AU2002301824B2 - Camera System with Replaceable Print Media and Power Supply Unit - Google Patents

Description

-1- CAMERA SYSTEM WITH REPLACEABLE PRINT MEDIA AND POWER SUPPLY UNIT 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 and'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 aforementioned 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 disposable 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 the 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 material may result in an inferior quality product, especially 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 an 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 different specialised 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 minimising 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 recapping mechanism that can be utilised in an inexpensive 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 aspects of the aforementioned 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 -3the 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 comprise at least on e 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 of 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 on 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.

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 utilised 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 utilised 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 -4connection 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 utilise 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 be 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.

Upon a determination of the authenticity of the refill station, the camera system interrogation means can reset 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 utilisation 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, multipassport 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 external 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 utilising the first button to activate the image sensor device to sense an image; and utilising the second button to activate the print head to print out a copy of the image on the print head.

Preferably, the utilisation of the first button also results in the 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 comprise 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.

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 comprise 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: utilising the image sensor device to sense a first image; processing the first image to determine color characteristics of a first sensed image; utilising 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.

Preferable, 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 maximum and minimum intensity of the first image and utilising 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 imunage 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 molding 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 utilisation 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 portion; 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 screw 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 separated sheets; The cutting blade can comprise a rotatable wheel having a sharpened outer edge and the cogged wheel can have a series of usage indicators printed on one surface thereof and the worm gear can include 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 include 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 utilised 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: -7- Fig. 1 illustrated a side front perspective view of the assemble 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. 11 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 perspective partly in section of the internal portions of the ink supply cartridge in an assembled form; 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 aplastic injection molded part. A pair of paper pinch rollers 28, 29 utilised 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 utilised in the camera system. Fig. 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 -8mechanism 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 pater 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 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 in the 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 arm 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.

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.

-9- Turning next to Fig. 13 and Fig. 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 the 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 110 mating with the second base piece 111.

At 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 164, 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. 11 (Fig. 1) snap together around the sponge pieces 107, 109. Subsequently, a syringe type device can be 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 colour 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 Function 12Mbits of DRAM DRAM Address Generator Colour interpolator Convolver Colour ALU Halftone matrix ROM 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 minimise 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, 0.25tm CMOS Technology", IEDM 1996, page 915.

-11- The imaging array uses a 4 transistor active pixel design of a standard configuration. To minimise 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 3.6gm x 3.6pn. However, the photosite must be substantially above the diffraction limit of the lens. It is also advantageous to have a square photosite, to maximise the margin over the diffraction limited in both horizontal and vertical directions. In this case, the photosite can be specified as 2.51pm x 2 .5pm. 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 photsite 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 transistor 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 8pm 2 would be required for rectangular packing. Preferably, 9.75Lm 2 has been allowed for the transistors.

The total area for each pixel is 16 gm 2 resulting from a pixel size of 4um x 4jm. With a reslotution of 1,500 x 1,000, the area of the imaging array 101 is 6,000pm x 4 ,0001pm, or 24mm 2 The presence of a colour image sensor on the chip affects the process required in two major ways: the CMOS fabrication process should be optimised to minimise dark current Colour 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 15,00 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 deltasigma 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 analogue signal degradation incurred before the signal is converted to digital. This also eliminated 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 ADC's 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 multiplexers.

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 colour components are also collected for colour 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 84m CMOS.

12- 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 4mm.

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 colour 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 colours 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 colour data is required. This allows a colour 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 colour 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 colour interpolation from the linear interpolation provided by the colour interpolator, to a close approximation of a since interpolation.

To compensate for the image "softening" which occurs during digitisation.

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.

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 colour channels is 56 million multiplies per second. This can be provided by a single multiplier. Fifty bytes of coefficient ROM are also required.

A colour ALU 113 combines the functions of colour compensation and colour space conversion into the one matrix multiplication, which is applied to every pixel of the frame. As with sharpening, the colour correction should match the most popular settings, rather then the most accurate.

13- A colour compensation circuit of the colour ALU provides compensation for the lighting of the photo. The vast majority of photographs are substantially improved by a simple colour compensation, which independently normalises the contrast and brightness of the three colour components.

A colour look-up table (CLUT) 212 is provided for each colour component. These are three separate 256 x 8 SRAMs, requiring a total of 6,144 bits. The CLUTs are used as part of the colour correction process. They are also used for colour special effects, such as stochastically selected "wild colour" effects.

A colour space conversion system of the colour ALU converts from the RGB colour space of the image sensor to the CMY colour space of the printer. The simplest conversion is a 1's complement of the RGB data. However, this simple conversion assumes perfect linearity of both colour spaces, and perfect dye spectra for both the colour 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 colour space. Such a system is usually necessary to obtain good colour space conversion when the print engine is a colour electrophotographic.

However, since the non-linearity ofa 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 colour ALU which is shared with the colour compensation function.

Digital halftoning can be performed as a dispersed dot ordered dither using a stochastic optimised 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 colours cyan, magenta, and yellow are all dithered using the same cell, to ensure maximum co-positioning of the ink dots. This minimises "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 1 KByte, as the one ROM shared by the halftoning units for each of the three colours.

The digital halftoning used is dispersed dot ordered dither with stochastic optimised dither matrix. While dithering does not produce an image quite as "sharp" as error diffusion, it does produce a more accurate image with fewer artefacts. 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.

The ICP incorporates a 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 usedto 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 provided for scaling the clocking cycle to an appropriated correct time. The clock frequency does not require crystal accuracy since no date functions are provided. To eliminate the cost of a -14crystal, 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 scratch pad 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 surface: 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 ColourEnable[0-2] Independent enable signals for the CMY actuators, allowing 3 different pulse times for each colour.

BankEnable[0-l] Allows either simutaneous 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 utilised is composed of eight identical segments, each 1.25cm 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 1.25cm fits easily into a stepper field. As the print head chip is long and narrow (10cm x 0.3mm), the stepper field contains a single segment of 32 print head chips. The stepper field is therefore 1.25cm x 1.6cm. An average of four complete print heads are patterned in each wafer step.

A single BitClock output line connects to all 8 segments on the print head. The 8 DataBits lines lead one to each segment, and are clocked in to the 8 segments on the print head simultaneously (on a BitClock pulse). For example, dot 0 is transferred to segmento, dot 750 is transferred to segment,, dot 1500 to segment 2 etc simultaneously.

The ParallelXferClock is connected to each of the 8 segments on the print head, so that on a single pulse, all segments transfer their bits at the same time.

The NozzleSelect, BankEnable and ColorEnable lines are connected to each of the 8 segments, allowing the print head interface to independently control the duration of the cyan, magenta, and yellow nozzle energizing pulses. Registers in the Print Head Interface allow the accurate specification of the pulse duration between 0 and 6 ms, with a typical duration of 2 ms to 3 ms.

A parallel interface 125 connects the ICP to individual static electrical signals. The CPU is able to control each of these connections as memory mapped I/O via a low speed bus.

The following is a table of connections to the parallel interface: Connection Direction ins Paper transport stepper motor Output 4 Capping solenoid Output 1 Copy LED Output Photo button Input Copy button Input Total 8 A serial interface is also included to allow authentication of the refill station. This is included to ensure that the cameras are only refilled with paper and ink at authorized refill stations, thus preventing inferior quality refill industry from occurring. The camera must authenticate the refill station, rather than the other way around. The secure protocol is communicated to the refill station via a serial data connection. Contact can be 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.

Seven high current drive transistors eg. 227 are required. Four are for the four phases of the main stepper motor two are for the guillotine motor, and the remaining transistor is to drive the capping solenoid. These transistors are allocated 20,000 square microns (600,000 F) each. As the transistors are driving highly inductive loads, they must either be turned off slowly, or be provided with a high level of back EMF protection. If adequate back EMF protection cannot be provided using the chip process chosen, then external discrete transistors should be used. The transistors are never 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 them 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 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 firmly 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 16the 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.

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 photographs. 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, clip arts can be provided for special events such as Holloween, Christmas etc. Further, kaleidoscopic effects 'can be provided through address remappings and wild colour effects can be provided through remapping of the colour look-up 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 17the 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 realised.

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).ART-END All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. 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 0.5 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 IJ38, 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 50 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 cross-refereiced patent applications filed concurrently herewith and discussed hereinafter with the reference being utilized in subsequent tables when referring to a particular case: Docket No. Reference Title IJ01US 1101 Radiant Plunger Ink Jet Printer U02US IJ02 Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer JU03US JU03 Planar Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet IJ04US IJ04 Stacked Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer 105 Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer IJ06US IJ06 Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer 1J07US 1307 Permanent Magnet Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer U08US I308 Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer U09US 1309 Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printer IJIOUS IJI0 Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printer I11 US IJl I Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ12US I312 Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ13US 1113 Gear Driven Shutter Ink Jet Printer U14US 1114 Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ15 Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink Jet Printer IJ16US 1116 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer U17US IJ17 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer U18US 118 Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer I J19US U19 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer 1120 Curling Calyx Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ21 US IJ21 Thermal Actuated Ink Jet Printer 1J22US I322 Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer IJ23US I323 Direct Firing Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ24US IJ24 Conductive PTFE Ben Activator Vented Ink Jet Printer IJ25 Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printer IJ26US 1126 Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer IJ27US IJ27 Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printer IJ28US 1128 Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet Printer IJ29US IJ29 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer 1330 The-moelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and Corrugated Copper Ink Jet Printer 331 US 1331 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink Jet Printer I332US IJ32 A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer I333US IJ33 Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink jet printer IJ34US 1134 Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuator comprising an external coiled spring 1135 Trough Container Ink Jet Printer IJ36US IJ36 Dual Chamber Single Vertical Actuator Ink Jet IJ37US I337 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum Actuator Ink Jet IJ38US IJ38 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink Jet IJ39US 1339 A single bend actuator cupped paddle ink jet printing device IJ40 A thermally actuated ink jet printer having a series of thermal actuator units U41 US 141 A thermally actuated ink jet printer including a tapered heater element IJ42US IJ42 Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ43US IJ43 Inverted Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ44US U144 Surface bend actuator vented ink supply ink jet printer 1145 Coil Actuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet Printer -19- 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: 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) -WO99/03681 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) -WO99/03680 P08044 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ07) -W099/03680 P08063 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ08) -W099/03680 P08057 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ09) -W099/03681 P08056 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (I J10) -WO99/03681 P08069 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (Il 1) -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 (IJl5) -WO99/03680 P08067 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (1J16) -W099/03680 P08001 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ17) -W099/03681 P08038 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (I J18) -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) -WO99/03681 P08068 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ21) -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) -WO99/03681 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) -WO99/03681 P08043 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ28) -W099/03681 P08042 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ29) -WO99/03681 P08064 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ30) -W099/03681 P09389 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ31) -WO99/03681 P09391 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ32)-US6,234,609 PP0888 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ33) -WO99/03681 PP0891 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ34) -WO99/03681 PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ35) -W099/03681 PP0873 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (U36) -W099/03681 20 PP0993 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ37)-US 6,247,791 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) -WO99/03681 PP2592 25-Mar-98 An Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ40) -WO99/03681 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) -WO99/03681 PP3983 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ45) -WO99/03681 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) -WO99/03680 P07937 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) -WO99/03680 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 PO0805.5 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 (IJM08) -WO99/03680 P08078 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM09) -WO99/03681 P07933 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM10) -W099/03681 P07950 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM11) -W099/03680 P07949 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM12) -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 (IJM14) -W099/03680 P08073 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM15) -W099/03680 P08076 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM16) -W099/03680 P08075 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM17) -WO99/03681 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 (UM 19) -WO99/03681 P08052 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM20) -WO99/03681 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) -WO99/03681 P08074 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM23) -WO99/03681 P07941 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM24) -W099/03681 P08077 15-Jul-97 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) -WO99/03680 -21 P08051 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (UJM27) -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) -WO99/03681 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) -WO99/03681 PP0874 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM38) -WO99/03681 PP1396 19-Jan-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (IJM39) -WO99/03681 PP2591 25-Mar-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation Apparatus (UM41) -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) -WO99/03681 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) -WO99/03680 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: Australian Filing Date Title Provisional Number P08003 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and Apparatus (Fl) -W099/03681 P08005 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and Apparatus -WO99/04368 P09404 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 (MEMS01) -WO99/03681 P08006 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS02) -W099/03681 P08007 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS03) -WO99/03681 P08008 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS04) -WO99/03681 P08010 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS05) -W099/03681 P08011 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS06) -WO99/03681 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) -WO99/03681 P07946 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS10) -WO99/03681 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) -WO99/04551 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 (IRI 0) W099/04551 PP0886 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IR12) W099/04551 PP0871 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR13) W099/04551 PP0876 12-Dec-97 An Image Processing Method and Apparatus (IR14) W099/04551 PP0877 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR16) W099/04551 PP0878 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR17) 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 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)-WO99/04368 P07988 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART02) -WO99/04368 P07993 P08012 P08017 P08014 P08025 P08032 P07999 P07998 P08031 P08030 P07997 P07979 P08015 P07978 P07982 P07989 P08019 P07980 P07942 P08018 P07938 P08016 P08024 P07940 P07939 P08501 P08500 P07987 P08022 P08497 P08029 P07985 P08020 P08023 P09395 P08021 P08504 P08000 P07977 P07934 P07990 P08499 23 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART03) -W099/04368 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART05) -W099/04368 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART06) -W099/04368.

15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART07) -W099/04368 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART08) -WO99/04368 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART09) -W099/04368 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART10) -W099/04368 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART11) -W099/04368 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART12) -WO99/04368 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ARTI3) -W099/04368 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 1 1-Aug-97 11 l-Aug-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 11-Aug-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 23-Sep-97 15-Jul-97 11-Aug-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 15-Jul-97 11-Aug-97 Media Device (ART15) -W099/04368 Media Device (ARTI6) -WO99/04368 Media Device (ART17) -W099/04368 Media Device (ARTI 8) -USSN 09/113,067 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ARTI 9) -W099/04368 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART20) -W099/04368 Media Processing Method and Apparatus (ART21) -W099/04368 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART22) -WO99/04368 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART23) -W099/04368 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART24) -W099/04368 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART25) -W099/04368 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART26) -W099/04368 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART27) -WO99/04368 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART28) -WO99/04368 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART29) -WO99/04368 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART30)-US 6,137,500 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART31) USSN09/112,796 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART32) -W099/04368 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART33) -W099/04368 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART30) -US 6,137,500 Sensor Creation Method and Apparatus (ART36) -W099/04368 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART37) -W099/04368 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART38) -WO99/04368 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART39) -WO99/04368 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART4)-US 6,322,181 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART40) -W099/04368 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART42)-USSN 09/112,786 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART43) -W099/04368 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART44)-USSN 09/112,782 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART45)-USSN 09/113,056 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART46) -USSN 09/113,059 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART47) -USSN 09/113,091 24 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 (ART51)-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 P08027 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART54)-USSN 09/112,759 P08028 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART56)-USSN 09/112,757 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-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus (ART59) -WO99/03681 P09398 23-Sep-97 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 P09401 2 3-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 23 -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 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 embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described.

The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

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 IJ01 to U45 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 printer 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.

(r Actuator mechanism (applied only to selected ink drops) Actuator Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Thermal bubble An electrothermal heater heats the ink to above Large force generated High power Canon Bubblejet 1979 Endo et boiling point, transferring significant heat to the Simple construction Ink carrier limited to water al GB patent 2,007,162 aqueous ink. A bubble nucleates and quickly No moving parts Low efficiency Xerox heater-in-pit 1990 forms, expelling the ink. Fast operation High temperatures required Hawkins ct al USP 4,899,181 The efficiency of the process is low, with Small chip area required for actuator High mechanical stress Hewlett-Packard TIJ 1982 typically less than 0.05% of the electrical Unusual materials required Vaught et al USP 4,490,728 energy being transformed into kinetic energy of Large drive transistors the drop. Cavitation causes actuator failure Kogation reduces bubble formation Large print heads are difficult to fabricate Piezoelectric A piezoelectric crystal such as lead lanthanum Low power consumption Very large area required for actuator Kyser et al USP 3,946,398 zirconate (PZT) is electrically activated, and Many ink types can be used Difficult to integrate with electronics Zoltan USP 3,683,212 either expands, shears, or bends to apply Fast operation High voltage drive transistors required 1973 Stemme USP 3,747,120 pressure to the ink, ejecting drops. High efficiency Full pagewidth print heads impractical due to actuator Epson Stylus size Tektronix Requires electrical poling in high field strengths IJ04 during manufacture Electro-strictive An electric field is used to activate Low power consumption Low maximum strain (approx. 0.01%) Seiko Epson, Usui et all JP electrostriction in relaxor materials such as lead Many ink types can be used Large area required for actuator due to low strain 253401/96 lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) or lead Low thermal expansion Response speed is marginal 10 gIs) IJ04 magnesium niobate (PMN). Electric field strength required (approx. High voltage drive transistors required V/gm) can be generated without Full pagewidth print heads impractical due to actuator difficulty size Does not require electrical poling 1 Ferroelectric An electric field is used to induce a phase transition between the antiferroelectric (AFE) and ferroelectric (FE) phase. Perovskite materials such as tin modified lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZSnT) exhibit large strains of up to 1% associated with the AFE to FE phase transition.

Low power consumption Many ink types can be used Fast operation 1 ps) Relatively high longitudinal strain High efficiency Electric field strength of around 3 V/pm can be readily provided Difficult to integrate with electronics Unusual materials such as PLZSnT are required Actuators require a large area Electrostatic plates Conductive plates are separated by a Low power consumption Difficult to operate electrostatic devices in an aqueous IJ02, IJ04 compressible or fluid dielectric (usually air). Many ink types can be used environment Upon application of a voltage, the plates attract Fast operation The electrostatic actuator will normally need to be each other and displace ink, causing drop separated from the ink ejection. The conductive plates may be in a Very large area required to achieve high forces comb or honeycomb structure, or stacked to High voltage drive transistors may be required increase the surface area and therefore the Full pagewidth print heads are not competitive due to force. actuator size Electrostatic pull on A strong electric field is applied to the ink, Low current consumption High voltage required 1989 Saito et al, USP ink whereupon electrostatic attraction accelerates Low temperature May be damaged by sparks due to air breakdown 4,799,068 the ink towards the print medium. Required field strength increases as the drop size 1989 Miura et al, USP decreases 4,810,954 High voltage drive transistors required Tone-jet Electrostatic field attracts dust (1 Permanent magnet An electromagnet directly attracts a permanent Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ07, electro-magnetic magnet, displacing ink and causing drop Many ink types can be used Permanent magnetic material such as Neodymium ejection. Rare earth magnets with a field Fast operation Iron Boron (NdFeB) required.

strength around 1 Tesla can be used. Examples High efficiency High local currents required are: Samarium Cobalt (SaCo) and magnetic Easy extension from single nozzles to Copper metalization should be used for long materials in the neodymium iron boron family pagewidth print heads electromigration lifetime and low resistivity (NdFeB, NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB, etc) Pigmented inks are usually infeasible Operating temperature limited to the Curie temperature (around 540 K) Soft magnetic core A solenoid induced a magnetic field in a soft Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ01, IJ05, IJ08, electro-magnetic magnetic core or yoke fabricated from a ferrous Many ink types can be used Materials not usually present in a CMOS fab such as IJ12, 1J14, IJ15, IJ17 material such as electroplated iron alloys such Fast operation NiFe, CoNiFe, or CoFe are required as CoNiFe CoFe, or NiFe alloys. Typically, High efficiency High local currents required the soft magnetic material is in two parts, which Easy extension from single nozzles to Copper metalization should be used for long are normally held apart by a spring. When the pagewidth print heads electromigration lifetime and low resistivity solenoid is actuated, the two parts attract, Electroplating is required displacing the ink. High saturation flux density is required (2.0-2.1 T is achievable with CoNiFe Magnetic The Lorenz force acting on a current carrying Low power consumption Force acts as a twisting motion IJ06, IJ11, IJl 3, IJl 6 Lorenz force wire in a magnetic field is utilized. Many ink types can be used Typically, only a quarter of the solenoid length This allows the magnetic field to be supplied Fast operation provides force in a useful direction externally to the print head, for example with High efficiency High local currents required rare earth permanent magnets. Easy extension from single nozzles to Copper metalization should be used for long Only the current carrying wire need be pagewidth print heads electromigration lifetime and low resistivity fabricated on the print-head, simplifying Pigmented inks are usually infeasible materials requirements.

I" (1 Magneto-striction The actuator uses the giant magnetostrictive Many ink types can be used Force acts as a twisting motion Fischenbeck, USP 4,032,929 effect of materials such as Terfenol-D (an alloy Fast operation Unusual materials such as Terfenol-D are required of terbium, dysprosium and iron developed at Easy extension from single nozzles to High local currents required the Naval Ordnance Laboratory, hence Ter-Fe- pagewidth print heads Copper metalization should be used for long NOL). For best efficiency, the actuator should High force is available electromigration lifetime and low resistivity be pre-stressed to approx. 8 MPa. Pre-stressing may be required Surface tension Ink under positive pressure is held in a nozzle Low power consumption Requires supplementary force to effect drop Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 reduction by surface tension. The surface tension of the Simple construction separation and related patent applications ink is reduced below the bubble threshold, No unusual materials required in Requires special ink surfactants causing the ink to egress from the nozzle. fabrication Speed may be limited by surfactant properties High efficiency Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Viscosity reduction The ink viscosity is locally reduced to select Simple construction Requires supplementary force to effect drop Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 which drops are to be ejected. A viscosity No unusual materials required in separation and related patent applications reduction can be achieved electrothermally with fabrication Requires special ink viscosity properties most inks, but special inks can be engineered Easy extension from single nozzles to High speed is difficult to achieve for a 100:1 viscosity reduction. pagewidth print heads Requires oscillating ink pressure A high temperature difference (typically 80 degrees) is required Acoustic An acoustic wave is generated and focussed Can operate without a nozzle plate Complex drive circuitry 1993 Hadimioglu et al, EUP upon the drop ejection region. Complex fabrication 550,192 Low efficiency. 1993 Elrod et al, EUP 572,220 Poor control of drop position Poor control of drop volume (1, 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

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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

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IJ03, 1J09, IJ17, 1118 IJ19, IJ20, IJ21, IJ22 IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 IJ37, IJ38 ,IJ39, IJ41

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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 non-conductive, a heater fabricated from a conductive material is incorporated. A 50 Wm long PTFE bend actuator with polysilicon heater and 15 mW power input can provide 180 pN force and 10 ain deflection. Actuator motions include: Bend Push Buckle Rotate 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 Requires special material PTFE) Requires a PTFE deposition process, which is not yet standard in ULSI fabs PTFE deposition cannot be followed with high temperature (above 350 processing Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as pigment particles may jam the bend actuator IJ09, IJ17, 1118, IJ21, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, IJ31, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44

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0« (1.

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: Carbon nanotubes Metal fibers Conductive polymers such as doped polythiophene 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 ULSI fabs PTFE deposition cannot be followed with high temperature (above 350 processing Evaporation and CVD deposition techniques cannot be used Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as pigment particles may jam the bend actuator Shape memory alloy A shape memory alloy such as TiNi (also High force is available (stresses of Fatigue limits maximum number of cycles IJ26 known as Nitinol Nickel Titanium alloy hundreds ofMPa) Low strain is required to extend fatigue developed at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory) Large strain is available (more than resistance is thermally switched between its weak Cycle rate limited by heat removal martensitic state and its high stiffness austenic High corrosion resistance Requires unusual materials (TiNi) state. The shape of the actuator in its Simple construction The latent heat of transformation must be provided martensitic state is deformed relative to the Easy extension from single nozzles to High current operation austenic shape. The shape change causes pagewidth print heads Requires pre-stressing to distort the martensitic state ejection of a drop. Low voltage operation Linear Magnetic Linear magnetic actuators include the Linear Linear Magnetic actuators can be Requires unusual semiconductor materials such as IJ12 Actuator Induction Actuator (LIA), Linear Permanent constructed with high thrust, long soft magnetic alloys CoNiFe Magnet Synchronous Actuator (LPMSA), travel, and high efficiency using planar Some varieties also require permanent magnetic Linear Reluctance Synchronous Actuator semiconductor fabrication techniques materials such as Neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) (LRSA), Linear Switched Reluctance Actuator Long actuator travel is available Requires complex multi-phase drive circuitry (LSRA), and the Linear Stepper Actuator Medium force is available High current operation (LSA). Low voltage operation Basic operation mode Operational mode Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Actuator directly This is the simplest mode of operation: the Simple operation Drop repetition rate is usually limited to less than 10 Thermal inkjet pushes ink actuator directly supplies sufficient kinetic No external fields required KHz. However, this is not fundamental to the method, Piezoelectric inkjet energy to expel the drop. The drop must have a Satellite drops can be avoided if drop but is related to the refill method normally used IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, IJ04 sufficient velocity to overcome the surface velocity is less than 4 m/s All of the drop kinetic energy must be provided by IJ05, IJ06, IJ07, IJ09 tension. Can be efficient, depending upon the the actuator IJ11, IJ12, IJ14, IJ16 actuator used Satellite drops usually form if drop velocity is greater IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 than 4.5 m/s IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Proximity The drops to be printed are selected by some Very simple print head fabrication can Requires close proximity between the print head and Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 manner thermally induced surface tension be used the print media or transfer roller and related patent applications reduction of pressurized ink). Selected drops The drop selection means does not May require two print heads printing alternate rows of are separated from the ink in the nozzle by need to provide the energy required to the image contact with the print medium or a transfer separate the drop from the nozzle Monolithic color print heads are difficult roller.

Electrostatic pull on The drops to be printed are selected by some Very simple print head fabrication can Requires very high electrostatic field Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 ink manner thermally induced surface tension be used Electrostatic field for small nozzle sizes is above air and related patent applications reduction of pressurized ink). Selected drops The drop selection means does not breakdown Tone-Jet are separated from the ink in the nozzle by a need to provide the energy required to Electrostatic field may attract dust strong electric field. separate the drop from the nozzle Magnetic pull on ink The drops to be printed are selected by some Very simple print head fabrication can Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 manner thermally induced surface tension be used Ink colors other than black are difficult and related patent applications reduction of pressurized ink). Selected drops The drop selection means does not Requires very high magnetic fields are separated from the ink in the nozzle by a need to provide the energy required to strong magnetic field acting on the magnetic separate the drop from the nozzle ink.

Shutter The actuator moves a shutter to block ink flow High speed (>50 KHz) operation can Moving parts are required IJ13, IJ17, IJ21 to the nozzle. The ink pressure is pulsed at a be achieved due to reduced refill time Requires ink pressure modulator multiple of the drop ejection frequency. Drop timing can be very accurate Friction and wear must be considered The actuator energy .can be very low Stiction is possible Shuttered grill The actuator moves a shutter to block ink flow Actuators with small travel can be used Moving parts are required IJ08, IJ15, IJ18, IJ19 through a grill to the nozzle. The shutter Actuators with small force can be used Requires ink pressure modulator movement need only be equal to the width of High speed (>50 KHz) operation can Friction and wear must be considered the grill holes. be achieved Stiction is possible Pulsed magnetic pull A pulsed magnetic field attracts an 'ink pusher' Extremely low energy operation is Requires an external pulsed magnetic field J110 on ink pusher at the drop ejection frequency. An actuator possible Requires special materials for both the actuator and controls a catch, which prevents the ink pusher No heat dissipation problems the ink pusher from moving when a drop is not to be ejected. Complex construction Auxiliary mechanism (applied to all nozzles) Auxiliary Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Mechanism None The actuator directly fires the ink drop, and Simplicity of construction Drop ejection energy must be supplied by individual Most inkjets, including there is no external field or other mechanism Simplicity of operation nozzle actuator piezoelectric and thermal required. Small physical size bubble.

IJ01- IJ07, IJ09, IJ 11 IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22 IJ23-IJ45 Oscillating ink The ink pressure oscillates, providing much of Oscillating ink pressure can provide a Requires external ink pressure oscillator Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 pressure the drop ejection energy. The actuator selects refill pulse, allowing higher operating Ink pressure phase and amplitude must be carefully and related patent applications (including acoustic which drops are to be fired by selectively speed controlled U08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 stimulation) blocking or enabling nozzles. The ink pressure The actuators may operate with much Acoustic reflections in the ink chamber must be IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 oscillation may be achieved by vibrating the lower energy designed for print head, or preferably by an actuator in the Acoustic lenses can be used to focus ink supply. the sound on the nozzles Media proximity The print head is placed in close proximity to Low power Precision assembly required Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 the print medium. Selected drops protrude from High accuracy Paper fibers may cause problems and related patent applications the print head further than unselected drops, Simple print head construction Cannot print on rough substrates and contact the print medium. The drop soaks into the medium fast enough to cause drop separation.

Transfer roller Drops are printed to a transfer roller instead of High accuracy Bulky Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 straight to the print medium. A transfer roller Wide range of print substrates can be Expensive and related patent applications can also be used for proximity drop separation. used Complex construction Tektronix hot melt Ink can be dried on the transfer roller piezoelectric inkjet Any of the IJ series Electrostatic An electric field is used to accelerate selected Low power Field strength required for separation of small drops is Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 drops towards the print medium. Simple print head construction near or above air breakdown and related patent applications Tone-Jet Direct magnetic field A magnetic field is used to accelerate selected Low power Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 drops of magnetic ink towards the print Simple print head construction Requires strong magnetic field* and related patent applications medium.

Cross magnetic field The print head is placed in a constant magnetic Does not require magnetic materials to Requires external magnet U06, IJ 16 field. The Lorenz force in a current carrying be integrated in the print head Current densities may be high, resulting in wire is used to move the actuator. manufacturing process electromigration problems Pulsed magnetic field A pulsed magnetic field is used to cyclically Very low power operation is possible Complex print head construction U1lO attract a paddle, which pushes on the ink. A Small print head size Magnetic materials required in print head small actuator moves a catch, which selectively prevents the paddle from moving.

Actuator amplification or modification method Actuator amplification Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples None No actuator mechanical amplification is used. Operational simplicity Many actuator mechanisms have insufficient travel, Thermal Bubble Inkjet The actuator directly drives the drop ejection or insufficient force, to efficiently drive the drop IJOl, 1J02, 1J06, 1J07 process. ejection process IJ 16, IJ25, IJ26 Differential expansion An actuator material expands more on one side Provides greater travel in a reduced High stresses are involved Piezoelectric bend actuator than on the other. The expansion may be print head area Care must be taken that the materials do not IJ03, IJ09, IJ17-IJ24 thermal, piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, or The bend actuator converts a high force delaminate IJ27, IJ29-IJ39, IJ42, other mechanism. low travel actuator mechanism to high Residual bend resulting from high temperature or IJ43, IJ44 travel, lower force mechanism, high stress during formation Transient bend A trilayer bend actuator where the two outside Very good temperature stability High stresses are involved IJ40, IJ41 actuator layers are identical. This cancels bend due to High speed, as a new drop can be fired Care must be taken that the materials do not ambient temperature and residual stress. The before heat dissipates delaminate actuator only responds to transient heating of Cancels residual stress of formation one side or the other.

Actuator stack A series of thin actuators are stacked. This can Increased travel Increased fabrication complexity Some piezoelectric ink jets be appropriate where actuators require high Reduced drive voltage Increased possibility of short circuits due to pinholes IJ04 electric field strength, such as electrostatic and piezoelectric actuators.

Multiple actuators Multiple smaller actuators are used Increases the force available from an Actuator forces may not add linearly, reducing IJ12, IJ13, IJ18, simultaneously to move the ink. Each actuator actuator efficiency IJ22, IJ28, IJ42, IJ43 need provide only a portion of the force Multiple actuators can be positioned to required. control ink flow accurately Linear Spring A linear spring is used to transform a motion Matches low travel actuator with higher Requires print head area for the spring with small travel and high force into a longer travel requirements travel, lower force motion. Non-contact method of motion transformation Reverse spring The actuator loads a spring. When the actuator Better coupling to the ink Fabrication complexity IJ05, IJ11 is turned off, the spring releases. This can High stress in the spring reverse the force/distance curve of the actuator to make it compatible with the force/time requirements of the drop ejection.

p' (I Generally restricted to planar implementations due to extreme fabrication difficulty in other orientations.

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IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, travel in a reduced chip area. Reduces chip area Planar implementations are relatively easy to fabricate.

I- I Flexure bend actuator A bend actuator has a small region near the fixture point, which flexes much more readily than the remainder of the actuator. The actuator flexing is effectively converted from an even coiling to an angular bend, resulting in greater travel of the actuator tip.

-r Simple means of increasing travel of a bend actuator i Care must be taken not to exceed the elastic limit in the flexure area Stress distribution is very uneven Difficult to accurately model with finite element analysis SJ1110, IJ19, IJ33 Gears Gears can be used to increase travel at the Low force, low travel actuators can be Moving parts are required IJ13 expense of duration. Circular gears, rack and used Several actuator cycles are required pinion, ratchets, and other gearing methods can Can be fabricated using standard More complex drive electronics be used. surface MEMS processes Complex construction Friction, friction, and wear are possible Catch The actuator controls a small catch. The catch Very low actuator energy Complex construction either enables or disables movement of an ink Very small actuator size Requires extemrnal force pusher that is controlled in a bulk manner. Unsuitable for pigmented inks Buckle plate A buckle plate can be used to change a slow Very fast movement achievable Must stay within elastic limits of the materials for S. Hirata et al, "An Ink-jet actuator into a fast motion. It can also convert a long device life Proc. IEEE MEMS, high force, low travel actuator into a high High stresses involved Feb. 1996, pp 418-423.

travel, medium force motion. Generally high power requirement I J18, IJ27 Tapered magnetic pole A tapered magnetic pole can increase travel at Linearizes the magnetic force/distance Complex construction IJ14 the expense of force. curve Lever A lever and fulcrum is used to transform a Matches low travel actuator with higher High stress around the fulcrum IJ32, IJ36, IJ37 motion with small travel and high force into a travel requirements motion with longer travel and lower force. The Fulcrum area has no linear movement, lever can also reverse the direction of travel. and can be used for a fluid seal Rotary impeller The actuator is connected to a rotary impeller. High mechanical advantage Complex construction IJ28 A small angular deflection of the actuator The ratio of force to travel of the Unsuitable for pigmented inks results in a rotation of the impeller vanes, which actuator can be matched to the nozzle push the ink against stationary vanes and out of requirements by varying the number of the nozzle, impeller vanes Acoustic lens A refractive or diffractive zone plate) No moving parts Large area required 1993 Hadimioglu et al, EUP acoustic lens is used to concentrate sound Only relevant for acoustic ink jets 550,192 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 VLSI processes Tone-jet point electrostatic field. 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, pushing Simple construction in the case of High energy is typically required to achieve volume Hewlett-Packard Thermal the ink in all directions, thermal ink jet expansion. This leads to thermal stress, cavitation, Inkjet and kogation in thermal ink jet implementations Canon Bubblejet Linear, normal to chip The actuator moves in a direction normal to the Efficient coupling to ink drops ejected High fabrication complexity may be required to IJ01, IJ02, 1104, IJ07 surface print head surface. The nozzle is typically in the normal to the surface achieve perpendicular motion I J11, IJ14 line of movement.

Linear, parallel to chip The actuator moves parallel to the print head Suitable for planar fabrication Fabrication complexity IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, IJ33, surface surface. Drop ejection may still be normal to Friction IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 the surface. Stiction Membrane push An actuator with a high force but small area is The effective area of the actuator Fabrication complexity 1982 Howkins USP 4,459,601 used to push a stiff membrane that is in contact becomes the membrane area Actuator size with the ink. Difficulty of integration in a VLSI process Rotary The actuator causes the rotation of some Rotary levers may be used to increase Device complexity IJ05, IJ08, 1113, IJ28 element, such a grill or impeller travel May have friction at a pivot point Small chip area requirements Bend The actuator bends when energized. This may A very small change in dimensions can Requires the actuator to be made from at least two 1970 Kyser et al USP be due to differential thermal expansion, be converted to a large motion, distinct layers, or to have a thermal difference across 3,946,398 piezoelectric expansion, magnetostriction, or the actuator 1973 Stemme USP 3,747,120 other form of relative dimensional change. UI03, IJ09, IJ10, IJ19 IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ29 IJ31, IJ33, IJ34 Swivel The actuator swivels around a central pivot Allows operation where the net linear Inefficient coupling to the ink motion IJ06 This motion is suitable where there are opposite force on the paddle is zero forces applied to opposite sides of the paddle, Small chip area requirements e.g. Lorenz force.

Straighten The actuator is normally bent, and straightens Can be used with shape memory alloys Requires careful balance of stresses to ensure that the IJ26, IJ32 when energized. where the austenic phase is planar quiescent bend is accurate Double bend The actuator bends in one direction when one One actuator can be used to power two Difficult to make the drops ejected by both bend IJ36, IJ37, IJ38 element is energized, and bends the other way nozzles. directions identical.

when another element is energized. Reduced chip size. A small efficiency loss compared to equivalent single Not sensitive to ambient temperature bend actuators.

Shear Energizing the actuator causes a shear motion Can increase the effective travel of Not readily applicable to other actuator mechanisms 1985 Fishbeck USP 4,584,590 in the actuator material. piezoelectric actuators Radial constriction The actuator squeezes an ink reservoir, forcing Relatively easy to fabricate single High force required 1970 Zoltan USP 3,683,212 ink from a constricted nozzle, nozzles from glass tubing as Inefficient macroscopic structures Difficult to integrate with VLSI processes Coil uncoil A coiled actuator uncoils or coils more tightly. Easy to fabricate as a planar VLSI Difficult to fabricate for non-planar devices IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, The motion of the free end of the actuator ejects process Poor out-of-plane stiffness the ink. Small area required, therefore low cost Bow The actuator bows (or buckles) in the middle Can increase the speed of travel Maximum travel is constrained J16, IJ18, IJ27 when energized. Mechanically rigid High force required Push-Pull Two actuators control a shutter. One actuator The structure is pinned at both ends, so Not readily suitable for inkjets which directly push IJ18 pulls the shutter, and the other pushes it. has a high out-of-plane rigidity the ink Curl inwards A set of actuators curl inwards to reduce the Good fluid flow to the region behind Design complexity IJ20, IJ42 volume of ink that they enclose, the actuator increases efficiency Curl outwards A set of actuators curl outwards, pressurizing Relatively simple construction Relatively large chip area IJ43 ink in a chamber surrounding the actuators, and expelling ink from a nozzle in the chamber.

Iris Multiple vanes enclose a volume of ink. These High efficiency High fabrication complexity IJ22 simultaneously rotate, reducing the volume Small chip area Not suitable for pigmented inks between the vanes.

Acoustic vibration The actuator vibrates at a high frequency. The actuator can be physically distant Large area required for efficient operation at useful 1993 Hadimioglu et al, EUP from the ink frequencies. 550,192 Acoustic coupling and crosstalk 1993 Elrod et al, EUP 572,220 Complex drive circuitry Poor control of drop volume and position None In various ink jet designs the actuator does not No moving parts Various other tradeoffs are required to eliminate Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 move. moving parts and related patent applications Tone-jet Nozzle refill method Nozzle refill method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Surface tension After the actuator is energized, it typically Fabrication simplicity Low speed Thermal inkjet returns rapidly to its normal position. This rapid Operational simplicity Surface tension force relatively small compared to Piezoelectric inkjet return sucks in air through the nozzle opening. actuator force IJ01-IJ07, IJ0-IJ14 The ink surface tension at the nozzle then exerts Long refill time usually dominates the total repetition IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45 a small force restoring the meniscus to a rate minimum area.

Shuttered oscillating Ink to the nozzle chamber is provided at a High speed Requires common ink pressure oscillator IJ08,IJ13, IJ1 5, IJ 7 ink pressure pressure that oscillates at twice the drop Low actuator energy, as the actuator May not be suitable for pigmented inks IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 ejection frequency. When a drop is to be need only open or close the shutter, ejected, the shutter is opened for 3 half cycles: instead of ejecting the ink drop drop ejection, actuator return, and refill.

Refill actuator After the main actuator has ejected a drop a High speed, as the nozzle is actively Requires two independent actuators per nozzle 1109 second (refill) actuator is energized. The refill refilled actuator pushes ink into the nozzle chamber.

The refill actuator returns slowly, to prevent its return from emptying the chamber again.

Positive ink pressure The ink is held a slight positive pressure. After. High refill rate, therefore a high drop Surface spill must be prevented Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 the ink drop is ejected, the nozzle chamber fills repetition rate is possible Highly hydrophobic print head surfaces are required and related patent applications quickly as surface tension and ink pressure both Alternative for operate to refill the nozzle. IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14 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 chamber is Design simplicity Restricts refill rate Thermal inkjet made long and relatively narrow, relying on Operational simplicity May result in a relatively large chip area Piezoelectric inkjet viscous drag to reduce inlet back-flow. Reduces crosstalk Only partially effective IJ42, IJ43 Positive ink pressure The ink is under a positive pressure, so that in Drop selection and separation forces Requires a method (such as a nozzle rim or effective Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 the quiescent state some of the ink drop already can be reduced hydrophobizing, or both) to prevent flooding of the and related patent applications protrudes from the nozzle. Fast refill time ejection surface of the print head. Possible operation of the This reduces the pressure in the nozzle chamber following; which is required to eject a certain volume of IJ01-IJ07, IJ09- IJ12 ink. The reduction in chamber pressure results IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22, in a reduction in ink pushed out through the IJ23-IJ34, IJ36- IJ41 inlet. IJ44 One or more baffles are placed in the inlet ink The refill rate is not as restricted as the Design complexity HP Thermal Ink Jet flow. When the actuator is energized, the rapid long inlet method. May increase fabrication complexity Tektronix Tektronix piezoelectric ink jet ink movement creates eddies which restrict the Reduces crosstalk hot melt Piezoelectric print heads).

flow through the inlet. The slower refill process is unrestricted, and does not result in eddies.

Flexible flap restricts inlet In this memoa recently disclosed by Canon, the expanding actuator (bubble) pushes on a flexible flap that restricts the inlet Significantly reduces back-flow tor edge-shooter thermal ink jet devices Not applicable to most inkjet configurations Increased fabrication complexity Inelastic deformation of polymer flap results in creep over extended use Canon Inlet filter A filter is located between the ink inlet and the Additional advantage of ink filtration Restricts refill rate IJ04, IJ12, IJ24, IJ27 nozzle chamber. The filter has a multitude of Ink filter may be fabricated with no May result in complex construction IJ29, small holes or slots, restricting ink flow. The additional process steps filter also removes particles which may block the nozzle.

Small inlet compared The ink inlet channel to the nozzle chamber has Design simplicity Restricts refill rate IJ02, IJ37, IJ44 to nozzle a substantially smaller cross section than that of May result in a relatively large chip area the nozzle, resulting in easier ink egress out of Only partially effective the nozzle than out of the inlet.

Inlet shutter A secondary actuator controls the position of a Increases speed of the ink-jet print head Requires separate refill actuator and drive circuit IJ09 shutter, closing off the ink inlet when the main operation actuator is energized.

The inlet is located The method avoids the problem of inlet back- Back-flow problem is eliminated Requires careful design to minimize the negative IJ01, IJ03, 1J05, IJ06 behind the ink- flow by arranging the ink-pushing surface of pressure behind the paddle IJ07, IJ10,IJ1111, IJ14 pushing surface the actuator between the inlet and the nozzle. IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, IJ28,IJ31, IJ32, IJ33 IJ34, IJ35, 1136, IJ39 IJ41 Part of the actuator The actuator and a wall of the ink chamber are Significant reductions in back-flow can Small increase in fabrication complexity IJ07, IJ20, IJ26, IJ38 moves to shut off the arranged so that the motion of the actuator be achieved inlet closes off the inlet. Compact designs possible Nozzle actuator does In some configurations of ink jet, there is no Ink back-flow problem is eliminated None related to ink back-flow on actuation Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 not result in ink back- expansion or movement of an actuator which and related patent applications flow may cause ink back-flow through the inlet. Valve-jet Tone-jet IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 Nozzle Clearing Method Nozzle Clearing Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples method Normal nozzle firing All of the nozzles are fired periodically, before No added complexity on the print head May not be sufficient to displace dried ink Most ink jet systems the ink has a chance to dry. When not in use the I JO1- IJ07, IJ09-IJ12 nozzles are sealed (capped) against air. IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22 The nozzle firing is usually performed during a IJ23- IJ34, IJ36-IJ45 special clearing cycle, after first moving the print head to a cleaning station.

Extra power to ink In systems which heat the ink, but do not boil it Can be highly effective if the heater is Requires higher drive voltage for clearing Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 heater under normal situations, nozzle clearing can be adjacent to the nozzle May require larger drive transistors and related patent applications achieved by over-powering the heater and boiling ink at the nozzle.

Rapid succession of The actuator is fired in rapid succession. In Does not require extra drive circuits on Effectiveness depends substantially upon the May be used with: actuator pulses some configurations, this may cause heat build- the print head configuration of the inkjet nozzle IJ01-11J07, IJ09- IJ11 up at the nozzle which boils the ink, clearing Can be readily controlled and initiated IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22 the nozzle. In other situations, it may cause by digital logic IJ23-IJ25, IJ27-IJ34 sufficient vibrations to dislodge clogged IJ36-IJ45 nozzles.

l11 Extra power to ink Where an actuator is not normally driven to the A simple solution where applicable Not suitable where there is a hard limit to actuator May be used with: pushing actuator limit of its motion, nozzle clearing may be movement IJ03, IJ09, IJ16, assisted by providing an enhanced drive signal IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ27 to the actuator. IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42 IJ43, IJ44, Acoustic resonance An ultrasonic wave is applied to the ink A high nozzle clearing capability can High implementation cost if system does not already IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 chamber. This wave is of an appropriate be achieved include an acoustic actuator IJ 18, IJ 19, IJ21 amplitude and frequency to cause sufficient May be implemented at very low cost force at the nozzle to clear blockages. This is in systems which already include easiest to achieve if the ultrasonic wave is at a acoustic actuators resonant frequency of the ink cavity.

Nozzle clearing plate A microfabricated plate is pushed against the Can clear severely clogged nozzles Accurate mechanical alignment is required Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 nozzles. The plate has a post for every nozzle. Moving parts are required and related patent applications The array of posts There is risk of damage to the nozzles Accurate fabrication is required Ink pressure pulse The pressure of the ink is temporarily increased May be effective where other methods Requires pressure pump or other pressure actuator May be used with all IJ series so that ink streams from all of the nozzles. This cannot be used Expensive ink jets may be used in conjunction with actuator Wasteful of ink energizing.

Print head wiper A flexible 'blade' is wiped across the print head Effective for planar print head surfaces Difficult to use if print head surface is non-planar or Many ink jet systems surface. The blade is usually fabricated from a Low cost very fragile flexible polymer, e.g. rubber or synthetic Requires mechanical parts elastomer. Blade can wear out in high volume print systems Separate ink boiling A separate heatei is provided at the nozzle Can be effective where other nozzle Fabrication complexity Can be used with many IJ heater although the normal drop e-ection mechanism clearing methods cannot be used series ink jets does not require it. The heaters do not require Can be implemented at no additional individual drive circuits, as many nozzles can cost in some inkjet configurations be cleared simultaneously, and no imaging is required.

Nozzle plate construction Nozzle plate Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples construction Electroformed nickel A nozzle plate is separately fabricated from Fabrication simplicity High temperatures and pressures are required to bond Hewlett Packard Thermal electroformed nickel, and bonded to the print nozzle plate Inkjet head chip. Minimum thickness constraints Differential thermal expansion Laser ablated or Individual nozzle holes are ablated by an No masks required Each hole must be individually formed Canon Bubblejet drilled polymer intense UV laser in a nozzle plate, which is Can be quite fast Special equipment required 1988 Sercel etal., SPIE, Vol.

typically a polymer such as polyimide or Some control over nozzle profile is Slow where there are many thousands of nozzles per 998 Excimer Beam polysulphone possible print head Applications, pp. 76-83 Equipment required is relatively low May produce thin burrs at exit holes 1993 Watanabe et al., USP cost 5,208,604 Silicon micro- A separate nozzle plate is micromachined from High accuracy is attainable Two part construction K. Bean, IEEE Transactions on machined single crystal silicon, and bonded to the print High cost Electron Devices, Vol. head wafer. Requires precision alignment No. 10, 1978, pp 1185-1195 Nozzles may be clogged by adhesive Xerox 1990 Hawkins et al., USP 4,899,181 Glass capillaries Fine glass capillaries are drawn from glass No expensive equipment required Very small nozzle sizes are difficult to form 1970 Zoltan USP 3,683,212 tubing. This method has been used for making Simple to make single nozzles Not suited for mass production individual nozzles, but is difficult to use for bulk manufacturing of print heads with thousands of nozzles.

Monolithic, surface The nozzle plate is deposited as a layer using High accuracy pm) Requires sacrificial layer under the nozzle plate to Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 micro-machined using standard VLSI deposition techniques. Nozzles Monolithic form the nozzle chamber and related patent applications VLSI lithographic are etched in the nozzle plate using VLSI Low cost Surface may be fragile to the touch IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ11 processes lithography and etching. Existing processes can be used IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ22, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37 IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41 IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Monolithic, etched The nozzle plate is a buried etch stop in the High accuracy pm) Requires long etch times IJ03, IJ05, IJ06, 1107 through substrate wafer. Nozzle chambers are etched in the front Monolithic Requires a support wafer IJ08, IJ09, IJ1110, IJ13 of the wafer, and the wafer is thinned from the Low cost IJ14, IJ15, IJ16, IJ19 back side. Nozzles are then etched in the etch No differential expansion IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, IJ26 stop layer.

No nozzle plate Various methods have been tried to eliminate No nozzles to become clogged Difficult to control drop position accurately Ricoh 1995 Sekiya et al USP the nozzles entirely, to prevent nozzle clogging. Crosstalk problems 5,412,413 These include thermal bubble mechanisms and 1993 Hadimioglu et al EUP acoustic lens mechanisms 550,192 1993 Elrod et al EUP 572,220 Trough Each drop ejector has a trough through which a Reduced manufacturing complexity Drop firing direction is sensitive to wicking. paddle moves. There is no nozzle plate. Monolithic Nozzle slit instead of The elimination of nozzle holes and No nozzles to become clogged Difficult to control drop position accurately 1989 Saito et al USP 4,799,068 individual nozzles replacement by a slit encompassing many Crosstalk problems actuator positions reduces nozzle clogging, but increases crosstalk due to ink surface waves Drop ejection direction Ejection Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Direction p Edge Ink flow is along the surface of the chip, and Simple construction Nozzles limited to edge Canon Bubblejet 1979 Endo et ('edge shooter') ink drops are ejected from the chip edge. No silicon etching required High resolution is difficult al GB patent 2,007,162 Good heat sinking via substrate Fast color printing requires one print head per color Xerox heater-in-pit 1990 Mechanically strong Hawkins et al USP 4,899,181 Ease of chip handing Tone-jet Surface Ink flow is along the surface of the chip, and No bulk silicon etching required Maximum ink flow is severely restricted Hewlett-Packard TIJ 1982 ('roof shooter') ink drops are ejected from the chip surface, Silicon can make an effective heat sink Vaught et al USP 4,490,728 normal to the plane of the chip. Mechanical strength IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, IJ22 Through chip, forward Ink flow is through the chip, and ink drops are High ink flow Requires bulk silicon etching Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 ('up shooter') ejected from the front surface of the chip. Suitable for pagewidth print and related patent applications High nozzle packing density therefore IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, IJ24 low manufacturing cost IJ27-IJ45 Through chip, reverse Ink flow is through the chip, and ink drops are High ink flow Requires wafer thinning IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06 ('down shooter') ejected from the rear surface of the chip. Suitable for pagewidth print Requires special handling during manufacture IJ07, IJ08, IJ09, High nozzle packing density therefore IJU13, IJ14, IJ15, IJ16 low manufacturing cost IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, IJ26 Through actuator Ink flow is through the actuator, which is not Suitable for piezoelectric print heads Pagewidth print heads require several thousand Epson Stylus fabricated as part of the same substrate as the connections to drive circuits Tektronix hot melt drive transistors. Cannot be manufactured in standard CMOS fabs piezoelectric ink jets Complex assembly required Ink type Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous, dye Water based ink which typically contains: Environmentally friendly Slow drying Most existing inkjets water, dye, surfactant, humectant, and biocide. No odor Corrosive All IJ series ink jets Modem ink dyes have high water-fastness, light Bleeds on paper Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 fastness May strikethrough and related patent applications Cockles paper Aqueous, pigment Water based ink which typically contains: Environmentally friendly Slow drying IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, IJ26 water, pigment, surfactant, humectant, and No odor Corrosive IJ27, biocide. Reduced bleed Pigment may clog nozzles Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2 Pigments have an advantage in reduced bleed, Reduced wicking Pigment may clog actuator mechanisms and related patent applications wicking and strikethrough. Reduced strikethrough Cockles paper Piezoelectric ink-jets Thermal ink jets (with significant restrictions) Methyl Ethyl Ketone MEK is a highly volatile solvent used for Very fast drying Odorous All IJ series ink jets (MEK) industrial printing on difficult surfaces such as Prints on various substrates such as Flammable aluminum cans. metals and plastics Alcohol Alcohol based inks can be used where the Fast drying Slight odor All IJ series ink jets (ethanol, 2-butanol, printer must operate at temperatures below the Operates at sub-freezing temperatures Flammable and others) freezing point of water. An example of this is Reduced paper cockle in-camera consumer photographic printing. Low cost Phase change The ink is solid at room temperature, and is No drying time- ink instantly freezes on High viscosity Tektronix hot melt (hot melt) melted in the print head before jetting. Hot melt the print medium Printed ink typically has a 'waxy' feel piezoelectric ink jets inks are usually wax based, with a melting Almost any print medium can be used Printed pages may 'block' 1989 Nowak USP 4,820,346 point around 80 After jetting the ink freezes No paper cockle occurs Ink temperature may be above the curie point of All IJ series ink jets almost instantly upon contacting the print No wicking occurs permanent magnets medium or a transfer roller. No bleed occurs Ink heaters consume power No strikethrough occurs Long warm-up time Oil Oil based inks are extensively used in offset High solubility medium for some dyes High viscosity: this is a significant limitation for use All IJ series ink jets printing. They have advantages in improved Does not cockle paper in inkjets, which usually require a low viscosity.

characteristics on paper (especially no wicking Does not wick through paper Some short chain and multi-branched oils have a or cockle). Oil soluble dies and pigments are sufficiently low viscosity.

required. 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. The High dye solubility Cost is slightly higher than water based ink characteristic drop size is less than 100 nm, and Water, oil, and amphiphilic soluble dies High surfactant concentration required (around is determined by the preferred curvature of the can be used surfactant. Can stabilize pigment suspensions

Claims (7)

1. In a camera system comprising: an image sensor device for sensing an image; a processing means for processing said sensed image; a print media supply means provided for the storage of print media a print head for printing said sensed image on said print media stored internally to said camera system; a portable power supply interconnected to said print head, said sensor and said processing means, a method of providing for the effective storage of said print media and said power supply comprising storing said power supply in a centrally located cavity inside a roll of said print media.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said print media and said power supply are stored in a detachable module which is detachable from said camera system.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said print media is adapted to rotate around said power supply when said camera system is printing said sensed image on said print media.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3 wherein said portable power supply comprises at least one battery

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1-4 wherein said portable power supply comprises two standard batteries placed end to end.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said batteries are AA type batteries.

7. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said print media is in the form of a roll wrapped around an inner former and said inner former is able to rotate around said power supply. Dated this 31st day of October 2002 SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTD PATENT ATTORNEYS FOR THE APPLICANT HALFORD CO