U.S. patent application number 11/164443 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for apparatus, method, and computer program product for pad transfer.
Invention is credited to Shilajeet Banerjee, Larry Cheng, Jesse Fourt, Hans-Christoph Haenlein, Jon H. LeFors, Chris Luomanen, Sven David Newman, Michael Simonian, Philip Wessells, Michael E. Woods, Opher Dorun Yom-Tov, James R. Yurchenco.
Application Number | 20060257184 11/164443 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37419242 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060257184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wessells; Philip ; et
al. |
November 16, 2006 |
Apparatus, method, and computer program product for pad
transfer
Abstract
The present invention includes apparatus and method for image
transfer onto one of a plurality of a pad medium pages while the
pages are aggregated together. A preferred embodiment for a printer
includes a housing; a print engine, within the housing, for
transferring an image to a transfer medium when the transfer medium
is located at a print position; and a transfer medium registration
system, coupled to the print engine, for positioning a pad
including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured to one
another, wherein the print registration system locates one of the
transfer media at the print position. The method including
positioning a pad at a print position of a print transfer engine,
the pad including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured
to one another; and transferring an image to one of the transfer
media positioned at the print position.
Inventors: |
Wessells; Philip; (Mill
Valley, CA) ; Simonian; Michael; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Yurchenco; James R.; (Palo Alto, CA) ;
Cheng; Larry; (Palo Alto, CA) ; Fourt; Jesse;
(Menlo Park, CA) ; Luomanen; Chris; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Banerjee; Shilajeet; (Belmont,
CA) ; Newman; Sven David; (Menlo Park, CA) ;
Yom-Tov; Opher Dorun; (San Francisco, CA) ; LeFors;
Jon H.; (San Francisco, CA) ; Haenlein;
Hans-Christoph; (San Jose, CA) ; Woods; Michael
E.; (Tiburon, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL E. WOODS;PATENT LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL E. WOODS
112 BARN ROAD
TIBURON
CA
94920-2602
US
|
Family ID: |
37419242 |
Appl. No.: |
11/164443 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10728119 |
Dec 3, 2003 |
6971806 |
|
|
11164443 |
Nov 22, 2005 |
|
|
|
10628749 |
Jul 28, 2003 |
7101097 |
|
|
11164443 |
Nov 22, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/408 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 3/407 20130101;
B41J 13/0018 20130101; B41J 13/103 20130101; G06K 15/16 20130101;
G06K 2215/0097 20130101; G06K 15/021 20130101; G03G 2215/00122
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
399/408 |
International
Class: |
G03G 15/00 20060101
G03G015/00 |
Claims
1. An image transfer apparatus, comprising: an image transfer
engine disposed proximate a transfer registration system including
a pad of a plurality of laminar elements and a stripper wherein
said plurality of laminar elements are releasably bound together to
produce said pad, said transfer registration system positions one
of said laminar elements at an image transfer location; and a
control system, coupled to a memory and to said image transfer
engine, for transferring an image in said memory onto at least one
laminar element.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. An image transfer method, the method comprising: receiving a
voice input at a pad transfer system having: an image transfer
engine transferring an image to a laminar element of a pad, a
transfer registration system for receiving said pad and positioning
said laminar element at an image transfer location, said pad
including a plurality of releasably bound laminar elements; and
responding to said voice input to control said image transfer
engine.
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. A computer program product comprising a computer readable
medium carrying program instructions for transferring an image
using a pad transfer system when executed using a computing system,
the executed program instructions executing a method, the method
comprising: receiving a voice input at a pad transfer system having
an image transfer engine transferring an image to a laminar element
of a pad, a transfer registration system for receiving said pad and
positioning said laminar element at an image transfer location,
said pad including a plurality of releasably bound laminar
elements; and responding to said voice input to control said image
transfer engine.
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a CONTINUATION-IN-PART of
application Ser. No. 10/628,749 entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
PAD PRINTING filed 28 Jul. 2003, and is related to both application
Ser. No. 10/628,820 entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMAGE
CAPTURE AND PAD TRANSFER" and application Ser. No. 10/628,750
entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ANIMATION PAD PRINTING" both
filed on 28 Jul. 2003; and is related to application Ser. No.
10/618,107 entitled Image Transfer System and Method, filed 10 Jul.
2003 and application Ser. No. ______ (20003-7024) entitled
"APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR ANIMATION PAD
TRANSFER" and filed on even date herewith. These related
applications are all hereby expressly incorporated by reference for
all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to image transfer
systems, and more particularly to printing systems for transferring
an image to a pad of transfer medium.
[0003] There are many types of printing systems available today.
These systems include dot-matrix, thermal printers, electrostatic
image transfer, ink ejectment, and the like. These systems are
adapted for printing successive images on individual sheets of
separate pages drawn from a paper reserve stack. There are many
different mechanisms for extracting individual sheets and directing
them to the image application portion of the printer. What these
printers have in common is that the printing systems are adapted
for accessing, controlling, routing and printing a single sheet at
time.
[0004] Pads of note paper, such as Post-It.RTM. brand sticky note
pads available from 3M Corporation of St. Paul, Minn., are well
known. These pads include stacks of pages releasably secured to
each other with a tacky adhesive that permits an individual page to
removed from the pad and re-adhered to another surface. This
feature of releasable securement to successive surfaces is a
desirable trait of these products.
[0005] Currently to produce an image on a sticky note, a user
either writes or otherwise applies some text or graphic element on
the topmost page of the pad of sticky note. Later, the user removes
the note to reposition it to the desired location. It would be
advantageous to use a printing system to apply the element to the
sticky note page. However, the current printing systems are
incapable of printing on such a pad. 3M offers a solution for
printing on a preformed matrix of single layer note pages arranged
in a standard 8''.times.11'' format for running through a
conventional printer called a PRINTSCAPE.TM. Personalized Note Kit
product. This product features a matrix of Post-It.RTM. Notes
included on a sheet of six notes arranged in three rows of two
columns. A sheet of notes is compatible with existing printers for
designing individual note content on a PC and printing them as
desired, much like label design and printing software.
[0006] This solution has disadvantages in that it requires access
to, and use of, a full-size printer and associated computer system
to reproduce the element on the note. Also, the user has to obtain
pages of the special format, as well as special software for use in
cooperation with the computer system operating the printer.
[0007] There are cameras designed for producing hardcopy facsimiles
of images captured through an optical field-of-view. These cameras
require a special package of film for producing instant hardcopy
pictures. Examples include Polaroid instant cameras using instant
film and peel-apart film. The instant film implements a
self-developing process in which the image is captured and
developed directly on the film and not transferred. Polaroid also
makes an iZone camera that includes both digital "film" and a
special version of instant film. Digital film records an image in
onboard memory, and the image is later transferred to a separate
machine (computer or special printer) to print hardcopies of
desired images from the digital film. The instant film for the
iZone develops a captured image directly on the film and includes a
semi-tacky adhesive backing for temporary attachment of the picture
to another surface. These solutions have the drawback that the
instant cameras only provide instant images when used with instant
film. The instant film is a specialty product that is not widely
available, and has a cost that is not insubstantial.
[0008] Animation books are also known. An animation book includes a
series of sheets of paper bound together. Each page has some image
on it, with the collection of images related to each other to
provide a sense of animation when the images are displayed
successively. This effect is similar to motion picture technology
in projecting many frames per second of one or more sets of related
images.
[0009] Currently, quality animation books, or flip-books, are
available commercially. It is known for an animator to hand apply
sequenced images individually to sets of pages to produce a
rudimentary animation book. However, such a solution does not
produce animation books of sufficient quality, and the production
is often limited to the animator's artistic skills. There are
systems, including personal computers and software for generating
animation sequences from images. But these sequences must be viewed
on the computer system or converted into video/film presentations
for later viewing.
[0010] Pre-inked rubber stamps are well-known in the art. This
technology provides a text or graphic image carved or otherwise
formed in an elastomeric body. By inking the body and pressing the
body to a surface, the ink is transferred to the surface to form a
facsimile of the text or graphic image. The technology includes
many ways of applying ink uniformly and efficiently to the
elastomeric body. Prior to pre-inked rubber stamps, rubber stamps
were manually inked with a stamp pad, and prior to that, images
were carved into hard materials (e.g., wood or metal) and an ink
was applied for transfer to a surface.
[0011] These solutions offer a user an ability to reproduce
preselected text/image facsimiles very simply, economically and
repetitively. There are a few disadvantages to these devices,
including the difficulty of adapting or modifying the preselected
text/image. Each device is typically customized, with little
ability for a user to modify the text/image requiring the user to
obtain multiple devices, each with a different text/image.
[0012] A prior art solution to this disadvantage provides one or
more user-selectable text/images or components of a text/image
(e.g., an alphabet wheel or a number wheel) that allows a user to
select one of several predefined text/images for reproduction.
[0013] This solution is acceptable as long as the desired
text/image is available in the predefined set of text/images. When
a user desires a text/image that is unavailable, a new device must
be obtained. Thus, a user may require many different devices in
order cover the range of desired text/images.
[0014] It is a second disadvantage that customizing a device most
often results in some lead time between identifying a desired
text/image and obtaining a device for reproducing the desired
text/image. This disadvantage can result in fewer devices being
used (because of the lead time disadvantage) and when a user opts
to use devices of this class, many users have many extra devices
that are seldom used. And because the devices are customized and
generally unmodifiable, many devices are infrequently used before
becoming obsolete and discarded.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention includes apparatus and method for
image transfer onto one of a plurality of a pad medium pages while
the pages are aggregated together. A preferred embodiment for a
printer includes a housing; a print engine, within the housing, for
transferring an image to a transfer medium when the transfer medium
is located at a print position; and a transfer medium registration
system, coupled to the print engine, for positioning a pad
including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured to one
another, wherein the print registration system locates one of the
transfer media at the print position. The method including
positioning a pad at a print position of a print transfer engine,
the pad including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured
to one another; and transferring an image to one of the transfer
media positioned at the print position.
[0016] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is
provided as a stand-alone system for receiving a pad of a plurality
of transfer media and for transferring an image to one of the
transfer media. Additionally, the printer may be incorporated into
a portable image capturing device to directly transfer a captured
image onto the pad. The one transfer medium may be printed while
attached, or in some implementations, after being stripped from the
pad. In some implementations, a print registration system ejects a
printed medium after printing, or a user removes the pad after
printing, removes the printed medium, and then reinserts the pad.
Virtually any image may be transferred, limited by the image
transfer engine, the image source quality and pad size. Examples
include maps, notes, photos, daily calendar with appointments,
to-do items, shopping lists, checklists, and phone numbers.
[0017] The present invention includes apparatus and method for
image transfer onto one of a plurality of a pad medium pages while
the pages are aggregated together. A preferred embodiment for an
image transfer system, including a housing; an image capture
system, within the housing and coupled to the transfer engine, for
producing an image; a transfer engine, within the housing, for
transferring the image to a transfer medium when the transfer
medium is located at a transfer position; a transfer medium
registration system, coupled to the transfer engine, for
positioning a pad including a plurality of transfer media
releasably secured to one another, wherein the transfer
registration system locates one of the transfer media at the
transfer position. An image transfer method includes capturing an
image using an image capture system within a housing; positioning a
pad at a transfer position of a transfer engine inside the housing,
the pad including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured
to one another; and transferring the image to one of the transfer
media positioned at the transfer position.
[0018] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is
provided as a stand-alone system for receiving a pad of a plurality
of transfer media and for capturing and transferring an image to
one of the transfer media. The imaged transfer medium may be
printed while attached, or in some implementations, after being
stripped from the pad. In some implementations, a transfer
registration system ejects a print medium after printing, or a user
removes the pad after printing, removes the printed medium, and
then reinserts the pad. Virtually any image from a scene may be
captured and transferred, limited by the image transfer engine, the
image source quality (e.g., a quality of the image capture system)
and pad size.
[0019] The present invention includes apparatus and method for
image sequence transfer onto one of a plurality of a pad medium
pages while the pages are aggregated together. A preferred
embodiment for a printer includes An image transfer apparatus,
including a housing; an image transfer engine for transferring a
series of images at a transfer position; and a transfer medium
registration system for positioning a pad including a plurality of
transfer media releasably secured to one another, wherein the
transfer registration system locates a series of individual ones of
the transfer media at the transfer position to receive different
images of the series of images. The image sequence transferring
method includes positioning a pad at a transfer position of a
transfer engine, the pad including a plurality of transfer media
releasably secured to one another; and transferring a series of
images to successive ones of the transfer media serially positioned
at the transfer position.
[0020] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is
provided as a stand-alone system for receiving a pad of a plurality
of transfer media and for transferring a series of images to
successive ones of the transfer media. Additionally, the printer
may be incorporated into a portable image capturing device to
directly transfer a captured image sequence onto the pad. To form
the animation book, the images are transferred to successive media
while each element is attached, or in some implementations,
individual elements are collected in proper order and bound
together. In the preferred implementation, a transfer registration
system positions the series of transfer media elements at a
transfer position of the transfer engine. Virtually any sequence of
images may be transferred (e.g., captured sequences, related sets
of still images, or image sets developed from one or more reference
images (e.g., "morphing"), limited by the image transfer engine,
the image source quality and pad size.
[0021] These and other novel aspects of the present invention will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of
the drawings and the remaining portions of the specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block perspective view a preferred embodiment of
the present invention for a pad printing system;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
implemented in a desktop printing system;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
implemented in an image capture system;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a block perspective view a preferred embodiment of
the present invention for a pad animation printing system;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0037] FIG. 16 is a set of views (a.-d.) for an alternate preferred
embodiment of a roller/feeder/separator/extractor for use in a pad
transfer system;
[0038] FIG. 17 is a view of an alternate preferred embodiment for a
roller/feeder/separator/extractor for use in a pad transfer
system;
[0039] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system;
[0040] FIG. 19 is a view of an alternate preferred embodiment for a
roller/feeder/separator/extractor 1900 for use in a pad transfer
system;
[0041] FIG. 20 is a view of an alternate preferred embodiment for a
roller/feeder/separator/extractor 2000 for use in a pad transfer
system;
[0042] FIG. 21 is a set of views (a.-e.) for an alternate preferred
embodiment of a roller/feeder/separator/extractor for use in a pad
transfer system;
[0043] FIG. 22 is a view of an alternate preferred embodiment for a
roller/feeder/separator/extractor for use in a pad transfer
system
[0044] FIG. 23 is a view of an alternate preferred embodiment for a
roller/feeder/separator/extractor for use in a pad transfer
system;
[0045] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system using an extractor system
similar to the extractor shown in FIG. 23;
[0046] FIG. 25 is a perspective block diagram of an imaging
system;
[0047] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment for
an imager with an image descriptor transfer system (e.g., a USB
port and complementary USB plug communicated to an external image
source);
[0048] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an image transfer engine
disposed in an image transfer region of a housing of the
imager;
[0049] FIG. 28 is a block schematic diagram of an imager
system;
[0050] FIG. 29 is an alternate preferred embodiment for a block
schematic diagram of an imager system; and
[0051] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the imager in
operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] FIG. 1 is a block perspective view a preferred embodiment of
the present invention for a pad transfer system 100. Transfer
system 100 includes a housing 105, an image transfer engine 110, a
transfer registration system 115 for receiving a pad 120.
[0053] Housing 105 contains the elements of pad transfer system
100. Housing 105 preferably also may be integrated into other
devices (either physically or logically) to provide functionality
such, as for example, image capture, image storing, and/or image
transmission. Pad transfer system 100 may also be enabled to work
cooperatively with an image capture system, with the image capture
system physically or logically integrated with pad transfer system
100.
[0054] Image transfer engine 110 is a device for applying a text or
graphic element onto pad 120 when pad 120 is registered within
transfer registration system 115. Image transfer engine 110 may
include conventional printing systems such as, for example, a laser
printer, an inkjet printer, a thermal printer, a dot-matrix
printer, or the like. Image transfer engine 110 may include imaging
systems like stenciling and stamping as well. Therefore image
transfer engine 110 of the preferred embodiment denotes a system
that imparts a perceptible image onto or into one of a transfer
medium of pad 120, and the term print is used in a generic sense to
include all such transfer processes.
[0055] In some implementations, image transfer engine 110 uses a
printing system that consumes a print resource during the transfer
process (e.g., toner in a laser printer or ink in an inkjet
printer). Pad printing system 100 may provide for replaceable
resource sources 125 (e.g., an ink cartridge or toner cartridge) or
provide for replacement of a complete image transfer engine 110
that is new or refurbished with a fresh supply of the resource.
[0056] Pad printing system 100 includes a processing unit for
controlling the functions, and includes memory for storing program
instructions and, in some cases, images in a format suitable for
use with image transfer engine 110. This memory may include
portions that are volatile, non-volatile or some combination. In
some implementations, pad printing system 100 includes one or more
image access ports 130, coupled to the controller, memory, or
directly to image transfer engine 110. Image access port 130 is a
receiver/receptacle adapted to operatively mate with memory modules
storing one or more images for application using pad printing
system 100, or for coupling to another device or source of images,
such as, for example, a computing system, a camera, a scanner, a
video camera, or the like. Some implementations and embodiments of
the present invention include rechargeable batteries to power the
transfer functions. Access port 130 may be integrated into a
docking station for receiving, storing, powering and otherwise
interfacing to the image transfer system or to an image capture
system, or both. The docking system may be used for systems lacking
the rechargeable batteries.
[0057] In some implementations of the preferred embodiment, pad
transfer system 100 includes a display 135 for reproducing a
facsimile of an image to be transferred, or transferred by, image
transfer engine 110. Display 135 also provides feedback during
control or operation functions. A portion of display 135 provides
feedback regarding the status of the image transfer process, such
as that system 100 is ready to begin transfer, transfer is ongoing,
and/or transfer has completed.
[0058] A control system 140 includes one or more buttons coupled to
the controller for actuating an image transfer process, selecting
an image for transfer, accessing images through access port 130. In
the preferred embodiment, control system 140 includes a "PRINT"
button, the actuation of which initiates an image transfer
process.
[0059] Print registration system 115 receives pad 120 and positions
one transfer medium of the plurality of transfer media at a
location to cooperate with image transfer engine 110 in the image
transfer process. Pad 120 of the preferred embodiment is a stack of
uniformly sized transfer medium elements (e.g., sheets of paper,
though other substrates or materials are possible, including Mylar
film, decals, etc.) releasably secured to each other. In the
preferred embodiment, pad 120 is a stack of sticky note pads, like
the Post-It.RTM. sticky note pad product. Registration system 115
locates the topmost transfer medium at the print position and holds
pad 120 during the image transfer process. In some implementations,
no semi-tacky adhesive is used, pad 120 being a stack of sheets of
medium, such as uniformly sized and weighted sheets of paper. It is
understood that pad 120 for the present invention typically
includes a standard set of uniformly sized sheets of paper, having
a sheet count per set of ten or more sheets. The preferred
embodiment of the present invention accommodates such sets of
sheets (pads) for processing, though in some cases, the embodiments
are able to process a single sheet. It is a feature of the
preferred embodiments, as described herein and as described in the
incorporated patent applications, that they are capable of
operating on pad 120 as stacked, assembled, and bound.
[0060] In some embodiments, registration system 115 may position
the bottommost transfer medium, or some other portion of pad 120.
Registration system 115 may include an adapter/cartridge for
holding pad 120 during image transfer. Such an adapter/cartridge is
configurable to permit registration of different sized pads 120
(size differing in thickness and/or peripheral dimensions).
[0061] Registration system 115 also includes, in some
implementations, a stripper 145 for pulling a single transfer
medium off pad 120, either before image transfer or after. Stripper
145, depending upon its functions, may be implemented in numerous
different ways. A simple implementation includes a blade or roller
that slides between a sheet and the remainder of the pad to lift,
separate and remove the sheet.
[0062] It is understood that pad print system 100 may also be
implemented as a simple device without the display, access ports,
and controls. When inserting pad 120 sufficiently far into
registration system 115, image transfer begins. An LED is
illuminated while the transfer process is in progress. When the LED
extinguishes, pad 120 is removed with one of the pages bearing the
transfer image.
[0063] In operation, a user loads pad 120 into registration system
115 that in turn locates one of the transfer medium at the desired
location. A user selects a particular image for transfer, either
from internal memory or from an external source through image
access port 130. The selected image is viewed on display 135, and
the user actuates the "PRINT" button to initiate the transfer
system. When the transfer process is completed, the transfer
medium, either individually or as part of pad 120, is removed from
pad printing system 100.
[0064] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
implemented in a desktop printing system 200. Desktop printing
system 200 is configured as shown in FIG. 1, including having two
access ports 130 for accessing images: one coupled to an imaging
system (e.g., a camera) and the other to a computing system. System
200 has two operating modes: vertical as shown that operates like a
"toaster" and a horizontal mode (not shown) that operates as a
"toaster oven."
[0065] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
implemented in an image capture/print system 300. System 300 is
configured as shown in FIG. 1, and includes an image capture
portion (e.g., camera, video camera or scanner). The camera
includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) for collecting an image from
a desired field-of-view, with the collected image stored into the
memory or sent directly to image transfer engine 110 for transfer
to pad 120. When the capture system is integrated into housing 105
as shown in FIG. 1, the memory and controller may be shared between
the capture system and the pad transfer system. When physically
distinct, access port 130 may transfer images from the capture
system to the transfer system. When integrated, a "shutter" control
of the image capture system may also initiate operation of the
image transfer engine.
[0066] FIG. 4 is a block perspective view a preferred embodiment of
the present invention for a pad transfer system 400. Transfer
system 400 includes housing 105, image transfer engine 110,
transfer registration system 115 for receiving a pad 120' similarly
to system 100 shown in FIG. 1.
[0067] Housing 105 contains the elements of pad transfer system
400. Housing 105 preferably also may be integrated into other
devices (either physically or logically) to provide functionality
such, as for example, image capture, image processing/animation
generation, image storing, and/or image transmission. Pad transfer
system 400 may also be enabled to work cooperatively with an image
capture system, with the image capture system physically or
logically integrated with pad transfer system 400.
[0068] Image transfer engine 110 is a device for applying a text or
graphic element onto pad 120' when pad 120' is registered within
transfer registration system 115. Image transfer engine 110 may
include conventional printing systems such as, for example, a laser
printer, an inkjet printer, a thermal printer, a dot-matrix
printer, or the like. Image transfer engine 110 may include imaging
systems like stenciling and stamping as well. Therefore image
transfer engine 110 of the preferred embodiment denotes a system
that imparts a perceptible image onto or into one of a transfer
medium of pad 120', and the term print is used in a generic sense
to include all such transfer processes.
[0069] In some implementations, image transfer engine 110 uses a
printing system that consumes a print resource during the transfer
process (e.g., toner in a laser printer or ink in an inkjet
printer). Pad printing system 400 may provide for replaceable
resource sources 125 (e.g., an ink cartridge or toner cartridge) or
provide for replacement of a complete image transfer engine 110
that is new or refurbished with a fresh supply of the resource.
[0070] Pad printing system 400 includes a processing unit for
controlling the functions, and includes memory for storing program
instructions and, in some cases, images in a format suitable for
use with image transfer engine 110. This memory may include
portions that are volatile, non-volatile or some combination. In
some implementations, pad printing system 400 includes one or more
image access ports 130, coupled to the controller, memory, or
directly to image transfer engine 110. Image access port 130 is a
receiver/receptacle adapted to operatively mate with memory modules
storing one or more images for application using pad printing
system 400, or for coupling to another device or source of images,
such as, for example, a computing system, a camera, a scanner, a
video camera, or the like. Some implementations and embodiments of
the present invention include rechargeable batteries to power the
transfer functions. Access port 130 may be integrated into a
docking station for receiving, storing, powering and otherwise
interfacing to the image transfer system or to an image capture
system, or both. The docking system may be used for systems lacking
the rechargeable batteries.
[0071] In some implementations of the preferred embodiment, pad
transfer system 400 includes display 135 for reproducing a
facsimile of an image sequence to be transferred to, or transferred
by, image transfer engine 110. Display 135 also provides feedback
during control or operation functions. A portion of display 135
provides feedback regarding the status of the image transfer
process, such as that system 400 is ready to begin transfer,
transfer is ongoing, and/or transfer has completed.
[0072] Control system 140' includes one or more buttons coupled to
the controller for actuating an image transfer process, selecting
an image or image sequence for transfer, accessing images through
access port 130. In the preferred embodiment, control system 140'
includes a "PRINT" button, the actuation of which initiates an
animation transfer process.
[0073] Print registration system 115 receives pad 120' and
positions a series of individual ones of transfer medium elements
of the plurality of transfer media at a location to cooperate with
image transfer engine 110 in the image transfer process. Pad 120'
of the preferred embodiment is a stack of uniformly sized transfer
medium elements (e.g., sheets of paper, though other substrates or
materials are possible, including Mylar film, decals, etc.) secured
to each other, preferably by edge-laminate-adhesive binding. In the
preferred embodiment, pad 120' is a stack sheets of paper bound
together to permit sheets to be easily moved out from the transfer
position while remaining secured to pad 120'. In some embodiments,
other stacks of print material may be used, including pad 120 used
above. Registration system 115 locates the current transfer medium
element at the print position and holds pad 120' during the image
transfer process.
[0074] In some embodiments, registration system 115 may position
the bottommost transfer medium, or some other portion of pad 120'.
Registration system 115 may include an adapter/cartridge for
holding pad 120' during image transfer. Such an adapter/cartridge
is configurable to permit registration of different sized pads 120
(size differing in thickness and/or peripheral dimensions).
[0075] Registration system 115 includes a flipper 405 for
separating and moving/repositioning a single transfer medium
element of pad 120', either before image transfer or after. Flipper
405, depending upon its functions, may be implemented in numerous
different ways. A simple implementation includes a blade or roller
that slides between a sheet and the remainder of the pad to lift,
separate and move the sheet.
[0076] It is understood that pad print system 400 may also be
implemented as a simple device without the display, access ports,
and controls. When inserting pad 120' sufficiently far into
registration system 115, image transfer begins. An LED is
illuminated while the transfer process is in progress. When the LED
extinguishes, pad 120' is removed with one of the pages bearing the
transfer image.
[0077] In operation, a user loads pad 120' into registration system
115 that in turn locates one of the transfer medium at the desired
location. A user selects a particular image sequence for transfer,
either from internal memory or from an external source through
image access port 130. The selected image sequence is viewed on
display 135, and the user actuates the "PRINT" button to initiate
the transfer system. When the transfer process is completed, pad
120', is removed from pad printing system 400. Flipping the
individual elements of pad 120 simulates animation according to the
image sequence.
[0078] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 500 including a transferer 505
and a cartridge 510 for holding pad 120'. In this implementation,
pad 120' is held and registered properly to transferer 505 by
cartridge 510. Cartridge 510, in some implementations, is adaptable
to varying sized (height, width, length) elements of pad 120'. For
example, cartridge 510 biases pad 120' to a particular corner and
provides a consistent physical interface to transferer 505. A
transfer engine within transferer 505 typically transfers images
with respect to the top-most pad element. However, in some cases,
cartridge 510 is provided with media element control to select a
desired element from pad 120'.
[0079] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 600. System 600 includes a
transferer 605 having a pad receiving area 610 on a plane upon
which pad 120' may be placed "face down." System 600 does not
require indexing for variable height of pad 120'. Gravity or a
biasing system holds pad 120' in place for image transfer.
[0080] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 700. System 700 includes a
transferer 705 overlying a tower 710 holding pad 120'. Tower 710 is
about a height of a full pad 120'. Weight of transferer 705 holds
it in proper relation to pad 120'. During use, transferer 705 moves
downward as pad elements are removed (manually or automatically)
using system 700.
[0081] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 800. System 800 includes a
transferer 805 incorporating a form-delivery cartridge 810 holding
pad 120' in place using a biasing member 815 (e.g., a spring). In
this embodiment, cartridge 810 is accessible via a drawer to
add/remove pad 120'/element of pad 120' after processing.
[0082] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 900. System 900 includes a
transferer 905 movably (e.g., hingedly, tiltably, pivotally,
slidably or rotatably) coupled to a base 910 holding (directly or
indirectly) pad 120'. Transferer 905 is moved into the transfer
position for transferring (the movement is prior to the transfer or
the movement transfers/initiates the transfer) an image onto pad
120'. The movement adapts printer to varying height of pad 120'.
Pad 120' is available for other use when transferer 905 is moved
away, such as for handwriting by a user.
[0083] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 1000. System 1000 includes a
transferer 1005 for transferring an image to an element of pad 120'
using a transfer medium (e.g., ink) ejected from a portion 1010 of
an imaging engine. In the preferred embodiment, pad 120' is not
indexed and the transfer medium spans the gap. In some cases, the
gap increases, while in other implementations the gap is maintained
within a desired threshold.
[0084] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 1100. System 1100 includes a
transferer 1105 for transferring an image to an element of pad 120'
and a display 1110 coupled to transferer 1105. Display 1110
provides a user with a WYSIWYG ("what you see is what you get")
interface. In the preferred embodiment, display 1110 is an LCD
having the same resolution (pixels/inch, color and color depth) as
the transfer engine used in transferer 1105. In some
implementations, display 1110 is also touch-sensitive, able to
respond to control input received through manipulation of physical
or virtual control elements. In one application, a user may use a
stylus to create/edit images for transfer to pad 120'. In another
application, system 1100 includes handwriting recognition. System
1100 may create legible text from a user's handwriting, it may
upload information to another system or process for further
processing (e.g., archiving) or it may recognize
directives/commands for initiating scripts, macros or other
programmatic control features.
[0085] In some implementations, in addition to handwriting
recognition or in lieu of the handwriting recognition, system 1100
includes voice-recognition. With voice recognition, system 1100
either transcribes spoken language and creates an image for
transfer onto an element of pad 120' (it may present candidate text
on display 1105 prior to transfer) or responds to spoken commands
to control transfer features or to transfer content from another
source. This implementation is particularly useful in a mobile
configuration, such as in an automobile, where the user is able to
create notes without diverting attention while driving. Phone
numbers, street addresses, other miscellaneous notes are candidates
for voice-recognition.
[0086] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 1200. System 1200 includes a
transferer 1205 for transferring an image to an element of pad 120'
and a drawer 1205 coupled to transferer 1205. In this embodiment,
drawer 1210 moves into and out of transferer 1205. When drawer 1210
is out, pad 120' is accessible to a user, such as for conventional
use. When drawer 1210 is in, pad 120' is registered with a transfer
engine of transferer 1205. Drawer 1210 may be controlled manually
or automatically.
[0087] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 1300. System 1300 includes a
transferer 1305 for transferring an image to an element of pad 120'
and a pad element extractor 1310. Extractor 1310 of the preferred
embodiment includes two counter-rotating rollers (a leftmost is
rotating clockwise) for separating a bottom-most laminar element.
Similar to system 600 shown in FIG. 6, system 1300 has a pad
receiving area 1315. There are a number of configurations of system
1300, depending upon use and extractor 1310. In a simple
embodiment, extractor 1315 is simply a part of an imaging engine to
transfer an image to an element of pad 120' (e.g., the bottom-most
element) while permitting user access to a different element of pad
120' (e.g., the top-most element). In some implementations,
extractor 1310 removes the desired element from pad 120' and uses
the removed element in cooperation with the image transfer engine.
In other implementations, extractor 1310 includes, in cooperation
with the image transfer engine, a duplexing option to transfer
images to both sides of the removed element.
[0088] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 1400. System 1400 includes a
transferer 1405 for transferring an image to an element of pad 120'
and a pad element extractor (not shown). In system 1400, extractor
1405 uses negative air pressure (e.g., vacuum) to lift and feed a
free edge of an element of pad 120' for image transfer. In this
implementation, the element is lifted and removed from pad 120'.
However, is some implementations, such as for example for sequenced
image transfer, extractor may simply lift and separate elements of
pad 120'.
[0089] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 1500. System 1500 includes a
transferer 1505 for transferring an image to an element of pad 120'
and an element release 1510. Transferer 1505 may, depending upon
implementation, have different placement locations, such as the two
optional locations shown in FIG. 15. System 1500 receives pad 120'
in an arced or bent configuration, which shape stores potential
energy. One or more elements of pad 120' will, when permitted by
release 1510, release the potential energy and move towards a more
planar configuration. By appropriately controlling the arc of pad
120' and release 1510, individual elements are controllably
separated from pad 120'. One position for transferer 1505 transfers
an image prior to release, and the other transfers an image after
release. Individual elements are thus fanable. In some
implementations, system 1500 includes a sequenced mode to flip
through consecutive elements of pad 120', and when pad 120' has
recorded thereon a suitable sequenced set of images, system 1500
will "playback" the sequenced images.
[0090] FIG. 16 is a set of views (a.-d.) for an alternate preferred
embodiment of a roller/feeder/separator/extractor 1600 for use in a
pad transfer system. Extractor 1600 includes a movable rotating
element that contacts a free-end (i.e., opposite of bound edge) of
a top or bottom element of pad 120. Extractor 1600 moves from the
free end to the bound end as it rotates. View 16a illustrates
extractor 1600 about to contact a top element of pad 120'. View 16b
illustrates the top element begin to "scrunch" or compress/bend to
cause a middle portion to begin to bow out. View 16c illustrates
that as extractor 1600 continues to move towards the bound end. The
top element eventually separates from pad 120'. Extractor 1600 is
between the top element and the remainder of pad 120' in view 16c,
and has thus separated the top element. To remove the top element,
extractor 1600 moves over pad 120' past the bound edge as shown in
view 16d. When the binding uses a semi-tacky or readhering binding,
the top element becomes releasably secured to the rotating element
of extractor 1600 and is further processed depending upon the
particular implementation. In some implementations, extractor 1600
will only separate elements (such as for sequenced image or
animation image transfer) and not separate the elements of pad
120'.
[0091] FIG. 17 is a view of an alternate preferred embodiment for a
roller/feeder/separator/extractor 1700 for use in a pad transfer
system. Similar to a configuration shown in FIG. 15, extractor 1700
places pad 120' into a reverse arc (as compared to the arc shown in
FIG. 15) and includes a moving rotating element 1705 to contact an
element of pad 120' along a free edge. Extractor 1700
separates/extracts the element being processed under tension in
contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 15. There are instances in which
transfer or other processing options prefer the processed pad
element to be under tension, and extractor 1700 provides one such
solution.
[0092] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 1800. System 1800 includes a
transferer 1805 for transferring an image to an element of pad 120'
and a roller/feeder/separator/extractor 1810 such as shown in FIG.
17. System 1800 is a "peel back" system that captures an element of
pad 120' and registers it to transferer 1805 for image transfer.
After image transfer, system 1800 typically removes the pad element
and ejects it after image transfer.
[0093] FIG. 19 is a view of an alternate preferred embodiment for a
roller/feeder/separator/extractor 1900 for use in a pad transfer
system. Extractor 1900 is an alternate mechanism for separating
elements of pad 120' Extractor 1900 includes an element 1905 (e.g.,
a "finger") that contacts a free-edge and moves laterally towards a
bound edge of pad 120'.
[0094] FIG. 20 is a view of an alternate preferred embodiment for a
roller/feeder/separator/extractor 2000 for use in a pad transfer
system. Extractor 2000 illustrates use of positive and negative air
pressure, and in some implementations a combination of both
pressures, to separate elements of pad 120'.
[0095] FIG. 21 is a set of views (a.-e.) for an alternate preferred
embodiment of a roller/feeder/separator/extractor 2100 for use in a
pad transfer system. Extractor 2100 includes a movable element (not
necessarily rotating as compared to the element in FIG. 16) that
contacts a free-end (i.e., opposite of bound edge) of a top or
bottom element of pad 120. Extractor 2100 moves from the free end
to the bound end as it rotates. View 21a illustrates extractor 2100
about to contact a top element of pad 120'. View 21b illustrates
the top element begin to "scrunch" or compress/bend to cause a
middle portion to begin to bow out. View 21c illustrates an
pronounced bowing. View 21d illustrates that as extractor 2100
continues to move towards the bound end, the top element eventually
separates from pad 120'. Extractor 2100 is between the top element
and the remainder of pad 120' in view 21d, and has thus separated
the top element. To remove the top element, extractor 2100 moves
over pad 120' past the bound edge as shown in view 21e. When the
binding uses a semi-tacky or readhering binding, the top element
becomes releasably secured to the element of extractor 2100 and is
further processed depending upon the particular implementation. In
some implementations, extractor 2100 will only separate elements
(such as for sequenced image or animation image transfer) and not
separate the elements of pad 120'. Views 21a.-21e. demonstrate a
consistent motion of elements of pad 120' to extractor 2100. this
consistent motion is useable in image transfer systems, including
those embodiments, implementations and applications set forth
herein.
[0096] FIG. 22 is a view of an alternate preferred embodiment for a
roller/feeder/separator/extractor 2200 for use in a pad transfer
system. Extractor 2200 deposits or otherwise provides opposite
charges on the free edges of elements of pad 120' to separate and
"fan" the individual elements for processing.
[0097] FIG. 23 is a view of an alternate preferred embodiment for a
roller/feeder/separator/extractor 2300 for use in a pad transfer
system. Extractor 2300 includes an extractor element 2305 having a
"tacky" region to remove elements from pad 120'. Element 2305 may
be used to remove elements, or in some cases, it may additionally
or in lieu of, apply tacky substances to elements of pad 120'.
[0098] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment for a pad transfer system 2400 using an extractor system
similar to extractor 2300 shown in FIG. 23. Transfer system 2400
includes a transferer 2405 having a "tacky" region/element 2410,
with transferer 2405 moveable relative to pad 120' similar to
transferer 905 shown in FIG. 9.
[0099] FIG. 25 is a perspective block diagram of an imaging system
2500. Imaging system 2500 includes a pad transfer system 2505, such
as those described herein or in one of the incorporated patent
applications. In addition, system 2500 includes a first
communications device 2510 and a second communications device 2515
intercoupled by a communications cloud 2520. While the
communications devices are shown as cellular telephones, other
communications devices are encompassed within the scope of the
present invention. For example, personal digital assistants (PDAs),
tablet PCs, notebook computers, pagers, and other portable
electronic devices are expressly included. In some implementations,
plain old telephone service (POTS) telephones are also
included.
[0100] The elements of system 2500 are all linked to each other,
either directly or indirectly. Data and control signals of the
preferred embodiment are communicated through these linkages, and
may be any of the numerous types of wired and wireless
communications systems. For example, Firewire, Serial, Parallel,
WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, IR, 802.11a/b/g, ultra-wideband, Token
Ring, POTS, cellular network, voice, audio, code, electro-acoustic
or other communication systems and the like, including other
protocols may be used, whether now known or later developed. All
the elements may use the same protocol or each link may be
implemented with one or more additional/different protocols. In
some instances, the communications link may be accomplished using a
proprietary protocol.
[0101] System 2500 typically includes at least two users: one for
device 2510 and one for 2515. It is a feature of system 2500 that
either user may provide information/data to pad transfer system
2505. Device 2505, being more directly linked to transfer system
2505 transfers image data as described herein, and as described in
the incorporated patent applications. There are instances in which
a user of device 2515 desires to send information (e.g., provide a
street address, a telephone number or a shopping list) to the user
of device 2510, but it is inconvenient for the user of 2510 to
transcribe the information. Such as when the user is "mobile" as in
an automobile or otherwise outside the home or office. Providing
pad transfer system 2505 with remote communications capabilities
and portability, through any of the modalities expressly or
implicitly set forth, provides both users with improved
functionality.
[0102] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment for
an imager 2600 with an image descriptor transfer system 2605 (e.g.,
a USB port and complementary USB plug communicated to an external
image source). Imager 2600 includes a housing 2610 containing a
display 2615, one or more switches 2620, and an image transfer
engine proximate an image transfer region of housing 2610 as shown
in FIG. 27 below.
[0103] Image descriptors are definitions used by the image transfer
engine to generate a pattern with respect to a surface proximate
the image transfer region, and include static as well as dynamic
protocols. A static definition includes a complete rendering of the
descriptor prior to transfer, while a dynamic definition builds a
pattern during the course of the image transfer, such as streaming
components of the definition to the transfer engine. A memory
inside housing 2610 stores both a collection of predefined image
descriptors as well as a collection of user image descriptors
transferred into the memory using image transfer system 2605. While
the preferred embodiment of imager 2600 uses a USB communication
channel to transfer a set of user image descriptors into the memory
from an external image source (the set including one or more, other
transfer systems may be used depending upon the application and
image descriptor. For example, Firewire, Infrared or Serial,
BlueTooth, wireless fidelity (WIFI), TCP/IP or other communications
system may be used to transfer the set of user image
descriptors.
[0104] Housing 2610 is a portable hand-held container that is, in
the preferred embodiment, reminiscent of a traditional self-inking
rubber stamp in size and general character. Housing 2610 is
preferably lightweight and easily portable and maneuverable to
place the image transfer region proximate a surface to be
patterned. The surface may be horizontal, vertical, or other
angle.
[0105] Display 2615 in the preferred embodiment is a liquid crystal
display (LCD) used for previewing a pattern for selection and/or
transfer. Additionally, display 2615 may include functionality for
presenting control or status information (and in some
implementations of receiving control input) of imager 2600 or its
subsystems like memory or transfer image condition. In some
applications, display 2615 may be one or more indicators, arranged
singly, in an array or a matrix. In some implementations, imager
2600 may have a transfer period associated with transferring an
image to a surface. Display 2615 may include an indicator for
signaling expiration of the transfer period.
[0106] Switch 2620 of the preferred embodiment issues one or more
signals depending upon a particular configuration. In the preferred
embodiment, switch 2620 is a transfer button that initiates
transfer of a selected pattern to a surface when activated. In
other applications, a transfer initiation function may be actuated
by a pressure sensor or other mechanism, such as for example to
detect when housing 2610 is pressed to a surface for image
transfer. In some implementations, switch 2620 includes a data
entry keypad for entering text or control parameters. The keypad
may include a four-way switch for example that provides
functionality to enter a text message image descriptor into imager
2600 for transfer or patterning. The image transfer system 2605 may
provide a set of standard fonts or character library that is
selected by use of the data entry keypad. For example, imager 2600
may include a US-ASCII character set in memory, which may be
supplemented and/or replaced using another character set, including
non-Latin character sets such as Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana or other
pictograph language or image set. The character sets may be purely
symbolic for constructing desired images using the keypad system.
Additionally, the keypad system permits character, word and phrase
formatting features to be applied to an image. For example, bold,
italic, underline options could be applied, a justification option
selected (e.g., centering, left justification or right
justification), and a font size.
[0107] Switch 2620 may have an alternate or additional function. In
some applications, a memory of imager 2600 may include two or more
image descriptors and switch 2620 facilitates user selection of a
desired one of the image descriptors. In other applications, switch
2620 may be activated by application of imager 2600 proximate the
surface. Switch 2620 may be configured to automatically change all
or a part of the image descriptor for each transferred image, or
for a set of images. For example, image descriptors may include a
standard return address, and a series of addresses, with switch
2620 cycling between the return address and a new address upon each
application. Alternatively, an electronic Bates-type stamp may be
configured for successively incrementing a number associated with
each image transfer.
[0108] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an image transfer engine
2700 disposed in an image transfer region 2705 of housing 2610 of
imager 2600 shown in FIG. 26. Image transfer image 2700 may use any
of several well-known image transfer processes to place an image
upon, in, or under a surface. The specific type of transfer process
is dependent upon the particular application, but may include ink
ejection (e.g., ink jet or bubble jet), thermal transfer,
electrostatic transfer, engraving, etching, adhering, stenciling or
other image reproduction system adapted for operation within the
relatively small size of housing 2610. In some instances, image
transfer engine 2700 operates on, in, or under virtually any
receiving surface, while in other applications image transfer
engine 2700 operates in cooperation with a specially prepared
surface or surface treatment.
[0109] Some image transfer processes are operable while imager 2600
is applied to a relatively flat portion of the surface, while other
transfer processes permit successful transfer while juxtaposed
proximate an irregular or uneven surface. This is contrasted with
many prior art stamping systems that often produce undesirable or
unacceptable results on irregular or uneven surfaces.
[0110] Housing 2610 defines an image transfer region 2705 that in
the preferred embodiment is an aperture on a bottom side. The
aperture is configured to work cooperatively with image transfer
engine 2700 to permit access to the surface to be patterned while
inhibiting contamination or damage to the engine. In some
implementations, the aperture is provided with a high friction
element (e.g., an elastomer surrounding the aperture for contact
with the patterning surface) to limit movement of imager 2700
during image transfer.
[0111] FIG. 28 is a block schematic diagram of imager 2600. Imager
2600 includes the components described in FIG. 26 and FIG.
27--image transfer system 2605, housing 2610, display 2615, one or
more switches 2620, and image transfer engine 2700. In addition,
imager 2600 includes a controller 2800, a memory 2805, an optional
scanner/image capture system 2810, and a rechargeable battery 2815
powering imager 2600 components. Part of the preferred embodiment
for imager 2600, though not included within housing 2610, is a
docking station 2820 that includes a recharger 2825 and may include
an external image descriptor source 2830, or a connection to an
external image descriptor source.
[0112] Control 2800 is coupled to memory 2805, scanner 2810,
transfer port 2605, switch 2620, and image transfer engine 2700. In
some applications, control 2800 may be additionally coupled to
display 2615. Control 2800 is a suitably programmed special purpose
processor operating based upon code instructions included in a
nonvolatile portion of memory 2805 that coordinates the functions
of imager 2600.
[0113] Memory 2805 stores one or more image descriptors, and it is
these image descriptors that the image transfer engine uses to
generate a desired pattern. In the preferred embodiment, the image
descriptors are stored in nonvolatile memory, though other
applications may store all or a portion of the image descriptors in
volatile memory. In applications having many different patterns
that are infrequently used, volatile memory may be sufficient
particularly when image transfer system 2605 is available. Memory
2805 may also store image descriptors in a combination of volatile
and nonvolatile memory. Memory 2805 may additionally include status
and management information.
[0114] The image descriptors stored in memory may vary from
application to application, depending upon several factors
including the type of image transfer engine 2700. Image descriptors
may be bitmaps of a pattern to be transferred, or it may be a
vector description, or other format as well-known in the art. In
some cases, the image descriptor may be a positive image, or a
negative image, of the transfer pattern.
[0115] Scanner 2810 is an optional image/video capture system, such
as for example, a CCD imaging system, though other image capture
system may be used. Scanner 2810 provides a mechanism to capture
one or more image descriptors to be used as transfer patterns with
imager 100. When scanner 2810 is used to capture a series of
successive images, control 2800 may optionally select appropriate
successive image descriptors upon each activation to reproduce all
or a portion of the series on one or more surfaces. Imager 2600 by
use of scanner 310 is able to capture a series of related patterns
and reproduce individual ones of the patterns or the series of
patterns.
[0116] Docking station 2820 includes recharger 2825 for recharging
battery 2815 when imager 2600 is docked. Docking station 2820
optionally includes image descriptor source 2830 (or a connection
to such a source provided in a portable electronic device such as,
for example, a personal computer, a PDA, a tablet PC, a cellphone,
a telephone, inventory scanner, point-of-sale (POS) terminal, or
video game.) Docking station 2820 may initiate image descriptor
transfer automatically when imager 2600 is docked, or upon manual
actuation depending upon the particular implementation.
[0117] External image descriptor source 2830 includes a repository
for one or more image descriptors that a user desires to use with
imager 2600. The repository may be a personal computer, network
server, Internet database, or in some cases, a catalog of images
that may be transferred via optical or other communications
systems. The form of the repository and of the image descriptors
will be dependent upon image transfer engine 2700 and in some cases
by the image transfer system 2605.
[0118] FIG. 29 is an alternate preferred embodiment for a block
schematic diagram of an imager system 2600. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 29, imager 2600 uses an alternate image transfer system
2900 and operates in cooperation with docking station 2820. Docking
station 2820 includes an alternate external image descriptor source
2905 for forming an appropriate image to be applied onto image
transfer engine 2700. For example, image descriptor source may
produce a mirror-image of the desired image to be transferred and
releasably applied onto a surface of engine 2700.
[0119] In this embodiment, transfer engine may include a transfer
surface that is naturally highly non-wettable or non-stick relative
to the imaging medium (e.g., ink) yet can be controllably altered
to retain the image until transfer is complete. One such transfer
system is to alter the transfer surface using static electricity or
magnetic fields cooperating with the imaging medium to hold the
image onto the transfer surface until the image is transferred. In
this system, a desired image is constructed on the transfer surface
(directly using the engine or indirectly by electrostatic charge
deposition onto the transfer surface), the imaging medium is
applied (e.g., ink in solid, liquid or gaseous form) and the image
is transferred. In some cases such as the electrostatic image
system, transfer engine 2700 may reverse a charge polarity of the
transfer surface to aid in the image transfer.
[0120] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of imager 2600 in
operation. Imager 2600 has transferred a pattern 3000 onto a
surface 3005 in response to a user juxtaposing image transfer
region 2705 (shown in FIG. 27) to surface 3005 and selecting and
approving a preview of the transfer pattern in display 2615 prior
to activating switch 2620 to initiate a transfer process of image
transfer engine 2700.
[0121] As used herein, pad 120 includes collections of print media
not only secured to each other using a semi-tacky re-attachable
adhesive (e.g., Post-It.RTM. notes) but also to releasable
securement systems such as edge-applied adhesive laminate and other
binding systems that hold the media together while permitting one
or more medium elements to be detached.
[0122] In the preferred embodiment, pad 120 is two or more
similarly sized laminar elements co-bonded (by individual adhesive
between the sheets or by an edge bonding (like perfect binding)).
In some instances, like the 3M Printscape product, a dual-ply print
medium is passed through a laser printer imaging path. This is not
a pad. Laser printers are designed for a single element (and will
accept multiple elements if they may be processed as a single
sheet), while the present invention is designed to handle a print
medium that includes multiple similarly sized sheets. The
embodiments of the present invention are adaptable for pads having
three to ten, or more similarly sized sheets. Generally, any number
of transfer medium sheets, of any weight, may be processed using
the present invention, and while present invention may still be
functional to print on pads having one or two sheets, this is not
the intended use. Media composition/weight is particularly
important for animation pads to have the correct flipping and
operational considerations. Paper of traditional pads of prior art
Post-It.RTM. Notes are generally too thin/light-weight for
preferable animation pad use, though they may be used in some
implementations. In some implementations, such as a "camera"
application, pad 120' may desirably include photo-finished laminar
elements, such as glossy or semi-glossy elements, bound together
into pad 120'
[0123] In some instances, it may be desirable to assemble the pad
from individual laminar elements. For example, media (sheets or
rolls of desired weight paper) may be prepared for processing using
the present invention, with a pad assembled/manufactured at the
time of image transfer, or afterwards. It is believed that
manufacture of custom Post-It.RTM. Notes involves commercial
printing off of rolls of paper, a die-cutting process, an adhesive
applying process, and an assembly process, though details of the
process are generally unavailable. In an alternate preferred
embodiment, appropriately sized laminar elements (e.g., sheets of
pad 120) are individually imaged and assembled. The assembly may be
by exposing a pre-applied adhesive (semi-tacky or "permanent") from
the sheets and "stacking" the elements to form the pad. In some
implementations, it is desirable to "bind" the individual sheets
for advantageous animation pad use. For example, in addition to the
"perfect binding" discussed above, in some cases the laminar
elements are stacked and a spine-binding material is overlapped
over a portion of one edge to "hingedly" couple the individual
elements together.
[0124] The adhesive may be exposed by removing a protective
overlayer (e.g., peeling a Mylar strip or melting/dissolving a
coating, for example melting a "waxy" coating using heat from a
fuser roll in the transfer engine.) In some cases, the image
transfer engine may be adapted/synchronized to protect the adhesive
(whether exposed or protected). A region on the fuser roll or other
transfer engine element is adapted to protect/apply the adhesive as
it moves through the image transfer process. The particular type of
protection/application dependent upon the image transfer
engine.
[0125] It is a feature of the present invention that features of
the embodiments described herein may be shared, such as between the
pad transfer systems and the imagers. For example, content is
compatible and may be shared between imagers and transfer systems
using virtually any communications protocol. For example, an image
captured using a pad transfer system may be sent to an imager for
transfer. Features such as interface elements, memory, etc. are
typically interchangeable among the systems.
[0126] One of the preferred implementations of the present
invention is as a routine in an operating system made up of
programming steps or instructions resident in a memory of a
computing system shown in FIG. 2, during computer operations. Until
required by the computer system, the program instructions may be
stored in another readable medium, e.g. in a disk drive, or in a
removable memory, such as an optical disk for use in a CD ROM
computer input or in a floppy disk for use in a floppy disk drive
computer input. Further, the program instructions may be stored in
the memory of another computer prior to use in the system of the
present invention and transmitted over a LAN or a WAN, such as the
Internet, when required by the user of the present invention. One
skilled in the art should appreciate that the processes controlling
the present invention are capable of being distributed in the form
of computer readable media in a variety of forms.
[0127] Any suitable programming language can be used to implement
the routines of the present invention including C, C++, Java,
assembly language, etc. Different programming techniques can be
employed such as procedural or object oriented. The routines can
execute on a single processing device or multiple processors.
Although the steps, operations or computations may be presented in
a specific order, this order may be changed in different
embodiments. In some embodiments, multiple steps shown as
sequential in this specification can be performed at the same time.
The sequence of operations described herein can be interrupted,
suspended, or otherwise controlled by another process, such as an
operating system, kernel, etc. The routines can operate in an
operating system environment or as stand-alone routines occupying
all, or a substantial part, of the system processing.
[0128] In the description herein, numerous specific details are
provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide
a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an
embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of
the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies,
methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other
instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not
specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring
aspects of embodiments of the present invention.
[0129] A "computer-readable medium" for purposes of embodiments of
the present invention may be any medium that can contain, store,
communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in
connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, system
or device. The computer readable medium can be, by way of example
only but not by limitation, an electronic, magnetic, optical,
electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,
system, device, propagation medium, or computer memory.
[0130] A "processor" or "process" includes any human, hardware
and/or software system, mechanism or component that processes data,
signals or other information. A processor can include a system with
a general-purpose central processing unit, multiple processing
units, dedicated circuitry for achieving functionality, or other
systems. Processing need not be limited to a geographic location,
or have temporal limitations. For example, a processor can perform
its functions in "real time," "offline," in a "batch mode," etc.
Portions of processing can be performed at different times and at
different locations, by different (or the same) processing
systems.
[0131] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment",
"an embodiment", or "a specific embodiment" means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus,
respective appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an
embodiment", or "in a specific embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the
same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present
invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more
other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and
modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described
and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings
herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
[0132] Embodiments of the invention may be implemented by using a
programmed general purpose digital computer, by using application
specific integrated circuits, programmable logic devices, field
programmable gate arrays, optical, chemical, biological, quantum or
nanoengineered systems, components and mechanisms may be used. In
general, the functions of the present invention can be achieved by
any means as is known in the art. Distributed, or networked
systems, components and circuits can be used. Communication, or
transfer, of data may be wired, wireless, or by any other
means.
[0133] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements
depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more
separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as
inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a
particular application. It is also within the spirit and scope of
the present invention to implement a program or code that can be
stored in a machine-readable medium to permit a computer to perform
any of the methods described above.
[0134] Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures
should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless
otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term "or" as used
herein is generally intended to mean "and/or" unless otherwise
indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be
considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as
rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.
[0135] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, "a", "an", and "the" includes plural references unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the
description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0136] The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the
present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and
examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative
purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within
the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in
the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these
modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the
foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present
invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0137] Thus, while the present invention has been described herein
with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of
modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the
foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some
instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be
employed without a corresponding use of other features without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth.
Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the
present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited
to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of
the appended claims.
[0138] Thus, the scope of the invention is to be determined solely
by the appended claims.
* * * * *