U.S. patent application number 10/487822 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for image recordal and generation apparatus.
Invention is credited to Silverbrook, Kia.
Application Number | 20040233267 10/487822 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46300933 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040233267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Silverbrook, Kia |
November 25, 2004 |
Image recordal and generation apparatus
Abstract
An apparatus for recording and generating images includes a
printing unit. The printing unit includes a carrier that is
dimensioned to approximate a PCMCIA memory card. A media supply is
receivable in the carrier. A page width print head assembly is
mounted in the carrier to print images on the media. The page width
print head assembly includes at least one print head chip and a
suitable printing microprocessor that is configured to control
operation of the print head chip. An ink supply mechanism is
operatively arranged with respect to the print head assembly to
supply the print head assembly with ink. A media feed mechanism is
positioned in the carrier to feed media to and from the print head
chip. The apparatus includes an image recordal apparatus that
includes a housing in which the carrier is received. The housing is
dimensioned to define a sleeve for the carrier so that at least
half the carrier is received in the housing. An image sensing
device is positioned on the housing to sense an image to be
generated. An image sensing microprocessor is positioned in the
housing and is operatively arranged with respect to the image
sensing device to control operation of the image sensing device.
Both the printing unit and the image recordal apparatus have
complementary releasable data connectors so that the image sensing
microprocessor can communicate image data to the printing
microprocessor of the printing unit.
Inventors: |
Silverbrook, Kia; (Balmain,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTD
393 DARLING STREET
BALMAIN
2041
AU
|
Family ID: |
46300933 |
Appl. No.: |
10/487822 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
August 6, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU02/01051 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
347/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 29/023 20130101;
H04N 2201/0063 20130101; G03B 27/52 20130101; B41J 3/445 20130101;
B41J 29/38 20130101; H04M 1/21 20130101; H04N 1/00278 20130101;
H04N 2201/0082 20130101; B41J 2/01 20130101; H04N 1/00347 20130101;
B41J 29/393 20130101; B41J 3/407 20130101; B41J 3/44 20130101; H04M
1/724 20210101; B41J 13/103 20130101; B41J 3/36 20130101; B41J
13/00 20130101; H04N 2101/00 20130101; H04N 2201/0084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
347/108 |
International
Class: |
B41J 029/13 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 31, 2001 |
US |
09/942601 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An apparatus for recording and generating images, the apparatus
comprising a printing unit that comprises a carrier that is
dimensioned to approximate a PCMCIA memory card, a media supply
being receivable in the carrier; a page width print head assembly
that is mounted in the carrier to print images on the media, the
page width print head assembly including at least one print head
chip and a suitable printing microprocessor that is configured to
control operation of the print head chip; an ink supply mechanism
that is operatively arranged with respect to the print head
assembly to supply the print head assembly with ink; and a media
feed mechanism positioned in the carrier to feed media to and from
the print head chip; and an image recordal apparatus that comprises
a housing in which the carrier is received, the housing being
dimensioned to define a sleeve for the carrier so that at least
half the carrier is received in the housing; an image sensing
device that is positioned on the housing to sense an image to be
generated; and an image sensing microprocessor that is positioned
in the housing and is operatively arranged with respect to the
image sensing device to control operation of the image sensing
device; wherein both the printing unit and the image recordal
apparatus have complementary releasable data connectors so that the
image sensing microprocessor can communicate image data to the
printing microprocessor of the printing unit.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the carrier
includes an elongate, substantially rectangular support structure,
with the page width print head assembly and the ink supply
mechanism being mounted on an end portion of the support structure
and the media feed mechanism being positioned intermediate the end
portion and a remaining portion of the support structure.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the carrier
includes a media cartridge that is releasably mounted on said
remaining portion of the support structure.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the media cartridge
is configured to hold sheets of media.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the media feed
mechanism is in the form of a roller feed mechanism that is
configured to be engageable with a lowermost sheet of media in the
cartridge when the cartridge is positioned on the support
structure.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the printing unit
includes a data bus connected across the complementary data
connector of the printing unit, the printing microprocessor, the
print head assembly and the media feed mechanism.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the image sensing
device is in the form of a CMOS device that defines an active pixel
sensor.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the image recordal
apparatus includes a data bus connected across the image sensing
device, the image sensing microprocessor and the complementary data
connector of the image recordal apparatus.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the data connectors
of the image recordal apparatus and the printing unit are both in
the form of PCMCIA-type connectors.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an image recordal and generation
apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The Applicant has developed print head assemblies that are
capable of generating images having a resolution of up to 1600 dpi.
Furthermore, the print head assemblies that the Applicant has
developed are of a relatively small size, allowing them to be
incorporated into a camera-based device such as that described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/113,053.
[0003] Details of such a print head assembly can be found in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/113,053. The relatively small size
has been largely the result of the development of an ink jet print
head that is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/425,419.
[0004] The ink jet print head has allowed the Applicant to develop
a compact portable printer that is directly engageable with a
PCMCIA slot in a laptop or notebook computer. This compact portable
printer is the subject matter of the above referenced U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/436,509.
[0005] The Applicant has identified that it would be highly
desirable to provide an image recordal and generation assembly or
apparatus that is capable of generating the high-resolution images
mentioned above and yet is of a size that is comparable to pocket
sized cameras that are presently available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to the invention, there is provided an apparatus
for recording and generating images, the apparatus comprising
[0007] a printing unit that comprises
[0008] a carrier that is dimensioned to approximate a PCMCIA memory
card, a media supply being receivable in the carrier;
[0009] a page width print head assembly that is mounted in the
carrier to print images on the media, the page width print head
assembly including at least one print head chip and a suitable
printing microprocessor that is configured to control operation of
the print head chip;
[0010] an ink supply mechanism that is operatively arranged with
respect to the print head assembly to supply the print head
assembly with ink; and
[0011] a media feed mechanism positioned in the carrier to feed
media to and from the print head chip; and
[0012] an image recordal apparatus that comprises
[0013] a housing in which the carrier is received, the housing
being dimensioned to define a sleeve for the carrier so that at
least half the carrier is received in the housing;
[0014] an image sensing device that is positioned on the housing to
sense an image to be generated; and
[0015] an image sensing microprocessor that is positioned in the
housing and is operatively arranged with respect to the image
sensing device to control operation of the image sensing
device;
[0016] wherein
[0017] both the printing unit and the image recordal apparatus have
complementary releasable data connectors so that the image sensing
microprocessor can communicate image data to the printing
microprocessor of the printing unit.
[0018] The invention is now described, by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted that the
following specific description is for the purposes of illustrating
a particular embodiment of the invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed and is not intended to limit the broad scope of
the preceding summary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the drawings,
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a three dimensional view of a printing unit of
an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for recording and
generating images;
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded view of a print media
cartridge of the printing unit of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the printing unit of FIG.
1;
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a partly cut away view of a print head of the
printing unit of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a three dimensional view of the apparatus for
recording and generating images;
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 5;
[0026] FIG. 7 shows the apparatus of FIG. 5 with the printing unit
detached from an image recordal apparatus;
[0027] FIG. 8 shows the apparatus of FIG. 5 with a print media
cartridge detached from the printing unit;
[0028] FIG. 9 shows a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 5,
indicating the position of some of the components;
[0029] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 also
indicating the position of some of the components; and
[0030] FIG. 11 shows a schematic block diagram indicating the
various components of the apparatus of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an
apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for recording and
generating images.
[0032] The apparatus 10 includes a printing unit 12. The printing
unit 12 has a carrier 14 that is dimensioned so that the printing
unit 12 is similar in size to a PCMCIA memory card. In particular,
the printing unit 12 is similar in size to a PCMCIA type III card.
As is known, PCMCIA is an acronym for Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association that sets parameters for PC cards having
various sizes. The PCMCIA type III card, has a typical size of
approximately 86 mm in length, approximately 54 mm in width and
approximately 11 mm in thickness.
[0033] The carrier 14 includes an elongate, substantially
rectangular support structure 16. The support structure 16 includes
a body portion 18 with a tray 20 positioned at one end of the body
portion 18 and a PCMCIA-type connector 22 positioned at an opposed
end of the body portion 18. A print head assembly 24 is mounted on
the tray 20. The print head assembly 24 includes a print head 26
that is positioned to span a printing region indicated generally at
28. The print head assembly 24 is shown in some detail in FIG. 4.
The print head 26 includes at least one print head chip 27 that is
the product of an integrated circuit fabrication technique.
Furthermore, each print head chip is described in the above
referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/425,419.
[0034] The print head 26 has an ink distribution arrangement 30
mounted thereon. The ink distribution arrangement 30 is described
in US patent application Ser. No. ______ (Docket No. YU140), which
is incorporated herein by reference. The ink distribution
arrangement 30 includes an ink storage and feed structure 29 in
fluid communication with a channeling structure 31. The channeling
structure 31 is in fluid communication with the print head chip 27
so that ink can be fed to the nozzle arrangements of the print head
chip 27. The ink storage and feed structure 29 includes a pair of
outer ink reservoirs 33 and a pair of rows of ink storage channels
35 positioned between the outer ink reservoirs 33.
[0035] The channeling structure 31 includes a pair of rows of feed
channels 37. Each feed channel 37 is in fluid communication with a
respective storage channel 35. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the ink
storage and feed structure 29 and the channeling structure 31
together define a plurality of ink feed passages that gradually
decrease in cross sectional area as they near the print head chip
27.
[0036] The print head assembly 24 includes control circuitry in the
form of a microprocessor 32, mounted on the tray 20. Details of a
suitable microprocessor are provided in the above referenced U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/113,053.
[0037] The print head assembly 24 further includes a motor 34 that
is drivingly connected to a gearbox 36. Operation of the motor 34
and thus the gearbox 36 is also controlled by the microprocessor
32. A primary feed roller 38 is positioned on an infeed side of the
printing region 28 and is connected to the gearbox 36 to be driven
by the gearbox 36. A secondary feed roller 40 is positioned on an
outfeed side of the printing region 28.
[0038] The support structure 16 includes a base member 42. The base
member 42 includes a feed plate 44 that has a pair of opposed side
clips 46 and a front clip 48 positioned thereon. The side clips 46
serve to engage side walls 50 of the body portion 18 and a front
side 52 of the tray 20.
[0039] A pair of spaced retaining clips 54 are positioned on a rear
side 56 of the feed plate 44 to engage complementary formations 58
defined on each side of the PCMCIA-type connector 22.
[0040] The printing unit 12 includes a cover member 60 that is
mountable over the print head assembly 24 to protect the print head
assembly 24.
[0041] A media supply cartridge in the form of a paper sheet
cartridge 62 is mountable on the body portion 18. A supply 64 of
paper sheets, one of which is indicated at 66, is receivable in the
cartridge 62. The cartridge 62 includes a backing plate 68 against
which the supply 64 is positioned, in use. Each of a pair of side
walls 70 extends from a respective major side of the backing plate
68. A rear cover 78 is mounted on the backing plate 68 and the side
walls 70. Further, a front cover 80 is also mounted on the backing
plate 68 and the side walls 70. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a
retaining clip 84 is positioned on a feed end 82 of the backing
plate 68. The retaining clip 84 is configured to retain the paper
supply 64 in the cartridge 62 as the sheet 66 is fed from the
supply 64 into the printing region 28.
[0042] The backing plate 68 defines a pair of urging members 86.
The urging members 86 are biased so that when the supply 64 is
positioned in the cartridge 62, the supply 64 is biased towards the
feed plate 44. The front cover 80 and the cover member 60 have
complementary engaging formations 88 which allow the cartridge 62
to be urged into engagement with the cover member 60. In this
position, the primary feed roller 38 is positioned to engage the
sheet 66 so that when the primary feed roller 38 rotates, the sheet
66 is drawn into the printing region 28. The cover member 60 and
the tray 20 together define an outfeed slot 89 from which printed
sheets are fed.
[0043] The various components of the printing unit 12 are indicated
schematically in FIG. 11. As can be seen, the PCMCIA-type connector
22 is connected to the microprocessor 32 with a suitable data bus
indicated at 90. The data bus 90 also serves to connect the
microprocessor 32 to the print head 26. Thus, image data received
by the PCMCIA-type connector 22 can be communicated to the
microprocessor 32 which can then control operation of the print
head 26 to generate an image on the paper sheet 66.
[0044] The apparatus 10 further includes an image recordal
apparatus 92. The image recordal apparatus 92 includes a housing in
the form of a sleeve 94 in which the printing unit 12 is received
up to the cover member 60. As can be seen in the drawings, this
means that approximately two thirds of the printing unit 12 is
received in the sleeve 94. Further, the cover member 60 and its
respective portion of the feed plate 44 is dimensioned to
correspond, transversely, with transverse dimensions of the sleeve
94. It follows, therefore, that the apparatus 10 has overall
dimensions that are in the region of one third larger than a type
III PCMCA-type card. It will readily be appreciated that an article
of this size can easily be carried in a pocket of a garment.
[0045] The image recordal apparatus 92 has a viewfinder 96
positioned thereon. The viewfinder 96 includes an eyepiece 98
through which a viewer can target an image to be recorded. A camera
lens 100 is positioned proximate the viewfinder 96 and is
configured to provide a focused image of that which is to be
recorded. The camera lens 100 is positioned in front of a
CMOS-based image sensing device that, in this example, is in the
form of an active pixel sensor 102.
[0046] The active pixel sensor 102 is connected to a microprocessor
104 with a suitable data bus 106. The interaction of these
components can readily be seen in FIG. 11.
[0047] The data bus 106 also serves to connect the active pixel
sensor 102 to a memory storage device 108.
[0048] Operation of the image recordal apparatus is by way of a
camera actuating button 110 that is depressed by a user in a
conventional manner. The actuator button 110 is connected to the
microprocessor 104 so that, upon actuation, the processor 104
communicates a command signal to the active pixel sensor 102 to
capture the desired image. Data carrying this image is then stored
in the memory storage device 108.
[0049] Operation of the printing unit 12 is by way of a printer
actuating button 120 that is connected to the printing
microprocessor 32. The microprocessor 32 actuates operation of the
print head assembly 24 when the button 120 is depressed so that the
recorded image can be printed.
[0050] Details of the operation of the image recordal apparatus are
set out further in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/113,053,
incorporated above. It follows that further details of the
operation of the image recordal apparatus will not be described in
this specification.
[0051] The image recordal apparatus 92 includes a complementary
PCMCIA-type connector 112 that is positioned in the sleeve 94 to
engage the PCMCIA-type connector 22 when the printing unit 12 is
inserted into the image recordal apparatus 92.
[0052] The data bus 106 also serves to connect the microprocessor
104 and the memory storage device 108 to the complementary
PCMCIA-type connector 112 so that data relating to the captured
image can be sent to the microprocessor 32 of the printing unit
12.
[0053] Both the printing unit 12 and the image recordal apparatus
92 include a PCMCIA connector interface 124 to control the transfer
of data across the PCMCIA-type connectors 22, 112.
[0054] A battery indicated at 114 received within the sleeve 94
provides energy for the operation of the various components of the
apparatus 10. A battery cover 116 is provided to secure the battery
114 in the sleeve 94. Opposed minor side walls 122 of the sleeve 94
have guide formations 118 defined therein. The side walls 50 of the
body portion 18 are slideably received in respective guide
formations 118 to facilitate interconnection of the printing unit
12 and the image recordal apparatus 92.
[0055] The Applicant believes that the invention provides a means
whereby a compact image recordal device or camera incorporating a
printer can be achieved. In particular, the device is only between
approximately 30 and 40 percent larger than a PCMCIA type III
memory card. This has been perceived by the Applicant to be a
significant advantage based on the popularity of pocket-sized
cameras.
* * * * *