US20100208085A1 - Digital camera for processing and printing images - Google Patents

Digital camera for processing and printing images Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100208085A1
US20100208085A1 US12/769,643 US76964310A US2010208085A1 US 20100208085 A1 US20100208085 A1 US 20100208085A1 US 76964310 A US76964310 A US 76964310A US 2010208085 A1 US2010208085 A1 US 2010208085A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
jul
ink
actuator
image
nozzle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/769,643
Inventor
Kia Silverbrook
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AUPO7991A external-priority patent/AUPO799197A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPO7999A external-priority patent/AUPO799997A0/en
Application filed by Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd filed Critical Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
Priority to US12/769,643 priority Critical patent/US20100208085A1/en
Assigned to SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTD reassignment SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTD ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SILVERBROOK, KIA
Publication of US20100208085A1 publication Critical patent/US20100208085A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17513—Inner structure
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
    • G06F21/78—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure storage of data
    • G06F21/79—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure storage of data in semiconductor storage media, e.g. directly-addressable memories
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
    • G06F21/86—Secure or tamper-resistant housings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K1/00—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion
    • G06K1/12—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching
    • G06K1/121—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching by printing code marks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/06009—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking
    • G06K19/06037—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking multi-dimensional coding
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/14—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/14—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
    • G06K7/1404—Methods for optical code recognition
    • G06K7/1408—Methods for optical code recognition the method being specifically adapted for the type of code
    • G06K7/1417—2D bar codes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/086—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means by passive credit-cards adapted therefor, e.g. constructive particularities to avoid counterfeiting, e.g. by inclusion of a physical or chemical security-layer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/12—Card verification
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11C—STATIC STORES
    • G11C11/00—Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor
    • G11C11/56—Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using storage elements with more than two stable states represented by steps, e.g. of voltage, current, phase, frequency
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405—Output means
    • H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
    • H04N1/0044—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus for image preview or review, e.g. to help the user position a sheet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/21—Intermediate information storage
    • H04N1/2104—Intermediate information storage for one or a few pictures
    • H04N1/2112—Intermediate information storage for one or a few pictures using still video cameras
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/21—Intermediate information storage
    • H04N1/2104—Intermediate information storage for one or a few pictures
    • H04N1/2112—Intermediate information storage for one or a few pictures using still video cameras
    • H04N1/2154—Intermediate information storage for one or a few pictures using still video cameras the still video camera incorporating a hardcopy reproducing device, e.g. a printer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/70—Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/222—Studio circuitry; Studio devices; Studio equipment
    • H04N5/262—Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects ; Cameras specially adapted for the electronic generation of special effects
    • H04N5/2628—Alteration of picture size, shape, position or orientation, e.g. zooming, rotation, rolling, perspective, translation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16585—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles for paper-width or non-reciprocating print heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17596—Ink pumps, ink valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2202/00—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet or thermal heads
    • B41J2202/01—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet heads
    • B41J2202/21—Line printing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2221/00—Indexing scheme relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F2221/21—Indexing scheme relating to G06F21/00 and subgroups addressing additional information or applications relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F2221/2129—Authenticate client device independently of the user
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2101/00—Still video cameras

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to digital cameras and in particular, the onboard processing and printing of images captured by the camera.
  • the present invention provides a digital camera for sensing and storing an image, the camera comprising:
  • an image sensor with a charge coupled device (CCD) for capturing image data relating to a sensed image, and an auto exposure setting for adjusting the image data captured by the CCD in response to the lighting conditions at image capture; and,
  • CCD charge coupled device
  • the image processor is adapted to use information from the auto exposure setting relating to the lighting conditions at image capture when processing the image data from the CCD.
  • the processing can comprise re-mapping image colours so they appear deeper and richer when the exposure setting indicates low light conditions and re-mapping image colours to be brighter and more saturated when the auto exposure setting indicates bright light conditions.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera of the preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a form of print roll ready for purchase by a consumer
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view, partly in section, of an alternative form of a print roll
  • FIG. 4 is a left side exploded perspective view of the print roll of FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a right side exploded perspective view of a single print roll.
  • the preferred embodiment is preferable implemented through suitable programming of a hand held camera device such as that described in the present applicant's application entitled “A Digital Image Printing Camera with Image Processing Capability”, the content of which is hereby specifically incorporated by cross reference and the details of which, and other related applications are set out in the tables below.
  • the aforementioned patent specification discloses a camera system, hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images can be directly printed out by an Artcam portable camera unit. Further, the aforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performing various manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing device leading to the production of various effects in any output image. The manipulations are disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can be implemented through the insertion into the Artcam of cards having encoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of images, the cards hereinafter being known as Artcards.
  • the Artcam further has significant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit (ACP) which is interconnected to a memory device for the storage of important data and images.
  • ACP Artcam Central Processor unit
  • the Artcam has an auto exposure sensor for determining the light level associated with the captured image.
  • This auto exposure sensor is utilised to process the image in accordance with the set light value so as to enhance portions of the image.
  • the area image sensor includes a means for determining the light conditions when capturing an image.
  • the area image sensor adjusts the dynamic range of values captured by the CCD in accordance with the detected level sensor.
  • the captured image is transferred to the Artcam central processor and stored in the memory store.
  • Intensity information, as determined by the area image sensor, is also forwarded top the ACP. This information is utilised by the Artcam central processor to manipulate the stored image to enhance certain effects.
  • Artcam 20 is illustrated in which auto exposure setting information 1 is utilised in conjunction with stored image 2 to process the image by utilising ACP 3 .
  • the processed image is returned to the memory store 2 for later printing out on printer 4 or printed directly.
  • a number of processing steps can be undertaken in accordance with the determined light conditions.
  • the image pixel colours are selectively re-mapped so as to make the image colours stronger, deeper and richer.
  • the image colours can be processed to make them brighter and more saturated.
  • the re-colouring of the image can be undertaken by conversion of the image to a hue-saturation-value (HSV) format and an alteration of pixel values in accordance with requirements.
  • HSV hue-saturation-value
  • the pixel values can then be output converted to the required output colour format of printing.
  • the Artcard inserted could have a number of manipulations applied to the image which are specific to the auto-exposure setting. For example, clip arts containing candles etc could be inserted in a dark image and large suns inserted in bright images.
  • the Artcam prints the images onto media stored in a replaceable print roll 5 .
  • the operation of the camera device is such that when a series of images is printed on a first surface of the print roll, the corresponding backing surface has a ready made postcard which can be immediately dispatched at the nearest post office box within the jurisdiction. In this way, personalized postcards can be created.
  • a modified form of print roll which can be constructed mostly from injection moulded plastic pieces suitably snapped fitted together.
  • the modified form of print roll has a high ink storage capacity in addition to a somewhat simplified construction.
  • the print media onto which the image is to be printed is wrapped around a plastic sleeve former for simplified construction.
  • the ink media reservoir has a series of air vents which are constructed so as to minimise the opportunities for the ink flow out of the air vents.
  • a rubber seal is provided for the ink outlet holes with the rubber seal being pierced on insertion of the print roll into a camera system.
  • the print roll includes a print media ejection slot and the ejection slot includes a surrounding moulded surface which provides and assists in the accurate positioning of the print media ejection slot relative to the printhead within the printing or camera system.
  • FIG. 3 there is illustrated a single point roll unit 5 in an assembled form with a partial cutaway showing internal portions of the print roll.
  • FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate left and right side exploded perspective views respectively.
  • the print roll 5 is constructed around the internal core portion 6 which contains an internal ink supply. Outside of the core portion 6 is provided a former 7 around which is wrapped a paper or film supply 8 .
  • the bottom cover piece 10 includes a slot 11 through which the output of the print media 12 for interconnection with the camera system.
  • Two pinch rollers 13 , 14 are provided to pinch the paper against a drive pinch roller 15 so they together provide for a decurling of the paper around the roller 15 .
  • the decurling acts to negate the strong curl that may be imparted to the paper from being stored in the form of print roll for an extended period of time.
  • the rollers 13 , 14 are provided to form a snap fit with end portions of the cover base portion 10 and the roller 15 which includes a cogged end 16 for driving, snap fits into the upper cover piece 9 so as to pinch the paper 12 firmly between.
  • the cover pieces 9 , 10 includes an end protuberance or lip 17 .
  • the end lip 17 is provided for accurately alignment of the exit hole of the paper with a corresponding printing heat platen structure within the camera system. In this way, accurate alignment or positioning of the exiting paper relative to an adjacent printhead is provided for full guidance of the paper to the printhead.
  • the present invention is best utilized in the Artcam device, the details of which are set out in the following paragraphs.
  • 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.
  • thermal inkjet 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.
  • piezoelectric inkjet 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.
  • the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements of in-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, low cost printing applications.
  • new inkjet technologies have been created.
  • the target features include:
  • 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
  • the print head is designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS post processing.
  • 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.
  • 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)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Piezoelectric A piezoelectric crystal such as lead Low power consumption lanthanum zirconate (PZT) is electrically Many ink types can be used activated, and either expands, shears, or Fast operation bends to apply pressure to the ink, High efficiency ejecting drops.
  • Electro-strictive An electric field is used to activate Low power consumption electrostriction in relaxor materials such Many ink types can be used as lead lanthanum zirconate titanate Low thermal expansion (PLZT) or lead magnesium niobate Electric field strength required (PMN). (approx. 3.5 V/ ⁇ m) can be generated without difficulty Does not require electrical poling Ferroelectric An electric field is used to induce a Low power consumption phase transition between the Many ink types can be used antiferroelectric (AFE) and ferroelectric Fast operation ( ⁇ 1 ⁇ s) (FE) phase.
  • AFE antiferroelectric
  • FE ferroelectric Fast operation
  • Perovskite materials such as Relatively high longitudinal tin modified lead lanthanum zirconate strain titanate (PLZSnT) exhibit large strains of High efficiency up to 1% associated with the AFE to FE Electric field strength of phase transition. around 3 V/ ⁇ m can be readily provided
  • Electrostatic Conductive plates are separated by a Low power consumption plates compressible or fluid dielectric (usually Many ink types can be used air). Upon application of a voltage, the Fast operation plates attract each other and displace ink, causing drop ejection.
  • the conductive plates may be in a comb or honeycomb structure, or stacked to increase the surface area and therefore the force.
  • Electrostatic A strong electric field is applied to the Low current consumption pull on ink ink, whereupon electrostatic attraction Low temperature accelerates the ink towards the print medium.
  • Permanent An electromagnet directly attracts a Low power consumption magnet electro- permanent magnet, displacing ink and Many ink types can be used magnetic causing drop ejection.
  • Rare earth Fast operation magnets with a field strength around 1 High efficiency Tesla can be used.
  • Examples are: Easy extension from single Samarium Cobalt (SaCo) and magnetic nozzles to pagewidth print materials in the neodymium iron boron heads family (NdFeB, NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB, etc) Soft magnetic A solenoid induced a magnetic field in a Low power consumption core electro- soft magnetic core or yoke fabricated Many ink types can be used magnetic from a ferrous material such as Fast operation electroplated iron alloys such as CoNiFe High efficiency [1], CoFe, or NiFe alloys. Typically, the Easy extension from single soft magnetic material is in two parts, nozzles to pagewidth print which are normally held apart by a heads spring.
  • Magneto- The actuator uses the giant Many ink types can be used striction magnetostrictive effect of materials such Fast operation as Terfenol-D (an alloy of terbium, Easy extension from single dysprosium and iron developed at the nozzles to pagewidth print Naval Ordnance Laboratory, hence Ter- heads Fe-NOL).
  • the High force is available actuator should be pre-stressed to approx. 8 MPa.
  • Surface tension Ink under positive pressure is held in a Low power consumption reduction nozzle by surface tension. The surface Simple construction tension of the ink is reduced below the No unusual materials required bubble threshold, causing the ink to in fabrication egress from the nozzle.
  • CMOS compatible voltages and currents Standard MEMS processes can be used Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads
  • High CTE A material with a very high coefficient High force can be generated thermoelastic of thermal expansion (CTE) such as PTFE is a candidate for low actuator polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used.
  • CTE thermoelastic of thermal expansion
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • a Many ink types can be used 50 ⁇ m long PTFE bend actuator with Simple planar fabrication polysilicon heater and 15 mW power Small chip area required for input can provide 180 ⁇ N force and 10 ⁇ m each actuator deflection.
  • Actuator motions include: Fast operation 1) Bend High efficiency 2) Push CMOS compatible voltages 3) Buckle and currents 4) Rotate Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Conductive A polymer with a high coefficient of High force can be generated polymer thermal expansion (such as PTFE) is Very low power consumption thermoelastic doped with conducting substances to Many ink types can be used actuator increase its conductivity to about 3 Simple planar fabrication orders of magnitude below that of Small chip area required for copper. The conducting polymer each actuator expands when resistively heated.
  • conducting dopants include: High efficiency 1) Carbon nanotubes CMOS compatible voltages 2) Metal fibers and currents 3) Conductive polymers such as doped Easy extension from single polythiophene nozzles to pagewidth print 4) Carbon granules heads Shape memory A shape memory alloy such as TiNi (also High force is available alloy known as Nitinol - Nickel Titanium alloy (stresses of hundreds of MPa) developed at the Naval Ordnance Large strain is available (more Laboratory) is thermally switched than 3%) between its weak martensitic state and its High corrosion resistance high stiffness austenic state. The shape Simple construction of the actuator in its martensitic state is Easy extension from single deformed relative to the austenic shape.
  • Linear Magnetic Linear magnetic actuators include the Linear Magnetic actuators can Actuator Linear Induction Actuator (LIA), Linear be constructed with high Permanent Magnet Synchronous thrust, long travel, and high Actuator (LPMSA), Linear Reluctance efficiency using planar Synchronous Actuator (LRSA), Linear semiconductor fabrication Switched Reluctance Actuator (LSRA), techniques and the Linear Stepper Actuator (LSA).
  • LIA Linear Induction Actuator
  • LRSA Linear Synchronous Actuator
  • LSRA Linear semiconductor fabrication Switched Reluctance Actuator
  • LSA Linear Stepper Actuator
  • the drops to be printed are selected by Very simple print head pull on ink some manner (e.g. thermally induced fabrication can be used surface tension reduction of pressurized
  • the drop selection means does ink). Selected drops are separated from not need to provide the energy the ink in the nozzle by a strong electric required to separate the drop field. from the nozzle Magnetic pull on
  • the drops to be printed are selected by Very simple print head ink some manner (e.g. thermally induced fabrication can be used surface tension reduction of pressurized
  • the drop selection means does ink). Selected drops are separated from not need to provide the energy the ink in the nozzle by a strong required to separate the drop magnetic field acting on the magnetic from the nozzle ink.
  • Shutter The actuator moves a shutter to block ink High speed (>50 KHz) flow to the nozzle.
  • the ink pressure is operation can be achieved due pulsed at a multiple of the drop ejection to reduced refill time frequency. Drop timing can be very accurate
  • the actuator energy can be very low
  • Shuttered grill The actuator moves a shutter to block ink Actuators with small travel can flow through a grill to the nozzle.
  • the be used shutter movement need only be equal to Actuators with small force can the width of the grill holes.
  • High speed (>50 KHz) operation can be achieved Pulsed magnetic A pulsed magnetic field attracts an ‘ink Extremely low energy pull on ink pusher’ at the drop ejection frequency.
  • the provide a refill pulse, Ink pressure phase and amplitude must 658 A2 and related pressure actuator selects which drops are to be allowing higher be carefully controlled patent applications (including fired by selectively blocking or enabling operating speed Acoustic reflections in the ink chamber IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 acoustic nozzles.
  • the ink pressure oscillation The actuators may operate must be designed for IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 stimulation) may be achieved by vibrating the with much lower energy print head, or preferably by an Acoustic lenses can be used to actuator in the ink supply. focus the sound on the nozzles Media
  • the print head is placed in close Low power Precision assembly required Silverbrook, EP 0771 proximity proximity to the print medium.
  • Selected High accuracy Paper fibers may cause problems 658 A2 and related drops protrude from the print head Simple print head construction Cannot print on rough substrates patent applications further than unselected drops, and contact the print medium. The drop soaks into the medium fast enough to cause drop separation. Transfer Drops are printed to a transfer roller High accuracy Bulky Silverbrook, EP 0771 roller instead of straight to the print medium. Wide range of print substrates Expensive 658 A2 and related A transfer roller can also be used for can be used Complex construction patent applications proximity drop separation.
  • Ink can be dried on the Tektronix hot melt transfer roller piezoelectric inkjet Any of the IJ series Electrostatic An electric field is used to accelerate Low power Field strength required for separation of Silverbrook, EP 0771 selected drops towards the print Simple print head construction small drops is near or above 658 A2 and related medium.
  • air breakdown patent applications Tone-Jet Direct A magnetic field is used to accelerate Low power Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771 magnetic selected drops of magnetic ink towards Simple print head construction Requires strong magnetic field 658 A2 and related field the print medium.
  • patent applications Cross The print head is placed in a constant Does not require magnetic Requires external magnet IJ06, IJ16 magnetic magnetic field.
  • the Lorenz force in a materials to be integrated in Current densities may be high, resulting field current carrying wire is used to move the print head manufacturing in electromigration problems the actuator.
  • process Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field is used to Very low power operation is Complex print head construction IJ10 magnetic cyclically attract a paddle, which pushes possible Magnetic materials required in field on the ink.
  • a small actuator moves a Small print head size print head catch, which selectively prevents the paddle from moving.
  • the actuator directly drives the drop ejection process. Differential An actuator material expands more on Provides greater travel in a expansion bend one side than on the other.
  • the reduced print head area actuator expansion may be thermal, piezoelectric,
  • the bend actuator converts a magnetostrictive, or other mechanism. high force low travel actuator mechanism to high travel, lower force mechanism.
  • Transient bend A trilayer bend actuator where the two Very good temperature actuator outside layers are identical. This cancels stability bend due to ambient temperature and High speed, as a new drop can residual stress.
  • the actuator only be fired before heat dissipates responds to transient heating of one side Cancels residual stress of or the other.
  • Actuator stack A series of thin actuators are stacked. Increased travel This can be appropriate where actuators Reduced drive voltage require high electric field strength, such as electrostatic and piezoelectric actuators. Multiple Multiple smaller actuators are used Increases the force available actuators simultaneously to move the ink. Each from an actuator actuator need provide only a portion of Multiple actuators can be the force required.
  • Linear Spring A linear spring is used to transform a Matches low travel actuator motion with small travel and high force with higher travel requirements into a longer travel, lower force motion. Non-contact method of motion transformation Reverse spring The actuator loads a spring. When the Better coupling to the ink actuator is turned off, the spring releases.
  • Coiled actuator A bend actuator is coiled to provide Increases travel greater travel in a reduced chip area. Reduces chip area Planar implementations are relatively easy to fabricate. Flexure bend A bend actuator has a small region near Simple means of increasing actuator the fixture point, which flexes much travel of a bend actuator 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. Gears Gears can be used to increase travel at Low force, low travel actuators the expense of duration.
  • Circular gears can be used rack and pinion, ratchets, and other Can be fabricated using gearing methods can be used.
  • standard surface MEMS processes Catch The actuator controls a small catch.
  • the Very low actuator energy catch either enables or disables Very small actuator size movement of an ink pusher that is controlled in a bulk manner.
  • Buckle plate A buckle plate can be used to change a Very fast movement slow actuator into a fast motion. It can achievable also convert a high force, low travel actuator into a high travel, medium force motion.
  • Tapered A tapered magnetic pole can increase Linearizes the magnetic magnetic pole travel at the expense of force.
  • a lever and fulcrum is used to transform Matches low travel actuator a motion with small travel and high force with higher travel requirements into a motion with longer travel and Fulcrum area has no linear lower force.
  • the lever can also reverse movement, and can be used for the direction of travel.
  • a fluid seal Rotary impeller
  • the actuator is connected to a rotary High mechanical advantage impeller.
  • a small angular deflection of The ratio of force to travel of the actuator results in a rotation of the the actuator can be matched to impeller vanes, which push the ink the nozzle requirements by against stationary vanes and out of the varying the number of impeller nozzle.
  • Actuator motion Description Advantages Volume The volume of the actuator changes, Simple construction in the case expansion pushing the ink in all directions.
  • Thermal ink jet Linear, normal
  • the actuator moves in a direction normal Efficient coupling to ink drops to chip surface to the print head surface.
  • the nozzle is ejected normal to the surface typically in the line of movement.
  • Linear, parallel The actuator moves parallel to the print Suitable for planar fabrication to chip surface head surface. Drop ejection may still be normal to the surface.
  • Rotary The actuator causes the rotation of some Rotary levers may be used to element, such a grill or impeller increase travel Small chip area requirements Bend The actuator bends when energized. This A very small change in may be due to differential thermal dimensions can be converted expansion, piezoelectric expansion, to a large motion. magnetostriction, or other form of relative dimensional change. Swivel The actuator swivels around a central Allows operation where the net pivot. This motion is suitable where linear force on the paddle is there are opposite forces applied to zero opposite sides of the paddle, e.g. Lorenz Small chip area requirements force. Straighten The actuator is normally bent, and Can be used with shape straightens when energized.
  • the actuator bends in one direction when One actuator can be used to one element is energized, and bends the power two nozzles. other way when another element is Reduced chip size. energized. Not sensitive to ambient temperature Shear Energizing the actuator causes a shear Can increase the effective motion in the actuator material. travel of piezoelectric actuators Radial The actuator squeezes an ink reservoir, Relatively easy to fabricate constriction forcing ink from a constricted nozzle. single nozzles from glass tubing as macroscopic structures Coil/uncoil A coiled actuator uncoils or coils more Easy to fabricate as a planar tightly. The motion of the free end of the VLSI process actuator ejects the ink.
  • Linear, normal High fabrication complexity may be IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ07 to chip surface required to achieve perpendicular motion IJ11, IJ14 Linear, parallel Fabrication complexity IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, IJ33, to chip surface Friction IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 Stiction Membrane push Fabrication complexity 1982 Howkins U.S. Pat. No.
  • Actuator size 4,459,601 Difficulty of integration in a VLSI process
  • Rotary Device complexity IJ05, IJ08, IJ13, IJ28 May have friction at a pivot point Bend Requires the actuator to be made from at 1970 Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No. least two distinct layers, or to have a 3,946,398 thermal difference across the actuator 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No.
  • Nozzle refill method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Surface After the actuator is energized, it Fabrication simplicity Low speed Thermal inkjet tension typically returns rapidly to its normal Operational simplicity Surface tension force relatively small Piezoelectric inkjet position. This rapid return sucks in air compared to actuator force IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14 through the nozzle opening. The ink Long refill time usually dominates the IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45 surface tension at the nozzle then exerts total repetition rate a small force restoring the meniscus to a minimum area.
  • Shuttered Ink to the nozzle chamber is provided at High speed Requires common ink pressure oscillator IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 oscillating a pressure that oscillates at twice the Low actuator energy, as the May not be suitable for pigmented inks IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 ink drop ejection frequency.
  • the shutter is opened for 3 close the shutter, instead of half cycles: drop ejection, actuator ejecting the ink drop return, and refill.
  • Tektronix hot melt Piezoelectric ink jet creates eddies which restrict the flow Reduces crosstalk print heads). through the inlet.
  • the slower refill process is unrestricted, and does not result in eddies.
  • Flexible In this method recently disclosed by Significantly reduces back- Not applicable to most inkjet Canon flap Canon, the expanding actuator (bubble) flow for edge-shooter thermal configurations restricts pushes on a flexible flap that restricts the ink jet devices Increased fabrication complexity inlet inlet. Inelastic deformation of polymer flap results in creep over extended use Inlet filter A filter is located between the ink inlet Additional advantage of ink Restricts refill rate IJ04, IJ12, IJ24, IJ27 and the nozzle chamber.
  • the filter has a filtration May result in complex construction IJ29, IJ30 multitude of small holes or slots, Ink filter may be fabricated restricting ink flow.
  • the filter also with no additional process removes particles which may block the steps nozzle.
  • Small inlet The ink inlet channel to the nozzle Design simplicity Restricts refill rate IJ02, IJ37, IJ44 compared chamber has a substantially smaller cross May result in a relatively large chip area to nozzle section than that of the nozzle, resulting Only partially effective in easier ink egress out of the nozzle than out of the inlet.
  • Inlet A secondary actuator controls the Increases speed of the ink-jet Requires separate refill actuator and IJ09 shutter position of a shutter, closing off the ink print head operation drive circuit inlet when the main actuator is energized.
  • the inlet The method avoids the problem of inlet Back-flow problem is Requires careful design to minimize the IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06 is back-flow by arranging the ink-pushing eliminated negative pressure behind the paddle IJ07, IJ10, IJ11, IJ14 located surface of the actuator between the inlet IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, IJ25 behind and the nozzle.
  • Nozzle Clearing method Description Advantages Normal nozzle All of the nozzles are fired periodically, No added complexity on the firing before the ink has a chance to dry.
  • the nozzle firing is usually performed during a special clearing cycle, after first moving the print head to a cleaning station. Extra power to In systems which heat the ink, but do not Can be highly effective if the ink heater boil it under normal situations, nozzle heater is adjacent to the nozzle clearing can be achieved by over- powering the heater and boiling ink at the nozzle. Rapid The actuator is fired in rapid succession.
  • Nozzle clearing A microfabricated plate is pushed against Can clear severely clogged plate the nozzles.
  • the plate has a post for nozzles every nozzle.
  • the array of posts Ink pressure
  • the pressure of the ink is temporarily May be effective where other pulse increased so that ink streams from all of methods cannot be used the nozzles. This may be used in conjunction with actuator energizing.
  • Print head wiper A flexible ‘blade’ is wiped across the Effective for planar print head print head surface.
  • the blade is usually surfaces fabricated from a flexible polymer, e.g. Low cost rubber or synthetic elastomer.
  • a separate heater is provided at the Can be effective where other boiling heater nozzle although the normal drop e- nozzle clearing methods ection mechanism does not require it. cannot be used
  • the heaters do not require individual Can be implemented at no drive circuits, as many nozzles can be additional cost in some inkjet cleared simultaneously, and no imaging configurations is required.
  • Nozzle Clearing method Disadvantages Examples Normal nozzle May not be sufficient to displace dried ink
  • Electroformed A nozzle plate is separately fabricated Fabrication simplicity nickel from electroformed nickel, and bonded to the print head chip. Laser ablated or Individual nozzle holes are ablated by an No masks required drilled polymer intense UV laser in a nozzle plate, which Can be quite fast is typically a polymer such as polyimide Some control over nozzle or polysulphone profile is possible Equipment required is relatively low cost Silicon micro- A separate nozzle plate is High accuracy is attainable machined micromachined from single crystal silicon, and bonded to the print head wafer. Glass capillaries Fine glass capillaries are drawn from No expensive equipment glass tubing.
  • the nozzle plate is deposited as a layer High accuracy ( ⁇ 1 ⁇ m) surface micro- using standard VLSI deposition Monolithic machined using techniques. Nozzles are etched in the Low cost VLSI nozzle plate using VLSI lithography and Existing processes can be used lithographic etching. processes Monolithic, The nozzle plate is a buried etch stop in High accuracy ( ⁇ 1 ⁇ m) etched through the wafer. Nozzle chambers are etched in Monolithic substrate the front of the wafer, and the wafer is Low cost thinned from the back side.
  • Nozzles are No differential expansion then etched in the etch stop layer.
  • No nozzle plate Various methods have been tried to No nozzles to become clogged eliminate the nozzles entirely, to prevent nozzle clogging. These include thermal bubble mechanisms and acoustic lens mechanisms Trough Each drop ejector has a trough through Reduced manufacturing which a paddle moves. There is no complexity nozzle plate.
  • Edge Ink flow is along the surface of the chip, Simple construction (‘edge shooter’) and ink drops are ejected from the chip No silicon etching required edge.
  • Good heat sinking via substrate Mechanically strong Ease of chip handing Surface Ink flow is along the surface of the chip, No bulk silicon etching (‘roof shooter’) and ink drops are ejected from the chip required surface, normal to the plane of the chip.
  • Silicon can make an effective heat sink Mechanical strength Through chip, Ink flow is through the chip, and ink High ink flow forward drops are ejected from the front surface Suitable for pagewidth print (‘up shooter’) of the chip.
  • Aqueous, dye Water based ink which typically Environmentally friendly contains: water, dye, surfactant, No odor humectant, and biocide. Modern ink dyes have high water- fastness, light fastness
  • Aqueous, Water based ink which typically Environmentally friendly pigment contains: water, pigment, surfactant, No odor humectant, and biocide.
  • Reduced bleed Pigments have an advantage in reduced Reduced wicking bleed, wicking and strikethrough.
  • Reduced strikethrough Methyl Ethyl MEK is a highly volatile solvent used for Very fast drying Ketone (MEK) industrial printing on difficult surfaces Prints on various substrates such as aluminum cans.
  • Alcohol Alcohol based inks can be used where Fast drying (ethanol, 2- the printer must operate at temperatures Operates at sub-freezing butanol, and below the freezing point of water. An temperatures others) example of this is in-camera consumer Reduced paper cockle photographic printing.
  • Low cost Phase change The ink is solid at room temperature, and No drying time-ink instantly (hot melt) is melted in the print head before jetting. freezes on the print medium Hot melt inks are usually wax based, Almost any print medium can with a melting point around 80° C. After be used jetting the ink freezes almost instantly No paper cockle occurs upon contacting the print medium or a No wicking occurs transfer roller.
  • Oil Oil based inks are extensively used in High solubility medium for offset printing. They have advantages in some dyes improved characteristics on paper Does not cockle paper (especially no wicking or cockle). Oil Does not wick through paper soluble dies and pigments are required.
  • Microemulsion A microemulsion is a stable, self forming Stops ink bleed emulsion of oil, water, and surfactant. High dye solubility The characteristic drop size is less than Water, oil, and amphiphilic 100 nm, and is determined by the soluble dies can be used preferred curvature of the surfactant.
  • Ink temperature may be above the curie 4,820,346 point of permanent magnets All IJ series ink jets Ink heaters consume power Long warm-up time Oil High viscosity: this is a significant All IJ series ink jets limitation for use in inkjets, which usually require a low viscosity. Some short chain and multi-branched oils have a sufficiently low viscosity. Slow drying Microemulsion Viscosity higher than water All IJ series ink jets Cost is slightly higher than water based ink High surfactant concentration required (around 5%)
  • 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. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • 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.
  • the serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • 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. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • 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.
  • the serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • 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.
  • the serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • 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.
  • the serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)

Abstract

A digital camera for processing and printing an image is provided having an image sensor for capturing image data from images sensed at an auto exposure setting, an image processor for processing the image to produce processed data, a printer for printing the processed data, and an interface for receiving a cartridge having postcard media and memory storing information regarding a size of each postcard. The image processor produces the processed data using the auto exposure setting and the information regarding the size of each postcard read from the cartridge memory.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/831,234 filed on Apr. 26, 2004, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/112,743 filed on Jul. 10, 1998, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,951 all of which are herein incorporated by reference.
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to digital cameras and in particular, the onboard processing and printing of images captured by the camera.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Recently, digital cameras have become increasingly popular. These cameras normally operate by means of imaging a desired image utilising a charge coupled device (CCD) array and storing the imaged scene on an electronic storage medium for later down loading onto a computer system for subsequent manipulation and printing out. Normally, when utilising a computer system to print out an image, sophisticated software may available to manipulate the image in accordance with requirements.
  • Unfortunately such systems require significant post processing of a captured image and normally present the image in an orientation to which it was taken, relying on the post processing process to perform any necessary or required modifications of the captured image. Further, much of the environmental information available when the picture was taken is lost.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • It is an object of the present invention to provide for the utilisation of exposure information in an image specific manner.
  • Accordingly, the present invention provides a digital camera for sensing and storing an image, the camera comprising:
  • an image sensor with a charge coupled device (CCD) for capturing image data relating to a sensed image, and an auto exposure setting for adjusting the image data captured by the CCD in response to the lighting conditions at image capture; and,
  • an image processor for processing image data from the CCD and storing the processed data; wherein,
  • the image processor is adapted to use information from the auto exposure setting relating to the lighting conditions at image capture when processing the image data from the CCD.
  • Utilising the auto exposure setting to determine an advantageous re-mapping of colours within the image allows the processor to produce an amended image having colours within an image transformed to account of the auto exposure setting. The processing can comprise re-mapping image colours so they appear deeper and richer when the exposure setting indicates low light conditions and re-mapping image colours to be brighter and more saturated when the auto exposure setting indicates bright light conditions.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF 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 which:
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera of the preferred embodiment;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a form of print roll ready for purchase by a consumer;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view, partly in section, of an alternative form of a print roll;
  • FIG. 4 is a left side exploded perspective view of the print roll of FIG. 3; and,
  • FIG. 5 is a right side exploded perspective view of a single print roll.
    •  DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS
  • The preferred embodiment is preferable implemented through suitable programming of a hand held camera device such as that described in the present applicant's application entitled “A Digital Image Printing Camera with Image Processing Capability”, the content of which is hereby specifically incorporated by cross reference and the details of which, and other related applications are set out in the tables below.
  • The aforementioned patent specification discloses a camera system, hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images can be directly printed out by an Artcam portable camera unit. Further, the aforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performing various manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing device leading to the production of various effects in any output image. The manipulations are disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can be implemented through the insertion into the Artcam of cards having encoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of images, the cards hereinafter being known as Artcards. The Artcam further has significant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit (ACP) which is interconnected to a memory device for the storage of important data and images.
  • In the preferred embodiment, the Artcam has an auto exposure sensor for determining the light level associated with the captured image. This auto exposure sensor is utilised to process the image in accordance with the set light value so as to enhance portions of the image.
  • Preferably, the area image sensor includes a means for determining the light conditions when capturing an image. The area image sensor adjusts the dynamic range of values captured by the CCD in accordance with the detected level sensor. The captured image is transferred to the Artcam central processor and stored in the memory store. Intensity information, as determined by the area image sensor, is also forwarded top the ACP. This information is utilised by the Artcam central processor to manipulate the stored image to enhance certain effects.
  • Turning now to FIG. 1, Artcam 20 is illustrated in which auto exposure setting information 1 is utilised in conjunction with stored image 2 to process the image by utilising ACP 3. The processed image is returned to the memory store 2 for later printing out on printer 4 or printed directly.
  • A number of processing steps can be undertaken in accordance with the determined light conditions. Where the auto exposure setting 1 indicates that the image was taken in a low light condition, the image pixel colours are selectively re-mapped so as to make the image colours stronger, deeper and richer.
  • Where the auto exposure information indicates that highlight conditions were present when the image was taken, the image colours can be processed to make them brighter and more saturated. The re-colouring of the image can be undertaken by conversion of the image to a hue-saturation-value (HSV) format and an alteration of pixel values in accordance with requirements. The pixel values can then be output converted to the required output colour format of printing.
  • Of course, many different re-colouring techniques may be utilised. Preferably, the techniques are clearly illustrated on the pre-requisite Artcard inserted into the reader. Alternatively, the image processing algorithms can be automatically applied and hard-wired into the camera for utilization in certain conditions.
  • Alternatively, the Artcard inserted could have a number of manipulations applied to the image which are specific to the auto-exposure setting. For example, clip arts containing candles etc could be inserted in a dark image and large suns inserted in bright images.
  • Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 5, the Artcam prints the images onto media stored in a replaceable print roll 5. In some preferred embodiments, the operation of the camera device is such that when a series of images is printed on a first surface of the print roll, the corresponding backing surface has a ready made postcard which can be immediately dispatched at the nearest post office box within the jurisdiction. In this way, personalized postcards can be created.
  • It would be evident that when utilising the postcard system as illustrated FIG. 2 only predetermined image sizes are possible as the synchronization between the backing postcard portion and the front image must be maintained. This can be achieved by utilising the memory portions of the authentication chip stored within the print roll 5 to store details of the length of each postcard backing format sheet. This can be achieved by either having each postcard the same size or by storing each size within the print rolls on-board print chip memory.
  • In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a modified form of print roll which can be constructed mostly from injection moulded plastic pieces suitably snapped fitted together. The modified form of print roll has a high ink storage capacity in addition to a somewhat simplified construction. The print media onto which the image is to be printed is wrapped around a plastic sleeve former for simplified construction. The ink media reservoir has a series of air vents which are constructed so as to minimise the opportunities for the ink flow out of the air vents. Further, a rubber seal is provided for the ink outlet holes with the rubber seal being pierced on insertion of the print roll into a camera system. Further, the print roll includes a print media ejection slot and the ejection slot includes a surrounding moulded surface which provides and assists in the accurate positioning of the print media ejection slot relative to the printhead within the printing or camera system.
  • Turning to FIG. 3 there is illustrated a single point roll unit 5 in an assembled form with a partial cutaway showing internal portions of the print roll. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate left and right side exploded perspective views respectively. The print roll 5 is constructed around the internal core portion 6 which contains an internal ink supply. Outside of the core portion 6 is provided a former 7 around which is wrapped a paper or film supply 8. Around the paper supply it is constructed two cover pieces 9, 10 which snap together around the print roll so as to form a covering unit as illustrated in FIG. 3. The bottom cover piece 10 includes a slot 11 through which the output of the print media 12 for interconnection with the camera system.
  • Two pinch rollers 13, 14 are provided to pinch the paper against a drive pinch roller 15 so they together provide for a decurling of the paper around the roller 15. The decurling acts to negate the strong curl that may be imparted to the paper from being stored in the form of print roll for an extended period of time. The rollers 13, 14 are provided to form a snap fit with end portions of the cover base portion 10 and the roller 15 which includes a cogged end 16 for driving, snap fits into the upper cover piece 9 so as to pinch the paper 12 firmly between.
  • The cover pieces 9, 10 includes an end protuberance or lip 17. The end lip 17 is provided for accurately alignment of the exit hole of the paper with a corresponding printing heat platen structure within the camera system. In this way, accurate alignment or positioning of the exiting paper relative to an adjacent printhead is provided for full guidance of the paper to the printhead.
  • 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.
  • The present invention is best utilized in the Artcam device, the details of which are set out in the following paragraphs.
    • Ink Jet Technologies
  • The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Of course many different devices could be used. However presently popular ink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.
  • The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption. This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stems from the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves the rapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink. Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermal inkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, from electricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.
  • The most significant problem with piezoelectric inkjet is size and cost. Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drive voltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, each piezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on a separate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the current limit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment to the fabrication of pagewide print heads with 19,200 nozzles.
  • Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements of in-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, low cost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digital photography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The target features include:
  • low power (less than 10 Watts)
  • high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)
  • photographic quality output
  • low manufacturing cost
  • small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)
  • high speed (<2 seconds per page).
  • All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. 45 different inkjet technologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range of choices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part of separate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in the table below.
  • The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digital printing systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras, through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercial printing systems
  • For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print head is designed to be a monolithic 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-referenced 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 6,227,652 Radiant Plunger Ink Jet Printer
    IJ02US 6,213,588 Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer
    IJ03US 6,213,589 Planar Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet
    IJ04US 6,231,163 Stacked Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer
    IJ05US 6,247,795 Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer
    IJ06US 6,394,581 Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer
    IJ07US 6,244,691 Permanent Magnet Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer
    IJ08US 6,257,704 Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer
    IJ09US 6,416,168 Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printer
    IJ10US 6,220,694 Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printer
    IJ11US 6,257,705 Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink Jet
    Printer
    IJ12US 6,247,794 Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer
    IJ13US 6,234,610 Gear Driven Shutter Ink Jet Printer
    IJ14US 6,247,793 Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic Ink Jet
    Printer
    IJ15US 6,264,306 Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink Jet
    Printer
    IJ16US 6,241,342 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer
    IJ17US 6,247,792 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating
    Pressure Ink Jet Printer
    IJ18US 6,264,307 Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer
    IJ19US 6,254,220 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer
    IJ20US 6,234,611 Curling Calyx Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer
    IJ21US 6,302,528 Thermal Actuated Ink Jet Printer
    IJ22US 6,283,582 Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer
    IJ23US 6,239,821 Direct Firing Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet
    Printer
    IJ24US 6,338,547 Conductive PTFE Ben Activator Vented Ink Jet
    Printer
    IJ25US 6,247,796 Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printer
    IJ26US 6,557,977 Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer
    IJ27US 6,390,603 Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printer
    IJ28US 6,362,843 Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet Printer
    IJ29US 6,293,653 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer
    IJ30US 6,312,107 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and
    Corrugated Copper Ink Jet Printer
    IJ31US 6,227,653 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink Jet Printer
    IJ32US 6,234,609 A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet
    Printer
    IJ33US 6,238,040 Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink jet
    printer
    IJ34US 6,188,415 Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuator
    comprising an external coiled spring
    IJ35US 6,227,654 Trough Container Ink Jet Printer
    IJ36US 6,209,989 Dual Chamber Single Vertical Actuator Ink Jet
    IJ37US 6,247,791 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum Actuator
    Ink Jet
    IJ38US 6,336,710 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink Jet
    IJ39US 6,217,153 A single bend actuator cupped paddle ink jet
    printing device
    IJ40US 6,416,167 A thermally actuated ink jet printer having a
    series of thermal actuator units
    IJ41US 6,243,113 A thermally actuated ink jet printer including a
    tapered heater element
    IJ42US 6,283,581 Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet
    IJ43US 6,247,790 Inverted Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet
    IJ44US 6,260,953 Surface bend actuator vented ink supply ink jet
    printer
    IJ45US 6,267,469 Coil Acutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet Printer
    • Tables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets
  • Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation of individual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristics are largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an eleven dimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix include entries developed by the present assignee.
  • The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table of inkjet types.
  •
    Actuator mechanism (18 types)
    Basic operation mode (7 types)
    Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)
    Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)
    Actuator motion (19 types)
    Nozzle refill method (4 types)
    Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)
    Nozzle clearing method (9 types)
    Nozzle plate construction (9 types)
    Drop ejection direction (5 types)
    Ink type (7 types)
  • The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains 36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all of the possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, many million configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical to elucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjet types have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 to IJ45 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.
    • Actuator Mechanism (Applied Only to Selected Ink Drops)
  • Actuator
    Mechanism Description Advantages
    Thermal bubble An electrothermal heater heats the ink to Large force generated
    above boiling point, transferring Simple construction
    significant heat to the aqueous ink. A No moving parts
    bubble nucleates and quickly forms, Fast operation
    expelling the ink. Small chip area required for
    The efficiency of the process is low, with actuator
    typically less than 0.05% of the electrical
    energy being transformed into kinetic energy
    of the drop.
    Piezoelectric A piezoelectric crystal such as lead Low power consumption
    lanthanum zirconate (PZT) is electrically Many ink types can be used
    activated, and either expands, shears, or Fast operation
    bends to apply pressure to the ink, High efficiency
    ejecting drops.
    Electro-strictive An electric field is used to activate Low power consumption
    electrostriction in relaxor materials such Many ink types can be used
    as lead lanthanum zirconate titanate Low thermal expansion
    (PLZT) or lead magnesium niobate Electric field strength required
    (PMN). (approx. 3.5 V/μm) can be
    generated without difficulty
    Does not require electrical
    poling
    Ferroelectric An electric field is used to induce a Low power consumption
    phase transition between the Many ink types can be used
    antiferroelectric (AFE) and ferroelectric Fast operation (<1 μs)
    (FE) phase. Perovskite materials such as Relatively high longitudinal
    tin modified lead lanthanum zirconate strain
    titanate (PLZSnT) exhibit large strains of High efficiency
    up to 1% associated with the AFE to FE Electric field strength of
    phase transition. around 3 V/μm can be readily
    provided
    Electrostatic Conductive plates are separated by a Low power consumption
    plates compressible or fluid dielectric (usually Many ink types can be used
    air). Upon application of a voltage, the Fast operation
    plates attract each other and displace ink,
    causing drop ejection. The conductive
    plates may be in a comb or honeycomb
    structure, or stacked to increase the
    surface area and therefore the force.
    Electrostatic A strong electric field is applied to the Low current consumption
    pull on ink ink, whereupon electrostatic attraction Low temperature
    accelerates the ink towards the print
    medium.
    Permanent An electromagnet directly attracts a Low power consumption
    magnet electro- permanent magnet, displacing ink and Many ink types can be used
    magnetic causing drop ejection. Rare earth Fast operation
    magnets with a field strength around 1 High efficiency
    Tesla can be used. Examples are: Easy extension from single
    Samarium Cobalt (SaCo) and magnetic nozzles to pagewidth print
    materials in the neodymium iron boron heads
    family (NdFeB, NdDyFeBNb,
    NdDyFeB, etc)
    Soft magnetic A solenoid induced a magnetic field in a Low power consumption
    core electro- soft magnetic core or yoke fabricated Many ink types can be used
    magnetic from a ferrous material such as Fast operation
    electroplated iron alloys such as CoNiFe High efficiency
    [1], CoFe, or NiFe alloys. Typically, the Easy extension from single
    soft magnetic material is in two parts, nozzles to pagewidth print
    which are normally held apart by a heads
    spring. When the solenoid is actuated,
    the two parts attract, displacing the ink.
    Magnetic The Lorenz force acting on a current Low power consumption
    Lorenz force carrying wire in a magnetic field is Many ink types can be used
    utilized. Fast operation
    This allows the magnetic field to be High efficiency
    supplied externally to the print head, for Easy extension from single
    example with rare earth permanent nozzles to pagewidth print
    magnets. heads
    Only the current carrying wire need be
    fabricated on the print-head, simplifying
    materials requirements.
    Magneto- The actuator uses the giant Many ink types can be used
    striction magnetostrictive effect of materials such Fast operation
    as Terfenol-D (an alloy of terbium, Easy extension from single
    dysprosium and iron developed at the nozzles to pagewidth print
    Naval Ordnance Laboratory, hence Ter- heads
    Fe-NOL). For best efficiency, the High force is available
    actuator should be pre-stressed to
    approx. 8 MPa.
    Surface tension Ink under positive pressure is held in a Low power consumption
    reduction nozzle by surface tension. The surface Simple construction
    tension of the ink is reduced below the No unusual materials required
    bubble threshold, causing the ink to in fabrication
    egress from the nozzle. High efficiency
    Easy extension from single
    nozzles to pagewidth print
    heads
    Viscosity The ink viscosity is locally reduced to Simple construction
    reduction select which drops are to be ejected. A No unusual materials required
    viscosity reduction can be achieved in fabrication
    electrothermally with most inks, but Easy extension from single
    special inks can be engineered for a nozzles to pagewidth print
    100:1 viscosity reduction. heads
    Acoustic An acoustic wave is generated and Can operate without a nozzle
    focussed upon the drop ejection region. plate
    Thermoelastic An actuator which relies upon Low power consumption
    bend actuator differential thermal expansion upon Many ink types can be used
    Joule heating is 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
    High CTE A material with a very high coefficient High force can be generated
    thermoelastic of thermal expansion (CTE) such as PTFE is a candidate for low
    actuator polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used. dielectric constant insulation in
    As high CTE materials are usually non- ULSI
    conductive, a heater fabricated from a Very low power consumption
    conductive material is incorporated. A Many ink types can be used
    50 μm long PTFE bend actuator with Simple planar fabrication
    polysilicon heater and 15 mW power Small chip area required for
    input can provide 180 μN force and 10 μm each actuator
    deflection. Actuator motions include: Fast operation
    1) Bend High efficiency
    2) Push CMOS compatible voltages
    3) Buckle and currents
    4) Rotate Easy extension from single
    nozzles to pagewidth print
    heads
    Conductive A polymer with a high coefficient of High force can be generated
    polymer thermal expansion (such as PTFE) is Very low power consumption
    thermoelastic doped with conducting substances to Many ink types can be used
    actuator increase its conductivity to about 3 Simple planar fabrication
    orders of magnitude below that of Small chip area required for
    copper. The conducting polymer each actuator
    expands when resistively heated. Fast operation
    Examples of conducting dopants include: High efficiency
    1) Carbon nanotubes CMOS compatible voltages
    2) Metal fibers and currents
    3) Conductive polymers such as doped Easy extension from single
    polythiophene nozzles to pagewidth print
    4) Carbon granules heads
    Shape memory A shape memory alloy such as TiNi (also High force is available
    alloy known as Nitinol - Nickel Titanium alloy (stresses of hundreds of MPa)
    developed at the Naval Ordnance Large strain is available (more
    Laboratory) is thermally switched than 3%)
    between its weak martensitic state and its High corrosion resistance
    high stiffness austenic state. The shape Simple construction
    of the actuator in its martensitic state is Easy extension from single
    deformed relative to the austenic shape. nozzles to pagewidth print
    The shape change causes ejection of a heads
    drop. Low voltage operation
    Linear Magnetic Linear magnetic actuators include the Linear Magnetic actuators can
    Actuator Linear Induction Actuator (LIA), Linear be constructed with high
    Permanent Magnet Synchronous thrust, long travel, and high
    Actuator (LPMSA), Linear Reluctance efficiency using planar
    Synchronous Actuator (LRSA), Linear semiconductor fabrication
    Switched Reluctance Actuator (LSRA), techniques
    and the Linear Stepper Actuator (LSA). Long actuator travel is
    available
    Medium force is available
    Low voltage operation
    Actuator
    Mechanism Disadvantages Examples
    Thermal bubble High power Canon Bubblejet 1979
    Ink carrier limited to water Endo et al GB patent
    Low efficiency 2,007,162
    High temperatures required Xerox heater-in-pit
    High mechanical stress 1990 Hawkins et al
    Unusual materials required U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181
    Large drive transistors Hewlett-Packard TIJ
    Cavitation causes actuator failure 1982 Vaught et al U.S. Pat. No.
    Kogation reduces bubble formation 4,490,728
    Large print heads are difficult to fabricate
    Piezoelectric Very large area required for actuator Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No.
    Difficult to integrate with electronics 3,946,398
    High voltage drive transistors required Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. 3,683,212
    Full pagewidth print heads impractical due 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No.
    to actuator size 3,747,120
    Requires electrical poling in high field Epson Stylus
    strengths during manufacture Tektronix
    IJ04
    Electro-strictive Low maximum strain (approx. 0.01%) Seiko Epson, Usui et all
    Large area required for actuator due to low JP 253401/96
    strain IJ04
    Response speed is marginal (~10 μs)
    High voltage drive transistors required
    Full pagewidth print heads impractical due
    to actuator size
    Ferroelectric Difficult to integrate with electronics IJ04
    Unusual materials such as PLZSnT are
    required
    Actuators require a large area
    Electrostatic Difficult to operate electrostatic devices in IJ02, IJ04
    plates an aqueous environment
    The electrostatic actuator will normally
    need to be separated from the ink
    Very large area required to achieve high
    forces
    High voltage drive transistors may be
    required
    Full pagewidth print heads are not
    competitive due to actuator size
    Electrostatic High voltage required 1989 Saito et al, U.S. Pat. No.
    pull on ink May be damaged by sparks due to air 4,799,068
    breakdown 1989 Miura et al, U.S. Pat. No.
    Required field strength increases as the 4,810,954
    drop size decreases Tone-jet
    High voltage drive transistors required
    Electrostatic field attracts dust
    Permanent Complex fabrication IJ07, IJ10
    magnet electro- Permanent magnetic material such as
    magnetic Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) required.
    High local currents required
    Copper metalization should be used for
    long electromigration lifetime and low
    resistivity
    Pigmented inks are usually infeasible
    Operating temperature limited to the Curie
    temperature (around 540 K)
    Soft magnetic Complex fabrication IJ01, IJ05, IJ08, IJ10
    core electro- Materials not usually present in a CMOS IJ12, IJ14, IJ15, IJ17
    magnetic fab such as NiFe, CoNiFe, or CoFe are
    required
    High local currents required
    Copper metalization should be used for
    long electromigration lifetime and low
    resistivity
    Electroplating is required
    High saturation flux density is required
    (2.0-2.1 T is achievable with CoNiFe [1])
    Magnetic Force acts as a twisting motion IJ06, IJ11, IJ13, IJ16
    Lorenz force Typically, only a quarter of the solenoid
    length provides force in a useful direction
    High local currents required
    Copper metalization should be used for
    long electromigration lifetime and low
    resistivity
    Pigmented inks are usually infeasible
    Magneto- Force acts as a twisting motion Fischenbeck, U.S. Pat. No.
    striction Unusual materials such as Terfenol-D are 4,032,929
    required IJ25
    High local currents required
    Copper metalization should be used for
    long electromigration lifetime and low
    resistivity
    Pre-stressing may be required
    Surface tension Requires supplementary force to effect Silverbrook, EP 0771
    reduction drop separation 658 A2 and related
    Requires special ink surfactants patent applications
    Speed may be limited by surfactant
    properties
    Viscosity Requires supplementary force to effect Silverbrook, EP 0771
    reduction drop separation 658 A2 and related
    Requires special ink viscosity properties patent applications
    High speed is difficult to achieve
    Requires oscillating ink pressure
    A high temperature difference (typically 80
    degrees) is required
    Acoustic Complex drive circuitry 1993 Hadimioglu et al,
    Complex fabrication EUP 550,192
    Low efficiency 1993 Elrod et al, EUP
    Poor control of drop position 572,220
    Poor control of drop volume
    Thermoelastic Efficient aqueous operation requires a IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, IJ18
    bend actuator thermal insulator on the hot side IJ19, IJ20, IJ21, IJ22
    Corrosion prevention can be difficult IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28
    Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32
    pigment particles may jam the bend IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36
    actuator IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40
    IJ41
    High CTE Requires special material (e.g. PTFE) IJ09, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20
    thermoelastic Requires a PTFE deposition process, which IJ21, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24
    actuator is not yet standard in ULSI fabs IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, IJ30
    PTFE deposition cannot be followed with IJ31, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44
    high temperature (above 350° C.)
    processing
    Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as
    pigment particles may jam the bend
    actuator
    Conductive Requires special materials development IJ24
    polymer (High CTE conductive polymer)
    thermoelastic Requires a PTFE deposition process, which
    actuator is not yet standard in ULSI fabs
    PTFE deposition cannot be followed with
    high temperature (above 350° C.)
    processing
    Evaporation and CVD deposition
    techniques cannot be used
    Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as
    pigment particles may jam the bend
    actuator
    Shape memory Fatigue limits maximum number of cycles IJ26
    alloy Low strain (1%) is required to extend
    fatigue resistance
    Cycle rate limited by heat removal
    Requires unusual materials (TiNi)
    The latent heat of transformation must be
    provided
    High current operation
    Requires pre-stressing to distort the
    martensitic state
    Linear Magnetic Requires unusual semiconductor materials IJ12
    Actuator such as soft magnetic alloys (e.g. CoNiFe
    [1])
    Some varieties also require permanent
    magnetic materials such as Neodymium
    iron boron (NdFeB)
    Requires complex multi-phase drive
    circuitry
    High current operation
    • Basic Operation Mode
  • Operational
    mode Description Advantages
    Actuator directly This is the simplest mode of operation: Simple operation
    pushes ink the actuator directly supplies sufficient No external fields required
    kinetic energy to expel the drop. The Satellite drops can be avoided
    drop must have a sufficient velocity to if drop velocity is less than 4 m/s
    overcome the surface tension. Can be efficient, depending
    upon the actuator used
    Proximity The drops to be printed are selected by Very simple print head
    some manner (e.g. thermally induced fabrication can be used
    surface tension reduction of pressurized The drop selection means does
    ink). Selected drops are separated from not need to provide the energy
    the ink in the nozzle by contact with the required to separate the drop
    print medium or a transfer roller. from the nozzle
    Electrostatic The drops to be printed are selected by Very simple print head
    pull on ink some manner (e.g. thermally induced fabrication can be used
    surface tension reduction of pressurized The drop selection means does
    ink). Selected drops are separated from not need to provide the energy
    the ink in the nozzle by a strong electric required to separate the drop
    field. from the nozzle
    Magnetic pull on The drops to be printed are selected by Very simple print head
    ink some manner (e.g. thermally induced fabrication can be used
    surface tension reduction of pressurized The drop selection means does
    ink). Selected drops are separated from not need to provide the energy
    the ink in the nozzle by a strong required to separate the drop
    magnetic field acting on the magnetic from the nozzle
    ink.
    Shutter The actuator moves a shutter to block ink High speed (>50 KHz)
    flow to the nozzle. The ink pressure is operation can be achieved due
    pulsed at a multiple of the drop ejection to reduced refill time
    frequency. Drop timing can be very
    accurate
    The actuator energy can be
    very low
    Shuttered grill The actuator moves a shutter to block ink Actuators with small travel can
    flow through a grill to the nozzle. The be used
    shutter movement need only be equal to Actuators with small force can
    the width of the grill holes. be used
    High speed (>50 KHz)
    operation can be achieved
    Pulsed magnetic A pulsed magnetic field attracts an ‘ink Extremely low energy
    pull on ink pusher’ at the drop ejection frequency. operation is possible
    pusher An actuator controls a catch, which No heat dissipation problems
    prevents the ink pusher from moving
    when a drop is not to be ejected.
    Operational
    mode Disadvantages Examples
    Actuator directly Drop repetition rate is usually limited to Thermal inkjet
    pushes ink less than 10 KHz. However, this is not Piezoelectric inkjet
    fundamental to the method, but is related to IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, IJ04
    the refill method normally used IJ05, IJ06, IJ07, IJ09
    All of the drop kinetic energy must be IJ11, IJ12, IJ14, IJ16
    provided by the actuator IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24
    Satellite drops usually form if drop velocity IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28
    is greater than 4.5 m/s IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32
    IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36
    IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40
    IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44
    Proximity Requires close proximity between the print Silverbrook, EP 0771
    head and the print media or transfer roller 658 A2 and related
    May require two print heads printing patent applications
    alternate rows of the image
    Monolithic color print heads are difficult
    Electrostatic Requires very high electrostatic field Silverbrook, EP 0771
    pull on ink Electrostatic field for small nozzle sizes is 658 A2 and related
    above air breakdown patent applications
    Electrostatic field may attract dust Tone-Jet
    Magnetic pull on Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771
    ink Ink colors other than black are difficult 658 A2 and related
    Requires very high magnetic fields patent applications
    Shutter Moving parts are required IJ13, IJ17, IJ21
    Requires ink pressure modulator
    Friction and wear must be considered
    Stiction is possible
    Shuttered grill Moving parts are required IJ08, IJ15, IJ18, IJ19
    Requires ink pressure modulator
    Friction and wear must be considered
    Stiction is possible
    Pulsed magnetic Requires an external pulsed magnetic field IJ10
    pull on ink Requires special materials for both the
    pusher actuator and the ink pusher
    Complex construction
    • Auxiliary Mechanism (Applied to all Nozzles)
  • Auxiliary
    Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
    None The actuator directly fires the ink drop, Simplicity of construction Drop ejection energy must be supplied Most inkjets, including
    and there is no external field or other Simplicity of operation by individual nozzle actuator piezoelectric and
    mechanism required. Small physical size thermal bubble.
    IJ01-IJ07, IJ09, IJ11
    IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22
    IJ23-IJ45
    Oscillating The ink pressure oscillates, providing Oscillating ink pressure can Requires external ink pressure oscillator Silverbrook, EP 0771
    ink much of the drop ejection energy. The provide a refill pulse, Ink pressure phase and amplitude must 658 A2 and related
    pressure actuator selects which drops are to be allowing higher be carefully controlled patent applications
    (including fired by selectively blocking or enabling operating speed Acoustic reflections in the ink chamber IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17
    acoustic nozzles. The ink pressure oscillation The actuators may operate must be designed for IJ18, IJ19, IJ21
    stimulation) may be achieved by vibrating the with much lower energy
    print head, or preferably by an Acoustic lenses can be used to
    actuator in the ink supply. focus the sound on the nozzles
    Media The print head is placed in close Low power Precision assembly required Silverbrook, EP 0771
    proximity proximity to the print medium. Selected High accuracy Paper fibers may cause problems 658 A2 and related
    drops protrude from the print head Simple print head construction Cannot print on rough substrates patent applications
    further than unselected drops, and
    contact the print medium. The drop
    soaks into the medium fast enough to
    cause drop separation.
    Transfer Drops are printed to a transfer roller High accuracy Bulky Silverbrook, EP 0771
    roller instead of straight to the print medium. Wide range of print substrates Expensive 658 A2 and related
    A transfer roller can also be used for can be used Complex construction patent applications
    proximity drop separation. Ink can be dried on the Tektronix hot melt
    transfer roller piezoelectric inkjet
    Any of the IJ series
    Electrostatic An electric field is used to accelerate Low power Field strength required for separation of Silverbrook, EP 0771
    selected drops towards the print Simple print head construction small drops is near or above 658 A2 and related
    medium. air breakdown patent applications
    Tone-Jet
    Direct A magnetic field is used to accelerate Low power Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771
    magnetic selected drops of magnetic ink towards Simple print head construction Requires strong magnetic field 658 A2 and related
    field the print medium. patent applications
    Cross The print head is placed in a constant Does not require magnetic Requires external magnet IJ06, IJ16
    magnetic magnetic field. The Lorenz force in a materials to be integrated in Current densities may be high, resulting
    field current carrying wire is used to move the print head manufacturing in electromigration problems
    the actuator. process
    Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field is used to Very low power operation is Complex print head construction IJ10
    magnetic cyclically attract a paddle, which pushes possible Magnetic materials required in
    field on the ink. A small actuator moves a Small print head size print head
    catch, which selectively prevents the
    paddle from moving.
    • Actuator Amplification or Modification Method
  • Actuator
    amplification Description Advantages
    None No actuator mechanical amplification is Operational simplicity
    used. The actuator directly drives the
    drop ejection process.
    Differential An actuator material expands more on Provides greater travel in a
    expansion bend one side than on the other. The reduced print head area
    actuator expansion may be thermal, piezoelectric, The bend actuator converts a
    magnetostrictive, or other mechanism. high force low travel actuator
    mechanism to high travel,
    lower force mechanism.
    Transient bend A trilayer bend actuator where the two Very good temperature
    actuator outside layers are identical. This cancels stability
    bend due to ambient temperature and High speed, as a new drop can
    residual stress. The actuator only be fired before heat dissipates
    responds to transient heating of one side Cancels residual stress of
    or the other. formation
    Actuator stack A series of thin actuators are stacked. Increased travel
    This can be appropriate where actuators Reduced drive voltage
    require high electric field strength, such
    as electrostatic and piezoelectric
    actuators.
    Multiple Multiple smaller actuators are used Increases the force available
    actuators simultaneously to move the ink. Each from an actuator
    actuator need provide only a portion of Multiple actuators can be
    the force required. positioned to control ink flow
    accurately
    Linear Spring A linear spring is used to transform a Matches low travel actuator
    motion with small travel and high force with higher travel requirements
    into a longer travel, lower force motion. Non-contact method of motion
    transformation
    Reverse spring The actuator loads a spring. When the Better coupling to the ink
    actuator is turned off, the spring releases.
    This can reverse the force/distance curve
    of the actuator to make it compatible
    with the force/time requirements of the
    drop ejection.
    Coiled actuator A bend actuator is coiled to provide Increases travel
    greater travel in a reduced chip area. Reduces chip area
    Planar implementations are
    relatively easy to fabricate.
    Flexure bend A bend actuator has a small region near Simple means of increasing
    actuator the fixture point, which flexes much travel of a bend actuator
    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.
    Gears Gears can be used to increase travel at Low force, low travel actuators
    the expense of duration. Circular gears, can be used
    rack and pinion, ratchets, and other Can be fabricated using
    gearing methods can be used. standard surface MEMS
    processes
    Catch The actuator controls a small catch. The Very low actuator energy
    catch either enables or disables Very small actuator size
    movement of an ink pusher that is
    controlled in a bulk manner.
    Buckle plate A buckle plate can be used to change a Very fast movement
    slow actuator into a fast motion. It can achievable
    also convert a high force, low travel
    actuator into a high travel, medium force
    motion.
    Tapered A tapered magnetic pole can increase Linearizes the magnetic
    magnetic pole travel at the expense of force. force/distance curve
    Lever A lever and fulcrum is used to transform Matches low travel actuator
    a motion with small travel and high force with higher travel requirements
    into a motion with longer travel and Fulcrum area has no linear
    lower force. The lever can also reverse movement, and can be used for
    the direction of travel. a fluid seal
    Rotary impeller The actuator is connected to a rotary High mechanical advantage
    impeller. A small angular deflection of The ratio of force to travel of
    the actuator results in a rotation of the the actuator can be matched to
    impeller vanes, which push the ink the nozzle requirements by
    against stationary vanes and out of the varying the number of impeller
    nozzle. vanes
    Acoustic lens A refractive or diffractive (e.g. zone No moving parts
    plate) acoustic lens is used to concentrate
    sound waves.
    Sharp A sharp point is used to concentrate an Simple construction
    conductive electrostatic field.
    point
    Actuator
    amplification Disadvantages Examples
    None Many actuator mechanisms have Thermal Bubble Inkjet
    insufficient travel, or insufficient force, to IJ01, IJ02, IJ06, IJ07
    efficiently drive the drop ejection process IJ16, IJ25, IJ26
    Differential High stresses are involved Piezoelectric
    expansion bend Care must be taken that the materials do IJ03, IJ09, IJ17-IJ24
    actuator not delaminate IJ27, IJ29-IJ39, IJ42,
    Residual bend resulting from high IJ43, IJ44
    temperature or high stress during formation
    Transient bend High stresses are involved IJ40, IJ41
    actuator Care must be taken that the materials do
    not delaminate
    Actuator stack Increased fabrication complexity Some piezoelectric ink
    Increased possibility of short circuits due to jets
    pinholes IJ04
    Multiple Actuator forces may not add linearly, IJ12, IJ13, IJ18, IJ20
    actuators reducing efficiency IJ22, IJ28, IJ42, IJ43
    Linear Spring Requires print head area for the spring IJ15
    Reverse spring Fabrication complexity IJ05, IJ11
    High stress in the spring
    Coiled actuator Generally restricted to planar IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, IJ35
    implementations due to extreme fabrication
    difficulty in other orientations.
    Flexure bend Care must be taken not to exceed the IJ10, IJ19, IJ33
    actuator elastic limit in the flexure area
    Stress distribution is very uneven
    Difficult to accurately model with finite
    element analysis
    Gears Moving parts are required IJ13
    Several actuator cycles are required
    More complex drive electronics
    Complex construction
    Friction, friction, and wear are possible
    Catch Complex construction IJ10
    Requires external force
    Unsuitable for pigmented inks
    Buckle plate Must stay within elastic limits of the S. Hirata et al, “An Ink-
    materials for long device life jet Head . . . ”, Proc.
    High stresses involved IEEE MEMS, February
    Generally high power requirement 1996, pp 418-423.
    IJ18, IJ27
    Tapered Complex construction IJ14
    magnetic pole
    Lever High stress around the fulcrum IJ32, IJ36, IJ37
    Rotary impeller Complex construction IJ28
    Unsuitable for pigmented inks
    Acoustic lens Large area required 1993 Hadimioglu et al,
    Only relevant for acoustic ink jets EUP 550,192
    1993 Elrod et al, EUP
    572,220
    Sharp Difficult to fabricate using standard VLSI Tone-jet
    conductive processes for a surface ejecting ink-jet
    point Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets
    • Actuator Motion
  • Actuator motion Description Advantages
    Volume The volume of the actuator changes, Simple construction in the case
    expansion pushing the ink in all directions. of thermal ink jet
    Linear, normal The actuator moves in a direction normal Efficient coupling to ink drops
    to chip surface to the print head surface. The nozzle is ejected normal to the surface
    typically in the line of movement.
    Linear, parallel The actuator moves parallel to the print Suitable for planar fabrication
    to chip surface head surface. Drop ejection may still be
    normal to the surface.
    Membrane push An actuator with a high force but small The effective area of the
    area is used to push a stiff membrane actuator becomes the
    that is in contact with the ink. membrane area
    Rotary The actuator causes the rotation of some Rotary levers may be used to
    element, such a grill or impeller increase travel
    Small chip area requirements
    Bend The actuator bends when energized. This A very small change in
    may be due to differential thermal dimensions can be converted
    expansion, piezoelectric expansion, to a large motion.
    magnetostriction, or other form of
    relative dimensional change.
    Swivel The actuator swivels around a central Allows operation where the net
    pivot. This motion is suitable where linear force on the paddle is
    there are opposite forces applied to zero
    opposite sides of the paddle, e.g. Lorenz Small chip area requirements
    force.
    Straighten The actuator is normally bent, and Can be used with shape
    straightens when energized. memory alloys where the
    austenic phase is planar
    Double bend The actuator bends in one direction when One actuator can be used to
    one element is energized, and bends the power two nozzles.
    other way when another element is Reduced chip size.
    energized. Not sensitive to ambient
    temperature
    Shear Energizing the actuator causes a shear Can increase the effective
    motion in the actuator material. travel of piezoelectric actuators
    Radial The actuator squeezes an ink reservoir, Relatively easy to fabricate
    constriction forcing ink from a constricted nozzle. single nozzles from glass
    tubing as macroscopic
    structures
    Coil/uncoil A coiled actuator uncoils or coils more Easy to fabricate as a planar
    tightly. The motion of the free end of the VLSI process
    actuator ejects the ink. Small area required, therefore
    low cost
    Bow The actuator bows (or buckles) in the Can increase the speed of
    middle when energized. travel
    Mechanically rigid
    Push-Pull Two actuators control a shutter. One The structure is pinned at both
    actuator pulls the shutter, and the other ends, so has a high out-of-
    pushes it. plane rigidity
    Curl inwards A set of actuators curl inwards to reduce Good fluid flow to the region
    the volume of ink that they enclose. behind the actuator increases
    efficiency
    Curl outwards A set of actuators curl outwards, Relatively simple construction
    pressurizing ink in a chamber
    surrounding the actuators, and expelling
    ink from a nozzle in the chamber.
    Iris Multiple vanes enclose a volume of ink. High efficiency
    These simultaneously rotate, reducing Small chip area
    the volume between the vanes.
    Acoustic The actuator vibrates at a high The actuator can be physically
    vibration frequency. distant from the ink
    None In various ink jet designs the actuator No moving parts
    does not move.
    Actuator motion Disadvantages Examples
    Volume High energy is typically required to Hewlett-Packard
    expansion achieve volume expansion. This leads to Thermal Inkjet
    thermal stress, cavitation, and kogation in Canon Bubblejet
    thermal ink jet implementations
    Linear, normal High fabrication complexity may be IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ07
    to chip surface required to achieve perpendicular motion IJ11, IJ14
    Linear, parallel Fabrication complexity IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, IJ33,
    to chip surface Friction IJ34, IJ35, IJ36
    Stiction
    Membrane push Fabrication complexity 1982 Howkins U.S. Pat. No.
    Actuator size 4,459,601
    Difficulty of integration in a VLSI process
    Rotary Device complexity IJ05, IJ08, IJ13, IJ28
    May have friction at a pivot point
    Bend Requires the actuator to be made from at 1970 Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No.
    least two distinct layers, or to have a 3,946,398
    thermal difference across the actuator 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No.
    3,747,120
    IJ03, IJ09, IJ10, IJ19
    IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ29
    IJ30, IJ31, IJ33, IJ34
    IJ35
    Swivel Inefficient coupling to the ink motion IJ06
    Straighten Requires careful balance of stresses to IJ26, IJ32
    ensure that the quiescent bend is accurate
    Double bend Difficult to make the drops ejected by both IJ36, IJ37, IJ38
    bend directions identical.
    A small efficiency loss compared to
    equivalent single bend actuators.
    Shear Not readily applicable to other actuator 1985 Fishbeck U.S. Pat. No.
    mechanisms 4,584,590
    Radial High force required 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No.
    constriction Inefficient 3,683,212
    Difficult to integrate with VLSI processes
    Coil/uncoil Difficult to fabricate for non-planar devices IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, IJ35
    Poor out-of-plane stiffness
    Bow Maximum travel is constrained IJ16, IJ18, IJ27
    High force required
    Push-Pull Not readily suitable for inkjets which IJ18
    directly push the ink
    Curl inwards Design complexity IJ20, IJ42
    Curl outwards Relatively large chip area IJ43
    Iris High fabrication complexity IJ22
    Not suitable for pigmented inks
    Acoustic Large area required for efficient operation 1993 Hadimioglu et al,
    vibration at useful frequencies EUP 550,192
    Acoustic coupling and crosstalk 1993 Elrod et al, EUP
    Complex drive circuitry 572,220
    Poor control of drop volume and position
    None Various other tradeoffs are required to Silverbrook, EP 0771
    eliminate moving parts 658 A2 and related
    patent applications
    Tone-jet
    • Nozzle Refill Method
  • Nozzle
    refill
    method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
    Surface After the actuator is energized, it Fabrication simplicity Low speed Thermal inkjet
    tension typically returns rapidly to its normal Operational simplicity Surface tension force relatively small Piezoelectric inkjet
    position. This rapid return sucks in air compared to actuator force IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14
    through the nozzle opening. The ink Long refill time usually dominates the IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45
    surface tension at the nozzle then exerts total repetition rate
    a small force restoring the meniscus to a
    minimum area.
    Shuttered Ink to the nozzle chamber is provided at High speed Requires common ink pressure oscillator IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17
    oscillating a pressure that oscillates at twice the Low actuator energy, as the May not be suitable for pigmented inks IJ18, IJ19, IJ21
    ink drop ejection frequency. When a drop is actuator need only open or
    pressure to be ejected, the shutter is opened for 3 close the shutter, instead of
    half cycles: drop ejection, actuator ejecting the ink drop
    return, and refill.
    Refill After the main actuator has ejected a High speed, as the nozzle is Requires two independent actuators per IJ09
    actuator drop a second (refill) actuator is actively refilled nozzle
    energized. The refill actuator pushes ink
    into the nozzle chamber. The refill
    actuator returns slowly, to prevent its
    return from emptying the chamber again.
    Positive The ink is held a slight positive pressure. High refill rate, therefore a Surface spill must be prevented Silverbrook, EP 0771
    ink After the ink drop is ejected, the nozzle high drop repetition rate is Highly hydrophobic print head surfaces 658 A2 and related
    pressure chamber fills quickly as surface tension possible are required patent applications
    and ink pressure both operate to refill the Alternative for:
    nozzle. IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14
    IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45
    • Method of Restricting Back-Flow Through Inlet
  • Inlet
    back-flow
    restriction
    method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
    Long inlet The ink inlet channel to the nozzle Design simplicity Restricts refill rate Thermal inkjet
    channel chamber is made long and relatively Operational simplicity May result in a relatively large chip area Piezoelectric inkjet
    narrow, relying on viscous drag to Reduces crosstalk Only partially effective IJ42, IJ43
    reduce inlet back-flow.
    Positive The ink is under a positive pressure, so Drop selection and separation Requires a method (such as a nozzle Silverbrook, EP 0771
    ink that in the quiescent state some of the ink forces can be reduced rim or effective hydrophobizing, or 658 A2 and related
    pressure drop already protrudes from the nozzle. Fast refill time both) to prevent flooding of the patent applications
    This reduces the pressure in the nozzle ejection surface of the print head. Possible operation of
    chamber which is required to eject a the following:
    certain volume of ink. The reduction in IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12
    chamber pressure results in a reduction IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22,
    in ink pushed out through the inlet. IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ41
    IJ44
    Baffle One or more baffles are placed in the The refill rate is not as Design complexity HP Thermal Ink Jet
    inlet ink flow. When the actuator is restricted as the long inlet May increase fabrication complexity Tektronix piezoelectric
    energized, the rapid ink movement method. (e.g. Tektronix hot melt Piezoelectric ink jet
    creates eddies which restrict the flow Reduces crosstalk print heads).
    through the inlet. The slower refill
    process is unrestricted, and does not
    result in eddies.
    Flexible In this method recently disclosed by Significantly reduces back- Not applicable to most inkjet Canon
    flap Canon, the expanding actuator (bubble) flow for edge-shooter thermal configurations
    restricts pushes on a flexible flap that restricts the ink jet devices Increased fabrication complexity
    inlet inlet. Inelastic deformation of polymer flap
    results in creep over extended use
    Inlet filter A filter is located between the ink inlet Additional advantage of ink Restricts refill rate IJ04, IJ12, IJ24, IJ27
    and the nozzle chamber. The filter has a filtration May result in complex construction IJ29, IJ30
    multitude of small holes or slots, Ink filter may be fabricated
    restricting ink flow. The filter also with no additional process
    removes particles which may block the steps
    nozzle.
    Small inlet The ink inlet channel to the nozzle Design simplicity Restricts refill rate IJ02, IJ37, IJ44
    compared chamber has a substantially smaller cross May result in a relatively large chip area
    to nozzle section than that of the nozzle, resulting Only partially effective
    in easier ink egress out of the nozzle than
    out of the inlet.
    Inlet A secondary actuator controls the Increases speed of the ink-jet Requires separate refill actuator and IJ09
    shutter position of a shutter, closing off the ink print head operation drive circuit
    inlet when the main actuator is
    energized.
    The inlet The method avoids the problem of inlet Back-flow problem is Requires careful design to minimize the IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06
    is back-flow by arranging the ink-pushing eliminated negative pressure behind the paddle IJ07, IJ10, IJ11, IJ14
    located surface of the actuator between the inlet IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, IJ25
    behind and the nozzle. IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33
    the ink- IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ39
    pushing IJ40, IJ41
    surface
    Part of the The actuator and a wall of the ink Significant reductions in back- Small increase in fabrication complexity IJ07, IJ20, IJ26, IJ38
    actuator chamber are arranged so that the motion flow can be achieved
    moves to of the actuator closes off the inlet. Compact designs possible
    shut off
    the inlet
    Nozzle In some configurations of ink jet, there is Ink back-flow problem is None related to ink back-flow on Silverbrook, EP 0771
    actuator no expansion or movement of an eliminated actuation 658 A2 and related
    does not actuator which may cause ink back-flow patent applications
    result in through the inlet. Valve-jet
    ink Tone-jet
    back-flow IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17
    IJ18, IJ19, IJ21
    • Nozzle Clearing Method
  • Nozzle Clearing
    method Description Advantages
    Normal nozzle All of the nozzles are fired periodically, No added complexity on the
    firing before the ink has a chance to dry. When print head
    not in use the nozzles are sealed (capped)
    against air.
    The nozzle firing is usually performed
    during a special clearing cycle, after first
    moving the print head to a cleaning
    station.
    Extra power to In systems which heat the ink, but do not Can be highly effective if the
    ink heater boil it under normal situations, nozzle heater is adjacent to the nozzle
    clearing can be achieved by over-
    powering the heater and boiling ink at
    the nozzle.
    Rapid The actuator is fired in rapid succession. Does not require extra drive
    succession of In some configurations, this may cause circuits on the print head
    actuator pulses heat build-up at the nozzle which boils Can be readily controlled and
    the ink, clearing the nozzle. In other initiated by digital logic
    situations, it may cause sufficient
    vibrations to dislodge clogged nozzles.
    Extra power to Where an actuator is not normally driven A simple solution where
    ink pushing to the limit of its motion, nozzle clearing applicable
    actuator may be assisted by providing an
    enhanced drive signal to the actuator.
    Acoustic An ultrasonic wave is applied to the ink A high nozzle clearing
    resonance chamber. This wave is of an appropriate capability can be achieved
    amplitude and frequency to cause May be implemented at very
    sufficient force at the nozzle to clear low cost in systems which
    blockages. This is easiest to achieve if already include acoustic
    the ultrasonic wave is at a resonant actuators
    frequency of the ink cavity.
    Nozzle clearing A microfabricated plate is pushed against Can clear severely clogged
    plate the nozzles. The plate has a post for nozzles
    every nozzle. The array of posts
    Ink pressure The pressure of the ink is temporarily May be effective where other
    pulse increased so that ink streams from all of methods cannot be used
    the nozzles. This may be used in
    conjunction with actuator energizing.
    Print head wiper A flexible ‘blade’ is wiped across the Effective for planar print head
    print head surface. The blade is usually surfaces
    fabricated from a flexible polymer, e.g. Low cost
    rubber or synthetic elastomer.
    Separate ink A separate heater is provided at the Can be effective where other
    boiling heater nozzle although the normal drop e- nozzle clearing methods
    ection mechanism does not require it. cannot be used
    The heaters do not require individual Can be implemented at no
    drive circuits, as many nozzles can be additional cost in some inkjet
    cleared simultaneously, and no imaging configurations
    is required.
    Nozzle Clearing
    method Disadvantages Examples
    Normal nozzle May not be sufficient to displace dried ink Most ink jet systems
    firing IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12
    IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22
    IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ45
    Extra power to Requires higher drive voltage for clearing Silverbrook, EP 0771
    ink heater May require larger drive transistors 658 A2 and related
    patent applications
    Rapid Effectiveness depends substantially upon May be used with:
    succession of the configuration of the inkjet nozzle IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ11
    actuator pulses IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22
    IJ23-IJ25, IJ27-IJ34
    IJ36-IJ45
    Extra power to Not suitable where there is a hard limit to May be used with:
    ink pushing actuator movement IJ03, IJ09, IJ16, IJ20
    actuator IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ27
    IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32
    IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42
    IJ43, IJ44, IJ45
    Acoustic High implementation cost if system does IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17
    resonance not already include an acoustic actuator IJ18, IJ19, IJ21
    Nozzle clearing Accurate mechanical alignment is required Silverbrook, EP 0771
    plate Moving parts are required 658 A2 and related
    There is risk of damage to the nozzles patent applications
    Accurate fabrication is required
    Ink pressure Requires pressure pump or other pressure May be used with all IJ
    pulse actuator series ink jets
    Expensive
    Wasteful of ink
    Print head wiper Difficult to use if print head surface is non- Many ink jet systems
    planar or very fragile
    Requires mechanical parts
    Blade can wear out in high volume print
    systems
    Separate ink Fabrication complexity Can be used with many
    boiling heater IJ series ink jets
    • Nozzle Plate Construction
  • Nozzle plate
    construction Description Advantages
    Electroformed A nozzle plate is separately fabricated Fabrication simplicity
    nickel from electroformed nickel, and bonded
    to the print head chip.
    Laser ablated or Individual nozzle holes are ablated by an No masks required
    drilled polymer intense UV laser in a nozzle plate, which Can be quite fast
    is typically a polymer such as polyimide Some control over nozzle
    or polysulphone profile is possible
    Equipment required is
    relatively low cost
    Silicon micro- A separate nozzle plate is High accuracy is attainable
    machined micromachined from single crystal
    silicon, and bonded to the print head
    wafer.
    Glass capillaries Fine glass capillaries are drawn from No expensive equipment
    glass tubing. This method has been used required
    for making individual nozzles, but is Simple to make single nozzles
    difficult to use for bulk manufacturing of
    print heads with thousands of nozzles.
    Monolithic, The nozzle plate is deposited as a layer High accuracy (<1 μm)
    surface micro- using standard VLSI deposition Monolithic
    machined using techniques. Nozzles are etched in the Low cost
    VLSI nozzle plate using VLSI lithography and Existing processes can be used
    lithographic etching.
    processes
    Monolithic, The nozzle plate is a buried etch stop in High accuracy (<1 μm)
    etched through the wafer. Nozzle chambers are etched in Monolithic
    substrate the front of the wafer, and the wafer is Low cost
    thinned from the back side. Nozzles are No differential expansion
    then etched in the etch stop layer.
    No nozzle plate Various methods have been tried to No nozzles to become clogged
    eliminate the nozzles entirely, to prevent
    nozzle clogging. These include thermal
    bubble mechanisms and acoustic lens
    mechanisms
    Trough Each drop ejector has a trough through Reduced manufacturing
    which a paddle moves. There is no complexity
    nozzle plate. Monolithic
    Nozzle slit The elimination of nozzle holes and No nozzles to become clogged
    instead of replacement by a slit encompassing
    individual many actuator positions reduces nozzle
    nozzles clogging, but increases crosstalk due to
    ink surface waves
    Nozzle plate
    construction Disadvantages Examples
    Electroformed High temperatures and pressures are Hewlett Packard
    nickel required to bond nozzle plate Thermal Inkjet
    Minimum thickness constraints
    Differential thermal expansion
    Laser ablated or Each hole must be individually formed Canon Bubblejet
    drilled polymer Special equipment required 1988 Sercel et al.,
    Slow where there are many thousands of SPIE, Vol. 998 Excimer
    nozzles per print head Beam Applications, pp.
    May produce thin burrs at exit holes 76-83
    1993 Watanabe et al.,
    U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,604
    Silicon micro- Two part construction K. Bean, IEEE
    machined High cost Transactions on
    Requires precision alignment Electron Devices, Vol.
    Nozzles may be clogged by adhesive ED-25, No. 10, 1978,
    pp 1185-1195
    Xerox 1990 Hawkins et
    al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181
    Glass capillaries Very small nozzle sizes are difficult to 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No.
    form 3,683,212
    Not suited for mass production
    Monolithic, Requires sacrificial layer under the nozzle Silverbrook, EP 0771
    surface micro- plate to form the nozzle chamber 658 A2 and related
    machined using Surface may be fragile to the touch patent applications
    VLSI IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ11
    lithographic IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20
    processes IJ22, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28
    IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32
    IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37
    IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41
    IJ42, IJ43, IJ44
    Monolithic, Requires long etch times IJ03, IJ05, IJ06, IJ07
    etched through Requires a support wafer IJ08, IJ09, IJ10, IJ13
    substrate IJ14, IJ15, IJ16, IJ19
    IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, IJ26
    No nozzle plate Difficult to control drop position accurately Ricoh 1995 Sekiya et al
    Crosstalk problems U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,413
    1993 Hadimioglu et al
    EUP 550,192
    1993 Elrod et al EUP
    572,220
    Trough Drop firing direction is sensitive to IJ35
    wicking.
    Nozzle slit Difficult to control drop position accurately 1989 Saito et al U.S. Pat. No.
    instead of Crosstalk problems 4,799,068
    individual
    nozzles
    • Drop Ejection Direction
  • Ejection
    direction Description Advantages
    Edge Ink flow is along the surface of the chip, Simple construction
    (‘edge shooter’) and ink drops are ejected from the chip No silicon etching required
    edge. Good heat sinking via
    substrate
    Mechanically strong
    Ease of chip handing
    Surface Ink flow is along the surface of the chip, No bulk silicon etching
    (‘roof shooter’) and ink drops are ejected from the chip required
    surface, normal to the plane of the chip. Silicon can make an effective
    heat sink
    Mechanical strength
    Through chip, Ink flow is through the chip, and ink High ink flow
    forward drops are ejected from the front surface Suitable for pagewidth print
    (‘up shooter’) of the chip. High nozzle packing density
    therefore low manufacturing
    cost
    Through chip, Ink flow is through the chip, and ink High ink flow
    reverse drops are ejected from the rear surface of Suitable for pagewidth print
    (‘down shooter’) the chip. High nozzle packing density
    therefore low manufacturing
    cost
    Through Ink flow is through the actuator, which is Suitable for piezoelectric print
    actuator not fabricated as part of the same heads
    substrate as the drive transistors.
    Ejection
    direction Disadvantages Examples
    Edge Nozzles limited to edge Canon Bubblejet 1979
    (‘edge shooter’) High resolution is difficult Endo et al GB patent
    Fast color printing requires one print head 2,007,162
    per color Xerox heater-in-pit
    1990 Hawkins et al
    U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181
    Tone-jet
    Surface Maximum ink flow is severely restricted Hewlett-Packard TIJ
    (‘roof shooter’) 1982 Vaught et al U.S. Pat.
    No. 4,490,728
    IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, IJ20
    IJ22
    Through chip, Requires bulk silicon etching Silverbrook, EP 0771
    forward 658 A2 and related
    (‘up shooter’) patent applications
    IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, IJ24
    IJ27-IJ45
    Through chip, Requires wafer thinning IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06
    reverse Requires special handling during IJ07, IJ08, IJ09, IJ10
    (‘down shooter’) manufacture IJ13, IJ14, IJ15, IJ16
    IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, IJ25
    IJ26
    Through Pagewidth print heads require several Epson Stylus
    actuator thousand connections to drive circuits Tektronix hot melt
    Cannot be manufactured in standard piezoelectric ink jets
    CMOS fabs
    Complex assembly required
    • Ink Type
  • Ink type Description Advantages
    Aqueous, dye Water based ink which typically Environmentally friendly
    contains: water, dye, surfactant, No odor
    humectant, and biocide.
    Modern ink dyes have high water-
    fastness, light fastness
    Aqueous, Water based ink which typically Environmentally friendly
    pigment contains: water, pigment, surfactant, No odor
    humectant, and biocide. Reduced bleed
    Pigments have an advantage in reduced Reduced wicking
    bleed, wicking and strikethrough. Reduced strikethrough
    Methyl Ethyl MEK is a highly volatile solvent used for Very fast drying
    Ketone (MEK) industrial printing on difficult surfaces Prints on various substrates
    such as aluminum cans. such as metals and plastics
    Alcohol Alcohol based inks can be used where Fast drying
    (ethanol, 2- the printer must operate at temperatures Operates at sub-freezing
    butanol, and below the freezing point of water. An temperatures
    others) example of this is in-camera consumer Reduced paper cockle
    photographic printing. Low cost
    Phase change The ink is solid at room temperature, and No drying time-ink instantly
    (hot melt) is melted in the print head before jetting. freezes on the print medium
    Hot melt inks are usually wax based, Almost any print medium can
    with a melting point around 80° C. After be used
    jetting the ink freezes almost instantly No paper cockle occurs
    upon contacting the print medium or a No wicking occurs
    transfer roller. No bleed occurs
    No strikethrough occurs
    Oil Oil based inks are extensively used in High solubility medium for
    offset printing. They have advantages in some dyes
    improved characteristics on paper Does not cockle paper
    (especially no wicking or cockle). Oil Does not wick through paper
    soluble dies and pigments are required.
    Microemulsion A microemulsion is a stable, self forming Stops ink bleed
    emulsion of oil, water, and surfactant. High dye solubility
    The characteristic drop size is less than Water, oil, and amphiphilic
    100 nm, and is determined by the soluble dies can be used
    preferred curvature of the surfactant. Can stabilize pigment
    suspensions
    Ink type Disadvantages Examples
    Aqueous, dye Slow drying Most existing inkjets
    Corrosive All IJ series ink jets
    Bleeds on paper Silverbrook, EP 0771
    May strikethrough 658 A2 and related
    Cockles paper patent applications
    Aqueous, Slow drying IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, IJ26
    pigment Corrosive IJ27, IJ30
    Pigment may clog nozzles Silverbrook, EP 0771
    Pigment may clog actuator mechanisms 658 A2 and related
    Cockles paper patent applications
    Piezoelectric ink-jets
    Thermal ink jets (with
    significant restrictions)
    Methyl Ethyl Odorous All IJ series ink jets
    Ketone (MEK) Flammable
    Alcohol Slight odor All IJ series ink jets
    (ethanol, 2- Flammable
    butanol, and
    others)
    Phase change High viscosity Tektronix hot melt
    (hot melt) Printed ink typically has a ‘waxy’ feel piezoelectric ink jets
    Printed pages may ‘block’ 1989 Nowak U.S. Pat. No.
    Ink temperature may be above the curie 4,820,346
    point of permanent magnets All IJ series ink jets
    Ink heaters consume power
    Long warm-up time
    Oil High viscosity: this is a significant All IJ series ink jets
    limitation for use in inkjets, which usually
    require a low viscosity. Some short chain
    and multi-branched oils have a sufficiently
    low viscosity.
    Slow drying
    Microemulsion Viscosity higher than water All IJ series ink jets
    Cost is slightly higher than water based ink
    High surfactant concentration required
    (around 5%)
    • 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. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • Australian US Patent/Patent
    Provisional Application and Filing
    Number Filing Date Title Date
    PO8066 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ01) 6,227,652
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8072 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ02) 6,213,588
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8040 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ03) 6,213,589
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8071 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ04) 6,231,163
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8047 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ05) 6,247,795
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8035 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ06) 6,394,581
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8044 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ07) 6,244,691
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8063 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ08) 6,257,704
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8057 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ09) 6,416,168
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8056 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ10) 6,220,694
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8069 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ11) 6,257,705
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8049 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ12) 6,247,794
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8036 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ13) 6,234,610
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8048 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ14) 6,247,793
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8070 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ15) 6,264,306
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8067 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ16) 6,241,342
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8001 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ17) 6,247,792
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8038 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ18) 6,264,307
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8033 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ19) 6,254,220
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8002 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ20) 6,234,611
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8068 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ21) 6,302,528
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8062 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ22) 6,283,582
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8034 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ23) 6,239,821
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8039 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ24) 6,338,547
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8041 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ25) 6,247,796
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8004 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ26) 09/113,122
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8037 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ27) 6,390,603
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8043 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ28) 6,362,843
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8042 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ29) 6,293,653
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8064 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ30) 6,312,107
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9389 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ31) 6,227,653
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9391 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ32) 6,234,609
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0888 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ33) 6,238,040
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0891 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ34) 6,188,415
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ35) 6,227,654
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0873 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ36) 6,209,989
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0993 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ37) 6,247,791
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ38) 6,336,710
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP1398 19-Jan-98 An Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,217,153
    (IJ39) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP2592 25-Mar-98 An Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,416,167
    (IJ40) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP2593 25-Mar-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ41) 6,243,113
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP3991 19-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ42) 6,283,581
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP3987 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ43) 6,247,790
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP3985 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ44) 6,260,953
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP3983 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ45) 6,267,469
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    • 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. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • Australian US Patent/Patent
    Provisional Application and Filing
    Number Filing Date Title Date
    PO7935 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,224,780
    Apparatus (IJM01) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7936 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,235,212
    Apparatus (IJM02) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7937 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,280,643
    Apparatus (IJM03) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8061 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,284,147
    Apparatus (IJM04) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8054 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,214,244
    Apparatus (IJM05) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8065 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,071,750
    Apparatus (IJM06) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8055 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,267,905
    Apparatus (IJM07) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8053 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,251,298
    Apparatus (IJM08) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8078 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,258,285
    Apparatus (IJM09) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7933 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,225,138
    Apparatus (IJM10) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7950 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,241,904
    Apparatus (IJM11) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7949 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,299,786
    Apparatus (IJM12) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8060 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 09/113,124
    Apparatus (IJM13) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8059 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,231,773
    Apparatus (IJM14) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8073 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,190,931
    Apparatus (IJM15) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8076 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,248,249
    Apparatus (IJM16) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8075 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,290,862
    Apparatus (IJM17) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8079 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,241,906
    Apparatus (IJM18) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8050 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 09/113,116
    Apparatus (IJM19) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8052 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,241,905
    Apparatus (IJM20) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7948 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,451,216
    Apparatus (IJM21) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7951 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,231,772
    Apparatus (IJM22) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8074 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,274,056
    Apparatus (IJM23) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7941 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,290,861
    Apparatus (IJM24) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8077 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,248,248
    Apparatus (IJM25) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8058 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,306,671
    Apparatus (IJM26) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8051 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,331,258
    Apparatus (IJM27) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8045 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,110,754
    Apparatus (IJM28) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7952 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,294,101
    Apparatus (IJM29) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8046 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,416,679
    Apparatus (IJM30) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8503 11-Aug-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,264,849
    Apparatus (IJM30a) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9390 23-Sep-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,254,793
    Apparatus (IJM31) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9392 23-Sep-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,235,211
    Apparatus (IJM32) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0889 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,235,211
    Apparatus (IJM35) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0887 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,264,850
    Apparatus (IJM36) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0882 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,258,284
    Apparatus (IJM37) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0874 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,258,284
    Apparatus (IJM38) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP1396 19-Jan-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,228,668
    Apparatus (IJM39) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP2591 25-Mar-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,180,427
    Apparatus (IJM41) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP3989 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,171,875
    Apparatus (IJM40) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP3990 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,267,904
    Apparatus (IJM42) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP3986 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,245,247
    Apparatus (IJM43) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP3984 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,245,247
    Apparatus (IJM44) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP3982 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,231,148
    Apparatus (IJM45) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    • 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. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • Australian US Patent/
    Provisional Patent Application
    Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date
    PO8003 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and 6,350,023
    Apparatus (F1) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8005 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and 6,318,849
    Apparatus (F2) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9404 23-Sep-97 A Device and 09/113,101
    Method (F3) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    • 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. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • Australian US Patent/
    Provisional Patent Application
    Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date
    PO7943 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS01)
    PO8006 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS02) 6,087,638
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8007 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS03) 09/113,093
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8008 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS04) 6,340,222
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8010 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS05) 6,041,600
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8011 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS06) 6,299,300
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7947 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS07) 6,067,797
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7945 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS08) 9/113,081
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7944 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS09) 6,286,935
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7946 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS10) 6,044,646
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9393 23-Sep-97 A Device and Method 09/113,065
    (MEMS11) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0875 12-Dec-97 A Device (MEMS12) 09/113,078
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0894 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method 09/113,075
    (MEMS13) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    • 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. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • US Patent/
    Australian Patent
    Provisional Filing Application
    Number Date Title and Filing Date
    PP0895 12-Dec-97 An Image Creation Method 6,231,148
    and Apparatus (IR01) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0870 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR02) 09/113,106
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0869 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR04) 6,293,658
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0887 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 09/113,104
    Apparatus (IR05) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0885 12-Dec-97 An Image Production System 6,238,033
    (IR06) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0884 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,312,070
    Apparatus (IR10) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0886 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,238,111
    Apparatus (IR12) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0871 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR13) 09/113,086
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0876 12-Dec-97 An Image Processing Method 09/113,094
    and Apparatus (IR14) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0877 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR16) 6,378,970
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0878 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR17) 6,196,739
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0879 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR18) 09/112,774
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0883 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR19) 6,270,182
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0880 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR20) 6,152,619
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0881 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR21) 09/113,092
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    • 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. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • Australian US Patent/
    Provisional Filing Patent Application
    Number Date Title and Filing Date
    PP2370 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method 09/112,781
    and Apparatus (Dot01) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP2371 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method 09/113,052
    and Apparatus (Dot02) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    • 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. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
  • Australian
    Provisional US Patent/Patent Application
    Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date
    PO7991 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,060
    (ART01) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7988 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,476,863
    (ART02) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7993 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,073
    (ART03) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9395 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,322,181
    (ART04) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8017 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,747
    (ART06) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8014 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART07) 6,227,648
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8025 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,750
    (ART08) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8032 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,746
    (ART09) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7999 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,743
    (ART10) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7998 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,742
    (ART11) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8031 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,741
    (ART12) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8030 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART13) 6,196,541
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7997 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART15) 6,195,150
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7979 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART16) 6,362,868
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8015 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART17) 09/112,738
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7978 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART18) 09/113,067
    (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7982 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,431,669
    (ART19) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7989 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,362,869
    (ART20) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8019 15-Jul-97 Media Processing Method and Apparatus 6,472,052
    (ART21) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7980 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,356,715
    (ART22) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8018 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,777
    (ART24) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7938 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,224
    (ART25) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8016 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,366,693
    (ART26) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8024 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,329,990
    (ART27) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7940 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,072
    (ART28) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7939 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,785
    (ART29) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8501 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,137,500
    (ART30) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8500 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,796
    (ART31) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7987 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,071
    (ART32) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8022 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,398,328
    (ART33) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8497 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,090
    (ART34) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8020 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,431,704
    (ART38) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8023 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,222
    (ART39) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8504 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,786
    (ART42) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8000 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,415,054
    (ART43) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7977 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,782
    (ART44) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7934 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,056
    (ART45) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7990 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,059
    (ART46) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8499 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,486,886
    (ART47) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8502 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,381,361
    (ART48) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7981 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,317,192
    (ART50) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7986 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,057
    (ART51) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO7983 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,054
    (ART52) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8026 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,752
    (ART53) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8027 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,759
    (ART54) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO8028 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,757
    (ART56) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9394 23-Sep-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,357,135
    (ART57) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9396 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,107
    (ART58) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9397 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,271,931
    (ART59) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9398 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,353,772
    (ART60) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9399 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,106,147
    (ART61) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9400 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,790
    (ART62) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9401 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,304,291
    (ART63) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9402 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,788
    (ART64) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9403 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,305,770
    (ART65) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PO9405 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,289,262
    (ART66) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP0959 16-Dec-97 A Data Processing Method and 6,315,200
    Apparatus (ART68) (Jul. 10, 1998)
    PP1397 19-Jan-98 A Media Device (ART69) 6,217,165
    (Jul. 10, 1998)

Claims (4)

1. A digital camera for processing and printing images, the camera comprising:
an image sensor for capturing image data from images sensed at an auto exposure setting;
an image processor for processing the image to produce processed data;
a printer for printing the processed data; and
an interface for receiving a cartridge having postcard media and memory storing information regarding a size of each postcard,
wherein the image processor produces the processed data using the auto exposure setting and the information regarding the size of each postcard read from the cartridge memory.
2. A digital camera according to claim 1 wherein the printer has an inkjet printhead for printing the processed data.
3. A digital camera according to claim 2 wherein the cartridge has ink for use by the inkjet printhead.
4. A digital camera according to claim 2 wherein the image processor uses the information from the auto exposure setting to determine a re-mapping of colour data within the image data such that the printhead prints an amended image that takes account of the light conditions of the sensed image.
US12/769,643 1997-07-15 2010-04-28 Digital camera for processing and printing images Abandoned US20100208085A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/769,643 US20100208085A1 (en) 1997-07-15 2010-04-28 Digital camera for processing and printing images

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPO7991 1997-07-15
AUPO7991A AUPO799197A0 (en) 1997-07-15 1997-07-15 Image processing method and apparatus (ART01)
AUPO7999 1997-07-15
AUPO7999A AUPO799997A0 (en) 1997-07-15 1997-07-15 Image processing method and apparatus (ART10)
US09/112,743 US6727951B1 (en) 1997-07-15 1998-07-10 Utilizing exposure information for image processing in a digital image camera
US10/831,234 US7714889B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2004-04-26 Digital camera using exposure information for image processing
US12/769,643 US20100208085A1 (en) 1997-07-15 2010-04-28 Digital camera for processing and printing images

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/831,234 Continuation US7714889B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2004-04-26 Digital camera using exposure information for image processing

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100208085A1 true US20100208085A1 (en) 2010-08-19

Family

ID=46301238

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/831,234 Expired - Fee Related US7714889B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2004-04-26 Digital camera using exposure information for image processing
US12/769,643 Abandoned US20100208085A1 (en) 1997-07-15 2010-04-28 Digital camera for processing and printing images

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/831,234 Expired - Fee Related US7714889B2 (en) 1997-07-15 2004-04-26 Digital camera using exposure information for image processing

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US7714889B2 (en)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8986253B2 (en) 2008-01-25 2015-03-24 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Two chamber pumps and related methods
US8408421B2 (en) 2008-09-16 2013-04-02 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Flow regulating stopcocks and related methods
AU2009293019A1 (en) 2008-09-19 2010-03-25 Tandem Diabetes Care Inc. Solute concentration measurement device and related methods
WO2011014704A2 (en) 2009-07-30 2011-02-03 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Infusion pump system with disposable cartridge having pressure venting and pressure feedback
US9180242B2 (en) 2012-05-17 2015-11-10 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Methods and devices for multiple fluid transfer
US9173998B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-11-03 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. System and method for detecting occlusions in an infusion pump
US10279107B2 (en) 2015-08-20 2019-05-07 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Drive mechanism for infusion pump
US10541987B2 (en) 2016-02-26 2020-01-21 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Web browser-based device communication workflow
CN111936182B (en) 2018-02-05 2022-08-23 坦德姆糖尿病护理股份有限公司 Method and system for detecting the condition of an infusion pump

Citations (97)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2004A (en) * 1841-03-12 Improvement in the manner of constructing and propelling steam-vessels
US4200867A (en) * 1978-04-03 1980-04-29 Hill Elmer D System and method for painting images by synthetic color signal generation and control
US4253476A (en) * 1974-03-08 1981-03-03 Shigeo Sato Tobacco filter and method of removing impurities from tobacco smoke
US4500919A (en) * 1982-05-04 1985-02-19 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Color reproduction system
US4500183A (en) * 1980-05-02 1985-02-19 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Film cassette and a photographing device using the same
US4511907A (en) * 1982-10-19 1985-04-16 Nec Corporation Color ink-jet printer
US4641980A (en) * 1984-10-02 1987-02-10 Fujitsu Limited Printer with pivotable print head attached to medium carrier moveable through a casing opening
US4796038A (en) * 1985-07-24 1989-01-03 Ateq Corporation Laser pattern generation apparatus
US4819395A (en) * 1985-12-26 1989-04-11 Shimizu Construction Co., Ltd. Textile reinforced structural components
US4897724A (en) * 1988-06-06 1990-01-30 U.S. Philips Corporation Apparatus and method for reproducing digitized video pictures, with inclined plane error restoration
US4914452A (en) * 1987-05-08 1990-04-03 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Ink sheet/recording paper cassette
US4983996A (en) * 1988-09-02 1991-01-08 Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Data recording apparatus for still camera
US4987030A (en) * 1987-10-07 1991-01-22 Toray Industries, Inc. High-tenacity conjugated fiber and process for preparation thereof
US4993405A (en) * 1989-05-15 1991-02-19 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Imaging apparatus
US5107290A (en) * 1989-06-06 1992-04-21 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Camera
US5182548A (en) * 1990-01-10 1993-01-26 Silicon Graphics, Inc. Method and apparatus for painting on a computer
US5184169A (en) * 1990-04-19 1993-02-02 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Photography mode input systems
US5191640A (en) * 1990-12-26 1993-03-02 Xerox Corporation Method for optimal discrete rendering of images
US5204944A (en) * 1989-07-28 1993-04-20 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Separable image warping methods and systems using spatial lookup tables
US5206919A (en) * 1990-05-30 1993-04-27 Sony Broadcast & Communications Limited Image signal processing with digital filtering to minimize aliasing caused by image manipulation
US5282044A (en) * 1990-10-18 1994-01-25 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Camera shake correction system
US5282051A (en) * 1991-07-29 1994-01-25 Xerox Corporation Apparatus and method for performing resolution conversion on image data with auto correlation
US5384899A (en) * 1991-04-16 1995-01-24 Scitex Corporation Ltd. Apparatus and method for emulating a substrate
US5398131A (en) * 1992-08-13 1995-03-14 Hall; Dennis R. Stereoscopic hardcopy methods
US5402527A (en) * 1993-04-23 1995-03-28 Xerox Corporation Apparatus and method for determining the page description language in which a print job is written
US5483379A (en) * 1991-05-14 1996-01-09 Svanberg; Sune Image registering in color at low light intensity
US5488223A (en) * 1994-09-13 1996-01-30 Intermec Corporation System and method for automatic selection of printer control parameters
US5493409A (en) * 1990-11-29 1996-02-20 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Still video camera having a printer capable of printing a photographed image in a plurality of printing modes
US5502485A (en) * 1993-06-23 1996-03-26 Nikon Corporation Camera which compresses digital image data in correspondence with the focus control or the stop value of the camera
US5506620A (en) * 1991-12-18 1996-04-09 Sony Corporation Recording/reproducing apparatus for providing indications of abnormal states
US5506603A (en) * 1993-05-19 1996-04-09 Fujitsu Ltd. Method and device for airbrushing
US5512951A (en) * 1992-06-02 1996-04-30 Sony Corporation Auto-focusing apparatus
US5592597A (en) * 1994-02-14 1997-01-07 Parametric Technology Corporation Real-time image generation system for simulating physical paint, drawing media, and feature modeling with 3-D graphics
US5592237A (en) * 1994-11-04 1997-01-07 Infimed, Inc. High resolution image processor with multiple bus architecture
US5594500A (en) * 1991-10-17 1997-01-14 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image pickup apparatus
US5610761A (en) * 1993-12-28 1997-03-11 Minolta Co., Ltd. Telescope having mechanism for automatically returning optical system to a reference dioptric power
US5613175A (en) * 1995-08-31 1997-03-18 Xerox Corporation Anisotropic imaging member
US5615123A (en) * 1991-04-02 1997-03-25 Creatacard, Inc. System for creating and producing custom card products
US5619030A (en) * 1993-01-22 1997-04-08 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Control apparatus for image blur prevention employing an angular velocity and an image field sensor
US5619737A (en) * 1996-02-07 1997-04-08 Eastman Kodak Company Encodement-on-film recording apparatus utilizes flash components in a camera
US5621868A (en) * 1994-04-15 1997-04-15 Sony Corporation Generating imitation custom artwork by simulating brush strokes and enhancing edges
US5624732A (en) * 1994-09-28 1997-04-29 Meiwa Gravure Co., Ltd. Bright printed sheet
US5706049A (en) * 1995-11-30 1998-01-06 Eastman Kodak Company Camera that records an active image area identifier with an image
US5708900A (en) * 1993-06-18 1998-01-13 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Camera
US5710948A (en) * 1992-06-09 1998-01-20 Nikon Corporation Camera system with color temperature meter
US5710582A (en) * 1995-12-07 1998-01-20 Xerox Corporation Hybrid ink jet printer
US5715325A (en) * 1995-08-30 1998-02-03 Siemens Corporate Research, Inc. Apparatus and method for detecting a face in a video image
US5719621A (en) * 1992-08-10 1998-02-17 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Film image reproducing apparatus
US5726693A (en) * 1996-07-22 1998-03-10 Eastman Kodak Company Ink printing apparatus using ink surfactants
US5731062A (en) * 1995-12-22 1998-03-24 Hoechst Celanese Corp Thermoplastic three-dimensional fiber network
US5734425A (en) * 1994-02-15 1998-03-31 Eastman Kodak Company Electronic still camera with replaceable digital processing program
US5734154A (en) * 1996-09-03 1998-03-31 Motorola, Inc. Smart card with Iintegrated reader and visual image display
US5745175A (en) * 1995-10-02 1998-04-28 Flashpoint Technologies, Inc. Method and system for providing automatic focus control for a still digital camera
US5859921A (en) * 1995-05-10 1999-01-12 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Apparatus for processing an image of a face
US5860036A (en) * 1997-06-10 1999-01-12 Eastman Kodak Company Controlling display useable in printers
US5864630A (en) * 1996-11-20 1999-01-26 At&T Corp Multi-modal method for locating objects in images
US5867394A (en) * 1996-03-01 1999-02-02 The Standard Register Company Document dispenser operational program downloading
US5867213A (en) * 1993-10-21 1999-02-02 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image pickup apparatus having image-shake correcting devices determined according to zoom magnifying power
US5866253A (en) * 1996-08-19 1999-02-02 Isorca, Inc. Synthetic reinforcing strands with spaced filaments
US5870102A (en) * 1995-11-03 1999-02-09 3Dfx Interactive, Incorporated Texture compositing apparatus and method
US5872594A (en) * 1994-09-20 1999-02-16 Thompson; Paul A. Method for open loop camera control using a motion model to control camera movement
US5874836A (en) * 1996-09-06 1999-02-23 International Business Machines Corporation High reliability I/O stacked fets
US5878292A (en) * 1996-08-29 1999-03-02 Eastman Kodak Company Image-audio print, method of making and player for using
US5881211A (en) * 1995-12-11 1999-03-09 Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd. Data conversion table changing
US5884013A (en) * 1995-11-17 1999-03-16 Agfa-Gevaert Autotypical screening with optimised dotshape
US5894326A (en) * 1996-08-26 1999-04-13 Eastman Kodak Company Electronic camera having a printer
US5896176A (en) * 1995-10-27 1999-04-20 Texas Instruments Incorporated Content-based video compression
US6011536A (en) * 1998-04-17 2000-01-04 New York University Method and system for generating an image having a hand-painted appearance
US6014170A (en) * 1997-06-20 2000-01-11 Nikon Corporation Information processing apparatus and method
US6014165A (en) * 1997-02-07 2000-01-11 Eastman Kodak Company Apparatus and method of producing digital image with improved performance characteristic
US6020931A (en) * 1996-04-25 2000-02-01 George S. Sheng Video composition and position system and media signal communication system
US6020898A (en) * 1992-07-27 2000-02-01 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Information display system for displaying time-series numerical values and graph simultaneously
US6022099A (en) * 1997-01-21 2000-02-08 Eastman Kodak Company Ink printing with drop separation
US6028611A (en) * 1996-08-29 2000-02-22 Apple Computer, Inc. Modular digital image processing via an image processing chain
USRE36589E (en) * 1993-12-22 2000-02-29 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Audio data recording system for recording voice data as an optically readable code on a recording medium for recording still image data photographed by a camera
US6034740A (en) * 1995-10-30 2000-03-07 Kabushiki Kaisha Photron Keying system and composite image producing method
US6038491A (en) * 1997-11-26 2000-03-14 Mars, Incorporated Monitoring and reporting system using cellular carriers
US6042213A (en) * 1994-10-28 2000-03-28 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Method and apparatus for correcting printhead, printhead corrected by this apparatus, and printing apparatus using this printhead
US6043821A (en) * 1997-06-30 2000-03-28 Ati Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for rendering pixel information from blended texture maps
US6047130A (en) * 1995-04-24 2000-04-04 Environmental Protection Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method for portrait photography
US6052648A (en) * 1996-04-12 2000-04-18 Earthwatch Communications, Inc. Method and system for display of weather-related information
US6167806B1 (en) * 1998-03-11 2001-01-02 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft Device for controlling the printing of one or more webs of material in a rotary printing press
US6178883B1 (en) * 1997-11-26 2001-01-30 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Tower type multi-color printing press
US6188430B1 (en) * 1997-04-18 2001-02-13 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Digital camera and ink-jet printing apparatus
US6198489B1 (en) * 1997-02-21 2001-03-06 University Of Washington Computer generated watercolor
US6199874B1 (en) * 1993-05-26 2001-03-13 Cornell Research Foundation Inc. Microelectromechanical accelerometer for automotive applications
US6201571B1 (en) * 1996-06-13 2001-03-13 Nec Corporation Digital camera recording a reduced image synthesized with a character image of the image picking-up information
US6217165B1 (en) * 1997-07-15 2001-04-17 Silverbrook Research Pty. Ltd. Ink and media cartridge with axial ink chambers
US6220615B1 (en) * 1998-09-04 2001-04-24 H. F. Brown Machine Co., Inc. Aerobic wheelchair attachment
US6362868B1 (en) * 1997-07-15 2002-03-26 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd. Print media roll and ink replaceable cartridge
US6552821B2 (en) * 1995-08-29 2003-04-22 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Printer-built-in image-sensing apparatus using strobe-light means and electric-consumption control method thereof
US7186499B2 (en) * 1997-07-15 2007-03-06 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Print medium with anisotropic bending properties
US7357497B2 (en) * 1997-07-15 2008-04-15 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Print roll core with internal ink storage
US7483053B2 (en) * 1998-07-10 2009-01-27 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Combined camera and printer assembly with a card reader for image processing instructions
US7517071B2 (en) * 1997-07-15 2009-04-14 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Print roll unit with ink storage core
US7525687B2 (en) * 1997-07-15 2009-04-28 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Garment creation system
US7665834B2 (en) * 1997-07-12 2010-02-23 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Print roll with ink reservoir and print media roll sections

Family Cites Families (44)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5031049A (en) 1984-05-25 1991-07-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Automatic object image follow-up device
US4762986A (en) 1986-03-10 1988-08-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Automatic focussing system including in-focus position prediction means
EP0237940B1 (en) 1986-03-19 1993-09-08 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Manual copying apparatus
US4937676A (en) 1989-02-10 1990-06-26 Polariod Corporation Electronic camera system with detachable printer
EP0398295B1 (en) 1989-05-17 1996-08-14 Minolta Co., Ltd. A camera capable of recording and reproducing a photographed image
US5235428A (en) 1990-02-21 1993-08-10 Sony Corporation Auto-focus system for video camera
US5463470A (en) 1991-10-09 1995-10-31 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Methods of collecting photometric image data and determining light exposure by extracting feature image data from an original image
US5752114A (en) * 1992-03-17 1998-05-12 Sony Corporation Photographic and video image system
KR0147572B1 (en) 1992-10-09 1998-09-15 김광호 Method & apparatus for object tracing
JPH06149051A (en) 1992-11-08 1994-05-27 Ricoh Co Ltd Developer container, processing cartridge, judgement device for recycling of such container or cartridge and image forming device
US5432863A (en) 1993-07-19 1995-07-11 Eastman Kodak Company Automated detection and correction of eye color defects due to flash illumination
JP2610386B2 (en) * 1993-09-28 1997-05-14 株式会社ハドソン Camera with monitor
GB9325076D0 (en) 1993-12-07 1994-02-02 The Technology Partnership Plc Electronic camera
US5477264A (en) * 1994-03-29 1995-12-19 Eastman Kodak Company Electronic imaging system using a removable software-enhanced storage device
US5528339A (en) 1994-08-26 1996-06-18 Eastman Kodak Company Color image reproduction of scenes with color enhancement and preferential tone mapping
US5572596A (en) 1994-09-02 1996-11-05 David Sarnoff Research Center, Inc. Automated, non-invasive iris recognition system and method
EP0765226A1 (en) 1995-04-12 1997-04-02 Eastman Kodak Company Color video printer and a photo-cd system with integrated printer
US5909227A (en) * 1995-04-12 1999-06-01 Eastman Kodak Company Photograph processing and copying system using coincident force drop-on-demand ink jet printing
US20040201764A1 (en) * 1995-06-21 2004-10-14 Tsutomu Honda Dual mode image shooting apparatus with still image and motion video image recording and reproduction
US5587740A (en) * 1995-08-17 1996-12-24 Brennan; James M. Digital photo kiosk
US5999203A (en) * 1995-08-18 1999-12-07 Ttp Group, Plc Printer assembly with easily loaded paper cartridge
JPH09116843A (en) 1995-10-20 1997-05-02 Canon Inc Image pickup device with printer
JPH0971015A (en) 1995-09-05 1997-03-18 Ricoh Co Ltd Recording device and image communication device
JP3286804B2 (en) * 1995-09-14 2002-05-27 キヤノン株式会社 Imaging device
EP0763930B1 (en) 1995-09-15 2002-10-16 Agfa-Gevaert Method for calculating color gamuts
US5805213A (en) * 1995-12-08 1998-09-08 Eastman Kodak Company Method and apparatus for color-correcting multi-channel signals of a digital camera
US5633678A (en) * 1995-12-20 1997-05-27 Eastman Kodak Company Electronic still camera for capturing and categorizing images
JP3303255B2 (en) 1995-12-28 2002-07-15 富士写真光機株式会社 Driving device for zoom lens
US5835899A (en) 1996-03-01 1998-11-10 Electronic Data Systems Corporation System and method for deriving financial responsibility identification
JP2907120B2 (en) 1996-05-29 1999-06-21 日本電気株式会社 Red-eye detection correction device
US6157394A (en) 1996-08-29 2000-12-05 Apple Computer, Inc. Flexible digital image processing via an image processing chain with modular image processors
US6097431A (en) 1996-09-04 2000-08-01 Flashpoint Technology, Inc. Method and system for reviewing and navigating among images on an image capture unit
US5757388A (en) * 1996-12-16 1998-05-26 Eastman Kodak Company Electronic camera and integral ink jet printer
JPH10226139A (en) 1997-02-14 1998-08-25 Canon Inc Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and medium
US5845166A (en) 1997-02-20 1998-12-01 Eastman Kodak Company Hybrid camera with identification matching of film and electronic images
US5980010A (en) 1997-06-30 1999-11-09 Eastman Kodak Company Scanning ink jet printer for electronic displays
US7593058B2 (en) * 1997-07-15 2009-09-22 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Digital camera with integrated inkjet printer having removable cartridge containing ink and media substrate
US6431669B1 (en) * 1997-07-15 2002-08-13 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Method and apparatus for information storage in a portable print roll
US6292574B1 (en) 1997-08-29 2001-09-18 Eastman Kodak Company Computer program product for redeye detection
US6252976B1 (en) 1997-08-29 2001-06-26 Eastman Kodak Company Computer program product for redeye detection
US6278491B1 (en) 1998-01-29 2001-08-21 Hewlett-Packard Company Apparatus and a method for automatically detecting and reducing red-eye in a digital image
US6285410B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2001-09-04 Mgi Software Corporation Method and system for removal of flash artifacts from digital images
US6134339A (en) 1998-09-17 2000-10-17 Eastman Kodak Company Method and apparatus for determining the position of eyes and for correcting eye-defects in a captured frame
US7999969B2 (en) * 2005-04-08 2011-08-16 Panasonic Corporation Imaging device, printing system, printing device, image printing method, and storage medium having stored thereon program controlling the image printing method

Patent Citations (99)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2004A (en) * 1841-03-12 Improvement in the manner of constructing and propelling steam-vessels
US4253476A (en) * 1974-03-08 1981-03-03 Shigeo Sato Tobacco filter and method of removing impurities from tobacco smoke
US4200867A (en) * 1978-04-03 1980-04-29 Hill Elmer D System and method for painting images by synthetic color signal generation and control
US4500183A (en) * 1980-05-02 1985-02-19 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Film cassette and a photographing device using the same
US4500919A (en) * 1982-05-04 1985-02-19 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Color reproduction system
US4511907A (en) * 1982-10-19 1985-04-16 Nec Corporation Color ink-jet printer
US4641980A (en) * 1984-10-02 1987-02-10 Fujitsu Limited Printer with pivotable print head attached to medium carrier moveable through a casing opening
US4796038A (en) * 1985-07-24 1989-01-03 Ateq Corporation Laser pattern generation apparatus
US4819395A (en) * 1985-12-26 1989-04-11 Shimizu Construction Co., Ltd. Textile reinforced structural components
US4914452A (en) * 1987-05-08 1990-04-03 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Ink sheet/recording paper cassette
US4987030A (en) * 1987-10-07 1991-01-22 Toray Industries, Inc. High-tenacity conjugated fiber and process for preparation thereof
US4897724A (en) * 1988-06-06 1990-01-30 U.S. Philips Corporation Apparatus and method for reproducing digitized video pictures, with inclined plane error restoration
US4983996A (en) * 1988-09-02 1991-01-08 Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Data recording apparatus for still camera
US4993405A (en) * 1989-05-15 1991-02-19 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Imaging apparatus
US5107290A (en) * 1989-06-06 1992-04-21 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Camera
US5204944A (en) * 1989-07-28 1993-04-20 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Separable image warping methods and systems using spatial lookup tables
US5182548A (en) * 1990-01-10 1993-01-26 Silicon Graphics, Inc. Method and apparatus for painting on a computer
US5184169A (en) * 1990-04-19 1993-02-02 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Photography mode input systems
US5206919A (en) * 1990-05-30 1993-04-27 Sony Broadcast & Communications Limited Image signal processing with digital filtering to minimize aliasing caused by image manipulation
US5282044A (en) * 1990-10-18 1994-01-25 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Camera shake correction system
US5875034A (en) * 1990-11-29 1999-02-23 Minolta Co., Ltd. Camera system having a recordable medium positioned between photographing and reproducing portions
US5493409A (en) * 1990-11-29 1996-02-20 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Still video camera having a printer capable of printing a photographed image in a plurality of printing modes
US5606420A (en) * 1990-11-29 1997-02-25 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Camera system including a camera section and a reproduction section separately attachable to the camera section
US5191640A (en) * 1990-12-26 1993-03-02 Xerox Corporation Method for optimal discrete rendering of images
US5615123A (en) * 1991-04-02 1997-03-25 Creatacard, Inc. System for creating and producing custom card products
US5384899A (en) * 1991-04-16 1995-01-24 Scitex Corporation Ltd. Apparatus and method for emulating a substrate
US5483379A (en) * 1991-05-14 1996-01-09 Svanberg; Sune Image registering in color at low light intensity
US5282051A (en) * 1991-07-29 1994-01-25 Xerox Corporation Apparatus and method for performing resolution conversion on image data with auto correlation
US5594500A (en) * 1991-10-17 1997-01-14 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image pickup apparatus
US5506620A (en) * 1991-12-18 1996-04-09 Sony Corporation Recording/reproducing apparatus for providing indications of abnormal states
US5512951A (en) * 1992-06-02 1996-04-30 Sony Corporation Auto-focusing apparatus
US5710948A (en) * 1992-06-09 1998-01-20 Nikon Corporation Camera system with color temperature meter
US6020898A (en) * 1992-07-27 2000-02-01 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Information display system for displaying time-series numerical values and graph simultaneously
US5719621A (en) * 1992-08-10 1998-02-17 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Film image reproducing apparatus
US5398131A (en) * 1992-08-13 1995-03-14 Hall; Dennis R. Stereoscopic hardcopy methods
US5619030A (en) * 1993-01-22 1997-04-08 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Control apparatus for image blur prevention employing an angular velocity and an image field sensor
US5402527A (en) * 1993-04-23 1995-03-28 Xerox Corporation Apparatus and method for determining the page description language in which a print job is written
US5506603A (en) * 1993-05-19 1996-04-09 Fujitsu Ltd. Method and device for airbrushing
US6199874B1 (en) * 1993-05-26 2001-03-13 Cornell Research Foundation Inc. Microelectromechanical accelerometer for automotive applications
US5708900A (en) * 1993-06-18 1998-01-13 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Camera
US5502485A (en) * 1993-06-23 1996-03-26 Nikon Corporation Camera which compresses digital image data in correspondence with the focus control or the stop value of the camera
US5867213A (en) * 1993-10-21 1999-02-02 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image pickup apparatus having image-shake correcting devices determined according to zoom magnifying power
USRE36589E (en) * 1993-12-22 2000-02-29 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Audio data recording system for recording voice data as an optically readable code on a recording medium for recording still image data photographed by a camera
US5610761A (en) * 1993-12-28 1997-03-11 Minolta Co., Ltd. Telescope having mechanism for automatically returning optical system to a reference dioptric power
US5592597A (en) * 1994-02-14 1997-01-07 Parametric Technology Corporation Real-time image generation system for simulating physical paint, drawing media, and feature modeling with 3-D graphics
US5734425A (en) * 1994-02-15 1998-03-31 Eastman Kodak Company Electronic still camera with replaceable digital processing program
US5621868A (en) * 1994-04-15 1997-04-15 Sony Corporation Generating imitation custom artwork by simulating brush strokes and enhancing edges
US5488223A (en) * 1994-09-13 1996-01-30 Intermec Corporation System and method for automatic selection of printer control parameters
US5872594A (en) * 1994-09-20 1999-02-16 Thompson; Paul A. Method for open loop camera control using a motion model to control camera movement
US5624732A (en) * 1994-09-28 1997-04-29 Meiwa Gravure Co., Ltd. Bright printed sheet
US6042213A (en) * 1994-10-28 2000-03-28 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Method and apparatus for correcting printhead, printhead corrected by this apparatus, and printing apparatus using this printhead
US5592237A (en) * 1994-11-04 1997-01-07 Infimed, Inc. High resolution image processor with multiple bus architecture
US6047130A (en) * 1995-04-24 2000-04-04 Environmental Protection Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method for portrait photography
US5859921A (en) * 1995-05-10 1999-01-12 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Apparatus for processing an image of a face
US6552821B2 (en) * 1995-08-29 2003-04-22 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Printer-built-in image-sensing apparatus using strobe-light means and electric-consumption control method thereof
US5715325A (en) * 1995-08-30 1998-02-03 Siemens Corporate Research, Inc. Apparatus and method for detecting a face in a video image
US5613175A (en) * 1995-08-31 1997-03-18 Xerox Corporation Anisotropic imaging member
US5745175A (en) * 1995-10-02 1998-04-28 Flashpoint Technologies, Inc. Method and system for providing automatic focus control for a still digital camera
US5896176A (en) * 1995-10-27 1999-04-20 Texas Instruments Incorporated Content-based video compression
US6034740A (en) * 1995-10-30 2000-03-07 Kabushiki Kaisha Photron Keying system and composite image producing method
US5870102A (en) * 1995-11-03 1999-02-09 3Dfx Interactive, Incorporated Texture compositing apparatus and method
US5884013A (en) * 1995-11-17 1999-03-16 Agfa-Gevaert Autotypical screening with optimised dotshape
US5706049A (en) * 1995-11-30 1998-01-06 Eastman Kodak Company Camera that records an active image area identifier with an image
US5710582A (en) * 1995-12-07 1998-01-20 Xerox Corporation Hybrid ink jet printer
US5881211A (en) * 1995-12-11 1999-03-09 Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd. Data conversion table changing
US5731062A (en) * 1995-12-22 1998-03-24 Hoechst Celanese Corp Thermoplastic three-dimensional fiber network
US5619737A (en) * 1996-02-07 1997-04-08 Eastman Kodak Company Encodement-on-film recording apparatus utilizes flash components in a camera
US5867394A (en) * 1996-03-01 1999-02-02 The Standard Register Company Document dispenser operational program downloading
US6052648A (en) * 1996-04-12 2000-04-18 Earthwatch Communications, Inc. Method and system for display of weather-related information
US6020931A (en) * 1996-04-25 2000-02-01 George S. Sheng Video composition and position system and media signal communication system
US6201571B1 (en) * 1996-06-13 2001-03-13 Nec Corporation Digital camera recording a reduced image synthesized with a character image of the image picking-up information
US5726693A (en) * 1996-07-22 1998-03-10 Eastman Kodak Company Ink printing apparatus using ink surfactants
US5866253A (en) * 1996-08-19 1999-02-02 Isorca, Inc. Synthetic reinforcing strands with spaced filaments
US5894326A (en) * 1996-08-26 1999-04-13 Eastman Kodak Company Electronic camera having a printer
US6028611A (en) * 1996-08-29 2000-02-22 Apple Computer, Inc. Modular digital image processing via an image processing chain
US5878292A (en) * 1996-08-29 1999-03-02 Eastman Kodak Company Image-audio print, method of making and player for using
US5734154A (en) * 1996-09-03 1998-03-31 Motorola, Inc. Smart card with Iintegrated reader and visual image display
US5874836A (en) * 1996-09-06 1999-02-23 International Business Machines Corporation High reliability I/O stacked fets
US5864630A (en) * 1996-11-20 1999-01-26 At&T Corp Multi-modal method for locating objects in images
US6022099A (en) * 1997-01-21 2000-02-08 Eastman Kodak Company Ink printing with drop separation
US6014165A (en) * 1997-02-07 2000-01-11 Eastman Kodak Company Apparatus and method of producing digital image with improved performance characteristic
US6198489B1 (en) * 1997-02-21 2001-03-06 University Of Washington Computer generated watercolor
US6188430B1 (en) * 1997-04-18 2001-02-13 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Digital camera and ink-jet printing apparatus
US5860036A (en) * 1997-06-10 1999-01-12 Eastman Kodak Company Controlling display useable in printers
US6014170A (en) * 1997-06-20 2000-01-11 Nikon Corporation Information processing apparatus and method
US6043821A (en) * 1997-06-30 2000-03-28 Ati Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for rendering pixel information from blended texture maps
US7665834B2 (en) * 1997-07-12 2010-02-23 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Print roll with ink reservoir and print media roll sections
US7517071B2 (en) * 1997-07-15 2009-04-14 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Print roll unit with ink storage core
US7525687B2 (en) * 1997-07-15 2009-04-28 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Garment creation system
US6217165B1 (en) * 1997-07-15 2001-04-17 Silverbrook Research Pty. Ltd. Ink and media cartridge with axial ink chambers
US7357497B2 (en) * 1997-07-15 2008-04-15 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Print roll core with internal ink storage
US6362868B1 (en) * 1997-07-15 2002-03-26 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd. Print media roll and ink replaceable cartridge
US7186499B2 (en) * 1997-07-15 2007-03-06 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Print medium with anisotropic bending properties
US6178883B1 (en) * 1997-11-26 2001-01-30 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Tower type multi-color printing press
US6038491A (en) * 1997-11-26 2000-03-14 Mars, Incorporated Monitoring and reporting system using cellular carriers
US6167806B1 (en) * 1998-03-11 2001-01-02 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft Device for controlling the printing of one or more webs of material in a rotary printing press
US6011536A (en) * 1998-04-17 2000-01-04 New York University Method and system for generating an image having a hand-painted appearance
US7483053B2 (en) * 1998-07-10 2009-01-27 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Combined camera and printer assembly with a card reader for image processing instructions
US6220615B1 (en) * 1998-09-04 2001-04-24 H. F. Brown Machine Co., Inc. Aerobic wheelchair attachment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20040263675A1 (en) 2004-12-30
US7714889B2 (en) 2010-05-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7357497B2 (en) Print roll core with internal ink storage
US6067797A (en) Thermal actuator
US7557853B2 (en) Processing of digital images using autofocus settings for image enhancement
US6044646A (en) Micro cilia array and use thereof
US6087638A (en) Corrugated MEMS heater structure
US6188415B1 (en) Ink jet printer having a thermal actuator comprising an external coil spring
US8902333B2 (en) Image processing method using sensed eye position
US6690416B1 (en) Image production utilizing text editing including complex character sets
US20070046754A1 (en) Inkjet cartridge with ink reservoir core and releasable housing
US20090251546A1 (en) Digital camera with postcard printing
US20100007745A1 (en) Digital camera having printhead and removable cartridge
US20100208085A1 (en) Digital camera for processing and printing images
US6727951B1 (en) Utilizing exposure information for image processing in a digital image camera
US6366693B1 (en) Digital image region detection method and apparatus
US6289262B1 (en) System for high volume printing of optical storage cards using ink dots
US6271931B1 (en) Data addition to optical storage cards using ink dots
US20040160524A1 (en) Utilising exposure information for image processing in a digital image camera

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTD, AUSTRALIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SILVERBROOK, KIA;REEL/FRAME:024306/0392

Effective date: 20040422

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION