WO2010140147A1

WO2010140147A1 - Incorporated printer with separate-sheet printing and book printing capabilities

Info

Publication number: WO2010140147A1
Application number: PCT/IL2010/000432
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roni Sapir-Haim; Ehoud Graff
Original assignee: Revoprint Ltd.
Priority date: 2009-06-01
Filing date: 2010-06-01
Publication date: 2010-12-09
Also published as: GB2470726A; GB2470726B; EP2437943A4; EP2437943A1; GB0909395D0

Abstract

An incorporated printing apparatus has capabilities for printing on a separate sheet and for book printing on a block of pre-bound pages. The apparatus includes a block support structure with two height-adjustable tables for supporting the block in two adjacent stacks, so that when a page is turned from one stack to the other, the two adjacent stacks present substantially co-planar printable top surfaces. The apparatus further includes an automatic page-turning mechanism for redeploying a top page from the first stack to the second stack. The apparatus further includes a holder for separate sheets, a printing head, and a relative motion mechanism for providing relative motion between the printing head and a page of the block of printable pages or a sheet of the separate sheets while printing.

Description

INCORPORATED PRINTER WITH SEPARATE-SHEET PRINTING AND BOOK

PRINTING CAPABILITIES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to printers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a printer incorporating separate-sheet printing capability along with capability for book printing on a pre-bound block.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Increasingly, the content of books, articles magazines, and other literature or graphic content is becoming available in digital or electronic format. Often, the content is available only in electronic format. In addition, personalization of content is becoming increasingly important. The capability currently exists for creating a personalized book by digitally incorporating content from various sources in accordance with personal preferences.

[0003] A person may read such electronic content on a monitor or screen of a portable or stationary computer, or other appropriate electronic reader device. However, in many cases, the reader may prefer the traditional reading experience of reading the literature in book-printed format. In addition, a reader may prefer to read the content where or when an appropriate electronic reading device capable of displaying the content is not available. Furthermore, an available reading device may not be capable of displaying personalized material. One option available is to print the content using a conventional printer, where the content is printed on standard cut-separated sheets of paper. The printed sheets may then be bound together. However, binding such separate sheets of printed content may not always be convenient or may require an additional binding machine. For example, in many situations, binding materials appropriate for binding a stack of a large number of sheets of paper may not be readily available, or such a bound stack may not have the desired feel of a book. In addition, a stack of papers bound by conventional paper binding means, such as staples or loose-leaf binders, may be not be convenient to store or carry, and be less durable than a traditionally bound book. [0004] Therefore, there is a need for a simple way of producing personalized content on demand into a durable traditional type of a book that can be printed on a personal printer. This need in turn requires a compact machine that is capable of printing both on standard sized separate pages, as well as rapid printing on demand of books. The machine should be capable of printing books of variable number of pages on a pre- bound block of paper, and of effectively and automatically separating printed pages from unprinted pages.

[0005] The rapid expansion of all-in-one printers for performing several document- related tasks, such as, for example, printing, scanning, photocopying, and faxing, reflects the need for simplicity and compactness. Therefore, it would be advantageous to incorporate a book-printing function into a device with standard page-printing or all-in- one document handling capabilities.

[0006] Generally speaking, when printing a book, the pages are first printed. Next, the pages are cut in order to be collated or assembled into signatures. Then, the text block is formed by connecting the signatures, either by sewing or gluing. Finally, the cover is attached. Therefore, the process of forming the text block is performed only on the number of pages in the book and the process is repeated for each book being produced.

[0007] This process is well suited for mass production, but leaves little room for affordable production of a small number of books, and is totally unsuited for production of a single book.

[0008] Several patents that relate to devices for printing on a pre-bound book relate primarily to a book of fixed size, such as a bank passbook. All employ mechanisms for keeping the book flat. In US patent No. 6036381 (Mizukami et al.) the book is opened, placed on a supporting surface and fed in a feed direction parallel to the binding edge. A groove for the spine of the book, and rollers pressing on the two sides of the book, keep the surface generally flat. In US patent No. 4776711 (Harada), two printing devices are employed to compensate for the different heights of each of the exposed pages. In US patent No. 4029193 (Kwan), individual spring biased segments of the platen, positioned against the booklet covers, compensate for the variable height. In US patent No. 5267799 (Nukada) a pre-bound book is inserted having been opened to a selected page. The specified page is separated from the other pages of the book by a page-turning mechanism and is guided onto a platen roller. The apparatus includes a mechanism to apply a tension on the specified page through the seam of the book. With the page being thus held against the platen roller, data is printed on the specified page.

[0009] US patent Application Publication No. 2001/022911 Al (Kimura et al.) discloses a page-turning device for a passbook. Upon detecting that the inserted page is full, a combined action of rollers and motion of the book is employed to turn a page or pages in the book. Pre-marking of the pages of the book allows the device to determine whether only a single page was turned.

[0010] The aforementioned devices are primarily intended for use in printing on relatively thin pre-bound books with a relatively small and fixed number of pages, such as a bank passbook. Adaptation of these devices for printing on a larger sized book with a large number of pages, or for printing on books of various sizes, may be difficult or impossible.

[0011] US patent No. 6762356 (McNab et al.) describes a device for turning pages of a book of fixed size. Transparent sheets or discs are manually pre-inserted into pages of the book so that selected pages may be turned automatically. The page turning device is intended for use in coordination with an associated photocopier or similar device. However, the transparent sheets prevent the pages from being exposed for printing purposes. [0012] US patent No. 5806991 (Hϋbler) describes a method and apparatus for printing an entire bound book. A page is lifted by a suction device, and a moving print head prints on both sides of the lifted page. Once the page has been printed, the page-turning operation is then completed. While the page-turning operation is being completed, the next page is being lifted and printing on it commences. Such an apparatus requires that the print heads move with complex motions. This may make such an apparatus difficult to manufacture and maintain. The apparatus must necessarily occupy sufficient vertical space to accommodate the print heads and their supporting structure when printing on a vertical page. These limitations may also render such an apparatus unsuitable for home use. In addition, simultaneous action by a print head and rollers on the page before the ink has completely dried may smear the ink. [0013] No provision is made in any of the aforementioned devices for separating printed pages from imprinted pages, or for printing one or more books of variable numbers of pages on a single pre-bound block of pages. A user may mix personalized material from several resources, and may want to customize the format in accordance with personal preferences (for example, font size or line spacing). Therefore, the number of pages in the book may be variable and unknown in advance. Ordering or purchasing a pre-bound book customized with the correct number of blank pages for a specific book may not be practical. Therefore, if a pre-bound book of fixed size is inserted into the device, the number of pages in the final printed book is determined by the fixed size, whether or not all of the pages of the book have been printed upon.

[0014] Japanese patent No. JP5162485A1 discloses a device for printing on and turning the pages of a bound book. In this device, printing occurs when printing device moves in one direction, and page turning occurs when the printing device moves in the other. Again, separating between printing and page-turning operations slows the printing process. In addition, the described interchangeability between a scanning head and a printing head may not be possible with current standard printing technologies. Should inkjet printing technology be used, turning the pages with friction belts as described and before the ink has completely dried on a freshly printed page is likely to smear the ink. On the other hand, waiting for the ink to dry may slow the printing process significantly. Laser printing may not be usable with such a device as it laser printing requires applying pressure and heat to both sides of each printed page.

[0015] International publication No. WO2006/123338 A2 (Haim) describes an apparatus for printing on the top surfaces of a pre-bound book, for redeploying a printed page in order to expose imprinted pages, and for separating printed pages from the imprinted pages of the book. The described printer is a standalone book printer with no capability for additional functionalities as copying, scanning and faxing of separated unbound papers.

[0016] None of the devices described above lend themselves to integration into a single compact machine that is capable of performing the document related tasks typically performed by all-in-one printers, such as, printing, scanning, photocopying, and faxing, together with the capability of printing a book with a variable number of pages on a pre- bound block.

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that may be incorporated into a standard all-in-one printer, and that is capable of rapidly printing electronic contents on a pre-bound block of pages and of automatically separating printed pages from the remaining imprinted pages of the block, without interfering with standard printer capabilities and function.

[0018] Other aims and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after reading the present invention and reviewing the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] There is thus provided, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, an incorporated printing apparatus with capabilities for printing on a separate sheet and for book printing on a block of pre-bound pages. The apparatus includes a block support structure comprising two height-adjustable tables for supporting the block in two adjacent stacks, so that when a page is turned from atop a first stack to an adjacent second stack, the two adjacent stacks present substantially co-planar printable top surfaces. The apparatus further includes an automatic page-turning mechanism for redeploying a top page from the first stack to the second stack; a holder for separate sheets; a printing head; and a relative motion mechanism for providing relative motion between the printing head and a page of the block of printable pages or a sheet of the separate sheets while printing.

[0020] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the page-turning mechanism comprises a lifting mechanism for lifting a bound top page of the first stack, and a page-flipping tab for sliding under the lifted bound top page and flipping the page.

[0021] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the page flipping tab is coupled to the printing head.

[0022] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the lifting mechanism comprises a roller for sliding the top page so that a part of the top page is lifted. [0023] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the relative motion mechanism includes a stationary printing bridge across which the printing head is adapted to move.

[0024] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the block support structure is capable of automatic movement in a direction orthogonal to the motion of the printing head along the printing bridge.

[0025] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a feed mechanism for feeding a separate sheet from the holder to the printing bridge. [0026] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a protective enclosure that encloses the block support structure.

[0027] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the relative motion mechanism includes a moving printing bridge across which the printing head is adapted to move, the bridge and the printing head adapted to move in orthogonal directions.

[0028] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus includes an ejection mechanism for ejecting a sheet of the separate sheets.

[0029] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus includes a scanning apparatus.

[0030] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the automatic mechanism for effecting relative motion is further adapted to affect relative motion between the printable surface and the scanning apparatus.

[0031] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus includes a stack-separation mechanism for separating the first stack from the second stack.

[0032] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the stack-separation mechanism comprises a cutting device for cutting a binding connection that connects the first stack to the second stack. [0033] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting device comprises a wire for drawing through the binding connection. [0034] Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus includes a single holding device serving as the holder for separate sheets and the block support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0036] Fig. IA is a front perspective view of a printer in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, shown in a compact folded state.

[0037] Fig. IB is a rear perspective view of the printer of Fig. IA. [0038] Fig. 2 A shows the printer of Fig. IA with its book paper tray extended for loading.

[0039] Fig. 2B illustrates a block of pre-bound pages loaded on the book paper tray shown in Fig. 2A.

[0040] Fig. 3 A is a front perspective view of the printer of Fig. 2A, with the book paper tray in its foremost position.

[0041] Fig. 3B is a top view of the printer as shown in Fig. 3 A showing some interior components.

[0042] Fig. 3C shows the printer as in Fig. 3 A, with part of the interior exposed. [0043] Fig. 4A is a rear perspective view of the printer of Fig. 3 A, with the book paper tray in its rearmost position.

[0044] Fig. 4B is a top view of the printer as shown in Fig. 4A showing some interior components.

[0045] Fig. 4C shows the printer as in Fig. 4A in a front perspective view with part of its interior exposed. [0046] Fig. 4D is a rear perspective view of interior components of a printer as in Fig. 4A, illustrating a page turning mechanism in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 5 A shows the printer of Fig. IA as configured for printing on separate sheets.

[0048] Fig. 5B shows part of the interior of the printer shown in Fig. 5 A.

[0049] Fig. 6 shows a printer with a shared input tray in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 7 illustrates loading a block of pre-bound sheets into the printer of Fig. 6. [0051] Fig. 8 A shows the interior of the printer of Fig. 6 as configured for printing a book.

[0052] Fig. 8B is another view of the interior of the printer shown in Fig. 8A, illustrating a page turning mechanism in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [0053] Fig. 8C shows a cross section through a binding connection of a pre-bound block, illustrating a stack separation mechanism in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 9 shows the interior of the printer of Fig. 6 as configured for printing on separate sheets. [0055] Fig. 1OA shows a scanning device of a printer as shown in Fig. IA. [0056] Fig. 1OB shows a scanning device of a printer as shown in Fig. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0057] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, modules, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. [0058] Embodiments of the invention may include an article such as a computer or processor readable medium, or a computer or processor storage medium, such as for example a memory, a disk drive, or a USB flash memory, encoding, including or storing instructions, e.g., computer-executable instructions, which when executed by a processor or controller, carry out methods disclosed herein.

[0059] A printer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be connected to a computer or computing device. Operation of the printer may be controlled by the computer using known computer device control components, cables, and programming. For example, control instructions may be communicated via a communications channel to a controller incorporated into one or more components of the printer. The control instructions may be generated by a printer control program or driver, on the basis of stored content. Alternatively or in addition, the printer itself may be provided with sufficient control devices and programming, and with a suitable means of inputting data defining the content to be printed. For example, the printer may be provided with a port for connecting to an external data storage device, and one or more user operable control devices to instruct the printer to print content that is defined by data stored on the device.

[0060] A printer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is capable of printing the contents of a book or other digital file onto a block of pre-bound pages. The pages of the block may be bound along one side of the block, for example, by a thin layer of adhesive deposited one the side of the block. A block of pre-bound pages to be printed upon may be placed in a block input tray of the printer. At the start of printing, all pages of the block may be arranged in a single first stack. A single surface of a page is then exposed at the top of the stack. During book printing, the printer may automatically turn pages of the block. Turning a page flips the page at the top of the first stack, re-deploying the page from the first stack to a second stack. Turning pages may thus expose previously unexposed page surfaces at the top of the two stacks. Turning pages reduces the height of the first stack and increases the height of the second stack. Each stack may be supported by a separate platform, the height of each platform being automatically adjustable. During book printing, the height of one or both platforms may be adjusted in tandem such as to maintain an approximately coplanar arrangement of the exposed page surfaces.

[0061] During book printing, the printer may print on an exposed page surface, or pair of page surfaces, at the top of each. A printing head with a printing device may be provided to print on an area of an exposed surface that is adjacent to the printing device. Printing devices are known in the art. For example, the printing device may include an ink jet printing device. The printer is provided with positioning capability that may cause successive areas of the surface to be adjacent to the printing device. For example, the printing head may be mounted so as to move linearly along a longitudinal axis of a printing bridge. In addition, the printer is configured so as to cause relative movement between the printing bridge and the exposed surfaces. Typically, the relative movement is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the printing bridge. Thus, combination of the relative movement the movement of the printing head along the printing bridge may enable the printing device to be brought to successive areas of a two dimensional surface. Preferably, the two dimensional surface covers the entirety of a printable portion of the exposed page surfaces.

[0062] Relative movement between the exposed page surfaces and printing device may be accomplished by moving the pages, the printing device, or both. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, a mechanism may be provided to translate the platforms that support the page stacks of the block relative to a stationary printing bridge. Alternatively, the printing bridge may be moveable while the stacks remain stationary.

[0063] The printer may include a mechanism for re-deploying a page from a first stack to a second stack. In some embodiments of the present invention, the page turning mechanism may include several devices that cooperate to re-deploy a page. For example, a page lifting device may be provided for lifting a portion of a top page of the first stack. A second page flipping device may be provided for flipping the page from the first stack to the second stack. For example, embodiments of the present invention may include a lifting device in the form of a roller for sliding a portion of the page and bending it into the form of an arch. Alternatively, an electrostatic, suction, blower, vibrator, or other suitable device may lift a corner or edge of the page. A page flipping device may include, for example, a projection or arm that may be inserted under a previously or concurrently lifted portion of the page and moved to flip the page to the second stack. For example, a page flipping device in the form of a suitably shaped projection may be inserted under an arch formed by a roller, and moved so as to lift the top page off the stack and flip it onto the other stack. The flipping device may be attached to the printing bridge such that relative motion between the printing bridge and the stacks causes the flipping device to flip the page. One or more sensors may be provided to verify successful execution of one or more stages of the page re-deployment operation. For example, a force sensor may verify that a lifted page is resting on a flipping device during one or more points of the flipping operation.

[0064] One or more sensors may be provided to check whether the heights of the exposed page surfaces at the top of each stack are within an acceptable range for printing. For example, a sensor associated with the printing head may determine whether the distance between the printing head and a top surface of the stack is within an acceptable range. For example, such a sensor may include one or more pivoted mechanical projections or levers that are mounted on the printing bridge or printing head, and may rest on a portion of the exposed page surface. The angle of rotation of the projections may be interpreted to yield the distance between the printing device of the print head and the exposed page surface. As pages are redeployed from the first stack to the second, the heights of each stack of pages may change. After a page is re-deployed, a sensor may determine that the height of a top page surface of a stack has deviated from the acceptable range. The height of a platform supporting that stack, or supporting both stacks, may be adjusted then to correct the deviation. In general, the platform supporting the first stack may be raised during printing, and the height of the second stack may be lowered.

[0065] Thus, a printer may automatically print a multi-page book on pages of the block by printing on exposed page surfaces, turning pages, and adjusting the heights of the platforms. When printing of the book is complete, the printer may then automatically separate the pages of the printed book from imprinted pages of the block. [0066] A separation mechanism may separate the pages of the printed book from the imprinted portion of the pre-bound block. Upon completion of the printing, in general, the printed pages of the book may be in the second stack, while the imprinted pages of the block remain in the first stack. The top pages of the two stacks may be connected by means of a binding connection that includes a linear length of the block binding material. A separation mechanism may then sever the binding connection, separating the second stack from the first stack. For example, the separation mechanism may include a cutting element. A cutting element may include a blade, wire, string, thread, or edge capable of cutting the binding connection. Alternatively, the separation mechanism may include a source of heat, light, chemical agent, pressurized fluid, or any other means or device capable of severing the binding connection. The cutting element may be used to cut a thin layer of adhesive, or other binding material, that may connect the top page of one stack to the top page of the other. In some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting element may include, for example, a flexible wire that may be drawn across and through an adhesive binding connection. For example, an arm may lift one end of the string above the top surfaces of the stacks. The arm may lift the string such that it passes through the binding connection. Alternatively or in addition, a pin, peg, or hook may be provided for pulling the wire across the binding connection. For example, a suitable connection may be mounted on the printing head. The printing may then be manipulated so as to draw the string across and through the adhesive connection. [0067] In addition to book printing, a printer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes the capability of printing on separate sheets of paper. The mechanism for printing on separate sheets may be similar to a mechanism known in the art for printing on a separate sheet. A sheaf of imprinted sheets of paper or other suitable material may be stored in an input paper tray or cassette. Printed sheets may be output to an output surface, tray, or slot. In some embodiments of the present invention, the printer may be provided with trays for holding a block of bound pages and one or more sheaves of separate sheets separately and concurrently. Alternatively, the printer may include an input tray that is adaptable to holding either a block of bound pages or a sheaf of separate sheets. A user may then fill the tray with the appropriate printing medium, as needed or in response to a prompt. [0068] The mode of printing, whether book printing or separate-sheet printing, may be determined automatically by the content of a file containing content to be printed, or may be selected through user input. A user may be prompted to change the type of paper in response to switching printing modes. [0069] In addition to printing, the printer may include the capability of performing one or more additional document handling tasks. Such additional tasks may include tasks performed by commercially available all-in-one printer systems. Such tasks may include, for example, document scanning, copying, or faxing. For example, a printing bridge may include a linear scanning head. Alternatively, a scanning head may mounted separately, and be configured to move independently of, the printing bridge or head. The scanning head may be operated to provide a document scanning function for use in scanning, copying, or faxing.

[0070] Reference is now made to the accompanying Figures.

[0071] Fig. IA is a front perspective view of a printer in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, shown in a compact folded state. Fig. IB is a rear perspective view of the printer of Fig. IA. Printer 10 is designed for both printing on separate sheets of paper and for printing a book on a pre-bound block of pages. When printing a book on a pre-bound block, relative motion between the printing bridge and the block is engendered by sliding the block back and forth under a stationary printing bridge. Printer 10 includes input tray 12 for storing a sheaf of unbound, separate sheets of paper. Shelf 16 may be folded downward to form an output tray for printed separate sheets. In order to print a book, front door 14 and shelf 16 are folded downward, and side panels 16a of shelf 16 are opened. Similarly, rear door 20 and rear extension 18 are folded downward, and side panels 18a of shelf 18 are opened. Top cover 11 may remain closed.

[0072] Fig. 2 A shows the printer of Fig. IA with its book paper tray extended for loading. In preparation for printing a book, book paper tray 22 is extended from the front end of printer 10. Height-adjustable platforms 26a and 26b are mounted on book paper tray 22, which is moveable. Fig. 2B illustrates a block of pre-bound pages loaded on the book paper tray shown in Fig. 2 A. Pre-bound block 24 of pre-bound pages is loaded onto book paper tray 26a. The positions of positioning stops 23 may be adjustable in order to accommodate a range of possible block and page sizes. During the course of printing and turning pages of pre-bound block 24, pages of pre-bound block 24 may be re-deployed from a stack supported by height-adjustable platform 26a to height-adjustable platform 26b. During the course of book printing and re-deploying pages, the heights of height-adjustable platforms 26a and 26b may be adjusted. For example, motor 28a may be operated so as to raise height-adjustable platform 26a as pages are re-deployed from height-adjustable platform 26a to height-adjustable platform 26b. For example, motor 28a may rotate a worm gear that closes a scissors mechanism to raise height-adjustable platform 26a by a controlled amount. Concurrently, motor 28b (visible in Fig. 3B) may lower height-adjustable platform 26b.

[0073] Prior to printing, book paper tray 22 may be retracted inward and shelf 16 may be lowered so as to lie approximately horizontal. During book printing, book paper tray 22 may be moved back and forth between a foremost position and a rearmost position. The back and forth motion may bring successive strips of an exposed surface to the vicinity of the printing bridge.

[0074] Fig. 3 A is a front perspective view of the printer of Fig. 2A, with the book paper tray in its foremost position. Fig. 3 B is a top view of the printer as shown in Fig. 3 A showing some interior components. Fig. 3C shows the printer of Fig. 3 A with part of the interior exposed. In the foremost position of book paper tray 22, front end 22a of book paper tray 22 does not extend forward beyond a front end of shelf 16. Movement of book paper tray 22 is controlled via motor 34. Operating motor 34 may rotate pinion 38 via transmission mechanism 40. Transmission mechanism 40 may include such known transmission elements as gears, axles, and timing belts. Rotation of pinion 38 may move rack 36, which is fixed to book paper tray 22. Thus, moving rack 36 may cause book paper tray 22 to move, gliding on rails 42 in tracks 44. Rails 42 and tracks 44 may be provided with bearings, or may be coated with friction-reducing material, in order to facilitate the gliding.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C, pre-bound block 24 is divided into stack 24a and stack 24b. Stack 24a is supported by height-adjustable platform 26a, and stack 24b is supported by height-adjustable platform 26b. This represents a situation after one or more pages of pre-bound 24 have been re-deployed. The position of printing bridge 30 is stationary in printer 10. Motor 46 may be operated to move timing belt 48, causing printing head 32 to slide along printing bridge 30 on shaft 50. When book paper tray 22 is in its foremost position, the end of stack 24b that is distal to front end 22a may be positioned near printing bridge 30. [0076] Shelf 16 when folded down and side panels 16a when opened, may be configured to form front protective enclosure 17a. Front protective enclosure 17a may partially enclose book paper tray 22 when book paper tray 22 is at its foremost position.

[0077] Fig. 4A is a rear perspective view of the printer of Fig. 3 A, with the book paper tray in its rearmost position. Fig. 4B is a top view of the printer as shown in Fig. 4A showing some interior components. Fig. 4C shows the printer as in Fig. 4 A in a front perspective view with part of its interior exposed. In the rearmost position of book paper tray 22, rear end 22b of book paper tray 22 does not extend forward beyond rear extension 18. When book paper tray 22 is in its rearmost position, the end of stack 24a distal to rear end 22b may be positioned near printing bridge 30. [0078] Shelf 18 when folded down and side panels 18a when opened, may be configured to form rear protective enclosure 17b. Rear protective enclosure 17b may partially enclose book paper tray 22 when book paper tray 22 is at its rearmost position.

[0079] During book printing, book paper tray 22 may be moved back and forth along tracks 44. During the course of the back and forth motion, successive strips of the exposed upper surfaces of stacks 24a and 24b may be brought to the vicinity of printing bridge 30 and printing head 32. Thus, the entire exposed surface at the top of stacks 24a and 24b may be brought to the vicinity of printing bridge 30. Thus printing head 32 may print over most of, or the entire, exposed surface.

[0080] During book printing, protective enclosures 17a and 17b may prevent interference with the motion of book paper tray 22, and may prevent the motion of book paper tray 22 from damaging nearby objects.

[0081] When book paper tray 22 is in its rearmost position, printing on the top surfaces of stacks 24a and 24b is complete. A page turning mechanism may now be activated so as to turn the top page of stack 24a and redeploy it to the top of stack 24b. Fig. 4D is a rear perspective view of interior components of a printer as in Fig. 4A, illustrating a page turning mechanism in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In this example of a page turning mechanism, page turning arm 41, which was parked in a raised position during printing, is lowered until roller 43 rests on top page 45 of stack 24a. Roller 43 is then rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 39. Rotation of roller 43 bends top page 45, lifting edge 45a of top page 45. Book paper tray 22 is then moved toward the front of printer 10, in the direction indicated by arrow 37. As book paper tray 22 moves in the direction of arrow 37, edge 45a of top page 45 fits over one or more page flipping tabs 49 that are mounted to printing bridge 30. As book paper tray 22 continues to move in the direction of arrow 37, page flipping tabs 49 lift top page 45. Sensor 47 is sensitive to the force of top page 45 being lifted. When sensor 47 indicates that top page 45 is being lifted, page turning arm 41 is lifted to its raised position. Continued motion of book paper tray 22 in the direction of arrow 37 causes page flipping taps 49 to continue lifting top page 45 until top page 45 flips over onto stack 24b. After redeployment of top page 45 to stack 24b, motors 28a and 28b may, as needed, operate table-height adjustment mechanisms 29a and 29b, respectively, so as to raise stack 24a and lower stack 24b.

[0082] If sensor 47 indicates that a page has not been lifted, a control program that controls printer 10 may cause one or more steps of the page redeployment mechanism to be repeated. Printing may not be resumed until the page is successfully redeployed. Alternatively or in addition, a visible or audible alert may be generated to a printer operator, notifying the operator of a problem, and possibly indicating that operator intervention is desired.

[0083] In addition to book printing, a printer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may print on separate sheets of paper. Fig. 5A shows the printer of Fig. IA as configured for printing on separate sheets. Fig. 5B shows part of the interior of the printer shown in Fig. 5 A. When printing on separate sheets, shelf 16 may be extended approximately horizontally, and extension 52 may be extended outward from shelf 16. Guide surface 54 may be folded down. When folded down, guide surface 54 guides a single sheet such that the path of the sheet is above, and separate from, book paper tray 22 below. Thus, guide surface 54 separates the paper path of a single sheet from the transport mechanism for pre-bound blocks. Printer 10 may thus be simultaneously loaded both a sheaf of single sheets and a pre-bound block. A sheaf of separate sheets on which to print may be initially loaded in input paper tray 12. A single sheet may be conveyed from input paper tray 12 by various conveying mechanisms known in the art. For example, a single sheet may be conveyed by drive rollers such as roller 55 and roller assembly 56, and guided by surfaces such as guide surfaces 58, to a position below printing bridge 30. As successive strips of the sheet are conveyed to a position below printing bridge 30, printing head 32 may print on that strip. After the entire sheet has passed under printing bridge 30, the sheet may be ejected to an output sheet holder. To eject the sheet, the sheet may be conveyed over guide surface 54 to the position of paper sheet 57 on the top surfaces of shelf 16 and extension 52. The top surfaces of shelf 16 and extension 52 form an output sheet holder.

[0084] In some other embodiments of the present invention, a single shared input tray may be providing for holding either a sheaf of separate sheets or a block of pre-bound pages. Fig. 6 shows a printer with a shared input tray in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Top cover 61 incorporates output tray 64 for holding separate sheets after printing.

[0085] Fig. 7 illustrates loading a block of pre-bound sheets into the printer of Fig. 6. Media on which printer 60 is to print, whether a block of pre-bound pages or a sheaf of separate sheets, may be loaded into drawer 66. In general, the maximum paper size of a sheet of a sheaf of separate sheets that may be loaded into drawer 66 is approximately equal to the maximum area of input tray. The placement of positioning stops 23 may be adjustable in order to accommodate various sheet and page sizes. The maximum paper size of a block of pre-bound pages may be approximately half the maximum area of the input tray. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, the input tray may be designed to accommodate a sheaf of separates sheets with paper size A4. The same input tray may accommodate a block of pre-bound pages with paper size A5.

[0086] During printing, drawer 66 remains stationary. Relative motion between the printing bridge and the surface to be printed upon, whether a separate sheet or the top surface of stacks of bound pages, is accomplished by moving the printing bridge. Fig. 8A shows the interior of the printer of Fig. 6 as configured for printing a book. Pre- bound block 24 is loaded in drawer 66. After one or more pages have been turned during the book printing process, the pages of pre-bound block 24 are arranged into stack 24a on height-adjustable platform 26a and stack 24b on height-adjustable platform 26b. The heights of height-adjustable platforms 26a and 26b are adjusted separately as pages of are re-deployed from stack 24a to stack 24b. Generally, height-adjustable platform 26a is raised and height-adjustable platform 26b is lowered during book printing in order to maintain an approximate coplanar arrangement of the exposed top surfaces of stacks 24a and 24b. In general, during book printing, the heights of height- adjustable platforms 26a and 26b may differ from one another.

[0087] During printing, motor 68 may be operated in a controlled manner in order to move printing bridge 30 across the top surfaces of stacks 24a and 24b. Operation of motor 68 may rotate of drive shaft 74 via transmission 70. Transmission 70 may include such components as gears, belts, and pulleys. Rotation of drive shaft 74 may move drive belts 72. Motion of drive belts 70 causes printing bridge 30 to slide along rails 76, along an axis of motion that is perpendicular or orthogonal to the direction of motion of printing head 32 along printing bridge 30. The motion of printing bridge 30 along rails 76 combined with motion of printing head 32 along printing bridge 30 may bring printing head 32 to successive locations on the exposed top surfaces of stacks 24a and 24b. For example, printing bridge 30 may move during printing in a general direction from stack 24a to stack 24b.

[0088] When printing on the exposed top surfaces of stacks 24a and 24b is complete, a page turning mechanism may be activated so as to turn the top page of stack 24a and redeploy it to the top of stack 24b. Fig. 8B is another view of the interior of the printer shown in Fig. 8A, illustrating a page turning mechanism in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Printing bridge 30 and printing head 32, after having printed on the exposed top surfaces of stacks 24a and 24b, has been returned to the distal end of stack 24a. In this example of a page turning mechanism, page turning arm 41, which was parked in a raised position during printing, is lowered until roller 43 rests on top page 45 of stack 24a. Roller 43 is then rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 39. Rotation of roller 43 bends top page 45, lifting edge 45a of top page 45.

Printing bridge 30 then begins to move toward stack 24b, in the direction indicated by arrow 77. As printing bridge 30 moves in the direction of arrow 77, page flipping page flipping tabs 49 that are mounted to printing bridge 30 fit under edge 45a. As printing bridge 30 continues to move in the direction of arrow 77, page flipping tabs 49 lift top page 45. Sensor 47 is sensitive to the force of top page 45 being lifted. When sensor 47 indicates that top page 45 is being lifted, page turning arm 41 is lifted to its raised position. Continued lifting of top page 45 exposes a new top page 45' below it, at the top of stack 24a. Eventually, motion of printing bridge 30 brings printing head 32 to a position above new top page 45'. At this point, printing head 32 may begin printing on the new top surface of stack 24a. Continued motion of printing bridge 30 toward stack 24b continues lifting top page 45 until top page 45 flips over binding connection 25 that connects stacks 24a to stack 24b, and onto stack 24b. [0089] If sensor 47 indicates that a page is not being turned, a control program that controls printer 10 may cause one or more steps of the page redeployment mechanism to be repeated. Printing may not be resumed until the page is successfully redeployed. Alternatively or in addition, a visible or audible alert may be generated to a printer operator, notifying the operator of a problem, and possibly indicating that operator intervention is desired.

[0090] When printing of a book is complete, stack 24b may be separated from stack 24a along binding connection 25. Fig. 8C shows a cross section through a binding connection of a pre-bound block, illustrating a stack separation mechanism in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. When printing of a book is complete, arm 78 may be raised (seen also in Fig. 8A). Wire 79 may extend from the upper end of arm 78 to fixed wire holder 80. Raising wire 79 may sever part or all of binding connection 25 that attaches a page at the top of stack 24b to a page at the top of stack 24a. An additional mechanism, such as, for example, a hook or peg extending from printing head 32, such as projection 82, may engage wire 79. Motion of printing head 32 in the direction of arrow 84 along printing bridge 30, then pulls wire 79 across and through binding connection 25, severing stack 24b from stack 24. When the stack 24b is completely severed from stack 24a, drawer 66 (Fig. 8A) may be opened and stack 24b removed. The printed pages of removed stack 24b may thus include the printed contents of the book, and in the form of a book without a cover. Thus bound printed stack 24b may be used as a book. [0091] Fig. 9 shows the interior of the printer of Fig. 6 as configured for printing on separate sheets. Sheaf 82 of separate sheets is loaded in drawer 66. Sheaf 82 is supported by height-adjustable platforms 26a and 26b. During printing on a separate sheet, height-adjustable platforms 26a and 26b are maintained at approximately equal heights. As sheets at the top of sheaf 82 are printed and removed from sheaf 82, the heights of height-adjustable platforms 26a and 26b may be adjusted concurrently. Concurrent adjustment of the heights of height-adjustable platforms 26a and 26b may maintain the top surface of sheaf 82 within a range of acceptable heights. By means of the mechanism described above in connection with book printing, printing bridge 30 and printing head 32 may be moved over the top surface of sheaf 82 so as to print on the surface. When printing on a sheet at the top of sheaf 82 is complete, the sheet may be conveyed away from sheaf 82 and ejected through sheet ejection slot 62 into sheet output holder 64 (shown in Fig. 6). For example, sheet 84 is shown being conveyed by rollers 88 along guide surface 86 and out of ejection slot 62. [0092] A printer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be provided with a built-in document scanner. The document scanner may scan an image on a document, such as text or other images, and create image data that represents the appearance of the scanned image. The image data may be stored in an appropriate computer readable format (scanner function), may be used to produce a printed copy of the image (copier function), or may be transmitted to a remote receiving device (fax function).

[0093] Fig. 1OA shows a scanning device of a printer as shown in Fig. IA. Top cover 11 of printer 10 may be opened to reveal scanner surface 90. A document may be placed on scanner surface 90 with the image to be scanned facing downward. Scan head 92 may then be scanned across the face-down document placed on scanner surface 90. Scan head 92 is located above the printing bridge 30 (visible, for example, in Fig. 3C) so as not to interfere with printing. Alternatively, a scanning device may be mounted on, or next to, printing bridge 30. In this case, a document containing an image to be scanned may be placed in input tray 12 or in book paper tray 22 (Fig. 2A). Mechanisms for moving a separate sheet or a pre-bound block during printing may be employed to move the image to be scanned across the scanning device. [0094] Fig. 1OB shows a scanning device of a printer as shown in Fig. 6. Top cover 61 of printer 10 may be opened to reveal scanner surface 90. A document may be placed on scanner surface 90 with the image to be scanned facing downward. Scan head 92 may then be scanned across the face-down document placed on scanner surface 90. Scan head 92 is located above the printing bridge 30 (visible, for example, in Fig. 8A) so as not to interfere with printing. Alternatively, a scanning device may be mounted on, or next to, printing bridge 30. In this case, printing bridge 30 may be moved as in printing to move the scanning device across the image to be scanned.

[0095] A method for printing a book in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may include providing an electronic representation of the contents of a book.

The representation may be provided via a computer connected to the printer, or via a connection or storage media directly to the printer. An appropriately sized stack of pre- bound pages may be loaded into an appropriate input tray of the printer. A mode of the printer may be set for book printing, either via user input or automatically. The printer is then operated to print the book and to separate the printed book from the imprinted part of the stack of pre-bound pages. The separated printed book may then be removed from the printer.

[0096] It should be understood that features of the various embodiments described may be combined to form other embodiments, and that those other embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. For example, separate input trays may be provided for a sheaf of separate sheets and a block of pre-bound pages (as illustrated in Fig. 2A), while relative motion between the printing bridge and the printed surface is accomplished by moving the printing bridge.

[0097] It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.

[0098] It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. An incorporated printing apparatus with capabilities for printing on a separate sheet and for book printing on a block of pre-bound pages, the apparatus comprising: a block support structure comprising two height-adjustable tables for supporting the block in two adjacent stacks, so that when a page is turned from atop a first stack to an adjacent second stack, the two adjacent stacks present substantially co-planar printable top surfaces; an automatic page-turning mechanism for redeploying a top page from the first stack to the second stack; a holder for separate sheets; a printing head; and a relative motion mechanism for providing relative motion between the printing head and a page of the block of printable pages or a sheet of the separate sheets while printing.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the page-turning mechanism comprises a lifting mechanism for lifting a bound top page of the first stack, and a page- flipping tab for sliding under the lifted bound top page and flipping the page.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the page flipping tab is coupled to the printing head.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a roller for sliding the top page so that a part of the top page is lifted.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the relative motion mechanism includes a stationary printing bridge across which the printing head is adapted to move.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the block support structure is capable of automatic movement in a direction orthogonal to the motion of the printing head along the printing bridge.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a feed mechanism for feeding a sheet from the holder to the printing bridge.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a protective enclosure that encloses the block support structure.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the relative motion mechanism includes a moving printing bridge across which the printing head is adapted to move, the bridge and the printing head adapted to move in orthogonal directions.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, comprising an ejection mechanism for ejecting a sheet of the separate sheets.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a scanning apparatus.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the automatic mechanism for effecting relative motion is further adapted to effect relative motion between the printable surface and the scanning apparatus

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a stack-separation mechanism for separating the first stack from the second stack.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stack-separation mechanism comprises a cutting device for cutting a binding connection that connects the first stack to the second stack.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the cutting device comprises a wire for drawing through the binding connection.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a single holding device serving as the holder for separate sheets and the block support structure.