addition to a series of ink supply chambers for the storage of ink; a portable power supply interconnected to the print head, the sensor and the processing means; a method of positioning the image sensor device within the camera comprising affixing the image sensor device to a surface of the print head moulding.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -6- Preferably, the print head is of a long strip form having a tape automated bonded interconnect along at least one strip edge thereof and the image sensor device comprises a planar integrated circuit of substantially rectangular dimensions having a further tape automated bonded interconnect along at least one edge thereof and the planar integrated circuit and the print head being interconnected to one another.
Further, preferably, the processing means is incorporated onto the planar integrated circuit and includes a print head controller means for controlling the operation of the print head.
The interconnect can comprises a series of wires in embedded in a non-conductive flexible sheet, the sheet being generally of a rectangular form with the print head being interconnected along one surface thereof and the planar integrated circuit being mounted within an aperture in the sheet.
Further, the camera system further includes a series of control buttons, the control buttons further being mounted on the flexible sheet.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided in a camera system including: an image sensor device for sensing an image; a processing means for processing the sensed image, and a printing system for printing out the sensed image; a method of color correcting a sensed image to be printed out by the print head, comprising: utilizing the image sensor device to sense a first image; processing the first image to determine color characteristics of a first sensed image; utilizing the image sensor device to sense a second image, in rapid succession to the first image; applying color correction methods to the second image based on the determined color characteristics of the first sensed image; and printing out the second image.
Preferably, the second sensed image is sensed within I second of the first sensed image and the processing step includes examining the intensity characteristics of the first image. The processing step can include determining a rfiaximum and minimum intensity of the first image and utilizing the intensities to rescale the intensities of the second image.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera system comprising: an image sensor device for sensing an image; a processing means for processing the sensed image; a print media supply means provided for the storage of a roll of print media for printing of images; a page width print head moulding including a print head for printing the sensed image on print media stored internally in the print media supply means in addition to a series of ink supply chambers for the storage of ink; a portable power supply interconnected to the print head, the sensor and the processing means; a cutting mechanism for cutting portions of print media containing images; a first drive motor adapted to drive the paper media supply means for moving the paper media past the print head; and a second drive motor adapted to drive the cutting mechanism for cutting the portions.
Preferably, each of the drive motors includes a gear chain mechanism for driving corresponding mechanisms in a geared manner. The first drive motor can comprise a stepper motor which is preferably operated in a mutually exclusive manner with the print head.
Further, each of the drive motors can be driven in a forward and reverse manner during normal operation of the camera system.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera system comprising: an image sensor device for sensing an image; a processing means for processing the sensed image; a print media supply means provided for the storage of a roll of print media for the printing of images; a page width print head SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -7molding including a print head for printing the sensed image on print media stored internally in the print media supply means in addition to a series of ink supply chambers for the storage of ink for utilization by the print head; a series of print rollers interconnected in the path between the print media supply means and the page width print head molding for pinching the paper and driving the paper past the print head.
Preferably, the number of print rollers is at least 3 and the print rollers apply a decurling twist to the print media. The print rollers are snap fitted to the camera system. Two of the print roller can be mounted on a first chassis which to which the print head molding is also mounted and a third one of the print rollers is mounted on a detachable platten device. The third print roller can be inserted between the other two of the print rollers and the platten snap fitted to the chassis.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided in a camera system comprising: an image sensor device for sensing an image; a processing means for processing the sensed image; a print media supply means for the supply of print media to a print head; a print head for printing the sensed image on the print media stored internally to the camera system; a portable power supply interconnected to the print head, the sensor and the processing means; and a guillotine mechanism located between the print media supply means and the print head and adapted to cut the print media into sheets of a predetermined size.
Further, preferably, the guillotine mechanism is detachable from the camera system. The guillotine mechanism can be attached to the print media supply means and is detachable from the camera system with the print media supply means. The guillotine mechanism can be mounted on a platten unit below the print head.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print head recapping mechanism for recapping a pagewidth ink jetting print head structure, comprising a first stationary ferrous arm; a solenoid coil wrapped around a portion of the ferrous arm; a second moveable arm located substantially adjacent the first arm and biased towards the printhead structure; a series of membranes attached to the second moveable arm the membranes sealing the print head structure when in a rest position; the solenoid being activated to cause the moveable arm to move away from the surface of the print head structure sufficient to allow a "paper or film" to be inserted between the membranes and the print head structure for the printing of ink thereon.
Preferably, the membranes are resiliently collapsible against the surface of the print head structure. The membranes can comprise two mutually opposed elastomer strips running substantially the length of the ink jetting portions of the print head structure so as to surround the ink jetting portions.
The solenoid can include an elongated winding of a current carrying wire which is wrapped around a protruding portion of the first arm, the elongation being substantially the length of the print head structure. Further, the second movable arm is biased against the surface of the print head structure. The solenoid can be activated to move the second arm closely adjacent the first arm with a first level of current and the solenoid is retained whilst printing closely adjacent the first arm with a second substantially lower level of current.
The present invention has particular application in a hand held camera device.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable camera system comprising an image sensor device for sensing an image; a processing means for processing the sensed image; a print media supply means provided for the storage of print media in a roll form; a print head for printing the sensed image on print media stored internally to the camera system; and a cutter mechanism for cutting the printed sensed images comprising a worm screw extending the length of the printed sensed image; and a worm gear attached to the worm SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -8screw and adapted to be driven the length of the printed sensed image, the worm gear including a cutting blade for cutting the print media into separate sheets; The cutting blade can comprise a rotatable wheel having a sharpened outer edge and the cogged wheel canl have a series of usage indicators printed on one surface thereof and the worm gear can includes a lever arm wherein the traversal of the worm gear along the length of the printed sensed image results in the engagement of the lever arm with the cogged wheel print indicator so as to rotate the cogged wheel print indicator so that it maintains a current indication of the number of images printed out on the print media.
The camera can further comprise a pawl mechanism which interacts with the coggs of the cogged wheel print indicator in the form of a rachet and pawl mechanism and the lever arm can includes a flexible portion for engagement with the cogged wheel print indicator.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided in an integrated circuit type device comprising timing means able to produce a variable period clock signal, the variation being proportional to an input signal; storage means for storing a value for the input signal for input to the timing means; a method comprising the steps of: testing the timing means after the fabrication of the integrated circuit type device to determine a current timing parameter value for rescaling the timing means so as to produce a clock output pulse having a period within a predetermined range.
The clocking signal can be utilized to determine a pulse length with which to drive an actuator of an ink jet printing type device. Ideally, the device is utilised in a print on demand camera system and the timing means provides the clocking signal for the device and the storage means comprises a flash memory circuit on the device.
Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrated a side front perspective view of the assembled camera of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 illustrates a back side perspective view, partly exploded, of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 3 is a side perspective view of the chassis of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 4 is a side perspective view of the chassis illustrating the insertion of the electric motors; Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective of the ink supply mechanism of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 6 is a side perspective of the assembled form of the ink supply mechanism of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of the assembled form of the ink supply mechanism of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective of the platten unit of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 9 is a side perspective view of the assembled form of the platten unit; Fig. 10 is also a perspective view of the assembled form of the platten unit; Fig. I I is an exploded perspective unit of the printhead recapping mechanism of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 12 is a close up exploded perspective of the recapping mechanism of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective of the ink supply cartridge of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 14 is a close up perspectiyp#, yl,. n $i :.jQf~the iternjaLpprtions of the ink supply cartridge in an assembled form; SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -9- Fig. 15 is a schematic block diagram of one form of chip layer of the image capture and processing chip of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective illustrating the assembly process of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 17 illustrates a front exploded perspective view of the assembly process of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 18 illustrates a side perspective view of the assembly process of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 19 illustrates a side perspective view of the assembly process of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the insertion of the platten unit in the preferred embodiment; Fig. 21 illustrates the interconnection of the electrical components of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 22 illustrates the process of assembling the preferred embodiment; and Fig. 23 is a perspective view further illustrating the assembly process of the preferred embodiment.
Description of Preferred and Other Embodiments Turning initially simultaneously to Fig. 1, and Fig. 2 there is illustrated perspective views of an assembled camera constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment with Fig. 1 showing a front side perspective view and Fig. 2 showing a back side perspective view. The camera 1 includes a paper or plastic film jacket 2 which can include simplified instructions 3 for the operation of the camera system 1. The camera system 1 includes a first "take" button 4 which is depressed to capture an image. The captured image is output via output slot 6. A further copy of the image can be obtained through depressing a second "printer copy" button 7 whilst an LED light 5 is illuminated.
The camera system also provides the usual view finder 8 in addition to a CCD image capture/lensing system 9.
The camera system 1 provides for a standard number of output prints after which the camera system 1 ceases to function. A prints left indicator slot 10 is provided to indicate the number of remaining prints. A refund scheme at the point of purchase is assumed to be operational for the return of used camera systems for recycling.
Turning now to Fig. 3, the assembly of the camera system is based around an internal chassis 12 which can be a plastic injection molded part. A pair of paper pinch rollers 28, 29 utilized for decurling are snap fitted into corresponding frame holes eg. 26, 27.
As shown in Fig. 4, the chassis 12 includes a series of mutually opposed prongs eg. 13, 14 into which is snapped fitted a series of electric motors 16, 17. The electric motors 16, 17 can be entirely standard with the motor 16 being of a stepper motor type and include a cogged end portion 19, 20 for driving a series of gear wells. A first set of gear wells is provided for controlling a paper cutter mechanism and a second set is provided for controlling print roll movement.
Turning next to Figs. 5 to 7, there is illustrated an ink supply mechanism 40 utilized in the camera system.
Fig. 5 illustrates a back exploded perspective view, Fig. 6 illustrates a back assembled view and Fig. 7 illustrates a front assembled view. The ink supply mechanism 40 is based around an ink supply cartridge 42 which contains printer ink and a print head mechanism for printing out pictures on demand. The ink supply cartridge 42 includes a side aluminium strip 43 which is provided as a shear strip to assist in cutting images from a paper roll.
A dial mechanism 44 is provided for indicating the number of"prints left". The dial mechanism 44 is snap fitted through a corresponding mating portion 46 so as to be freely rotatable.
As shown in Fig. 6, the print head includes a flexible PCB strip 47 which interconnects with the print head and provides for control of the print head. The interconnection between the Flex PCB strip and an image sensor and print head chip can be via Tape Automated Bonding (TAB) Strips 51, 58. A moulded aspherical lens and aperture SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 shim 50 (Fig. 5) is also provided for imaging an image onto the surface of the image sensor chip normally located within cavity 53 and a light box module or hood 52 is provided for snap fitting over the cavity 53 so as to provide for proper light control. A series of decoupling capacitors eg. 34 can also be provided. Further a plug 45 (Fig. 7) is provided for re-plugging ink holes after refilling. A series of guide prongs eg. 55-57 are further provided for guiding the flexible PCB strip 47.
The ink supply mechanism 40 interacts with a platten unit which guides print media under a printhead located int eh ink supply mechanism. Fig. 8 shows an exploded view of the platten unit 60, while Figs. 9 and 10 show assembled views of the platten unit. The platten unit 60 includes a first pinch roller 61 which is snap fitted to one side of a platten base 62. Attached to a second side of the platten base 62 is a cutting mechanism 63 which traverses the platten by means of a rod 64 having a screwed thread which is rotated by means of cogged wheel 65 which is also fitted to the platten 62. The screwed thread engages a block 67 which includes a cutting wheel 68 fastened via a fastener 69. Also mounted to the block 67 is a counter actuator which includes a prong 71. The prong 71 acts to rotate the dial mechanism 44 of Fig. 6 upon the return traversal of the cutting wheel. As shown previously in Fig. 6, the dial mechanism 44 includes a cogged surface which interacts with pawl lever 73, thereby maintaining a count of the number of photographs taken on the surface of dial mechanism 44. The cutting mechanism 63 is inserted into the platten base 62 by means of a snap fit via receptacle eg. 74.
The platten 62 includes an internal recapping mechanism 80 for recapping the print head when not in use.
The recapping mechanism 80 includes a sponge portion 81 and is operated via a solenoid coil so as to provide for recapping of the print head. In the preferred embodiment, there is provided an inexpensive form of printhead recapping mechanism provided for incorporation into a handheld camera system so as to provide for printhead recapping of an inkjet printhead.
Fig. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the recapping mechanism whilst Fig. 12 illustrates a close up of the end portion thereof. The re-capping mechanism 90 is structured around a solenoid including a 16 turn coil 75 which can comprise insulated wire. The coil 75 is turned around a first stationery solenoid arm 76 which is mounted on a bottom surface of the pattern 62(Fig. 8) and includes a post portion 77 to magnify effectiveness of operation. The armnn 76 can comprise a ferrous material.
A second moveable arm of the solenoid actuator is also provided 78. The arm 78 being moveable and also made of ferrous material. Mounted on the arm is a sponge portion surrounded by an elastomer strip 79. The elastomer strip 79 is of a generally arcuate cross-section and act as a leaf springs against the surface of the printhead ink supply cartridge 42 (Fig. 5) so as to provide for a seal against the surface of the printhead ink supply cartridge 42.
In the quiescent position a elastomer spring units 87, 88 act to resiliently deform the elastomer seal 79 against the surface of the ink supply unit 42.
When it is desired to operate the printhead unit, upon the insertion of paper, the solenoid coil 75 is activated so as to cause the arm 78 to move down to be adjacent to the end plate 76. The arm 78 is held against end plate 76 while the printhead is printing by means of a small "keeper current" in coil 77. Simulation results indicate that the keeper current can be significantly less than the actuation current. Subsequently, after photo printing, the paper is guillotined by the cutting mechanism 63 of Fig. 8 acting against Aluminium Strip 43 of Fig. 5, and rewound so as to clear the area of the re-capping mechanism 88. Subsequently, the current is turned off and springs 87, 88 return the arm 78 so that the elastomer seal is again resting against the printhead ink supply cartridge.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -11 It can be seen that the preferred embodiment provides for a simple and inexpensive means of re-capping a printhead through the utilisation of a solenoid type device having a long rectangular form. Further, the preferred embodiment utilises minimal power in that currents are only required whilst the device is operational and additionally, only a low keeper current is required whilst the printhead is printing.
Turning next to Fig. 13 and 14, Fig. 13 illustrates an exploded perspective of the ink supply cartridge 42 whilst Fig. 14 illustrates a close up sectional view of a bottom of the ink supply cartridge with the printhead unit in place. The ink supply cartridge 42 is based around a pagewidth printhead 102 which comprises a long slither of silicon having a series of holes etched on the back surface for the supply of ink to a front surface of the silicon wafer for subsequent ejection via a micro electro mechanical system. The form of ejection can be many different forms such as those set out in the relevant provisional patent specifications of the attached appendix. In particular, the ink jet printing system set out in provisional patent specification entitled "An Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ38)" filed concurrently herewith is highly suitable. Of course, many other inkjet technologies, as referred to the attached appendix, can also be utilised when constructing a printhead unit 102. The fundamental requirement of the ink supply cartridge 42 being the supply of ink to a series of colour channels etched through the back surface of the printhead 102. In the description of the preferred embodiment, it is assumed that a three colour printing process is to be utilised so as to provide full colour picture output. Hence, the print supply unit 42 includes three ink supply reservoirs being a cyan reservoir 104, a magenta reservoir 105 and a yellow reservoir 106. Each of these reservoirs is required to store ink and includes a corresponding sponge type material 107 109 which assists in stabilising ink within the corresponding ink channel and therefore preventing the ink from sloshing back and forth when the printhead is utilised in a handheld camera system. The reservoirs 104, 105, 106 are formed through the mating of first exterior plastic piece I 10 mating with a second base piece) 1 11.
At a first end of the base piece 11 includes a series of air inlet 113 115. The air inlet leads to a corresponding winding channel which is hydrophobically treated so as to act as an ink repellent and therefore repel any ink that may flow along the air inlet channel. The air inlet channel further takes a convoluted path further assisting in resisting any ink flow out of the chambers 104 106. An adhesive tape portion 117 is provided for sealing the channels within end portion 118.
At the top end, there is included a series of refill holes for refilling corresponding ink supply chambers 104, 105, 106. A plug 121 is provided for sealing the refill holes.
Turning now to Fig. 14, there is illustrated a close up perspective view, partly in section through the ink supply cartridge 42 of Fig. 13 when formed as a unit. The ink supply cartridge includes the three colour ink reservoirs 104, 105, 106 which supply ink to different portions of the back surface of printhead 102 which includes a series of apertures 128 defined therein for carriage of the ink to the front surface.
The ink supply unit includes two guide walls 124, 125 which separate the various ink chambers and are tapered into an end portion abutting the surface of the printhead 102. The guide walls are further mechanically supported and regular spaces by a block portions eg. 126 which are placed at regular intervals along the length of the printhead supply unit. The block portions 126 leaving space at portions close to the back of printhead 102 for the flow of ink around the back surface thereof.
The printhead supply unit is preferably formed from a multi-part plastic injection mould and the mould pieces eg. 10, 11 (Fig. I) snap together around the sponge pieces 107, 109. Subsequently, a syringe type device can SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -12be inserted in the ink refill holes and the ink reservoirs filled with ink with the air flowing out of the air outlets 113 115. Subsequently, the adhesive tape portion 117 and plug 121 are attached and the printhead tested for operation capabilities. Subsequently, the ink supply cartridge 42 can be readily removed for refilling by means of removing the ink supply cartridge, performing a washing cycle, and then utilising the holes for the insertion of a refill syringe filled with ink for refilling the ink chamber before returning the ink supply cartridge 42 to a camera.
Turning now to Fig. 15, there is shown an example layout of the Image Capture and Processing Chip (ICP) 48.
The Image Capture and Processing Chip 48 provides most of the electronic functionality of the camera with the exception of the print head chip. The chip 48 is a highly integrated system. It combines CMOS image sensing, analog to digital conversion, digital image processing, DRAM storage, ROM, and miscellaneous control functions in a single chip.
The chip is estimated to be around 32 mm 2 using a leading edge 0.18 micron CMOS/DRAM/APS process. The chip size and cost can scale somewhat with Moore's law, but is dominated by a CMOS active pixel sensor array 201, so scaling is limited as the sensor pixels approach the diffraction limit.
The ICP 48 includes CMOS logic, a CMOS image sensor, DRAM, and analog circuitry. A very small amount of flash memory or other non-volatile memory is also preferably included for protection against reverse engineering.
Alternatively, the ICP can readily be divided into two chips: one for the CMOS imaging array, and the other for the remaining circuitry. The cost of this two chip solution should not be significantly different than the single chip ICP, as the extra cost of packaging and bond-pad area is somewhat cancelled by the reduced total wafer area requiring the color filter fabrication steps.
The ICP preferably contains the following functions: Function megapixel image sensor Analog Signal Processors Image sensor column decoders Image sensor row decoders Analogue to Digital Conversion (ADC) Column ADC's Auto exposure 12 Mbits of DRAM DRAM Address Generator Color interpolator Convolver Color ALU Halftone matrix ROM SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -13- Function Digital halftoning Print head interface 8 bit CPU core Program ROM Flash memory Scratchpad SRAM Parallel interface (8 bit) Motor drive transistors Clock PLL JTAG test interface Test circuits Busses Bond pads The CPU, DRAM, Image sensor, ROM, Flash memory, Parallel interface, JTAG interface and ADC can be vendor supplied cores. The ICP is intended to run on 1.5V to minimize power consumption and allow convenient operation from two AA type battery cells.
Fig. 15 illustrates a layout of the ICP 48. The ICP 48 is dominated by the imaging array 201, which consumes around 80% of the chip area. The imaging array is a CMOS 4 transistor active pixel design with a resolution of 1,500 x 1,000. The array can be divided into the conventional configuration, with two green pixels, one red pixel, and one blue pixel in each pixel group. There are 750 x 500 pixel groups in the imaging array.
The latest advances in the field of image sensing and CMOS image sensing in particular can be found in the October, 1997 issue of IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices and, in particular, pages 1689 to 1968. Further, a specific implementation similar to that disclosed in the present application is disclosed in Wong et. al, "CMOS Active Pixel Image Sensors Fabricated Using a 1.8V, 0.25 .tm CMOS Technology", IEDM 1996, page 915 The imaging array uses a 4 transistor active pixel design of a standard configuration. To minimize chip area and therefore cost, the image sensor pixels should be as small as feasible with the technology available. With a four transistor cell, the typical pixel size scales as 20 times the lithographic feature size. This allows a minimum pixel area of around 3.6 tm x 3.6 gim. However, the photosite must be substantially above the diffraction limit of the lens. It is also advantageous to have a square photosite, to maximize the margin over the diffraction limit in both horizontal and vertical directions. In this case, the photosite can be specified as 2.5 pm x 2.5 pm. The photosite can be a photogate, pinned photodiode, charge modulation device, or other sensor.
The four transistors are packed as an shape, rather than a rectangular region, to allow both the pixel and the photosite to be square. This reduces the transistor packing density slightly, increasing pixel size. However, the advantage in avoiding the diffraction limit is greater than the small decrease in packing density.
The transistors also have a gate length which is longer than the minimum for the process technology. These have been increased from a drawn length of 0.18 micron to a drawn length of 0.36 micron. This is to improve the SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -14transistor matching by making the variations in gate length represent a smaller proportion of the total gate length.
The extra gate length, and the shaped packing, mean that the transistors use more area than the minimum for the technology. Normally, around 8 pm 2 would be required for rectangular packing. Preferably, 9.75 pm 2 has been allowed for the transistors.
The total area for each pixel is 16 pm 2 resulting from a pixel size of 4 pm x 4 pm. With a resolution of 1,500 x 1,000, the area of the imaging array 101 is 6,000 pm x 4,000 p.m, or 24 mm 2 The presence of a color image sensor on the chip affects the process required in two major ways: The CMOS fabrication process should be optimized to minimize dark current Color filters are required. These can be fabricated using dyed photosensitive polyimides, resulting in an added process complexity of three spin coatings, three photolithographic steps, three development steps, and three hardbakes.
There are 15,000 analog signal processors (ASPs) 205, one for each of the columns of the sensor. The ASPs amplify the signal, provide a dark current reference, sample and hold the signal, and suppress the fixed pattern noise
(FPN).
There are 375 analog to digital converters 206, one for each four columns of the sensor array. These may be delta-sigma or successive approximation type ADC's. A row of low column ADC's are used to reduce the conversion speed required, and the amount of analog signal degradation incurred before the signal is converted to digital. This also eliminates the hot spot (affecting local dark current) and the substrate coupled noise that would occur if a single high speed ADC was used. Each ADC also has two four bit DAC's which trim the offset and scale of the ADC to further reduce FPN variations between columns. These DAC's are controlled by data stored in flash memory during chip testing.
The column select logic 204 is a 1:1500 decoder which enables the appropriate digital output of the ADCs onto the output bus. As each ADC is shared by four columns, the least significant two bits of the row select control 4 input analog multiplexors.
A row decoder 207 is a 1:1000 decoder which enables the appropriate row of the active pixel sensor array.
This selects which of the 1000 rows of the imaging array is connected to analog signal processors. As the rows are always accessed in sequence, the row select logic can be implemented as a shift register.
An auto exposure system 208 adjusts the reference voltage of the ADC 205 in response to the maximum intensity sensed during the previous frame period. Data from the green pixels is passed through a digital peak detector.
The peak value of the image frame period before capture (the reference frame) is provided to a digital to analogue converter(DAC), which generates the global reference voltage for the column ADCs. The peak detector is reset at the beginning of the reference frame. The minimum and maximum values of the three RGB color components are also collected for color correction.
The second largest section of the chip is consumed by a DRAM 210 used to hold the image. To store the 1,500 x 1,000 image from the sensor without compression, 1.5 Mbytes of DRAM 210 are required. This equals 12 Mbits, or slightly less than 5% of a 256 Mbit DRAM. The DRAM technology assumed is of the 256 Mbit generation implemented using 0.1 8pm CMOS.
Using a standard 8F cell, the area taken by the memory array is 3.11 mm 2 When row decoders, column sensors, redundancy, and other factors are taken into account, the DRAM requires around 4 mm 2 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 This DRAM 210 can be mostly eliminated if analog storage of the image signal can be accurately maintained in the CMOS imaging array for the two seconds required to print the photo. However, digital storage of the image is preferable as it is maintained without degradation, is insensitive to noise, and allows copies of the photo to be printed considerably later.
A DRAM address generator 211 provides the write and read addresses to the DRAM 210. Under normal operation, the write address is determined by the order of the data read from the CMOS image sensor 201. This will typically be a simple raster format. However, the data can be read from the sensor 201 in any order, if matching write addresses to the DRAM are generated. The read order from the DRAM 210 will normally simply match the requirements of a color interpolator and the print head. As the cyan, magenta, and yellow rows of the print head are necessarily offset by a few pixels to allow space for nozzle actuators, the colors are not read from the DRAM simultaneously. However, there is plenty of time to read all of the data from the DRAM many times during the printing process. This capability is used to eliminate the need for FIFOs in the print head interface, thereby saving chip area. All three RGB image components can be read from the DRAM each time color data is required. This allows a color space converter to provide a more sophisticated conversion than a simple linear RGB to CMY conversion.
Also, to allow two dimensional filtering of the image data without requiring line buffers, data is re-read from the DRAM array.
The address generator may also implement image effects in certain models of camera. For example, passport photos are generated by a manipulation of the read addresses to the DRAM. Also, image framing effects (where the central image is reduced), image warps, and kaleidoscopic effects can all be generated by manipulating the read addresses of the DRAM.
While the address generator 211 may be implemented with substantial complexity if effects are built into the standard chip, the chip area required for the address generator is small, as it consists only of address counters and a moderate amount of random logic.
A color interpolator 214 converts the interleaved pattern of red, 2 x green, and blue pixels into RGB pixels. It consists of three 8 bit adders and associated registers. The divisions are by either 2 (for green) or 4 (for red and blue) so they can be implemented as fixed shifts in the output connections of the adders.
A convolver 215 is provided as a sharpening filter which applies a small convolution kernel (5 x 5) to the red, green, and blue planes of the image. The convolution kernel for the green plane is different from that of the red and blue planes, as green has twice as many samples. The sharpening filter has five functions: To improve the color interpolation from the linear interpolation provided by the color interpolator, to a close approximation ofa sinc interpolation.
To compensate for the image 'softening' which occurs during digitization.
To adjust the image sharpness to match average consumer preferences, which are typically for the image to be slightly sharper than reality. As the single use camera is intended as a consumer product, and not a professional photographic products, the processing can match the most popular settings, rather than the most accurate.
To suppress the sharpening of high frequency (individual pixel) noise. The function is similar to the unsharp mask' process.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -16- To antialias Image Warping.
These functions are all combined into a single convolution matrix. As the pixel rate is low (less than 1 Mpixel per second) the total number of multiplies required for the three color channels is 56 million multiplies per second. This can be provided by a single multiplier. Fifty bytes of coefficient ROM are also required.
A color ALU 113 combines the functions of color compensation and color, space conversion into the one matrix multiplication, which is applied to every pixel of the frame. As with sharpening, the color correction should match the most popular settings, rather than the most accurate.
A color compensation circuit of the color ALU provides compensation for the lighting of the photo. The vast majority of photographs are substantially improved by a simple color compensation, which independently normalizes the contrast and brightness of the three color components.
A color look-up table (CLUT) 212 is provided for each color component. These are three separate 256 x 8 SRAMs, requiring a total of 6,144 bits. The CLUTs are used as part of the color correction process. They are also used for color special effects, such as stochastically selected "wild color" effects.
A color space conversion system of the color ALU converts from the RGB color space of the image sensor to the CMY color space of the printer. The simplest conversion is a I's complement of the RGB data. However, this simple conversion assumes perfect linearity of both color spaces, and perfect dye spectra for both the color filters of the image sensor, and the ink dyes. At the other extreme is a tri-linear interpolation of a sampled three dimensional arbitrary transform table. This can effectively match any non-linearity or differences in either color space. Such a system is usually necessary to obtain good color space conversion when the print engine is a color electrophotographic However, since the non-linearity of a halftoned ink jet output is very small, a simpler system can be used. A simple matrix multiply can provide excellent results. This requires nine multiplies and six additions per contone pixel.
However, since the contone pixel rate is low (less than 1 Mpixel/sec) these operations can share a single multiplier and adder. The multiplier and adder are used in a color ALU which is shared with the color compensation function.
Digital halftoning can performed as a dispersed dot ordered dither using a stochastic optimized dither cell. A halftone matrix ROM 116 is provided for storing dither cell coefficients. A dither cell size of 32 x 32 is adequate to ensure that the cell repeat cycle is not visible. The three colors cyan, magenta, and yellow are all dithered using the same cell, to ensure maximum co-positioning of the ink dots. This minimizes 'muddying' of the mid-tones which results from bleed of dyes from one dot to adjacent dots while still wet. The total ROM size required is I KByte, as the one ROM is shared by the halftoning units for each of the three colors.
The digital halfioning used is dispersed dot ordered dither with stochastic optimized dither matrix. While dithering does not produce an image quite as 'sharp' as error diffusion, it does produce a more accurate image with fewer artifacts. The image sharpening produced by error diffusion is artificial, and less controllable and accurate than 'unsharp mask' filtering performed in the contone domain. The high print resolution (1,600 dpi x 1,600 dpi) results in excellent quality when using a well formed stochastic dither matrix.
Digital halftoning is performed by a digital halftoning unit 217 using a simple comparison between the contone information from the DRAM 210 and the contents of the dither matrix 216. During the halftone process, the resolution of the image is changed from the 250 dpi of the captured contone image to the 1,600 dpi of the printed image. Each contone pixel is converted to an average of 40.96 halftone dots.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -17- The ICP incorporates an 16 bit microcontroller CPU core 219 to run the miscellaneous camera functions, such as reading the buttons, controlling the motor and solenoids, setting up the hardware, and authenticating the refill station. The processing power required by the CPU is very modest, and a wide variety of processor cores can be used.
As the entire CPU program is run from a small ROM 220. Program compatibility between camera versions is not important, as no external programs are run. A 2 Mbit (256 Kbyte) program and data ROM 220 is included on chip.
Most of this ROM space is allocated to data for outline graphics and fonts for specialty cameras. The program requirements are minor. The single most complex task is the encrypted authentication of the refill station. The ROM requires a single transistor per bit.
A Flash memory 221 may be used to store a 128 bit authentication code. This provides higher security than storage of the authentication code in ROM, as reverse engineering can be made essentially impossible. The Flash memory is completely covered by third level metal, making the data impossible to extract using scanning probe microscopes or electron beams. The authentication code is stored in the chip when manufactured. At least two other Flash bits are required for the authentication process: a bit which locks out reprogramming of the authentication code, and a bit which indicates that the camera has been refilled by an authenticated refill station. The flash memory can also be used to store FPN correction data for the imaging array. Additionally, a phase locked loop rescaling parameter is stored is provided for scaling the clocking cycle to an appropriate correct time. The clock frequency does not require crystal accuracy since no date functions are provided. To eliminate the cost of a crystal, an on chip oscillator with a phase locked loop 124 is used. As the frequency of an on-chip oscillator is highly variable from chip to chip, the frequency ratio of the oscillator to the PLL is digitally trimmed during initial testing. The value is stored in Flash memory 121. This allows the clock PLL to control the ink-jet heater pulse width with sufficient accuracy.
A scratchpad SRAM is a small static RAM 222 with a 6T cell. The scratchpad provided temporary memory for the 16 bit CPU. 1024 bytes is adequate.
A print head interface 223 formats the data correctly for the print head. The print head interface also provides all of the timing signals required by the print head. These timing signals may vary depending upon temperature, the number of dots printed simultaneously, the print medium in the print roll, and the dye density of the ink in the print roll.
The following is a table of external connections to the print head interface: Connection Function Pins DataBits[0-7 Independent serial data to the eight segments of the print head 8 BitClock Main data clock for the print head I ColorEnable[0-2] Independent enable signals for the CMY actuators, allowing different pulse times for 3 each color.
BankEnable[O-l] Allows either simultaneous or interleaved actuation of two banks of nozzles. This 2 allows two different print speed/power consumption tradeoffs NozzleSelect[0-4] Selects one of 32 banks of nozzles for simultaneous actuation ParallelXferClock Loads the parallel transfer register with the data from the shift registers I Total SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -18requires a single transistor per bit.
A Flash memory 221 may be used to store a 128 bit authentication code. This provides higher security than storage of the authentication code in ROM, as reverse engineering can be made essentially impossible. The Flash memory is completely covered by third level metal, making the data impossible to extract using scanning probe microscopes or electron beams. The authentication code is stored in the chip when manufactured. At least two other Flash bits are required for the authentication process: a bit which locks out reprogramming of the authentication code, and a bit which indicates that the camera has been refilled by an authenticated refill station. The flash memory can also be used to store FPN correction data for the imaging array. Additionally, a phase locked loop rescaling parameter is stored is provided for scaling the clocking cycle to an appropriate correct time. The clock frequency does not require crystal accuracy since no date functions are provided. To eliminate the cost of a crystal, an on chip oscillator with a phase locked loop 124 is used. As the frequency of an on-chip oscillator is highly variable from chip to chip, the frequency ratio of the oscillator to the PLL is digitally trimmed during initial testing. The value is stored in Flash memory 121. This allows the clock PLL to control the ink-jet heater pulse width with sufficient accuracy.
A scratchpad SRAM is a small static RAM 222 with a 6T cell. The scratchpad provided temporary memory for the 16 bit CPU. 1024 bytes is adequate.
A print head interface 223 formats the data correctly for the print head. The print head interface also provides all of the timing signals required by the print head. These timing signals may vary depending upon temperature, the number of dots printed simultaneously, the print medium in the print roll, and the dye density of the ink in the print roll.
The following is a table of external connections to the print head interface: Connection Function Pins DataBits[0-7] Independent serial data to the eight segments of the print head 8 BitClock Main data clock for the print head 1 ColorEnable[0-2] Independent enable signals for the CMY actuators, allowing different 3 pulse times for each color.
BankEnable[0-l] Allows either simultaneous or interleaved actuation of two banks of 2 nozzles. This allows two different print speed/power consumption tradeoffs NozzleSelect[0-4] Selects one of 32 banks of nozzles for simultaneous actuation ParallelXferClock Loads the parallel transfer register with the data from the shift registers 1 Total The print head utilized is composed of eight identical segments, each 1.25 cm long. There is no connection between the segments on the print head chip. Any connections required are made in the external TAB bonding film, which is double sided. The division into eight identical segments is to simplify lithography using wafer steppers. The segment width of 1.25 cm fits easily into a stepper field. As the print head chip is long and narrow (10 cm x 0.3 mm), the stepper field contains a single segment of 32 print head chips. The stepper field is therefore 1.25 cm x 1.6 cm. An average of four complete print heads are patterned in each wafer step.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -19never driven at the same time as the image sensor is used. This is to avoid voltage fluctuations and hot spots affecting the image quality. Further, the transistors are located as far away from the sensor as possible.
A standard JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) interface 228 is included in the ICP for testing purposes and for interrogation by the refill station. Due to the complexity of the chip, a variety of testing techniques are required, including BIST (Built In Self Test) and functional block isolation. An overhead of 10% in chip area is assumed for chip testing circuitry for the random logic portions. The overhead for the large arrays the image sensor and the DRAM) is smaller.
The JTAG interface is also used for authentication of the refill station. This is included to ensure that the cameras are only refilled with quality paper and ink at a properly constructed refill station, thus preventing inferior quality refills from occurring. The camera must authenticate the refill station, rather than vice versa. The secure protocol is communicated to the refill station during the automated test procedure. Contact is made to four gold plated spots on the ICP/print head TAB by the refill station as the new ink is injected into the print head.
Fig. 16 illustrates rear view of the next step in the construction process whilst Fig. 17 illustrates a front camera view.
Turning now to Fig. 16, the assembly of the camera system proceeds via first assembling the ink supply mechanism 40. The flex PCB is interconnected with batteries only one 84 of which is shown, which are inserted in the middle portion of a print roll 85 which is wrapped around a plastic former 86. An end cap 89 is provided at the other end of the print roll 85 so as to fasten the print roll and batteries firumly to the ink supply mechanism.
The solenoid coil is interconnected (not shown) to interconnects 97, 98 (Fig. 8) which include leaf spring ends for interconnection with electrical contacts on the Flex PCB so as to provide for electrical control of the solenoid.
Turning now to Figs. 17 19 the next step in the construction process is the insertion of the relevant gear chains into the side of the camera chassis. Fig. 17 illustrates a front camera view, Fig. 18 illustrates a back side view and Fig. 19 also illustrates a back side view. The first gear chain comprising gear wheels 22, 23 are utilised for driving the guillotine blade with the gear wheel 23 engaging the gear wheel 65 of Fig. 8. The second gear chain comprising gear wheels 24, 25 and 26 engage one end of the print roller 61 of Fig. 8. As best indicated in Fig. 18, the gear wheels mate with corresponding buttons on the surface of the chassis with the gear wheel 26 being snap fitted into corresponding mating hole 27.
Next, as illustrated in Fig. 20, the assembled platten unit is then inserted between the print roll 85 and aluminium cutting blade 43.
Turning now to Fig. 21, by way of illumination, there is illustrated the electrically interactive components of the camera system. As noted previously, the components are based around a Flex PCB board and include a TAB film 58 which interconnects the printhead 102 with the image sensor and processing chip 51. Power is supplied by two AA type batteries 83, 84 and a paper drive stepper motor 16 is provided in addition to a rotary guillotine motor An optical element 31 is provided for snapping into a top portion of the chassis 12. The optical element 31 includes portions defining an optical view finder 32, 33 which are slotted into mating portions 35, 36 in view finder channel 37. Also provided in the optical element 31 is a lensing system 38 for magnification of the prints left number in addition to an optical pipe element 39 for piping light from the LED 5 for external display.
Turning next to Fig. 22, the assembled unit 90 is then inserted into a front outer case 91 which includes button 4 for activation of printouts.
SUBSTIT[UTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 Turning now to Fig. 23, next, the unit 92 is provided with a snap-on back cover 93 which includes a slot 6 and copy print button 7. A wrapper label containing instructions and advertising (not shown) is then wrapped around the outer surface of the camera system and pinch clamped to the cover by means of clamp strip 96 which can comprise a flexible plastic or rubber strip.
Subsequently, the preferred embodiment is ready for use as a one time use camera system that provides for instant output images on demand. It will be evident that the preferred embodiment further provides for a refillable camera system. A used camera can be collected and its outer plastic cases removed and recycled. A new paper roll and batteries can be added and the ink cartridge refilled. A series of automatic test routines can then be carried out to ensure that the printer is properly operational. Further, in order to ensure only authorised refills are conducted so as to enhance quality, routines in the on-chip program ROM can be executed such that the camera authenticates the refilling station using a secure protocol. Upon authentication, the camera can reset an internal paper count and an external case can be fitted on the camera system with a new outer label. Subsequent packing and shipping can then take place.
It will be further readily evident to those skilled in the art that the program ROM can be modified so as to allow for a variety of digital processing routines. In addition to the digitally enhanced photographs optimised for mainstream consumer preferences, various other models can readily be provided through mere re-programming of the program ROM. For example, a sepia classic old fashion style output can be provided through a remapping of the colour mapping function. A further alternative is to provide for black and white outputs again through a suitable colour remapping algorithm. Minimumless colour can also be provided to add a touch of colour to black and white prints to produce the effect that was traditionally used to colourize black and white photos. Further, passport photo output can be provided through suitable address remappings within the address generators. Further, edge filters can be utilised as is known in the field of image processing to produce sketched art styles. Further, classic wedding borders and designs can be placed around an output image in addition to the provision of relevant clip arts. For example, a wedding style camera might be provided. Further, a panoramic mode can be provided so as to output the well known panoramic format of images. Further, a postcard style output can be provided through the printing of postcards including postage on the back of a print roll surface. Further, cliparts can be provided for special events such as Halloween, Christmas etc. Further, kleidoscopic effects can be provided through address remappings and wild colour effects can be provided through remapping of the colour lookup table. Many other forms of special event cameras can be provided for example, cameras dedicated to the Olympics, movie tie-ins, advertising and other special events.
The operational mode of the camera can be programmed so that upon the depressing of the take photo a first image is sampled by the sensor array to determine irrelevant parameters. Next a second image is again captured which is utilised for the output. The captured image is then manipulated in accordance with any special requirements before being initially output on the paper roll. The LED light is then activated for a predetermined time during which the DRAM is refreshed so as to retain the image. If the print copy button is depressed during this predetermined time interval, a further copy of the photo is output. After the predetermined time interval where no use of the camera has occurred, the onboard CPU shuts down all power to the camera system until such time as the take button is again activated. In this way, substantial power savings can be realized.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) Ink Jet Printing A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed to facilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing and data distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can be included in printer devices incorporated as part of the present invention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to these ink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference include: 0e 0 0 0 0 0 Australian Filing Date Title Provisional Number P08066 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ01)-WO99/03680 P08072 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ02) -W099/03680 P08040 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ03) -W099/03681 P08071 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ04) -W099/03680 P08047 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ05) -W099/03680 P08035 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ06) -W099/03680 P08044 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ07) -W099/03680 P08063 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (1108) -W099/03680 P08057 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ09) -W099/03681 P08056 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ10) -W099/03681 P08069 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ 11) -W099/03680 P08049 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ12) -W099/03680 P08036 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ13) -W099/03680 P08048 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ14) -W099/03680 P08070 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ15) -W099/03680 P08067 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ16) -W099/03680 P08001 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ17) -W099/03681 P08038 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ 18) -W099/03681 P08033 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ19)-US 6,254,220 P08002 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ20) -W099/03681 PO8068 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ2 1) -W099/03681 P08062 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ22) -W099/03681 P08034 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ23) -W099/03681 P08039 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ24) -W099/03681 P08041 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ25) -W099/03680 P08004 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ26) -W099/03680 P08037 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ27) -W099/03681 P08043 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ28) -W099/03681 P08042 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ29) -W099/03681 P08064 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ30) -W099/03681 P09389 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ31) -W099/03681 P09391 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ32)-US6,234,609 PP0888 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ33) -W099/03681 PP0891 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ34) -W099/03681 PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ35) -W099/03681 ZPP0873 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ36) -W099/03681 P0993 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ37)-US 6,247,791 R4: 4 ~s-1 4* .9 *9 0O 0 PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ38)-US 6,336,710 PP1398 19-Jan-98 An Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ39) -W099/03681 PP2592 25-Mar-98 An Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ40) -W099/03681 PP2593 25-Mar-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ41) -W099/03681 PP3991 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ42)-US 6,283,581 PP3987 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ43) -W099/03681 PP3985 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ44) -W099/03681 PP3983 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ45) -W099/03681 Ink Jet Manufacturing Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor fabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference: Australian Filing Date Title Provisional Number P07935 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM01) -W099/03680 P07936 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM02) -W099/03680 PO7937 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM03) -W099/03681 P08061 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM04) -W099/03680 P08054 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM05) -W099/03680 P08065 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM06) -W099/03680 P08055 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM07) -W099/03680 P08053 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJMO8) -W099/03680 P08078 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJMO9) -W099/03681 P07933 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM 10) -W099/03681 P07950 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM 11) -W099/03680 P07949 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM 12)-W099/03680 P08060 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM13) -W099/03680 P08059 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM 14) -W099/03680 P08073 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM 15) -W099/03680 P08076 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM 16) -W099/03680 P08075 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM 17) -W099/03681 P08079 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM 18) -W099/03681 P08050 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM19) -W099/03681 P08052 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM20) -W099/03681 P07948 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM21) -W099/03681 P07951 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM22) -W099/03681 P08074 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM23) -W099/03681 P07941 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM24) -W099/03681 P08077 15-Jul- 9 7 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM25) -W099/03680 P08058 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM26) -W099/03680 P08051 15-Jul- 9 7 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM27) -W099/03681 P08045 15-Jul- 97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM28) -W099/03681 P07952 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM29) -W099/03681 P08046 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM30) -W099/03681 P08503 11-Aug-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM30a) -W099/03681 P09390 23-Sep-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM31) -W099/03681 P09392 23-Sep-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM32) -W099/03681 PP0889 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM35) -W099/03681 PP0887 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM36)-USSN 09/122,801 PP0882 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM37) -W099/03681 PP0874 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM38) -W099/03681 PP1396 19-Jan-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM39) -W099/03681 PP2591 25-Mar-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM41) -W099/03681 PP3989 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM40) -W099/03681 PP3990 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM42) -W099/03681 PP3986 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM43) -W099/03681 PP3984 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM44) -W099/03681 PP3982 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM45) -W099/03680 Fluid Supply Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system to the ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to a series of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by cross-reference: S.
S
3,
A
7 OFi\ Aust Prov PO8( PO8( PO9 ralian Filing Date Title isional Number )03 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and Apparatus (Fl) -W099/03681 )05 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and Apparatus -W099/04368 404 23-Sep-97 A Device and Method (F3)-USSN 09/113,101 MEMS Technology Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor microelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference: Australian Filing Date Title Provisional Number P07943 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMSO1) -W099/03681 P08006 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS02) -W099/03681 P08007 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS03) -W099/03681 P08008 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS04) -W099/03681 P08010 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS05) -W099/03681 P08011 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS06) -W099/03681 P07947 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS07) -W099/03681 P07945 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS08) -W099/03681 P07944 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS09) -W099/03681 P07946 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS10) -W099/03681 P09393 23-Sep-97 A Device and Method (MEMS 11) -W099/03681 PP0875 12-Dec-97 A Device (MEMS12) -W099/03681 0894 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (MEMS13) -W099/03681 IR Technologies Further, the present application may include the utilization of a disposable camera system such as those described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference: Australian Filing Date Title Provisional Number PP0895 12-Dec-97 An Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IR01) -W099/04551 PP0870 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR02) W099/04551 PP0869 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR04) W099/04551 PP0887 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IR05) W099/04551 PP0885 12-Dec-97 An Image Production System (IR06) W099/04551 PP0884 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IRIO) W099/04551 PP0886 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (1R12) W099/04551 PP0871 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR13) W099/04551 PP0876 12-Dec-97 An Image Processing Method and Apparatus (1R14) W099/04551 PP0877 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR16) W099/04551 PP0878 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IRI 7) W099/04551 PP0879 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR18) W099/04551 PP0883 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR19) W099/04551 PP0880 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR20) W099/04551 PP0881 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR21) W099/04551 DotCard Technologies Further, the present application may include the utilization of a data distribution system such as that described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference: Australian Filing Date Title Provisional Number PP2370 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (Dot01)-USSN 09/112,781 PP2371 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (Dot02)-USSN 09/113,052 :..00 1 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0000 0 0 0 0 Artcam Technologies Further, the present application may include the utilization of camera and data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device as described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference: Australian Filing Date Title Provisional Number P07991 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART01)-W099/04368 P07988 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART02) -W099/04368 P07993 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART03) -W099/04368 P08012 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART05) -W099/04368 P08017 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART06) -W099/04368 P08014 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ARTO7) -W099/04368 025 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART08) -W099/04368 P08032 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ARTO9) -W099/04368 P07999 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART10) -W099/04368 P07998 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ARTI 1) -W099/04368 P08031 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ARTI2) -W099/04368 P08030 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART13) -W099/04368 P07997 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ARTIS) -W099/04368 P07979 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ARTI6) -W099/04368 P08015 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ARTI7) -W099/04368 P07978 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ARTI8) -USSN 09/113,067 P07982 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ARTI9) -W099/04368 P07989 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART20) -W099/04368 P08019 15-Jul-97 Media Processing Method and Apparatus (ART21) -W099/04368 P07980 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART22) -W099/04368 P07942 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART23) -W099/04368 P08018 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART24) -W099/04368 P07938 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART25) -W099/04368 P08016 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART26) -W099/04368 P08024 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART27) -W099/04368 P07940 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART28) -W099/04368 P07939 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART29) -W099/04368 P08501 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART30)-US 6,137,500 P08500 I l-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART31) USSN09/112,796 P07987 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART32) -W099/04368 P08022 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART33) -W099/04368 P08497 1-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART30) -US 6,137,500 P08029 15-Jul-97 Sensor Creation Method and Apparatus (ART36) -W099/04368 P07985 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART37) -W099/04368 P08020 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART38) -W099/04368 P08023 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART39) -W099/04368 P09395 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART4)-US 6,322,181 P08021 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART40) -W099/04368 P08504 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART42)-USSN 09/112,786 P08000 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Methor and Apparatus (ART43) -W099/04368 P07977 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART44)-USSN 09/112,782 P07934 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART45)-USSN 09/113,056 P07990 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART46) -USSN 09/113,059 P08499 11 -Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART47) -USSN 09/113,091 P08502 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus(ART48)-US 6,381,361 P07981 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART50)-US 6,317,192 P07986 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ARTS 1)-USSN 09/113,057 P07983 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART52) -USSN 09/113,054 P08026 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART53)-USSN 09/112,752 O8027 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART54)-USSN 09/112,759 R(S028 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART56)-USSN 09/112,757
ST
OFV-
P09394 23-Sep-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART57) )-US 6,357,135 P09396 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART58)-USSN 09/113,107 P09397 23 -Sep- 9 7 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART59) -W099/03681 P09398 2 3 -Sep- 9 7 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART60)-US 6,353,772 P09399 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART61)-US 6,106,147 P09400 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART62)-USSN 09/112,790 PO9401 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART63)-US 6,304,291 P09402 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART64) -USSN 09/112,788 P09403 2 3 -Sep- 97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART65)-US 6,305,770 P09405 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART66)-US 6,289,262 PP0959 16-Dec-97 A Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART68) -US 6,315,200 PP1397 19-Jan-98 A Media Device (ART69)US 6,217,165 1 e.
t page is numbered page WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 Ink Jet Technologies The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Of course many different devices could be used. However presently popular ink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.
The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption. This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stems from the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves the rapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink. Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermal inkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, from electricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.
The most significant problem with piezoelectric inkjet is size and cost. Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drive voltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, each piezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on a separate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the current limit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment to the fabrication of pagewide print heads with 19,200 nozzles.
Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements of in-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, low cost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digital photography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The target features include: low power (less than 10 Watts) high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more) photographic quality output low manufacturing cost small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section) high speed 2 seconds per page).
All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. 45 different inkjet technologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range of choices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part of separate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in the table below.
The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digital printing systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras, through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercial printing systems For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print head is designed to be a monolithic micron CMOS chip with MEMS post processing. For color photographic applications, the print head is 100 mm long, with a width which depends upon the inkjet type. The smallest print head designed is 1J38, which is 0.35 mm wide, giving a chip area of 35 square mm. The print heads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus data and control circuitry.
Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection molded plastic ink channels. The molding requires micron features, which can be created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standard injection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the wafer to the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. The print head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automated bonding.
Cross-Referenced Applications The following table is a guide to recently filed cross-referenced United States patent applications filed concurrently herewith and discussed hereinafter with the reference being utilized in subsequent tables when referring SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -31 to a particular case. These applications have also been filed as Australian provisional patent applications (as mentioned in the aforementioned tables) having the corresponding reference number in their title: Docket No. Reference Title IJ01US 1JO01 Radiant Plunger Ink Jet Printer IJ02US IJ02 Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer IJ03US 1103 Planar Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet IJ04US IJ04 Stacked Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer 1105 Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer IJ06US 1J06 Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer IJ07US IJ07 Permanent Magnet Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ08US 1J08 Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ09US 1109 Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printer 1110 Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printer IJ1 IUS ll I Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ12US IJ12 Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ13US 1113 Gear Driven Shutter Ink Jet Printer IJ14US 1J14 Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer 1J15 Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink Jet Printer IJI6US IJ16 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ17US IJ17 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer IJ 18US IJ18 Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer I 19US 1J19 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer 1J20 Curling Calyx Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ21US 1J21 Thermal Actuated Ink Jet Printer IJ22US 1122 Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer IJ23US IJ23 Direct Firing Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ24US IJ24 Conductive PTFE Ben Activator Vented Ink Jet Printer 1125 Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printer IJ26US IJ26 Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer IJ27US IJ27 Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printer IJ28US IJ28 Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet Printer IJ29US 1129 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer 1J30 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and Corrugated Copper Ink Jet Printer 1131US IJ31 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink Jet Printer IJ32US IJ32 A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ33US IJ33 Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall inkjet printer 1J34US 1134 Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuator comprising an external coiled spring SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -32- IJ35 Trough Container Ink Jet Printer IJ36US IJ36 Dual Chamber Single Vertical Actuator Ink Jet 1J37US IJ37 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum Actuator Ink Jet IJ38US IJ38 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink Jet IJ39US IJ39 A single bend actuator cupped paddle ink jet printing device 1J40 A thermally actuated ink jet printer having a series of thermal actuator units IJ4 I US 1IJ41 A thermally actuated ink jet printer including a tapered heater element IJ42US 1J42 Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet 1J43US IJ43 Inverted Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ44US IJ44 Surface bend actuator vented ink supply ink jet printer IJ45 Coil Acutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet Printer Tables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation of individual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristics are largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an eleven dimensional matrix.
Most of the eleven axes of this matrix include entries developed by the present assignee.
The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table of inkjet types.
Actuator mechanism (18 types) Basic operation mode (7 types) Auxiliary mechanism (8 types) Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types) Actuator motion (19 types) Nozzle refill method (4 types) Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types) Nozzle clearing method (9 types) Nozzle plate construction (9 types) Drop ejection direction (5 types) Ink type (7 types) The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains 36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all of the possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, many million configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical to elucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjet types have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJO 1 to 1J45 above.
Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these 45 examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more of the 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into inkjet print heads with characteristics superior to any currently available inkjet technology.
Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more of these examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below. The IJ01 to IJ45 series are also listed in the examples column. In some cases, a SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) 1( WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 -33printer may be listed more than once in a table, where it shares characteristics with more than one entry.
Suitable applications include: Home printers, Office network printers, Short run digital printers, Commercial print systems, Fabric printers, Pocket printers, Internet WWW printers, Video printers, Medical imaging, Wide format printers, Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrial printing systems, Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.
The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrix are set out in the following tables.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TO SELECTED INK DROPS) Actuator Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Mechanism Thermal bubble An electrothermal heater heats the ink to Large force generated High power Canon Bubblejet 1979 Endo et above boiling point, transferring Simple construction Ink carrier limited to water al GB patent 2,007,162 significant heat to the aqueous ink. A No moving parts Low efficiency Xerox heater-in-pit 1990 bubble nucleates and quickly forms, Fast operation High temperatures required Hawkins et al USP expelling the ink. Small chip area required for High mechanical stress 4,899,181 The efficiency of the process is low, with actuator Unusual materials required Hewlett-Packard TIJ 1982 typically less than 0.05% of the electrical Large drive transistors Vaught et a USP 4,490,728 energy being transformed into kinetic Cavitation causes actuator failure energy of the drop. Kogation reduces bubble formation Large print heads are difficult to fabricate Piezoelectric A piezoelectric crystal such as lead Low power consumption Very large area required for actuator Kyser et at USP 3,946,398 lanthanum zirconate (PZT) is electrically Many ink types can be used Difficult to integrate with electronics Zoltan USP 3,683,212 activated, and either expands, shears, or Fast operation High voltage drive transistors 1973 Stemme USP 3,747,120 bends to apply pressure to the ink, High efficiency required Epson Stylus ejecting drops. Full pagewidth print heads Tektronix impractical due to actuator size 1104 Requires electrical poling in high field strengths during manufacture Electro-strictive An electric field is used to activate Low power consumption Low maximum strain (approx. Seiko Epson, Usui et all JP electrostriction in relaxor materials such Many ink types can be used 0.01%) 253401/96 as lead lanthanum zirconate titanate Low thermal expansion Large area required for actuator due IJ04 (PLZT) or lead magnesium niobate Electric field strength to low strain (PMN). required (approx. 3.5 V/ Response speed is marginal 10 Ji pim) can be generated s) without difficulty High voltage drive transistors Does not require electrical required poling Full pagewidth print heads 0 impractical due to actuator size
U'
',o Ferroelectric An electric field is used to induce a Low power consumption Difficult to integrate with electronics 1J04 phase transition between the Many ink types can be used Unusual materials such as PLZSnT antiferroelectric (AFE) and ferroelectric Fast operation 1 ps) are required (FE) phase. Perovskite materials such as Relatively high longitudinal Actuators require a large area tin modified lead lanthanum zirconate strain titanate (PLZSnT) exhibit large strains of High efficiency up to 1% associated with the AFE to FE Electric field strength of phase transition. around 3 V/pm can be readily provided Electrostatic Conductive plates are separated by a Low power consumption Difficult to operate electrostatic IJ02, 1J04 plates compressible or fluid dielectric (usually Many ink types can be used devices in an aqueous air). Upon application of a voltage, the Fast operation environment plates attract each other and displace ink, The electrostatic actuator will causing drop ejection. The conductive normally need to be separated plates may be in a comb or honeycomb from the ink structure, or stacked to increase the Very large area required to achieve surface area and therefore the force, high forces High voltage drive transistors may be required Full pagewidth print heads are not competitive due to actuator size Electrostatic pull. A strong electric field is applied to the Low current consumption High voltage required 1989 Saito et al, USP on ink ink, whereupon electrostatic attraction Low temperature May be damaged by sparks due to 4,799,068 accelerates the ink towards the print air breakdown 1989 Miura et al, USP medium. Required field strength increases as 4,810,954 the drop size decreases Tone-jet High voltage drive transistors required Electrostatic field attracts dust
T
I IJU/, !JIU Permanent magnet electromagnetic An electromagnet directly attracts a permanent magnet, displacing ink and causing drop ejection. Rare earth magnets with a field strength around 1 Tesla can be used. Examples are: Samarium Cobalt (SaCo) and magnetic materials in the neodymium iron boron family (NdFeB, NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB, etc) Low power consumption Many ink types can be used Fast operation High efficiency Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads
I
Complex fabrication Permanent magnetic material such as Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) required.
High local currents required Copper metalization should be used for long electromigration lifetime and low resistivity Pigmented inks are usually infeasible Operating temperature limited to the Curie temperature (around 540
K)
I IJ07, IJ 10 I I I 1301 1305, 1J0, 31 Soft magnetic core electro-magnetic A solenoid induced a magnetic field in a soft magnetic core or yoke fabricated from a ferrous material such as electroplated iron alloys such as CoNiFe CoFe, or NiFe alloys. Typically, the soft magnetic material is in two parts, which are normally held apart by a spring. When the solenoid is actuated, the two parts attract, displacing the ink.
Low power consumption Many ink types can be used Fast operation High efficiency Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Complex fabrication Materials not usually present in a CMOS fab such as NiFe, CoNiFe, or CoFe are required High local currents required Copper metalization should be used for long electromigration lifetime and low resistivity Electroplating is required High saturation flux density is required (2.0-2.1 T is achievable with CoNiFe IJ01, IJ05, IJ08, IJ1 IJ12, IJ14,IJ15,IJ17 Magnetic The Lorenz force acting on a current Low power consumption Force acts as a twisting motion IJ06, IJ11, 1113, 1J16 Lorenz force carrying wire in a magnetic field is Many ink types can be used Typically, only a quarter of the utilized. Fast operation solenoid length provides force in This allows the magnetic field to be High efficiency a useful direction supplied externally to the print head, for Easy extension from single High local currents required example with rare earth permanent nozzles to pagewidth Copper metalization should be used magnets. print heads for long electromigration lifetime and low resistivity Only the current carrying wire need be Pigmented inks are usually fabricated on the print-head, simplifying infeasible materials requirements.____ Magneto-striction The actuator uses the giant Many ink types can be used Force acts as a twisting motion Fischenbeck, USP 4,032,929 magnetostrictive effect of materials such Fast operation Unusual materials such as Terfenol- as Terfenol-D (an alloy of terbium, Easy extension from single D are required dysprosium and iron developed at the nozzles to pagewidth High local currents required Naval Ordnance Laboratory, hence Ter- print heads Copper metalization should be used Fe-NOL). For best efficiency, the High force is available for long electromigration actuator should be pre-stressed to lifetime and low resistivity approx. 8 MPa. Pre-stressing may be required Surface tension Ink under positive pressure is held in a Low power consumption Requires supplementary force to Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 reduction nozzle by surface tension. The surface Simple construction effect drop separation and related patent tension of the ink is reduced below the No unusual materials Requires special ink surfactants applications bubble threshold, causing the ink to required in fabrication Speed may be limited by surfactant egress from the nozzle. High efficiency properties Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Viscosity The ink viscosity is locally reduced to Simple construction Requires supplementary force to Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 reduction select which drops are to be ejected. A No unusual materials effect drop separation and related patent viscosity reduction can be achieved required in fabrication Requires special ink viscosity applications electrothermally with most inks, but Easy extension from single properties special inks can be engineered for a nozzles to pagewidth High speed is difficult to achieve 100:1 viscosity reduction. print heads Requires oscillating ink pressure A high temperature difference (typically 80 degrees) is required Acoustic An acoustic wave is generated and Can operate without a Complex drive circuitry 1993 Hadimioglu et al, EUP focussed upon the drop ejection region. nozzle plate Complex fabrication 550,192 Low efficiency 1993 Elrod et al, EUP 572,220 Poor control of drop position Poor control of drop volume.
r 1303, 1J09, 1117, 1J18 Thermoelastic bend actuator An actuator which relies upon differential thermal expansion upon Joule heating is used.
Low power consumption Many ink types can be used Simple planar fabrication Small chip area required for each actuator Fast operation High efficiency CMOS compatible voltages and currents Standard MEMS processes can be used Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads
I
Efficient aqueous operation requires a thermal insulator on the hot side Corrosion prevention can be difficult Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as pigment particles may jam the bend actuator
I
IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, IJ18 IJ19,IJ20,IJ21,IJ22 IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 1J29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 IJ37, IJ38 ,IJ39, IJ41 I I- .1 High CTE thermoelastic actuator A material with a very high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used.
As high CTE materials are usually nonconductive, a heater fabricated from a conductive material is incorporated. A lim long PTFE bend actuator with polysilicon heater and 15 mW power input can provide 180 pN force and 10 I.
m deflection. Actuator motions include: 1) Bend 2) Push 3) Buckle 4) Rotate
I
High force can be generated PTFE is a candidate for low dielectric constant insulation in ULSI Very low power consumption Many ink types can be used Simple planar fabrication Small chip area required for each actuator Fast operation High efficiency CMOS compatible voltages and currents Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads i Requires special material (e.g.
PTFE)
Requires a PTFE deposition process, which is not yet standard in ULSI fabs PTFE deposition cannot be followed with high temperature (above 350 OC) processing Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as pigment particles may jam the bend actuator i IJ09, IJ17, IJ18, IJ21, IJ22, IJ23,IJ24 IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, J131, 1142, 1J43, 1I44 1 I I I 1J24 Conductive polymer thermoelastic actuator A polymer with a high coefficient of thermal expansion (such as PTFE) is doped with conducting substances to increase its conductivity to about 3 orders of magnitude below that of copper. The conducting polymer expands when resistively heated.
Examples of conducting dopants include: 1) Carbon nanotubes 2) Metal fibers 3) Conductive polymers such as doped polythiophene 4) Carbon granules High force can be generated Very low power consumption Many ink types can be used Simple planar fabrication Small chip area required for each actuator Fast operation High efficiency CMOS compatible voltages and currents Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Requires special materials development (High CTE conductive polymer) Requires a PTFE deposition process, which is not yet standard in SULSI fabs PTFE deposition cannot be followed with high temperature (above 350 OC) processing Evaporation and CVD deposition techniques cannot be used Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as pigment particles may jam the bend actuator I IJ24 Shape memory A shape memory alloy such as TiNi (also High force is available Fatigue limits maximum number of IJ26 alloy known as Nitinol Nickel Titanium alloy (stresses of hundreds of cycles developed at the Naval Ordnance MPa) Low strain is required to Laboratory) is thermally switched Large strain is available extend fatigue resistance between its weak martensitic state and its (more than Cycle rate limited by heat removal high stiffness austenic state. The shape High corrosion resistance Requires unusual materials (TiNi) of the actuator in its martensitic state is Simple construction The latent heat of transformation deformed relative to the austenic shape. Easy extension from single must be provided The shape change causes ejection of a nozzles to pagewidth High current operation drop. print heads Requires pre-stressing to distort the Low voltage operation martensitic state Linear Magnetic Linear magnetic actuators include the Linear Magnetic actuators Requires unusual semiconductor IJ12 Actuator Linear Induction Actuator (LIA), Linear can be constructed with materials such as soft magnetic Permanent Magnet Synchronous high thrust, long travel, alloys CoNiFe Actuator (LPMSA), Linear Reluctance and high efficiency Some varieties also require Synchronous Actuator (LRSA), Linear using planar permanent magnetic materials Switched Reluctance Actuator (LSRA), semiconductor such as Neodymium iron boron and the Linear Stepper Actuator (LSA). fabrication techniques (NdFeB) Long actuator travel is Requires complex multi-phase drive available circuitry Medium force is available High current operation Low voltage operation BASIC OPERATION MODE Operational mode Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Actuator directly This is the simplest mode of Simple operation Drop repetition rate is usually Thermal inkjet pushes ink operation: the actuator directly No external fields required limited to less than 10 KHz. Piezoelectric inkjet supplies sufficient kinetic energy to Satellite drops can be However, this is not IJ01, IJ02, 1103, 1104 expel the drop. The drop must have a avoided if drop velocity fundamental to the method, 1105, 1106, 1107, IJ09 sufficient velocity to overcome the is less than 4 m/s but is related to the refill IJ11, 1112, J114, IJ16 surface tension. Can be efficient, depending method normally used 1I20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 upon the actuator used All of the drop kinetic energy IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28 must be provided by the J29, IJ30, IJ31, 1132 actuator 133, 1J34, 1135, 136 Satellite drops usually form if drop velocity is greater than m/s IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Proximity The drops to be printed are selected by Very simple print head Requires close proximity between Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 and some manner thermally induced fabrication can be used the print head and the print related patent applications surface tension reduction of The drop selection means media or transfer roller pressurized ink). Selected drops are does not need to provide May require two print heads separated from the ink in the nozzle the energy required to printing alternate rows of the by contact with the print medium or a separate the drop from image transfer roller. the nozzle Monolithic color print heads are difficult Electrostatic pull The drops to be printed are selected by Very simple print head Requires very high electrostatic Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 and on ink some manner thermally induced fabrication can be used field related patent applications surface tension reduction of The drop selection means Electrostatic field for small Tone-Jet pressurized ink). Selected drops are does not need to provide nozzle sizes is above air separated from the ink in the nozzle the energy required to breakdown by a strong electric field. separate the drop from Electrostatic field may attract the nozzle dust Magnetic pull on The drops to be printed are selected by Very simple print head Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 and ink some manner thermally induced fabrication can be used Ink colors other than black are related patent applications surface tension reduction of The drop selection means difficult pressurized ink). Selected drops are does not need to provide Requires very high magnetic separated from the ink in the nozzle the energy required to fields by a strong magnetic field acting on separate the drop from the magnetic ink. the nozzle Shutter The actuator moves a shutter to block High speed (>50 KHz) Moving parts are required IJ13, IJ17, IJ21 ink flow to the nozzle. The ink operation can be Requires ink pressure modulator pressure is pulsed at a multiple of the achieved due to reduced Friction and wear must be drop ejection frequency. refill time considered Drop timing can be very Stiction is possible accurate The actuator energy can be very low Shuttered grill The actuator moves a shutter to block Actuators with small travel Moving parts are required IJ08, IJ15, 1J18, IJ19 ink flow through a grill to the nozzle. can be used Requires ink pressure modulator The shutter movement need only be Actuators with small force Friction and wear must be equal to the width of the grill holes. can be used considered High speed (>50 KHz) Stiction is possible operation can be achieved Pulsed magnetic A pulsed magnetic field attracts an Extremely low energy Requires an external pulsed pull on ink pusher 'ink pusher' at the drop ejection operation is possible magnetic field frequency. An actuator controls a No heat dissipation Requires special materials for catch, which prevents the ink pusher problems both the actuator and the ink from moving when a drop is not to be pusher ejected. Complex construction AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES) Auxiliary Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Mechanism None The actuator directly fires the ink drop, Simplicity of construction Drop ejection energy must be Most inkjets, including and there is no external field or other Simplicity of operation supplied by individual piezoelectric and thermal mechanism required. Small physical size nozzle actuator bubble.
IJO1 1J07, IJ109, IJ 1 IJ12, 1J14, IJ20, 1122 IJ23-IJ45 Oscillating ink The ink pressure oscillates, providing Oscillating ink pressure can Requires external ink pressure Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 pressure much of the drop ejection energy. The provide a refill pulse, oscillator and related patent (incl g actuator selects which drops are to be allowing higher operating Ink pressure phase and applications acoustic fired by selectively blocking or enabling speed amplitude must be carefully 1108, IJ13, 1115, IJ17 stimulation) nozzles. The ink pressure oscillation may The actuators may operate with controlled IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 stimulatibe achieved by vibrating the print head, much lower energy Acoustic reflections in the ink or preferably by an actuator in the ink Acoustic lenses can be used to chamber must be designed supply. focus the sound on the for nozzles Media proximity The print head is placed in close Low power Precision assembly required Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 proximity to the print medium. Selected High accuracy Paper fibers may cause problems and related patent drops protrude from the print head Simple print head construction Cannot print on rough substrates applications further than unselected drops, and contact the print medium. The drop soaks into the medium fast enough to cause drop separation.
h ulk Silverbrook. EP 0771 658 A2 Transfer roller Drops are printed to a transfer roller instead of straight to the print medium. A transfer roller can also be used for proximity drop separation.
Hilg accur acy Wide range of print substrates can be used Ink can be dried on the transfer roller Expensive Complex construction and related patent applications Tektronix hot melt piezoelectric inkjet Any of the IJ series An electric field is used to accelerate Low power Field strength required for Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 selected drops towards the print medium. Simple print head construction separation of small drops is and related patent near or above air breakdown applications Tone-Jet Direct magnetic A magnetic field is used to accelerate Low power Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 field selected drops of magnetic ink towards Simple print head construction Requires strong magnetic field and related patent the print medium. applications Cross magnetic The print head is placed in a constant Does not require magnetic Requires external magnet IJ06, IJ16 field magnetic field. The Lorenz force in a materials to be integrated in Current densities may be high, current carrying wire is used to move the the print head manufacturing resulting in electromigration actuator. process problems Pulsed magnetic A pulsed magnetic field is used to Very low power operation is Complex print head construction field cyclically attract a paddle, which pushes possible Magnetic materials required in on the ink. A small actuator moves a Small print head size print head catch, which selectively prevents the paddle from moving.
ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD Actuator Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples amplification None No actuator mechanical amplification is Operational simplicity Many actuator mechanisms have Thermal Bubble Inkjet used. The actuator directly drives the insufficient travel, or insufficient IJ01, 1J02, IJ06, IJ07 drop ejection process. force, to efficiently drive the drop 1J16, IJ25, IJ26 ejection process Differential An actuator material expands more on Provides greater travel in a High stresses are involved Piezoelectric expansion bend one side than on the other. The reduced print head area Care must be taken that the materials IJ03, IJ09, IJ17-IJ24 actuator expansion may be thermal, piezoelectric, The bend actuator converts a do not delaminate IJ27, IJ29-IJ39, IJ42, magnetostrictive, or other mechanism. high force low travel actuator Residual bend resulting from high IJ43, IJ44 mechanism to high travel, temperature or high stress during lower force mechanism. formation Transient bend A trilayer bend actuator where the two Very good temperature stability High stresses are involved 1J40, IJ41 actuator outside layers are identical. This cancels High speed, as a new drop can be Care must be taken that the materials bend due to ambient temperature and fired before heat dissipates do not delaminate residual stress. The actuator only Cancels residual stress of responds to transient heating of one side formation or the other.
Actuator stack A series of thin actuators are stacked. Increased travel Increased fabrication complexity Some piezoelectric ink This can be appropriate where actuators Reduced drive voltage Increased possibility of short circuits jets require high electric field strength, such due to pinholes 1104 as electrostatic and piezoelectric actuators.
Multiple actuators Multiple smaller actuators are used Increases the force available Actuator forces may not add linearly, IJ12, IJ13, IJ18, simultaneously to move the ink. Each from an actuator reducing efficiency IJ22, 1128, IJ42, IJ43 actuator need provide only a portion of Multiple actuators can be the force required. positioned to control ink flow accurately Linear Spring A linear spring is used to transform a Matches low travel actuator with Requires print head area for the motion with small travel and high force higher travel requirements spring into a longer travel, lower force motion. Non-contact method of motion transformation Reverse spring The actuator loads a spring. When the Better coupling to the ink Fabrication complexity IJ05, IJ11 I actuator is turned off, the spring releases. High stress in the spring This can reverse the force/distance curve of the actuator to make it compatible with the force/time requirements of the drop ejection.
Coiled actuator A bend actuator is coiled to provide Increases travel Generally restricted to planar IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, greater travel in a reduced chip area. Reduces chip area implementations due to extreme Planar implementations are fabrication difficulty in other relatively easy to fabricate, orientations.
Flexure bend A bend actuator has a small region near Simple means of increasing Care must be taken not to exceed the IJ10, IJ19, IJ33 actuator the fixture point, which flexes much travel of a bend actuator elastic limit in the flexure area more readily than the remainder of the Stress distribution is very uneven actuator. The actuator flexing is Difficult to accurately model with effectively converted from an even finite element analysis coiling to an angular bend, resulting in greater travel of the actuator tip.
Gears Gears can be used to increase travel at Low force, low travel actuators Moving parts are required IJ13 the expense of duration. Circular gears, can be used Several actuator cycles are required rack and pinion, ratchets, and other Can be fabricated using standard More complex drive electronics gearing methods can be used. surface MEMS processes Complex construction Friction, friction, and wear are possible Catch The actuator controls a small catch. The Very low actuator energy Complex construction catch either enables or disables Very small actuator size Requires external force movement of an ink pusher that is Unsuitable for pigmented inks controlled in a bulk manner.
Buckle plate A buckle plate can be used to change a Very fast movement achievable Must stay within elastic limits of the S. Hirata et al, "An Inkslow actuator into a fast motion. It can materials for long device life jet Head Proc.
also convert a high force, low travel High stresses involved IEEE MEMS, Feb.
actuator into a high travel, medium force Generally high power requirement 1996, pp 418-423.
motion. IJ18, IJ27 Tapered magnetic A tapered magnetic pole can increase Linearizes the magnetic Complex construction IJ14 pole travel at the expense of force, force/distance curve Lever A lever and fulcrum is used to transform Matches low travel actuator with High stress around the fulcrum 1J32, IJ36, 1J37 a motion with small travel and high force higher travel requirements into a motion with longer travel and Fulcrum area has no linear lower force. The lever can also reverse movement, and can be used the direction of travel. for a fluid seal Rotary impeller The actuator is connected to a rotary High mechanical advantage Complex construction IJ28 impeller. A small angular deflection of The ratio of force to travel of the Unsuitable for pigmented inks the actuator results in a rotation of the actuator can be matched to impeller vanes, which push the ink the nozzle requirements by against stationary vanes and out of the varying the number of nozzle. impeller vanes Acoustic lens A refractive or diffractive zone No moving parts Large area required 1993 Hadimioglu et al, plate) acoustic lens is used to concentrate Only relevant for acoustic ink jets EUP 550,192 sound waves. 1993 Elrod et al, EUP 572,220 Sharp conductive A sharp point is used to concentrate an Simple construction Difficult to fabricate using standard Tone-jet point electrostatic field. VLSI processes for a surface ejecting ink-jet Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets ACTUATOR MOTION Actuator motion Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Volume expansion The volume of the actuator changes, Simple construction in the case High energy is typically required to Hewlett-Packard Thermal pushing the ink in all directions. of thermal ink jet achieve volume expansion. This Inkjet leads to thermal stress, cavitation, Canon Bubblejet and kogation in thermal ink jet implementations Linear, normal to The actuator moves in a direction normal Efficient coupling to ink drops High fabrication complexity may be IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ07 chip surface to the print head surface. The nozzle is ejected normal to the surface required to achieve perpendicular IJ11, IJ14 typically in the line of movement. motion Linear, parallel to The actuator moves parallel to the print Suitable for planar fabrication Fabrication complexity IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, IJ33, chip surface head surface. Drop ejection may still be Friction 1134, IJ35, IJ36 normal to the surface. Stiction Membrane push An actuator with a high force but small The effective area of the actuator Fabrication complexity 1982 Howkins USP area is used to push a stiff membrane that becomes the membrane area Actuator size 4,459,601 is in contact with the ink. Difficulty of integration in a VLSI process Rotary The actuator causes the rotation of some Rotary levers may be used to Device complexity IJ05, IJ08, IJ13, IJ28 element, such a grill or impeller increase travel May have friction at a pivot point Small chip area requirements Bend The actuator bends when energized. This A very small change in Requires the actuator to be made from at 1970 Kyser et al USP may be due to differential thermal dimensions can be converted least two distinct layers, or to have a 3,946,398 expansion, piezoelectric expansion, to a large motion. thermal difference across the 1973 Stemme USP magnetostriction, or other form of actuator 3,747,120 relative dimensional change. IJ03, IJ09, 1110, 1J19 IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ29 IJ31, IJ33, IJ34 Swivel The actuator swivels around a central Allows operation where the net Inefficient coupling to the ink motion 1106 pivot. This motion is suitable where linear force on the paddle is there are opposite forces applied to zero opposite sides of the paddle, e.g. Lorenz Small chip area requirements force.
.A
Straighten The actuator is normally bent, and Can be used with shape memory Requires careful balance of stresses to IJ26, 1J32 straightens when energized. alloys where the austenic ensure that the quiescent bend is phase is planar accurate Double bend The actuator bends in one direction when One actuator can be used to Difficult to make the drops ejected by 1J36, IJ37, IJ38 one element is energized, and bends the power two nozzles. both bend directions identical.
other way when another element is Reduced chip size. A small efficiency loss compared to energized. Not sensitive to ambient equivalent single bend actuators.
temperature Shear Energizing the actuator causes a shear Can increase the effective travel Not readily applicable to other actuator 1985 Fishbeck USP motion in the actuator material, of piezoelectric actuators mechanisms 4,584,590 Radial The actuator squeezes an ink reservoir, Relatively easy to fabricate High force required 1970 Zoltan USP constriction forcing ink from a constricted nozzle. single nozzles from glass Inefficient 3,683,212 tubing as macroscopic Difficult to integrate with VLSI structures processes Coil uncoil A coiled actuator uncoils or coils more Easy to fabricate as a planar Difficult to fabricate for non-planar IJ17, IJ21, 1J34, 1J35 tightly. The motion of the free end of the VLSI process devices actuator ejects the ink. Small area required, therefore Poor out-of-plane stiffness low cost Bow The actuator bows (or buckles) in the Can increase the speed of travel Maximum travel is constrained IJ16, IJ18, IJ27 middle when energized. Mechanically rigid High force required Push-Pull Two actuators control a shutter. One The structure is pinned at both Not readily suitable for inkjets which IJ18 actuator pulls the shutter, and the other ends, so has a high out-of- directly push the ink pushes it. plane rigidity Curl inwards A set of actuators curl inwards to reduce Good fluid flow to the region Design complexity IJ20, 1J42 the volume of ink that they enclose, behind the actuator increases efficiency Curloutwards A set of actuators curl outwards, Relatively simple construction Relatively large chip area 1J43 pressurizing ink in a chamber surrounding the actuators, and expelling ink from a nozzle in the chamber.
Iris Multiple vanes enclose a volume of ink. High efficiency High fabrication complexity IJ22 These simultaneously rotate, reducing Small chip area Not suitable for pigmented inks the volume between the vanes.
Acoustic vibration The actuator vibrates at a high The actuator can be physically Large area required for efficient 1993 Hadimioglu et frequency. distant from the ink operation at useful frequencies al, EUP 550,192 Acoustic coupling and crosstalk 1993 Elrod et al, EUP Complex drive circuitry 572,220 Poor control of drop volume and position None In various ink jet designs the actuator No moving parts Various other tradeoffs are required to Silverbrook, EP 0771 does not move. eliminate moving parts 658 A2 and related patent applications Tone-jet NOZZLE REFILL METHOD Nozzle refill Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples method Surface tension After the actuator is energized, it Fabrication simplicity Low speed Thermal inkjet typically returns rapidly to its normal Operational simplicity Surface tension force relatively Piezoelectric inkjet position. This rapid return sucks in air small compared to actuator IJ01-IJ07, J110-IJ14 through the nozzle opening. The ink force IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45 surface tension at the nozzle then exerts Long refill time usually a small force restoring the meniscus to a dominates the total minimum area. repetition rate Shuttered Ink to the nozzle chamber is provided at High speed Requires common ink pressure IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 oscillating ink a pressure that oscillates at twice the Low actuator energy, as the oscillator IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 pressure drop ejection frequency. When a drop is actuator need only open or May not be suitable for to be ejected, the shutter is opened for 3 close the shutter, instead of pigmented inks half cycles: drop ejection, actuator ejecting the ink drop return, and refill.
Refill actuator After the main actuator has ejected a High speed, as the nozzle is Requires two independent IJ09 drop a second (refill) actuator is actively refilled actuators per nozzle energized. The refill actuator pushes ink into the nozzle chamber. The refill actuator returns slowly, to prevent its return from emptying the chamber again.
Positive ink The ink is held a slight positive pressure. High refill rate, therefore a high Surface spill must be prevented Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 pressure After the ink drop is ejected, the nozzle drop repetition rate is Highly hydrophobic print head and related patent chamber fills quickly as surface tension possible surfaces are required applications and ink pressure both operate to refill the Alternative for: nozzle. 1JO1-IJ07, IJ10-IJ414 IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45 METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET Inlet back-flow Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples restriction method Long inlet channel The ink inlet channel to the nozzle Design simplicity Restricts refill rate Thermal inkjet chamber is made long and relatively Operational simplicity May result in a relatively large chip Piezoelectric inkjet narrow, relying on viscous drag to Reduces crosstalk area IJ42, IJ43 reduce inlet back-flow. Only partially effective Positive ink The ink is under a positive pressure, so Drop selection and separation Requires a method (such as a nozzle Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 pressure that in the quiescent state some of the ink forces can be reduced rim or effective hydrophobizing, A2 and related patent drop already protrudes from the nozzle. Fast refill time or both) to prevent flooding of applications the ejection surface of the print Possible operation of the This reduces the pressure in the nozzle head. following: chamber which is required to eject a IJ01-IJ07 IJ09-IJ12 certain volume of ink. The reduction in07, 09- 12 chamber pressure results in a reduction IJ14, IJ6, I20, I22, in ink pushed out through the inlet. IJ23-IJ34, I36- IJ41 IJ44 Baffle One or more baffles are placed in the The refill rate is not as restricted Design complexity HP Thermal Ink Jet inlet ink flow. When the actuator is as the long inlet method. May increase fabrication complexity Tektronix piezoelectric energized, the rapid ink movement Reduces crosstalk Tektronix hot melt ink jet creates eddies which restrict the flow Piezoelectric print heads).
through the inlet. The slower refill process is unrestricted, and does not result in eddies.
Flexible flap In this method recently disclosed by Significantly reduces back-flow Not applicable to most inkjet Canon restricts inlet Canon, the expanding actuator (bubble) for edge-shooter thermal ink configurations pushes on a flexible flap that restricts the jet devices Increased fabrication complexity inlet. Inelastic deformation of polymer flap results in creep over extended use Inlet filter A filter is located between the ink inlet Additional advantage of ink Restricts refill rate IJ04, IJ12, IJ24, IJ27 and the nozzle chamber. The filter has a filtration May result in complex construction IJ29, multitude of small holes or slots, Ink filter may be fabricated with restricting ink flow. The filter also no additional process steps removes particles which may block the nozzle.
Small inlet The ink inlet channel to the nozzle Design simplicity Restricts refill rate 1102, IJ37, IJ44 compared to chamber has a substantially smaller cross May result in a relatively large chip nozzle section than that of the nozzle resulting area in easier ink egress out of the nozzle than Only partially effective out of the inlet.
Inlet shutter A secondary actuator controls the Increases speed of the ink-jet Requires separate refill actuator and IJ09 position of a shutter, closing off the ink print head operation drive circuit inlet when the main actuator is energized.
The inlet is The method avoids the problem of inlet Back-flow problem is eliminated Requires careful design to minimize J101, 1103, 1105, IJ06 located behind the back-flow by arranging the ink-pushing the negative pressure behind the 1J07, IJ10, IJ11, 14 ink-pushing surface of the actuator between the inlet paddle IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, surface and the nozzle. IJ28, 1 J 31, 1132, IJ33 IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ39 IJ40,IJ41 Part of the The actuator and a wall of the ink Significant reductions in back- Small increase in fabrication IJ07, 1J20, IJ26, IJ38 actuator moves to chamber are arranged so that the motion flow can be achieved complexity shut off the inlet of the actuator closes off the inlet. Compact designs possible Nozzle actuator In some configurations of inkjet, there is Ink back-flow problem is None related to ink back-flow on Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 does not result in no expansion or movement of an eliminated actuation A2 and related patent ink back-flow actuator which may cause ink back-flow applications through the inlet. Valve-jet Tone-jet IJ08,IJ13,IJ15,IJ17 IJ118, 1J19, IJ21 NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD Nozzle Clearing Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples method Normal nozzle All of the nozzles are fired periodically, No added complexity on the May not be sufficient to displace Most ink jet systems firing before the ink has a chance to dry. When print head dried ink IJ01- 1I07, IJ09-1J12 not in use the nozzles are sealed (capped) 1114, 1116, 1120, IJ22 against air. 1123- IJ34, IJ36-IJ45 The nozzle firing is usually performed during a special clearing cycle, after first moving the print head to a cleaning station.
Extra power to In systems which heat the ink, but do not Can be highly effective if the Requires higher drive voltage for Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 ink heater boil it under normal situations, nozzle heater is adjacent to the clearing A2 and related patent clearing can be achieved by over- nozzle May require larger drive transistors applications powering the heater and boiling ink at the nozzle.
Rapid succession The actuator is fired in rapid succession. Does not require extra drive Effectiveness depends substantially May be used with: of actuator pulses In some configurations, this may cause circuits on the print head upon the configuration of the IJ01-IJ07, IJ09- IJ 1 heat build-up at the nozzle which boils Can be readily controlled and inkjet nozzle J114, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22 the ink, clearing the nozzle. In other initiated by digital logic IJ23-IJ25, IJ27-IJ34 situations, it may cause sufficient IJ36-IJ45 vibrations to dislodge clogged nozzles.
Extra power to Where an actuator is not normally driven A simple solution where Not suitable where there is a hard May be used with: ink pushing to the limit of its motion, nozzle clearing applicable limit to actuator movement IJ03, IJ09, IJ16, actuator may be assisted by providing an IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ27 enhanced drive signal to the actuator. IJ29, 1J30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ39,1J40,1J41,IJ42 IJ43, IJ44, Acoustic An ultrasonic wave is applied to the ink A high nozzle clearing capability High implementation cost if system 1J08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 resonance chamber. This wave is of an appropriate can be achieved does not already include an IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 amplitude and frequency to cause May be implemented at very low acoustic actuator sufficient force at the nozzle to clear cost in systems which already blockages. This is easiest to achieve if include acoustic actuators the ultrasonic wave is at a resonant frequency of the ink cavity.
Nozzle clearing A microfabricated plate is pushed against Can clear severely clogged Accurate mechanical alignment is Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 plate the nozzles. The plate has a post for nozzles required A2 and related patent every nozzle. The array of posts Moving parts are required applications There is risk of damage to the nozzles Accurate fabrication is required Ink pressure pulse The pressure of the ink is temporarily May be effective where other Requires pressure pump or other May be used with all IJ increased so that ink streams from all of methods cannot be used pressure actuator series ink jets the nozzles. This may be used in Expensive conjunction with actuator energizing. Wasteful of ink Print head wiper A flexible 'blade' is wiped across the Effective for planar print head Difficult to use if print head surface Many ink jet systems print head surface. The blade is usually surfaces is non-planar or very fragile fabricated from a flexible polymer, e.g. Low cost Requires mechanical parts rubber or synthetic elastomer. Blade can wear out in high volume print systems Separate ink A separate heater is provided at the Can be effective where other Fabrication complexity Can be used with many IJ boiling heater nozzle although the normal drop e- nozzle clearing methods series ink jets ection mechanism does not require it. cannot be used The heaters do not require individual Can be implemented at no drive circuits, as many nozzles can be additional cost in some inkjet cleared simultaneously, and no imaging configurations is required._ NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION Nozzle plate Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples construction Electroformed A nozzle plate is separately fabricated Fabrication simplicity High temperatures and pressures Hewlett Packard Thermal nickel from electroformed nickel, and bonded are required to bond nozzle Inkjet to the print head chip. plate Minimum thickness constraints Differential thermal expansion Laser ablated or Individual nozzle holes are ablated by an No masks required Each hole must be individually Canon Bubblejet drilled polymer intense UV laser in a nozzle plate, which Can be quite fast formed 1988 Sercel et al., SPIE, Vol.
is typically a polymer such as polyimide Some control over nozzle profile Special equipment required 998 Excimer Beam or polysulphone is possible Slow where there are many Applications, pp. 76-83 Equipment required is relatively thousands of nozzles per print 1993 Watanabe et al., USP low cost head 5,208,604 May produce thin burrs at exit holes Silicon micro- A separate nozzle plate is High accuracy is attainable Two part construction K. Bean, IEEE Transactions machined micromachined from single crystal High cost on Electron Devices, Vol.
silicon, and bonded to the print head Requires precision alignment ED-25, No. 10, 1978, pp wafer. Nozzles may be clogged by 1185-1195 adhesive Xerox 1990 Hawkins et al., USP 4,899,181 Glass capillaries Fine glass capillaries are drawn from No expensive equipment Very small nozzle sizes are 1970 Zoltan USP 3,683,212 glass tubing. This method has been used required difficult to form for making individual nozzles, but is Simple to make single nozzles Not suited for mass production difficult to use for bulk manufacturing of print heads with thousands of nozzles.
Monolithic, The nozzle plate is deposited as a layer High accuracy pIm) Requires sacrificial layer under Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 surface micro- using standard VLSI deposition Monolithic the nozzle plate to form the and related patent machined using techniques. Nozzles are etched in the Low cost nozzle chamber applications VLSI lithographic nozzle plate using VLSI lithography and Existing processes can be used Surface may be fragile to the IJ01, 1102, 1104, IJ11 processes etching. touch IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ22, IJ24, IJ27, 1I28 IJ29,IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37 IJ38, 1J39, IJ40, 1I41 IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Monolithic, etched The nozzle plate is a buried etch stop in High accuracy tm) Requires long etch times IJ03, 1105, 1J06, IJ07 through substrate the wafer. Nozzle chambers are etched in Monolithic Requires a support wafer 1108, 1109, IJl0, 1113 the front of the wafer, and the wafer, is Low cost IJ14, 1115, 1116, 119 thinned from the back side. Nozzles are No differential expansion IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, 1126 then etched in the etch stop layer.
No nozzle plate Various methods have been tried to No nozzles to become clogged Difficult to control drop position Ricoh 1995 Sekiya et al USP eliminate the nozzles entirely, to prevent accurately 5,412,413 nozzle clogging. These include thermal Crosstalk problems 1993 Hadimioglu et al EUP bubble mechanisms and acoustic lens 550,192 mechanisms 1993 Elrod et al EUP 572,220 Trough Each drop ejector has a trough through Reduced manufacturing Drop firing direction is sensitive which a paddle moves. There is no complexity to wicking.
nozzle plate. Monolithic Nozzle slit instead. The elimination of nozzle holes and No nozzles to become clogged Difficult to control drop position 1989 Saito et al USP of individual replacement by a slit encompassing accurately 4,799,068 nozzles many actuator positions reduces nozzle Crosstalk problems clogging, but increases crosstalk due to ink surface waves DROP EJECTION DIRECTION Ejection Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples direction Edge Ink flow is along the surface of the chip, Simple construction Nozzles limited to edge Canon Bubblejet 1979 Endo et al ('ede s and ink drops are ejected from the chip No silicon etching required High resolution is difficult GB patent 2,007,162 (edge shooter') edge. Good heat sinking via substrate Fast color printing requires Xerox heater-in-pit 1990 Mechanically strong one print head per color Hawkins et al USP 4,899,181 Ease of chip handing Tone-jet Surface Ink flow is along the surface of the chip, No bulk silicon etching required Maximum ink flow is Hewlett-Packard TIJ 1982 ('roof shoter') and ink drops are ejected from the chip Silicon can make an effective severely restricted Vaught et al USP 4,490,728 ('roof shooter') h enk 102, Ill1, 112, 120 surface, normal to the plane of the chip. heat sink 1102, I 11, IJ12, Mechanical strength IJ22 Through chip, Ink flow is through the chip, and ink High ink flow Requires bulk silicon etching Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 and forward drops are ejected from the front surface Suitable for pagewidth print related patent applications ('up shooter') of the chip. High nozzle packing density IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, IJ24 Sshooter') therefore low manufacturing IJ27-IJ45 cost Ln Through chip, Ink flow is through the chip, and ink High ink flow Requires wafer thinning 1101, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06 reverse drops are ejected from the rear surface of Suitable for pagewidth print Requires special handling IJ07, 1J08, IJ09, ('down shooter the chip. High nozzle packing density during manufacture IJ13, IJ14, IJ15, IJ16 ('down shooter') therefore low manufacturing IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, cost 1126 Through actuator Ink flow is through the actuator, which is Suitable for piezoelectric print Pagewidth print heads Epson Stylus not fabricated as part of the same heads require several thousand Tektronix hot melt piezoelectric substrate as the drive transistors. connections to drive ink jets circuits Cannot be manufactured in standard CMOS fabs Complex assembly required INK TYPE Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous, dye Water based ink which typically Environmentally friendly Slow drying Most existing inkjets contains: water, dye, surfactant, No odor Corrosive All IJ series ink jets humectant, and biocide. Bleeds on paper Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 Modem ink dyes have high water- May strikethrough and related patent fastness, light fastness Cockles paper applications Aqueous, pigment Water based ink which typically Environmentally friendly Slow drying IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, IJ26 contains: water, pigment, surfactant, No odor Corrosive IJ27, humectant, and biocide. Reduced bleed Pigment may clog nozzles Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 Pigments have an advantage in reduced Reduced wicking Pigment may clog actuator and related patent bleed, wicking and strikethrough. Reduced strikethrough mechanisms applications Cockles paper Piezoelectric ink-jets Thermal ink jets (with significant restrictions) Methyl Ethyl MEK is a highly volatile solvent used for Very fast drying Odorous All IJ series ink jets Ketone (MEK) industrial printing on difficult surfaces Prints on various substrates such Flammable such as aluminum cans. as metals and plastics Alcohol Alcohol based inks can be used where Fast drying Slight odor All IJ series ink jets (ethanol, 2- the printer must operate at temperatures Operates at sub-freezing Flammable butanol, and below the freezing point of water. An temperatures others) example of this is in-camera consumer Reduced paper cockle others) photographic printing. Low cost Phase change The ink is solid at room temperature, and No drying time- ink instantly High viscosity Tektronix hot melt is melted in the print head before jetting. freezes on the print medium Printed ink typically has a piezoelectric ink jets (hotmelt)Hot melt inks are usually wax based, Almost any print medium can be 'waxy' feel 1989 Nowak USP 4,820,346 with a melting point around 80 After used Printed pages may 'block' All IJ series ink jets jetting the ink freezes almost instantly No paper cockle occurs Ink temperature may be above upon contacting the print medium or a No wicking occurs the curie point of permanent transfer roller. No bleed occurs magnets No strikethrough occurs Ink heaters consume power Long warm-up time Oil Oil based inks are extensively used in High solubility medium for some High viscosity: this is a All IJ series ink jets offset printing. They have advantages in dyes significant limitation for use improved characteristics on paper Does not cockle paper in inkjets, which usually (especially no wicking or cockle). Oil Does not wick through paper require a low viscosity.
soluble dies and pigments are required. Some short chain and multibranched oils have a sufficiently low viscosity.
Slow drying Microemulsion A microemulsion is a stable, self forming Stops ink bleed Viscosity higher than water All IJ series ink jets emulsion of oil, water, and surfactant. High dye solubility Cost is slightly higher than water The characteristic drop size is less than Water, oil, and amphiphilic based ink 100 nm, and is determined by the soluble dies can be used High surfactant concentration preferred curvature of the surfactant. Can stabilize pigment required (around suspensions WO 99/04551 PCT/AU98/00549 60 It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU)

Claims (3)

  1. 2. A camera system as claimed in claim 1 further including a cutting unit adapted to traverse said print Smedia so as to separate said print media into separate images.
  2. 3. A camera system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said cutting unit is mounted on said platten unit.
  3. 4. A camera system as claimed in any previous claim wherein said platten unit includes a print head recapping unit for capping said print head when not in use. A camera system as claimed in any previous claim further including a series of pinch rollers for decurling said print media. 62 6 A camera system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 4 t h day of November 2002 SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTD Patent Attorneys for the Applicant HALFORD CO
AU83237/98A 1997-07-15 1998-07-15 A replenishable one time use camera system Ceased AU757062B2 (en)

Priority Applications (21)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU83237/98A AU757062B2 (en) 1997-07-15 1998-07-15 A replenishable one time use camera system
AU2002301825A AU2002301825B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Print head ink supply unit
AU2002301835A AU2002301835B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera system with motor driven cutting mechanism
AU2002301824A AU2002301824B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera System with Replaceable Print Media and Power Supply Unit
AU2002301837A AU2002301837B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Print head recapping mechanism for camera printer
AU2002301834A AU2002301834B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Method of Colour Correction in a Camera System
AU2002301836A AU2002301836B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera System with Guillotine Cutter Mechanism
AU2002301831A AU2002301831B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 A replenishable one time use camera system with effects selection
AU2002301827A AU2002301827B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera System Using Single Chip
AU2002301938A AU2002301938B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Printing mechanism for a camera system
AU2002301832A AU2002301832B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera system with inbuilt printer having variable delay printing
AU2002301829A AU2002301829B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera System Using Authenticity Checking
AU2002301833A AU2002301833B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera system
AU2004203503A AU2004203503B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2004-08-02 A multi mode replenishable one time use camera system
AU2004214593A AU2004214593B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2004-09-28 A pagewidth printhead assembly for a camera system
AU2005200488A AU2005200488B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2005-02-04 Camera which senses an image twice to provide colour correction
AU2005200470A AU2005200470B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2005-02-04 Camera having coordinated cutting and capping mechanisms
AU2005200484A AU2005200484B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2005-02-04 Camera having image sensing and processing device with authentication means
AU2005200483A AU2005200483B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2005-02-04 Printer cartridge having printhead ink supply
AU2005200485A AU2005200485B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2005-02-04 Camera having image sensor affixed to printhead moulding
AU2005202931A AU2005202931B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2005-07-04 Camera including printhead and guillotine mechanism

Applications Claiming Priority (54)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPO8066 1997-07-15
AUPO8001 1997-07-15
AUPO8056 1997-07-15
AUPO8061 1997-07-15
AUPO7991 1997-07-15
AUPO8069 1997-07-15
AUPO8044 1997-07-15
AUPO8035 1997-07-15
AUPO8072 1997-07-15
AUPO8048 1997-07-15
AUPO7936 1997-07-15
AUPO8047 1997-07-15
AUPO8067 1997-07-15
AUPO8004 1997-07-15
AUPO8063 1997-07-15
AUPO8071 1997-07-15
AUPO7991A AUPO799197A0 (en) 1997-07-15 1997-07-15 Image processing method and apparatus (ART01)
AUPO8036 1997-07-15
AUPO8070 1997-07-15
AUPO8041 1997-07-15
AUPO8049 1997-07-15
AUPO7935 1997-07-15
AUPP0887 1997-12-12
AUPP0871 1997-12-12
AUPP0876 1997-12-12
AUPP0881A AUPP088197A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 A device and method (IR21)
AUPP0885 1997-12-12
AUPP0878 1997-12-12
AUPP0887A AUPP088797A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 Image creation method and apparatus (IR05)
AUPP0880 1997-12-12
AUPP0870A AUPP087097A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 A device and method (IR02)
AUPP0869 1997-12-12
AUPP0883A AUPP088397A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 A device and method (IR19)
AUPP0895A AUPP089597A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 An image creation method and apparatus (IR01)
AUPP0885A AUPP088597A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 An image production system (IR06)
AUPP0879A AUPP087997A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 A device and method (IR18)
AUPP0884 1997-12-12
AUPP0879 1997-12-12
AUPP0877A AUPP087797A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 A device and method (IR16)
AUPP0878A AUPP087897A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 A device and method (IR17)
AUPP0880A AUPP088097A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 A device and method (IR20)
AUPP0876A AUPP087697A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 An image processing method and apparatus (IR14)
AUPP0883 1997-12-12
AUPP0871A AUPP087197A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 A device and method (IR13)
AUPP0886 1997-12-12
AUPP0895 1997-12-12
AUPP0881 1997-12-12
AUPP0886A AUPP088697A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 Image creation method and apparatus (IR12)
AUPP0884A AUPP088497A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 Image creation method and apparatus (IR10)
AUPP0870 1997-12-12
AUPP0869A AUPP086997A0 (en) 1997-12-12 1997-12-12 A device and method (IR04)
AUPP0877 1997-12-12
PCT/AU1998/000549 WO1999004551A1 (en) 1997-07-15 1998-07-15 A replenishable one time use camera system
AU83237/98A AU757062B2 (en) 1997-07-15 1998-07-15 A replenishable one time use camera system

Related Child Applications (12)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2002301829A Division AU2002301829B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera System Using Authenticity Checking
AU2002301833A Division AU2002301833B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera system
AU2002301827A Division AU2002301827B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera System Using Single Chip
AU2002301834A Division AU2002301834B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Method of Colour Correction in a Camera System
AU2002301824A Division AU2002301824B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera System with Replaceable Print Media and Power Supply Unit
AU2002301831A Division AU2002301831B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 A replenishable one time use camera system with effects selection
AU2002301938A Division AU2002301938B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Printing mechanism for a camera system
AU2002301835A Division AU2002301835B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera system with motor driven cutting mechanism
AU2002301825A Division AU2002301825B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Print head ink supply unit
AU2002301837A Division AU2002301837B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Print head recapping mechanism for camera printer
AU2002301832A Division AU2002301832B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera system with inbuilt printer having variable delay printing
AU2002301836A Division AU2002301836B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2002-11-01 Camera System with Guillotine Cutter Mechanism

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AU8323798A AU8323798A (en) 1999-02-10
AU8323698A AU8323698A (en) 1999-02-10
AU757062B2 true AU757062B2 (en) 2003-01-30

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995016323A1 (en) * 1993-12-07 1995-06-15 Fisher-Price, Inc. Instant special effects electronic camera
WO1997006958A1 (en) * 1995-08-18 1997-02-27 Fisher-Price, Inc. Improved printer assembly with easily loaded paper cartridge

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995016323A1 (en) * 1993-12-07 1995-06-15 Fisher-Price, Inc. Instant special effects electronic camera
WO1997006958A1 (en) * 1995-08-18 1997-02-27 Fisher-Price, Inc. Improved printer assembly with easily loaded paper cartridge

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