TWI417631B - Digital photo frame with integral printer - Google Patents

Description

Digital photo frame with built-in printer

The present invention relates to the display and printing of digital photographs. It was mainly developed to simplify the display, selection and printing of digital photos.

[Reciprocal Reference of Related Applications]

A variety of methods, systems and apparatus related to the present invention are disclosed in the following U.S. Patent/Patent Application filed by the applicant or the assignee of the present application: 09/517539, 6656858, 6331946, 6246970, 6442525, 09/517384 , 09/505951, 6374354, 09/517608, 6816968, 6675832, 6334190, 6745331, 09/517541, 10/203559, 10/203560, 7093139, 10/636263, 10/636283, 10/866608, 10/902889, 10 /902833, 10/940653, 10/942858, 10/727181, 10/727162, 10/727163, 10/727245, 10/727204, 10/727233, 10/727280, 10/727157, 10/727178, 7096137, 10 /727257, 10/727238, 10/727251, 10/727159, 10/727180, 10/727179, 10/727192, 10/727274, 10/727164, 10/727161, 10/727198, 10/727158, 10/754536 , 10/754938, 10/727227, 10/727160, 10/934720, 10/212702, 10/272491, 11/474278, 11/488853, 11/488841, 10/296552, 6795215, 7070098, 09/575109, 6805419 , 6859289, 6977753, 6398332, 6334573, 6622923, 6747760, 6921144, 10/884881, 7902112, 10/949294, 11/039866, 11/123011, 6986560, 7008033 , 11/148237, 11/248435, 11/248426, 11/478599, 11/499749, 10/922846, 10/922845, 10/854521, 10/854522, 10/854488, 10/854487, 10/854503, 10 /854504, 10/854509, 10/854510, 7092989, 10/854497, 10/854495, 10/854498, 10/854511, 10/854512, 10/854525, 10/854526, 10/854516, 10/854508, 10 /854507, 10/854515, 10/854506, 10/854505, 10/854493, 10/854494, 10/854489, 10/854490, 10/854492, 10/854491, 10/854528, 10/854523, 10/854527 10/854524, 10/854520, 10/854514, 10/854519, 10/854513, 10/854499, 10/854501, 10/854500, 10/854502, 10/854518, 10/854517, 10/934628, 11 /212823, 11/499803, 10/728804, 10/728952, 10/728806, 6991322, 10/728790, 10/728884, 10/728970, 10/728784, 10/728783, 7074493, 6962402, 10/728803, 10 /728780, 10/728779, 10/773189, 10/773204, 10/773198, 10/773199, 6830318, 10/773201, 10/773191, 10/773183, 10/773195, 10/773196, 10/773186, 10 /773200, 10/773185, 10/773192, 10/773197, 10/773203, 10/773187, 10/773202 10/773188, 10/773194, 10/773193, 10/773184, 7018021, 11/060751, 11/060805, 11/188017, 11/298773, 11/298774, 11/329157, 11/490041, 11/501767, 11/499736, 11/505935, 11/506172, 11/505846, 11/505857, 11/505856, 6623101, 6406129, 6505916, 6457809, 6550895, 6457712, 10/296434, 6428133, 6746105, 10/407212, 10/ 407207, 10/683064, 10/683041, 6590901, 647863, 6788336, 11/097308, 11/097309, 11/097335, 11/097299, 11/097310, 11/097213, 11/210687, 11/097212, 11/ 212637, 10/760272, 10/760273, 7082327, 10/760182, 7080894, 10/760218, 7090336, 10/760216, 10/760233, 10/760246, 7083257, 10/760243, 10/760201, 10/760185, 10/760253, 10/760255, 10/760209, 10/760208, 10/760194, 10/760238, 7077550, 10/760235, 707754, 10/760189, 10/760262, 10/760232, 10/760231, 10/ 760200, 10/760190, 10/760191, 10/760227, 10/760207, 7104629, 11/446227, 11/454904, 11/472345, 11/474273, 11/478594, 11/474279, 11/482939, 11/ 482950, 11/499709, 10/815 625, 10/815624, 10/815628, 10/913375, 10/913373, 10/913374, 10/913372, 10/913377, 10/913378, 10/913380, 10/913379, 10/913376, 10/913381, 10/986402, 11/172816, 11/172815, 11/172814, 11/482990, 11/482986, 11/482985, 11/454899, 11/003786, 11003616, 11/003418, 11/003334, 11/003600, 11/003404, 11/003419, 11/003700, 11/330601, 11/003618, 11/003615, 11/003337, 11/003698, 11/003420, 6984017, 11/003699, 11/071473, 11/003463, 11/003701, /11/003683, 11/003614, 11/003702, 11/003684, 11/003619, 11/003617, 11/293800, 11/293802, 11/293801, 11/293808, 11/293809, 11 /482975, 11/482970, 11/482968, 11/482972, 11/482971, 11/482969, 11/246676, 11/246677, 11/246678, 11/246679, 11/246680, 11/246681, 11/246714 / / 11246713, 11/246689, 11/246671, 11/246670, 11/246669, 11/246704, 11/246710, 11/246688, 11/246716, 11/246715, 11/293832, 11/293838, 11/ 293825, 11/293841, 11/293799, 11/293796, 11/293797, 11/293798, 11/293804, 11/293840, 11/293803, 11/293833, 11/293834, 11/293835, 11/293836, 11/293837, 11/293792, 11/293794, 11/293839, 11/293826, 11/293829, 11/293830, 11/ 293827, 11/293828, 11/293795, 11/293823, 11/293824, 11/293831, 11/293815, 11/293819, 11/293818, 11/293817, 11/293816, 10/760254, 10/760210, 10/760202, 10/760197, 10/760198, 10/760249, 10/760263, 10/760196, 10/760247, 10/760223, 10/760264, 10/760244, 7097291, 10/760222, 10/760248, 7083273, 10/760192, 10/760203, 10/760204, 10/760274, 10/760268, 10/760184, 10/760195, 10/760186, 10/760261, 7083272, 11/501771, 11/014764, 11/ 014763, 11/014748, 11/014747, 11/014761, 11/014760, 11/014757, 11/014714, 11/014713, 11/014762, 11/014724, 11/014723, 11/014756, 11/014736, 11/014759, 11/014758, 11/014725, 11/014739, 11/014738, 11/014737, 11/014726, 11/014745, 11/014712, 11/014715, 11/014751, 11/014735, 11/ 014734, 11/014719, 11/014750, 11/014749, 11/014746, 11/014769, 11/014729, 11/014743 11/014733, 11/014754, 11/014755, 11/014765, 11/014766, 11/014740, 11/014720, 11/014753, 11/014752, 11/014744, 11/014741, 11/014768, 11/ 014767, 11/014718, 11/014717, 11/014716, 11/014732, 11/014742, 11/097268, 11/097185, 11/097184, 11/293820, 11/293813, 11/293822, 11/293812, 11/293821, 11/293814, 11/293793, 11/293842, 11/293811, 11/293807, 11/293806, 11/293805, 11/293810, 11/246707, 11/246706, 11/246705, 11/ 246708, 11/246693, 11/246692, 11/246696, 11/246695, 11/246694, 11/482958, 11/482955, 11/482962, 11/482963, 11/482956, 11/482954, 11/482974, 11/482957, 11/482987, 11/482959, 11/482960, 11/482961, 11/482964, 11/482965, 11/482976, 11/482973, 11/495815, 11/495816, 11/495817, 11/ 124158, 11/124196, 11/124199, 11/124162, 11/124202, 11/124197, 11/124154, 11/124198, 11/124153, 11/124151, 11/124160, 11/124192, 11/124175, 11/124163, 11/124149, 11/124152, 11/124173, 11/124155, 11/124157, 11/124174, 11/124194, 11 /124164, 11/124200, 11/124195, 11/124166, 11/124150, 11/124172, 11/124165, 11/124186, 11/124185, 11/124184, 11/124182, 11/124201, 11/124171 , 11/124181, 11/124161, 11/124156, 11/124191, 11/124159, 11/124175, 11/124188, 11/124170, 11/124187, 11/124189, 11/124190, 11/124180, 11 /124193, 11/124183, 11/124178, 11/124177, 11/124148, 11/124168, 11/124167, 11/124179, 11/124169, 11/187976, 11/188011, 11/188014, 11/482979 , 11/228540, 11/228500, 11/228501, 11/228530, 11/228490, 11/228531, 11/228504, 11/228533, 11/228502, 11/228507, 11/228482, 11/228505, 11 /228497, 11/228487, 11/228529, 11/228484, 11/228489, 11/228518, 11/228536, 11/228496, 11/228488, 11/228506, 11/228516, 11/228526, 11/228539 , 11/228538, 11/228524, 11/228523, 11/228519, 11/228528, 11/228527, 11/228525, 11/228520, 11/228498, 11/228511, 11/228522, 11/228515, 11 /228537, 11/228534, 11/228491, 11/228499, 11/228509, 11/228492, 11/228493, 11/228510, 11/228 508, 11/228512, 11/228514, 11/228494, 11/228495, 11/228486, 11/228481, 11/228477, 11/228485, 11/228483, 11/228521, 11/228517, 11/228532, 11/228513, 11/228503, 11/228480, 11/228535, 11/228478, 11/228479, 6238115, 6386355, 6398344, 6612240, 6752549, 6805049, 6971313, 6899480, 6806664, 6259935, 6966636, 7024995, 10/ 636245,6926455,7056038,6869172,7021843,6988845,6964533,6981809,11/060804,11/065146,11/155544,11/203241,11/206805,11/281421,11/281422,11/246687,11/ 246718, 11/246685, 11/246686, 11/246703, 11/246691, 11/246711, 11/246690, 11/246712, 11/246717, 11/246709, 11/246700, 11/246701, 11/246702, 11/246668, 11/246697, 11/246698, 11/246699, 11/246675, 11/246674, 11/246667, 11/246684, 11/246672, 11/246673, 11/246683, 11/246682, 11/ 482953, 11/482977, 11/014721, 29/219503, 11/482981, 11/482978, 11/482967, 11/482966, 11/482988, 11/482989, 11/482982, 11/482983, 11/482984, 11/495818, 11/495819

The contents of these applications and patents are incorporated herein by reference.

Digital cameras have become a part of everyday life. Around the past decade or so, users have become more and more versatile in their digital cameras and the options they use to process their digital phase downstream. For example, users can now use a variety of software applications to process their photos.

Paradoxically, many users are confused by the more and more features that these new technologies provide. For those who still want to enjoy the benefits of phase photography, they will need to have a simpler way to process and print their photos after they have captured the photos with the camera.

Currently, there are many options for users who need to display and print their photos. In general, once a user captures a set of images on his digital camera, he uploads them to a computer for storage, manipulation, and processing. Some users prefer to use the photo editing application to manipulate their photos; many people simply want to compose their photos into a format that can be displayed and/or printed. In general, this includes selecting images from a group of images, storing the images in a folder, and selectively storing the selected images in a CD, DVD, or other memory device.

There are many options for display for users who do not want to print a photo. Photos can be viewed directly on the computer screen. Another option is to use a home DVD player to view photos stored on a CD or DVD.

There are also a variety of printing options. Some users will take their CDs, DVDs or other memory devices to digital photo studios on the street to print their photos. Other users prefer to print their photos at home with a color inkjet printer.

In this case, the technology recognizes that many users prefer simpler and more functional, and there are many options in the market that do not require processing of photos on a personal computer.

Photo Print Direct Print The printer allows images to be printed directly from the digital camera directly onto the printer without the need to connect the camera to the computer. By connecting a photo-printing standard printer to a digital camera that can directly print photo specifications through a single universal serial bus cable, users can use a personal computer without using a personal computer. Easily control the printer's settings through their cameras and create high-quality photos. Direct printing of photo prints A major advantage of the printers for the user is their simplicity, especially for those users whose complex photo application software may constitute an obstacle.

However, one of the disadvantages of existing photo printable printers is that the user must use the display screen on their camera to select photos. Although the size of the display screens of digital cameras has been increasing year by year, they still cannot display standard 6" x 4" photos because digital cameras must be carried in their pockets. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to properly view the image on their camera display screen before printing. It is more difficult to see if a particular image is in focus, and this is an important selection criterion for printed photos. This inherent disadvantage of photo-printing print jobs necessitates the printing of many unwanted photos.

On the other hand, digital photo frames (digital photo frames) have been developed in recognition of the fact that users tend to use digital photography to print a smaller number of photos. The digital photo frame includes a frame provided with a display screen (such as a liquid crystal display screen) having a size and shape approximately the same as a general photo frame. Digital photo frames usually display images directly from a memory card (or other flash memory device) at high resolution. Most digital photo frames can also display slide shows or short films. Examples of digital photo frame makers are Ceiva, Nikon, Polaroid and Kodak.

However, although digital photo frames can easily display photos without the need for a personal computer, users who need to print their favorite photos from a group of images still have to select these photos and have them Printed out. The user can remember that the photos are his favorite, reinsert the memory card into his camera, and then use the photo to directly print the specification printer to print his favorite photos. This is obviously a somewhat laborious process. In addition, the use must be filed with the file management operations performed through his personal computer, and a new folder containing photos that he likes to print will be prepared. Obviously, for users who buy digital photo frames and don't want to use a personal computer, this is something they don't want to see.

In view of the above, it is desirable to provide a simple way to conveniently display digital photos and to print selected photos as needed. It also needs to be able to do this without the need for a computer or a photo editing or photo management application.

It also needs to be able to provide an improved photo direct printing format printer that provides a better choice for users to select print photos without the need for a computer or photo editing or photo management application.

It also needs to provide a printing method that is simpler or more intuitive for the user than is currently used. From a business point of view, it is even further needed that these methods can motivate users to print more photos.

In a first aspect, a digital photo frame is provided, comprising: a photo size display screen; an internal memory for storing a photo image file; an interface for communicating with an external memory device; and a built-in inkjet a printer for printing a photo displayed on the display screen; and a processor in communication with the display screen, the internal memory, the interface, and the printer.

Optionally, the display screen has a length of at least 5 inches and/or a width of at least 3.5 inches.

Optionally, the display screen is mounted on a set of shelves that form a photo for viewing on the screen.

Optionally, the display screen is rotatably mounted on the bracket.

Optionally, the display screen can be grouped into a horizontal viewing or a straight viewing orientation by rotating the screen.

Optionally, the bracket includes a base and a mounting arm extending therefrom, and the display screen is mounted on the mounting arm.

Optionally, the digital photo frame includes a memory card interface.

Optionally, the digital photo frame includes one or more universal serial bus bars for receiving: a detachable flash memory device or a universal serial bus cable connected to a digital camera .

Optionally, the processor set is configured to transfer the photo image file from the external memory device to the internal memory.

Optionally, the digital photo frame includes a user interface connected to the processor, the user interface enabling a user to perform any of the following functions: (i) selecting a display mode; (ii) selecting one a photo printing mode; (iii) printing a displayed photo; (iv) storing a displayed photo in the internal memory in a horizontally oriented photo or a straight oriented photo.

Optionally, the processor set is configured to provide a display mode and a photo print mode.

Optionally, in the display mode, a photo stored in the internal memory can be displayed on the display screen.

Optionally, in the photo printing mode, a photo stored in an external memory device connected to the interface can be displayed on the display screen.

Optionally, the photos are displayed in a slide show.

Optionally, the digital photo frame group is configured to print a displayed photo by touching a printing button during the slide show.

Optionally, the period during which each photo is displayed during the slide show is approximately equal to the period required to print the photo.

Optionally, the period is in the range of 1 to 3 seconds.

Alternatively, when the display screen group constitutes a horizontal view, only the photos stored in the horizontally oriented photo can be displayed. Optionally, when the display screen group is configured for direct viewing, only photos stored in a straight orientation photo can be displayed.

Optionally, the printer includes a printhead having a photo width.

Optionally, the printer includes a dedicated print engine controller for controlling the printhead, the print engine controller being in communication with the processor.

In a second aspect, there is provided a PictBridge (photo direct printing specification) printer comprising: a printer housing; an inkjet printer housed in the housing; a photo direct printing interface a digital camera for directly printing a bootable photo; a photo display screen combined with the outer casing; and a processor disposed in the outer casing for directly printing the interface with the display screen, the photo, And communicating with the inkjet printer, wherein the processor and the inkjet printer are configured to print a photo displayed on the display screen.

Optionally, the display screen is photo size. Optionally, the display screen has a length of at least 5 inches and a width of at least 3.5 inches.

Optionally, the display screen is a flip-up display screen.

Optionally, the display screen is hingedly mounted to the printer housing.

Optionally, the photo direct printing printer includes an internal memory for storing the photo image file.

Optionally, the photo direct print specification printer includes an interface for communicating with an external memory device.

Optionally, the photo direct print specification printer includes a memory card interface.

Optionally, the photo direct printing specification printer includes one or more universal serial bus bars for receiving: a detachable flash memory device or a universal connection to a digital camera Serial bus cable.

Optionally, the processor set is configured to transfer the photo image file from the external memory device to the internal memory.

Optionally, the photo direct printing specification printer includes a user interface in communication with the processor, the user interface enabling a user to perform any of the following functions: (i) selecting a display mode (ii) selecting a photo print mode; (iii) printing a displayed photo.

Optionally, the processor set is configured to provide a display mode.

Optionally, in the display mode, a photo stored in the internal memory can be displayed on the display screen.

Optionally, the processor set is configured to provide a photo print mode.

Optionally, in the photo printing mode, a photo stored in a camera or an external memory device that is transported to the interface can be displayed on the display screen.

Optionally, the photos are displayed in a slide show.

Optionally, the photo directly prints the specification printer set structure. During the slide show, a displayed photo is printed by touching a print button.

Optionally, the period during which each photo is displayed during the slide show is approximately equal to the period required to print the photo.

Optionally, the period is in the range of 1 to 3 seconds.

Optionally, the ink jet printer includes a printhead having a photo width.

Optionally, the inkjet printer includes a dedicated print engine controller for controlling the printhead, the print engine controller being in communication with the processor.

Optionally, the photo direct print specification printer includes a photo print media supply source, the supply source being disposed within the housing.

In a third aspect, a method for storing and displaying a photo on a digital photo frame having a photo size display screen rotatably mounted on a support such that it is rotatable The screen allows the display screen to form a horizontal viewing or a straight viewing orientation. The method comprises the steps of: storing a photo image file marked as a horizontal orientation or a straight orientation in an internal memory in the digital photo frame. Receiving an instruction to display a photo stored in the internal memory; determining an orientation of the display screen; extracting from the internal memory only a photo image file having an orientation corresponding to the orientation of the display screen; The photo image file taken out is displayed on the display screen as a photo.

Optionally, the photo image file is stored in a method comprising the steps of: identifying a label associated with each photo image file, the label representing the orientation of the photo; and the information contained in the label And storing the photo image files in the internal memory.

Optionally, the photo image file is stored by the method comprising: displaying a photo image file stored in an external memory device on the display screen; and using a user interface related to the digital photo frame And selecting a horizontal orientation or a straight orientation for each displayed photo; marking the related photo image file as a horizontal format or a straight format according to the orientation data received from the user interface; The marked photo image file is transferred to the internal memory.

Optionally, the display screen has a length of at least 5 inches and a width of at least 3.5 inches.

Optionally, the method further comprises the step of rotating the display screen to a desired orientation.

Optionally, the digital photo frame includes a built-in inkjet printer for printing the photo displayed on the display screen.

Optionally, the method further comprises the steps of: receiving a print command from a user interface associated with the digital photo frame; and printing the photo displayed on the display screen upon receiving the print command .

Optionally, the photos are displayed in a slide show.

Optionally, the period during which each photo is displayed during the slide show is approximately equal to the period required to print the photo.

Optionally, the slide show is performed continuously, regardless of whether a print command is received.

Optionally, the period is in the range of 1 to 3 seconds.

Optionally, the printer includes a printhead having a photo width.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of printing a photo from a photo viewing device, the photo viewing device comprising a photo display screen, an internal memory, and a built-in inkjet printer, the method comprising The following steps: displaying a photo stored in the internal memory on the display screen as a slide show; receiving a print command from a user interface associated with the device; and receiving the print command, The photo displayed on the display screen is printed.

Optionally, the photo viewing device is a PictBridge (photo direct printing format) printer having a photo display screen.

Optionally, the photo viewing device is a digital photo frame.

Optionally, the display screen has a length of at least 5 inches and a width of at least 3.5 inches.

Optionally, the slide show is performed continuously, regardless of whether a print command is received.

Optionally, the period during which each photo is displayed during the slide show is approximately equal to the period required to print the photo.

Optionally, the period is in the range of 1 to 3 seconds.

Optionally, the printer includes a printhead having a photo width.

Optionally, the display screen is a flip-up screen that is coupled to the photo to directly print the outer casing of the printer.

Optionally, the display screen is hingedly mounted to the housing.

Optionally, the display screen is rotatably mounted on a support such that the display screen can be configured to form a horizontal viewing or a straight viewing direction by rotating the display.

Optionally, the step of displaying the photos in the slide show includes: determining an orientation of the display screen; and extracting from the internal memory only a photo image file having a photo orientation corresponding to the display screen orientation And the photo image file taken out of the magazine is displayed on the display screen as a slide show.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of printing a photo from a printer, the method comprising the steps of: recognizing a plurality of photo image files contained in a memory coupled to the printer; Each photo image file has an associated image capture time and date; receives an instruction to print all of the photos contained in the memory; and prints the photos in reverse chronological order starting from the newly captured image And continuously printing the photos until an instruction to stop printing is received.

Optionally, the memory system is an internal memory of the printer.

Optionally, the memory system is an external memory device in communication with the printer.

Optionally, the external memory device is selected from any one of: a memory card, a flash memory device, and a digital camera.

Optionally, the instructions to begin printing and stop printing are received from a user interface associated with the printer.

Optionally, the printer is a PictBridge (Photo Direct Print Specification) printer.

Optionally, the printer is a built-in printer for a digital photo frame.

Digital photo frame with built-in printer

Fig. 1 shows a digital photo frame 1 according to a first aspect of the present invention. The digital photo frame 1 includes a photo size liquid crystal display screen 2 surrounded by a frame 3. The frame 3 has a user interface in the form of a plurality of buttons 4 arranged along the bottom edge. The screen 2 is rotatably mounted on a bracket 5 which allows the screen group to be oriented in a horizontal orientation (as shown in Figure 1) or in a straight orientation (as shown in Figure 2). The screen 2 and/or the stand 5 may be provided with sensors for confirming the relative orientation of the screen.

The bracket 5 is fixed to a base 6 and covers an inkjet photo printer for printing photos displayed on the screen 2, and an internal non-volatile memory for storing the photo image file. . Referring to FIG. 3, the base has a universal serial bus (USB) interface 13 for communicating with an external memory device (not shown), such as a flash memory device (such as a memory stick) or a Connect Photo Frame 1 to a universal serial bus cable that can activate a PictBridge-size digital camera. Similar to the standard digital photo frame, the photo image file stored in the portable memory device can be loaded into the internal memory of the photo frame 1 by connecting the universal serial bus interface 13 . Also shown is a memory card interface 12 for connecting a memory card in a similar manner.

A processor is encased in the susceptor 6 and is in communication with the display screen 2, the internal memory, the interfaces 12 and 13 and the inkjet printer. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, a stack of sheets 8 (e.g., photo paper) is loaded into an ink jet printer wrapped in the susceptor 6 via a channel 9 provided in the susceptor.

Referring now to Figure 4, this block diagram shows in more detail the interrelationships between the components within the digital photo frame 1. The processor 10 is a standard digital signal processor, and the system is configured to be connected to the printer 7, the liquid crystal display screen 2, the internal memory 11, the memory card interface 12, the user interface 4, and the photo direct printing interface 13. . Therefore, the processor 10 can coordinate the functions of the digital photo frame 1.

For example, when a digital camera capable of initiating photo direct printing specifications is connected to the photo direct printing interface 13, the processor 10 can be configured to automatically convert a photo image stored in the memory card of the camera. Transfer to the internal memory 11. Another way is to initiate this data transfer action via an instruction from the user interface 4 or the user interface on the camera.

In the transfer of the photo image file to the internal memory 11, the user can select a horizontal format or a straight format for each photo through the user interface 4 according to the orientation of each particular photo. The associated photo image file can then be labeled accordingly and stored in internal memory 11. The straight or horizontal indication can enable only a certain range of photo image files to be retrieved from the internal memory. Therefore, depending on the orientation of the liquid crystal display screen 2, the processor 10 can capture and display the photo captured in an orientation corresponding to the orientation of the screen 2.

In the "photo print mode", the processor communicates with the external memory device through the interface 12 or 13, and the processor 10 instructs the liquid crystal display screen 2 to individually display each photo. When a photo is displayed on the screen 2, the user can select through the user interface 4 whether to print the photo or move to the next photo stored in the external memory device.

Upon receipt of the printed command, the processor 10 instructs the printer 7 to print the displayed photo. The printer 7 includes a print engine controller 14 that is in communication with the processor 10 and that controls a photo-width printhead 15 and feed mechanism 16.

The processor 10 can also group the photo frame 1 into a "display mode" in which no external memory device is connected to the interfaces 12 or 13. In the display mode, the photo image file stored in the internal memory 11 is picked up and displayed on the liquid crystal display screen, usually in a slide show. The liquid crystal display screen 2 can inform the processor 10 of its orientation (straight or horizontal), and the processor can be configured to capture only the photo image files marked with corresponding orientations.

During the slide show of the display mode, the user can also request to print the photo by pressing the print button provided on the user interface 4. If the processor 10 receives a print order, the slide show will continue while the photo is being printed. The processor 10 coordinates the slideshow to display the photo for a time approximately equal to its printed photo. This period is approximately 1, 2 or 3 seconds. Therefore, the photo can be generated at the same rate as the photo of the slide show so that the user is provided with a smart device for selecting and printing the photo through the user interface 4 during the slide show.

It can be appreciated that the digital photo frame discussed above can help display and print photos without the need for an additional personal computer. Moreover, since the photo is displayed through the photo size display screen instead of the screen of the digital camera, the user can select the photos they want to print. For example, the user can easily determine if a photo is in focus, which is not what they can do when viewing an image displayed on a digital camera screen.

Print photo print directly on photos with photo display screen

Figs. 5 and 6 show a photo direct printing specification printer 30 provided with a photo display screen 31. The display screen 31 is approximately equivalent to the size of a standard 6" x 4" photo and is hingedly mounted to the outer casing 32 of the printer 30. In use, the user flips the screen 31 up and views the photo to be printed. In the closed position, as shown in Fig. 6, the back side of the screen 31 becomes the cover of the printer 30.

This photo direct print format printer 30 contains all of the components previously described for FIG. 4 and functions similarly to the digital photo frame 1 described above. However, this photo directly prints the specification printer 30 as a display unit or a printer, or both. Furthermore, the photo direct printing format printer 30 can be operated in the aforementioned photo printing mode and display mode. A familiar person can understand that the photo directly prints the functions of the printer 30 and the digital photo frame 1. Therefore, the operation of directly printing the specification printer does not need to be explained here.

However, it is apparent that since the screen 31 is non-rotatable, the direct printing of the size printer 30 does not require the internal memory 11 for storing the horizontal and vertical photos individually.

Figures 7 and 8 show another type of photo direct printing format printer 40, similar to the printer 30 shown in Figures 5 and 6. The printer 40 includes a housing 41 having a disc reader 42 for reading photo image files stored on the disc. It can be appreciated that the optical disc can be simply viewed as another type of external memory device that can be connected to the processor 10 via a suitable interface (disc reader 42).

The size of the outer casing 41 can contain a relatively large amount of photo print media.

It can be appreciated that the photo printers discussed above directly print the specification printers to help display and print the photos without the need for an additional personal computer. Moreover, since the photo is displayed through the photo size display screen instead of the screen of the digital camera, the user can select the photos they want to print. For example, the user can easily determine if a photo is in focus, which is not what they can do when viewing an image displayed on a digital camera screen.

Printing method

The digital photo frame 1 and photo direct printing format printers 30 and 40 described herein can be applied to a variety of methods for displaying and printing photos.

The method of requiring a user to print a photo in a "show mode" slide show has been described above. This method provides an intuitive photo print. The user sees the photo in the slide show, decides if he wants to print it, and then presses a print button. This method can be implemented by the applicant's high-speed inkjet printer, which can print the photo at the time scale of the photo slideshow (about 2 seconds or less per print).

Furthermore, a method of extracting a straight or horizontal photo from a memory in accordance with the orientation of the display screen has been described above. This method ensures that the user only sees the photo orientation as a photo corresponding to the display orientation of the digital photo frame. Therefore, when the photo frame is in its horizontal orientation, a straight-oriented photo will not be displayed. Similarly, when the photo frame is in its straight orientation, it does not show a horizontally oriented photo.

Another predictable printing method allows the user to select the "all print" function, and each photo stored in an external memory device (such as a memory card, digital camera, etc.) or internal memory will be reversed. The chronological order is printed starting with the most recently captured image. This print job will continue until the user presses the Stop button. This method is preferably carried out on a printer having a large media supply, such as the printer shown in Figures 8 and 9.

This printing method can provide a smart method for printing photos. It is envisioned that the portable memory device will soon be able to accommodate almost unlimited photos. Therefore, users will be less likely to store their photos in multiple different folders. Moreover, with the advent of low-cost high-speed digital photo printing, if users can interact with the photo file management application software in the personal computer, they will not print some of the desired images. And is disturbed. As a result, the user will be able to print their latest photo, and simply press the stop button when they see that they have reached the point where the copy was printed in the previous print job. The convenience of this printing method is attractive to users who are not willing to waste time selecting the photos to be printed.

Inkjet photo printer technology

The applicant of the present invention has developed a number of different types of ink jet photo printers suitable for use in the present invention. Such printers are described in the above-referenced Applicant's Applicant's Patent Application, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the digital photo frame and photo direct print format printer of the present invention can be obtained by modifying the ink jet printer technology previously disclosed by the applicant. For example, the basic components of the ink jet printer 100 to be described hereinafter can be incorporated into the susceptor 6 of the digital photo frame 1. Another possibility is that the inkjet photo printer 100 described below can be modified to incorporate the photo display 2 onto the inside surface of the hinged lid portion of a cradle unit 400.

For a complete description, a representative example of the applicant's inkjet photo printer will be described next. The printer 100 is designed to be used as a digital photo printer with a size of 100 mm by 150 mm (4 inches by 6 inches) for printing, so it is compact and light. weight. As can be seen from the description below, the printer can be reconfigured and sized for other printing purposes.

The printer 100 in the embodiment of the illustrated photo printer has a size of 18.6 cm (W), 7.6 cm (H), 16.3 cm (D), and a weight of less than two kilograms. This miniaturized and lightweight design of this printer is portable and easy to use.

The printer 100 can be connected to a computer via a universal serial bus (such as a USB 1.1 port for a USB 2.0 compatible computer) or directly via a universal serial bus or photo print specification. Digital cameras and other digital photo devices, such as electronic photo albums and mobile phones. Direct printing is possible when printing photo-compatible photo equipment directly using photos. This allows for quick and convenient printing of digital photo images.

To connect to an external power source, it is best to connect to the mains supply via a 12 volt 2 amp (or 24 volt 1 amp) direct power converter. However, the printer can also be configured to operate with an internal power source. This printer can be configured to efficiently use the power supply and operate with a maximum power consumption of 36 watts.

The printer 100 has three core components: a printer head cartridge 200 having a print head and an ink supply source; a support for the printer cartridge 200 and a transporting medium through the printer head A printer or carriage unit 400 of the media transport mechanism; and a media supply cassette 600 for supplying media to the printer.

This document is based on the printhead cartridge 200, so a detailed description of the carrier unit and the media supply cassette will not be provided herein. A complete description of the appropriate cradle unit and media supply cassette for use with the printhead cartridge 200 can be found in the applicant's prior U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/293,794 (file number RKB001US), No. 11/293839 (File No. RKB002US), No. 11/293839 (File No. RKB003US), No. 11/293839 (File No. RKB004US), No. 11/293830 (File No. RKB005US), No. 11/293827 (File No. RKB006US), No. 11/293828 (File No. RKC001US), No. 11/293795 (File No. RKC002US), No. 11/293795 (File No. RKC003US), No. 11/293795 (File No. RKC004US), No. 11/293795 ( File No. RKC005US), No. 11/293795 (File No. RKC006US), No. 11/293819 (File No. RKC007US), No. 11/293819 (File No. RKC008US), No. 11/293819 (File No. RKC009US), No. 11/293819 (File No. RKC010US), all of which were filed on December 5, 2005, and their contents are hereby incorporated by reference.

The printer cartridge 200 is an assembly that is necessary for the operation of the printer when mounted on a printer or carriage unit provided with a supply of media.

The printhead cartridge 200 has a body 202 that is shaped to be securely inserted into a support portion of a complementary shaped printhead cartridge 200 on the carrier unit (see Figures 9 and 12). The body 202 of the printer head cartridge 200 encloses a print head 204 and an ink supply source 206 for supplying ink into the print head 204, and has a cover 208 for the print head When the 204 is not in use, the print head 204 is covered.

The print head 204 includes an ink distribution support 210 for mounting the print head 204 on the print cartridge body 202 and for feeding the ink supply source 206 from the body 202. Ink is dispensed into the print head 204. The cover 208 is also attached to the print cartridge body 202 by the ink distribution support portion 210, and is positioned below the mounted print head 204 with respect to the ink supply source 206. A medium passage 212 (see the arrow of FIG. 12) is formed between the printing head 204 and the cover 208 for conveying the printing medium through the cover 208 when the printing head 204 is not covered. Print head 204.

In the illustrated embodiment, the printhead is a page width inkjet printhead. By using a page width printhead, it will not be necessary to scan the print head through the print media. Conversely, the printhead can remain stationary while the print media is being transported through it for printing. Continuous printing is performed by continuously operating the printing head while the printing medium is continuously fed through the printing head (so-called "Printing-on-the-fly"), which can overcome the necessity It is necessary to stop the feed of the medium at each printing line, so that the printing operation can be accelerated.

The printer set that houses the printhead 204 of the printhead cartridge 200 is configured to print a full color page in up to two seconds, which provides high speed printing of approximately 30 pages per minute. This high speed printing is also performed at high quality, and the print head provides a resolution of at least 1600 dots per inch. This high resolution provides true photo quality beyond the human visual system.

This can be achieved by constituting the printhead with thousands of ink jet nozzles 214 across the width of the page, such as a page width of about 100 mm for 4 inches by 6 inches of photographic paper. In the illustrated embodiment, the printhead is provided with 32,000 nozzles. The nozzle 214 is preferably constructed of a Memjet ^MT or a microelectromechanical inkjet nozzle developed by the applicant. Suitable types of Memjet ^MT nozzles are the subject matter of many patents or under review patent applications of the applicant of the present application, the contents of which are cited herein for cross-reference, and the details of which can be referred to the aforementioned cross-reference file list. .

A brief detail of the print head suitable for use in the printhead cartridge 200 will now be provided. The printer head is constructed as a "Linking Printhead" 216 that includes a series of individual print head integrated circuits (ICs) 218. A complete description of such a joint printhead, its control, and the distribution of ink therein can be found in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/014,769, filed on Serial No. PCT No. (File No. RRC002US), No. 11/014743 (File No. RRC003US), No. 11/014733 (File No. RRC004US), No. 11/014754 (File No. RRC005US), No. 11/014755 (File No. RRC006US), No. 11/014765 (File No. RRC007US), No. 11/014766 (File No. RRC008US), No. 11/014740 (File No. RRC009US), No. 11/014720 (File No. RRC010US), No. 11/014753 ( File No. RRC011US), No. 11/014752 (File No. RRC012US), No. 11/014744 (File No. RRC013US), No. 11/014741 (File No. RRC014US), No. 11/014768 (File No. RRC015US), No. 11/014767 (File No. RRC016US), No. 11/014718 (File No. RRC017US), No. 11/014717 (File No. RRC018US), No. 11/014716 (File No. RRC019US), No. 11/014732 (File No. RRC020US), No. 11/014742 (File No. RRC021US), etc. Yuan 2005 April 4 to apply, such as the contents of their department cited herein by reference. In the illustrated embodiment, the bonded printhead 216 has five print head integrated circuits 218 arranged in tandem to form a print area 219 having a 100.9 mm page width.

Each of the print head integrated circuits is provided with a plurality of nozzles 214 arranged in a plurality of columns 220 (see Fig. 15). The nozzle rows 220 correspond to the associated ink colors to be ejected by the nozzles 214 in the column 220. The illustrated embodiment has ten columns of such columns 220, arranged in groups of 220a-e in adjacent columns, and channels 222a-e of five colors. However, other configurations are also available. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the print head integrated circuits has 640 nozzles in each column, 1280 nozzles per color channel, and 6400 nozzles in each integrated circuit, so The five integrated circuits of the print head have 32,000 nozzles. Of course, a different number of print head integrated circuits can be used, including fewer or more than five print head integrated circuits.

Nozzle 214 is provided in a manner that includes a unit grid 224 having a nozzle 214 and its associated wafer space. In order to provide a print resolution of 1600 dots per inch, a dot pitch (DP) of 15.875 microns must be used. This resolution can be achieved by arranging the size of each unit grid to a double dot pitch width multiplied by five times the dot pitch height and arranging the unit lattices 224 into a staggered pattern as shown in FIG.

Due to the necessity of staggered arrangement of such nozzles 214, discontinuities may occur at the interface between adjacent print head integrated circuits 218. Such discontinuous conditions can result in discontinuities in the printed product, resulting in poor print quality. Such discontinuity can be compensated for by forming a triangular portion 226 by shifting the unit lattice 224 by 10 pitches at the interface of each pair of adjacent print head integrated circuits 218 (see Figure 17).

The nozzle triangular portion 226 can allow adjacent print head integrated circuits 218 to overlap each other, which allows a continuous horizontal gap to traverse the plurality of print head integrated circuits 218 along the print head. It can compensate for any discontinuity. The vertical offset of the nozzle triangular portion 226 is achieved by delaying the data of the nozzle 214 in the nozzle triangular portion 226 by a factor of 10 times. The nozzle row 220 and the nozzle triangle portion 226 which are arranged in series in the head integrated circuit 218 constitute the printing region 219 of the head.

The transfer of data and power to the printer head nozzles is controlled by the print control circuitry in the event that the carriage unit has the printhead cassette 200 inserted therein. The power source and data are connected to the printer head 204 via the connection interface of the carrier unit to the engagement and electrical connection between the connection panel 228 (see FIGS. 9 and 12) of the printer cartridge 200.

The connection panel 228 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 230 disposed on a flexible printed circuit board 232. The flexible printed circuit board 232 is mounted on the ink distribution support portion 210 to expose the electrical contacts 230 to the connection interface of the carrier unit around the one longitudinal edge thereof, and connects the contacts The nozzle to the print head 204 (see Figures 14 and 21). The specific connection relationship formed between the printer/bay unit and the print head 204 is shown in Fig. 18. In the illustrated embodiment, 40 contacts are provided on the connection panel at a pitch of 2.54 mm. The power (V _POS ) and data transmitted via these contacts are transmitted to the pin header circuit 218 of the printer cartridge 200 and the pins of a quality assurance (QA) wafer 234. The quality assurance wafer 234 is used for ink quality assurance and provides technical compatibility between the printer cartridge 200 and the printer/bay unit.

The quality assurance wafer 234 is configured to track the use of the nozzles, the number of prints that have been performed by the print cartridge 200, and the amount of ink remaining in the ink supply 206. This information can be used to ensure that the printhead cartridge 200 can only be applied in a predetermined usage mode. This mode of use limits the useful life of the printhead cartridge 200 to maintain consistent print quality.

For example, the mode may be a page limit mode in which the number of pages that can be printed using the printer card 200 (for example, 200 photo pages) is set, or a setting is not used up (not Supplementary) The ink limit mode of the maximum number of pages that can be printed in the case of ink in the ink supply source 206. In this manner, the printhead cartridge 200 can operate within the operational life of the printhead nozzles 214 and within the ink supply of full color printing. Other suitable modes that can be used to ensure consistent print quality can also be used.

The quality assurance wafer 234 can also be configured to store additional information relating to the manufacture of the printhead cartridge 200, including date of manufacture, batch number, serial number, manufacturing test results (eg, invalid nozzle profile), and the like.

The print control circuit of the carriage unit can interrogate the quality assurance wafer 234 via the connection interface and the connection panel to read all available information, and use the winner to control the operation of the printer.

On controlling the printhead, the print control circuitry controls the supply of transmit power to the nozzles to control the ejection of ink onto the passing print media. Each nozzle is configured to eject ink droplets having a volume of about 1.2 picoliters and a velocity of about eight meters per second. In order to stably eject droplets having these parameter values, the power delivered to the printer head by the carriage unit will be adjusted at the connection interface. The adjusted power is limited to have a variation of less than 100 millivolts at 5.5 volts; and is supplied to the printhead from 3.5 volts at 12 volts; and 2 amps of power. This level of variation has only negligible effects on droplet ejection, so the width of the emission pulse provided by the print control circuit can be fixed.

The emission of the nozzle may also cause a brief peak in current consumption. These peaks can be absorbed by adding an energy storage circuit in the connection interface of the carrier unit. Further energy storage may also be provided on the printhead 204 in the form of a decoupling capacitor 236 (see Figures 19 and 21) disposed on the flexible printed circuit board 232.

As previously discussed, five color channels 222a-e are provided on the printhead 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the channels include two magenta ink channels, two cyan ink channels, and a yellow ink channel. In order to distribute the ink from the supply source of magenta, cyan, and yellow inks to the nozzle row, the ink distribution support portion 210 is provided with three ink passages 238 as shown in Figs. 19 to 21. The three ink passages 238 include a magenta ink passage 238m, a cyan ink passage 238c, and a yellow ink passage 238y.

The ink passage 238 is formed by combining an upper portion 240 and a lower portion 242 of the ink distribution support portion 210. The upper and lower portions 240, 242 are preferably molded parts having portions 240a, 242a to form the ink passages 238. Preferably, the upper and lower portions are molded by liquid crystal polymerization, which is inserted into the ink, and can be configured to have thermal expansion characteristics similar to those of the crucible used on the head integrated circuit 218. The upper and lower portions 240, 242 are bonded together to form a sealed portion of the ink passage 238.

The print head 204 is a combination of the ink distribution support portion 210 and the joint print head 216, wherein the joint print head 216 is adhesively attached to the ink distribution support portion by a polymer sealing film 244. 210 on. The sealing film 244 has a plurality of through holes 244a corresponding to and aligned with each of the ink passages 238 extending to the bottom side of the lower portion 242 of the ink distribution support portion 210 and connected to each of the joint print heads 216. The pipe 238a of the ink delivery inlet on the bottom side of the head integrated circuit. The sealing film 244 can provide an effective sealing between the ink passage 238a and the ink delivery port of the printing head to prevent ink penetration and mixing between different nozzle rows and respective nozzles. It may be noted that the magenta and cyan ink passages 238m and 238c each have a conduit 238a for feeding ink into two of the five color passages of the junction printhead 216.

The flexible printed circuit board 232 is mounted on a flange 246 of the upper portion 240 of the ink distribution support portion 210, so that the contact pad 232a of the flexible printed circuit board 232 can pass through the integrated circuit along the print head. A spacer disposed on one of the side edges 218 connects data and power signals to each of the printer integrated circuits 218 (see FIGS. 20 and 21).

A dielectric shutter 248 is mounted on the ink distribution support 210 along a side edge of the bonded printhead 216 opposite the flexible printed circuit board 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the media shield 248 is secured by a layer of adhesive film 250, although other configurations are possible. The dielectric shutter 248 is configured to hold the passing media at a predetermined distance from the nozzle 214 of the junction printhead 216. This prevents damage to the nozzle due to contact of the medium with the nozzles. The dielectric shutter 248 is preferably a molded article made of a liquid crystal polymer. As can be seen in Fig. 20, the dielectric shutter 248 is separated from the surface of the ink dispensing support 210 by a portion 248a. The gap 248b provided by the locations 248a can provide a predetermined spacing of the print media from the nozzles 214.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ink passages 238 of the ink distribution support 210 each have a conical or cylindrical inlet member 238b associated with the ink pocket 252 within the ink supply 206 (see section 22). Figure) Do fluid communication. A total of three ink pockets 252, a magenta ink pouch, a cyan ink pouch, and a yellow ink pouch are provided. The ink bag 252 is disposed in the base 202a of the body 202 of the head cartridge 200 that is closed by the cover portion 202b. Preferably, the base and the cover of the body are plastic molded articles having a clip portion for snapping the cover portion to the base portion.

One of the ink pockets 252 is shown in Fig. 23. The ink pocket is formed by two forming sheets 252a which are sealed together to form an ink containing chamber 252b. The ink containment chamber 252b of each ink pocket is sized to accommodate an ink volume of at least 19 milliliters to about 23 milliliters and is configured to collapse to reduce the available ink volume. The sealing plates 252a are sealed around a connector assembly 254 and a bent leaf spring 256. The connector assembly 254 is adapted to fill a desired volume of ink into the ink pocket during manufacture of the print cartridge 200 and to connect the ink bladder 252 to each ink of the ink dispensing support 210. The inlet member 238b of the passage 238.

The ink is dispensed from the ink pocket 252 via the connector assembly 254 into the ink passage 238 through the outlet 254c of the connector assembly 254. The cylindrical outlet 254c is sleeved with a coupling seal 254d, which is provided with an annular portion on the outer cylindrical surface to prevent ink from leaking through the inner surface of the outlet and the joint seal, and is disposed on the inner side of the cylinder. An annular portion on the surface for preventing leakage of ink between the joint seal and the outer side surface of the inlet member of the ink passage (see Fig. 22).

The filling of the ink pocket and the infusion of ink into the connector assembly 254 are performed by injecting ink into an inlet and outlet 254e of the connector assembly 254. The air within the ink bag/connector assembly can escape through an outlet 254b during filling. After the filling is completed, a ball seal 254a closes the outlet 254b, and the joint seal 254d has a cover seal (not shown) that is positioned in the outlet 254c to close the inlet and outlet. As shown in Figure 22. No air is required within the ink bladder and connector assembly 254 to prevent air from entering the ink dispensing support 210 and nozzle 214. Air or other gases can cause printing problems due to the small size of the nozzle. A suitable air filter (not shown) may be added to the connector assembly 254 to prevent air present in the ink pocket from entering the ink delivery system.

The connector assembly 254 is secured to the portion 202c of the base 202a by engaging the clip portion 254f of the connector assembly 254 to the base portion 202a that can engage the outlet of the connector assembly with the inlet member 238b of each ink passage 238. Inside the cassette body base 202a (see Figure 22).

The bent leaf spring 256 in each pocket 252 is formed by bending an elongated plate 256a along a centrally disposed groove 256b (see Figures 24 and 25). The elongated plate 256a is sized to be inserted into the sealed ink pocket 252 after bending. The elongated plate 256a is made elastic to be bent, and the bending is performed to form a bent portion on the bent plate. This can be made into a bent leaf spring that resists inward forces and that provides an outward force. A leaf spring that provides a spring constant of approximately 1.2 Newtons over a distance of eight mm across the surface is suitable for use. Mylar is suitable for this leaf spring because of the shape memory characteristics. In the case of using a Mela material, the bent leaf spring can be thermoformed. Other spring materials can also be used, such as stainless steel.

The use of a leaf spring 256 within the ink pocket 252 can be formed within the nozzle of the printhead 204 when the ink pocket 252 is attached to the nozzle and ink has been completely injected into the nozzle from the ink pocket 252. Fluid negative pressure. The fluid negative pressure is due to the fact that the leaf spring exerts an outward force on the inner wall of the ink pocket plate 252a. A negative fluid pressure is required within the nozzle to ensure that no uncontrolled injection or ink bleed from the nozzle.

A negative pressure head of about -100 mm must be provided in order to effectively prevent ink from oozing out of the nozzle. The leaf spring 256 shown in the drawing may cause fluctuations in the negative pressure head when the ink in the ink bag 252 is used to reduce the ink volume.

In another embodiment, a coil spring or similar compression spring 258 can be used in place of the leaf spring 256. Applying a suitably configured compression spring 258 within the ink pocket 252 and bonding the ink pocket 252 to the underside of the lid portion 202b of the cassette body 202 will ensure that it is independent of the ink volume within the ink pocket 252. The manner of creating a fixed negative pressure head within the nozzles. For an ink pouch having an area of 30 mm by 50 mm, a suitably constructed compression spring is a spring having a desired free length and a spring constant of 14.7 Newtons per meter.

The desired free length is the sum of a free length of 100 mm and the height of the printhead cartridge 200 (e.g., from the top bonding point of the ink pocket 252 to the ink ejection plane of the nozzles). In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the printhead cartridge 200 from the inside of the cover portion 202b to the nozzle of the printhead 204 is 41 mm, allowing the compression spring 258 to have a free length of 141 mm. (See Figure 26).

In this embodiment, the leaf spring 256 can also assist in the infusion of ink from the ink bladder 252 to be coupled into the nozzle. The infusion is performed prior to delivery of the print cartridge 200 package to ensure that the ink is fully charged into the operating system, thereby removing any air or particulate matter from the system prior to printing. In order to inject ink into each of the ink passages 238 and 214 of the ink distribution support 210, the ink pockets 252 are overfilled with ink. That is, the ink print volume in each ink pocket is set to a volume of less than 19 milliliters. Each ink pocket requires approximately four milliliters of perfusion volume for perfusion of its system. Thus, each ink pocket has a print volume of at least 14 millimeters.

In fact, there will be an extra volume of up to four milliliters in each ink pocket to account for the non-zero width of the leaf spring after full bending (ie, compression). The bag cannot be completely collapsed.

In order to be able to infuse the filling volume into the ink passage and the nozzle, it is necessary to apply a force to the outer surface of one or both of the ink pockets 252 with a suitable force applicator, as in Figure 27A. No. In order to provide an effective perfusion effect, the bent leaf springs 256 are configured to contact the inner side surface of the ink bladder 252 when the filling volume is reached within the ink bladder. That is, the leaf spring 256 can effectively float within the overfilled ink pocket 252 prior to infusion. The applicator is configured to apply an inward perfusion force until the resistance caused by the outward force of the leaf spring is counteracted, as shown in Figure 27B. In this way, a negative pressure can be formed immediately in the well-filled nozzles.

As shown in Figures 27A and 27B, during the filling operation, the cap portion 260 of the closure 208 is positioned at its covering position on the nozzle of the printhead 204 to capture any during the infusion process. Infused ink ejected from the nozzle.

The manner in which the cap portion of the cap covers the nozzles of the head and the manner in which the cap is actuated can be found in the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/246,676, filed on filed No. (File number FND002US), 11/246678 (file number FND003US), 11/246679 (file number FND004US), 11/246680 (file number FND005US), 11/246681 (file number FND006US), 11/246714 (File No. FND007US), all of which were filed on October 11, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

For ease of understanding, a brief summary description of the content of the U.S. patent application under review is now provided.

Referring to Figures 27A through 30, the cap portion 260 of the cover 208 includes an elastically deformable elongated pad portion 262 having a contact surface 262a and attached to an elongate support member 264. The shaped support has an ear or actuation structure 266 that projects outwardly from each of its longitudinal ends. The support member 264 is wrapped within an elongate housing 268 such that the ears 266 project outwardly through slots 268a provided in each of the longitudinal ends of the housing. The outer casing is fixed to the ink distribution support portion 210 of the print head 204, and the pad portion 262 of the cap portion 260 is aligned with the print head integrated circuit 218, and the contact surface 262a of the pad portion 262 is It is configured to form a covered area that is equal to the printed area 219 of the printhead 204. Preferably, the outer casing and the support member are formed of a molded article of a plastic material or the like.

The support member is slidable within the slot 268a of the outer casing 268 such that the pad portion 262 is slidable relative to the outer casing 268. The range of sliding movement of the pad portion is defined by the length of the notch 268a based on the contact of the ear portions 266 with the notch wall portion. At the upper limit of the range of movement, the cap portion 260 will be in its covered position (see Figure 28), and at the lower limit of the range of movement, the cap portion 260 is in its non-covered position (see section 30)). The range of movement can range from about 1.5 mm to about 2.6 mm, thus ensuring that the print medium can pass through the media passage 212 unimpeded.

A pair of springs 272 are secured to the bottom wall of the outer casing 268 for pushing the cap portion 260 to the covering position. In this cover position, the contact surface 262a of the pad portion 262 that forms the cover region 270 sealingly engages the nozzles 214 of the printhead 204 along the entire print region 219, thereby covering or covering the nozzles. This covering function separates the ink in the nozzle from the outside, so that the water can be prevented from evaporating from the ink poured in the nozzle during the period in which the printing head is not operated, and the nozzle may be prevented from being exposed to dirt. Particulate matter. In the non-covered position, the contact surface 262a is separated from the one, as shown in Figure 30, for printing operations.

When the print head cartridge 200 is attached to the carriage unit 400, the ears 266 of the support member 264 are engaged with the cam 402 of the cover mechanism of the carriage unit 400, as shown in FIG. Rotation of the cam 402 under the control of the print control circuitry of the carriage unit 400 can cause linear sliding movement of the support member 264 and the pad portion 262 under the control of the spring 272. Therefore, the pad portion 262 can reciprocally move between its covered position and its non-covered position. The spring 272 is configured to ensure that all portions of the contact surface 262a of the pad portion 262 are movable at the same rate relative to the print head 204.

By preventing the cover group from covering the printing head in the rest position under normal conditions, that is, without requiring any electronic mechanism to maintain the cover in its covering position, it is possible to prevent malfunctions such as electronic mechanisms. The risk of not being able to cover the print head.

As previously mentioned, the junction print heads 216 and .207 are collectively mounted on the body 202 of the printhead cartridge 200 by the ink distribution support 210. The ink distribution support portion 210 is attached to the cassette body 202 at the support mounting portion 210a provided at any longitudinal end of the printing area 219 (see FIG. 14) of the joint print head 216. The mounting region 210a is configured as a widened portion of the upper and lower portions 240, 242 of the ink distribution support portion 210. These widened portions can be easily molded into a portion of the upper and lower molded parts.

The mounting area 210a (for example, the right-hand side end shown in FIG. 31) located at one end of the ink distribution support portion 210 is formed with a uniform through-hole 210b which is aligned with the tab formed on the self-sealing cover 268. The corresponding through hole 268b on 268c is as shown in Fig. 31. The through holes 210b, 268b of the ink distribution support portion 210 and the cover 208 are also additionally aligned with similarly disposed through holes (not shown) on the body 202 of the print head cartridge 200.

A mounting area 210a (for example, the left-hand side end shown in FIG. 31) located at the other end of the ink distribution supporting portion 210 is formed with a groove 210c (see FIG. 14) which is aligned with the self-sealing cover. The corresponding groove 268d on the tab 268e extending from the 268 is as shown in Fig. 31. The grooves 210c, 268d of the ink dispensing support 210 and the cover 208 are also additionally aligned with similarly disposed slots (not shown) in the body 202 of the printhead cartridge 200.

A pin 274 passes through each of the aligned holes at the first side end of the printing zone and the mounting area and is locked by a locking member 276 such as a clip (e.g., an E-clip as shown). The positioning is fixed to secure the print head 204 and the cover 208 to the body 202.

A second pin 278 extends through the aligned regions of the printing region and the second side end of the mounting region and is locked in position by a urging member 280. The pressing member 280 is configured to push the body 202, the head assembly 204 and the cover 208 together at the second pin 278, allowing the body 202, the print head assembly 204, and The relative movement between the covers 208. The push member shown in the drawings is a spring clip 280, but other configurations may be used.

In this manner, it allows for relative movement between the components while maintaining a secure assembly and proper alignment between the components of the printhead cartridge 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots are configured to withstand movement of the printhead 204 and cover 208 along the longitudinal direction (i.e., along the X-axis direction of the coordinate system shown in Figure 24). . Such longitudinal movement occurs due to thermal expansion of the liquid crystal polymer of the bonded print head and the ink distribution support during the printing operation. Similar to maintaining alignment, this thermal expansion can eliminate the stresses on the fragile print head integrated circuits.

Other types of slotted or resistive configurations are also possible, as long as the configuration is properly moved to maintain proper alignment between the components.

While the invention has been shown and described with respect to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention Therefore, the scope of the claims below is not intended to be limited to the scope of the invention, and the scope of the claims is to be interpreted in a broad manner.

1. . . Digital photo frame

2. . . Screen

3. . . frame

4. . . User interface

5. . . support

6. . . Pedestal

7. . . Printer

8. . . Paper

9. . . Channel

10. . . processor

11. . . Internal memory

12. . . Memory card interface

13. . . Photo direct printing interface

14. . . Print engine controller

15. . . Photo width print head

16. . . Feeding mechanism

30. . . Photo prints directly on the printer

31. . . Display screen

32. . . shell

40. . . Photo prints directly on the printer

41. . . shell

42. . . Optical disc reader

100. . . Inkjet photo printer

200. . . Print head card

202. . . Ontology

202a. . . Base

202b. . . Cover

202c. . . Part

204. . . Print head

206. . . Ink supply

208. . . Cover

210. . . Ink distribution support

210a. . . Installation area

210b. . . Through hole

210c. . . groove

212. . . Media path

214. . . nozzle

216. . . Bonded print head

218. . . Print head integrated circuit

219. . . Printing area

220. . . Nozzle column

220a. . . Nozzle column

220b. . . Nozzle column

220c. . . Nozzle column

220d. . . Nozzle column

220e. . . Nozzle column

222a. . . Color channel

222b. . . Color channel

222c. . . Color channel

222d. . . Color channel

222e. . . Color channel

224. . . Unit grid

226. . . Nozzle triangle

228. . . Connection panel

230. . . Electrical contact

232. . . Flexible printed circuit board

232a. . . Contact pad

234. . . Quality assurance chip

236. . . Decoupling capacitor

238. . . Ink path

238a. . . pipeline

238b. . . Inlet member

238c. . . Cyan ink path

238m. . . Fuchsia ink passage

238y. . . Yellow ink path

240. . . Upper part

240a. . . Part

242. . . Lower part

242a. . . Part

244. . . Sealing film

244a. . . perforation

246. . . Flange

248. . . Media shutter

248a. . . Part

248b. . . gap

250. . . Adhesive film

252. . . Ink bag

252a. . . Formed sheet

252b. . . Ink housing chamber

254. . . Connector assembly

254a. . . Ball seal

254b. . . Export

254c. . . Export

254d. . . Coupling seal

254e. . . import and export

254f. . . Clip

256. . . Plate spring

256a. . . Long board

256b. . . groove

258. . . compressed spring

260. . . Cap part

262. . . Pad

262a. . . Contact surface

264. . . supporting item

266. . . Ear

268. . . shell

268a. . . notch

268b. . . Through hole

268c. . . Tab

268d. . . groove

268e‧‧‧1

270‧‧‧ Covered area

272‧‧ ‧ spring

274‧‧ ‧ sales

276‧‧‧Locking members

278‧‧‧second sales

280‧‧‧ Pushing members

400‧‧‧Bracket unit

402‧‧‧ cam

600‧‧‧Media supply card

Figure 1 is a front view of the digital photo frame according to the first aspect, showing the screen in a horizontal orientation.

Fig. 2 is a front side view of the digital photo frame shown in Fig. 1, and the display screen is rotated to a straight orientation.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the display screen shown in Fig. 1.

Figure 4 shows the components of the display screen in accordance with this first aspect.

Figure 5 is a front elevational view of a photo print direct printing printer according to the second aspect, which shows that the screen is turned on.

Fig. 6 is a front side appearance point of the photo printing printer directly printed on the photo shown in Fig. 5, which shows that the screen is closed.

Figure 7 is a front elevational view of another print direct printing printer according to the second aspect, which shows that the screen is turned on.

Fig. 8 is a front side appearance point of the photo printing printer directly printed on the photo shown in Fig. 7, which shows that the screen is closed.

Fig. 9 is a view showing the appearance of the top side elevation of the head of the ink jet photo printer.

Figure 10 shows an external view of the bottom side elevation of the printhead cassette.

Figure 11 shows an external view of an inkjet photo printer.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the ink jet photo printer taken along line I-I of Fig. 11.

Figure 13 shows an exploded view of the printhead cassette.

Figure 14 shows an exploded view of the printhead of the printhead cartridge.

Figure 15 shows the configuration of the print head integrated circuit of the print head.

Fig. 16 shows the configuration of the ink jet nozzle of the head integrated circuit.

Figure 17 shows the nozzle triangle of the print head.

Figure 18 shows the data and power coupling between the printhead cartridge of the inkjet photo printer and the carriage unit.

Figure 19 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the top side elevation taken along line II-II of Figure 14 of the print head.

Figure 20 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom side elevation of the print head taken along line II-II of Figure 14.

Figure 21 shows a side cross-sectional view of the print head taken along line II-II of Figure 14.

Figure 22 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the print head cartridge taken along line III-III of Figure 9.

Figure 23 shows a diagram of the ink supply pocket of the printhead cartridge.

Figure 24 shows the bent leaf spring removed from the ink pocket.

Figure 25 shows the fact that the leaf spring is not bent.

Figure 26 shows another push configuration of the ink pouch.

Figures 27A and 27B show the position of the cover where the ink is poured into the print head and the cover of the print head cassette.

Figure 28 shows the pattern of the closure.

Figure 29 shows the operational configuration of the cover mechanism of the cover that fits over the cover mechanism of the printer.

Figure 30 shows the uncovered position of the closure.

Figure 31 shows the combination of the print head and the cover to the body of the print head cassette.

Figure 32 shows the coordinate system of the printhead cassette.

1. . . Digital photo frame

2. . . Screen

3. . . frame

4. . . User interface

5. . . support

6. . . Pedestal

8. . . Paper

9. . . Channel

Claims (71)

A digital photo frame comprising: a photo size display screen; an internal memory for storing a photo image file; an interface for connecting with an external memory device; and an internal inkjet printer for printing display a photo on the display screen; a processor connected to the display screen, the internal memory, the interface, and the printer; and a print cartridge that is detachably received in the digital photo frame In the bay. The digital photo frame of claim 1, wherein the printer comprises a print width print head. The digital photo frame of claim 1, wherein the display screen is mounted on a set of brackets constituting a photo for viewing on the screen. The digital photo frame of claim 3, wherein the display screen is rotatably mounted on the support. The digital photo frame of claim 4, wherein the display screen can be grouped into a horizontal viewing orientation or a straight viewing orientation by rotating the screen. The digital photo frame of claim 3, wherein the bracket comprises a base and a mounting arm extending therefrom, the display screen being mounted on the mounting arm. The digital photo frame according to item 1 of the patent application scope includes a memory card interface. The digital photo frame according to claim 1 of the patent application includes one or more universal serial bus bars for receiving: a detachable flash memory device or a universal connection to a digital camera Serial bus cable. The digital photo frame of claim 1, wherein the processor set is configured to transfer a photo image file from the external memory device to the internal memory. The digital photo frame according to claim 1 further includes a user interface connected to the processor, the user interface enabling a user to perform any of the following functions: (i) selecting a display (ii) selecting a photo printing mode; (iii) printing a displayed photo; (iv) storing a displayed photo in the internal memory in a horizontally oriented photo or a straight oriented photo. The digital photo frame of claim 1, wherein the processor set is configured to provide a display mode and a photo print mode. The digital photo frame of claim 11, wherein in the photo printing mode, a photo stored in an external memory device connected to the interface is displayed on the display screen. According to the digital photo frame of claim 11, wherein in the display mode, the photo stored in the internal memory can be displayed On the display screen. The digital photo frame according to claim 13 of the patent application, wherein the photos are displayed in a slide show. According to the digital photo frame of claim 14, the group composition can print a displayed photo by touching a printing button during the slide show. According to the digital photo frame of claim 15, wherein the period of displaying each photo during the slide show is equal to the period required to print the photo, or one second required to print the photo or Two seconds difference. The digital photo frame according to claim 16 of the patent application, wherein the period is in the range of 1 to 3 seconds. According to the digital photo frame of claim 12, when the display screen group is configured to be horizontally viewed, only the photos stored in the horizontally oriented photo can be displayed, and the display screen is formed in a straight form. When viewed, only photos stored in a straight orientation photo can be displayed. The digital photo frame of claim 1, wherein the display screen has a length of at least 5 inches and a width of at least 3.5 inches. The digital photo frame of claim 1, wherein the printer includes a dedicated print engine controller for controlling the print head, the print engine controller being in communication with the processor. A photo direct printing (PictBridge) printer that includes: a printer housing; an inkjet printer, placed in the housing; a photo direct printing interface for connecting the bootable photo directly to print the standard digital camera; a photo display screen, combined with the housing; a processor disposed in the housing for communicating with the display screen, the photo direct printing interface, and the inkjet printer; and a printer cartridge detachably received directly from the photo A carriage of a PictBridge printer, wherein the processor and the inkjet printer are configured to print a photo displayed on the display screen. A PictBridge printer according to the invention of claim 21, wherein the printer comprises a print width print head. The PictBridge printer is directly printed according to the photo of claim 21, wherein the display screen is a flip-up display screen. A PictBridge printer according to the invention of claim 23, wherein the display screen is hingedly mounted on the printer housing. The PictBridge printer according to claim 21 of the patent application scope includes an internal memory for storing a photo image file. Direct photo printing according to item 25 of the patent application scope A PictBridge printer includes an interface for communicating with an external memory device. The PictBridge printer according to claim 25 of the patent application scope includes a memory card interface. The PictBridge printer according to claim 25 of the patent application scope includes one or more universal serial bus bars for receiving: a detachable flash memory device, or A universal serial bus cable connected to a digital camera. A PictBridge printer according to claim 26, wherein the processor set is configured to transfer a photo image file from the external memory device or the camera to the internal memory. The PictBridge printer according to claim 21, further comprising a user interface connected to the processor, the user interface enabling a user to perform the following functions One: (i) select a display mode; (ii) select a photo print mode; (iii) print a displayed photo. A PictBridge printer according to claim 25 of the patent application scope, wherein the processor system is configured to provide a display mode. A PictBridge printer according to the photo of claim 31, wherein in the display mode, it can be stored in A photo of the internal memory is displayed on the display screen. The PictBridge printer according to claim 21 of the patent application scope, wherein the processor system is configured to provide a photo printing mode. A PictBridge printer according to claim 33, wherein in the photo printing mode, a photo stored in a camera or an external memory device connected to the interface is displayed. On the display screen. A PictBridge printer is directly printed according to the photo of claim 32, wherein the photos are displayed in a slide show. According to the photo-printing specification (PictBridge) printer of claim 35, the group composition can print a displayed photo by touching a printing button during the slide show. The PictBridge printer is directly printed according to the photo of claim 36, wherein the period of displaying each photo during the slide show is equal to the period required for printing the photo, or printing The period required for the photo has a difference of one or two seconds. The PictBridge printer is directly printed according to the photo of claim 37, wherein the period is in the range of 1 to 3 seconds. A PictBridge printer according to the invention of claim 21, wherein the display screen has a length of at least 5 inches and a width of at least 3.5 inches. A PictBridge printer according to claim 21, wherein the inkjet printer includes a dedicated print engine controller for controlling the printer head, the print engine controller Connected to the processor. A method for storing and displaying a photo on a digital photo frame, the digital photo frame having a photo size display screen rotatably mounted on a support, such that the display screen can be rotated by rotating the screen Forming a horizontal viewing or straight viewing orientation, and a printing head cartridge detachably received in a bracket of the digital photo frame, the method comprising the steps of: marking the horizontal orientation or the straight orientation a photo image file stored in an internal memory in the digital photo frame; receiving an instruction to display a photo stored in the internal memory; determining an orientation of the display screen; and extracting from the internal memory only to have a corresponding The photo image file showing the orientation of the screen orientation; and the photo image file taken out of the thumbnail are displayed on the display screen as a photo. The method of claim 41, wherein the photo image file is stored in a method comprising the steps of: identifying a label associated with each photo image file, the label representing an orientation of the photo; And storing the photo image files in the internal memory according to the information contained in the label. The method of claim 41, wherein the photo image file is stored in a method comprising the steps of: displaying a photo image file stored in an external memory device on the display screen; a user interface associated with the digital photo frame, and a horizontal orientation or a straight orientation is selected for each displayed photo; and the associated photo image file is marked as a horizontal image according to the orientation data received from the user interface a format or a straight format; and transferring the labeled photo image files to the internal memory. The method of claim 41, wherein the display screen has a length of at least 5 inches and a width of at least 3.5 inches. The method of claim 41, further comprising the step of rotating the display screen to a desired orientation. The method of claim 41, wherein the digital photo frame comprises a built-in inkjet printer for printing a photo displayed on the display screen. The method of claim 46, further comprising the steps of: receiving a print command from a user interface associated with the digital photo frame; and displaying the display on the display when the print command is received The photos on the screen are printed. The method of claim 47, wherein the photographs are displayed in a slide show. The method of claim 48, wherein displaying the duration of each photo during the slide show is equal to the period required to print the photo, or one or two periods corresponding to the period required to print the photo The difference in seconds. According to the method of claim 47, one of the slide shows is continuously performed regardless of whether a print instruction is received. According to the method of claim 50, one of the periods is in the range of 1 to 3 seconds. The method of claim 46, wherein the printer comprises a print-width printhead. A method for printing a photo from a photo viewing device, the photo viewing device comprising a photo display screen, an internal memory, a built-in inkjet printer, and a printer cartridge, detachably received by In a carriage of the photo viewing device, the method includes the steps of: displaying a photo stored in the internal memory on the display screen as a slide show; receiving from a user interface associated with the device a print command; and when the print command is received, the photo displayed on the display screen is printed. The method of claim 53, wherein the photo viewing device is a photo print specification having a photo display screen (PictBridge) printer. The method of claim 53, wherein the photo viewing device is a digital photo frame. The method of claim 53, wherein the display screen has a length of at least 5 inches and a width of at least 3.5 inches. The method of claim 53, wherein the slide show is continuously performed regardless of whether a print instruction is received. The method of claim 53, wherein the period of displaying each photo during the slide show is equal to the period required to print the photo, or one or two periods corresponding to the period required to print the photo The difference in seconds. The method of claim 58, wherein the period is in the range of 1 to 3 seconds. The method of claim 53, wherein the printer comprises a print width printhead. The method of claim 54, wherein the display screen is a flip-up screen coupled to the photo print directly on the outer casing of the PictBridge printer. The method of claim 61, wherein the display screen is hingedly mounted to the housing. The method of claim 55, wherein the display screen is rotatably mounted on a bracket such that the display screen can be configured to be horizontally or vertically viewed by rotating the screen. direction. The method of claim 63, wherein the step of displaying the photos in a slide show comprises: determining an orientation of the display screen; and extracting only from the internal memory to have a display corresponding to the display A photo-image file of the photo orientation of the screen orientation; and a photo image file taken out of the image, displayed on the display screen as a slide show. A method for printing a photo from a printer having a printer cartridge detachably received in a carriage of the printer, the method comprising the steps of: recognizing an inclusion a plurality of photo image files combined with the memory on the printer, each photo image file having an associated image capturing time and date; receiving a print of all of the photos contained in the memory Instructions; starting from the most recently captured image, printing the photos in reverse chronological order; and continuously printing the photos until an instruction to stop printing is received. The method of claim 65, wherein the memory system is an internal memory of the printer. The method of claim 65, wherein the memory system is an external memory device in communication with the printer. The method of claim 67, wherein the external memory device is selected from any one of: a memory card, a flash Memory device, and a digital camera. The method of claim 65, wherein the instructions to start printing and stop printing are received from a user interface associated with the printer. The method of claim 65, wherein the printer is a PictBridge printer. The method of claim 65, wherein the printer is a built-in printer of a digital photo frame.