U.S. patent application number 12/035414 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for mobile telecommunications device having dual drive shafts.
This patent application is currently assigned to Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd.. Invention is credited to David John Atkinson, Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook, Simon Robert Walmsley.
Application Number | 20080161046 12/035414 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37393206 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080161046 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walmsley; Simon Robert ; et
al. |
July 3, 2008 |
Mobile Telecommunications Device Having Dual Drive Shafts
Abstract
A mobile telecommunications device comprising: a printhead for
printing upon print media; a first drive shaft for feeding the
print media past the printhead; and a second drive shaft for
passing the print media past the printhead once disengaged from the
first drive shaft whilst the printhead continues to print upon the
print media.
Inventors: |
Walmsley; Simon Robert;
(Balmain, AU) ; Lapstun; Paul; (Balmain, AU)
; Silverbrook; Kia; (Balmain, AU) ; Atkinson;
David John; (Balmain, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTD
393 DARLING STREET
BALMAIN
2041
omitted
|
Assignee: |
Silverbrook Research Pty
Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
37393206 |
Appl. No.: |
12/035414 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11124163 |
May 9, 2005 |
|
|
|
12035414 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/556.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 2201/327 20130101;
H04N 1/32133 20130101; B41J 3/445 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/556.1 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00 |
Claims
1. A mobile telecommunications device comprising: a printhead for
printing upon print media; a first drive shaft for feeding the
print media past the printhead; and a second drive shaft for
passing the print media past the printhead once disengaged from the
first drive shaft whilst the printhead continues to print upon the
print media.
2. The mobile telecommunications device according to claim 2,
wherein the first drive shaft includes a first drive roller.
3. The mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1,
wherein the second drive shaft comprises: a sprung shaft supporting
a plurality of spike wheels; and a second drive roller.
4. The mobile telecommunications device according to claim 2,
wherein the mobile telecommunications device includes a cradle for
supporting the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft,
wherein the cradle includes a central drive roller mounted at an
end of the cradle which abuts both the first and second drive
rollers simultaneously such that the first and second drive shafts
drive the print media at a substantially similar velocity.
5. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 further
comprising a media guide adjacent the first drive shaft for biasing
the print media against the first drive shaft.
6. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 further
comprising: a print engine controller for controlling the operation
of the printhead; and a position sensor connected to the print
engine controller such that the print engine controller can
determine the position of the print media relative to the
printhead.
7. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 6 wherein
the position sensor reads encoded data on the print media.
8. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 wherein
a position sensor senses the number of rotations of the first drive
shaft.
9. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 wherein
the printhead and the first drive shaft are incorporated into a
replaceable cartridge for insertion into a print media feed path
within the mobile telecommunications device.
10. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 wherein
the printhead has an array of ink ejection nozzles and is
incorporated into a cartridge that further comprises at least one
ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for ejection by
the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs including at
least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative hydrostatic
pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping mechanism for
capping the printhead when not in use.
11. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 further
comprising: a print media feed path for directing the print media
past the printhead in a feed direction during printing; a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the print media, wherein in the uncapped position the
capper is displaced away from the printhead; and a force transfer
mechanism connected to the capper and configured such that a force
provided by an edge of the print media as it moves relative to the
feed path is transferred to the capper by the force transfer
mechanism, thereby to at least commence movement of the capper from
the capped position to the uncapped position prior to the media
substrate reaching the capper.
12. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 further
comprising: a print media feed path for directing the print media
past the printhead in a feed direction during printing; a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the print media, wherein in the uncapped position the
capper is displaced away from the printhead; and a locking
mechanism configured to hold the capper in the uncapped position
until after a trailing edge of the media substrate is clear of the
printhead.
13. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 wherein
the first drive shaft has a media engagement surface for enhanced
contact friction with the print media.
14. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 further
comprising a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between
a capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the print media, wherein the
capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media
substrate such that the capper moves to the capped position upon
disengagement with the print media.
15. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 further
comprising a print engine controller with a light emitting beacon,
and the printhead comprises: an array of nozzles for ejecting ink;
print data circuitry for providing the nozzles with print data; and
a photosensor for optically receiving the print data from the
beacon.
16. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 wherein
the first drive shaft is driven by a piezo-electric resonant linear
drive system.
17. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 further
comprising: a print engine controller for operatively controlling
the printhead; and a position sensor for providing the print engine
controller with a signal indicative of the position of the print
media relative to the printhead, wherein the print engine
controller differentiates the signal to derive the speed of the
print media relative to the printhead and adjusts the operation of
the printhead in response to variations in the speed.
18. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 further
comprising a print engine controller for operatively controlling
the printhead, wherein during use, the print engine controller
senses the number of complete and partial rotations of the first
drive shaft and adjusts the operation of the printhead in response
to variations in the angular velocity of the first drive shaft.
19. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 further
comprising at least one ink reservoir, the at least one reservoir
comprising: a housing defining an ink storage volume; one or more
baffles dividing the ink storage volume into sections, each of the
sections having at least one ink outlet for sealed connection to
the printhead; and at least one conduit establishing fluid
communication between the ink outlets of adjacent sections.
20. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 1 further
comprising: a print media feed path for directing the print media
past the printhead in a feed direction during printing; a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the print media, wherein in the uncapped position the
capper is displaced away from the printhead; a force transfer
mechanism connected to the capper and configured such that a force
provided by an edge of the print media as it moves relative to the
feed path is transferred to the capper by the force transfer
mechanism, thereby to at least commence movement of the capper from
the capped position to the uncapped position prior to the print
media reaching the capper; and a locking mechanism for holding the
capper in the uncapped position whilst the print media is being
printed on by the printhead, wherein the locking mechanism includes
at least one cam mounted for rotation between an unlocked position
and a locked position, the at least one cam being configured such
that in the unlocked position, the cam extends at least partially
into the feed path when the print media is not present, the at
least one cam being positioned and configured to engage an edge of
the print media as the print media is fed through the feed path
such that the at least one cam is rotated by the print media into
the locked position, such that, in the locked position, the capper
is held in the uncapped position until after a trailing edge of the
print media is clear of the printhead.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/124,163 filed May 9, 2005 all of which are herein
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a print medium for use in a
mobile device incorporating a printer. The invention has primarily
been designed for use in a mobile device such as a mobile
telecommunications device (i.e. a mobile phone) that incorporates a
printer, and will be described with reference to such an
application. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that the invention can be used with other types of portable
device, or even non-portable devices.
[0003] The invention has primarily been designed for use in a
mobile telecommunications device such as a mobile
telecommunications device (i.e. a mobile phone) that incorporates a
printer, and will be described with reference to such an
application. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that the invention can be used with other types of portable
device, or even non-portable devices.
COPENDING APPLICATIONS
[0004] The following applications have been filed by the Applicant
simultaneously with the present application:
TABLE-US-00001 11/124158 11/124196 11/124199 11/124162 11/124202
11/124197 11/124154 11/124198 7284921 11/124151 11/124160 11/124192
11/124175 11/124149 11/124152 11/124173 11/124155 7236271 11/124174
11/124194 11/124164 11/124200 11/124195 11/124166 11/124150
11/124172 11/124165 11/124186 11/124185 11/124184 11/124182
11/124201 11/124171 11/124181 11/124161 11/124156 11/124191
11/124159 11/124176 11/124188 11/124170 11/124187 11/124189
11/124190 11/124180 11/124193 11/124183 11/124178 11/124177
11/124148 11/124168 11/124167 11/124179 11/124169
[0005] The disclosures of these co-pending applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
CROSS REFERENCES
[0006] The following patents or patent applications filed by the
applicant or assignee of the present invention are hereby
incorporated by cross-reference.
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10/962552 10/965733 10/965933 10/974742 10/982974 7180609 10/986375
11/107817 6982798 6870966 6822639 6474888 6627870 6724374 6788982
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7079292
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0007] The Assignee has developed mobile phones, personal data
assistants (PDAs) and other mobile telecommunication devices, with
the ability to print hard copies of images or information stored or
accessed by the device (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,055
(Docket No. AP06US), filed on Nov. 9, 1999). Likewise, the Assignee
has also designed digital cameras with the ability to print
captured images with an inbuilt printer (see for example, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,750,901 (Docket No. ART01US) filed on Jul. 10, 1998). As the
prevalence of mobile telecommunications devices with digital
cameras increases, the functionality of these devices is further
enhanced by the ability to print hard copies.
[0008] As these devices are portable, they must be compact for user
convenience. Accordingly, any printer incorporated into the device
needs to maintain a small form factor. Also, the additional load on
the battery should be as little as possible. Furthermore, the
consumables (ink and paper etc) should be relatively inexpensive
and simple to replenish. It is these factors that strongly
influence the commercial success or otherwise of products of this
type. With these basic design imperatives in mind, there are
on-going efforts to improve and refine the functionality of these
devices.
[0009] The Assignee of the present invention has also developed the
Netpage system for enabling interaction with computer software
using a printed interface and a proprietary stylus-shaped sensing
device.
[0010] As described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,165 (Docket
No. NPS027US), filed on Nov. 25, 2000 and U.S. Patent Application
U.S. Ser. No. 10/778,056 (Docket No. NPS047US), filed on Feb. 17,
2004, a Netpage pen captures, identifies and decodes tags of coded
data printed onto a surface such as a page. In a preferred Netpage
implementation, each tag encodes a position and an identity of the
document. By decoding at least one of the tags and transmitting the
position (or a refined version of the position, representing a
higher resolution position of the pen) and identity referred to by
the decoded tag, a remote computer can determine an action to
perform. Such actions can include, for example, causing information
to be saved remotely for subsequent retrieval, downloading of a
webpage for printing or display via a computer, bill payment or
even the performance of handwriting recognition based on a series
of locations of the Netpage pen relative to the surface. These and
other applications are described in many of the Netpage-related
applications cross-referenced by the present application.
[0011] When printing a Netpage, a printer in a mobile
telecommunications device can print the Netpage tags simultaneously
with visible user information. The association between the tags and
information can already exist on a remote Netpage server, such as
where the printer is printing a fully rendered page (including
tags) provided by the Netpage server or another computer.
Alternatively, the mobile telecommunications device can generate
the tags (or source them remotely) and define an association
between the tags and user information. The association is then
recorded in the remote Netpage server.
[0012] The problem with these options is that they require the
mobile telecommunications device to include Netpage tag printing
capabilities. This requires an additional row of print nozzles in
the printhead, and reduces the amounts of ink that can be stored
for non-tag use. Whilst this is less of an issue with large,
mains-powered printers, it can be an issue in small form-factor
articles such as mobile telecommunications devices.
[0013] Alternatively, the mobile telecommunications device can be
configured to print on print media that is pre-printed with Netpage
tags. That way the printer need only print the user information and
record an association between the visible information and the
pre-printed tags.
[0014] One way of doing this is to use a Netpage sensing device
that scans the page as it is printed to determine the content of at
least one of the tags and positions of various elements of the user
information relative to the tags. This requires that the printer
include a Netpage sensing device, which may be somewhat bulky for
use in mobile applications, and requires additional processing
capacity. Even if a Netpage sensing device is provided to enable
the mobile telecommunications device to act as a Netpage pen in a
more general sense, it is undesirable for a user to have to
separately scan a portion of the pre-printed media to determine
parameters of the coded data before inserting the media for
printing.
[0015] It would be desirable to overcome the problem of associating
user information to be printed onto media at least partially
pre-printed with Netpage tags.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0016] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
accessing at least one electronic connection address using a mobile
device and an interactive printed document that includes
human-readable information and machine-readable coded data, the
mobile telecommunications device comprising: [0017] a transceiver
configured to send and receive signals via a wireless
telecommunications network; [0018] sensing means; and [0019]
decoding means; [0020] the method comprising the steps of: (a)
sensing, with the sensing means, at least some of the coded data
while the mobile telecommunications device is used to physically
interact with the printed document; (b) sending, with the
transceiver, the indicating data to a remote computer system; (c)
receiving, with the transceiver, at least one electronic connection
address in response to the indicating data; and (d) outputting the
at least one connection address in a human readable manner.
[0021] Optionally, the mobile device includes an integral printer,
wherein step (d) includes printing the at least one connection
address onto a print medium with the printer.
[0022] Optionally, the mobile device includes a display, wherein
step (d) includes displaying the at least one connection address on
the display.
[0023] Optionally the mobile device further includes a user
interface, the method including the steps, performed after step
(d), of:
(e) receiving, via the user interface, user selection of at least
one of the at least one connection address displayed on the
display; (f) establishing a connection with the selected at least
one connection address, via the transceiver and the mobile
telecommunications network.
[0024] Optionally the selected at least one connection address is a
telephonic number, and step (f) includes establishing a telephonic
connection between the mobile device and the at least one
connection address.
[0025] Optionally the telephonic connection is a voice
connection.
[0026] Optionally the telephonic connection is an audio-visual
connection.
[0027] Optionally the mobile device further includes a user
interface, the method including the steps, performed after step
(d), of:
(e) receiving, via the user interface, user selection of at least
one of the at least one connection address displayed on the
display; (d) sending information, or causing information to be
sent, to the at least one connection address via the establishing a
connection with the selected at least one connection address, via
the transceiver and the mobile device.
[0028] Optionally the coded data is indicative of an identity of
the print medium.
[0029] Optionally the coded data is indicative of at least one
location in relation to the print medium.
[0030] Optionally the coded data is indicative of an object.
[0031] Optionally the coded data is indicative of an electronic
address of the object.
[0032] Optionally the electronic connection address comprises one
or more of the following: [0033] an email address; [0034] a fax
number; [0035] a phone number; [0036] a network address; and [0037]
a URL.
[0038] Optionally the mobile device includes a printer, the method
including printing the connection address onto a print medium.
[0039] Optionally the method further including steps of: [0040]
determining a relationship between the connection address printed
or to be printed onto the print medium; and [0041] transmitting the
data indicative of the relationship to a remote computer system for
storage.
[0042] Optionally the print medium is a card.
[0043] Optionally the mobile device stores one or more templates
for use in generating an image to be printed, the image
incorporating the connection address in human readable form.
[0044] Optionally the mobile device is configured to access a
remote computer system to download one or more templates for use in
generating an image to be printed, the image incorporating the
connection address in human readable form.
[0045] In a first aspect there is provided method of enabling
interaction with a printed schedule document using a mobile device
including sensing means, processing means and a transceiver, the
schedule document including human-readable first schedule
information and machine-readable coded data, the method including
the steps of:
(a) sensing at least some of the coded data with the sensing means
while the mobile telecommunications device is used by a user to
physically interact with the schedule document; (b) decoding, with
the processing means, at least some of the sensed coded data and
generating indicating data on the basis of the decoded coded data;
(c) transmitting, using the transceiver, the indicating data to a
remote computer system via the wireless telecommunications network;
(d) receiving, using the transceiver, response data from the
computer system, the response data having been sent in reply to the
indicating data; (e) generating, using the processing means, a
layout based on the response data, the response data representing
further schedule information; and (f) outputting the layout in a
human-readable form.
[0046] Optionally the mobile device further includes a display, the
method including outputting the layout by displaying it on the
display.
[0047] Optionally the mobile device further includes a printer, the
method including outputting the layout by printing it using the
printer.
[0048] Optionally the mobile device further includes a printer
controller, the method including processing the layout with the
printer controller to generate dot data, and supplying the dot data
to the printer to be printed.
[0049] Optionally the mobile device further includes a printer, the
method including outputting the layout by printing it using the
printer.
[0050] Optionally the mobile device further includes a printer
controller, the method including processing the layout with the
printer controller to generate dot data, and supplying the dot data
to the printer to be printed.
[0051] Optionally the print medium includes a linear-encoded data
track extending in an intended direction of printing, the mobile
device including: [0052] a sensor configured to sense the data
track during printing of the dot data; [0053] a printhead for
printing onto the print medium in response to a fire control
signal; and [0054] fire control means connected to generate the
fire control signal based on the sensed data track.
[0055] Optionally the mobile device further includes a
light-emitting device for illuminating the data track while the
sensor is sensing it during printing.
[0056] Optionally the data track is printed with infrared ink, the
light-emitting device emits light in the infrared spectrum and the
photosensor is sensitive in the infrared spectrum.
[0057] Optionally the data track is a clock track containing only a
clock code, the fire control means being configured to generate the
fire control signal in the form of a clock signal generated from
the sensed data track.
[0058] Optionally the data track includes first information, the
first information including an embedded clock signal, the fire
control means being configured to generate the fire control signal
in the form of a clock signal extracted from the sensed data
track.
[0059] Optionally the first information is indicative of at least
one physical characteristic of the print medium, the mobile device
being configured to control operation of the printhead at least
partially on the basis of at least one of the physical
characteristics.
[0060] Optionally the mobile device further configured to use the
sensed data track to determine an absolute position of the print
medium with respect to the printhead, and to print onto the print
medium in reliance on the determination.
[0061] Optionally the data track further encoding first information
and the print medium further including second coded data that
encodes second information, the first information being indicative
of the second information, wherein the mobile device is configured
to print onto the print medium such that there is a predetermined
registration between what is being printed and the second coded
data.
[0062] Optionally the mobile device further configured to receive
the information indicative of the predetermined registration from a
remote computer system via the transceiver.
[0063] Optionally the data track further encoding first information
and the print medium further including second coded data that
encodes second information, the first information being indicative
of the second information, wherein the mobile device is configured
to determine a registration between what is being printed and the
second coded data.
[0064] Optionally the mobile device further configured to transmit
the determined registration to a remote computer system via the
transceiver.
[0065] In a first aspect there is provided a mobile
telecommunications device including: [0066] a transceiver for
sending and receiving signals via a wireless telecommunications
network; [0067] a processor for processing schedule data to
generate dot data representing a visual layout of the schedule
data; and [0068] a printer configured to receive the dot data and
print it onto a print medium.
[0069] Optionally the printer is configured to print coded data
onto the print medium along with the visual layout represented by
the dot data.
[0070] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device configured
to receive, using the transceiver, the schedule data from a remote
computer system via the telecommunications network.
[0071] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device configured
to send, using the transceiver, a request to the remote computer
system, the request identifying the schedule data, the schedule
data being received in response to the request.
[0072] Optionally the coded data is indicative of an identity of a
document containing the schedule data.
[0073] Optionally print medium includes a linear-encoded data track
extending in an intended direction of printing, the mobile device
including: [0074] a sensor configured to sense the data track
during printing of the dot data; [0075] a printhead for printing
onto the print medium in response to a fire control signal; and
[0076] fire control means connected to generate the fire control
signal based on the sensed data track.
[0077] Optionally the mobile device further includes a
light-emitting device for illuminating the data track while the
sensor is sensing it during printing.
[0078] Optionally the data track is printed with infrared ink, the
light-emitting device emits light in the infrared spectrum and the
photosensor is sensitive in the infrared spectrum.
[0079] Optionally the data track is a clock track containing only a
clock code, the fire control means being configured to generate the
fire control signal in the form of a clock signal generated from
the sensed data track.
[0080] Optionally the data track includes first information, the
first information including an embedded clock signal, the fire
control means being configured to generate the fire control signal
in the form of a clock signal extracted from the sensed data
track.
[0081] Optionally the first information is indicative of at least
one physical characteristic of the print medium, the mobile device
being configured to control operation of the printhead at least
partially on the basis of at least one of the physical
characteristics.
[0082] Optionally the mobile device configured to use the sensed
data track to determine an absolute position of the print medium
with respect to the printhead, and to print onto the print medium
in reliance on the determination.
[0083] Optionally the mobile device wherein the data track further
encoding first information and the print medium further including
second coded data that encodes second information, the first
information being indicative of the second information, wherein the
mobile device is configured to print onto the print medium such
that there is a predetermined registration between what is being
printed and the second coded data.
[0084] Optionally the mobile device configured to receive the
information indicative of the predetermined registration from a
remote computer system via the transceiver.
[0085] Optionally the mobile device wherein the data track further
encoding first information and the print medium further including
second coded data that encodes second information, the first
information being indicative of the second information, wherein the
mobile device is configured to determine a registration between
what is being printed and the second coded data.
[0086] Optionally the mobile device configured to transmit the
determined registration to a remote computer system via the
transceiver.
[0087] In a first aspect there is provided a mobile device for
enabling interaction with a printed email document, the email
document including human-readable first email information and
machine-readable coded data, the mobile device including: [0088] a
transceiver for sending and receiving signals via a wireless
telecommunications network; [0089] sensing means for sensing at
least some of the coded data while the mobile device is used to
interact with the email document; [0090] processing means for
decoding at least some of the sensed coded data and generating
indicating data on the basis of the decoded coded data; [0091] the
mobile device being programmed and configured to: (a) transmit,
using the transceiver, the indicating data to a remote computer
system via the wireless telecommunications network; (b) receive,
using the transceiver, response data from the computer system; (c)
generating, using the processing means, a layout based on the
response data, the response data representing further email
information; and (d) outputting the layout in a human-readable
form.
[0092] Optionally the mobile device further includes a display, the
mobile device being configured to output the layout by displaying
it on the display.
[0093] Optionally the mobile device further includes an integral
printer, the mobile device being configured to output the layout by
printing it using the printer.
[0094] Optionally the mobile device further includes a printer
controller circuit configured to process the layout to generate dot
data and supply the dot data to the printer to be printed.
[0095] Optionally the mobile device further includes an integral
printer, the mobile device being configured to output the layout by
printing it onto a print medium using the printer.
[0096] Optionally the mobile device further includes a printer
controller circuit configured to process the layout to generate dot
data and supply the dot data to the printer to be printed.
[0097] Optionally the print medium includes a linear-encoded data
track extending in an intended direction of printing, the mobile
device including: [0098] a sensor configured to sense the data
track during printing of the dot data; [0099] a printhead for
printing onto the print medium in response to a fire control
signal; and [0100] fire control means connected to generate the
fire control signal based on the sensed data track.
[0101] Optionally the mobile device further includes a
light-emitting device for illuminating the data track while the
sensor is sensing it during printing.
[0102] Optionally the data track is printed with infrared ink, the
light-emitting device emits light in the infrared spectrum and the
photosensor is sensitive in the infrared spectrum.
[0103] Optionally the data track is a clock track containing only a
clock code, the fire control means being configured to generate the
fire control signal in the form of a clock signal generated from
the sensed data track.
[0104] Optionally the data track includes first information, the
first information including an embedded clock signal, the fire
control means being configured to generate the fire control signal
in the form of a clock signal extracted from the sensed data
track.
[0105] Optionally the first information is indicative of at least
one physical characteristic of the print medium, the mobile device
being configured to control operation of the printhead at least
partially on the basis of at least one of the physical
characteristics.
[0106] Optionally the mobile device configured to use the sensed
data track to determine an absolute position of the print medium
with respect to the printhead, and to print onto the print medium
in reliance on the determination.
[0107] Optionally the mobile device wherein the data track further
encoding first information and the print medium further including
second coded data that encodes second information, the first
information being indicative of the second information, wherein the
mobile device is configured to print onto the print medium such
that there is a predetermined registration between what is being
printed and the second coded data.
[0108] Optionally the mobile device configured to receive the
information indicative of the predetermined registration from a
remote computer system via the transceiver.
[0109] Optionally the mobile device wherein the data track further
encoding first information and the print medium further including
second coded data that encodes second information, the first
information being indicative of the second information, wherein the
mobile device is configured to determine a registration between
what is being printed and the second coded data.
[0110] Optionally the mobile device configured to transmit the
determined registration to a remote computer system via the
transceiver.
[0111] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device configured to enable a user to play a game by interacting
with an interactive gaming document, the mobile device
comprising:
(a) a transceiver configured to send and receive signals via a
wireless telecommunications network; (b) a sensor configured to
read at least some of coded data printed on the interactive gaming
document; and (c) decoding means for decoding the coded data read
by the sensor and generating indicating data based on the decoded
data; [0112] the mobile telecommunications device being programmed
and configured to: [0113] send the indicating data to a remote
computer system using the transceiver; [0114] receive gaming data
in response via the transceiver; and [0115] based on the gaming
data, output visual information to a user.
[0116] Optionally the coded data is indicative of an identity of
the print medium.
[0117] Optionally the coded data is indicative of at least one
location in relation to the print medium.
[0118] Optionally the coded data is indicative of an object.
[0119] Optionally the coded data is indicative of an electronic
address of the object.
[0120] Optionally the gaming data includes any one or more of the
following: [0121] audio; [0122] text; [0123] video; [0124] images;
and [0125] vibration patterns.
[0126] Optionally the gaming data includes printable content, and
the mobile device includes a printer, the method comprising the
step of printing the printable content onto a print medium using
the printer.
[0127] Optionally the gaming data includes registration information
indicative of a registration between the printable content and
coded data, the mobile device being configured to print the
printable gaming data onto the print medium in accordance with the
registration information.
[0128] Optionally the printable content includes one or more
maps.
[0129] Optionally the mobile device further configured to print a
plurality of the print media having maps, wherein the print media
having maps are printed such that they can be tiled together to
form a larger map.
[0130] Optionally the mobile device further includes a user
interface, the printable content including information or
instructions for use by a user in interacting with the user
interface.
[0131] Optionally the mobile device further configured to print one
or more additional print media in response to input entered via the
user interface, the input being at least partially based on the
information and/or instructions on one or more of the earlier
printed game cards.
[0132] Optionally the print medium to be printed on includes a
linear-encoded data track extending in an intended direction of
printing, the mobile device including: [0133] a sensor configured
to sense the data track during printing of the dot data; [0134] a
printhead for printing onto the print medium in response to a fire
control signal; and [0135] fire control means connected to generate
the fire control signal based on the sensed data track.
[0136] Optionally the mobile device further includes a
light-emitting device for illuminating the data track while the
sensor is sensing it during printing.
[0137] Optionally the data track is printed with infrared ink, the
light-emitting device emits light in the infrared spectrum and the
photosensor is sensitive in the infrared spectrum.
[0138] Optionally the data track is a clock track containing only a
clock code, the fire control means being configured to generate the
fire control signal in the form of a clock signal generated from
the sensed data track.
[0139] Optionally the data track includes first information, the
first information including an embedded clock signal, the fire
control means being configured to generate the fire control signal
in the form of a clock signal extracted from the sensed data
track.
[0140] Optionally the first information is indicative of at least
one physical characteristic of the print medium, the mobile device
being configured to control operation of the printhead at least
partially on the basis of at least one of the physical
characteristics.
[0141] Optionally the mobile device further configured to use the
sensed data track to determine an absolute position of the print
medium with respect to the printhead, and to print onto the print
medium in reliance on the determination.
[0142] Optionally the mobile device wherein the data track further
encoding first information and the print medium further including
second coded data that encodes second information, the first
information being indicative of the second information, wherein the
mobile device is configured to print onto the print medium such
that there is a predetermined registration between what is being
printed and the second coded data.
[0143] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device comprising:
(a) a transceiver configured to send and receive data via a
wireless telecommunications network; (b) processing means for
processing data received via the receiver, thereby to generate dot
data representing game information for generating at least one card
for use in an interactive game; and (c) a printhead operatively
connected to the processing means to receive the dot data and print
it onto a print medium, thereby to generate the at least one
card.
[0144] Optionally the at least one card includes coded data
indicative of a plurality of positions, the positions being
associated, in a remote computer system, with one or more actions
or instructions associated with the interactive game.
[0145] Optionally the coded data is indicative of an identity of
the card.
[0146] Optionally the game information includes map data indicative
of an image of at least part of a map associated with the
interactive game.
[0147] Optionally the game information includes map information to
be printed on a plurality of the cards.
[0148] Optionally mobile telecommunications device configured to
print the cards such that the map portions can be tiled together to
form a map.
[0149] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
including a sensing device for sensing coded data while the mobile
telecommunications device is being used to interact with coded data
on a surface, the processing means being configured to decode at
least some of the code data to determine at least an identity of
the surface.
[0150] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device configured to
send at least the identity to a remote computer system via the
transceiver and to receive via the transceiver in reply
[0151] Optionally the game information includes visible user
information in the form of text, icons or images, the coded data
being disposed adjacent or coincident with the user information,
thereby allowing a user to interact with the user information with
a sensing device.
[0152] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device includes the
sensing device for sensing at least some of the coded data on the
card whilst the mobile telecommunications device is used to
interact with the game information on the card.
[0153] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device wherein the
processing means being configured to process at least some of the
sensed coded data to determine at least an identity of the
card.
[0154] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device configured to:
[0155] send at least the identity of the card to a remote computer
system; [0156] receive, in response from the remote computer
system, further data representing further game information.
[0157] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device configured to
output the further game information to a user.
[0158] Optionally the processing means are configured to process
the further data to generate further dot data, and the printhead is
configured to receive the further dot data and print it onto a
print medium, thereby to generate a further game card.
[0159] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
including a user interface, and wherein the device is programmed
and configured such that at least some of the game cards include
information or instructions for use by a user in interacting with
the user interface.
[0160] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device configured to
one or more game cards in response to input entered via the user
interface, the input being at least partially based on information
and/or instructions on one or more of the earlier printed game
cards.
[0161] Optionally the processing means further includes
decompression means, wherein at least some of the game data is
received in a compressed format and the decompression means is
configured to decompress the data for supply to the processing
means.
[0162] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
including a sensor for sensing coded data disposed on or in the
print medium before or during printing.
[0163] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device, configured to
extract a clock signal from the sensed coded data, and to
synchronize printing by the printhead onto the print medium in
accordance with the clock signal.
[0164] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device, further
including light-emitting means, the light emitting means being
controlled to emit light while the coded data is being sensed by
the sensor.
[0165] In a first aspect the present invention provides a cartridge
for use in a mobile device including:
(a) an inkjet printhead; (b) a print media feed path for directing
print media past the printhead in a feed direction during printing;
and (c) a drive mechanism for driving the print media past the
inkjet printhead for printing.
[0166] Incorporating the printhead into a cartridge ensures its
regular replacement and thereby maintains print quality. Putting
the drive mechanism in the cartridge means that the dimensional
tolerances between the drive mechanism and the printhead can be
closely controller and the fragile printhead nozzles can be safely
enclosed within the cartridge casing. The only opening required in
the cartridge are the media entry and exit slots which
significantly limits the opportunity for tampering or
contamination.
[0167] Optionally the drive mechanism is a passive mechanism with a
drive shaft for engaging the print media and driving it past the
inkjet printhead.
[0168] Optionally the print cartridge further comprising a drive
roller for rotating the drive shaft, the drive roller being
configured to be driven by a complementary drive mechanism in the
mobile device when the cartridge is installed therein.
[0169] Optionally the drive roller is coaxial with the drive
shaft.
[0170] Optionally the drive shaft is positioned in the print media
path upstream of the printhead.
[0171] Optionally the print cartridge further comprising a
printhead having an array of ink ejection nozzles and at least one
ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for ejection by
the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs including at
least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative hydrostatic
pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping mechanism for
capping the printhead when not in use.
[0172] Optionally the print cartridge further comprising:
(a) a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between a
capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the print media, wherein in the
uncapped position the capper is displaced away from the printhead;
(b) a force transfer mechanism connected to the capper and
configured such that a force provided by an edge of the media as it
moves relative to the feed path is transferred to the capper by the
force transfer mechanism, thereby to at least commence movement of
the capper from the capped position to the uncapped position prior
to the media reaching the capper.
[0173] Optionally the print cartridge further comprising:
(a) a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between a
capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the print media, wherein in the
uncapped position the capper is displaced away from the printhead;
and (b) a locking mechanism configured to hold the capper in the
uncapped position until after a trailing edge of the media is clear
of the printhead.
[0174] Optionally the print cartridge further comprising:
(a) a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between a
capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the print media; wherein, (b)
the capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media
such that it moves to the capped position upon disengagement with
the media.
[0175] Optionally the print cartridge further comprising: [0176]
the media substrate is a sheet; wherein during use, [0177] the
sheet disengages from the drive mechanism before completion of its
printing such that the trailing edge of the sheet projects past the
printhead by momentum to complete its printing.
[0178] Optionally the printhead comprises: [0179] an array of
nozzles for ejecting ink; [0180] print data circuitry for providing
the nozzles with print data; and, [0181] a photosensor for
optically receiving the print data from a beacon operated by a
print engine controller in the mobile device.
[0182] Optionally the mobile device comprises: [0183] a print
engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead; and,
[0184] a position sensor for providing the print engine controller
with a signal indicative of the position of the media substrate
relative to the printhead; such that, [0185] the print engine
controller differentiates the signal to derive the speed of the
media substrate relative to the printhead and adjusts the operation
of the printhead in response to variations in the speed.
[0186] Optionally the mobile device comprises: [0187] a print
engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead;
wherein during use, [0188] the print engine controller senses the
number of complete and partial rotations of the drive shaft and
adjusts the operation of the printhead in response to variations in
the angular velocity of the drive shaft.
[0189] Optionally the print cartridge further comprising at least
one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead, the at least
one ink reservoir comprising: [0190] a housing defining an ink
storage volume; [0191] one or more baffles dividing the ink storage
volume into sections, each of the sections having at least one ink
outlet for sealed connection to the printhead; and, [0192] at least
one conduit establishing fluid communication between the ink
outlets of adjacent sections.
[0193] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet with coded data on
at least part of its surface; and the mobile device further
comprises a print engine controller for operatively controlling the
printhead; and, [0194] a sensor for reading the coded data and
generating a signal indicative of at least one dimension of the
sheet, and transmitting the signal to the print engine controller;
such that, [0195] the print engine controller uses the signal to
initiate the printing when the sheet is at a predetermined position
relative to the printhead.
[0196] Optionally the media substrate has coded data on at least
part of its surface; and, [0197] the mobile device further
comprising a print engine controller for operatively controlling
the printhead; and, [0198] a dual sensing facility for reading the
coded data before, as well as after, it has past the printhead.
[0199] Optionally the mobile device is a telecommunication
device.
[0200] Optionally the mobile device is a mobile phone.
[0201] In a first aspect there is provided a print medium for use
in a mobile device having a printer, the print medium comprising:
[0202] a laminar substrate defining first and second opposite
faces; [0203] first coded data in a first data format disposed in a
first data region on the laminar substrate, the first coded data
encoding first information; and [0204] at least one orientation
indicator indicative of an orientation of the print medium.
[0205] Optionally the at least one orientation indicator is
disposed at or adjacent an edge of the print medium.
[0206] Optionally the print medium having a leading edge and a
trailing edge defined relative to intended feed direction of the
print medium through a media feed path, at least one of the at
least one orientation indicators being disposed on or in the print
medium at or adjacent the leading edge.
[0207] Optionally one of the orientation indicators is positioned
adjacent a first corner of the print medium on the first face.
[0208] Optionally another of the orientation indicators is
positioned adjacent a second corner of the print medium on the
first face, the second corner being diagonally opposite the first
corner.
[0209] Optionally another of the orientation indicators is
positioned adjacent a third corner of the print medium on the
second face, the third corner being adjacent the second corner.
[0210] Optionally another of the orientation indicators is
positioned adjacent a fourth corner of the print medium on the
second face, the fourth corner being diagonally opposite the third
corner.
[0211] Optionally another of the orientation indicators is
positioned adjacent a second corner of the print medium on the
first face, the second corner being diagonally opposite the first
corner.
[0212] Optionally the print medium further including a plurality of
the orientation indicators, the position and number of the
orientation indicators being positioned and configured such that,
when the print medium is used in a suitably equipped mobile device,
the device can determine the orientation of the card without having
to read all of the orientation indicators.
[0213] Optionally the first coded data a linear-encoded data track
extending in an intended direction of printing.
[0214] Optionally the data track is printed with infrared ink.
[0215] Optionally the data track includes a clock track containing
only a clock code from which a clock signal can be derived during
printing onto the print medium.
[0216] Optionally the first information includes an embedded clock
from which a clock signal can be derived during printing onto the
print medium.
[0217] Optionally the print medium further including second coded
data that encodes second information, the first information being
indicative of the second information.
[0218] Optionally the first information is indicative of at least
one physical characteristic of the print medium.
[0219] Optionally the first information is indicative of a size of
the print medium.
[0220] Optionally the first information is indicative of a media
type associate with the print medium.
[0221] Optionally the first information is indicative of
information pre-printed onto the print medium.
[0222] Optionally the print medium further including pre-printed
human-readable information printed on either or both of the first
and second faces.
[0223] Optionally the first coded data is printed in infrared ink
that is substantially invisible to an average unaided human
eye.
[0224] In a first aspect the present invention provides a print
medium for use with a mobile device having a printer, the print
medium comprising: [0225] a laminar substrate defining first and
second opposite faces; and [0226] an orientation indicator disposed
on at least one of the first and second faces, the orientation
indicator being indicative of at least one orientation of the print
medium, thereby enabling the mobile device to determine the print
medium's orientation prior to printing thereon.
[0227] Optionally the orientation indicator is indicative of which
of the first and second faces it is disposed upon.
[0228] Optionally the orientation indicator is indicative of an
absolute planar rotational orientation of the print medium.
[0229] Optionally a print medium having a leading edge and a
trailing edge defined relative to intended feed direction of the
print medium through the media feed path, wherein the orientation
indicator is positioned at or adjacent the leading edge and is
indicative of the leading edge.
[0230] Optionally a print medium further including a plurality of
the orientation indicators.
[0231] Optionally a print medium wherein:
(a) each of the orientation indicators is indicative of which of
the first and second faces it is disposed upon; (b) each of the
orientation indicators is indicative of an absolute planar
rotational orientation of the print medium; and/or (c) the print
medium has a leading edge and a trailing edge defined relative to
intended feed direction of the print medium through the media feed
path, wherein the orientation indicator is positioned at or
adjacent the leading edge and is indicative of the leading
edge.
[0232] Optionally the orientation indicator is disposed at or
adjacent an edge of the print medium.
[0233] Optionally the orientation indicator is positioned adjacent
a first corner of the print medium on the first face.
[0234] Optionally another of the orientation indicators is
positioned adjacent a second corner of the print medium on the
first face, the second corner being diagonally opposite the first
corner.
[0235] Optionally another of the orientation indicators is
positioned adjacent a third corner of the print medium on the
second face, the third corner being adjacent the second corner.
[0236] Optionally another of the orientation indicators is
positioned adjacent a fourth corner of the print medium on the
second face, the fourth corner being diagonally opposite the third
corner.
[0237] Optionally the orientation indicator forms part of a coded
data region on the print medium.
[0238] Optionally the coded data takes the form of a linear-encoded
data track.
[0239] Optionally the data track extends along an edge of the print
medium in an intended print direction of the card.
[0240] Optionally the data track encodes first information in
addition to the orientation indicator.
[0241] Optionally the print medium further including second
information encoded in accordance with a coding different from the
linear-encoding of the data track, the first information being
indicative of the second information.
[0242] Optionally the coded data is printed in infrared ink.
[0243] Optionally the first coded data is printed in infrared ink
that is substantially invisible to an average unaided human
eye.
[0244] Optionally a mobile device further including pre-printed
human-readable information printed on either or both of the first
and second faces.
[0245] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
using a mobile device to print onto a print medium, the mobile
device comprising: [0246] a wireless transceiver for sending and
receiving data via a telecommunications network; and [0247] a
printer; [0248] the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining
a geographical location of the mobile device; (b) determining a
product or service available at, in or within a predetermined
distance of, the geographical location; (c) formatting a voucher
containing information associated with the product or service; and
(d) printing the voucher using the printer.
[0249] Optionally the information is indicative of a location of a
commercial entity.
[0250] Optionally the information is indicative of an inducement to
buy the product or service.
[0251] Optionally the inducement is a price discount.
[0252] Optionally the price discount is only valid at an outlet of
a commercial entity at the location.
[0253] Optionally the price discount is valid at any of a number of
outlets of the commercial entity.
[0254] Optionally the method including the step of using the mobile
device to determine the geographical location.
[0255] Optionally the mobile device includes a GPS receiver, the
method comprising determining the geographical location using the
GPS receiver.
[0256] Optionally the sensing device includes a wireless receiver
for receiving radio-frequency data from a transmitter, step of
determining the geographical location including the step of
receiving, via the transmitter, radio-frequency data the
geographical location.
[0257] Optionally the method including deriving the geographical
location using an Uplink Time Difference of Arrival technique.
[0258] Optionally the providing step includes sending the
information to an electronic address associated with at least one
of the user of the mobile device.
[0259] Optionally the geographical location is an area.
[0260] Optionally the area is defined by a postal or zip code.
[0261] Optionally the area is a city, suburb or town.
[0262] Optionally the area is at least partially defined by a
transmission footprint of one or more cells of a telecommunications
network.
[0263] Optionally the area is at least partially defined by a
transmission footprint of one or more cells of the
telecommunications network.
[0264] Optionally the method including the steps of: [0265] using a
sensor in the mobile device to sense a data track during printing
of the voucher, the data track being disposed on a face of the
print medium being printed on to generate the voucher; [0266]
generating a fire control signal from the sensed data track; and
[0267] synchronizing the printing of the voucher using the fire
control signal.
[0268] Optionally the data track is printed with infrared ink, the
light-emitting device emits light in the infrared spectrum and the
photosensor is sensitive in the infrared spectrum.
[0269] Optionally the data track is a clock track containing only a
clock code, the method including the step of generating a clock
signal generated from the sensed data track, the fire control
signal being based on the clock signal.
[0270] Optionally the data track includes first information, the
first information including an embedded clock signal, the method
including the step of extracting a clock signal from the sensed
data track, the fire control signal being based on the clock
signal.
[0271] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device including: [0272] a printhead for printing onto a print
medium, the print medium including coded data; [0273] a media path
for directing the print medium past the printhead for printing;
[0274] an optical sensor; [0275] a first optical pathway for
directing optical image information to the sensor to enable it to
read at least some of the coded data from the print medium while at
least some of the print medium is within the media path; and [0276]
a second optical pathway for directing optical image information to
the sensor to enable it to read coded data from the print medium
when the print medium is not in the media path.
[0277] Optionally the mobile device including at least one light
source for illuminating the coded data to be sensed via the first
optical pathway.
[0278] Optionally the mobile device including at least one light
source for illuminating the coded data to be sensed via the second
optical pathway.
[0279] Optionally the light source is an infrared light source.
[0280] Optionally the light source is an infrared light source.
[0281] Optionally the first optical pathway includes at least one
mirror.
[0282] Optionally the first optical pathway includes a periscope
arrangement of mirrors.
[0283] Optionally the mobile device further including a shutter
selectively operable to reduce or prevent light from reaching the
sensor via the second optical pathway during at least part of a
printing procedure.
[0284] Optionally the mobile device further including a
shutter-closing mechanism configured to close the shutter in
response to the print medium moving through at least part of the
media path.
[0285] Optionally the first and second optical pathways share a
common optical pathway portion.
[0286] Optionally the mobile device further including a
printer.
[0287] Optionally the printer takes the form of a replaceable
cartridge.
[0288] Optionally the replaceable cartridge includes at least one
ink reservoir.
[0289] Optionally the replaceable cartridge includes at least one
sensor for sensing coded data on print medium intended to be used
with the printer.
[0290] Optionally the replaceable cartridge includes a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between: [0291] a capping
position in which the capper is urged into a capping relationship
with the printhead; and [0292] an uncapped position in which the
printhead is able to print onto the print medium, wherein in the
uncapped position the capper is displaced away from the printhead;
[0293] wherein the capper is moved between the capped and uncapped
position by an edge of the print medium as it moves through the
media path.
[0294] Optionally in the capped position the capper is resiliently
urged into the capping relationship.
[0295] Optionally the capping mechanism is configured such that the
capper is displaced in the feed direction as it moves from the
capped position to the uncapped position.
[0296] Optionally the replaceable cartridge includes a media drive
mechanism for engaging print media to be printed by the
printer.
[0297] Optionally the mobile device further including drive means
for driving the media drive mechanism, the drive means not forming
part of the replaceable cartridge.
[0298] Optionally the media drive mechanism includes a driven wheel
configured to engage the drive means when the replaceable cartridge
is installed in the mobile device.
[0299] In a first aspect the present invention provides an
integrated cartridge for installation into a mobile device, the
cartridge including: [0300] an inkjet printhead including a
plurality of inkjet nozzles; [0301] at least one ink reservoir for
supplying ink to the printhead for ejection by the nozzles; and
[0302] a capping mechanism for capping the printhead when it is not
in use.
[0303] Incorporating the printhead into a cartridge ensures its
regular replacement and thereby maintains print quality. A capper
protects the delicate nozzle structures from paper dust during use.
However, by having it integrated it into the cartridge, the only
openings required in the cartridge are the media entry and exit
slots which significantly limits the opportunity for tampering or
contamination prior to installation.
[0304] Optionally the integrated circuit including a plurality of
the ink reservoirs, each supplying ink to a subset of the
nozzles.
[0305] Optionally the integrated circuit including reservoirs
containing cyan, magenta and yellow inks, respectively.
[0306] Optionally the integrated circuit including reservoirs that
respectively contain cyan, magenta, yellow inks and at least one
other fluid.
[0307] Optionally the at least one other fluid includes black
ink.
[0308] Optionally the at least one other fluid includes infrared
ink.
[0309] Optionally the at least one other fluid includes infrared
ink and black ink.
[0310] Optionally a cartridge further comprising a drive shaft for
engaging the print media and driving it past the inkjet
printhead.
[0311] Optionally a cartridge further comprising a drive roller for
rotating the drive shaft, the drive roller being configured to be
driven by a complementary drive mechanism in the mobile device when
the cartridge is installed therein.
[0312] Optionally the drive roller is coaxial with the drive
shaft.
[0313] Optionally the drive shaft is positioned in the print media
path upstream of the printhead.
[0314] Optionally a cartridge further comprising a printhead having
an array of ink ejection nozzles and at least one ink reservoir for
supplying ink to the printhead for ejection by the nozzles, each of
the at least one ink reservoirs including at least one absorbent
structure for inducing a negative hydrostatic pressure in the ink
at the nozzles.
[0315] Optionally the capping mechanism has a capper moveable
between a capping position in which the capper is urged into a
capping relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position
in which the printhead is able to print onto the print media,
wherein in the uncapped position the capper is displaced away from
the printhead; and the cartridge further comprises: [0316] a force
transfer mechanism connected to the capper and configured such that
a force provided by an edge of the media as it moves relative to
the feed path is transferred to the capper by the force transfer
mechanism, thereby to at least commence movement of the capper from
the capped position to the uncapped position prior to the media
reaching the capper.
[0317] Optionally the capping mechanism has a capper moveable
between a capping position in which the capper is urged into a
capping relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position
in which the printhead is able to print onto the print media,
wherein in the uncapped position the capper is displaced away from
the printhead; and the cartridge further comprises: [0318] a
locking mechanism configured to hold the capper in the uncapped
position until after a trailing edge of the media is clear of the
printhead.
[0319] Optionally the capping mechanism has a capper moveable
between a capping position in which the capper is urged into a
capping relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position
in which the printhead is able to print onto the print media; such
that during use, the capper assembly is held in the uncapped
position by the media such that it moves to the capped position
upon disengagement with the media.
[0320] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising: [0321] the
media substrate is a sheet; wherein during use, [0322] the sheet
disengages from the drive mechanism before completion of its
printing such that the trailing edge of the sheet projects past the
printhead by momentum to complete its printing.
[0323] Optionally the mobile device comprises: [0324] a print
engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead;
wherein during use, [0325] the print engine controller senses the
number of complete and partial rotations of the drive shaft and
adjusts the operation of the printhead in response to variations in
the angular velocity of the drive shaft.
[0326] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising at least one
ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead, the at least one
ink reservoir comprising: [0327] a housing defining an ink storage
volume; [0328] one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume
into sections, each of the sections having at least one ink outlet
for sealed connection to the printhead; and, [0329] at least one
conduit establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[0330] Optionally the mobile device is a telecommunication
device.
[0331] Optionally the mobile device is a mobile phone.
[0332] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device including:
(a) an inkjet printhead; (b) a print media feed path for directing
a print medium past the printhead in a feed direction during
printing; (c) a capping mechanism including a capper moveable
between: [0333] a capping position in which the capper is urged
into a capping relationship with the printhead; and [0334] an
uncapped position in which the printhead is able to print onto the
print medium, wherein in the uncapped position the capper is
displaced away from the printhead; (d) a force transfer mechanism
connected to the capper and configured such that a force provided
by an edge of the print medium as it moves relative to the feed
path is transferred to the capper by the force transfer mechanism,
thereby to at least commence movement of the capper from the capped
position to the uncapped position prior to the print medium
reaching the capper.
[0335] Optionally the capper is moved completely into the uncapped
position by the force transfer mechanism.
[0336] Optionally the force transfer device includes at least one
crank member mounted to pivot about an axis, the crank member
including: [0337] a first region for engaging the print medium; and
[0338] a second region, rotationally displaced from the first
region, for engaging the capping mechanism; [0339] the crank member
being configured to translate linear force provided by the print
medium into a torque that causes movement of the capper from the
capped position towards the uncapped position.
[0340] Optionally the mobile device further including a locking
mechanism for holding the capper in the uncapped position whilst
the print medium is being printed on by the printhead.
[0341] Optionally the locking mechanism includes at least one cam
mounted for rotation between an unlocked position and a locked
position, the at least one cam being configured such that, in the
unlocked position, it extends at least partially into the feed path
when the print medium is not present, the at least one cam being
positioned and configured to engage an edge of the print medium as
the print medium is fed through the feed path such that the at
least one cam is rotated by the print medium into the locked
position, such that, in the locked position, the capper is held in
the uncapped position until after a trailing edge of the print
medium is clear of the printhead.
[0342] Optionally the cam is resiliently biased to return to the
unlocked position once the print medium edge moves past a
predetermined position in the feed path, thereby causing the capper
to return to the capped position.
[0343] Optionally the at least one cam is mounted for rotation
about an axis that is substantially normal to the print medium as
it engages the cam in the feed path.
[0344] Optionally print medium for use with the device includes a
linear-encoded data track extending in an intended direction of
printing, the mobile device including: [0345] a sensor configured
to sense the data track during printing of the dot data; [0346] a
printhead for printing onto the print medium in response to a fire
control signal; and [0347] fire control means connected to generate
the fire control signal based on the sensed data track.
[0348] Optionally the data track is a clock track containing only a
clock code, the fire control means being configured to generate the
fire control signal in the form of a clock signal generated from
the sensed data track.
[0349] Optionally the data track includes first information, the
first information including an embedded clock signal, the fire
control means being configured to generate the fire control signal
in the form of a clock signal extracted from the sensed data
track.
[0350] Optionally the first information is indicative of at least
one physical characteristic of the print medium, the mobile device
being configured to control operation of the printhead at least
partially on the basis of at least one of the physical
characteristics.
[0351] Optionally the mobile device configured to use the sensed
data track to determine an absolute position of the print medium
with respect to the printhead, and to print onto the print medium
in reliance on the determination.
[0352] Optionally the data track further encoding first information
and the print medium further including second coded data that
encodes second information, the first information being indicative
of the second information, wherein the mobile device is configured
to print onto the print medium such that there is a predetermined
registration between what is being printed and the second coded
data.
[0353] Optionally the mobile device includes a transceiver, the
mobile device being configured to receive the information
indicative of the predetermined registration from a remote computer
system via a transceiver.
[0354] Optionally the data track further encoding first information
and the print medium further including second coded data that
encodes second information, the first information being indicative
of the second information, wherein the mobile device is configured
to determine a registration between what is being printed and the
second coded data.
[0355] Optionally the mobile device configured to transmit the
determined registration to a remote computer system via the
transceiver.
[0356] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device including:
(a) an inkjet printhead; (b) a print media feed path for directing
print media past the printhead in a feed direction during printing;
and (c) a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between:
[0357] a capping position in which the capper is urged into a
capping relationship with the printhead; and [0358] an uncapped
position in which the printhead is able to print onto the print
media, wherein in the uncapped position the capper is displaced
away from the printhead; [0359] wherein the capper is moved between
the capped and uncapped position by an edge of the print media as
it moves through the feed path.
[0360] De-capping the printhead by engagement with the media
substrate avoids the need for a separate mechanism for actuating
the capper. This permits a more compact cartridge so that the
mobile device can adhere to a small form factor.
[0361] Optionally in the capped position the capper is resiliently
urged into the capping relationship.
[0362] Optionally the capping mechanism is configured such that the
capper is displaced in the feed direction as it moves from the
capped position to the uncapped position.
[0363] Optionally the capping mechanism is further configured such
that the capper is simultaneously displaced in a direction away
from the printhead as it is displaced in the feed direction.
[0364] Optionally the capping mechanism is subsequently displaced
in a direction opposite the feed direction in the uncapped
position.
[0365] Optionally the mobile device further including a locking
mechanism for holding the capper in the uncapped position whilst
the print media is being printed on by the printhead.
[0366] Optionally the locking mechanism includes at least one cam
mounted for rotation between an unlocked position and a locked
position, the at least one cam being configured such that, in the
unlocked position, it extends at least partially into the feed path
when print media is not present, the at least one cam being
positioned and configured to engage an edge of the print media as
the print media is fed through the feed path such that the at least
one cam is rotated by the print media into the locked position,
such that, in the locked position, the capper is held in the
uncapped position until after a trailing edge of the media is clear
of the printhead.
[0367] Optionally the cam is resiliently biased to return to the
unlocked position once the print media edge moves past a
predetermined position in the feed path, thereby causing the capper
to return to the capped position.
[0368] Optionally the at least one cam is mounted for rotation
about an axis that is substantially normal to the print media as it
engages the cam in the feed path.
[0369] Optionally the mobile device further comprising a drive
shaft for engaging the print media and driving it past the inkjet
printhead.
[0370] Optionally the mobile device further comprising a drive
roller for rotating the drive shaft, the drive roller being
configured to be driven by a complementary drive mechanism in the
mobile device when the cartridge is installed therein.
[0371] Optionally the drive roller is coaxial with the drive
shaft.
[0372] Optionally the drive shaft is positioned in the print media
path upstream of the printhead.
[0373] Optionally a mobile device further comprising a printhead
having an array of ink ejection nozzles and at least one ink
reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for ejection by the
nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs including at least
one absorbent structure for inducing a negative hydrostatic
pressure in the ink at the nozzles.
[0374] Optionally during use, [0375] the sheet disengages from the
drive shaft before completion of its printing such that the
trailing edge of the sheet projects past the printhead by momentum
to complete its printing.
[0376] Optionally the printhead comprises: [0377] an array of
nozzles for ejecting ink; [0378] print data circuitry for providing
the nozzles with print data; and, [0379] a photosensor for
optically receiving the print data from a beacon operated by a
print engine controller in the mobile device.
[0380] Optionally a mobile device further comprising: [0381] a
print engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead;
and, [0382] a position sensor for providing the print engine
controller with a signal indicative of the position of the media
substrate relative to the printhead; such that, [0383] the print
engine controller differentiates the signal to derive the speed of
the media substrate relative to the printhead and adjusts the
operation of the printhead in response to variations in the
speed.
[0384] Optionally a mobile device further comprising at least one
ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead, the at least one
ink reservoir comprising: [0385] a housing defining an ink storage
volume; [0386] one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume
into sections, each of the sections having at least one ink outlet
for sealed connection to the printhead; and, [0387] at least one
conduit establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[0388] Optionally the mobile device is a telecommunication
device.
[0389] Optionally the mobile device is a mobile phone.
[0390] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device including:
(a) an inkjet printhead; (b) a print media feed path for directing
print media past the printhead in a feed direction during printing;
(c) a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between: [0391]
a capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead; and [0392] an uncapped position in
which the printhead is able to print onto the print media, wherein
in the uncapped position the capper is displaced away from the
printhead; (d) a locking mechanism configured to hold the capper in
the uncapped position until after a trailing edge of the media is
clear of the printhead.
[0393] Advantage: Initiating the re-capping of the printhead by
disengagement with the trailing edge of the media substrate avoids
the need for a separate mechanism for actuating the capper. This
permits a more compact cartridge so that the mobile device can
adhere to a small form factor.
[0394] Optionally the locking mechanism includes at least one cam
mounted for rotation between an unlocked position and a locked
position, the at least one cam being configured such that, in the
unlocked position, it extends at least partially into the feed path
when print media is not present, the at least one cam being
positioned and configured to engage an edge of the print media as
the print media is fed through the feed path such that the at least
one cam is rotated by the print media into the locked position,
such that, in the locked position, the capper is held in the
uncapped position until after a trailing edge of the media is clear
of the printhead.
[0395] Optionally the cam is resiliently biased to return to the
unlocked position once the print media edge moves past a
predetermined position in the feed path, thereby causing the capper
to return to the capped position.
[0396] Optionally the at least one cam is mounted for rotation
about an axis that is substantially normal to the print media as it
engages the cam in the feed path.
[0397] Optionally the locking mechanism is configured to hold the
capper in the uncapped position until after the trailing edge of
the media is clear of the capper, such that the capper can be
released into the capped position without capturing the print
media.
[0398] Optionally a mobile device further including a locking
mechanism for holding the capper in the uncapped position whilst
the print media is being printed on by the printhead.
[0399] Optionally the locking mechanism includes at least one cam
mounted for rotation between an unlocked position and a locked
position, the at least one cam being configured such that, in the
unlocked position, it extends at least partially into the feed path
when print media is not present, the at least one cam being
positioned and configured to engage an edge of the print media as
the print media is fed through the feed path such that the at least
one cam is rotated by the print media into the locked position,
such that, in the locked position, the capper is held in the
uncapped position until after a trailing edge of the media is clear
of the printhead.
[0400] Optionally the cam is resiliently biased to return to the
unlocked position once the print media edge moves past a
predetermined position in the feed path, thereby causing the capper
to return to the capped position.
[0401] Optionally the at least one cam is mounted for rotation
about an axis that is substantially normal to the print media as it
engages the cam in the feed path.
[0402] Optionally a mobile device further comprising a drive shaft
for engaging the print media and driving it past the inkjet
printhead.
[0403] Optionally a mobile device further comprising a drive roller
for rotating the drive shaft, the drive roller being configured to
be driven by a complementary drive mechanism in the mobile device
when the cartridge is installed therein.
[0404] Optionally the drive roller is coaxial with the drive
shaft.
[0405] Optionally the drive shaft is positioned in the print media
path upstream of the printhead.
[0406] Optionally a mobile device further comprising a printhead
having an array of ink ejection nozzles and at least one ink
reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for ejection by the
nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs including at least
one absorbent structure for inducing a negative hydrostatic
pressure in the ink at the nozzles.
[0407] Optionally during use, the sheet disengages from the drive
shaft before completion of its printing such that the trailing edge
of the sheet projects past the printhead by momentum to complete
its printing.
[0408] Optionally the printhead comprises: [0409] an array of
nozzles for ejecting ink; [0410] print data circuitry for providing
the nozzles with print data; and, [0411] a photosensor for
optically receiving the print data from a beacon operated by a
print engine controller in the mobile device.
[0412] Optionally a mobile device further comprising: [0413] a
print engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead;
and, [0414] a position sensor for providing the print engine
controller with a signal indicative of the position of the media
substrate relative to the printhead; such that, [0415] the print
engine controller differentiates the signal to derive the speed of
the media substrate relative to the printhead and adjusts the
operation of the printhead in response to variations in the
speed.
[0416] Optionally a mobile device further comprising at least one
ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead, the at least one
ink reservoir comprising: [0417] a housing defining an ink storage
volume; [0418] one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume
into sections, each of the sections having at least one ink outlet
for sealed connection to the printhead; and, [0419] at least one
conduit establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[0420] Optionally the mobile device is a telecommunication
device.
[0421] Optionally the mobile device is a mobile phone.
[0422] In a first aspect the present invention provides a print
medium for use with a printer, the print medium comprising: [0423]
a laminar substrate defining first and second opposite faces;
[0424] first coded data in a first data format disposed in a first
data region on the laminar substrate, the first coded data encoding
first information; and [0425] second coded data in a second data
format disposed in a second data region on the laminar substrate,
the second coded data encoding second information; [0426] wherein
the first information is indicative of the second information.
[0427] Optionally the first information is the same as the second
information.
[0428] Optionally the first information is a document
identifier.
[0429] Optionally the first format is a linear pattern.
[0430] Optionally the second format is a two-dimensional
pattern.
[0431] Optionally the first format is a linear-encoded data
track.
[0432] Optionally the first format is a linear-encoded data
track.
[0433] Optionally either or both of the first and second coded data
are substantially invisible to the average unaided human eye.
[0434] Optionally a print medium further including one or more
additional regions, each of the one or more additional regions
including further coded data in the first format.
[0435] Optionally the coded data in each of the additional regions
includes the first information.
[0436] Optionally the coded data in each of the first region and
the additional regions includes an orientation indicator that is
unique to each of the respective first and additional regions.
[0437] Optionally each orientation indicator includes sufficient
bits' worth of data to uniquely identify the region within which
the corresponding coded data is disposed.
[0438] Optionally there are three of the additional regions, and
wherein: [0439] the first coded data and the coded data of one of
the additional regions are disposed along opposite edges on a first
of the faces; and [0440] the coded data of the remaining two
additional regions are disposed along the opposite edges on the
second of the faces.
[0441] Optionally the second coded data is disposed between the
first coded data and the one of the additional regions on the first
of the faces.
[0442] Optionally the print medium including further coded data in
the second format, the further coded data being disposed between
the additional regions on the second of the faces.
[0443] Optionally the print medium further including human-readable
information pre-printed on at least one of the faces.
[0444] Optionally the human-readable information includes at least
one direction indicator.
[0445] Optionally the human-readable information includes at least
one icon indicative of a function.
[0446] Optionally the first information includes an embedded clock
signal.
[0447] Optionally the print medium further including at least one
clock track on at least one of the faces.
[0448] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device including: [0449] a transceiver for
sending and receiving signals via a wireless telecommunications
network; [0450] processing means for processing connection history
information relating to communications sent to or from the mobile
telecommunications device via the transceiver, to generate dot data
representing a visual layout of the connection history information;
and [0451] a integral printer configured to receive the dot data
and print it onto a print medium.
[0452] Optionally the connection history information includes an
originating address of at least one previous connection or
attempted connection with the mobile telecommunications device.
[0453] Optionally the connection history information includes an
identity of a person or other entity associated with the
originating address.
[0454] Optionally the connection history information includes a
human-readable indication that a voice-mail has been received from
the originating address.
[0455] Optionally the connection history information includes one
or more connections or connection attempts made via the mobile
telecommunications device.
[0456] Optionally the print medium includes a linear-encoded data
track extending in an intended direction of printing, the mobile
device including: [0457] a sensor configured to sense the data
track during printing of the dot data; [0458] a printhead for
printing onto the print medium in response to a fire control
signal; and [0459] fire control means connected to generate the
fire control signal based on the sensed data track.
[0460] Optionally the mobile device further including a
light-emitting device for illuminating the data track while the
sensor is sensing it during printing.
[0461] Optionally the data track is printed with infrared ink, the
light-emitting device emits light in the infrared spectrum and the
photosensor is sensitive in the infrared spectrum.
[0462] Optionally the data track is a clock track containing only a
clock code, the fire control means being configured to generate the
fire control signal in the form of a clock signal generated from
the sensed data track.
[0463] Optionally the data track includes first information, the
first information including an embedded clock signal, the fire
control means being configured to generate the fire control signal
in the form of a clock signal extracted from the sensed data
track.
[0464] Optionally the first information is indicative of at least
one physical characteristic of the print medium, the mobile device
being configured to control operation of the printhead at least
partially on the basis of at least one of the physical
characteristics.
[0465] Optionally a mobile device configured to use the sensed data
track to determine an absolute position of the print medium with
respect to the printhead, and to print onto the print medium in
reliance on the determination.
[0466] Optionally the data track further encoding first information
and the print medium further including second coded data that
encodes second information, the first information being indicative
of the second information, wherein the mobile device is configured
to print onto the print medium such that there is a predetermined
registration between what is being printed and the second coded
data.
[0467] Optionally a mobile device configured to receive the
information indicative of the predetermined registration from a
remote computer system via the transceiver.
[0468] Optionally the data track further encoding first information
and the print medium further including second coded data that
encodes second information, the first information being indicative
of the second information, wherein the mobile device is configured
to determine a registration between what is being printed and the
second coded data.
[0469] Optionally a mobile device configured to transmit the
determined registration to a remote computer system via the
transceiver.
[0470] In a first aspect the present invention provides an ink
cartridge for use in a mobile device, the ink cartridge including:
[0471] at least one ink reservoir for holding ink; [0472] at least
one baffle dividing the at least one ink reservoir into a plurality
of sections, each of the sections in each ink reservoir being in
fluid communication with each of the other sections in that ink
reservoir via an aperture; and [0473] at least one porous insert in
each of the at least one reservoirs, such that substantially all of
each ink reservoir is filled with the at least one porous
insert.
[0474] Optionally each reservoir includes a single porous insert
including at least one recessed portion, each recessed portion
being configured to engage one of the baffles in the reservoir.
[0475] Optionally a surface of each porous insert around the
recessed portion sealingly engages a surface of its corresponding
baffle.
[0476] Optionally the porous insert is of unitary construction.
[0477] Optionally the porous insert is formed from open-celled
foam.
[0478] Optionally an ink cartridge further including a wick that
extends along an edge of the at least one porous insert, the wick
being configured to transport ink from the at least one porous
insert to an ink distribution arrangement configured to distribute
the ink to a pagewidth printhead forming part of the cartridge.
[0479] Optionally the ink distribution arrangement includes a
plurality of ink ducts.
[0480] Optionally an ink cartridge configured such that ink within
the at least one reservoir is held at a negative pressure with
respect to ambient air pressure.
[0481] Optionally an ink cartridge further including a plurality of
the ink reservoirs, the ink reservoirs containing relatively
different colored inks.
[0482] Optionally an n ink cartridge comprising: [0483] a print
media feed path for directing a print medium past the printhead in
a feed direction during printing; and [0484] a drive mechanism for
driving the print medium past the inkjet printhead for
printing.
[0485] Optionally the drive mechanism is a passive mechanism,
including a media roller for engaging the print medium to drive it
past the inkjet printhead.
[0486] Optionally an ink cartridge further including a drive roller
configured to be driven by a complementary drive mechanism in the
mobile device when the cartridge is installed therein.
[0487] Optionally the media roller is coaxial with the drive
roller.
[0488] Optionally the media roller is positioned in the print media
path upstream of the printhead.
[0489] Optionally the cartridge is configured such that, in use,
the media roller drives the print medium such that a trailing edge
of the print medium passes the printhead after having disengaged
from the media roller.
[0490] Optionally the drive roller is a cog.
[0491] Optionally the drive roller includes a resilient peripheral
edge.
[0492] Optionally a cartridge comprising a capping mechanism for
capping the printhead when it is not in use.
[0493] Optionally the capping mechanism includes a capper moveable
between: [0494] a capping position in which the capper is urged
into a capping relationship with the printhead; and [0495] an
uncapped position in which the printhead is able to print onto the
print medium, wherein in the uncapped position the capper is
displaced away from the printhead; [0496] wherein the capper is
moved between the capped and uncapped position by an edge of the
print medium as it is driven through the print media path.
[0497] Optionally a cartridge comprising a sensor for sensing coded
data on the print medium as it is being printed.
[0498] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
retrieving and storing a ringtone in a mobile telecommunications
device, the method comprising the steps, performed in the mobile
telecommunications device, of: [0499] sensing coded data printed on
a surface; [0500] decoding the coded data to generate decoded data;
[0501] transmitting a request for the ringtone based on the decoded
data, the request being transmitted via a mobile telecommunications
network; [0502] receiving the requested ringtone from a remote
computer system via the mobile telecommunications network, the
ringtone being in a format that is useable as a ringtone by the
mobile telecommunications device; and [0503] storing the ringtone
in the mobile telecommunications device.
[0504] Optionally a method further including the step of
associating the ringtone with at least one ring event in the mobile
telecommunications device.
[0505] Optionally the step of associating the ringtone with at
least one ring event includes receiving instructions from a user
via a user interface of the mobile telecommunications device
[0506] Optionally the ringtone is a digital sample.
[0507] Optionally the request is indicative of the mobile
telecommunications device's type, such that the ringtone is
received in a suitable format.
[0508] Optionally the mobile telecommunication device's type is
recorded in the mobile telecommunications network and determined by
the computer system to determine the correct format of ringtone to
transmit.
[0509] Optionally a method of retrieving and storing a theme or
wallpaper in a mobile telecommunications device, the method
comprising the steps, performed in the mobile telecommunications
device, of: [0510] sensing coded data printed on a surface; [0511]
decoding the coded data to generate decoded data; [0512]
transmitting a request for the theme or wallpaper based on the
decoded data, the request being transmitted via a mobile
telecommunications network; [0513] receiving the requested theme or
wallpaper from a remote computer system via the mobile
telecommunications network, the theme or wallpapering being in a
format that is useable by the mobile telecommunications device; and
[0514] storing the wallpaper or theme in the mobile
telecommunications device.
[0515] Optionally the method including the step of automatically
applying the wallpaper or theme to the mobile telecommunications
device upon receipt.
[0516] Optionally the request is indicative of the mobile
telecommunications device's type, such that the wallpaper or theme
is received in a suitable format.
[0517] Optionally the mobile telecommunication device's type is
recorded in the mobile telecommunications network and determined by
the computer system to determine the correct format of wallpaper or
theme to transmit.
[0518] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device includes a
printer, the printer being configured to print onto a print medium,
such that the printed medium includes coded data that can be sensed
to initiate generation and transmission of the request.
[0519] Optionally the print medium is pre-printed with the coded
data, the printer being configured to print a user interface onto
the print medium.
[0520] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device includes a
sensor, the sensor being configured to sense at least some coded
data on the print medium during printing, the mobile
telecommunications device being configured to use the sensed coded
data to print the user interface onto the print medium in
accordance with a registration.
[0521] Optionally a method further including the step of receiving
the known registration prior to commencing printing.
[0522] Optionally the coded data includes a linear-coded data
track, the method including the step of extracting a clock from the
data track and using the clock to synchronize printing of the user
interface onto to print medium.
[0523] In a first aspect the present invention provides a print
cartridge for a mobile telecommunications device, the cartridge
comprising: [0524] a drive shaft with a media engagement surface
for feeding a media substrate along a feed path; and, [0525] a
media guide adjacent the drive shaft for biasing the media
substrate against the media engagement surface.
[0526] It is important that any mobile telecommunications device
that incorporates a printhead and media feed assembly does not
significantly increase the overall size. Using a single drive shaft
and media guide is significantly more compact than an opposed pair
of media drive rollers.
[0527] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising at least one
ink reservoir, an inkjet printhead and a capper for capping the
printhead when not in use.
[0528] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising a rigid
outer casing enclosing the ink reservoir, the printhead, and
capper, the outer casing defining a media entry slot and a media
exit slot.
[0529] Optionally the media guide is a series of sprung fingers
extending from one side of the media entry slot towards the media
engagement surface of the drive shaft.
[0530] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising a drive
roller mounted to the drive shaft, the drive roller having an
elastomeric rim for abutting a drive system in the mobile
telecommunications device.
[0531] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising electrical
contacts for power and print data on the outer casing, the contacts
and the drive roller positioned for simultaneously engaging
corresponding contacts and the drive system respectively upon
insertion into the mobile telecommunications device.
[0532] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising a printhead
having an array of ink ejection nozzles and at least one ink
reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for ejection by the
nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs including at least
one absorbent structure for inducing a negative hydrostatic
pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping mechanism for
capping the printhead when not in use.
[0533] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising:
(a) a printhead adjacent the feed path; (b) a capping mechanism
including a capper moveable between a capping position in which the
capper is urged into a capping relationship with the printhead, and
an uncapped position in which the printhead is able to print onto
the print media, wherein in the uncapped position the capper is
displaced away from the printhead; (c) a force transfer mechanism
connected to the capper and configured such that a force provided
by an edge of the media as it moves relative to the feed path is
transferred to the capper by the force transfer mechanism, thereby
to at least commence movement of the capper from the capped
position to the uncapped position prior to the media reaching the
capper.
[0534] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising:
(a) a printhead adjacent the feed path; (b) a capping mechanism
including a capper moveable between a capping position in which the
capper is urged into a capping relationship with the printhead, and
an uncapped position in which the printhead is able to print onto
the print media, wherein in the uncapped position the capper is
displaced away from the printhead; and (c) a locking mechanism
configured to hold the capper in the uncapped position until after
a trailing edge of the media is clear of the printhead.
[0535] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising:
(a) a printhead adjacent the feed path; (b) a capping mechanism
including a capper moveable between a capping position in which the
capper is urged into a capping relationship with the printhead, and
an uncapped position in which the printhead is able to print onto
the print media; wherein, (c) the capper assembly is held in the
uncapped position by the media such that it moves to the capped
position upon disengagement with the media.
[0536] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising: [0537] a
printhead for printing on to the media substrate; and, [0538] the
media substrate is a sheet; wherein during use, the sheet
disengages from the drive shaft before completion of its printing
such that the trailing edge of the sheet projects past the
printhead by momentum to complete its printing.
[0539] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising a printhead,
wherein the printhead comprises: [0540] an array of nozzles for
ejecting ink; [0541] print data circuitry for providing the nozzles
with print data; and, a photosensor for optically receiving the
print data from a beacon operated by a print engine controller in
the mobile telecommunications device.
[0542] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device has a drive
system for rotating the drive shaft by friction.
[0543] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising: [0544] an
inkjet printhead for printing to the media substrate; and, [0545]
the mobile telecommunications device comprises: [0546] a print
engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead; and,
[0547] a position sensor for providing the print engine controller
with a signal indicative of the position of the media substrate
relative to the printhead; such that, [0548] the print engine
controller differentiates the signal to derive the speed of the
media substrate relative to the printhead and adjusts the operation
of the printhead in response to variations in the speed.
[0549] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising an inkjet
printhead for printing to the media substrate; and, [0550] the
mobile telecommunications device comprises: [0551] a print engine
controller for operatively controlling the printhead; wherein
during use, [0552] the print engine controller senses the number of
complete and partial rotations of the drive shaft and adjusts the
operation of the printhead in response to variations in the angular
velocity of the drive shaft.
[0553] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising at least one
ink reservoir for supplying ink to a printhead, the at least one
ink reservoir comprising: [0554] a housing defining an ink storage
volume; [0555] one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume
into sections, each of the sections having at least one ink outlet
for sealed connection to the printhead; and, [0556] at least one
conduit establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[0557] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet with coded data on
at least part of its surface; and the mobile telecommunications
device further comprises a print engine controller for operatively
controlling the printhead; and, [0558] a sensor for reading the
coded data and generating a signal indicative of at least one
dimension of the sheet, and transmitting the signal to the print
engine controller; such that, [0559] the print engine controller
uses the signal to initiate the printing when the sheet is at a
predetermined position relative to the printhead.
[0560] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising a printhead
for printing the media substrate, the media substrate having coded
data on at least part of its surface; and,
[0561] The mobile telecommunications device further comprising a
print engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead;
and, [0562] a dual sensing facility for reading the coded data
before, as well as after, it has past the printhead.
[0563] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device comprising: [0564] a printhead with an
array of nozzles for printing a media substrate; [0565] a capper
assembly movable between a capped position covering the nozzles and
an uncapped position spaced from the nozzles; wherein, [0566] the
capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media such
that it moves to the capped position upon disengagement with the
media.
[0567] It is important that any mobile telecommunications device
that incorporates a printhead and media feed assembly does not
significantly increase the overall size. Using the media substrate
to move the capper from the capped position before printing avoids
the need for a separate uncapping mechanism.
[0568] Optionally the sheet of media substrate is encoded and the
print engine controller uses an optical sensor to determine the
position of the sheet relative to the printhead.
[0569] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a drive shaft for feeding the media past the
printhead.
[0570] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet and the trailing
edge of the sheet disengages from the drive shaft before it is
printed and is projected past the printhead by its momentum.
[0571] Optionally the capper assembly lightly grips the sheet after
it has been printed so that it partially extends from the mobile
telecommunications device in readiness for manual collection.
[0572] Optionally the capper assembly moves out of the capped
position and toward the uncapped position upon engagement with the
leading edge of the sheet.
[0573] Optionally the printhead is incorporated into a cartridge
that further comprises a print media feed path for directing the
print media past the printhead in a feed direction during printing,
and a drive mechanism for driving the print media past the
printhead for printing.
[0574] Optionally the printhead has an array of ink ejection
nozzles and is incorporated into a cartridge that further comprises
at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for
ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs
including at least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative
hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping
mechanism for capping the printhead when not in use.
[0575] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing print media past the
printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the print media, wherein in the uncapped position the
capper is displaced away from the printhead; and (c) a force
transfer mechanism connected to the capper and configured such that
a force provided by an edge of the media as it moves relative to
the feed path is transferred to the capper by the force transfer
mechanism, thereby to at least commence movement of the capper from
the capped position to the uncapped position prior to the media
reaching the capper.
[0576] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing print media past the
printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the print media, wherein in the uncapped position the
capper is displaced away from the printhead; (c) a locking
mechanism configured to hold the capper in the uncapped position
until after a trailing edge of the media is clear of the
printhead.
[0577] Optionally the drive assembly has a drive shaft with a media
engagement surface for feeding a media substrate along a feed path;
and,
a media guide adjacent the drive shaft for biasing the media
substrate against the media engagement surface.
[0578] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device 1 further
comprising: [0579] a drive shaft for feeding the sheet of media
substrate past the printhead; wherein during use, [0580] the sheet
disengages from the drive shaft before completion of its printing
such that the trailing edge of the sheet projects past the
printhead by momentum to complete its printing.
[0581] Optionally the printhead comprises: [0582] an array of
nozzles for ejecting ink; [0583] print data circuitry for providing
the nozzles with print data; and, a photosensor for optically
receiving the print data from a beacon operated by a print engine
controller.
[0584] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
a drive shaft for feeding the sheet of media substrate past the
printhead and a drive system to rotate the drive shaft; wherein,
[0585] the drive system rotates the drive roller by friction.
[0586] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0587] a media feed assembly for feeding the media past
the printhead; [0588] a print engine controller for operatively
controlling the printhead; and, [0589] a position sensor for
providing the print engine controller with a signal indicative of
the position of the media substrate relative to the printhead; such
that, [0590] the print engine controller differentiates the signal
to derive the speed of the media substrate relative to the
printhead and adjusts the operation of the printhead in response to
variations in the speed.
[0591] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0592] a drive shaft for feeding the media past the
printhead; and, [0593] a print engine controller for operatively
controlling the printhead; wherein during use, [0594] the print
engine controller senses the number of complete and partial
rotations of the drive shaft and adjusts the operation of the
printhead in response to variations in the angular velocity of the
drive shaft.
[0595] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising at least one ink reservoir, the at least one reservoir
comprising: [0596] a housing defining an ink storage volume; [0597]
one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume into sections,
each of the sections having at least one ink outlet for sealed
connection to the printhead; and, [0598] at least one conduit
establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[0599] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet with coded data
disposed on at least part of its surface; the mobile
telecommunications device further comprising: [0600] a media feed
assembly for feeding the sheet of media substrate along a feed path
past the printhead; [0601] a print engine controller for
operatively controlling the printhead; and, [0602] a sensor for
reading the coded data and generating a signal indicative of at
least one dimension of the sheet, and transmitting the signal to
the print engine controller; such that, [0603] the print engine
controller uses the signal to initiate the printing when the sheet
is at a predetermined position relative to the printhead.
[0604] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet with coded data
disposed on at least part of its surface; the mobile
telecommunications device further comprising: [0605] a media feed
assembly for feeding the sheet of media substrate along a feed path
past the printhead; [0606] a print engine controller for
operatively controlling the printhead; and, a dual sensing facility
for reading the coded data before, as well as after, it has past
the printhead.
[0607] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device comprising: [0608] a printhead for
printing a sheet of media substrate; [0609] a drive shaft for
feeding the sheet of media substrate past the printhead; wherein
during use, [0610] the sheet disengages from the drive shaft before
completion of its printing such that the trailing edge of the sheet
projects past the printhead by momentum to complete its
printing.
[0611] It is important that any mobile telecommunications device
that incorporates a printhead and media feed assembly does not
significantly increase the overall size and compact form factor.
Using a single drive shaft in a mobile telecommunications device
with a printhead allows for a compact design. However, this makes
full bleed printing (printing to the edges of the media sheet)
difficult. If the single shaft is after the printhead, it is
difficult to accurately print the leading portion of the sheet as
it is manually fed past the printhead. Also, contact between the
roller and the freshly printed media can degrade the print quality.
Likewise, the trailing portion of the sheet can get artifacts in
the print if the feed roller is before the printhead and the
trailing portion is manually drawn past the printhead to complete
its printing. Configuring the drive shaft so that the trailing edge
of the media carries past the printhead by momentum will allow full
bleed printing using a single feed roller for a compact design.
[0612] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a media guide adjacent the drive shaft for biasing the
media substrate against the drive shaft.
[0613] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a drive system for transmitting torque to the drive
shaft, the drive system having a drive wheel wherein the drive
shaft can be moved into contact with the rim of the drive wheel for
the transfer of torque.
[0614] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0615] a print engine controller for controlling the
operation of the printhead; and, [0616] a position sensor connected
to the print engine controller such that the print engine
controller can determine the position of the media substrate
relative to the printhead.
[0617] Optionally the position sensor reads encoded data on the
media substrate.
[0618] Optionally the position sensor senses the number of
rotations of the drive shaft.
[0619] Optionally wherein the printhead and the drive shaft are
incorporated into a replaceable cartridge for insertion into a
print media feed path within the mobile telecommunications
device.
[0620] Optionally the printhead has an array of ink ejection
nozzles and is incorporated into a cartridge that further comprises
at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for
ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs
including at least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative
hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping
mechanism for capping the printhead when not in use.
[0621] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing print media past the
printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the media substrate, wherein in the uncapped position
the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and, (c) a force
transfer mechanism connected to the capper and configured such that
a force provided by an edge of the media substrate as it moves
relative to the feed path is transferred to the capper by the force
transfer mechanism, thereby to at least commence movement of the
capper from the capped position to the uncapped position prior to
the media substrate reaching the capper.
[0622] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing media substrate past the
printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the media substrate, wherein in the uncapped position
the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and, (c) a locking
mechanism configured to hold the capper in the uncapped position
until after a trailing edge of the media substrate is clear of the
printhead.
[0623] Optionally the drive shaft has a media engagement surface
for enhanced contact friction with the media substrate.
[0624] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between
a capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the media substrate, wherein
the capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media
substrate such that it moves to the capped position upon
disengagement with the media.
[0625] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a print engine controller with a light emitting beacon,
and the printhead comprises: [0626] an array of nozzles for
ejecting ink; [0627] print data circuitry for providing the nozzles
with print data; and, [0628] a photosensor for optically receiving
the print data from the beacon.
[0629] Optionally wherein the drive shaft is driven by a
piezo-electric resonant linear drive system.
[0630] Optionally a mobile telecommunications further comprising:
[0631] a print engine controller for operatively controlling the
printhead; and, [0632] a position sensor for providing the print
engine controller with a signal indicative of the position of the
media substrate relative to the printhead; such that, [0633] the
print engine controller differentiates the signal to derive the
speed of the media substrate relative to the printhead and adjusts
the operation of the printhead in response to variations in the
speed.
[0634] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0635] a print engine controller for operatively
controlling the printhead; wherein during use, [0636] the print
engine controller senses the number of complete and partial
rotations of the drive shaft and adjusts the operation of the
printhead in response to variations in the angular velocity of the
drive shaft.
[0637] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising at least one ink reservoir, the at least one reservoir
comprising: [0638] a housing defining an ink storage volume; [0639]
one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume into sections,
each of the sections having at least one ink outlet for sealed
connection to the printhead; and, [0640] at least one conduit
establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[0641] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0642] a media feed assembly for feeding the sheet of
media substrate along a feed path past the printhead; [0643] a
print engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead;
and, [0644] a sensor for reading coded data on at least part of the
media substrate and generating a signal indicative of at least one
dimension of the sheet, and transmitting the signal to the print
engine controller; such that, [0645] the print engine controller
uses the signal to initiate the printing when the sheet is at a
predetermined position relative to the printhead.
[0646] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0647] a print engine controller for operatively
controlling the printhead; and, [0648] a dual sensing facility for
reading coded data on at least part of the media substrate before,
as well as after, it has past the printhead.
[0649] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device comprising: [0650] a processor for outputting print data;
[0651] a replaceable printhead cartridge including a photosensor
and a printhead for printing onto print media; and [0652] a light
emitting device for receiving the print data and converting it into
a modulated light signal; [0653] wherein the photosensor and the
light emitting device are positioned and orientated such that, in
use, the photosensor receives the modulated light signal, the
printhead being configured to print on the basis of the print data
encoded in the modulated light signal.
[0654] Optionally the light emitting device is a light emitting
diode.
[0655] Optionally the light emitting device is an organic light
emitting diode.
[0656] Optionally the photosensor is mounted directly to the
printhead within the print cartridge.
[0657] Optionally a mobile device further including: [0658] a
receptacle for holding the cartridge; [0659] an energy storage
device; [0660] first electrical contacts connected to receive
electrical power from the energy storage device; and [0661] second
electrical contacts disposed on or in the printhead cartridge;
[0662] the first and second contacts being configured and arranged
to electrically engage each other when the cartridge is installed
in the receptacle.
[0663] Optionally the energy storage device is a battery.
[0664] Optionally the electrical power received by the cartridge
via the first and second electrical contacts is used to power ink
ejection mechanisms in the printhead.
[0665] Optionally the ink ejection mechanisms are
microelectromechanical systems.
[0666] Optionally each of the ink ejection mechanisms includes a
thermal bend actuator.
[0667] Optionally each of the ink ejection mechanisms includes a
heater for ejecting ink by vaporisation.
[0668] In a first aspect the present invention provides a printhead
for an inkjet printer with a print engine controller for
operatively controlling the printhead, the printhead comprising:
[0669] an array of nozzles for ejecting ink; [0670] print data
circuitry for providing the nozzles with print data; and, [0671] an
optical sensor for optically receiving the print data from a beacon
operated by the print engine controller.
[0672] Inkjet printhead IC's will typically receive print data as
well as nozzle actuation power from a TAB film. However, with large
numbers of nozzles and high nozzle firing rates, the nozzle
actuation signals can generate a significant amount of noise which
can interfere with the print data signal. To provide the printhead
with a `cleaner` print data signal, it can be transmitted via an
optical link to a sensor on directly on the printhead IC. By
pulsing a beacon in the appropriate spectrum, the optical sensor
receives the signal free of any electrical noise due to the firing
pulses.
[0673] Optionally the optical sensor is an IR sensor and the beacon
is an IR LED.
[0674] Optionally the printhead is part of a cartridge that can be
inserted into the printer.
[0675] Optionally the inkjet printer is part of a mobile
telecommunications device.
[0676] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device comprising:
[0677] a print engine controller with a light emitting beacon; and,
[0678] a printhead with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink, print
data circuitry for providing the nozzles with print data; and,
[0679] a sensor for receiving the print data from the beacon.
[0680] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a drive shaft wherein the printhead and drive shaft are
incorporated into a replaceable cartridge for insertion into a
media feed path within the mobile telecommunications device.
[0681] Optionally the printhead is incorporated into a cartridge
that further comprises at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink
to the printhead for ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least
one ink reservoirs including at least one absorbent structure for
inducing a negative hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles,
and a capping mechanism for capping the printhead when not in
use.
[0682] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing print media past the
printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the media substrate, wherein in the uncapped position
the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and, (c) a force
transfer mechanism connected to the capper and configured such that
a force provided by an edge of the media substrate as it moves
relative to the feed path is transferred to the capper by the force
transfer mechanism, thereby to at least commence movement of the
capper from the capped position to the uncapped position prior to
the media substrate reaching the capper.
[0683] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing media substrate past the
printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the media substrate, wherein in the uncapped position
the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and, (c) a locking
mechanism configured to hold the capper in the uncapped position
until after a trailing edge of the media substrate is clear of the
printhead.
[0684] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a drive shaft with a media engagement surface for
enhanced contact friction with the media substrate.
[0685] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between
a capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the media substrate, wherein
the capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media
substrate such that it moves to the capped position upon
disengagement with the media.
[0686] Optionally the sensor is a photosensor for optically
receiving the print data from the beacon.
[0687] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a drive shaft driven by a piezo-electric resonant linear
drive system.
[0688] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0689] a position sensor for providing the print engine
controller with a signal indicative of the position of the media
substrate relative to the printhead; such that, [0690] the print
engine controller differentiates the signal to derive the speed of
the media substrate relative to the printhead and adjusts the
operation of the printhead in response to variations in the
speed.
[0691] Optionally during use, the print engine controller senses
the number of complete and partial rotations of the drive shaft and
adjusts the operation of the printhead in response to variations in
the angular velocity of the drive shaft.
[0692] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising at least one ink reservoir, the at least one reservoir
comprising: [0693] a housing defining an ink storage volume; [0694]
one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume into sections,
each of the sections having at least one ink outlet for sealed
connection to the printhead; and, [0695] at least one conduit
establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[0696] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0697] a media feed assembly for feeding a sheet of the
media substrate along a feed path past the printhead; and, [0698] a
sensor for reading coded data on at least part of the media
substrate and generating a signal indicative of at least one
dimension of the sheet, and transmitting the signal to the print
engine controller; such that, [0699] the print engine controller
uses the signal to initiate the printing when the sheet is at a
predetermined position relative to the printhead.
[0700] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0701] a print engine controller for operatively
controlling the printhead; and, [0702] a dual sensor facility for
reading coded data on at least part of the media substrate before,
as well as after, it has past the printhead.
[0703] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
a drive shaft for feeding a sheet of the media substrate along a
feed path past the printhead, wherein the sheet disengages from the
drive shaft before completion of its printing such that the
trailing edge of the sheet projects past the printhead by momentum
to complete its printing.
[0704] In a first aspect the present invention provides a print
cartridge for an inkjet printer with a media drive assembly, the
cartridge comprising: [0705] a drive shaft for feeding a media
substrate past a printhead, the drive shaft positioned such that it
engages the media drive assembly upon installation of the
cartridge; wherein during use, [0706] the drive assembly transfer
torque to the drive shaft by contact friction.
[0707] Transferring power from the drive assembly to the drive
wheel by frictional contact makes installation of the cartridge
easier. Simply sliding the drive wheel into abutment with the drive
assembly removes the need for more complex couplings such as meshed
gears or belt drives.
[0708] Optionally the drive shaft has a drive wheel mounted to it
for the frictional engagement with the drive assembly.
[0709] Optionally the rim of the drive wheel is formed from an
elastomeric material.
[0710] Optionally the drive assembly has an idler roller to provide
the frictional contact with the drive wheel.
[0711] Optionally the drive assembly has an electric motor to drive
the idler roller.
[0712] Optionally the drive assembly has a piezo electric
resonating linear drive to drive the idler roller.
[0713] Optionally the printhead has an array of ink ejection
nozzles and at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the
printhead for ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least one ink
reservoirs including at least one absorbent structure for inducing
a negative hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a
capping mechanism for capping the printhead when not in use.
[0714] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising:
(a) a capping mechanism with a capper moveable between a capping
position in which the capper is urged into a capping relationship
with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead
is able to print onto the print media, wherein in the uncapped
position the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and, (b)
a force transfer mechanism connected to the capper and configured
such that a force provided by an edge of the media as it moves
relative to the feed path is transferred to the capper by the force
transfer mechanism, thereby to at least commence movement of the
capper from the capped position to the uncapped position prior to
the media reaching the capper.
[0715] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising:
(a) a capping mechanism with a capper moveable between a capping
position in which the capper is urged into a capping relationship
with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead
is able to print onto the print media, wherein in the uncapped
position the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and (b) a
locking mechanism configured to hold the capper in the uncapped
position until after a trailing edge of the media is clear of the
printhead.
[0716] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising:
(a) a capping mechanism with a capper moveable between a capping
position in which the capper is urged into a capping relationship
with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead
is able to print onto the print media; wherein, (b) the capper
assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media such that it
moves to the capped position upon disengagement with the media.
[0717] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet that, during use,
disengages from the drive shaft before completion of its printing
such that the trailing edge of the sheet projects past the
printhead by momentum to complete its printing.
[0718] Optionally the printer has a print engine controller with a
light emitting beacon, and the printhead comprises: [0719] an array
of nozzles for ejecting ink; [0720] print data circuitry for
providing the nozzles with print data; and, [0721] a photosensor
for optically receiving the print data from the beacon.
[0722] Optionally the printer is incorporated into a mobile
telecommunications device.
[0723] Optionally the cartridge incorporates the printhead; and,
[0724] the printer comprises: [0725] a print engine controller for
operatively controlling the printhead; and, [0726] a position
sensor for providing the print engine controller with a signal
indicative of the position of the media substrate relative to the
printhead; such that, [0727] the print engine controller
differentiates the signal to derive the speed of the media
substrate relative to the printhead and adjusts the operation of
the printhead in response to variations in the speed.
[0728] Optionally the cartridge incorporates the printhead; and,
[0729] the printer comprises: [0730] a print engine controller for
operatively controlling the printhead; wherein during use, [0731]
the print engine controller senses the number of complete and
partial rotations of the drive shaft and adjusts the operation of
the printhead in response to variations in the angular velocity of
the drive shaft.
[0732] Optionally a print cartridge further comprising at least one
ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead, the at least one
ink reservoir comprising: [0733] a housing defining an ink storage
volume; [0734] one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume
into sections, each of the sections having at least one ink outlet
for sealed connection to the printhead; and, [0735] at least one
conduit establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[0736] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet with coded data on
at least part of its surface; and the printer further comprises a
print engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead;
and, [0737] a sensor for reading the coded data and generating a
signal indicative of at least one dimension of the sheet, and
transmitting the signal to the print engine controller; such that,
[0738] the print engine controller uses the signal to initiate the
printing when the sheet is at a predetermined position relative to
the printhead.
[0739] Optionally the media substrate has coded data on at least
part of its surface; and, [0740] the printer further comprising a
print engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead;
and, [0741] a dual sensing facility for reading the coded data
before, as well as after, it has past the printhead.
[0742] Optionally the drive shaft has a media engagement surface
for feeding a media substrate along a feed path; and, [0743] the
cartridge further comprises a media guide adjacent the drive shaft
for biasing the media substrate against the media engagement
surface.
[0744] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device comprising: [0745] an inkjet printhead
for printing to a media substrate; [0746] a media feed assembly for
feeding the media past the printhead; [0747] a print engine
controller for operatively controlling the printhead; and, [0748] a
position sensor for providing the print engine controller with a
signal indicative of the position of the media substrate relative
to the printhead; such that, [0749] the print engine controller
differentiates the signal to derive the speed of the media
substrate relative to the printhead and adjusts the operation of
the printhead in response to variations in the speed.
[0750] It is important that any mobile telecommunications device
that incorporates a printhead and media feed assembly does not
significantly increase the overall size and compact form factor of
currently available mobile telecommunications devices. Using a
single media feed roller in a mobile telecommunications device with
a printhead allows for a compact design. However, the feed roller
must be immediately before the printhead (in terms of media feed
direction) so that the trailing edge of the media carries past the
printhead by momentum. Because of this, the speed of the feed
roller varies during the printing of the media sheet. Firstly, when
the leading edge of the media sheet initially engages the feed
roller the additional load decreases angular speed. Once the
frictional engagement between the roller and the media has been
established, the angular speed increases again. As the printhead is
so close to the feed roller, the roller is still speeding up when
the leading edge is being printed. If the print engine controller
(PEC) assumes that the speed of the roller is constant, visible
artifacts appear in the printing of the leading edge portion of the
media sheet. By allowing the PEC to sense the longitudinal position
of the media relative to the printhead, it can then derive its
speed and adjust the operation of the nozzles in response to any
variations to remove artifacts from the printing.
[0751] Optionally the media substrate is printed with encoded data
and the position sensor optically reads the encoded data to
generate the signal indicative of the position of the media
substrate relative to printhead.
[0752] Optionally the media feed assembly has a media feed roller
with encoding, such that the position sensor optically reads the
encoding to sense the number of complete and partial rotations of
the media feed roller to generate the signal indicative of the
position of the media substrate relative to the printhead.
[0753] Optionally the printhead has an array of nozzles and a
capper assembly movable between a capped position covering the
printhead nozzles and an uncapped position spaced from the
printhead nozzles, the capper assembly being adapted for engagement
with the media substrate to move it away of the capped position and
towards the uncapped position.
[0754] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet with a leading
edge that engages the capper assembly and a trailing edge that
disengages from the media feed roller before it is printed and is
projected past the printhead by its momentum such that the media
feed roller accelerates from the reduction in load and the sheet
decelerates from friction.
[0755] Optionally the capper assembly lightly grips the sheet after
it has been printed so that it partially extends from the mobile
telecommunications device in readiness for manual collection.
[0756] Optionally the media feed assembly has a drive shaft, the
drive and the printhead being incorporated into a replaceable
cartridge for insertion into a print media feed path within the
mobile telecommunications device.
[0757] Optionally the printhead has an array of ink ejection
nozzles and is incorporated into a cartridge that further comprises
at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for
ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs
including at least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative
hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping
mechanism for capping the printhead when not in use.
[0758] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing print media past the
printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the media substrate, wherein in the uncapped position
the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and, (c) a force
transfer mechanism connected to the capper and configured such that
a force provided by an edge of the media substrate as it moves
relative to the feed path is transferred to the capper by the force
transfer mechanism, thereby to at least commence movement of the
capper from the capped position to the uncapped position prior to
the media substrate reaching the capper.
[0759] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing media substrate past the
printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the media substrate, wherein in the uncapped position
the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and, (c) a locking
mechanism configured to hold the capper in the uncapped position
until after a trailing edge of the media substrate is clear of the
printhead.
[0760] Optionally the media feed assembly has a drive shaft with a
media engagement surface for enhanced contact friction with the
media substrate.
[0761] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between
a capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the media substrate, wherein
the capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media
substrate such that it moves to the capped position upon
disengagement with the media.
[0762] Optionally the print engine controller has a light emitting
beacon, and the printhead further comprises: [0763] an array of
nozzles for ejecting ink; [0764] print data circuitry for providing
the nozzles with print data; and, [0765] a sensor for receiving the
print data from the beacon.
[0766] Optionally the media feed assembly has a drive shaft driven
by a piezo-electric resonant linear drive system.
[0767] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising at least one ink reservoir, the at least one reservoir
comprising: [0768] a housing defining an ink storage volume; [0769]
one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume into sections,
each of the sections having at least one ink outlet for sealed
connection to the printhead; and, [0770] at least one conduit
establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[0771] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0772] a sensor for reading coded data on at least part
of the media substrate and generating a signal indicative of at
least one dimension of the sheet, and transmitting the signal to
the print engine controller; such that, [0773] the print engine
controller uses the signal to initiate the printing when the sheet
is at a predetermined position relative to the printhead.
[0774] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a dual sensing facility for reading coded data on at
least part of the media substrate before, as well as after, it has
past the printhead.
[0775] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device comprising: [0776] an inkjet printhead
for printing to a media substrate; [0777] a drive shaft for feeding
the media past the printhead; and, [0778] a print engine controller
for operatively controlling the printhead; wherein during use,
[0779] the print engine controller senses the number of complete
and partial rotations of the media feed roller and adjusts the
operation of the printhead in response to variations in the angular
velocity of the drive shaft.
[0780] Using a single media drive shaft in a mobile
telecommunications device with a printhead allows for a compact
design. However, the drive shaft must be immediately before the
printhead (in terms of media feed direction) so that the trailing
edge of the media carries past the printhead by momentum. Because
of this, the speed of the drive shaft varies during the printing of
the media sheet. Firstly, when the leading edge of the media sheet
initially engages the feed roller the additional load decreases
angular speed. Once the frictional engagement between the roller
and the media has been established, the angular speed increases
again. As the printhead is so close to the feed roller, the roller
is still speeding up when the leading edge is being printed. If the
print engine controller (PEC) assumes that the speed of the roller
is constant, visible artifacts appear in the printing of the
leading edge portion of the media sheet. By allowing the PEC to
sense the rotations of the roller, it can determine the
longitudinal position of the media relative to the printhead and
adjust the operation of the nozzles in response to variations in
roller speed to remove artifacts from the printing.
[0781] Optionally the drive shaft has optical encoding and the
print engine controller uses an optical sensor to sense the number
of complete and partial rotations of the drive shaft.
[0782] Optionally the printhead has a capper assembly movable
between a capped position covering the printhead nozzles and an
uncapped position spaced from the printhead nozzles, the capper
assembly being adapted for engagement with the media substrate to
move it away of the capped position and towards the uncapped
position.
[0783] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet with a leading
edge that engages the capper assembly and a trailing edge that
disengages from the drive shaft before it is printed and is
projected past the printhead by its momentum such that the drive
shaft accelerates from the reduction in load and the sheet
decelerates from friction.
[0784] Optionally the capper assembly lightly grips the sheet after
it has been printed so that it partially extends from the mobile
telecommunications device in readiness for manual collection.
[0785] Optionally the capper assembly returns to the capped
position after the sheet has been manually collected from the
mobile telecommunications device.
[0786] Optionally the printhead and the drive shaft are
incorporated into a replaceable cartridge for insertion into a
print media feed path within the mobile telecommunications
device.
[0787] Optionally the printhead has an array of ink ejection
nozzles and is incorporated into a cartridge that further comprises
at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for
ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs
including at least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative
hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping
mechanism for capping the printhead when not in use.
[0788] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing print media past the
printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the media substrate, wherein in the uncapped position
the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and, (c) a force
transfer mechanism connected to the capper and configured such that
a force provided by an edge of the media substrate as it moves
relative to the feed path is transferred to the capper by the force
transfer mechanism, thereby to at least commence movement of the
capper from the capped position to the uncapped position prior to
the media substrate reaching the capper.
[0789] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing the media substrate past
the printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the media substrate, wherein in the uncapped position
the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and, (c) a locking
mechanism configured to hold the capper in the uncapped position
until after a trailing edge of the media substrate is clear of the
printhead.
[0790] Optionally the drive shaft has a media engagement surface
for enhanced contact friction with the media substrate.
[0791] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between
a capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the media substrate, wherein
the capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media
substrate such that it moves to the capped position upon
disengagement with the media.
[0792] Optionally the print engine controller has a light emitting
beacon, and the printhead further comprises: [0793] an array of
nozzles for ejecting ink; [0794] print data circuitry for providing
the nozzles with print data; and, [0795] a photosensor for
optically receiving the print data from the beacon.
[0796] Optionally the drive shaft is driven by a piezo-electric
resonant linear drive system.
[0797] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0798] a print engine controller for operatively
controlling the printhead; and, [0799] a position sensor for
providing the print engine controller with a signal indicative of
the position of the media substrate relative to the printhead; such
that, [0800] the print engine controller differentiates the signal
to derive the speed of the media substrate relative to the
printhead and adjusts the operation of the printhead in response to
variations in the speed.
[0801] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising at least one ink reservoir, the at least one reservoir
comprising: [0802] a housing defining an ink storage volume; [0803]
one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume into sections,
each of the sections having at least one ink outlet for sealed
connection to the printhead; and, [0804] at least one conduit
establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[0805] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a sensor for reading coded data on at least part of the
media substrate and generating a signal indicative of at least one
dimension of the sheet, and transmitting the signal to the print
engine controller; such that, [0806] the print engine controller
uses the signal to initiate the printing when the sheet is at a
predetermined position relative to the printhead.
[0807] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a dual sensing facility for reading coded data on at
least part of the media substrate before, as well as after, it has
past the printhead.
[0808] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device comprising: [0809] a printhead for
printing on a media substrate; [0810] a drive shaft for feeding the
media substrate past the printhead; [0811] a print engine
controller for operatively controlling the printhead; and, [0812]
an ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead, the reservoir
having: [0813] a housing defining an ink storage volume; [0814] one
or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume into sections, each
of the sections having at least one ink outlet for sealed
connection to the printhead; and, [0815] at least one conduit
establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[0816] Optionally the at least one conduit has a cross sectional
area small enough such that capillary action prevents ink from
draining of the conduit under gravity regardless of the orientation
of the housing.
[0817] Optionally the at least one conduit is defined by one or
more channels formed in the exterior surface of the housing and
covered by a sealing film adhered to the exterior surface, the
sealing film having apertures for each of the outlets respectively
for fluid communication with the printhead.
[0818] Optionally the housing defines three of the ink storage
volumes, each of the ink storage volumes being elongate and having
the baffles extending transversely across each of the storage
volumes respectively.
[0819] Optionally each of the sections contains an ink retaining
structure incorporating porous material such that, capillary action
reduces the hydrostatic pressure of the ink within inactive nozzles
of the printhead to less than atmospheric.
[0820] Optionally the printhead is a pagewidth printhead.
[0821] Optionally the printhead and the drive shaft are
incorporated into a replaceable cartridge for insertion into a
print media feed path within the mobile telecommunications
device.
[0822] Optionally the printhead has an array of ink ejection
nozzles and is incorporated into a cartridge that further comprises
at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for
ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs
including at least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative
hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping
mechanism for capping the printhead when not in use.
[0823] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing print media past the
printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the media substrate, wherein in the uncapped position
the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and, (c) a force
transfer mechanism connected to the capper and configured such that
a force provided by an edge of the media substrate as it moves
relative to the feed path is transferred to the capper by the force
transfer mechanism, thereby to at least commence movement of the
capper from the capped position to the uncapped position prior to
the media substrate reaching the capper.
[0824] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a print media feed path for directing media substrate past the
printhead in a feed direction during printing; (b) a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead, and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able
to print onto the media substrate, wherein in the uncapped position
the capper is displaced away from the printhead; and, (c) a locking
mechanism configured to hold the capper in the uncapped position
until after a trailing edge of the media substrate is clear of the
printhead.
[0825] Optionally the drive shaft has a media engagement surface
for enhanced contact friction with the media substrate.
[0826] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between
a capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the media substrate, wherein
the capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media
substrate such that it moves to the capped position upon
disengagement with the media.
[0827] Optionally the print engine controller has a light emitting
beacon, and the printhead further comprises: [0828] an array of
nozzles for ejecting ink; [0829] print data circuitry for providing
the nozzles with print data; and, [0830] a photosensor for
optically receiving the print data from the beacon.
[0831] Optionally the drive shaft is driven by a piezo-electric
resonant linear drive system.
[0832] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0833] a position sensor for providing the print engine
controller with a signal indicative of the position of the media
substrate relative to the printhead; such that, [0834] the print
engine controller differentiates the signal to derive the speed of
the media substrate relative to the printhead and adjusts the
operation of the printhead in response to variations in the
speed.
[0835] Optionally during use, the print engine controller senses
the number of complete and partial rotations of the drive shaft and
adjusts the operation of the printhead in response to variations in
the angular velocity of the drive shaft.
[0836] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0837] a sensor for reading coded data on at least part
of the media substrate and generating a signal indicative of at
least one dimension of the sheet, and transmitting the signal to
the print engine controller; such that, [0838] the print engine
controller uses the signal to initiate the printing when the sheet
is at a predetermined position relative to the printhead.
[0839] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [0840] a dual sensing facility for reading coded data
on at least part of the media substrate before, as well as after,
it has past the printhead.
[0841] In a first aspect the present invention provides a print
medium configured to be printed on by a mobile device in a print
direction, the print medium comprising: [0842] a laminar substrate
defining first and second opposite faces; and [0843] a data track
containing first information encoded in accordance with a linear
encoding scheme, the data track extending in a linear read
direction across a portion of the first face of the print medium,
the read direction being oriented at between 45 and 135 degrees
with respect to the print direction.
[0844] Optionally the read direction is orientated at about 90
degrees with respect to the print direction.
[0845] Optionally a print medium further including a leading edge
and trailing edge opposite the leading edge, the print medium being
designed for insertion leading-edge-first into the mobile device
for printing, wherein the data track is positioned closer to the
leading edge than to the trailing edge.
[0846] Optionally the data track is positioned at or adjacent the
leading edge.
[0847] Optionally the data track is printed in infrared ink.
[0848] Optionally the data track is printed in infrared ink that is
substantially invisible to an average unaided human eye.
[0849] Optionally a print medium further including coded data
containing second information encoded in accordance with a second
encoding scheme distinct from the linear encoding scheme, wherein
the first information is indicative of the second information.
[0850] Optionally the first information is the same as the second
information.
[0851] Optionally the first and second information are a document
identifier.
[0852] Optionally a method of printing onto a print medium using a
mobile device that includes a printhead and a data track reader,
the method comprising the steps of:
(a) receiving the print medium into the mobile device; (b) reading
the data track; (c) decoding the data track to obtain the first
information; (d) printing onto the print medium at least partially
in reliance on first information determined from the decoded data
track.
[0853] Optionally step (d) includes the substeps of:
(e) sending a first message to a remote computer system, the first
message containing the first information; (f) receiving a second
message from the remote computer, the second message being
indicative of whether printing is authorised for the print medium;
and (g) printing onto the print medium in the event the second
message confirms that the printing is authorised.
[0854] Optionally the method including receiving print data from
the remote computer system in response to the first message, step
(g) including printing onto the print medium based at least
partially on the print data.
[0855] Optionally the first information is indicative of a physical
characteristic of the print medium.
[0856] Optionally the first information is indicative of a size of
the print medium.
[0857] Optionally the first information is indicative of a media
type associate with the print medium.
[0858] Optionally the first information is indicative of
information pre-printed onto the print medium.
[0859] Optionally the first information is indicative of an
identity of the print medium.
[0860] Optionally a print medium further including a second
linear-encoded data track extending along at least a portion of at
least one face of the print medium.
[0861] Optionally the second linear-encoded data track is printed
in infrared ink that is substantially invisible to an average
unaided human eye.
[0862] Optionally the second linear-encoded data track includes an
extractable clock useable by the mobile device in synchronizing
printing onto the print medium.
[0863] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
printing onto a print medium using a mobile device with a printhead
and sensor, the print medium comprising: [0864] a laminar substrate
defining first and second opposite faces; and [0865] a data track
containing first information encoded in accordance with a linear
encoding scheme, the data track extending in a linear read
direction across a portion of the first face of the print medium,
the read direction being oriented at between 45 and 135 degrees
with respect to the print direction; [0866] the method comprising
the steps of: [0867] receiving the print medium into a media feed
path of the mobile device; [0868] using the sensor to sense the
data track at least once before or during printing onto the print
medium with the printhead; and [0869] determining a lateral
registration of the data track relative to the sensor.
[0870] Optionally the print medium includes coded data having a
predetermined positional relationship relative to the data track,
the method including determining, in the mobile device and based on
the determined lateral registration, a lateral registration of the
coded data with respect to the media feed path before or during
printing.
[0871] Optionally the coded data encodes second information, the
first information being indicative of the second information, the
method including the step of decoding the data track to determine
the first information.
[0872] Optionally the first information is the same as the second
information.
[0873] Optionally the first and second information are a document
identifier.
[0874] Optionally the method comprising the step of printing onto
the print medium with the printhead at least partially in reliance
on determined lateral registration.
[0875] Optionally the method comprising the step of printing onto
the print medium with the printhead at least partially in reliance
on first information determined from the decoded data track.
[0876] Optionally the printing step includes the substeps of:
[0877] sending a first message to a remote computer system, the
first message containing the first information; [0878] receiving a
response from the remote computer, the response being indicative of
whether printing is authorised for the print medium; and [0879]
printing onto the print medium in the event the response confirms
that the printing is authorised.
[0880] Optionally the method comprising receiving print data from
the remote computer system in response to the first message, the
printing step comprising printing onto the print medium based at
least partially on the print data.
[0881] Optionally the first information is indicative of a physical
characteristic of the print medium.
[0882] Optionally the first information is indicative of a size of
the print medium.
[0883] Optionally the first information is indicative of a media
type associate with the print medium.
[0884] Optionally the first information is indicative of
information pre-printed onto the print medium.
[0885] Optionally the first information is indicative of an
identity of the print medium.
[0886] Optionally the print medium further including a second
linear-encoded data track extending along at least a portion of at
least one face of the print medium, the method including the steps
of: [0887] sensing the second data track during printing onto the
print medium; [0888] deriving a clock signal from the sensed second
data track; and [0889] synchronizing printing based on the clock
signal.
[0890] Optionally the mobile device including a light emitting
device, the method including illuminating the data track with the
light emitting device during sensing of the data track.
[0891] Optionally the data track is printed in infrared ink, and
the light emitting device emits light in the infrared spectrum.
[0892] In a first aspect the present invention provides a print
medium configured to be printed on by a mobile device in a print
direction, the print medium comprising: [0893] a laminar substrate
defining first and second opposite faces; and [0894] a data track
containing first information encoded in accordance with a linear
encoding scheme, the data track extending in a linear read
direction along the print medium in the print direction, the linear
encoding scheme being selected to enable clock data to be extracted
from it while the print medium is being moved past a printhead in
the mobile device, for use in synchronizing printing onto the print
medium using the printhead.
[0895] Optionally the data track is disposed at or adjacent an edge
of the print medium, the edge extending in the print direction.
[0896] Optionally the data track is printed in infrared ink.
[0897] Optionally the data track is printed in infrared ink that is
substantially invisible to an average unaided human eye.
[0898] Optionally the print medium further including coded data
containing second information encoded in accordance with a second
encoding scheme distinct from the linear encoding scheme, wherein
the first information is indicative of the second information.
[0899] Optionally the first information is the same as the second
information.
[0900] Optionally the first and second information are a document
identifier.
[0901] Optionally the method of printing onto a print medium using
a mobile device that includes a printhead and a data track reader,
the method comprising the steps of:
(a) receiving the print medium into the mobile device; (b) reading
the data track using the data track reader during a printing
operation; (c) extracting a clock signal from the read data track;
(d) printing onto the print medium at least partially in reliance
on the clock signal.
[0902] Optionally the method further including the steps of:
(f) extracting the first information from the read data track; (g)
sending a first message to a remote computer system, the first
message containing the first information; (h) receiving a second
message from the remote computer, the second message being
indicative of whether printing is authorised for the print medium;
and (i) printing onto the print medium in the event the second
message confirms that the printing is authorised.
[0903] Optionally the method further including a step (j),
performed prior to step (f), of reading the data track using the
data track reader at a separate time to step (b), and using the
data read in step ( ) to perform steps (f) to (i).
[0904] Optionally the method including receiving print data from
the remote computer system in response to the first message, step
(g) including printing onto the print medium based at least
partially on the print data.
[0905] Optionally the first information is indicative of a physical
characteristic of the print medium.
[0906] Optionally the first information is indicative of a size of
the print medium.
[0907] Optionally the first information is indicative of a media
type associate with the print medium.
[0908] Optionally the first information is indicative of
information pre-printed onto the print medium.
[0909] Optionally the first information is indicative of an
identity of the print medium.
[0910] Optionally the method further including a plurality of the
data tracks disposed in different places on the print medium.
[0911] Optionally the method the data track includes at least one
orientation indicator.
[0912] Optionally the at least one orientation indicator is
disposed at or adjacent an edge of the print medium.
[0913] Optionally the print medium having a leading edge and a
trailing edge defined relative to intended feed direction of the
print medium through a media feed path of the mobile device, at
least one of the at least one orientation indicators being disposed
on or in the print medium at or adjacent the leading edge
[0914] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device for printing onto a print medium, the print medium including
a linear-encoded data track extending in an intended direction of
printing, the mobile device including: [0915] a sensor configured
to sense the data track during printing; [0916] a printhead for
printing onto the print medium in response to a fire control
signal; and [0917] fire control means connected to generate the
fire control signal based on the sensed data track.
[0918] Optionally a mobile device further including a
light-emitting device for illuminating the data track while the
sensor is sensing it during printing.
[0919] Optionally the data track is printed with infrared ink, the
light-emitting device emits light in the infrared spectrum and the
photosensor is sensitive in the infrared spectrum.
[0920] Optionally the data track is a clock track containing only a
clock code, the fire control means being configured to generate the
fire control signal in the form of a clock signal generated from
the sensed data track.
[0921] Optionally the data track includes first information, the
first information including an embedded clock signal, the fire
control means being configured to generate the fire control signal
in the form of a clock signal extracted from the sensed data
track.
[0922] Optionally the first information is indicative of at least
one physical characteristic of the print medium, the mobile device
being configured to control operation of the printhead at least
partially on the basis of at least one of the physical
characteristics.
[0923] Optionally a mobile device configured to use the sensed data
track to determine an absolute position of the print medium with
respect to the printhead, and to print onto the print medium in
reliance on the determination.
[0924] Optionally the data track further encoding first information
and the print medium further including second coded data that
encodes second information, the first information being indicative
of the second information, wherein the mobile device is configured
to print onto the print medium such that there is a predetermined
registration between what is being printed and the second coded
data.
[0925] Optionally a mobile device further including a receiver for
receiving print data to be printed and information indicative of
the predetermined registration.
[0926] Optionally the data track further encoding first information
and the print medium further including second coded data that
encodes second information, the first information being indicative
of the second information, wherein the mobile device is configured
to: [0927] print onto the print medium; [0928] determine a
registration between what is being printed and the second coded
data.
[0929] Optionally the mobile device further including a transmitter
for transmitting the determined registration to a remote computer
system.
[0930] Optionally the first information is indicative of a size of
the print medium.
[0931] Optionally the first information is indicative of a media
type associate with the print medium.
[0932] Optionally the first information is indicative of
information pre-printed onto the print medium.
[0933] Optionally the first information is indicative of an
identity of the print medium.
[0934] Optionally the method further including a plurality of the
data tracks disposed in different places on the print medium.
[0935] Optionally the data track includes at least one orientation
indicator.
[0936] Optionally the at least one orientation indicator is
disposed at or adjacent an edge of the print medium.
[0937] Optionally, the print medium having a leading edge and a
trailing edge defined relative to intended feed direction of the
print medium through a media feed path of the mobile device, at
least one of the at least one orientation indicators being disposed
on or in the print medium at or adjacent the leading edge
[0938] In a first aspect the present invention provides a print
medium configured to be printed on by a mobile device in a print
direction, the print medium comprising: [0939] a laminar substrate
defining first and second opposite faces; and [0940] coded data
encoding first information, the first information being indicative
of a physical characteristic of the print medium.
[0941] Optionally the first information is indicative of a size of
the print medium.
[0942] Optionally the first information is indicative of a media
type associate with the print medium.
[0943] Optionally the first information is indicative of
information pre-printed onto the print medium.
[0944] Optionally the first information is encoded into the coded
data in accordance with a linear encoding scheme.
[0945] Optionally the coded data takes the form of a data
track.
[0946] Optionally the print medium according to claim 6, wherein
the data track extends along an edge of the print medium.
[0947] Optionally the print medium including at least two of the
data tracks, each of which encodes the first information.
[0948] Optionally the first information is identical in all the
data tracks.
[0949] Optionally each of the data tracks includes at least one
orientation indicator indicative of an orientation of the print
medium.
[0950] Optionally the orientation indicator is different in each of
the data tracks to account for differences in position and
orientation of the respective data tracks relative to the print
medium.
[0951] Optionally one of the orientation indicators is positioned
adjacent a first corner of the print medium on the first face.
[0952] Optionally another of the orientation indicators is
positioned adjacent a second corner of the print medium on the
first face, the second corner being diagonally opposite the first
corner.
[0953] Optionally the data track further includes at least one
orientation indicator indicative of an orientation of the print
medium.
[0954] Optionally the data track is printed in infrared ink.
[0955] Optionally the data track is printed in infrared ink that is
substantially invisible to an average unaided human eye.
[0956] Optionally the print medium further including coded data
containing second information encoded in accordance with a second
encoding scheme distinct from the linear encoding scheme, wherein
the first information is indicative of the second information.
[0957] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device for printing onto a print medium in a print direction, the
print medium including first coded data that encodes first
information, mobile device comprising: [0958] a first sensor for
sensing the first coded data; [0959] processing means for decoding
the coded data and extracting at least the first information; and
[0960] a printhead for printing onto the print medium, wherein the
printhead is controlled to print onto the print medium at least
partially on the basis of the extracted first information, and
printing does not commence until all of the first information has
been extracted.
[0961] Optionally the first information is indicative of an
identity of the print medium.
[0962] Optionally the first coded data is encoded in a data track
in accordance with a linear encoding scheme, and the print medium
includes second coded data encoded in an encoding scheme different
from the linear encoding scheme, at least some of the first
information being indicative of second information encoded in the
second coded data.
[0963] Optionally the first and second information are indicative
of the identity of the print medium.
[0964] Optionally the mobile device includes a transmitter
configured to transmit a first message to a remote computer system,
the first message being indicative of the identity of the print
medium.
[0965] Optionally the mobile device includes a receiver for
receiving a second message in reply to the first message, the
second message being indicative of whether the print medium can be
printed on, the mobile device being configured to await the second
message before determining whether to print onto the print
medium.
[0966] Optionally the mobile device further including a media drive
means for driving the print medium past the printhead during
printing.
[0967] Optionally the mobile device defining a print path along
which the print medium travels past the printhead, wherein the
drive means is disposed upstream of the sensor in the print
path.
[0968] Optionally the sensor is disposed between the drive means
and the printhead.
[0969] Optionally the drive means is reversible, thereby enabling
the print medium to be driven past the sensor in the print
direction to allow reading of the first coded data, reversed until
the print medium is positioned substantially upstream of the
printhead, then driven in the print direction past the printhead
during printing.
[0970] Optionally the mobile device configured to: [0971] sense the
first coded data while the print medium is being driven past the
printhead during printing; [0972] extract a clock signal from the
first coded data; and [0973] use the clock signal the provide a
fire control signal to the printhead, thereby to synchronise
printing with movement of the print medium.
[0974] Optionally the mobile device defining a print path along
which the print medium travels past the printhead, wherein the
drive means includes first and second drive mechanisms disposed in
the print path upstream and downstream, respectively, of the
printhead.
[0975] Optionally the sensor is disposed between the first and
second drive mechanisms.
[0976] Optionally the mobile device configured to: [0977] sense the
first coded data while the print medium is being driven past the
printhead during printing; [0978] extract a clock signal from the
first coded data; and [0979] use the clock signal the provide a
fire control signal to the printhead, thereby to synchronise
printing with movement of the print medium.
[0980] Optionally the first coded data includes a separate clock
track parallel to the linear encoded first information, the mobile
device being configured to generate the clock signal from the clock
track during printing.
[0981] Optionally the first coded data includes a separate clock
track parallel to the linear encoded first information, the mobile
device being configured to generate the clock signal from the clock
track during printing.
[0982] Optionally the mobile device further including a
light-emitting device positioned to output light onto the first
coded data to enable sensing thereof with the sensor.
[0983] Optionally the first coded data is printed in infrared ink
and the light-emitting device emits light in the infrared
spectrum.
[0984] Optionally the first coded data is printed in infrared ink
that is substantially invisible to an average unaided human
eye.
[0985] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device for printing onto a print medium in a print direction, the
print medium including first coded data that encodes first
information, mobile device comprising: [0986] a first sensor for
sensing the first coded data; [0987] processing means for decoding
the coded data and extracting at least the first information; and
[0988] a printhead for printing onto the print medium, wherein the
printhead is controlled to print onto the print medium at least
partially on the basis of the extracted first information, and
printing commences prior to all of the first information being
extracted.
[0989] Optionally the first information is indicative of an
identity of the print medium.
[0990] Optionally the first coded data is encoded in a data track
in accordance with a linear encoding scheme, and the print medium
includes second coded data encoded in an encoding scheme different
from the linear encoding scheme, at least some of the first
information being indicative of second information encoded in the
second coded data.
[0991] Optionally the first and second information are indicative
of the identity of the print medium.
[0992] Optionally the mobile device includes a transmitter
configured to transmit a first message to a remote computer system,
the first message being indicative of the identity of the print
medium.
[0993] Optionally the mobile device includes a receiver for
receiving a second message in reply to the first message, the
second message being indicative of whether the print medium can be
printed on, the mobile device being configured to halt printing in
the event the second message indicates that the print medium is not
to be printed on.
[0994] Optionally the mobile device further including a media drive
means for driving the print medium past the printhead during
printing.
[0995] Optionally the mobile device defining a print path along
which the print medium travels past the printhead, wherein the
drive means is disposed upstream of the sensor in the print
path.
[0996] Optionally the sensor is disposed between the drive means
and the printhead.
[0997] Optionally the mobile device configured to: [0998] sense the
first coded data while the print medium is being driven past the
printhead during printing; [0999] extract a clock signal from the
first coded data; and [1000] use the clock signal the provide a
fire control signal to the printhead, thereby to synchronise
printing with movement of the print medium.
[1001] Optionally the first coded data includes a separate clock
track in addition to the first information, the mobile device being
configured to generate the clock signal from the clock track during
printing.
[1002] Optionally the mobile device further including a
light-emitting device positioned to output light onto the first
coded data to enable sensing thereof with the sensor.
[1003] Optionally the first coded data is printed in infrared ink
and the light-emitting device emits light in the infrared
spectrum.
[1004] Optionally the first coded data is printed in infrared ink
that is substantially invisible to an average unaided human
eye.
[1005] Optionally the printhead forms part of a replaceable
cartridge.
[1006] Optionally the cartridge includes at least one ink
reservoir.
[1007] Optionally the cartridge includes at least one capping
mechanism for capping the printhead when it is not printing.
[1008] Optionally the capping mechanism includes a capper moveable
between: [1009] a capping position in which the capper is urged
into a capping relationship with the printhead; and [1010] an
uncapped position in which the printhead is able to print onto the
print medium, wherein in the uncapped position the capper is
displaced away from the printhead; [1011] wherein the capper is
moved between the capped and uncapped position by an edge of the
print medium as it moves through the media path.
[1012] Optionally in the capped position the capper is resiliently
urged into the capping relationship.
[1013] Optionally the capping mechanism is configured such that the
capper is displaced in the feed direction as it moves from the
capped position to the uncapped position.
[1014] Optionally the processing means is configured to extract a
clock signal from the sensed coded data, the clock signal being
used to synchronize printing onto the print medium.
[1015] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device comprising: [1016] a printer for printing document
information onto one or more of a plurality of print areas, each of
the print areas including identity data indicative of identity
information which differentiates the print area from others of the
plurality; and [1017] at least one sensor for sensing the identity
information of the one or more print areas.
[1018] Optionally the device is a mobile telecommunications
device.
[1019] Optionally the identity data is represented on the print
area in a coded form and the printer includes a decoder which
receives coded data from the at least one sensor and outputs
decoded data representing at least the identity data or at least
the identity information.
[1020] Optionally each identity information is represented on the
print area by at least two discrete items of data and the decoder
outputs decoded data representing at least the identity information
after receiving said at least two separate items of data.
[1021] Optionally said at least one sensor is positioned to sense
said identity data after printing of the document information on
the respective print area has commenced.
[1022] Optionally said at least one sensor is positioned to sense
said identity data before printing of the document information on
the respective print area has commenced.
[1023] Optionally said at least one sensor is positioned to sense
said identity data during printing of the document information on
the respective print area.
[1024] Optionally the mobile device further including a transmitter
for transmitting information to a computer system.
[1025] Optionally the mobile device further including a transmitter
which transmits the identity data or identity information to the
computer system.
[1026] Optionally the mobile device further including means to
detect failure to correctly print document information onto a print
area and for generating a void signal on detection of said failure,
the transmitter transmitting said void signal to the computer
system.
[1027] Optionally said document information is based at least
partially on document data received from a computer system.
[1028] Optionally said printer derives and transmits identity data
or identity information associated with a print area to a computer
system prior to receiving document data associated with said print
area.
[1029] Optionally said printer derives and transmits identity data
or identity information associated with a print area to a computer
system prior to receiving document data associated with said print
area and said document data is based at least partially on the
identity information of the print area.
[1030] Optionally the printer is operable to over-print a print
area having existing document information to render the existing
document information unreadable
[1031] Optionally the printer includes a print mechanism for
printing on at least two of print areas substantially
simultaneously.
[1032] Optionally the at least one sensor is selected from an image
sensor and a magnetic sensor and a chemical sensor.
[1033] Optionally the printer generates at least some of the
information printed.
[1034] Optionally the printer generates print information
indicative of the information printed.
[1035] Optionally the mobile device further including a user
interface to enable a user to input identity information into the
printer.
[1036] In a first aspect the present invention provides print
medium configured to be printed on by a mobile device in a print
direction, the print medium comprising a laminar substrate defining
first and second opposite faces, the laminar substrate comprising a
first portion to be printed on by the mobile device, and a second
portion attached to the second portion by a relatively weak region
in the substrate, the second portion being detachable from the
first portion.
[1037] Optionally a print medium including a linear track from
which a clock signal can be extracted by the mobile device for use
in synchronising printing onto the first portion.
[1038] Optionally the linear track is at least partially disposed
on the second portion.
[1039] Optionally the linear track extends on both the first and
second portions in a continuous fashion.
[1040] Optionally the linear track is a linear-encoded data track
containing first information extractable by the mobile device prior
to or during printing.
[1041] Optionally a print medium further including coded data
encoded in a format different from the linear encoding, the coded
data containing second information, wherein the first information
is indicative of the second information.
[1042] Optionally the linear track extends along the print medium
in the print direction.
[1043] Optionally the linear track is disposed at or adjacent an
edge of the print medium, the edge extending in the print
direction.
[1044] Optionally the relatively weak region is a perforated line
extending across the print medium in direction generally normal to
the print direction.
[1045] Optionally the relatively weak region is shaped such that,
once the second portion is detached from the first portion, an edge
of the first portion revealed by removal of the second portion is
shaped substantially the same, in plan view, as an edge of the
first portion at an opposite end of the first portion.
[1046] Optionally the linear track includes at least one
orientation indicator indicative of an orientation of the print
medium.
[1047] Optionally the orientation indicator is disposed at or
adjacent an edge of the second portion distant from the weak
region.
[1048] Optionally a print medium including a further orientation
indicator in the linear track, the further orientation indicator
being positioned on the first portion at or adjacent the weak
region.
[1049] Optionally the data track is printed in infrared ink.
[1050] Optionally the data track is printed in infrared ink that is
substantially invisible to an average unaided human eye.
[1051] Optionally a print medium further including pre-printed
human readable information on at least one of the faces.
[1052] Optionally the second portion includes coded data encoded in
a format different from the linear encoding, the coded data
containing second information.
[1053] Optionally the second portion includes pre-printed human
readable information indicative of the second portion being a
lottery ticket.
[1054] Optionally the first information is indicative of a physical
characteristic of the print medium.
[1055] Optionally the first information is indicative of a size of
the print medium.
[1056] Optionally the first information is indicative of a media
type associate with the print medium.
[1057] Optionally the first information is indicative of
information pre-printed onto the print medium.
[1058] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
using a mobile device to read coded data from a print medium
configured to be printed on by the mobile device in a print
direction, the mobile device including a printer, a sensor and
processing means, the print medium comprising a laminar substrate
defining first and second opposite faces, the first face bearing
coded data, the method comprising the steps of: [1059] using the
sensor to sense at least some of the coded data from the print
medium; [1060] using the processing means to decode the coded data;
and [1061] printing onto the print medium only after the coded data
has been decoded.
[1062] Optionally the coded data is indicative of a plurality of
locations associated with the print medium, the decoding step
including determining at least one of the locations.
[1063] Optionally the decoding step includes determining a position
of the print medium relative to the sensor at the time the coded
data was sensed, based at least partly on the determined
location.
[1064] Optionally the coded data takes the form of a
two-dimensional array of data, the sensor being configured to
capture an image of a subset of the coded data, the subset of the
coded data being sufficient to enable the location to be
determined.
[1065] Optionally the processing means being configured to
determine a position of the print medium relative to the sensor at
the time the coded data was sensed, based at least partly on the
determined location and a position of the captured coded data in a
capture field of the sensor.
[1066] Optionally the mobile device further including a light
emitting device, the method including the step of using the light
emitting device to illuminate the print medium while the sensor
senses the coded data.
[1067] Optionally the method including the steps, performed during
printing onto the print medium, of: [1068] using the sensor to
determine a clock signal; and [1069] using the clock signal to
synchronize the printing onto the print medium.
[1070] Optionally the step of using the sensor to sense the coded
data includes capturing a first image of the coded data, and the
step of generating the clock signal includes using the processor to
perform the steps of, [1071] determining a position of the print
medium relative to the sensor at the time the coded data was
sensed, based at least partly on the determined location; [1072]
using the sensor to capture subsequent images of the coded data as
the printhead is being printed; [1073] determining movement of the
print medium during printing based on the subsequently captured
images; and [1074] deriving the clock signal based on the
movement.
[1075] Optionally determining the movement during printing includes
using the processing means to perform the steps of: [1076] decoding
the coded data captured in at least some of the subsequently
captured images; [1077] determining a position of the print medium
relative to the sensor at the time each of the images was captured;
and [1078] determining the movement of the print medium based on
the positions determined over time.
[1079] Optionally determining the movement during printing includes
the step of performing pattern recognition on at least some of the
coded data in at least some of the captured images to determine
movement of the print medium relative to initial position.
[1080] Optionally the method further including the step of
determining movement of the print medium relative to sensor, based
on the coded data sensed by the sensor.
[1081] Optionally determining the movement includes capturing a
plurality of images of the coded data as the print medium moves
past the sensor, and determining the movement based on the
plurality of images.
[1082] Optionally determining the movement includes the steps of:
[1083] using the processing means to decode the coded data captured
in at least some of the plurality of captured images; [1084]
determining a position of the print medium relative to the sensor
at the time each of the images was captured; and [1085] determining
the movement of the print medium based on the positions determined
over time.
[1086] Optionally determining the movement includes the step of
performing pattern recognition to determine movement of the print
medium relative to at least one absolute position of the print
medium.
[1087] Optionally including the step of obtaining the absolute
position by using the processing means to decode the coded data in
at least one of the captured images and obtaining the at least one
absolute position from the decoded data.
[1088] Optionally the mobile device further including a light
emitting device, the method including the step of using the light
emitting device to illuminate the print medium while the sensor
senses the coded data.
[1089] Optionally the method further including the steps of
generating a clock signal based on the movement, and using the
clock signal to synchronize the printing onto the print medium.
[1090] Optionally the medium includes at least one orientation
indicator indicative of an orientation of the print medium, the
method comprising determining the orientation from the orientation
indicator before commencing printing.
[1091] Optionally the at least one orientation indicator is
disposed at or adjacent an edge of the print medium.
[1092] Optionally the print medium having a leading edge and a
trailing edge defined relative to intended feed direction of the
print medium through a media feed path, at least one of the at
least one orientation indicators being disposed on or in the print
medium at or adjacent the leading edge.
[1093] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
using a mobile device to determine movement, relative to the mobile
device, of a print medium configured to be printed on by the mobile
device in a print direction, the mobile device including a printer,
a first sensor and processing means, the print medium comprising a
laminar substrate defining first and second opposite faces, the
first face bearing coded data, the method comprising the steps of:
[1094] using the first sensor to sense at least some of the coded
data from the print medium; [1095] determining movement of the
print medium relative to sensor, based on the coded data sensed by
the first sensor.
[1096] Optionally determining the movement includes capturing a
plurality of images of the coded data as the print medium moves
past the first sensor, and determining the movement based on the
plurality of images.
[1097] Optionally determining the movement includes the steps of:
[1098] using the processing means to decode the coded data captured
in at least one of the plurality of captured images; [1099]
determining a position of the print medium relative to the first
sensor at the time each of the images was captured; and [1100]
determining the movement of the print medium based on the positions
determined over time.
[1101] Optionally determining the movement includes the step of
performing pattern recognition to determine movement of the print
medium relative to at least one absolute position of the print
medium.
[1102] Optionally the method including the step of obtaining the
absolute position by using the processing means to decode the coded
data in at least one of the captured images and obtaining the at
least one absolute position from the decoded data.
[1103] Optionally the mobile device further including a light
emitting device, the method including the step of using the light
emitting device to illuminate the print medium while the first
sensor senses the coded data.
[1104] Optionally the method further including the steps of
generating a clock signal based on the movement, and using the
clock signal to synchronize the printing onto the print medium.
[1105] Optionally the coded data is indicative of a plurality of
locations associated with the print medium, the decoding step
including determining at least one of the locations.
[1106] Optionally the decoding step includes determining a position
of the print medium relative to the first sensor at the time the
coded data was sensed, based at least partly on the determined
location.
[1107] Optionally the coded data takes the form of a
two-dimensional array of data, the first sensor being configured to
capture an image of a subset of the coded data, the subset of the
coded data being sufficient to enable the position to be
determined.
[1108] Optionally the processing means being configured to
determine a position of the print medium relative to the first
sensor at the time the coded data was sensed, based at least partly
on the determined location and a position of the captured coded
data in a capture field of the first sensor.
[1109] Optionally the mobile device further including a light
emitting device, the method including the step of using the light
emitting device to illuminate the print medium while the first
sensor senses the coded data.
[1110] Optionally the method including the steps, performed during
printing onto the print medium, of: [1111] using the first sensor
to sense the coded data; and [1112] using the processing means to
generate a clock signal based on the sensed coded data; and [1113]
using the clock signal to synchronize the printing onto the print
medium.
[1114] Optionally the step of using the first sensor to sense the
coded data includes capturing a first image of the coded data, and
the step of generating the clock signal includes using the
processor to perform the steps of, [1115] determining a position of
the print medium relative to the first sensor at the time the coded
data was sensed, based at least partly on the determined location;
[1116] using the first sensor to capture subsequent images of the
coded data as the printhead is being printed; [1117] determining
movement of the print medium during printing based on the
subsequently captured images; and [1118] deriving the clock signal
based on the movement.
[1119] Optionally determining the movement during printing includes
using the processing means to perform the steps of: [1120] decoding
the coded data captured in at least some of the subsequently
captured images; [1121] determining a position of the print medium
relative to the first sensor at the time each of the images was
captured; and [1122] determining the movement of the print medium
based on the positions determined over time.
[1123] Optionally determining the movement during printing includes
the step of performing pattern recognition on at least some of the
coded data in at least some of the captured images to determine
movement of the print medium relative to initial position.
[1124] Optionally the print medium includes at least one
orientation indicator indicative of an orientation of the print
medium, the method comprising determining the orientation from the
orientation indicator before commencing printing.
[1125] Optionally the at least one orientation indicator is
disposed at or adjacent an edge of the print medium.
[1126] Optionally the method further including the steps of using
the processing means to determine, from a known physical
orientation of the print medium and the first image, a first
relative rotation of the coded data with respect to the print
medium.
[1127] Optionally the method further including the steps of: [1128]
using a second sensor to capture a second image of at least some of
the coded data; and [1129] determining movement of the print medium
relative to sensor, based on the coded data sensed by both the
first and second sensors.
[1130] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
using a mobile device to determine a first relative rotation of
coded data on a print medium, the print medium configured to be
printed on by the mobile device in a print direction, the mobile
device including a printer, a first sensor and processing means,
the print medium comprising a laminar substrate defining first and
second opposite faces, the first face bearing coded data, the
method comprising the steps of:
(a) using the first sensor to capture a first image of at least
some of the coded data when the print medium is at a first
position; (b) using the processing means to determine, from a known
physical orientation of the print medium and the first image, a
first relative rotation of the coded data with respect to the print
medium.
[1131] Optionally the mobile device further includes a transmitter,
the method further including the step of transmitting, using the
transmitter, the first relative rotation to a remote computer
system.
[1132] Optionally the transmitter is configured to transmit the
relative rotation via a mobile telecommunications network.
[1133] Optionally the method further including the steps of: [1134]
using the first sensor to capture a second image of at least some
of the coded data when the print medium is at a second position;
[1135] using the processing means to determine, from a known
physical orientation of the print medium and the second image, a
second relative rotation of the coded data with respect to the
print medium; and [1136] using the processing means to calculate,
from the first and second rotations, a third rotation, the third
rotation being a more accurate indication of the relative rotation
of the coded data with respect to the print medium than the first
or second rotations.
[1137] Optionally the mobile device further includes a transmitter,
the method further including the step of transmitting, using the
transmitter, the third relative rotation to a remote computer
system.
[1138] Optionally the method further including the steps, performed
by the processing means, of: [1139] decoding at least some of the
coded data in the first image; [1140] determining a location from
the decoded data; and [1141] determining, based on the location and
a position of the coded data within the first image, a first
position of the print medium relative to the first sensor at time
the first image was captured.
[1142] Optionally determining the movement includes capturing a
plurality of images of the coded data as the print medium moves
past the first sensor, and determining the movement based on the
plurality of images.
[1143] Optionally the mobile device further including a light
emitting device, the method including the step of using the light
emitting device to illuminate the print medium while the first
sensor senses the coded data.
[1144] Optionally the method further including the steps of
generating a clock signal based on the movement, and using the
clock signal to synchronize the printing onto the print medium.
[1145] Optionally the coded data takes the form of a
two-dimensional array of data, the first sensor being configured to
capture an image of a subset of the coded data, the subset of the
coded data being sufficient to enable the position to be
determined.
[1146] Optionally the method including the steps, performed during
printing onto the print medium, of: [1147] using the first sensor
to sense the coded data; and [1148] using the processing means to
generate a clock signal based on the sensed coded data; and [1149]
using the clock signal to synchronize the printing onto the print
medium.
[1150] Optionally the step of using the first sensor to sense the
coded data includes capturing a first image of the coded data, and
the step of generating the clock signal includes using the
processor to perform the steps of, [1151] determining a position of
the print medium relative to the first sensor at the time the coded
data was sensed, based at least partly on the determined location;
[1152] using the first sensor to capture subsequent images of the
coded data as the printhead is being printed; [1153] determining
movement of the print medium during printing based on the
subsequently captured images; and [1154] deriving the clock signal
based on the movement.
[1155] Optionally determining the movement during printing includes
using the processing means to perform the steps of: [1156] decoding
the coded data captured in at least some of the subsequently
captured images; [1157] determining a position of the print medium
relative to the first sensor at the time each of the images was
captured; and [1158] determining the movement of the print medium
based on the positions determined over time.
[1159] Optionally determining the movement during printing includes
the step of performing pattern recognition on at least some of the
coded data in at least some of the captured images to determine
movement of the print medium relative to initial position.
[1160] Optionally the print medium includes at least one
orientation indicator indicative of an orientation of the print
medium, the method comprising determining the orientation from the
orientation indicator before commencing printing.
[1161] Optionally the at least one orientation indicator is
disposed at or adjacent an edge of the print medium.
[1162] Optionally the print medium having a leading edge and a
trailing edge defined relative to intended feed direction of the
print medium through a media feed path, at least one of the at
least one orientation indicators being disposed on or in the print
medium at or adjacent the leading edge.
[1163] Optionally the method further including the steps of: [1164]
using a second sensor to capture a second image of at least some of
the coded data; [1165] using the processing means to determine,
from a known physical orientation of the print medium and the
second image, a second relative rotation of the coded data with
respect to the print medium; and [1166] using the processing means
to calculate, from the first and second rotations, a third
rotation, the third rotation being a more accurate indication of
the relative rotation of the coded data with respect to the print
medium than the first or second rotations.
[1167] Optionally the method including capturing the first and
second images substantially simultaneously.
[1168] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
using a mobile device to determine a position of a print medium,
the print medium configured to be printed on by the mobile device
in a print direction, the mobile device including a printer, a
first sensor and processing means, the print medium comprising a
laminar substrate defining first and second opposite faces, the
first face bearing coded data indicative of at least one location,
the method comprising the steps of:
(a) using the first sensor to capture a first image of at least
some of the coded data when the print medium is at a position
within a media feed path within the mobile device; (b) using the
processing means to decode at least some of the sensed coded data,
thereby to determine at least one location; and (c) determining the
position of the print medium based on the at least one location
determined in step (b).
[1169] Optionally step (c) wherein the position is determined based
at least partly on the determined location and a position of the
captured coded data in a capture field of the first sensor.
[1170] Optionally the method further including the steps of: [1171]
using the first sensor to capture a plurality of the images over
time; [1172] using the processing means to decode a plurality of
the captured images, thereby to determine a plurality of the
locations; and [1173] determining a series of positions of the
print medium based on the locations.
[1174] Optionally the mobile device comprises a second sensor, the
method comprising the steps of:
(d) using the second sensor to capture a second image of at least
some of the coded data; (e) using the processing means to decode at
least some of the sensed coded data, thereby to determine at least
one location; and (f) determining a position of the print medium
based on the location determined in step (e).
[1175] Optionally the method including capturing the first and
second images substantially simultaneously.
[1176] Optionally the method further including using the processing
means to determine a position of the print medium based on the
positions determined in steps (c) and (f).
[1177] Optionally the method including averaging the positions
determined in steps (c) and (f).
[1178] Optionally the method further including the step of using
the processing means to determine, from the sensed coded data, an
identity of the print medium.
[1179] Optionally the method further including determining movement
of the print medium relative to sensor, based on the coded data
sensed by the first sensor.
[1180] Optionally determining the movement includes capturing a
plurality of images of the coded data as the print medium moves
past the first sensor, and determining the movement based on the
plurality of images.
[1181] Optionally determining the movement includes the steps of:
[1182] using the processing means to decode the coded data captured
in at least one of the plurality of captured images; [1183]
determining a position of the print medium relative to the first
sensor at the time each of the images was captured; and [1184]
determining the movement of the print medium based on the positions
determined over time.
[1185] Optionally determining the movement includes the stp of
performing pattern recognition to determine movement of the print
medium relative to at least one absolute position of the print
medium.
[1186] Optionally the method comprising the step of using the
processing means to determine, from a known physical orientation of
the print medium and the first image, a first relative rotation of
the coded data with respect to the print medium.
[1187] Optionally the mobile device further includes a transmitter,
the method further including the step of transmitting, using the
transmitter, the first relative rotation to a remote computer
system.
[1188] Optionally the transmitter is configured to transmit the
relative rotation via a mobile telecommunications network.
[1189] Optionally the method including the steps, performed during
printing onto the print medium, of: [1190] using the processing
means to generate a clock signal based on the sensed coded data;
and [1191] using the clock signal to synchronize the printing onto
the print medium.
[1192] Optionally the mobile device further including a light
emitting device, the method including the step of using the light
emitting device to illuminate the print medium while the first
sensor senses the coded data.
[1193] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device comprising: [1194] a printhead for
printing a sheet of media substrate, the sheet of media substrate
having coded data on at least part of its surface; [1195] a media
feed assembly for feeding the sheet of media substrate along a feed
path past the printhead; [1196] a print engine controller for
operatively controlling the printhead; and, [1197] a sensor for
reading the coded data and generating a signal indicative of at
least one dimension of the sheet, and transmitting the signal to
the print engine controller; such that, the print engine controller
uses the signal to initiate the printing when the sheet is at a
predetermined position relative to the printhead.
[1198] Detecting the leading edge of the card is necessary for
longitudinal registration of the print from the printhead with the
card. Longitudinal registration of the print is particularly
crucial if the printing is full bleed (printed to the very edges of
the card). The print engine controller (PEC) must be able to
initiate printing at the exact time the leading edge reaches the
printhead. Furthermore, if the cards are pre-printed with a Netpage
tag pattern, accurate longitudinal registration is necessary to
ensure that any hyperlinks in the tag pattern align with the
corresponding printed words or images. Using a micro switch or
photo-sensor immediately prior to the printhead to detect the
leading edge adds to the complexity and size the design. However,
encoding the card with data specifying its relevant dimension
allows the PEC to initiate printing at the correct time. Once the
sensor reads the coded data, the PEC can determine the distance
from the sensor to the leading edge and then using the media feed
speed to determine when to initiate printing.
[1199] Optionally the at least one dimension is the distance from
at least one marker in the coded data to the leading edge of the
sheet with respect to the direction of media feed past the
printhead.
[1200] Optionally during use, the media feed assembly feeds the
sheet along the feed path in a forward direction so that the sensor
can read at least some of the coded data before retracting the
sheet along the path in a reverse direction and then again feeding
the sheet along the path in the forward direction past the
printhead for printing.
[1201] Optionally the coded data is disposed along a track
extending along the sheet in a direction parallel to the feed
path.
[1202] Optionally the coded data is distributed across
substantially all of at least one side of the sheet.
[1203] Optionally the coded data is disposed along a track
extending across the sheet in a direction normal to the feed
path.
[1204] Optionally the printhead and the drive shaft are
incorporated into a replaceable cartridge for insertion into a
print media feed path within the mobile telecommunications
device.
[1205] Optionally the printhead has an array of ink ejection
nozzles and is incorporated into a cartridge that further comprises
at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for
ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs
including at least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative
hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping
mechanism for capping the printhead when not in use.
[1206] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between a
capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the media substrate, wherein in
the uncapped position the capper is displaced away from the
printhead; and, (b) a force transfer mechanism connected to the
capper and configured such that a force provided by an edge of the
media substrate as it moves relative to the feed path is
transferred to the capper by the force transfer mechanism, thereby
to at least commence movement of the capper from the capped
position to the uncapped position prior to the media substrate
reaching the capper.
[1207] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between a
capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the media substrate, wherein in
the uncapped position the capper is displaced away from the
printhead; and, (b) a locking mechanism configured to hold the
capper in the uncapped position until after a trailing edge of the
media substrate is clear of the printhead.
[1208] Optionally the media feed assembly has a drive shaft with a
media engagement surface for enhanced contact friction with the
media substrate.
[1209] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between
a capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the media substrate, wherein
the capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media
substrate such that it moves to the capped position upon
disengagement with the media.
[1210] Optionally the print engine controller has a light emitting
beacon, and the printhead comprises: [1211] an array of nozzles for
ejecting ink; [1212] print data circuitry for providing the nozzles
with print data; and, [1213] a photosensor for optically receiving
the print data from the beacon.
[1214] Optionally the media feed assembly has a drive shaft driven
by a piezo-electric resonant linear drive system.
[1215] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [1216] a position sensor for providing the print engine
controller with a signal indicative of the position of the media
substrate relative to the printhead; such that, [1217] the print
engine controller differentiates the signal to derive the speed of
the media substrate relative to the printhead and adjusts the
operation of the printhead in response to variations in the
speed.
[1218] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
wherein during use, [1219] the print engine controller senses the
number of complete and partial rotations of the drive shaft and
adjusts the operation of the printhead in response to variations in
the angular velocity of the drive shaft.
[1220] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising at least one ink reservoir, the at least one reservoir
comprising: [1221] a housing defining an ink storage volume; [1222]
one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume into sections,
each of the sections having at least one ink outlet for sealed
connection to the printhead; and, [1223] at least one conduit
establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[1224] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [1225] a dual sensing facility for reading coded data
on at least part of the media substrate before, as well as after,
it has past the printhead.
[1226] Optionally the media feed assembly has a drive shaft for
feeding the sheet of media substrate past the printhead; wherein
during use, [1227] the sheet disengages from the drive shaft before
completion of its printing such that the trailing edge of the sheet
projects past the printhead by momentum to complete its
printing.
[1228] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device comprising: [1229] a printhead for
printing a sheet of media substrate, the sheet of media substrate
having coded data on at least part of its surface; [1230] a media
feed assembly for feeding the sheet of media substrate along a feed
path past the printhead; [1231] a print engine controller for
operatively controlling the printhead; and, [1232] a dual sensor
facility for reading the coded data before, as well as after, it
has past the printhead.
[1233] The print engine controller (PEC) need a line sync signal to
control the firing of each line of print data from the nozzles. The
line sync signal essentially indicates when the card has moved
along the feed path by the necessary amount and the next line of
print can be fired from the nozzles. There are different ways of
generating the line sync signal. However, to minimize components
and reduce overall form factor, the media can be encoded with clock
data that is optically sensed to derive a clock signal which is in
turn used to generate the line sync signal. While the clock data
sensor can be positioned very close to the printhead (on the media
entry side), it can not read the clock data on trailing edge of the
media once it had passed by on its way to the printhead. This
presents a problem as to how to generate the line sync signal
needed to print the trailing portion. By configuring the sensing
device to conduct dual reading of the clock data, once prior to the
printhead, and then again after the printhead, a line sync signal
can be produced from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the
media. It will be appreciated that this is necessary for `full
bleed` printing (printing to the very edges of the card).
[1234] Optionally the sensor facility has a first photosensor
positioned adjacent the feed path before the printhead, and a
second photosensor positioned adjacent the feed path after the
printhead.
[1235] Optionally the coded data includes clock data configured in
a longitudinal clock track extending along the sheet of media
substrate such that, the first photosensor reads the clock track
before the second photosensor.
[1236] Optionally the first and second photosensors both generate a
clock signal when they are simultaneously reading the clock track
and the print engine controller synchronizes the clock signal from
the second photosensor with the signal from the first
phototsensor.
[1237] Optionally the print engine controller has a phase lock loop
for the first and second photosensor signals respectively in order
to generate first and second phase locked clock signals, the print
engine controller also having a phase difference calculator to
determine any phase difference between the first and second phase
locked clock signals, and a delay to delay the second phase locked
clock signal by an amount that synchronizes it with the first phase
locked signal.
[1238] Optionally the print engine controller generates a line sync
signal for the printhead using the first phase locked clock signal
prior to synchronization with the second phase locked clock signal,
and then uses the second phase locked clock signal to generate the
line sync signal after synchronization.
[1239] Optionally the printhead and the drive shaft are
incorporated into a replaceable cartridge for insertion into a
print media feed path within the mobile telecommunications
device.
[1240] Optionally the printhead has an array of ink ejection
nozzles and is incorporated into a cartridge that further comprises
at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for
ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs
including at least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative
hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping
mechanism for capping the printhead when not in use.
[1241] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between a
capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the media substrate, wherein in
the uncapped position the capper is displaced away from the
printhead; and (b) a force transfer mechanism connected to the
capper and configured such that a force provided by an edge of the
media substrate as it moves relative to the feed path is
transferred to the capper by the force transfer mechanism, thereby
to at least commence movement of the capper from the capped
position to the uncapped position prior to the media substrate
reaching the capper.
[1242] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
(a) a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between a
capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the media substrate, wherein in
the uncapped position the capper is displaced away from the
printhead; and, (b) a locking mechanism configured to hold the
capper in the uncapped position until after a trailing edge of the
media substrate is clear of the printhead.
[1243] Optionally the media feed assembly has a drive shaft with a
media engagement surface for enhanced contact friction with the
media substrate.
[1244] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between
a capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping
relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which
the printhead is able to print onto the media substrate, wherein
the capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media
substrate such that it moves to the capped position upon
disengagement with the media.
[1245] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a print engine controller with a light emitting beacon,
and the printhead further comprises: [1246] an array of nozzles for
ejecting ink; [1247] print data circuitry for providing the nozzles
with print data; and, [1248] a photosensor for optically receiving
the print data from the beacon.
[1249] Optionally the media feed assembly has a drive shaft driven
by a piezo-electric resonant linear drive system.
[1250] Optionally the dual sensing facility provides the print
engine controller with a signal indicative of the position of the
media substrate relative to the printhead; such that, [1251] the
print engine controller differentiates the signal to derive the
speed of the media substrate relative to the printhead and adjusts
the operation of the printhead in response to variations in the
speed.
[1252] Optionally the media feed assembly has a drive shaft and the
print engine controller senses the number of complete and partial
rotations of the drive shaft and adjusts the operation of the
printhead in response to variations in the angular velocity of the
drive shaft.
[1253] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising at least one ink reservoir, the at least one reservoir
comprising: [1254] a housing defining an ink storage volume; [1255]
one or more baffles dividing the ink storage volume into sections,
each of the sections having at least one ink outlet for sealed
connection to the printhead; and, [1256] at least one conduit
establishing fluid communication between the ink outlets of
adjacent sections.
[1257] Optionally the coded data includes data indicative of at
least one dimension of the sheet of media substrate; such that,
[1258] the print engine controller initiates the printing when the
sheet is at a predetermined position relative to the printhead.
[1259] Optionally the media feed assembly has a drive shaft for
feeding the sheet of media substrate past the printhead; wherein
during use, [1260] the sheet disengages from the drive shaft before
completion of its printing such that the trailing edge of the sheet
projects past the printhead by momentum to complete its
printing.
[1261] In a first aspect the present invention provides a
replaceable print cartridge for installation in a mobile device,
the print cartridge comprising: [1262] a printhead; [1263] at least
one ink reservoir; and [1264] a first integrated circuit that
permanently stores an identifier that is relatively unique to that
integrated circuit; [1265] such that, upon installation in the
mobile device, the mobile device is able to determine the
identifier.
[1266] Optionally the print cartridge further including one or more
contacts for operative connection with one or more corresponding
complementary contacts in the mobile device upon installation, the
mobile device being able to interrogate the first integrated
circuit via the at least one contact.
[1267] Optionally the mobile device includes a second integrated
circuit for interrogating the first integrated circuit to determine
the identifier, the first integrated circuit being configured to
enable authenticated communication between itself and the second
integrated circuit.
[1268] Optionally the first integrated circuit includes
non-volatile memory that stores a first bit-pattern, the first bit
pattern having been generated by:
(a) applying a one way function to a second bit-pattern associated
with the device, thereby to generate a first result; (b) applying a
second function to the first result and the first bit-pattern,
thereby to generate a second result; and (c) storing the second
result in the memory, thereby indirectly storing the first
bit-pattern.
[1269] Optionally the one way function is more cryptographically
secure than the second function.
[1270] Optionally each of the first integrated circuits includes
secret information used in authentication by the mobile device of
the cartridge associated with that integrated circuit, the secret
information in each chip being located in a different location in
the memory relative to a plurality of the other chips.
[1271] Optionally the printhead is a pagewidth printhead.
[1272] Optionally the printhead prints in at least three
colors.
[1273] Optionally the printhead prints in cyan, magenta and
yellow.
[1274] Optionally the print cartridge further comprising a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between: [1275] a capping
position in which the capper is urged into a capping relationship
with the printhead; and [1276] an uncapped position in which the
printhead is able to print onto the print medium, wherein in the
uncapped position the capper is displaced away from the printhead;
[1277] wherein the capper is moved between the capped and uncapped
position by an edge of the print medium as it moves through the
feed path.
[1278] Optionally in the capped position the capper is resiliently
urged into the capping relationship.
[1279] Optionally the capping mechanism is configured such that the
capper is displaced in the feed direction as it moves from the
capped position to the uncapped position.
[1280] Optionally the capping mechanism is further configured such
that the capper is simultaneously displaced in a direction away
from the printhead as it is displaced in the feed direction.
[1281] Optionally the capping mechanism is subsequently displaced
in a direction opposite the feed direction in the uncapped
position.
[1282] Optionally the print cartridge further including a locking
mechanism for holding the capper in the uncapped position whilst
the print medium is being printed on by the printhead.
[1283] Optionally the locking mechanism includes at least one cam
mounted for rotation between an unlocked position and a locked
position, the at least one cam being configured such that, in the
unlocked position, it extends at least partially into the feed path
when print medium is not present, the at least one cam being
positioned and configured to engage an edge of the print medium as
the print medium is fed through the feed path such that the at
least one cam is rotated by the print medium into the locked
position, such that, in the locked position, the capper is held in
the uncapped position until after a trailing edge of the print
medium is clear of the printhead.
[1284] Optionally the cam is resiliently biased to return to the
unlocked position once the print medium edge moves past a
predetermined position in the feed path, thereby causing the capper
to return to the capped position.
[1285] Optionally the at least one cam is mounted for rotation
about an axis that is substantially normal to the print medium as
it engages the cam in the feed path.
[1286] Optionally the print cartridge further comprising: [1287] at
least one baffle dividing the at least one ink reservoir into a
plurality of sections, each of the sections in each ink reservoir
being in fluid communication with each of the other sections in
that ink reservoir via an aperture; and at least one porous insert
in each of the at least one reservoirs, such that substantially all
of each ink reservoir is filled with the at least one porous
insert.
[1288] Optionally each reservoir includes a single porous insert
including at least one recessed portion, each recessed portion
being configured to engage one of the baffles in the reservoir.
[1289] In a first aspect the present invention provides a
replaceable cartridge for installation in a mobile device, the
cartridge comprising: [1290] a printhead; [1291] one or more ink
reservoirs for supplying ink to the printhead; and [1292] an
integrated circuit for enabling validation of the cartridge upon
installation of the cartridge into the mobile device, the
integrated circuit including non-volatile memory for storing secret
information.
[1293] Optionally a cartridge further including communication means
for enabling communication between the mobile device and the
integrated circuit during validation.
[1294] Optionally the communication means includes first contacts
for engaging complementary second contacts of the mobile device
when the cartridge is installed therein.
[1295] Optionally the integrated circuit is configured to
communicate with an entity in the mobile device in a secure
fashion.
[1296] Optionally the integrated circuit is configured to store
data indicative of a number of prints remaining, the integrated
circuit including one or more security features for preventing
unauthorised tampering with the data.
[1297] Optionally the data includes an ink counter, the integrated
circuit being configured to decrement the ink counter as ink is
used in printing.
[1298] Optionally the integrated circuit is designed to prevent
incrementing of the ink counter.
[1299] Optionally the data includes a print counter, the integrated
circuit being configured to decrement the print counter each time a
print is made.
[1300] Optionally the integrated circuit is designed to prevent
incrementing of the print counter.
[1301] Optionally a cartridge further including a sensor, the
sensor being configured to sense coded data on a print medium to be
printed on by the printhead.
[1302] Optionally the sensor is configured to output the sensed
coded data to the mobile device.
[1303] Optionally a cartridge configured to use a clock derived
from the sensed coded data to synchronize printing onto the print
medium.
[1304] Optionally the coded data includes a linear-encoded clock
track, the clock being derived from the clock track during
printing.
[1305] Optionally the coded data includes a linear-encoded data
track, the data track being indicative of an identity of the print
medium, the cartridge being configured to output the sensed coded
data to the mobile device to enable determination of the
identity.
[1306] Optionally a cartridge further including a capping mechanism
including a capper moveable between: [1307] a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead; and [1308] an uncapped position in which the printhead
is able to print onto the print medium, wherein in the uncapped
position the capper is displaced away from the printhead; [1309]
wherein the capper is moved between the capped and uncapped
position by an edge of the print medium as it moves through the
feed path.
[1310] Optionally in the capped position the capper is resiliently
urged into the capping relationship.
[1311] Optionally the capping mechanism is configured such that the
capper is displaced in the feed direction as it moves from the
capped position to the uncapped position.
[1312] Optionally the capping mechanism is further configured such
that the capper is simultaneously displaced in a direction away
from the printhead as it is displaced in the feed direction.
[1313] Optionally the capping mechanism is subsequently displaced
in a direction opposite the feed direction in the uncapped
position.
[1314] Optionally a cartridge further including a locking mechanism
for holding the capper in the uncapped position whilst the print
medium is being printed on by the printhead.
[1315] In a first aspect the present invention provides a
replaceable print cartridge for installation in a mobile device,
the print cartridge comprising: [1316] a printhead; [1317] at least
one ink reservoir; [1318] storage means configured to store data;
and [1319] a data changing mechanism for changing a value of the
data, the data being prevented from being changed to a value that
the storage means has previously stored.
[1320] Optionally the storage means stores the data in the form of
a plurality of units, the value of the data being changeable by
permanently altering one or more of the units.
[1321] Optionally the units are bits.
[1322] Optionally the value of each of the bits is stored in a
one-time alterable form, the print cartridge being configured to
selectively alter the value of one or more of the bits in response
to a predetermined event.
[1323] Optionally the print cartridge including a plurality of
fusible links, each of the fusible links storing one of the bits,
each fusible link being configured to selectively be blown in
response to the event.
[1324] Optionally wherein the printhead includes a plurality of
unit cells, each of the unit cells being provided with data from a
corresponding data register, wherein a majority of the unit cells
are associated with a corresponding plurality of respective print
nozzles for outputting ink, and a minority of the unit cells are
associated with a corresponding plurality of the bits, such that
the value of one or more of the bits can be altered by loading
appropriate data into the register.
[1325] Optionally the print cartridge further including one or more
contacts for operative connection with one or more corresponding
complementary contacts in the mobile device upon installation, the
mobile device being able to control alteration of the value of one
or more of the bits via the at least one contact.
[1326] Optionally the data is indicative of a number of prints
remaining.
[1327] Optionally the data is indicative of an amount of ink used
by, or remaining in, the print cartridge.
[1328] Optionally the data is indicative of a number of prints
made, or remaining to be printed, by the print cartridge.
[1329] Optionally the print cartridge further including a sensor,
the sensor being configured to sense coded data on a print medium
to be printed on by the printhead.
[1330] Optionally the sensor is configured to output the sensed
coded data to the mobile device.
[1331] Optionally the print cartridge configured to use a clock
derived from the sensed coded data to synchronize printing onto the
print medium.
[1332] Optionally the coded data includes a linear-encoded clock
track, the clock being derived from the clock track during
printing.
[1333] Optionally the coded data includes a linear-encoded data
track, the data track being indicative of an identity of the print
medium, the cartridge being configured to output the sensed coded
data to the mobile device to enable determination of the
identity.
[1334] Optionally the print cartridge further including a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between: [1335] a capping
position in which the capper is urged into a capping relationship
with the printhead; and [1336] an uncapped position in which the
printhead is able to print onto the print medium, wherein in the
uncapped position the capper is displaced away from the printhead;
[1337] wherein the capper is moved between the capped and uncapped
position by an edge of the print medium as it moves through the
feed path.
[1338] Optionally in the capped position the capper is resiliently
urged into the capping relationship.
[1339] Optionally the capping mechanism is configured such that the
capper is displaced in the feed direction as it moves from the
capped position to the uncapped position.
[1340] Optionally the capping mechanism is further configured such
that the capper is simultaneously displaced in a direction away
from the printhead as it is displaced in the feed direction.
[1341] Optionally the print cartridge further including a locking
mechanism for holding the capper in the uncapped position whilst
the print medium is being printed on by the printhead.
[1342] In a first aspect the present invention provides a
replaceable print cartridge for installation in a mobile device,
the print cartridge comprising: [1343] a printhead; [1344] at least
one ink reservoir; [1345] storage means configured to store
information indicative of an amount of printing that can be
achieved by the cartridge based on the amount of ink in the at
least one ink reservoir; and [1346] an information changing
mechanism for changing a value of the information.
[1347] Optionally the information is indicative of a volume of ink
remaining in the at least one ink reservoir.
[1348] Optionally the print cartridge including a plurality of the
ink cartridges, the information being indicative of an amount of
ink remaining in each of the reservoirs individually.
[1349] Optionally the print cartridge including a plurality of the
ink cartridges, the information being indicative of an average
amount of ink remaining in the reservoirs in aggregate.
[1350] Optionally the information is indicative of an estimated
number of typical prints the print cartridge can achieve based on
the amount of ink in the at least one ink reservoir.
[1351] Optionally the storage means stores the information in the
form of a plurality of sub-value units, the value of the
information being changeable by permanently altering the one or
more of the sub-value units.
[1352] Optionally the sub-value units are bits.
[1353] Optionally the print cartridge configured to automatically
change a value of one of the bits each time a predetermined amount
of ink is consumed by printing.
[1354] Optionally the print cartridge configured to automatically
change a value of one of the bits each time a predetermined number
of prints has been printed.
[1355] Optionally the print cartridge the value of each of the bits
is stored in a one-time alterable form, the print cartridge being
configured to selectively alter the value of one or more of the
bits in response to a predetermined event.
[1356] Optionally the print cartridge including a plurality of
fusible links, each of the fusible links storing one of the bits,
each fusible link being configured to selectively be blown by the
cartridge in response to the event.
[1357] Optionally the printhead includes a plurality of unit cells,
each of the unit cells being provided with data from a
corresponding data register, wherein a majority of the unit cells
are associated with a corresponding plurality of respective print
nozzles for outputting ink, and a minority of the unit cells are
associated with a corresponding plurality of the bits, such that
the value of one or more of the bits can be altered by loading
appropriate data into the register.
[1358] Optionally the print cartridge further including one or more
contacts for operative connection with one or more corresponding
complementary contacts in the mobile device upon installation, the
mobile device being able to control alteration of the value of one
or more of the bits via the at least one contact.
[1359] Optionally the print cartridge further including a sensor,
the sensor being configured to sense coded data on a print medium
to be printed on by the printhead.
[1360] Optionally the print cartridge the sensor is configured to
output the sensed coded data to the mobile device.
[1361] Optionally the print cartridge configured to use a clock
derived from the sensed coded data to synchronize printing onto the
print medium.
[1362] Optionally the print cartridge the coded data includes a
linear-encoded clock track, the clock being derived from the clock
track during printing.
[1363] Optionally the coded data includes a linear-encoded data
track, the data track being indicative of an identity of the print
medium, the cartridge being configured to output the sensed coded
data to the mobile device to enable determination of the
identity.
[1364] Optionally the print cartridge further including a capping
mechanism including a capper moveable between: [1365] a capping
position in which the capper is urged into a capping relationship
with the printhead; and [1366] an uncapped position in which the
printhead is able to print onto the print medium, wherein in the
uncapped position the capper is displaced away from the printhead;
[1367] wherein the capper is moved between the capped and uncapped
position by an edge of the print medium as it moves through the
feed path.
[1368] Optionally wherein in the capped position the capper is
resiliently urged into the capping relationship.
[1369] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device including: [1370] a printhead disposed in a print path along
which a print medium travels while being printed; and [1371] a
sensor in the print path to sense when a print medium has been
inserted therein; [1372] the mobile device being configured to:
[1373] sense, using the sensor, that a print medium has been
inserted; [1374] without further user intervention, commence
printing onto the print medium.
[1375] Optionally the mobile device includes a display for
displaying visible information to a user, the mobile device being
configured to automatically print data associated with a current
document or other type of information being displayed on the
display.
[1376] Optionally the mobile device is configured to automatically
print the next job in a print queue maintained by mobile
device.
[1377] Optionally printing without user intervention is associated
with a mode in which a user can place the mobile device.
[1378] Optionally the mobile device further including drive means
for driving the print medium past the printhead during printing,
the drive means being configured to commence driving the print
medium as part of the printing process.
[1379] Optionally the drive means includes at least one roller
positioned in the print path before the printhead.
[1380] Optionally the sensor is configured to read coded data on
the print medium.
[1381] Optionally the mobile device includes a transmitter and a
receiver, the transmitter being configured to transmit a message to
a remote computer based on the read coded data, the receiver being
configured to receive a reply from the remote computer indicative
of whether the print medium can be printed on.
[1382] Optionally the mobile device further including drive means,
the drive means being configured to: [1383] drive the print medium
along the print path while the sensor reads the coded data; [1384]
drive the print medium backwards along the print path into a
printing commencement position; and [1385] drive the print medium
along the print path while the printer prints onto the print
medium.
[1386] Optionally the sensor senses the coded data as the print
medium is being printed, the mobile device being configured to
extract a clock signal from the coded data and to use the clock
signal to synchronize printing onto the print medium.
[1387] Optionally the sensor senses at least some of the coded data
upon initial insertion of the print medium, the mobile device being
configured to determine from the sensed coded data an orientation
of the print medium and prevent printing in the event the print
medium is not inserted correctly.
[1388] Optionally the mobile device is configured to output an
indication to a user in the event the print medium is inserted
incorrectly.
[1389] Optionally the print medium including a linear-encoded data
track extending in an intended direction of printing, the mobile
device including: [1390] a sensor configured to sense the data
track during printing; [1391] a printhead for printing onto the
print medium in response to a fire control signal; and [1392] fire
control means connected to generate the fire control signal based
on the sensed data track.
[1393] Optionally the mobile device further including a
light-emitting device for illuminating the data track while the
sensor is sensing it during printing.
[1394] Optionally photosensor is sensitive in the infrared
spectrum.
[1395] Optionally the data track is a clock track containing only a
clock code, the fire control means being configured to generate the
fire control signal in the form of a clock signal generated from
the sensed data track.
[1396] Optionally the data track includes first information, the
first information including an embedded clock signal, the fire
control means being configured to generate the fire control signal
in the form of a clock signal extracted from the sensed data
track.
[1397] Optionally the first information is indicative of at least
one physical characteristic of the print medium, the mobile device
being configured to control operation of the printhead at least
partially on the basis of at least one of the physical
characteristics.
[1398] Optionally the mobile device configured to use the sensed
data track to determine an absolute position of the print medium
with respect to the printhead, and to print onto the print medium
in reliance on the determination.
[1399] Optionally the data track further encoding first information
and the print medium further including second coded data that
encodes second information, the first information being indicative
of the second information.
[1400] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
using a mobile device to authenticate a print medium before
completing printing onto the print medium, the mobile device
including processing means, a printhead and a sensor, the print
medium comprising a substrate, the method comprising the steps
of:
using the sensor to sense coded data provided on a surface of the
substrate; using the processing means to interpret the coded data
to authenticate the print medium; and in the event the
authentication step is successful, using the printhead to print
onto the print medium.
[1401] Optionally the step of using the processor means to
interpret the coded data further comprises: [1402] determining,
from the sensed coded data: [1403] an identity of the print medium;
[1404] a plurality of signature fragments, the signature being a
digital signature of at least part of the identity; [1405]
determining, using the plurality of signature fragments, a
determined signature; [1406] generating, using the determined
signature and a key, a generated identity; [1407] comparing the
identity to the generated identity; and authenticating the print
medium using the results of the comparison.
[1408] Optionally the coded data includes a plurality of coded data
portions, each coded data portion encoding: [1409] the identity;
and, [1410] at least a signature fragment; [1411] wherein the
method includes sensing a plurality of coded data portions to
thereby determine the plurality of signature fragments.
[1412] Optionally the plurality of coded data portions are sensed
as the print medium moves past the sensor whilst moving along a
print path defined in the mobile device.
[1413] Optionally each coded data portion encodes a signature
fragment identity, and wherein the method includes: determining the
signature fragment identity of each determined signature fragment;
and determining, using the determined signature fragment
identities, the determined signature.
[1414] Optionally the coded data includes a plurality of layouts,
each layout defining the position of a plurality of first symbols
encoding the identity, and a plurality of second symbols defining
at least one signature fragment.
[1415] Optionally the coded data includes a plurality of tags, each
coded data portion being formed from at least one of the tags.
[1416] Optionally the coded data is printed on the surface using at
least one of an invisible ink and an infrared-absorptive ink, and
wherein the method includes, sensing the coded data using an
infrared sensor.
[1417] Optionally the plurality of signature fragments are
indicative of the entire signature.
[1418] Optionally the mobile device includes a transmitter and a
receiver, the method comprising the steps of: [1419] using the
transmitter to send a first message to a remote computer system,
the first message being indicative of the identity; [1420] using
the receiver to receive a second message from the remote computer
system, the second message including data indicative of at least
one of: [1421] padding associated with the signature; [1422] a
private key; and [1423] a public key; and generating, using the
determined signature and the data, private key or public key, the
generated identity.
[1424] Optionally the signature is a digital signature of at least
part of the identity and at least part of predetermined padding,
and wherein the method includes: [1425] determining, using the
identity, the predetermined padding; and, [1426] generating, using
the predetermined padding and the determined signature, the
generated identity.
[1427] Optionally the sensed coded data is further indicative of at
least one of:
a location of at least one of the data portions; [1428] a position
of at least one of the data portions on the print medium; [1429] a
size of the data portions; [1430] a size of the signature; [1431] a
size of the signature fragment; [1432] an identity of a signature
fragment; [1433] units of indicated locations; [1434] redundant
data; [1435] data allowing error correction; [1436] Reed-Solomon
data; and
[1437] Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) data.
[1438] Optionally the digital signature includes at least one of:
[1439] a random number associated with the identity; [1440] a keyed
hash of at least the identity; [1441] a keyed hash of at least the
identity produced using a private key, and [1442] verifiable using
a corresponding public key; [1443] cipher-text produced by
encrypting at least the identity; [1444] cipher-text produced by
encrypting at least the identity and a random number; and, [1445]
cipher-text produced using a private key, and verifiable using a
corresponding public key.
[1446] Optionally the identity includes an identity of at least one
of: [1447] the print medium; and [1448] a region of the print
medium.
[1449] Optionally the coded data includes a number of coded data
portions, each coded data portion encoding: [1450] an identity; and
at least part of a signature, the signature being a digital
signature of at least part of the identity.
[1451] Optionally the method further including the step of
commencing printing prior to determining whether the authentication
step is successful, and halting printing in the event
authentication is not successful.
[1452] In a further aspect there is provided a method of using a
mobile device to authenticate a print medium before completing
printing onto the print medium, the mobile device including
processing means, a printhead, a transmitter, a receiver and a
sensor, the print medium comprising a substrate, the method
comprising the steps of: [1453] using the sensor to sense coded
data provided on a surface of the substrate; [1454] using the
processing means to determine from the sensed coded data, an
identity of the print medium; [1455] using the transmitter to send
a first message to a remote computer system, the first message
being indicative of the identity; [1456] using the receiver to
receive a second message from the remote computer system, the
second message being including data indicative of whether the
identity is associated with a print medium that can be printed
upon; and using the printhead to print onto the print medium in
reliance on the data.
[1457] Optionally the print medium includes an orientation
indicator, the method including the steps of: [1458] sensing the
orientation indicator prior to sensing the coded data; and [1459]
preventing printing in the event the medium is inserted
incorrectly.
[1460] Optionally the method including the step, in the event the
medium is inserted incorrectly, of providing an indication to a
user of the mobile device that the orientation of the medium needs
to changed.
[1461] Optionally the substrate is a laminar substrate.
[1462] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
using a mobile device to authenticate a print medium online before
completing printing onto the print medium, the mobile device
including processing means, a printhead, a sensor, a transmitter
and a receiver, the print medium comprising a laminar substrate,
the method comprising the steps of: [1463] using the sensor to
sense coded data provided on a surface of the substrate; [1464]
using the processing means to determine, from the sensed coded
data: [1465] an identity of the print medium; and [1466] at least
part of a signature, the signature being a digital signature of at
least part of the identity; [1467] using the transmitter to send
first data to a remote computer system, the first data being
indicative of the identity and the at least part of the signature;
[1468] using the receiver to receive second data from the remote
computer system in reply to the first data, the second data being
indicative of whether the print medium is authentic based on the
identity and the at least part of the signature; and [1469] in the
event the print medium is authentic, using the printhead to print
onto the print medium.
[1470] Optionally the coded data includes a plurality of coded data
portions, each coded data portion encoding: [1471] the identity;
and, [1472] at least a signature fragment; [1473] wherein the
method includes sensing a plurality of coded data portions to
thereby determine a plurality of signature fragments representing
the at least part of the signature.
[1474] Optionally plurality of coded data portions are sensed as
the print medium moves past the sensor whilst moving along a print
path defined in the mobile device.
[1475] Optionally each coded data portion encodes a signature
fragment identity, and wherein the method includes: [1476]
determining the signature fragment identity of each determined
signature fragment; and [1477] determining, using the determined
signature fragment identities and the corresponding signature
fragments, the at least part of the signature.
[1478] Optionally the plurality of signature fragments are
indicative of the entire signature.
[1479] Optionally the coded data includes a plurality of tags, each
coded data portion being formed from at least one of the tags.
[1480] Optionally the second data is further indicative of at least
one of: [1481] padding associated with the signature; [1482] a
private key; and [1483] a public key.
[1484] Optionally the sensed coded data is further indicative of at
least one of: [1485] a location of at least one of the data
portions; [1486] a position of at least one of the data portions on
the print medium; [1487] a size of at least one of the data
portions; [1488] a size of the signature; [1489] a size of the
signature fragment; [1490] an identity of the signature fragment;
[1491] units of indicated locations; [1492] redundant data; [1493]
data allowing error correction; [1494] Reed-Solomon data; and
[1495] Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) data.
[1496] Optionally the digital signature includes at least one of:
[1497] a random number associated with the identity; [1498] a keyed
hash of at least the identity; [1499] a keyed hash of at least the
identity produced using a private key, and verifiable using a
corresponding public key; [1500] cipher-text produced by encrypting
at least the identity; [1501] cipher-text produced by encrypting at
least the identity and a random number; and, [1502] cipher-text
produced using a private key, and verifiable using a corresponding
public key.
[1503] Optionally the identity includes an identity of at least one
of: [1504] the print medium; and [1505] a region of the print
medium.
[1506] Optionally the coded data includes a number of coded data
portions, each coded data portion encoding: [1507] the identity;
and, [1508] at least part of a signature, the signature being a
digital signature of at least part of the identity.
[1509] Optionally the method further including the step of
commencing printing prior to determining whether the authentication
step is successful, and halting printing in the event
authentication is not successful.
[1510] Optionally the print medium includes an orientation
indicator, the method including the steps of: [1511] sensing the
orientation indicator prior to sensing the coded data; and [1512]
preventing printing in the event the medium is inserted
incorrectly.
[1513] Optionally the method further including the step, in the
event the medium is inserted incorrectly, of providing an
indication to a user of the mobile device that the orientation of
the medium needs to changed.
[1514] Optionally the coded data is printed on the surface using at
least one of an invisible ink and an infrared-absorptive ink, and
wherein the method includes, sensing the coded data using an
infrared sensor.
[1515] Optionally the print medium includes at least one
longitudinally extending data track, the method comprising deriving
a clock signal from the data track as the print medium is being
printed and using the clock signal to synchronize the printing onto
the print medium.
[1516] Optionally the data track further includes first
information, the first information being indicative of the
identity.
[1517] Optionally the data track is linear encoded.
[1518] Optionally the clock signal is embedded in data encoded in
the data track, the method including extracting the clock signal
from the data track.
[1519] Optionally the coded data is printed on the surface using at
least one of an invisible ink and an infrared-absorptive ink, and
wherein the method includes, sensing the coded data using an
infrared sensor.
[1520] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
using a mobile device to authenticate a print medium offline before
completing printing onto the print medium, the mobile device
including processing means, a printhead and a sensor, the print
medium comprising a laminar substrate, the method comprising the
steps of: [1521] using the sensor to sense coded data provided on a
surface of the substrate; [1522] using the processing means: [1523]
determining, from the sensed coded data: [1524] an identity of the
print medium; and [1525] at least part of a signature, the
signature being a digital signature of at least part of the
identity; [1526] determining, using the at least part of the
signature, a determined signature; [1527] generating, using the
determined signature and a public key stored in the mobile device,
a generated identity; [1528] comparing the identity to the
generated identity; and [1529] authenticating the print medium
using the results of the comparison; and [1530] in the event the
authentication step is successful, using the printhead to print
onto the print medium.
[1531] Optionally the mobile device includes a receiver, the method
comprising the steps, performed before the step of generating the
generated identity, of: [1532] using the receiver to receive data
indicative of the public key; and [1533] storing the public key in
memory of the mobile device.
[1534] Optionally the mobile device includes a transmitter, the
method comprising the step of transmitting to a remote computer
system a request for the public key, the receiver receiving the
data indicative of the public key from the computer system in
response to the request.
[1535] Optionally the method further including the step of
retrieving the key from a remote computer system prior to
generating the generated identity.
[1536] Optionally the coded data includes a plurality of fragments
of the signature, the method comprising determining a plurality of
the signature fragments from the sensed coded data.
[1537] Optionally the coded data includes a plurality of coded data
portions, each coded data portion encoding: [1538] the identity;
and [1539] at least a signature fragment; [1540] wherein the method
includes sensing a plurality of coded data portions to thereby
determine the plurality of signature fragments.
[1541] Optionally the plurality of coded data portions are sensed
as the print medium moves past the sensor whilst moving along a
print path defined in the mobile device.
[1542] Optionally each coded data portion encodes a signature
fragment identity, and wherein the method includes: [1543]
determining the signature fragment identity of each determined
signature fragment; and [1544] determining, using the determined
signature fragment identities, the determined signature.
[1545] Optionally each coded data portion being formed from at
least one of the tags.
[1546] Optionally the plurality of signature fragments are
indicative of the entire signature.
[1547] Optionally the signature is a digital signature of at least
part of the identity and at least part of predetermined padding,
and wherein the method includes: [1548] determining, using the
identity, the predetermined padding; and, [1549] generating, using
the predetermined padding and the determined signature, the
generated identity.
[1550] Optionally the mobile device includes a transmitter and a
receiver, the method comprising the steps of: [1551] using the
transmitter to send a first message to a remote computer system,
the first message being indicative of the identity; [1552] using
the receiver to receive a second message from the remote computer
system, the second message being including data indicative of
padding associated with the signature; and [1553] generating, using
the determined signature and the padding, the generated
identity.
[1554] Optionally the coded data is further indicative of at least
one of: [1555] a location of at least one of the data portions;
[1556] a position of at least one of the data portions on the print
medium; [1557] a size of at least one of the data portions; [1558]
a size of the signature; [1559] a size of the signature fragment;
[1560] an identity of the signature fragment; [1561] units of
indicated locations; [1562] redundant data; [1563] data allowing
error correction; [1564] Reed-Solomon data; and [1565] Cyclic
Redundancy Check (CRC) data.
[1566] Optionally the digital signature includes at least one of:
[1567] a random number associated with the identity; [1568] a keyed
hash of at least the identity; [1569] a keyed hash of at least the
identity produced using a private key, and verifiable using a
corresponding public key; [1570] cipher-text produced by encrypting
at least the identity; [1571] cipher-text produced by encrypting at
least the identity and a random number; and, [1572] cipher-text
produced using a private key, and verifiable using a corresponding
public key.
[1573] Optionally the identity includes an identity of at least one
of: [1574] the print medium; and [1575] a region of the print
medium.
[1576] Optionally the coded data includes a number of coded data
portions, each coded data portion encoding: [1577] an identity;
and, [1578] at least part of a signature, the signature being a
digital signature of at least part of the identity.
[1579] Optionally the method further including the step of
commencing printing prior to determining whether the authentication
step is successful, and halting printing in the event
authentication is not successful.
[1580] Optionally the print medium includes an orientation
indicator, the method including the steps of: [1581] sensing the
orientation indicator prior to sensing the coded data; and [1582]
preventing printing in the event the medium is inserted
incorrectly.
[1583] Optionally the coded data is printed on the surface using at
least one of an invisible ink and an infrared-absorptive ink, and
wherein the method includes, sensing the coded data using an
infrared sensor.
[1584] In a first aspect the present invention provides method of
using a mobile device to authenticate a printed token and output an
image associated with the token, the mobile device comprising a
sensor and processing means, the method comprising the steps of:
[1585] using the sensor to sense coded data on the printed token;
[1586] using the processing means to determine, from the sensed
coded data, at least an identity of the token; [1587]
authenticating the token using the identity; [1588] based on at
least the identity, determining an image associated with the token;
and [1589] outputting the image from the mobile device in a visible
form.
[1590] Optionally the mobile device includes a display and the
outputting step includes displaying the image on the display.
[1591] Optionally the mobile device includes a printhead and the
outputting step includes printing the image onto a print medium
with the printhead.
[1592] Optionally mobile device includes a transmitter and a
receiver, the step of determining the image associated with the
token comprising: [1593] sending first data to a remote computer
system using the transmitter, the first data being indicative of at
least the identity; and [1594] receiving second data from the
computer system via the receiver, the second data being indicative
of the image.
[1595] Optionally the mobile device includes a transmitter and a
receiver, the method comprising: [1596] using the processing means
to determine, from the sensed coded data, at least part of a
signature, the signature being a digital signature of at least part
of the identity; [1597] using the transmitter to send first data to
a remote computer system, the first data being indicative of the
identity and the at least part of the signature; [1598] using the
receiver to receive second data from the remote computer system in
reply to the first data, the second data being indicative of
whether the print medium is authentic based on the identity and the
at least part of the signature.
[1599] Optionally the coded data includes a plurality of coded data
portions, each coded data portion encoding: [1600] the identity;
and, [1601] at least a signature fragment; wherein the method
includes sensing a plurality of coded data portions thereby to
determine a plurality of signature fragments representing the at
least part of the signature.
[1602] Optionally the method comprising sensing the plurality of
coded data portions as the print medium moves past the sensor
whilst moving along a print path defined in the mobile device.
[1603] Optionally each coded data portion encodes a signature
fragment identity, and wherein the method includes: [1604]
determining the signature fragment identity of each determined
signature fragment; and [1605] determining, using the determined
signature fragment identities and the corresponding signature
fragments, the at least part of the signature.
[1606] Optionally the plurality of signature fragments are
indicative of the entire signature.
[1607] Optionally the coded data includes a plurality of tags, each
coded data portion being formed from at least one of the tags.
[1608] Optionally the second data is further indicative of at least
one of: [1609] padding associated with the signature; [1610] a
private key; and [1611] a public key.
[1612] Optionally the method further comprising: [1613] using the
processing means to determine, from the sensed coded data, at least
part of a signature, the signature being a digital signature of at
least part of the identity; [1614] determining, using the at least
part of the signature, a determined signature; [1615] generating,
using the determined signature and a public key stored in the
mobile device, a generated identity; [1616] comparing the identity
to the generated identity; and [1617] authenticating the print
medium using the results of the comparison.
[1618] Optionally the mobile device includes a receiver, the method
comprising the steps, performed before the step of generating the
generated identity, of: [1619] using the receiver to receive data
indicative of the public key; and [1620] storing the public key in
memory of the mobile device.
[1621] Optionally the mobile device includes a transmitter, the
method comprising the step of transmitting to a remote computer
system a request for the public key, the receiver receiving the
data indicative of the public key from the computer system in
response to the request.
[1622] Optionally the method further including the step of
retrieving the key from a remote computer system prior to
generating the generated identity.
[1623] Optionally the method the coded data includes a plurality of
fragments of the signature, the method comprising determining a
plurality of the signature fragments from the sensed coded
data.
[1624] Optionally the coded data includes a plurality of coded data
portions, each coded data portion encoding: [1625] the identity;
and [1626] at least a signature fragment; wherein the method
includes sensing a plurality of coded data portions to thereby
determine the plurality of signature fragments.
[1627] Optionally the plurality of coded data portions are sensed
as the print medium moves past the sensor whilst moving along a
print path defined in the mobile device.
[1628] Optionally each coded data portion encodes a signature
fragment identity, and wherein the method includes: [1629]
determining the signature fragment identity of each determined
signature fragment; and [1630] determining, using the determined
signature fragment identities, the determined signature.
[1631] Optionally the print medium includes second coded data, the
method comprising the step of printing the image onto the print
medium, such that the print medium becomes a further token
associated with the image.
[1632] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
device including: [1633] a printer for printing onto a print
medium; and [1634] a stylus having a printhead tip for allowing a
user to use the mobile device as a writing or drawing device;
[1635] the stylus and the printer sharing at least one common ink
reservoir.
[1636] Optionally the stylus is supplied ink from the at least one
common reservoir via at least one ink supply conduit.
[1637] Optionally the at least one ink supply conduit is
flexible.
[1638] Optionally the at least one supply conduit includes power
and data connections for the printhead chip.
[1639] Optionally the mobile device further including a stylus
retraction mechanism.
[1640] Optionally the conduit include a flexible PCB carrying the
power and data connections, the flexible PCB forming one wall of at
least one ink supply tube.
[1641] Optionally the conduit comprises a plurality of the ink
supply tubes.
[1642] Optionally the printer includes a replaceable cartridge, the
cartridge including the at least one reservoir.
[1643] Optionally the cartridge includes a plurality of the ink
reservoirs.
[1644] Optionally the cartridge includes a pagewidth printhead.
[1645] Optionally mobile device includes a cradle for receiving the
cartridge, the cartridge includes a plurality of contacts for
receiving power and data from corresponding complementary contacts
in a cradle.
[1646] Optionally the stylus forming part of the cartridge.
[1647] Optionally the printhead tip includes an array of radially
extending printhead nozzle rows.
[1648] Optionally the rows extend in a straight radial line from a
central region of the printhead tip.
[1649] Optionally the rows curve outwardly from a central region of
the printhead tip.
[1650] Optionally the stylus includes a pressure sensor for
determining when the stylus is in contact with a surface, the
stylus being configured to print only when in contact with the
surface.
[1651] Optionally the pressure sensor is a switch.
[1652] Optionally the printer further includes a capping mechanism
including a capper moveable between: [1653] a capping position in
which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the
printhead; and [1654] an uncapped position in which the printhead
is able to print onto the print medium, wherein in the uncapped
position the capper is displaced away from the printhead; [1655]
wherein the capper is moved between the capped and uncapped
position by an edge of the print medium as it moves through the
feed path.
[1656] Optionally in the capped position the capper is resiliently
urged into the capping relationship.
[1657] Optionally the capping mechanism is configured such that the
capper is displaced in the feed direction as it moves from the
capped position to the uncapped position.
[1658] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device comprising: [1659] a first receiver for
receiving signals from a mobile telephony system; [1660] a first
transmitter for transmitting signals over the mobile telephony
system; and [1661] a sylus allowing the user to use the mobile
device as a writing or drawing device.
[1662] Incorporating a writing stylus or pen into the mobile device
allows the user to write on the cards, fill out forms or otherwise
mark documents that have been printed by the device or another
printer.
[1663] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [1664] a first sensor device for sensing coded data and
for outputting raw data based on said sensed data; and [1665] a
transmitter controller operable to control the first transmitter to
transmit output data based at least partially on said sensed data
via the mobile telephony system to a computer system.
[1666] Optionally the first sensing device is positioned on the
stylus.
[1667] Optionally the sylus has a printhead tip with an array of
nozzles to effect the writing or drawing.
[1668] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a printer mechanism with a pagewidth printhead for
printing on a media substrate, the printhead positioned adjacent a
media feed path through the device.
[1669] Optionally the printer mechanism is adapted to receive
document data and to print an interface onto a surface, the
interface being at least partially based on the document data, the
document data including identity data indicative of at least one
identity, the identity being associated with a region of the
interface, the interface including coded data.
[1670] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising at least one ink reservoir wherein the printhead tip in
the stylus and the printer mechanism share the at least one ink
reservoir.
[1671] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a second transmitter and a second receiver adapted to
transmit data to and to receive data from one or more sensor
devices, the sensor devices transmitting data.
[1672] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a second transmitter and a second receiver adapted to
transmit data to and to receive data from one or more sensor
devices, the sensor devices transmitting data.
[1673] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a transmitter controller adapted to cause the mobile
telephone unit to transmit data based on the first data to a
computer system via the first transmitter.
[1674] Optionally the printer mechanism further comprises a capper
assembly movable between a capped position covering the nozzles and
an uncapped position spaced from the nozzles;
wherein, [1675] the capper assembly is held in the uncapped
position by the media such that it moves to the capped position
upon disengagement with the media.
[1676] Optionally the sheet of media substrate is encoded with the
coded data and the print engine controller uses a sensor to
determine the position of the sheet relative to the printhead.
[1677] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a media feed roller for feeding the media past the
printhead.
[1678] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet and the trailing
edge of the sheet disengages from the media feed roller before it
is printed and is projected past the printhead by its momentum.
[1679] Optionally the capper assembly lightly grips the sheet after
it has been printed so that it partially extends from the mobile
telecommunications device in readiness for manual collection.
[1680] Optionally the capper assembly moves out of the capped
position and toward the uncapped position upon engagement with the
leading edge of the sheet.
[1681] Optionally the printhead is incorporated into a cartridge
that further comprises a print media feed path for directing the
print media past the printhead in a feed direction during printing,
and a drive mechanism for driving the print media past the
printhead for printing.
[1682] Optionally the printhead has an array of ink ejection
nozzles and is incorporated into a cartridge that further comprises
at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for
ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs
including at least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative
hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping
mechanism for capping the printhead when not in use.
[1683] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a drive shaft with a media engagement surface for
feeding a media substrate along a feed path; and [1684] a media
guide adjacent the drive shaft for biasing the media substrate
against the media engagement surface.
[1685] Optionally a mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [1686] a drive shaft for feeding the sheet of media
substrate past the printhead; wherein during use, [1687] the sheet
disengages from the drive shaft before completion of its printing
such that the trailing edge of the sheet projects past the
printhead by momentum to complete its printing.
[1688] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device comprising: [1689] a first transmitter
for transmitting signals over a mobile telephony system, and [1690]
a first receiver for receiving signals from a mobile telephony
system; [1691] a first monochrome image sensor device for sensing
coded data and for outputting raw data based on said sensed data;
and [1692] a transmitter controller operable to control the first
transmitter to transmit output data based at least partially on
said sensed data via the mobile telephony system to a computer
system.
[1693] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a sylus allowing the user to use the mobile
telecommunications device as a writing or drawing device.
[1694] Optionally the first monochrome image sensor device is
positioned on the stylus.
[1695] Optionally the stylus has a printhead tip with an array of
nozzles to effect the writing or drawing.
[1696] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a printer mechanism with a pagewidth printhead for
printing on a media substrate, the printhead positioned adjacent a
media feed path through the device.
[1697] Optionally the printer mechanism is adapted to receive
document data and to print an interface onto a surface, the
interface being at least partially based on the document data, the
document data including identity data indicative of at least one
identity, the identity being associated with a region of the
interface, the interface including coded data.
[1698] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising at least one ink reservoir wherein the printhead tip in
the stylus and the printer mechanism share the at least one ink
reservoir.
[1699] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a second transmitter and a second receiver adapted to
transmit data to and to receive data from one or more monochrome
image sensor devices, the sensor devices transmitting data.
[1700] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a second transmitter and a second receiver adapted to
transmit data to and to receive data from one or more monochrome
image sensor devices, the sensor devices transmitting data.
[1701] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a transmitter controller adapted to cause the mobile
telephone unit to transmit data based on the first data to a
computer system via the first transmitter.
[1702] Optionally the printer mechanism further comprises a capper
assembly movable between a capped position covering the nozzles and
an uncapped position spaced from the nozzles; wherein, the capper
assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media such that it
moves to the capped position upon disengagement with the media.
[1703] Optionally the sheet of media substrate is encoded with the
coded data and the print engine controller uses a sensor to
determine the position of the sheet relative to the printhead.
[1704] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a media feed roller for feeding the media past the
printhead.
[1705] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet and the trailing
edge of the sheet disengages from the media feed roller before it
is printed and is projected past the printhead by its momentum.
[1706] Optionally the capper assembly lightly grips the sheet after
it has been printed so that it partially extends from the mobile
telecommunications device in readiness for manual collection.
[1707] Optionally the capper assembly moves out of the capped
position and toward the uncapped position upon engagement with the
leading edge of the sheet.
[1708] Optionally the printhead is incorporated into a cartridge
that further comprises a print media feed path for directing the
print media past the printhead in a feed direction during printing,
and a drive mechanism for driving the print media past the
printhead for printing.
[1709] Optionally the printhead has an array of ink ejection
nozzles and is incorporated into a cartridge that further comprises
at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for
ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs
including at least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative
hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping
mechanism for capping the printhead when not in use.
[1710] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a drive shaft with a media engagement surface for
feeding a media substrate along a feed path; and, a media guide
adjacent the drive shaft for biasing the media substrate against
the media engagement surface.
[1711] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising:
a drive shaft for feeding the sheet of media substrate past the
printhead; wherein during use, the sheet disengages from the drive
shaft before completion of its printing such that the trailing edge
of the sheet projects past the printhead by momentum to complete
its printing.
[1712] In a first aspect the present invention provides a mobile
telecommunications device comprising: [1713] a first receiver for
receiving signals from a mobile telephony system; [1714] a first
transmitter for transmitting signals over the mobile telephony
system; and [1715] a sylus allowing the user to use the mobile
telecommunications device as a writing or drawing device.
[1716] Incorporating a writing stylus or pen into the phone or PDA
allows the user to write on the cards, fill out forms or otherwise
mark documents that have been printed by the device or another
printer.
[1717] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [1718] a first sensor device for sensing coded data and
for outputting raw data based on said sensed data; and [1719] a
transmitter controller operable to control the first transmitter to
transmit output data based at least partially on said sensed data
via the mobile telephony system to a computer system.
[1720] Optionally the first sensing device is positioned on the
stylus.
[1721] Optionally the sylus has a printhead tip with an array of
nozzles to effect the writing or drawing.
[1722] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a printer mechanism with a pagewidth printhead for
printing on a media substrate, the printhead positioned adjacent a
media feed path through the device.
[1723] Optionally the printer mechanism is adapted to receive
document data and to print an interface onto a surface, the
interface being at least partially based on the document data, the
document data including identity data indicative of at least one
identity, the identity being associated with a region of the
interface, the interface including coded data.
[1724] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising at least one ink reservoir wherein the printhead tip in
the stylus and the printer mechanism share the at least one ink
reservoir.
[1725] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a second transmitter and a second receiver adapted to
transmit data to and to receive data from one or more sensor
devices, the sensor devices transmitting data.
[1726] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a second transmitter and a second receiver adapted to
transmit data to and to receive data from one or more sensor
devices, the sensor devices transmitting data.
[1727] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a transmitter controller adapted to cause the mobile
telephone unit to transmit data based on the first data to a
computer system via the first transmitter.
[1728] Optionally the printer mechanism further comprises a capper
assembly movable between a capped position covering the nozzles and
an uncapped position spaced from the nozzles; wherein,
the capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media
such that it moves to the capped position upon disengagement with
the media.
[1729] Optionally the sheet of media substrate is encoded with the
coded data and the print engine controller uses a sensor to
determine the position of the sheet relative to the printhead.
[1730] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a media feed roller for feeding the media past the
printhead.
[1731] Optionally the media substrate is a sheet and the trailing
edge of the sheet disengages from the media feed roller before it
is printed and is projected past the printhead by its momentum.
[1732] Optionally the capper assembly lightly grips the sheet after
it has been printed so that it partially extends from the mobile
telecommunications device in readiness for manual collection.
[1733] Optionally the capper assembly moves out of the capped
position and toward the uncapped position upon engagement with the
leading edge of the sheet.
[1734] Optionally the printhead is incorporated into a cartridge
that further comprises a print media feed path for directing the
print media past the printhead in a feed direction during printing,
and a drive mechanism for driving the print media past the
printhead for printing.
[1735] Optionally the printhead has an array of ink ejection
nozzles and is incorporated into a cartridge that further comprises
at least one ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead for
ejection by the nozzles, each of the at least one ink reservoirs
including at least one absorbent structure for inducing a negative
hydrostatic pressure in the ink at the nozzles, and a capping
mechanism for capping the printhead when not in use.
[1736] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising a drive shaft with a media engagement surface for
feeding a media substrate along a feed path; and, [1737] a media
guide adjacent the drive shaft for biasing the media substrate
against the media engagement surface.
[1738] Optionally the mobile telecommunications device further
comprising: [1739] a drive shaft for feeding the sheet of media
substrate past the printhead; wherein during use, [1740] the sheet
disengages from the drive shaft before completion of its printing
such that the trailing edge of the sheet projects past the
printhead by momentum to complete its printing. In a first aspect
there is provided a method of producing a printed business card
using a mobile telecommunications device, the mobile
telecommunications device including processing means, a mobile
transceiver for communicating with a mobile telecommunications
network, and a printhead, the method comprising the steps,
performed in the mobile telecommunications device, of: (a)
determining a business card to print; (b) providing dot data to the
printhead based on the business card determined in step (a); and
(c) printing the dot data onto a print medium using the printhead,
thereby to produce the printed business card.
[1741] Optionally mobile telecommunications device including a
memory for storing information related to at least one business
card, step (a) including accessing the information related to the
at least one of the business cards stored in the memory.
[1742] Optionally the print medium includes pre-printed coded data
and step (a) includes determining a relationship between coded data
and the dot data, and step (c) includes printing the coded data in
accordance with the determined relationship.
[1743] Optionally the method including the step of determining a
position of the print medium relative to the printhead prior to
commencing printing, thereby to enable the printing to be performed
in accordance with the relationship.
[1744] Optionally the medium includes a linear-encoded data track
extending in a direction of intended printing, the method
comprising the steps of: [1745] using a sensor in the mobile
telecommunications device, sensing the data track during printing;
[1746] deriving a clock signal from the sensed data track; and
[1747] synchronizing the printing based on the clock signal.
[1748] Optionally the data track includes only a clock code.
[1749] Optionally the data track encodes first information, the
clock code being embedded in the data track for extraction with the
first information.
[1750] Optionally the data track includes parallel first and second
tracks, the first track including a clock code and the second track
encoding first information.
[1751] Optionally the print medium includes further coded data
encoding second information, wherein the first information is
indicative of the second information.
[1752] Optionally the further coded data is indicative of a
plurality of reference points of the business card.
[1753] Optionally the further coded data is indicative of an
identity of the print medium.
[1754] Optionally the coded data takes the form of a
two-dimensional array of data, the sensor being configured to
capture an image of a subset of the coded data, the subset of the
coded data being sufficient to enable the location to be
determined.
[1755] Optionally the processing means being configured to
determine a position of the print medium relative to the sensor at
the time the coded data was sensed, based at least partly on the
determined location and a position of the captured coded data in a
capture field of the sensor.
[1756] Optionally the mobile device further including a light
emitting device, the method including the step of using the light
emitting device to illuminate the print medium while the sensor
senses the coded data.
[1757] Optionally the determining step includes retrieving, from a
remote computer system and using the transceiver, information
related to the business card.
[1758] Optionally the information includes personal information
related to a user of the mobile telecommunications device.
[1759] Optionally the method further including a step of
determining a registration between the printed dot data and
pre-printed coded data on the print medium, and using the
transceiver to send, to a remote computer system, data indicative
of the registration.
[1760] Optionally the method further comprising determining the
registration during printing.
[1761] Optionally the method further comprising determining the
registration prior to printing.
[1762] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method of
using a mobile device to print onto a print medium, the method
comprising the steps of:
(a) determining print data; (b) determining a first orientation of
a print medium inserted into the mobile device; and (c) modifying a
second orientation of the print data prior to printing onto the
print medium, to take into account the first orientation.
[1763] Optionally the print medium includes at least one
orientation indicator and the mobile device includes at least one
sensor, step (b) comprising using the sensor to sense the
orientation indicator and determining the orientation of the print
medium from the sensed orientation indicator.
[1764] Optionally the print medium including at least two of the
orientation indicators, one on each alternate face of the print
medium, the method comprising sensing one of the orientation
indicators.
[1765] Optionally the method comprising the step, prior to step
(b), of determining whether the orientation of the print medium is
a valid orientation to be printed upon, and preventing printing in
the event it is not.
[1766] Optionally the print data is intended to be printed on a
predetermined one of the alternate faces of the print medium the
method including preventing printing if the print medium is
inserted upside down such that the predetermined one of the faces
cannot be printed onto.
[1767] Optionally step (c) includes rotating the print data by 180
degrees to take into account the first orientation.
[1768] Optionally one of the at least one orientation indicators is
positioned adjacent a first corner of the print medium.
[1769] Optionally another of the at least one orientation
indicators is positioned adjacent a second corner of the print
medium on the first face, the second corner being diagonally
opposite the first corner.
[1770] Optionally at least one orientation indicator is printed in
infrared ink.
[1771] Optionally the at least one orientation indicator is printed
in infrared ink that is substantially invisible to an average
unaided human eye.
[1772] Optionally the print medium further comprises first coded
data encoding first information, the first information being
indicative of a physical characteristic of the print medium.
[1773] Optionally the first information is indicative of a size of
the print medium.
[1774] Optionally the first information is indicative of a media
type associate with the print medium.
[1775] Optionally the first information is indicative of
information pre-printed onto the print medium.
[1776] Optionally the first information is encoded into the coded
data in accordance with a linear encoding scheme.
[1777] Optionally the first coded data takes the form of a data
track.
[1778] Optionally the data track extends along an edge of the print
medium.
[1779] Optionally the method includes at least two of the data
tracks, each of which encodes the first information.
[1780] Optionally the method further including second coded data
containing second information encoded in accordance with a second
encoding scheme distinct from the linear encoding scheme, wherein
the first information is indicative of the second information
Terminology
[1781] Mobile device: When used herein, the phrase "mobile device"
is intended to cover all devices that by default operate on a
portable power source such as a battery. As well as including the
mobile telecommunications device defined above, mobile devices
include devices such as cameras, non telecommunications-enabled
PDAs and hand-held portable game units. "Mobile devices" implicitly
includes "mobile telecommunications devices", unless the converse
is clear from the context.
[1782] Mobile telecommunications device: When used herein, the
phrase "mobile telecommunications device" is intended to cover all
forms of device that enable voice, video, audio and/or data
transmission and/or reception. Typical mobile telecommunications
devices include: [1783] GSM and 3G mobile phones (cellphones) of
all generational and international versions, whether or not they
incorporate data transmission capabilities; and [1784] PDAs
incorporating wireless data communication protocols such as
GPRS/EDGE of all generational and international versions.
[1785] M-Print: The assignee's internal reference for a mobile
printer, typically incorporated in a mobile device or a mobile
telecommunications device. Throughout the specification, any
reference made to the M-Print printer is intended to broadly
include the printing mechanism as well as the embedded software
which controls the printer, and the reading mechanism(s) for the
media coding.
[1786] M-Print mobile telecommunications device: a mobile
telecommunications device incorporating a Memjet printer.
[1787] Netpage mobile telecommunications device: a mobile
telecommunications device incorporating a Netpage-enabled Memjet
printer and/or a Netpage pointer.
[1788] Throughout the specification, the blank side of the medium
intended to be printed on by the M-Print printer is referred to as
the front side. The other side of the medium, which may be
pre-printed or blank, is referred to as the back side.
[1789] Throughout the specification, the dimension of the medium
parallel to the transport direction is referred to as the
longitudinal dimension. The orthogonal dimension is referred to as
the lateral dimension.
[1790] Furthermore, where the medium is hereafter referred to as a
card, it should be understood that this is not meant to imply
anything specific about the construction of the card. It may be
made of any suitable material including paper, plastic, metal,
glass and so on. Likewise, any references to the card having been
pre-printed, either with graphics or with the media coding itself,
is not meant to imply a particular printing process or even
printing per se. The graphics and/or media coding can be disposed
on or in the card by any suitable means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[1791] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[1792] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the modular
interaction in a printer/mobile phone;
[1793] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the modular
interaction in a tag sensor/mobile phone;
[1794] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the modular
interaction in a printer/tag sensor/mobile phone;
[1795] FIG. 4 is a more detailed schematic representation of the
architecture within the mobile phone of FIG. 3;
[1796] FIG. 5 is a more detailed schematic representation of the
architecture within the mobile phone module of FIG. 4;
[1797] FIG. 6 is a more detailed schematic representation of the
architecture within the printer module of FIG. 4;
[1798] FIG. 7 is a more detailed schematic representation of the
architecture within the tag sensor module of FIG. 4;
[1799] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the architecture
within a tag decoder module for use instead of the tag sensor
module of FIG. 4;
[1800] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a `candy bar` type
mobile phone embodiment of the present invention;
[1801] FIG. 10 is a partially cut away front and bottom perspective
of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;
[1802] FIG. 11 is a partially cut away rear and bottom perspective
of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;
[1803] FIG. 12 is a front elevation of the embodiment shown in FIG.
9 with a card being fed into its media entry slot;
[1804] FIG. 13 is a cross section view taken along line A-A of FIG.
12;
[1805] FIG. 14 is a cross section view taken along line A-A of FIG.
12 with the card emerging from the media exit slot of the mobile
phone;
[1806] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a first mode of
operation of MoPEC;
[1807] FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a second mode of
operation of MoPEC;
[1808] FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of the hardware
components of a MoPEC device;
[1809] FIG. 18 shows a simplified UML diagram of a page
element;
[1810] FIG. 19 is a top perspective of the cradle assembly and
piezoelectric drive system;
[1811] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective of the cradle assembly and
piezoelectric drive system;
[1812] FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective of the print cartridge
installed in the cradle assembly;
[1813] FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective of the print cartridge
removed from the cradle assembly;
[1814] FIG. 23 is a perspective of the print cartridge and the
cradle assembly with 6 mm diameter DC motor;
[1815] FIG. 24 is a perspective of the print cartridge and the
cradle assembly with 8 mm diameter DC motor and magnetic
encoder;
[1816] FIG. 25 shows the arrangement to FIG. 24 except with an
alternative gear drive train;
[1817] FIG. 26 is a perspective of the print cartridge and the
cradle assembly with 6 mm diameter DC motor with worm gear
transmission;
[1818] FIG. 27 is a perspective of the print cartridge and the
cradle assembly with 8 mm diameter DC motor with worm gear
transmission;
[1819] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a print cartridge for an
M-Print device;
[1820] FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective of the print cartridge
shown in FIG. 28;
[1821] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternative print
cartridge;
[1822] FIG. 31 is an exploded top perspective of the print
cartridge shown in FIG. 30;
[1823] FIG. 32 is an exploded bottom perspective of the print
cartridge shown in FIG. 30;
[1824] FIG. 33 is a longitudinal cross section of the print
cartridge shown in FIG. 30;
[1825] FIG. 34 is a lateral cross section of the print cartridge
shown in FIG. 30 viewed from the left;
[1826] FIG. 35 is a partial lateral cross section of the print
cartridge shown in FIG. 30 viewed from the right with a full ink
reservoir;
[1827] FIG. 36 is a partial lateral cross section of the print
cartridge shown in FIG. 30 viewed from the right with a depleted
ink reservoir;
[1828] FIG. 37 is an exploded top perspective of another
alternative print cartridge;
[1829] FIG. 38 is an exploded bottom perspective of the print
cartridge shown in FIG. 37;
[1830] FIG. 39 is a partial enlargement of the bottom of the
housing showing the ink balance ducts between the outlets;
[1831] FIG. 40 is a circuit diagram of a fusible link on the
printhead IC;
[1832] FIG. 41 is a circuit diagram of a single fuse cell;
[1833] FIG. 42 is a schematic overview of the printhead IC and its
connection to MoPEC;
[1834] FIG. 43 is a schematic representation showing the
relationship between nozzle columns and dot shift registers in the
CMOS blocks of FIG. 42;
[1835] FIG. 44 shows a more detailed schematic showing a unit cell
and its relationship to the nozzle columns and dot shift registers
of FIG. 43;
[1836] FIG. 45 shows a circuit diagram showing logic for a single
printhead nozzle;
[1837] FIG. 46 is a schematic representation of the physical
positioning of the odd and even nozzle rows;
[1838] FIG. 47 shows a magnified partial perspective view of the
printhead IC;
[1839] FIG. 48 shows a vertical sectional view of a single nozzle
for ejecting ink in a quiescent state;
[1840] FIG. 49 shows a vertical sectional view of the nozzle of
FIG. 48 during an initial actuation phase;
[1841] FIG. 50 shows a vertical sectional view of the nozzle of
FIG. 48 later in the actuation phase;
[1842] FIG. 51 shows a perspective partial vertical sectional view
of the nozzle of FIG. 48, at the actuation state shown in FIG.
50;
[1843] FIG. 52 shows a perspective vertical section of the nozzle
of FIG. 48, with ink omitted;
[1844] FIG. 53 shows a vertical sectional view of the of the nozzle
of FIG. 52;
[1845] FIG. 54 shows a perspective partial vertical sectional view
of the nozzle of FIG. 48, at the actuation state shown in FIG.
49;
[1846] FIG. 55 shows a plan view of the nozzle of FIG. 48;
[1847] FIG. 56 shows a plan view of the nozzle of FIG. 48 with the
lever arm and movable nozzle removed for clarity;
[1848] FIG. 57 shows a perspective vertical sectional view of a
part of a printhead chip incorporating a plurality of the nozzle
arrangements of the type shown in FIG. 48;
[1849] FIG. 58 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through an
ink chamber of a single bubble forming type nozzle with a bubble
nucleating about heater element;
[1850] FIG. 59 shows the bubble growing in the nozzle of FIG.
58;
[1851] FIG. 60 shows further bubble growth within the nozzle of
FIG. 58;
[1852] FIG. 61 shows the formation of the ejected ink drop from the
nozzle of FIG. 58;
[1853] FIG. 62 shows the detachment of the ejected ink drop and the
collapse of the bubble in the nozzle of FIG. 58;
[1854] FIG. 63 is a perspective showing the longitudinal insertion
of the print cartridge into the cradle assembly;
[1855] FIG. 64 is a lateral cross section of the print cartridge
inserted into the cradle assembly;
[1856] FIGS. 65 to 74 are lateral cross sections through the print
cartridge showing the decapping and capping of the printhead;
[1857] FIG. 75 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the end of
the print cartridge indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 77B;
[1858] FIG. 76 is a similar sectional view with the locking
mechanism rotated to the locked position;
[1859] FIG. 77A is an end view of the print cartridge with a card
partially along the feed path;
[1860] FIG. 77B is a longitudinal section of the print cartridge
through A-A of FIG. 77A;
[1861] FIG. 78 is a partial enlarged perspective of one end the
print cartridge with the capper in the capped position;
[1862] FIG. 79 is a partial enlarged perspective of one end the
print cartridge with the capper in the uncapped position;
[1863] FIGS. 80 to 84 are lateral cross sections of an alternative
print cartridge showing the actuation of the capper by a force
transfer mechanism;
[1864] FIG. 85 is a perspective of a marking nib version of the
cartridge/cradle assembly;
[1865] FIG. 86 is the assembly of FIG. 85 with the nib mechanism
exploded;
[1866] FIG. 87 is the assembly of FIG. 86 with the cartridge
separated from the cradle;
[1867] FIG. 88 is an exploded perspective of a further print
cartridge with optical transmission of the print data to the
printhead;
[1868] FIG. 89 is a lateral cross section through the cartridge of
FIG. 88 showing the LED beacon for generating the modulated IR
signal;
[1869] FIG. 90 is a partially cut away perspective showing the LED
beacon and the photosensor on the printhead;
[1870] FIG. 91 shows the media coding on the `back-side` of the
card with separate clock and data tracks;
[1871] FIG. 92 is a block diagram of an M-Print system that uses
media with separate clock and data tracks;
[1872] FIG. 93 is a simplified circuit diagram for an optical
encoder;
[1873] FIG. 94 is a block diagram of the MoPEC with the clock and
data inputs;
[1874] FIG. 95 is a block diagram of the optional edge detector and
page sync generator for the M-Print system of FIG. 92;
[1875] FIG. 96 is a block diagram of a MoPEC that uses media with a
pilot sequence in the data track to generate a page sync
signal;
[1876] FIG. 97 is a schematic representation of the position of the
encoders along media feed path;
[1877] FIG. 98 shows the `back-side` of a card with a self clocking
data track;
[1878] FIG. 99 is a block diagram of the decoder for a self
clocking data track;
[1879] FIG. 100 is a block diagram of the phase lock loop
synchronization of the dual clock track sensors;
[1880] FIG. 101 shows the dual phase lock loop signals at different
phases of the media feed;
[1881] FIG. 102 shows the `back-side` of a card with side and
orientation indicators;
[1882] FIG. 103 shows the `back-side` of a card with a detachable
strip;
[1883] FIG. 104 shows the card of FIG. MC11 with the detachable
strip detached from the card proper;
[1884] FIG. 105 shows the `back-side` of a card with a detachable
strip detached and additional side and orientation indicator;
[1885] FIG. 106 shows a square-cornered card with detachable
strip;
[1886] FIG. 107 shows the card of FIG. MC14 with the detachable
strip detached from the card proper;
[1887] FIG. 108 shows a card with lateral data track on the
detachable strip at the leading edge;
[1888] FIG. 109 is a detailed physical view of a Memjet printhead
IC with an integral image sensor for reading a lateral data
track;
[1889] FIG. 110 is a perspective of a dual drive shaft version of
the cartridge cradle assembly;
[1890] FIGS. 111, 112 and 113 are front, side and plans views
respectively of the assembly shown in FIG. 110;
[1891] FIG. 114 is a cross section of the cartridge taken along A-A
of FIG. 113;
[1892] FIG. 115 is a schematic representation of an
encoder-drive-printhead configuration;
[1893] FIG. 116 is a schematic representation of a
drive-encoder-printhead configuration;
[1894] FIG. 117 is a schematic representation of an
encoder-printhead-drive configuration;
[1895] FIG. 118 is a schematic representation of an
encoder-drive-printhead-drive configuration;
[1896] FIG. 119 is a schematic representation of an
encoder-drive-printhead-encoder configuration;
[1897] FIG. 120 is a schematic representation of a
drive-encoder-printhead-drive configuration;
[1898] FIG. 121 is a block diagram of the Kip encoding layers;
[1899] FIG. 122 is a schematic representation of the Kip frame
structure;
[1900] FIG. 123 is a schematic representation of an encoded frame
with explicit clocking;
[1901] FIG. 124 is a schematic representation of an encoded frame
with implicit clocking;
[1902] FIG. 125 shows Kip coding marks and spaces that are
nominally two dots wide;
[1903] FIG. 126 is a schematic representation of the extended Kip
frame structure;
[1904] FIG. 127 shows the data symbols and the redundancy symbols
of the Reed-Solomon codeword layout;
[1905] FIG. 128 shows the interleaving of the data symbols of the
Reed-Solomon codewords;
[1906] FIG. 129 shows the interleaving of the redundancy symbols of
the Reed-Solomon codewords;
[1907] FIG. 130 shows the structure of a single Netpage tag;
[1908] FIG. 131 shows the structure of a single symbol within a
Netpage tag;
[1909] FIG. 132 shows an array of nine adjacent symbols;
[1910] FIG. 133 shows the ordering of the bits within the
symbol;
[1911] FIG. 134 shows a single Netpage tag with every bit set;
[1912] FIG. 135 shows a tag group of four tags;
[1913] FIG. 136 shows the tag groups repeated in a continuous tile
pattern;
[1914] FIG. 137 shows the contiguous tile pattern of tag groups,
each with four different tag types;
[1915] FIG. 138 is an architectural overview of a Netpage enabled
mobile phone within the broader Netpage system;
[1916] FIG. 139 shows an architectural overview of the mobile phone
microserver as a relay between the stylus and the Netpage
server;
[1917] FIG. 140 is a perspective of a Netpage enabled mobile phone
with the rear moulding removed;
[1918] FIG. 141 is a partial enlarged perspective of the phone
shown in FIG. 140 with the Netpage clicker partially sectioned;
[1919] FIG. 142 is a system level diagram of the Jupiter monolithic
integrated circuit;
[1920] FIG. 143 is a simplified circuit diagram of the Ganymede
image sensor and analogue to digital converter;
[1921] FIG. 144 shows the basic configuration of a two dimensional
tag sensor;
[1922] FIG. 145 shows a possible configuration of a multiplexed tag
sensor with dual optical paths and single image sensor;
[1923] FIG. 146 shows a variant of the tag sensor shown in FIG.
145;
[1924] FIG. 147 shows a variant of the tag sensor shown in FIG.
146;
[1925] FIG. 148 shows a variant of the tag sensor shown in FIG.
147;
[1926] FIGS. 149 and 150 show a multiplexed tag sensor with a
pivoting mirror for internal or external image;
[1927] FIG. 151 is a front elevation of a personal data assistant
(PDA) embodiment;
[1928] FIG. 152 is a front perspective of the PDA shown in FIG. 151
with media protruding from the exit slot;
[1929] FIG. 153 is a front perspective of the PDA shown in FIG. 151
with media protruding from the exit slot and the Netpage pointer
extended;
[1930] FIG. 154 is a longitudinal cross section of the PDA taken
through A-A of FIG. 151;
[1931] FIG. 155 is a partially sectioned rear perspective of the
PDA shown in FIG. 151;
[1932] FIG. 156 is an enlarged, partially sectioned, partial
perspective of the PDA shown in FIG. 151;
[1933] FIG. 157 is a rear perspective of the PDA with the media
cartridge removed;
[1934] FIG. 158 is the PDA of FIG. 157 without the rear
moulding;
[1935] FIG. 159 is an enlarged rear and bottom perspective of the
PDA of FIG. 158;
[1936] FIG. 160 is an exploded perspective of the media
cartridge;
[1937] FIG. 161 is a perspective of the cartridge with universal
pen in its retracted configuration;
[1938] FIG. 162 is a perspective of the cartridge with universal
pen in its unlocked extended configuration;
[1939] FIG. 163 is a perspective of the cartridge with universal
pen in its locked extended configuration;
[1940] FIG. 164 is an exploded perspective of the cartridge with
universal pen;
[1941] FIG. 165 is a partial perspective showing the pen TAB film
connection to the main cartridge TAB film;
[1942] FIG. 166 is an end elevation showing the nozzle pattern at
the nib of the pen;
[1943] FIG. 167 is a lateral cross section through the flexible
data, power and ink conduit to the stylus;
[1944] FIG. 168 shows the stylus nib contacting the substrate at
three different angles;
[1945] FIG. 169 is an exploded top perspective of the stylus
nib;
[1946] FIG. 170 is an exploded bottom perspective of the stylus
nib;
[1947] FIG. 171 is a plan view of the nib printhead;
[1948] FIG. 172 is a perspective view of the nib printhead with the
capper in the open position;
[1949] FIG. 173 is a perspective view of the nib printhead with the
capper in the closed position;
[1950] FIG. 174 is an axial cross section of the nib printhead;
[1951] FIG. 175 is a bottom perspective of the nib printhead;
[1952] FIG. 176 is a bottom perspective of the nib printhead;
[1953] FIG. 177 is an exploded top perspective of the nib
printhead;
[1954] FIG. 178 is the layer of electrically active semiconductor
elements within the nib printhead;
[1955] FIG. 179 is a perspective another embodiment of the stylus
nib printhead and cartridge assembly, where the stylus is mounted
to the cartridge;
[1956] FIG. 180 is an enlarged partial perspective of a cutaway end
of the cartridge showing the ink connection to the stylus nib;
[1957] FIG. 181 is an exploded perspective of the assembly of FIG.
179;
[1958] FIG. 182 is a perspective of the assembly of FIG. 179 with
an optional IR LED and CCD photosensor;
[1959] FIG. 183 shows a first alternative arrangement for the
nozzles on the nib printhead; and,
[1960] FIG. 184 shows a second alternative arrangement for the
nozzles on the nib printhead.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Mobile Telecommunications Device Overview
[1961] Whilst the main embodiment includes both Netpage and
printing functionality, only one or the other of these features is
provided in other embodiments.
[1962] One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 1, in which a mobile
telecommunications device in the form of a mobile phone 1 (also
known as a "cellphone") includes a mobile phone module 2 and a
printer module 4. The mobile phone module is configured to send and
receive voice and data via a telecommunications network (not shown)
in a conventional manner known to those skilled in the art. The
printer module 4 is configured to print a page 6. Depending upon
the particular implementation, the printer module 4 can be
configured to print the page 6 in color or monochrome.
[1963] The mobile telecommunications device can use any of a
variety of known operating systems, such as Symbian (with UIQ and
Series 60 GUIs), Windows Mobile, PalmOS, and Linux.
[1964] In the preferred embodiment (described in more detail
below), the print media is pre-printed with tags, and the printer
module 4 prints visible information onto the page 6 in registration
with the tags. In other embodiments, Netpage tags are printed by
the printer module onto the page 6 along with the other
information. The tags can be printed using either the same visible
ink as used to print visible information, or using an infrared or
other substantially invisible ink.
[1965] The information printed by the printer module 4 can include
user data stored in the mobile phone 1 (including phonebook and
appointment data) or text and images received via the
telecommunications network or from another device via a
communication mechanism such as Bluetooth.TM. or infrared
transmission. If the mobile phone 1 includes a camera, the printer
module 4 can be configured to print the captured images. In the
preferred form, the mobile phone module 2 provides at least basic
editing capabilities to enable cropping, filtering or addition of
text or other image data to the captured image before printing.
[1966] The configuration and operation of the printer module 4 is
described in more detail below in the context of various types of
mobile telecommunication device that incorporate a printhead.
[1967] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a mobile
telecommunications device, in which the printer module 4 is
omitted, and a Netpage tag sensor module 8 is included. The Netpage
module 8 enables interaction between the mobile phone 1 and a page
10 including Netpage tags. The configuration and operation of the
Netpage pointer in a mobile phone 1 is described in more detail
below. Although not shown, the mobile phone 1 with Netpage module 8
can include a camera.
[1968] FIG. 3 shows a mobile phone 1 that includes both a printer
module 4 and a Netpage tag sensor module 8. As with the embodiment
of FIG. 2, the printer module 4 can be configured to print tagged
or untagged pages. As shown in FIG. 3, where tagged pages 10 are
produced (and irrespective of whether the tags were pre-printed or
printed by the printer module 4), the Netpage tag sensor module 8
can be used to interact with the resultant printed media.
[1969] A more detailed architectural view of the mobile phone 1 of
FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4, in which features corresponding to those
shown in FIG. 3 are indicated with the same reference numerals. It
will be appreciated that FIG. 4 deals only with communication
between various electronic components in the mobile
telecommunications device and omits mechanical features. These are
described in more detail below.
[1970] The Netpage tag sensor module 8 includes a monolithically
integrated Netpage image sensor and processor 12 that captures
image data and receives a signal from a contact switch 14. The
contact switch 14 is connected to a nib (not shown) to determine
when the nib is pressed into contact with a surface. The sensor and
processor 12 also outputs a signal to control illumination of an
infrared LED 16 in response to the stylus being pressed against the
surface.
[1971] The image sensor and processor 12 outputs processed tag
information to a Netpage pointer driver 18 that interfaces with the
phone operating system 20 running on the mobile telecommunications
device's processor (not shown).
[1972] Output to be printed is sent by the phone operating system
20 to a printer driver 22, which passes it on to a MoPEC chip 24.
The MoPEC chip processes the output to generate dot data for supply
to the printhead 26, as described in more detail below. The MoPEC
chip 24 also receives a signal from a media sensor 28 indicating
when the media is in position to be printed, and outputs a control
signal to a media transport 30.
[1973] The printhead 26 is disposed within a replaceable cartridge
32, which also includes ink 34 for supply to the printhead.
Mobile Telecommunications Device Module
[1974] FIG. 5 shows the mobile phone module 2 in more detail. The
majority of the components other than those directly related to
printing and Netpage tag sensing are standard and well known to
those in the art. Depending upon the specific implementation of the
mobile phone 1, any number of the illustrated components can be
included as part of one or more integrated circuits.
[1975] Operation of, and communication between, the mobile phone
module 2 components is controlled by a mobile phone controller 36.
The components include: [1976] mobile radio transceiver 38 for
wireless communication with a mobile telecommunications network;
[1977] program memory 40 for storing program code for execution on
the mobile phone controller 36; [1978] working memory 42 for
storing data used and generated by the program code during
execution. Although shown as separate from the mobile phone
controller 36, either or both memories 40 and 42 may be
incorporated in the package or silicon of the controller; [1979]
keypad 44 and buttons 46 for accepting numerical and other user
input; [1980] touch sensor 48 which overlays display 50 for
accepting user input via a stylus or fingertip pressure; [1981]
removable memory card 52 containing non-volatile memory 54 for
storing arbitrary user data, such as digital photographs or files;
[1982] local area radio transceiver 56, such as a Bluetooth.TM.
transceiver; [1983] GPS receiver 58 for enabling determination of
the location of the mobile telecommunications device (alternatively
the phone may rely on mobile network mechanisms for determining its
location); [1984] microphone 60 for capturing a user's speech;
[1985] speaker 62 for outputting sounds, including voice during a
phone call; [1986] camera image sensor 64 including a CCD for
capturing images; [1987] camera flash 66; [1988] power manager 68
for monitoring and controlling power consumption of the mobile
telecommunications device and its components; and [1989] SIM
(subscriber Identity Module) card 70 including SIM 72 for
identifying the subscriber to mobile networks.
[1990] The mobile phone controller 36 implements the baseband
functions of mobile voice and data communications protocols such as
GSM, GSM modem for data, GPRS and CDMA, as well as higher-level
messaging protocols such as SMS and MMS.
[1991] The one or more local-area radio transceivers 56 enable
wireless communication with peripherals such as headsets and
Netpage pens, and hosts such as personal computers. The mobile
phone controller 36 also implements the baseband functions of
local-area voice and data communications protocols such as IEEE
802.11, IEEE 802.15, and Bluetooth.TM..
[1992] The mobile phone module 2 may also include sensors and/or
motors (not shown) for electronically adjusting zoom, focus,
aperture and exposure in relation to the digital camera.
[1993] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6, components of the printer
module 4 include: [1994] print engine controller (PEC) 74 in the
form of a MoPEC device; [1995] program memory 76 for storing
program code for execution by the print engine controller 74;
[1996] working memory 78 for storing data used and generated by the
program code during execution by the print engine controller 74;
and [1997] a master QA chip 80 for authenticating printhead
cartridge 32 via its QA chip 82.
[1998] Whilst the printhead cartridge in the preferred form
includes the ink supply 34, the ink reservoirs can be housed in a
separate cartridge in alternative embodiments.
[1999] FIG. 7 shows the components of the tag sensor module 8,
which includes a CMOS tag image processor 74 that communicates with
image memory 76. A CMOS tag image sensor 78 sends captured image
data to the processor 74 for processing. The contact sensor 14
indicates when a nib (not shown) is brought into contact with a
surface with sufficient force to close a switch within the contact
sensor 14. Once the switch is closed, the infrared LED 16
illuminates the surface, and the image sensor 78 captures at least
one image and sends it to the image processor 74 for processing.
Once processed (as described below in more detail), image data is
sent to the mobile phone controller 36 for decoding.
[2000] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, the tag
sensor module 8 is replaced by a tag decoder module 84. The tag
decoder module 80 includes all the elements of the tag sensor
module 8, but adds a hardware-based tag decoder 86, as well as
program memory 88 and working memory 90 for the tag decoder. This
arrangement reduces the computational load placed on the mobile
phone controller, with a corresponding increase in chip area
compared to using the tag sensor module 8.
[2001] The Netpage sensor module can be incorporated in the form of
a Netpage pointer, which is a simplified Netpage pen suitable
mostly for activating hyperlinks. It preferably incorporates a
non-marking stylus in place of the pen's marking nib (described in
detail later in the specification); it uses a surface contact
sensor in place of the pen's continuous force sensor; and it
preferably operates at a lower position sampling rate, making it
unsuitable for capturing drawings and hand-writing. A Netpage
pointer is less expensive to implement than a Netpage pen, and tag
image processing and tag decoding can potentially be performed by
software with-out hardware support, depending on sampling rate.
[2002] The various aspects of the invention can be embodied in any
of a number of mobile telecommunications device types. Several
different devices are described here, but in the interests of
brevity, the detailed description will concentrate on the mobile
telecommunications device embodiment.
Mobile Phone
[2003] One preferred embodiment is the non-Netpage enabled `candy
bar` mobile telecommunications device in the form of a mobile phone
shown in FIGS. 9 to 14. A Netpage enabled version is described in a
later section of this specification.
[2004] While a candy bar style phone is described here, it could
equally take the form of a "flip" style phone, which includes a
pair of body sections that are hinged to each other. Typically, the
display is disposed on one of the body sections, and the keypad is
disposed on the other, such that the display and keypad are
positioned adjacent to each other when the device is in the closed
position.
[2005] In further embodiments, the device can have two body
sections that rotate or slide relative to each other. Typically,
the aim of these mechanical relationships between first and second
body sections is to protect the display from scratches and/or the
keypad from accidental activation.
[2006] Photo printing is considered one of the most compelling uses
of the mobile Memjet printer. A preferred embodiment of the
invention therefore includes a camera, with its attendant
processing power and memory capacity.
[2007] The elements of the mobile telecommunications device are
best shown in FIG. 9, which (for clarity) omits minor details such
as wires and hardware that operatively connect the various elements
of the mobile telecommunications device together. The wires and
other hardware will be well known to those skilled in the art.
[2008] The mobile phone 100 comprises a chassis moulding 102, a
front moulding 104 and a rear cover moulding 106. A rechargeable
battery 108, such as a lithium ion or nickel metal hydride battery,
is mounted to the chassis moulding 102 and covered by the rear
cover moulding 106. The battery 108 powers the various components
of the mobile phone 100 via battery connector 276 and the camera
and speaker connector 278.
[2009] The front moulding 104 mounts to the chassis to enclose the
various components, and includes numerical interface buttons 136
positioned in vertical rows on each side of the display 138. A
multi-directional control pad 142 and other control buttons 284
enable menu navigation and other control inputs. A daughterboard
280 is mounted to the chassis moulding 102 and includes a
directional switch 286 for the multi directional control pad
142.
[2010] The mobile telecommunications device includes a cartridge
access cover 132 that protects the interior of the mobile
telecommunications device from dust and other foreign objects when
a print cartridge 148 is not inserted in the cradle 124.
[2011] An optional camera module 110 is also mounted to the chassis
moulding 102, to enable image capture through a hole 112 in the
rear cover moulding 106. The camera module 110 includes a lens
assembly and a CCD image sensor for capturing images. A lens cover
268 in the hole 112 protects the lens of the camera module 110. The
rear cover moulding 106 also includes an inlet slot 228 and an
outlet slot 150 through which print media passes.
[2012] The chassis moulding 102 supports a data/recharge connector
114, which enables a proprietary data cable to be plugged into the
mobile telecommunications device for uploading and downloading data
such as address book information, photographs, messages, and any
type of information that might be sent or received by the mobile
telecommunications device. The data/recharge connector 114 is
configured to engage a corresponding interface in a desktop stand
(not shown), which holds the mobile telecommunications device in a
generally upright position whilst data is being sent or received by
the mobile telecommunications device. The data/recharge connector
also includes contacts that enable recharging of the battery 108
via the desktop stand. A separate recharge socket 116 in the
data/recharge connector 114 is configured to receive a
complimentary recharge plug for enabling recharging of the battery
when the desktop stand is not in use.
[2013] A microphone 170 is mounted to the chassis moulding 102 for
converting sound, such as a user's voice, into an electronic signal
to be sampled by the mobile telecommunications device's analog to
digital conversion circuitry. This conversion is well known to
those skilled in the art and so is not described in more detail
here.
[2014] A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) holder 118 is formed in
the chassis moulding 102, to receive a SIM card 120. The chassis
moulding is also configured to support a print cartridge cradle 124
and a drive mechanism 126, which receive a replaceable print
cartridge 148. These features are described in more detail
below.
[2015] Another moulding in the chassis moulding 102 supports an
aerial (not shown) for sending and receiving RF signals to and from
a mobile telecommunications network.
[2016] A main printed circuit board (PCB) 130 is supported by the
chassis moulding 102, and includes a number of momentary
pushbuttons 132. The various integrated and discrete components
that support the communications and processing (including printing
processing) functions are mounted to the main PCB, but for clarity
are not shown in the diagram.
[2017] A conductive elastomeric overlay 134 is positoned on the
main PCB 130 beneath the keys 136 on the front moulding 104. The
elastomer incorporates a carbon impregnated pill on a flexible
profile. When one of the keys 136 is pressed, it pushes the carbon
pill to a 2-wire open circuit pattern 132 on the PCB surface. This
provides a low impedance closed circuit. Alternatively, a small
dome is formed on the overlay corresponding to each key 132.
Polyester film is screen printed with carbon paint and used in a
similar manner to the carbon pills. Thin adhesive film with
berrylium copper domes can also be used.
[2018] A loudspeaker 144 is installed adjacent apertures 272 in the
front moulding 104 to enable a user to hear sound such as voice
communication and other audible signals.
[2019] A color display 138 is also mounted to the main PCB 130, to
enable visual feedback to a user of the mobile telecommunications
device. A transparent lens moulding 146 protects the display 138.
In one form, the transparent lens is touch-sensitive (or is omitted
and the display 138 is touch sensitive), enabling a user to
interact with icons and input text displayed on the display 138,
with a finger or stylus.
[2020] A vibration assembly 274 is also mounted to the chassis
moulding 102, and includes a motor that drives an eccentrically
mounted weight to cause vibration. The vibration is transmitted to
the chassis 102 and provides tactile feedback to a user, which is
useful in noisy environments where ringtones are not audible.
MoPEC--High Level
[2021] Documents to be printed must be in the form of dot data by
the time they reach the printhead.
[2022] Before conversion to dot data, the image is represented by a
relatively high spatial resolution bilevel component (for text and
line art) and a relatively low spatial resolution contone component
(for images and background colors). The bilevel component is
compressed in a lossless format, whilst the contone component is
compressed in accordance with a lossy format, such as JPEG.
[2023] The preferred form of MoPEC is configurable to operate in
either of two modes. In the first mode, as shown in FIG. 15, an
image to be printed is received in the form of compressed image
data. The compressed image data can arrive as a single bundle of
data or as separate bundles of data from the same or different
sources. For example, text can be received from a first remote
server and image data for a banner advertisement can be received
from another. Alternatively, either or both of the forms of data
can be retrieved from local memory in the mobile device.
[2024] Upon receipt, the compressed image data is buffered in
memory buffer 650. The bilevel and contone components are
decompressed by respective decompressors as part of expand page
step 652. This can either be done in hardware or software, as
described in more detail below. The decompressed bilevel and
contone components are then buffered in respective FIFOs 654 and
656.
[2025] The decompressed contone component is halftoned by a
halftoning unit 658, and a compositing unit 660 then composites the
bilevel component over the dithered contone component. Typically,
this will involve compositing text over images. However, the system
can also be run in stencil mode, in which the bilevel component is
interpreted as a mask that is laid over the dithered contone
component. Depending upon what is selected as the image component
for the area in which the mask is being applied, the result can be
text filled with the underlying image (or texture), or a mask for
the image. The advantage of stencil mode is that the bilevel
component is not dithered, enabling sharp edges to be defined. This
can be useful in certain applications, such as defining borders or
printing text comprising colored textures.
[2026] After compositing, the resultant image is dot formatted 662,
which includes ordering dots for output to the printhead and taking
into account any spatial or operative compensation issues, as
described in more detail below. The formatted dots are then
supplied to the printhead for printing, again as described in more
detail below.
[2027] In the second mode of operation, as shown in FIG. 16, the
contone and bilevel components are received in uncompressed form by
MoPEC directly into respective FIFOs 656 and 654. The source of the
components depends on the application. For example, the host
processor in the mobile telecommunications device can be configured
to generate the decompressed image components from compressed
versions, or can simply be arranged to receive the uncompressed
components from elsewhere, such as the mobile telecommunications
network or the communication port described in more detail
elsewhere.
[2028] Once the bilevel and contone components are in their
respective FIFOs, MoPEC performs the same operations as described
in relation to the first mode, and like numerals have therefore
been used to indicate like functional blocks.
[2029] As shown in FIG. 18, the central data structure for the
preferred printing architecture is a generalised representation of
the three layers, called a page element. A page element can be used
to represent units ranging from single rendered elements emerging
from a rendering engine up to an entire page of a print job. FIG.
18 shows a simplified UML diagram of a page element 300.
Conceptually, the bi-level symbol region selects between the two
color sources.
MoPEC Device--Low Level
[2030] The hardware components of a preferred MoPEC device 326 are
shown in FIG. 17 and described in more detail below.
[2031] Conceptually, a MoPEC device is simply a SoPEC device (ie,
as described in cross-referenced application U.S. Ser. No.
10/727,181 (Docket No. PEA01US), filed on Dec. 2, 2003) that is
optimized for use in a low-power, low print-speed environment of a
mobile phone. Indeed, as long as power requirements are satisfied,
a SoPEC device is capable of providing the functionality required
of MoPEC. However, the limitations on battery power in a mobile
device make it desirable to modify the SoPEC design.
[2032] As shown in FIG. 17, from the high level point of view a
MoPEC consists of three distinct subsystems: a Central Processing
Unit (CPU) subsystem 1301, a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)
subsystem 1302 and a Print Engine Pipeline (PEP) subsystem
1303.
[2033] MoPEC has a much smaller eDRAM requirement than SoPEC. This
is largely due to the considerably smaller print media for which
MoPEC is designed to generate print data.
[2034] In one form, MoPEC can be provided in the form of a
stand-alone ASIC designed to be installed in a mobile
telecommunications device. Alternatively, it can be incorporated
onto another ASIC that incorporates some or all of the other
functionality required for the mobile telecommunications
device.
[2035] The CPU subsystem 1301 includes a CPU that controls and
configures all aspects of the other subsystems. It provides general
support for interfacing and synchronizing the external printer with
the internal print engine. It also controls low-speed communication
to QA chips (which are described elsewhere in this specification)
in cases where they are used. The preferred
[2036] embodiment does not utilize QA chips in the cartridge or the
mobile telecommunications device. The CPU subsystem 1301 also
contains various peripherals to aid the CPU, such as General
Purpose Input Output (GPIO, which includes motor control), an
Interrupt Controller Unit (ICU), LSS Master and general timers. The
USB block provides an interface to the host processor in the mobile
telecommunications device, as well as to external data sources
where required. The selection of USB as a communication standard is
a matter of design preference, and other types of communications
protocols can be used, such as Firewire or SPI.
[2037] The DRAM subsystem 1302 accepts requests from the CPU, USB
and blocks within the Print Engine Pipeline (PEP) subsystem. The
DRAM subsystem 1302, and in particular the DRAM Interface Unit
(DIU), arbitrates the various requests and determines which request
should win access to the DRAM. The DIU arbitrates based on
configured parameters, to allow sufficient access to DRAM for all
requesters. The DIU also hides the implementation specifics of the
DRAM such as page size, number of banks and refresh rates. It will
be appreciated that the DRAM can be considerably smaller than in
the original SoPEC device, because the pages being printed are
considerably smaller. Also, if the host processor can supply
decompressed print data at a high enough rate, the DRAM can be made
very small (of the order of 128-256 kbytes), since there is no need
to buffer an entire page worth of information before commencing
printing.
[2038] The Print Engine Pipeline (PEP) subsystem 1303 accepts
compressed pages from DRAM and renders them to bi-level dots for a
given print line destined for a printhead interface that
communicates directly with the printhead. The first stage of the
page expansion pipeline is the Contone Decoder Unit (CDU) and
Lossless Bi-level Decoder (LBD). The CDU expands the
JPEG-compressed contone (typically CMYK) layers and the LBD expands
the compressed bi-level layer (typically K). The output from the
first stage is a set of buffers: the Contone FIFO unit (CFU) and
the Spot FIFO Unit (SFU). The CFU and SFU buffers are implemented
in DRAM.
[2039] The second stage is the Halftone Compositor Unit (HCU),
which halftones and dithers the contone layer and composites the
bi-level spot layer over the resulting bi-level dithered layer.
[2040] A number of compositing options can be implemented,
depending upon the printhead with which the MoPEC device is used.
Up to six channels of bi-level data are produced from this stage,
although not all channels may be present on the printhead. For
example, in the preferred embodiment, the printhead is configured
to print only CMY, with K pushed into the CMY channels, and IR
omitted.
[2041] In the third stage, a Dead Nozzle Compensator (DNC)
compensates for dead nozzles in the printhead by color redundancy
and error diffusing of dead nozzle data into surrounding dots.
[2042] The resultant bi-level dot-data (being CMY in the preferred
embodiment) is buffered and written to a set of line buffers stored
in DRAM via a Dotline Writer Unit (DWU).
[2043] Finally, the dot-data is loaded back from DRAM, and passed
to the printhead interface via a dot FIFO. The dot FIFO accepts
data from a Line Loader Unit (LLU) at the system clock rate, while
the PrintHead Interface (PHI) removes data from the FIFO and sends
it to the printhead.
[2044] The amount of DRAM required will vary depending upon the
particular implementation of MoPEC (including the system in which
it is implemented). In this regard, the preferred MoPEC design is
capable of being configured to operate in any of three modes. All
of the modes available under the preferred embodiment assume that
the received image data will be preprocessed in some way. The
preprocessing includes, for example, color space conversion and
scaling, where necessary.
[2045] In the first mode, the image data is decompressed by the
host processor and supplied to MoPEC for transfer directly to the
HCU. In this mode, the CDU and LBD are effectively bypassed, and
the decompressed data is provided directly to the CFU and SFU to be
passed on to the HCU. Because decompression is performed outside
MoPEC, and the HCU and subsequent hardware blocks are optimized for
their jobs, the MoPEC device can be clocked relatively slowly, and
there is no need for the MoPEC CPU to be particularly powerful. As
a guide, a clock speed of 10 to 20 MHz is suitable.
[2046] In the second mode, the image data is supplied to MoPEC in
compressed form. To begin with, this requires an increase in MoPEC
DRAM, to a minimum of about 256 kbytes (although double that is
preferable). In the second mode, the CDU and LBD (and their
respective buffers) are utilized to perform hardware decompression
of the compressed contone and bilevel image data. Again, since
these are hardware units optimized to perform their jobs, the
system can be clocked relatively slowly, and there is still no need
for a particularly powerful MoPEC processor. A disadvantage with
this mode, however, is that the CDU and LBD, being hardware, are
somewhat inflexible. They are optimized for particular
decompression jobs, and in the preferred embodiment, cannot be
reconfigured to any great extent to perform different decompression
tasks.
[2047] In the third mode, the CDU and LBD are again bypassed, but
MoPEC still receives image data in compressed form. Decompression
is performed in software by the MoPEC CPU. Given that the CPU is a
general-purpose processor, it must be relatively powerful to enable
it to perform acceptably quick decompression of the compressed
contone and bilevel image data. A higher clock speed will also be
required, of the order of 3 to 10 times the clock speed where
software decompression is not required. As with the second mode, at
least 256 kbytes of DRAM are required on the MoPEC device. The
third mode has the advantage of being programmable with respect to
the type of decompression being performed. However, the need for a
more powerful processor clocked at a higher speed means that power
consumption will be correspondingly higher than for the first two
modes.
[2048] It will be appreciated that enabling all of these modes to
be selected in one MoPEC device requires the worst case features
for all of the modes to be implemented. So, for example, at least
256 kbytes of DRAM, the capacity for higher clock speeds, a
relatively powerful processor and the ability to selectively bypass
the CDU and LBD must all be implemented in MoPEC. Of course, one or
more of the modes can be omitted for any particular implementation,
with a corresponding removal of the limitations of the features
demanded by the availability of that mode.
[2049] In the preferred form, the MoPEC device is color space
agnostic. Although it can accept contone data as CMYX or RGBX,
where X is an optional 4th channel, it also can accept contone data
in any print color space. Additionally, MoPEC provides a mechanism
for arbitrary mapping of input channels to output channels,
including combining dots for ink optimization and generation of
channels based on any number of other channels. However, inputs are
preferably CMY for contone input and K (pushed into CMY by MOPEC)
for the bi-level input.
[2050] In the preferred form, the MoPEC device is also resolution
agnostic. It merely provides a mapping between input resolutions
and output resolutions by means of scale factors. The preferred
resolution is 1600 dpi, but MoPEC actually has no knowledge of the
physical resolution of the printhead to which it supplies dot
data.
TABLE-US-00003 Unit Subsystem Acronym Unit Name Description DRAM
DIU DRAM interface unit Provides interface for DRAM read and write
access for the various MoPEC units, CPU and the USB block. The DIU
provides arbitration between competing units and controls DRAM
access. DRAM Embedded DRAM 128 kbytes (or greater, depending upon
implementation) of embedded DRAM. CPU CPU Central Processing Unit
CPU for system configuration and control MMU Memory Management
Limits access to certain memory Unit address areas in CPU user mode
RDU Real-time Debug Unit Facilitates the observation of the
contents of most of the CPU addressable registers in MoPEC, in
addition to some pseudo- registers in real time TIM General Timer
ontains watchdog and general system timers LSS Low Speed Serial Low
level controller for Interface interfacing with QA chips GPIO
General Purpose IOs General IO controller, with built- in motor
control unit, LED pulse units and de-glitch circuitry ROM Boot ROM
16 KBytes of System Boot ROM code ICU Interrupt Controller Unit
General Purpose interrupt controller with configurable priority,
and masking. CPR Clock, Power and Reset Central Unit for
controlling and block generating the system clocks and resets and
powerdown mechanisms PSS Power Save Storage Storage retained while
system is powered down USB Universal Serial Bus USB device
controller for Device interfacing with the host USB. Print PCU PEP
controller Provides external CPU with the Engine means to read and
write PEP Unit Pipeline registers, and read and write DRAM (PEP) in
single 32-bit chunks. CDU Contone Decoder Unit Expands JPEG
compressed contone layer and writes decompressed contone to DRAM
CFU Contone FIFO Unit Provides line buffering between CDU and HCU
LBD Lossless Bi-level Expands compressed bi-level layer. Decoder
SFU Spot FIFO Unit Provides line buffering between LBD and HCU HCU
Halftoner Compositor Dithers contone layer and Unit composites the
bi-level spot and position tag dots. DNC Dead Nozzle Compensates
for dead nozzles by Compensator color redundancy and error
diffusing dead nozzle data into surrounding dots. DWU Dotline
Writer Unit Writes out dot data for a given printline to the line
store DRAM LLU Line Loader Unit Reads the expanded page image from
line store, formatting the data appropriately for the bi-lithic
printhead. PHI PrintHead Interface Responsible for sending dot data
to the printhead and for providing line synchronization between
multiple MoPECs. Also provides test interface to printhead such as
temperature monitoring and Dead Nozzle Identification.
Software Dot Generation
[2051] Whilst speed and power consumption considerations make
hardware acceleration desirable, it is also possible for some, most
or all of the functions performed by the MoPEC integrated circuit
to be performed by a general purpose processor programmed with
suitable software routines. Whilst power consumption will typically
increase to obtain similar performance with a general purpose
processor (due to the higher overheads associated with having a
general purpose processor perform highly specialized tasks such as
decompression and compositing), this solution also has the
advantage of easy customization and upgrading. For example, if a
new or updated JPEG standard becomes widely used, it may be
desirable to simply update the decompression algorithm performed by
a general purpose processor. The decision to move some or all of
the MOPEC integrated circuit's functionality into software needs to
be made commercially on a case by case basis.
QA Chips
[2052] The preferred form of the invention does not use QA chips to
authenticate the cartridge when it is inserted. However, in
alternative embodiments, the print cartridge has a QA chip 82 that
can be interrogated by a master QA chip 80 installed in the mobile
device (see FIG. 6). QA chips in this context are designed to
ensure the quality of the ink supply so the printhead nozzles will
not be damaged during prints, and the quality of the software to
ensure printheads and mechanics are not damaged.
[2053] There are a number of ways that QA chips can be used with
MoPEC. For example, each MoPEC can have an associated printer QA,
which stores printer attributes such as maximum print speed. An ink
cartridge for use with the system can also contain an ink QA chip,
which stores cartridge information such as the amount of ink
remaining. The cartridge can also have a QA chip configured to act
as a ROM (effectively as an EEPROM) that stores printhead-specific
information such as dead nozzle mapping and printhead
characteristics. The CPU in the MoPEC device can optionally load
and run program code from a QA Chip that effectively acts as a
serial EEPROM. Finally, the CPU in the SoPEC device can run a
logical QA chip (ie, a software QA chip).
[2054] Usually, all QA chips in the system are physically
identical, with only the contents of flash memory differentiating
one from the other.
[2055] Each MoPEC device has an LSS system bus that can communicate
with QA devices for system authentication and ink usage accounting.
A large number of QA devices can be communicated with via the
bus.
[2056] Data passed between the QA chips is authenticated by way of
digital signatures. In the preferred embodiment, HMAC-SHA1
authentication is used for data, and RSA is used for program code,
although other schemes could be used instead.
[2057] The QA chips preferably include some or all of the possible
protections mechanisms that make the QA chip relatively difficult
to attack. Many of these features are associated with the way in
which secret information (in the form of bit-patterns) is stored in
non-volatile memory of the QA chip (which in the preferred form is
flash memory). Others deal with hard-coded limitations in the way
software is loaded from flash memory. Yet others deal with the
hard-coded manner in which data in certain registers can be
modified; for example, registers containing data representing
remaining ink levels in a reservoir can only be decremented.
[2058] Any of a number of techniques can be used to make it more
difficult for potential hackers to extract key data (in the form of
bit-patterns) from non-volatile memory. For example: [2059] keys
are stored in different places in memory across multiple instances
of the QA device (the software for each device being customized
with the knowledge of that location); [2060] one or more of the
keys are stored as a key/inverse-key pair in the memory; and/or
[2061] a second key is stored indirectly in the non-volatile memory
in the form of a result of applying a function to the outcome of a
first function. The first function is applied to a first key (which
is stored in the non-volatile memory) and the outcome of applying a
one-way function to the second key. The by storing the first key
and result of the first function in the non-volatile memory, the
second key is stored only indirectly. The one way function will
usually be selected to be more cryptographically secure than the
first function.
[2062] Restrictions can be made on the way that communications are
handled and processed. For example: [2063] communications between
the QA chip in the cartridge and the QA chip in the mobile device
can be made relatively secure through the use of digital signatures
(preferably using variant keys, as described in various
applications and patents cross-referenced by assignee); and/or
[2064] signed messages between the QA chips can include, as part of
the payload, an indication of the type of instruction in the
payload;
[2065] There are also physical mechanisms protecting each QA chip.
For example, an anti-tamper line formed in a layer of the
integrated circuit causes resetting of the integrated circuit
and/or erasure of memory contents in the event it is tampered with.
This prevents attempts to shave off covering layers of
semiconductor to access memory contents using various scanning
mechanisms.
[2066] Another feature is the use of relatively unique identities
within a related series of QA chips. For example, each QA chip, or
at least each QA used in a particular range of products, stores its
own identity. The identity is relatively unique, which means that
it is either completely unique (i.e. it only ever appears on that
one QA chip and is never repeated on another QA chip), or it is
rare enough that it is highly unlikely an attacker learning the key
of one integrated circuit will be able to use it in compromising
another randomly selected integrated circuit.
[2067] All of these features are described in more detail in
assignee's published patent application U.S. Ser. No. 10/754,536
(Docket No. PEA25US) filed on Jan. 12, 2004, the contents of which
are incorporated herein by cross-reference.
Piezoelectric Drive System
[2068] FIGS. 19 to 22 show a piezoelectric drive system 126 for
driving print media past the printhead. As best shown in FIG. 21,
the drive system 126 includes a resonator 156 that includes a
support end 158, a through hole 160, a cantilever 162 and a spring
164. The support 158 is attached to the spring 164, which in turn
is attached to a mounting point 166 on the cradle 124. A
piezoelectric element 168 is disposed within the through hole 160,
extending across the hole to link the support end 158 with the
cantilever 162. The element 168 is positioned adjacent one end of
the hole so that when it deforms, the cantilever 162 deflects from
its quiescent position by a minute amount.
[2069] A tip 170 of the cantilever 162 is urged into contact with a
rim of a drive wheel 172 at an angle of about 50 degrees. In turn,
the drive wheel 172 engages a rubber roller 176 at the end of the
drive shaft 178. The drive shaft 178 engages and drives the print
media past the printhead (described below with reference to FIGS.
12 and 14).
[2070] Drive wires (not shown) are attached to opposite sides of
the piezoelectric element 168 to enable supply of a drive signal.
The spring, piezo and cantilever assembly is a structure with a set
of resonant frequencies. A drive signal excites the structure to
one of the resonant modes of vibration and causes the tip of the
cantilever 162 to move in such a way that the drive wheel 172
rotates. In simple terms, when piezoelectric element expands, the
tip 170 of the cantilever pushes into firmer contact with the rim
of the drive wheel. Because the rim and the tip are relatively
stiff, the moving tip causes slight rotation of the drive wheel in
the direction shown. During the rest of the resonant oscillation,
the tip 170 loses contact with the rim and withdraws slightly back
towards the starting position. The subsequent oscillation then
pushes the tip 170 down against the rim again, at a slightly
different point, to push the wheel through another small rotation.
The oscillatory motion of the tip 170 repeats in rapid succession
and the drive wheel is moved in a series of small angular
displacements. However, as the resonant frequency is high (of the
order of kHz), the wheel 172, for all intents and purposes, has a
constant angular velocity.
[2071] In the embodiment shown, a drive signal at about 85 kHz
rotates the drive wheel in the anti-clockwise direction (as shown
in FIG. 21).
[2072] Although the amount of movement per cycle is relatively
small (of the order of a few micrometres), the high rate at which
pulses are supplied means that a linear movement (i.e. movement of
the rim) of up to 300 mm per second can be achieved. A different
mode of oscillation can be caused by increasing the drive signal
frequency to 95 kHz, which causes the drive wheel to rotate in the
reverse direction. However, the preferred embodiment does not take
advantage of the reversibility of the piezoelectric drive.
[2073] Precise details of the operation of the piezoelectric drive
can be obtained from the manufacturer, Elliptec AG of Dortmund,
Germany.
Motor Drive System
[2074] FIGS. 23 to 27 show other embodiments of the print cartridge
148 and cradle 124 with DC motor drive systems for feeding the
medium 226 past the printhead 202. The print cartridge and cradle
of FIG. 23 uses a 6 mm diameter DC motor 242 with spur gears, while
FIG. 24 shows an 8 mm diameter DC motor and a range of spur gear
drive systems. FIGS. 26 and 27 also show 6 mm and 8 mm motors
respectively, but use a worm gear system to power the drive wheel
172. These embodiments show that motor and gear drive systems offer
a wider range of configurations and gearing ratios to suit
different devices, e.g. mobile phones, personal data assistants
etc.
[2075] Referring to FIG. 23, the longitudinal axis of the DC motor
242 is parallel with the longitudinal extent of the cartridge 148
and cradle 124. Spade terminals 244 extend from one end of the
motor for connection to the battery power supply. At the other end
of the motor 242 is a planetary gearbox 246 with a 4:1 reduction.
The output shaft of the gearbox is keyed to a drive gear 248. The
drive gear is a spur gear that meshes with and drive an
intermediate gear 250 on a stub axle mounted to the cradle 124. In
turn, the intermediate gear 250 drives the drive roller spur gear
252 that is mounted for fixed rotation with the elastomeric drive
roller 172.
[2076] As described above in relation to the piezo drive
embodiment, the elastomeric drive roller 172 engages the rubber
roller at the end of the drive shaft 178 in order to drive the
medium 226 past the printhead.
[2077] In FIG. 24, the 8 mm diameter DC motor 254 is again parallel
to the length of the cradle 124, but powered by a magnetic encoder
256 with 1+8 digital lines per revolution. This allows the print
engine controller (PEC) to register the number of revolutions, and
fractions of revolutions, of the motor 254. The PEC can use this to
gauge the position of the medium 226 relative to the printhead and
adjust the operation of the nozzles accordingly.
[2078] A planetary gearbox 246 is coupled to the output of the
motor 254. A 15 tooth drive gear 258 is keyed to the output shaft
of the gearbox 246. As with the 6 mm diameter motor, the drive gear
258 drives the drive roller spur gear 252 via the intermediate gear
250. This in turn powers the media drive shaft 178 via the rubber
roller 176 and the elastomeric drive roller 172.
[2079] The arrangement shown in FIG. 25 is the same as that shown
in FIG. 24 except the output shaft of the gearbox 246 has a 20
tooth drive gear 260. By changing the gear ratios, the print speed
(i.e. the speed of the drive shaft 178) can be varied. This, in
turn, affects the torque of the drive shaft 178 and therefore the
force with which the card 226 moves along the media feed path.
Print Cartridge
[2080] The print cartridge 148 is best shown in FIGS. 28 and 29,
and takes the form of an elongate, generally rectangular box. The
cartridge is based around a moulded housing 180 that includes three
elongate slots 182, 184 and 186 configured to hold respective
ink-bearing structures 188, 190, and 192. Each ink-bearing
structure is typically a block of sponge-like material or laminated
fibrous sheets. For example, these structures can be foam, a fibre
and perforated membrane laminate, a foam and perforated membrane
laminate, a folded perforated membrane, or sponge wrapped in
perforated membrane. The ink bearing structures 188, 190 and 192
contain substantial void regions that contain ink, and are
configured to prevent the ink moving around when the cartridge (or
mobile telecommunications device in which it is installed) is
shaken or otherwise moved. The amount of ink in each reservoir is
not critical, but a typical volume per color would be of the order
of 0.5 to 1.0 mL.
[2081] The porous material also has a capillary action that
establishes a negative pressure at the in ejection nozzles
(described in detail below). During periods of inactivity, the ink
is retained in the nozzle chambers by the surface tension of the
ink meniscus that forms across the nozzle. If the meniscus bulges
outwardly, it can `pin` itself to the nozzle rim to hold the ink in
the chamber. However, if it contacts paper dust or other
contaminants on the nozzle rim, the meniscus can be unpinned from
the rim and ink will leak out of the printhead through the
nozzle.
[2082] To address this, many ink cartridges are designed so that
the hydrostatic pressure of the ink in the chambers is less than
atmospheric pressure. This causes the meniscus at the nozzles to be
concave or drawn inwards. This stops the meniscus from touching
paper dust on the nozzle rim and removes the slightly positive
pressure in the chamber that would drive the ink to leak out.
[2083] A housing lid 194 fits onto the top of the print cartridge
to define ink reservoirs in conjunction with the ink slots 182, 184
and 186. The lid can be glued, ultra-sonically welded, or otherwise
form a seal with the upper edges of the ink slots to prevent the
inks from moving between reservoirs or exiting the print cartridge.
Ink holes 174 allow the reservoirs to be filled with ink during
manufacture. Microchannel vents 140 define tortuous paths along the
lid 196 between the ink holes 174 and the breather holes 154. These
vents allow pressure equalisation within the reservoirs when the
cartridge 148 is in use while the tortuous path prevents ink
leakage when the mobile phone 100 is moved through different
orientations. A label 196 covers the vents 140, and includes a
tear-off portion 198 that is removed before use to expose breather
holes 154 to vent the slots 182, 184 and 186 to atmosphere.
[2084] A series of outlets (not shown) in the bottom of each of the
slots 182, 184 and 186, lead to ink ducts 262 formed in the housing
180. The ducts are covered by a flexible sealing film 264 that
directs ink to a printhead IC 202. One edge of the printhead IC 202
is bonded to the conductors on a flexible TAB film 200. The bonds
are covered and protected by an encapsulant strip 204. Contacts 266
are formed on the TAB film 200 to enable power and data to be
supplied to the printhead IC 202 via the conductors on the TAB
film. The printhead IC 202 is mounted to the underside of the
housing 180 by the polymer sealing film 264. The film is laser
drilled so that ink in the ducts 262 can flow to the printhead IC
202. The sealing and ink delivery aspects of the film as discussed
in greater detail below.
[2085] A capper 206 is attached to the chassis 180 by way of slots
208 that engage with corresponding moulded pins 210 on the housing.
In its capped position, the capper 206 encloses and protects
exposed ink in the nozzles (described below) of the printhead 202.
A pair of co-moulded elastomeric seals 240 on either side of the
printhead IC 202 reduces its exposure to dust and air that can
cause drying and clogging of the nozzles.
[2086] A metal cover 224 snaps into place during assembly to cover
the capper 206 and hold it in position. The metal cover is
generally U-shaped in cross section, and includes entry and exit
slots 214 and 152 to allow media to enter and leave the print
cartridge. Tongues 216 at either end of the metal cover 224
includes holes 218 that engages with complementary moulded pawls
220 in the lid 194. A pair of capper leaf springs 238 are pressed
from the bottom of the U-shape to bias the capper 206 against the
printhead 202. A tamper resistant label 222 is applied to prevent
casual interference with the print cartridge 148.
[2087] As discussed above, the media drive shaft 178 extends across
the width of the housing 180 and is retained for rotation by
corresponding holes 226 in the housing. The elastomeric drive wheel
176 is mounted to one end of the drive shaft 178 for engagement
with the linear drive mechanism 126 when the print cartridge 148 is
inserted into the mobile telecommunications device prior to
use.
Alternative Print Cartridges
[2088] An alternative cartridge 290 is shown in FIGS. 30 to 36.
This cartridge design shares a number of features with that shown
in FIGS. 28 and 29, and corresponding components are designated
with the same reference numerals.
[2089] The primary difference of the alternative cartridge is that
the negative pressure in the reservoirs 288 (see FIG. 33) is
provided by biasing a flexible membrane wall towards increasing the
ink storage volume. As discussed above, the negative pressure is
necessary to guard against ink leakage from the nozzles. As best
shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the negative pressure reservoirs 288 are
arranged in a series across the print width of the cartridge 290. A
preformed membrane 294 is attached to corresponding formations 294
in housing 180 to define the three reservoirs 288. The membrane 292
includes apertures 296 communicating with the respective
reservoirs, each aperture 296 being fitted with a closed cell
neoprene or self-sealing silicon bung 298. To fill the reservoirs,
a hollow needle (not shown) penetrates the bung 298 to inject the
ink. When the needle is withdrawn, the bung 298 reseals the
reservoir. It may be desirable to introduce two needles for
refilling, one of the needles being used to allow air from within
the reservoir to exit as it is replaced by ink.
[2090] Referring to FIGS. 34, 35 and 36, each bung 298 includes a
cap formation 300 that sits proud of the corresponding reservoir
288, to engage a spring 302 that extends across the print width of
the cartridge. In the embodiment shown, the spring 302 includes
collars 304 spaced along its length for engaging the respective
formations 300, and serpentine portions 306 each side of the
respective apertures 304 to provide resilience. At each end of the
spring 302, a portion is bent to form a short finger 308 that
engages a complementary notch 310 formed in the housing 180.
[2091] A lid 194 encloses the membrane 292 and includes spring
supports 312 for locating and supporting corresponding sections of
the spring 302. Apertures 314 in the lid expose the cap formations
300 for filling.
[2092] The ink distribution system is different in the alternative
cartridge because of the different way the reservoirs 288 are set
out with respect to the print width. In particular, the alternative
cartridge includes two ink distribution layers that distribute the
inks from the respective reservoirs along the print width of the
cartridge and to the respective rows of print nozzles. As best
shown in FIG. 35, each of the reservoirs have two ink outlets 316.
The ink outlets 316 feed ink to ink distribution channels 324 in
bottom of the housing 180. There are three channels 324; one for
the cyan, magenta and yellow ink respectively. Each channel 324
extends the length of the printhead IC 202 as the different color
in each reservoir 288 needs to be delivered across the entire
printing width. The distribution channels 324 are overlaid by an
ink duct film layer 318. This layer 318 has holes in its top
surface connecting a series of ducts 320 in its lower surface. The
ducts 320 are sealed by the sealing film 264. Laser drilled holes
322 through the sealing film direct the ink from the ducts to the
reverse side of the printhead IC 202.
[2093] Another cartridge design is shown in FIGS. 37 to 39. This
cartridge is very similar to that shown FIGS. 28 and 29 with the
main differences residing in the ink retaining structures 188, 190
and 192. The ink retaining structures are compressed foam divided
into sections by partial cuts 368 extending the majority of the way
through the thickness of the structures. Ink baffles 366 depend
from the underside of the cartridge lid 194 and slot into the
partial cuts 368 to provide solid barriers between adjacent
sections of the ink retaining structures 188, 190 and 192.
[2094] The baffles 366 resist the ink pooling at one end of the
cartridge if it happens to be held in a substantially vertical
orientation for extended periods of time. If the ink pools at one
end of the cartridge, the other end can prematurely run out of ink
during use. While there is still some communication between
adjacent sections (the cross section below each of the partial cuts
368), the capillary action of the porous structures and the
relatively small area of the communicating section retards the ink
draining to the lower end. The rate that the ink drains to the
lower end is at least slow enough to keep ink in all sections of
the ink retaining structure in the cartridge is left in an upright
orientation over night.
[2095] Completely sealing adjacent sections from each other reduces
the amount of ink that is used before the cartridge needs to be
replaced. Without any ink flow between adjacent sections, one color
will deplete from one of the sections before the others because ink
usage along the length of the printhead IC 202 is rarely uniform.
To assist the ink from one section to flow to the nozzles fed by a
depleted section, a wick 364 at the bottom of each of the slots
182, 184 and 186 keeps ink over the ink outlets (not shown) in the
housing 180. The outlets communicate with a series of ink delivery
ducts formed in the underside of the housing 180. As best shown in
FIG. 39, the ink delivery ducts 262 direct the ink to a central ink
delivery section 370 where it can be fed to the back of the
printhead IC 202. Between each of the ink delivery ducts 262 lead
are ink balance ducts 372. The balance ducts 372 put each of the
ink outlets in fluid communication with its adjacent outlets.
Depletion of ink in one section is addressed by drawing ink from
adjacent sections through the balance ducts 372. The ducts 262 and
372 must be small enough so as to always retain ink regardless of
whether the cartridge is in an upright orientation.
[2096] The ducts 262 and 372 are sealed by a flexible sealing film
264 adhered to the underside of the housing 180. The printhead IC
202 is adhered to the other side of the sealing film 264. The
printhead IC 202 has ink inlets for its nozzles (described below)
on its reverse side (the side adhered to the film 264). The
printhead IC 202 is adhered to the film 264 so that its inlets are
in registration with an array of laser drilled holes in the film.
The laser drilled holes connect the printhead IC 202 ink inlets
with the ink deliver points spaced along the ink delivery section
370 of the housing 180. The sealing and ink delivery aspects of the
film as discussed in greater detail below.
[2097] One edge of the printhead IC 202 is bonded to the conductors
on a flexible TAB film 200. The bonds are covered and protected by
an encapsulant strip 204. Contacts 266 are formed on the TAB film
200 to supply power to the printhead IC 202 via the power/ground
contacts 382 (c.f. the power/data connector 330 in other
cartridges).
Printhead Mechanical
[2098] In the preferred form, a Memjet printer includes a
monolithic pagewidth printhead. The printhead is a three-color 1600
dpi monolithic chip with an active print length of 2.165'' (55.0
mm). The printhead chip is about 800 microns wide and about 200
microns thick.
[2099] Power and ground are supplied to the printhead chip via two
copper busbars approximately 200 microns thick, which are
electrically connected to contact points along the chip with
conductive adhesive. One end of the chip has several data pads that
are wire bonded or ball bonded out to a small flex PCB and then
encapsulated, as described in more detail elsewhere.
[2100] In alternative embodiments, the printhead can be constructed
using two or more printhead chips, as described in relation to the
SoPEC-based bilithic printhead arrangement described U.S. Ser. No.
10/754,536 (Docket No. PEA25US) filed on Jan. 12, 2004, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference. In
yet other embodiments, the printhead can be formed from one or more
monolithic printheads comprising linking printhead modules as
described U.S. Ser. No. 10/754,536 (Docket No. PEA25US) filed on
Jan. 12, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
cross-reference.
[2101] In the preferred form, the printhead is designed to at least
partially self-destruct in some way to prevent unauthorized
refilling with ink that might be of questionable quality.
Self-destruction can be performed in any suitable way, but the
preferred mechanism is to include at least one fusible link within
the printhead that is selectively blown when it is determined that
the ink has been consumed or a predetermined number of prints has
been performed.
[2102] Alternatively or additionally, the printhead can be designed
to enable at least partial re-use of some or all of its components
as part of a remanufacturing process.
[2103] Fusible links on the printhead integrated circuit (or on a
separate integrated circuit in the cartridge) can also be used to
store other information that the manufacturer would prefer not to
be modified by end-users. A good example of such information is
ink-remaining data. By tracking ink usage and selectively blowing
fusible links, the cartridge can maintain an unalterable record of
ink usage. For example, ten fusible links can be provided, with one
of the fusible links being blown each time it is determined that a
further 10% of the total remaining ink has been used. A set of
links can be provided for each ink or for the inks in aggregate.
Alternatively or additionally, a fusible link can be blown in
response to a predetermined number of prints being performed.
[2104] Fusible links can also be provided in the cartridge and
selectively blown during or after manufacture of the cartridge to
encode an identifier (unique, relatively unique, or otherwise) in
the cartridge.
[2105] The fusible links can be associated with one or more shift
register elements in the same way as data is loaded for printing
(as described in more detail below). Indeed, the required shift
register elements can form part of the same chain of register
elements that are loaded with dot data for printing. In this way,
the MoPEC chip is able to control blowing of fusible links simply
by changing data that is inserted into the stream of data loaded
during printing. Alternatively or additionally, the data for
blowing one or more fusible links can be loaded during a separate
operation to dot-data loading (ie, dot data is loaded as all
zeros). Yet another alternative is for the fusible links to be
provided with their own shift register which is loaded
independently of the dot data shift register.
[2106] FIGS. 40 and 41 show basic circuit diagrams of a 10-fuse
link and a single fuse cell respectively. FIG. 40 shows a shift
register 373 that can be loaded with values to be programmed into
the 1-bit fuse cells 375, 377 and 379. Each shift register latch
381, 383 and 385 connects to a 1-bit fuse cell respectively,
providing the program value to its corresponding cell. The fuses
are programmed by setting the fuse program enable signal 387 to 1.
The fuse cell values 391, 393 and 395 are loaded into a 10-bit
register 389. This value 389 can be accessed by the printhead IC
control logic, for example to inhibit printing when the fuse value
is all ones. Alternatively or additionally, the value 397 can be
read serially by MoPEC, to see the state of the fuses 375, 377 and
379 after MoPEC is powered up.
[2107] A possible fuse cell 375 is shown in FIG. 41. Before being
blown, the fuse element structure itself has a electrical
resistance 405, which is substantially lower than the value of the
pullup resistor 407. This pulls down the node A, which is buffered
to provide the fuse_value output 391, initially a zero. A fuse is
blown when fuse_program_enable 387 and fuse_program_value 399 are
both 1. This causes the PFET 409 connecting node A to Vpos is turn
on, and current flows that causes the fuse element to go open
circuit, i.e. resistor 405 becomes infinite. Now the fuse_value
output 391 will read back as a one.
Sealing the Printhead
[2108] As briefly mentioned above, the printhead IC 202 is mounted
to the underside of the housing 180 by the polymer sealing film 264
(see FIG. 29). This film may be a thermoplastic film such as a PET
or Polysulphone film, or it may be in the form of a thermoset film,
such as those manufactured by AL technologies and Rogers
Corporation. The polymer sealing film 264 is a laminate with
adhesive layers on both sides of a central film, and laminated onto
the underside of the moulded housing 180. A plurality of holes (not
shown) are laser drilled through the sealing film 264 to coincide
with ink delivery points in the ink ducts 262 (or in the case of
the alternative cartridge, the ink ducts 320 in the film layer 318)
so that the printhead IC 202 is in fluid communication with the ink
ducts 262 and therefore the ink retaining structures 188, 190 and
192.
[2109] The thickness of the polymer sealing film 264 is critical to
the effectiveness of the ink seal it provides. The film seals the
ink ducts 262 on the housing 180 (or the ink ducts 320 in the film
layer 318) as well as the ink conduits (not shown) on the reverse
side of the printhead IC 202. However, as the film 264 seals across
the ducts 262, it can also bulge into one of conduits on the
reverse side of the printhead IC 202. The section of film bulging
into the conduit, may run across several of the ink ducts 262 in
the printhead IC 202. The sagging may cause a gap that breaches the
seal and allows ink to leak from the printhead IC 202 and or
between the conduits on its reverse side.
[2110] To guard against this, the polymer sealing film 264 should
be thick enough to account for any bulging into the ink ducts 262
(or the ink ducts 320 in the film layer 318) while maintaining the
seal on the back of the printhead IC 202. The minimum thickness of
the polymer sealing film 264 will depend on: [2111] the width of
the conduit into which it sags; [2112] the thickness of the
adhesive layers in the film's laminate structure; [2113] the
`stiffness` of the adhesive layer as the printhead IC 202 is being
pushed into it; and, [2114] the modulus of the central film
material of the laminate.
[2115] A polymer sealing film 264 thickness of 25 microns is
adequate for the printhead IC and cartridge assembly shown.
However, increasing the thickness to 50, 100 or even 200 microns
will correspondingly increase the reliability of the seal
provided.
Printhead CMOS
[2116] Turning now to FIGS. 42 to 47, a preferred embodiment of the
printhead 420 (comprising printhead IC 425) will be described.
[2117] FIG. 42 shows an overview of printhead IC 425 and its
connections to the MoPEC device 166. Printhead IC 425 includes a
nozzle core array 401 containing the repeated logic to fire each
nozzle, and nozzle control logic 402 to generate the timing signals
to fire the nozzles. The nozzle control logic 402 receives data
from the MoPEC chip 166 via a high-speed link. In the preferred
form, a single MoPEC chip 166 feeds the two printhead ICs 425 and
426 with print data.
[2118] The nozzle control logic is configured to send serial data
to the nozzle array core for printing, via a link 407, which for
printhead 425 is the electrical connector 428. Status and other
operational information about the nozzle array core 401 is
communicated back to the nozzle control logic via another link 408,
which is also provided on the electrical connector 428.
[2119] The nozzle array core 401 is shown in more detail in FIGS.
43 and 44. In FIG. 43, it will be seen that the nozzle array core
comprises an array of nozzle columns 501. The array includes a
fire/select shift register 502 and three color channels, each of
which is represented by a corresponding dot shift register 503.
[2120] As shown in FIG. 44, the fire/select shift register 502
includes a forward path fire shift register 600, a reverse path
fire shift register 601 and a select shift register 602. Each dot
shift register 503 includes an odd dot shift register 603 and an
even dot shift register 604. The odd and even dot shift registers
603 and 604 are connected at one end such that data is clocked
through the odd shift register 603 in one direction, then through
the even shift register 604 in the reverse direction. The output of
all but the final even dot shift register is fed to one input of a
multiplexer 605. This input of the multiplexer is selected by a
signal (corescan) during post-production testing. In normal
operation, the corescan signal selects dot data input Dot[x]
supplied to the other input of the multiplexer 605. This causes
Dot[x] for each color to be supplied to the respective dot shift
registers 503.
[2121] A single column N will now be described with reference to
FIG. 44. In the embodiment shown, the column N includes six data
values, comprising an odd data value held by an element 606 of the
odd shift register 603, and an even data value held by an element
607 of the even shift register 604, for each of the three dot shift
registers 503. Column N also includes an odd fire value 608 from
the forward fire shift register 600 and an even fire value 609 from
the reverse fire shift register 601, which are supplied as inputs
to a multiplexer 610. The output of the multiplexer 610 is
controlled by the select value 611 in the select shift register
602. When the select value is zero, the odd fire value is output,
and when the select value is one, the even fire value is
output.
[2122] The values from the shift register elements 606 and 607 are
provided as inputs to respective odd and even dot latches 612 and
613 respectively.
[2123] Each of dot latch 612 and 613 and their respective
associated shift register elements form a unit cell 614, which is
shown in more detail in FIG. 45. The dot latch 612 is a D-type
flip-flop that accepts the output of the shift register element
606. The data input d to the shift register element 606 is provided
from the output of a previous element in the odd dot shift register
(unless the element under consideration is the first element in the
shift register, in which case its input is the Dot[x] value). Data
is clocked from the output of flip-flop 606 into latch 612 upon
receipt of a negative pulse provided on LsyncL.
[2124] The output of latch 612 is provided as one of the inputs to
a three-input AND gate 65. Other inputs to the AND gate 615 are the
Fr signal (from the output of multiplexer 610) and a pulse profile
signal Pr. The firing time of a nozzle is controlled by the pulse
profile signal Pr, and can be, for example, lengthened to take into
account a low voltage condition that arises due to low battery (in
a battery-powered embodiment). This is to ensure that a relatively
consistent amount of ink is efficiently ejected from each nozzle as
it is fired. In the embodiment described, the profile signal Pr is
the same for each dot shift register, which provides a balance
between complexity, cost and performance. However, in other
embodiments, the Pr signal can be applied globally (ie, is the same
for all nozzles), or can be individually tailored to each unit cell
or even to each nozzle.
[2125] Once the data is loaded into the latch 612, the fire enable
Fr and pulse profile Pr signals are applied to the AND gate 615,
combining to the trigger the nozzle to eject a dot of ink for each
latch 612 that contains a logic 1.
[2126] The signals for each nozzle channel are summarized in the
following table:
TABLE-US-00004 Name Direction Description d Input Input dot pattern
to shift register bit q Output Output dot pattern from shift
register bit SrClk Input Shift register clock in - d is captured on
rising edge of this clock LsyncL Input Fire enable - needs to be
asserted for nozzle to fire Pr Input Profile - needs to be asserted
for nozzle to fire
[2127] As shown in FIG. 45, the fire signals Fr are routed on a
diagonal, to enable firing of one color in the current column, the
next color in the following column, and so on. This averages the
current demand by spreading it over the three nozzle columns in
time-delayed fashion.
[2128] The dot latches and the latches forming the various shift
registers are fully static in this embodiment, and are CMOS-based.
The design and construction of latches is well known to those
skilled in the art of integrated circuit engineering and design,
and so will not be described in detail in this document.
[2129] The combined printhead ICs define a printhead having 13824
nozzles per color. The circuitry supporting each nozzle is the
same, but the pairing of nozzles happens due to physical
positioning of the MEMS nozzles; odd and even nozzles are not
actually on the same horizontal line, as shown in FIG. 46.
Nozzle Design--Mechanical Actuator
[2130] A preferred nozzle design (comprising nozzle and
corresponding actuator) for use in the printhead chip 216 will now
be described with reference to FIGS. 21.1-46 to 21.1-55. FIG. 47
shows an array of the nozzles 801 formed on a silicon substrate
8015. All the nozzles 810 in the printhead chip 216 are the same as
each other, but are grouped together into rows, each row being fed
a particular ink color. It will be appreciated that the particular
number/resolution of the nozzles, the number of rows of the
nozzles, their position and offset relative to each other, and the
specific combination of inks and fixatives output by a particular
cartridge will vary from embodiment to embodiment.
[2131] It will be noted that in the embodiment illustrated, rows of
the nozzles 801 are staggered with respect to each other, allowing
closer spacing of ink dots during printing than would be possible
with a single row of nozzles.
[2132] Each nozzle arrangement 801 is the product of an integrated
circuit fabrication technique. In particular, the nozzle
arrangement 801 defines a micro-electromechanical system
(MEMS).
[2133] For clarity and ease of description, the construction and
operation of a single nozzle arrangement 801 will be described with
reference to FIGS. 48 to 57.
[2134] The ink jet printhead chip 12 includes a silicon wafer
substrate 801. 0.35 Micron 1 P4M 12 volt CMOS microprocessing
circuitry is positioned on the silicon wafer substrate 8015.
[2135] A silicon dioxide (or alternatively glass) layer 8017 is
positioned on the wafer substrate 8015. The silicon dioxide layer
8017 defines CMOS dielectric layers. CMOS top-level metal defines a
pair of aligned aluminium electrode contact layers 8030 positioned
on the silicon dioxide layer 8017. Both the silicon wafer substrate
8015 and the silicon dioxide layer 8017 are etched to define an ink
inlet channel 8014 having a generally circular cross section (in
plan). An aluminium diffusion barrier 8028 of CMOS metal 1, CMOS
metal 2/3 and CMOS top level metal is positioned in the silicon
dioxide layer 8017 about the ink inlet channel 8014. The diffusion
barrier 8028 serves to inhibit the diffusion of hydroxyl ions
through CMOS oxide layers of the drive circuitry layer 8017.
[2136] A passivation layer in the form of a layer of silicon
nitride 8031 is positioned over the aluminium contact layers 8030
and the silicon dioxide layer 8017. Each portion of the passivation
layer 8031 positioned over the contact layers 8030 has an opening
8032 defined therein to provide access to the contacts 8030.
[2137] The nozzle arrangement 801 includes a nozzle chamber 8029
defined by an annular nozzle wall 8033, which terminates at an
upper end in a nozzle roof 8034 and a radially inner nozzle rim 804
that is circular in plan. The ink inlet channel 8014 is in fluid
communication with the nozzle chamber 8029. At a lower end of the
nozzle wall, there is disposed a moving rim 8010, that includes a
moving seal lip 8040. An encircling wall 8038 surrounds the movable
nozzle, and includes a stationary seal lip 8039 that, when the
nozzle is at rest as shown in FIG. 50, is adjacent the moving rim
8010. A fluidic seal 8011 is formed due to the surface tension of
ink trapped between the stationary seal lip 8039 and the moving
seal lip 8040. This prevents leakage of ink from the chamber whilst
providing a low resistance coupling between the encircling wall
8038 and the nozzle wall 8033.
[2138] As best shown in FIG. 57, a plurality of radially extending
recesses 8035 is defined in the roof 8034 about the nozzle rim 804.
The recesses 8035 serve to contain radial ink flow as a result of
ink escaping past the nozzle rim 804.
[2139] The nozzle wall 8033 forms part of a lever arrangement that
is mounted to a carrier 8036 having a generally U-shaped profile
with a base 8037 attached to the layer 8031 of silicon nitride.
[2140] The lever arrangement also includes a lever arm 8018 that
extends from the nozzle walls and incorporates a lateral stiffening
beam 8022. The lever arm 8018 is attached to a pair of passive
beams 806, formed from titanium nitride (TiN) and positioned on
either side of the nozzle arrangement, as best shown in FIGS. 50
and 51. The other ends of the passive beams 806 are attached to the
carrier 8036.
[2141] The lever arm 8018 is also attached to an actuator beam 807,
which is formed from TiN. It will be noted that this attachment to
the actuator beam is made at a point a small but critical distance
higher than the attachments to the passive beam 806.
[2142] As best shown in FIGS. 51 and 56, the actuator beam 807 is
substantially U-shaped in plan, defining a current path between the
electrode 809 and an opposite electrode 8041. Each of the
electrodes 809 and 8041 are electrically connected to respective
points in the contact layer 8030. As well as being electrically
coupled via the contacts 809, the actuator beam is also
mechanically anchored to anchor 808. The anchor 808 is configured
to constrain motion of the actuator beam 807 to the left of FIGS.
21.1-52 to 54 when the nozzle arrangement is in operation.
[2143] The TiN in the actuator beam 807 is conductive, but has a
high enough electrical resistance that it undergoes self-heating
when a current is passed between the electrodes 809 and 8041. No
current flows through the passive beams 806, so they do not
expand.
[2144] In use, the device at rest is filled with ink 8013 that
defines a meniscus 803 under the influence of surface tension. The
ink is retained in the chamber 8029 by the meniscus, and will not
generally leak out in the absence of some other physical
influence.
[2145] As shown in FIG. 50, to fire ink from the nozzle, a current
is passed between the contacts 809 and 8041, passing through the
actuator beam 807. The self-heating of the beam 807 due to its
resistance causes the beam to expand. The dimensions and design of
the actuator beam 807 mean that the majority of the expansion is in
a horizontal direction with respect to FIGS. 50 to 53. The
expansion is constrained to the left by the anchor 808, so the end
of the actuator beam 807 adjacent the lever arm 8018 is impelled to
the right.
[2146] The relative horizontal inflexibility of the passive beams
806 prevents them from allowing much horizontal movement the lever
arm 8018. However, the relative displacement of the attachment
points of the passive beams and actuator beam respectively to the
lever arm causes a twisting movement that causes the lever arm 8018
to move generally downwards. The movement is effectively a pivoting
or hinging motion. However, the absence of a true pivot point means
that the rotation is about a pivot region defined by bending of the
passive beams 806.
[2147] The downward movement (and slight rotation) of the lever arm
8018 is amplified by the distance of the nozzle wall 8033 from the
passive beams 806. The downward movement of the nozzle walls and
roof causes a pressure increase within the chamber 29, causing the
meniscus to bulge as shown in FIG. 49. It will be noted that the
surface tension of the ink means the fluid seal 11 is stretched by
this motion without allowing ink to leak out.
[2148] As shown in FIG. 50, at the appropriate time, the drive
current is stopped and the actuator beam 807 quickly cools and
contracts. The contraction causes the lever arm to commence its
return to the quiescent position, which in turn causes a reduction
in pressure in the chamber 8029. The interplay of the momentum of
the bulging ink and its inherent surface tension, and the negative
pressure caused by the upward movement of the nozzle chamber 8029
causes thinning, and ultimately snapping, of the bulging meniscus
to define an ink drop 802 that continues upwards until it contacts
an adjacent print medium.
[2149] Immediately after the drop 802 detaches, the meniscus forms
the concave shape shown in FIG. 50. Surface tension causes the
pressure in the chamber 8029 to remain relatively low until ink has
been sucked upwards through the inlet 8014, which returns the
nozzle arrangement and the ink to the quiescent situation shown in
FIG. 50.
[2150] As best shown in FIG. 52, the nozzle arrangement also
incorporates a test mechanism that can be used both
post-manufacture and periodically after the printhead is installed.
The test mechanism includes a pair of contacts 8020 that are
connected to test circuitry (not shown). A bridging contact 8019 is
provided on a finger 8043 that extends from the lever arm 8018.
Because the bridging contact 8019 is on the opposite side of the
passive beams 806, actuation of the nozzle causes the priding
contact to move upwardly, into contact with the contacts 8020. Test
circuitry can be used to confirm that actuation causes this closing
of the circuit formed by the contacts 8019 and 8020. If the circuit
closed appropriately, it can generally be assumed that the nozzle
is operative.
Nozzle Design--Thermal Actuator
[2151] An alternative nozzle design utilises a thermal inkjet
mechanism for expelling ink from each nozzle. The thermal nozzles
are set out similarly to their mechanical equivalents, and are
supplied by similar control signals by similar CMOS circuitry,
albeit with different pulse profiles if required by any differences
in drive characteristics need to be accounted for.
[2152] With reference to FIGS. 58 to 62, the nozzle of a printhead
according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a nozzle
plate 902 with nozzles 903 therein, the nozzles having nozzle rims
904, and apertures 905 extending through the nozzle plate. The
nozzle plate 902 is plasma etched from a silicon nitride structure
which is deposited, by way of chemical vapor deposition (CVD), over
a sacrificial material which is subsequently etched.
[2153] The printhead also includes, with respect to each nozzle
903, side walls 906 on which the nozzle plate is supported, a
chamber 907 defined by the walls and the nozzle plate 902, a
multi-layer substrate 908 and an inlet passage 909 extending
through the multi-layer substrate to the far side (not shown) of
the substrate. A looped, elongate heater element 910 is suspended
within the chamber 907, so that the element is in the form of a
suspended beam. The printhead as shown is a microelectromechanical
system (MEMS) structure, which is formed by a lithographic process
which is described in more detail below.
[2154] When the printhead is in use, ink 911 from a reservoir (not
shown) enters the chamber 907 via the inlet passage 909, so that
the chamber fills to the level as shown in FIG. 58. Thereafter, the
heater element 910 is heated for somewhat less than 1 micro second,
so that the heating is in the form of a thermal pulse. It will be
appreciated that the heater element 910 is in thermal contact with
the ink 911 in the chamber 907 so that when the element is heated,
this causes the generation of vapor bubbles 912 in the ink.
Accordingly, the ink 911 constitutes a bubble forming liquid. FIG.
58 shows the formation of a bubble 912 approximately 1 microsecond
after generation of the thermal pulse, that is, when the bubble has
just nucleated on the heater elements 910. It will be appreciated
that, as the heat is applied in the form of a pulse, all the energy
necessary to generate the bubble 12 is to be supplied within that
short time.
[2155] In operation, voltage is applied across electrodes (not
shown) to cause current to flow through the elements 910. The
electrodes 915 are much thicker than the element 910 so that most
of the electrical resistance is provided by the element. Thus,
nearly all of the power consumed in operating the heater 914 is
dissipated via the element 910, in creating the thermal pulse
referred to above.
[2156] When the element 910 is heated as described above, the
bubble 912 forms along the length of the element, this bubble
appearing, in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 58, as four bubble
portions, one for each of the element portions shown in cross
section.
[2157] The bubble 912, once generated, causes an increase in
pressure within the chamber 97, which in turn causes the ejection
of a drop 916 of the ink 911 through the nozzle 903. The rim 904
assists in directing the drop 916 as it is ejected, so as to
minimize the chance of drop misdirection.
[2158] The reason that there is only one nozzle 903 and chamber 907
per inlet passage 909 is so that the pressure wave generated within
the chamber, on heating of the element 910 and forming of a bubble
912, does not affect adjacent chambers and their corresponding
nozzles.
[2159] The advantages of the heater element 910 being suspended
rather than being embedded in any solid material, is discussed
below.
[2160] FIGS. 59 and 60 show the unit cell 901 at two successive
later stages of operation of the printhead. It can be seen that the
bubble 912 generates further, and hence grows, with the resultant
advancement of ink 911 through the nozzle 903. The shape of the
bubble 912 as it grows, as shown in FIG. 60, is determined by a
combination of the inertial dynamics and the surface tension of the
ink 911. The surface tension tends to minimize the surface area of
the bubble 912 so that, by the time a certain amount of liquid has
evaporated, the bubble is essentially disk-shaped.
[2161] The increase in pressure within the chamber 907 not only
pushes ink 911 out through the nozzle 903, but also pushes some ink
back through the inlet passage 909. However, the inlet passage 909
is approximately 200 to 300 microns in length, and is only
approximately 16 microns in diameter. Hence there is a substantial
viscous drag. As a result, the predominant effect of the pressure
rise in the chamber 907 is to force ink out through the nozzle 903
as an ejected drop 916, rather than back through the inlet passage
909.
[2162] Turning now to FIG. 61, the printhead is shown at a still
further successive stage of operation, in which the ink drop 916
that is being ejected is shown during its "necking phase" before
the drop breaks off. At this stage, the bubble 912 has already
reached its maximum size and has then begun to collapse towards the
point of collapse 917, as reflected in more detail in FIG. 62.
[2163] The collapsing of the bubble 912 towards the point of
collapse 917 causes some ink 911 to be drawn from within the nozzle
903 (from the sides 918 of the drop), and some to be drawn from the
inlet passage 909, towards the point of collapse. Most of the ink
911 drawn in this manner is drawn from the nozzle 903, forming an
annular neck 919 at the base of the drop 916 prior to its breaking
off.
[2164] The drop 916 requires a certain amount of momentum to
overcome surface tension forces, in order to break off. As ink 911
is drawn from the nozzle 903 by the collapse of the bubble 912, the
diameter of the neck 919 reduces thereby reducing the amount of
total surface tension holding the drop, so that the momentum of the
drop as it is ejected out of the nozzle is sufficient to allow the
drop to break off.
[2165] When the drop 916 breaks off, cavitation forces are caused
as reflected by the arrows 920, as the bubble 912 collapses to the
point of collapse 917. It will be noted that there are no solid
surfaces in the vicinity of the point of collapse 917 on which the
cavitation can have an effect.
Cradle
[2166] The various cartridges described above are used in the same
way, since the mobile device itself cannot tell which ink supply
system is in use. Hence, the cradle will be described with
reference to the cartridge 148 only.
[2167] Referring to FIG. 63, the cartridge 148 is inserted axially
into the mobile phone 100 via the access cover 282 and into
engagement with the cradle 124. As previously shown in FIGS. 19 and
21, the cradle 124 is an elongate U-shaped moulding defining a
channel that is dimensioned to closely correspond to the dimensions
of the print cartridge 148. Referring now to FIG. 64, the cartridge
148 slides along the rail 328 upon insertion into the mobile phone
100. The edge of the lid moulding 194 fits under the rail 328 for
positional tolerance control. As shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 the
contacts 266 on the cartridge TAB film 200 are urged against the
data/power connector 330 in the cradle. The other side of the
data/power connector 330 contacts the cradle flex PCB 332. This PCB
connects the cartridge and the MoPEC chip to the power and the host
electronics (not shown) of the mobile phone, to provide power and
dot data to the printhead to enable it to print. The interaction
between the MoPEC chip and the host electronics of the mobile
telecommunications device is described in the Netpage and Mobile
Telecommunications Device Overview section above.
Media Feed
[2168] FIGS. 12 to 14 show the medium being fed through the mobile
telecommunications device and printed by the printhead. FIG. 12
shows the blank medium 226, in this case a card, being fed into the
left side of the mobile phone 100. FIG. 13 is section view taken
along A-A of FIG. 12. It shows the card 226 entering the mobile
telecommunications device through a card insertion slot 228 and
into the media feed path leading to the print cartridge 148 and
print cradle 124. The rear cover moulding 106 has guide ribs that
taper the width of the media feed path into a duct slightly thicker
than the card 226. In FIG. 13 the card 226 has not yet entered the
print cartridge 148 through the slot 214 in the metal cover 224.
The metal cover 224 has a series of spring fingers 230 (described
in more detail below) formed along one edge of the entry slot 214.
These fingers 230 are biased against the drive shaft 178 so that
when the card 226 enters the slot 214, as shown in FIG. 14, the
fingers guide it to the drive shaft 178. The nip between the drive
shaft 178 and the fingers 230 engages the card 226 and it is
quickly drawn between them. The fingers 230 press the card 226
against the drive shaft 178 to drive it past the printhead 202 by
friction. The drive shaft 178 has a rubber coating to enhance its
grip on the medium 226. Media feed during printing is described in
a later section.
[2169] It is preferred that the drive mechanism be selected to
print the print medium in about 2 to 4 seconds. Faster speeds
require relatively higher drive currents and impose restrictions on
peak battery output, whilst slower speeds may be unacceptable to
consumers. However, faster or slower speeds can certainly be
catered for where there is commercial demand.
Decapping
[2170] The decapping of the printhead 202 is shown in FIGS. 65 to
74. FIG. 65 shows print cartridge 148 immediately before the card
226 is fed into the entry slot 214. The capper 206 is biased into
the capped position by the capper leaf springs 238. The capper's
elastomeric seal 240 protects the printhead from paper dust and
other contaminants while also stoppping the ink in the nozzles from
drying out when the printhead is not in use.
[2171] Referring to FIGS. 65 and 68, the card 226 has been fed into
the print cartridge 148 via the entry slot 214. The spring fingers
230 urge the card against the drive shaft 178 as it driven past the
printhead. Immediately downstream of the drive shaft 178, the
leading edge of the card 226 engages the inclined front surface of
the capper 206 and pushes it to the uncapped position against the
bias of the capper leaf springs 238. The movement of the capper is
initially rotational, as the linear movement of the card causes the
capper 206 to rotate about the pins 210 that sit in its slots 208
(see FIG. 29). However, as shown in FIGS. 69 to 71, the capper is
constrained such that further movement of the card begins to cause
linear movement of the capper directly down and away from the
printhead chip 202, against the biasing action of spring 238.
Ejection of ink from the printhead IC 202 onto the card commences
as the leading edge of the card reaches the printhead.
[2172] As best shown in FIG. 71, the card 226 continues along the
media path until it engages the capper lock actuating arms 232.
This actuates the capper lock to hold the capper in the uncapped
position until printing is complete. This is described in greater
detail below.
Capping
[2173] As shown in FIGS. 72 to 74, the capper remains in the
uncapped position until the card 226 disengages from the actuation
arms 232. At this point the capper 206 is unlocked and returns to
its capped position by the leaf spring 230.
Capper Locking and Unlocking
[2174] Referring to FIGS. 75 to 79, the card 226 slides over the
elastomeric seal 240 as it is driven past the printhead 202. The
leading edge of the card 226 then engages the pair of capper
locking mechanisms 212 at either side of the media feed path. The
capper locking mechanisms 212 are rotated by the card 226 so that
its latch surfaces 234 engage lock engagement faces 236 of the
capper 206 to hold it in the uncapped position until the card is
removed from the print cartridge 148.
[2175] FIGS. 75 and 78 show the locking mechanisms 212 in their
unlocked condition and the capper 206 in the capped position. The
actuation arms 232 of each capper lock mechanism 212 protrude into
the media path. The sides of the capper 206 prevent the actuation
arms from rotating out of the media feed path. Referring to FIGS.
76, 77A, 77B and 79, the leading edge of the card 226 engages the
arms 232 of the capper lock mechanisms 212 protruding into the
media path from either side. When the leading edge has reached the
actuation arms 232, the card 226 has already pushed the capper 206
to the uncapped position so the locking mechanisms 212 are now free
to rotate. As the card pushes past the arms 232, the lock
mechanisms 212 rotate such that their respective chamfered latch
surfaces 234 slidingly engage the angled lock engagement face 238
on either side of the capper 206. The sliding engagement of between
these faces pushes the capper 206 clear of the card 226 so that it
no longer touches the elastomeric seals 240. This reduces the drag
retarding the media feed. The sides of the card 226 sliding against
the actuation arms 232 prevent the locking mechanisms 212 from
rotating so the capper 206 is locked in the uncapped position by
the latch surfaces 234 pressing against the lock engagement face
238.
[2176] When the printed card 226 is retrieved by the user
(described in more detail below), the actuation arms 232 are
released and free to rotate. The capper leaf springs 238 return the
capper 206 to the capped position, and in so doing, the latch
surfaces 234 slide over the lock engagement faces 236 so that the
actuation arms 232 rotate back out into the media feed path.
Alternative Capping Mechanism
[2177] An alternative capping mechanism is shown in FIGS. 81 to 84
in which the initial retraction of the capper away from the
printhead chip takes place before the card is pinch between the
roller and the spring fingers. In this embodiment, the cartridge
includes a crankshaft 272 mounted parallel to the drive shaft. The
crankshaft is connected to a first crank 274 and a second crank
276, which are angularly spaced from each other.
[2178] As the card is inserted by the user and enters the
cartridge, its leading edge comes into contact with the first crank
274. Pushing the card further into the cartridge causes the first
crank 274 to convert the card's linear motion into rotation of the
crankshaft 272. This, in turn, causes the second crank 276 to pull
the capper 206 arcuately away from the printhead chip, as shown in
FIGS. 81 to 84. By the time the card is pinched between the drive
shaft 178 and the spring fingers 230, the capper 206 is already
retracted away from the printhead chip so as to allow the card
complete freedom to move past the printhead. Preferably, the
locking mechanism described in relation to the earlier capping
mechanism is incorporated, to ensure the capper is kept retracted
until the card clears the printhead chip.
[2179] It will be appreciated that the crankshaft 272 can be
positioned further along the card's feed path, to the point where
some or all of the rotation of the crankshaft takes place as a
result of the drive shaft driving the card. However, this has the
effect of lengthening the overall feed path and moving the drive
shaft further from the outlet slot, and so is not the preferred
option.
Cartridge with Marking Nib
[2180] FIGS. 85 to 87 show a version of the cartridge/cradle
assembly with a marking nib 384 extending from one end of the
cartridge 148 and a Netpage optics module 350 is integrated into
the cradle 124. As best shown in FIG. 87, the marking nib 384 is a
ball point pen with a coarse screw thread 388 for engagement with
the internal thread of twist knob 382. The twist knob is retained
on the tubular detail 386 on the cartridge lid 194 by snapping over
the end flange. Rotating the twist knob 382 extends the nib 384 for
use as a pen or retracts it to avoid inadvertently marking clothing
and so on.
[2181] In this embodiment, the switch is simply omitted and the
device operates continuously. To reduce power consumption, the
optics module 350 and IR LED 344 only operates when placed into a
capture mode. Alternatively, the switch can take the form of a
pressure sensor, such as a piezo-electric or semiconductor-based
transducer. In one form, a multi-level or continuous pressure
sensor is utilized, which enables capture of the actual force of
the nib against the writing surface during writing. This
information can be included with the position information and ID
that comprises the digital ink generated by the device. However,
this is an optional capability.
Optical Print Data Transmission
[2182] In this embodiment, shown in FIGS. 88 to 90, print data from
the MoPEC chip 326 is not sent to the printhead IC 202 by the TAB
film 200 as it is in the other cartridge designs. Instead, the data
is sent via a separate flex film 374 to a data LED 376. As best
shown in FIGS. 89 and 90, the printhead IC 202 has been extended to
accommodate a photosensor 380 for receiving the data signal from
the data LED 376. An aperture 378 is cut into the metal cover 224
so that the data LED 376 can illuminate the photosensor 380.
Transmitting the print data separately from the power removes a lot
of noise from the data signal. Back EMF from the many and frequent
actuations of each nozzle produces a high frequency noise that can
partially obscure the data signal. Furthermore, the nature of the
print data signal is well suited to optical transmission.
Print Media and Printing
[2183] A Netpage printer normally prints the tags which make up the
surface coding on demand, i.e. at the same time as it prints
graphic page content. As an alternative, in a Netpage printer not
capable of printing tags such as the preferred embodiment,
pre-tagged but otherwise blank Netpages can be used. The printer,
instead of being capable of tag printing, typically incorporates a
Netpage tag sensor. The printer senses the tags and hence the
region ID of a blank either prior to, during, or after the printing
of the graphic page content onto the blank. It communicates the
region ID to the Netpage server, and the server associates the page
content and the region ID in the usual way.
[2184] A particular Netpage surface coding scheme allocates a
minimum number of bits to the representation of spatial coordinates
within a surface region. If a particular media size is
significantly smaller than the maximum size representable in the
minimum number of bits, then the Netpage code space may be
inefficiently utilised. It can therefore be of interest to allocate
different sub-areas of a region to a collection of blanks. Although
this makes the associations maintained by the Netpage server more
complex, and makes subsequent routing of interactions more complex,
it leads to more efficient code space utilisation. In the limit
case the surface coding may utilise a single region with a single
coordinate space, i.e. without explicit region IDs.
[2185] If regions are sub-divided in this way, then the Netpage
printer uses the tag sensor to determine not only the region ID but
also the surface coding location of a known physical position on
the print medium, i.e. relative to two edges of the medium. From
the surface coding location and its corresponding physical position
on the medium, and the known (or determined) size of the medium, it
then determines the spatial extent of the medium in the region's
coordinate space, and communicates both the region ID and the
spatial extent to the server. The server associates the page
content with the specified sub-area of the region.
[2186] A number of mechanisms can be used to read tag data from a
blank. A conventional Netpage tag sensor incorporating a
two-dimensional image sensor can be used to capture an image of the
tagged surface of the blank at any convenient point in the
printer's paper path. As an alternative, a linear image sensor can
be used to capture successive line images of the tagged surface of
the blank during transport. The line images can be used to create a
two-dimensional image which is processed in the usual way. As a
further alternative, region ID data and other salient data can be
encoded linearly on the blank, and a simple photodetector and ADC
can be used to acquire samples of the linear encoding during
transport.
[2187] One important advantage of using a two-dimensional image
sensor is that tag sensing can occur before motorised transport of
the print medium commences. I.e. if the print medium is manually
inserted by the user, then tag sensing can occur during insertion.
This has the further advantage that if the tag data is validated by
the device, then the print medium can be rejected and possibly
ejected before printing commences. For example, the print medium
may have been pre-printed with advertising or other graphic content
on the reverse side from the intended printing side. The device can
use the tag data to detect incorrect media insertion, i.e.
upside-down or back-to-front. The device can also prevent
accidental overprinting of an already-printed medium. And it can
detect the attempted use of an invalid print medium and refuse
printing, e.g. to protect print quality. The device can also derive
print medium characteristics from the tag data, to allow it to
perform optimal print preparation.
[2188] If a linear image sensor is used, or if a photodetector is
used, then image sensing must occur during motorised transport of
the print medium to ensure accurate imaging. Unless there are at
least two points of contact between the transport mechanism and the
print medium in the printing path, separated by a minimum distance
equal to the tag data acquisition distance, tag data cannot be
extracted before printing commences, and the validation advantages
discussed above do not obtain. In the case of a linear image
sensor, the tag data acquisition distance equals the diameter of
the normal tag imaging field of view. In the case of a
photodetector, the tag data acquisition distance is as long as the
required linear encoding.
[2189] If the tag sensor is operable during the entire printing
phase at a sufficiently high sampling rate, then it can also be
used to perform accurate motion sensing, with the motion data being
used to provide a line synchronisation signal to the print engine.
This can be used to eliminate the effects of jitter in the
transport mechanism.
[2190] FIGS. 91 to 97 show one embodiment of the encoded medium and
the media sensing and printing system within the mobile
telecommunications device. While the encoding of the cards is
briefly discussed here, it is described in detail in the Coded
Media sub-section of this specification. Likewise, the optical
sensing of the encoded data is described elsewhere in the
specification and a comprehensive understanding of the M-Print
media and printing system requires the specification to be read in
its entirety.
[2191] Referring to FIG. 91, the `back-side` of one of the cards
226 is shown. The back-side of the card has two coded data tracks:
a `clock track` 434 and a `data track` 436 running along the
longitudinal sides of the cards. The cards are encoded with data
indicating, inter alia: [2192] the orientation of the card; [2193]
the media type and authenticity; [2194] the longitudinal size;
[2195] the pre-printed side; [2196] detection of prior printing on
the card; and, [2197] the position of the card relative to the
printhead IC. Ideally, the encoded data is printed in IR ink so
that it is invisible and does not encroach on the space available
for printing visible images.
[2198] In a basic form, the M-Print cards 226 are only encoded with
a data track and clocking (as a separate clock track or a
self-clocking data track). However, in the more sophisticated
embodiment shown in the figures, the cards 226 have a pre-printed
Netpage tag pattern 438 covering the majority of the back-side. The
front side may also have a pre-printed tag pattern. It is preferred
in these embodiments that the data track encodes first information
that is at least indicative of second information encoded in the
tags. Most preferably, the first information is simply the document
identity that is encoded in each of the tags.
[2199] The clock track 434 allows the MoPEC 326 (see FIG. 92) to
determine, by its presence, that the front of the card 226 is
facing the printhead 202, and allows the printer to sense the
motion of the card 226 during printing. The clock track 434 also
provides a clock for the densely coded data track 436.
[2200] The data track 436 provides the Netpage identifier and
optionally associated digital signatures (as described elsewhere in
the specification) which allows Mopec 326 to reject fraudulent or
un-authorised media 226, and to report the Netpage identifier of
the front-side Netpage tag pattern to a Netpage server.
[2201] FIG. 92 shows a block diagram of an M-Print system that uses
media encoded with separate clock and data tracks. The clock and
data tracks are read by separate optical encoders. The system may
optionally have an explicit edge detector 474 which is discussed in
more detail below in relation to FIG. 95.
[2202] FIG. 93 shows a simplified circuit for an optical encoder
which may be used as the clock track or data track optical encoder.
It incorporates a Schmitt trigger 466 to provide the MoPEC 326 with
an essentially binary signal representative of the marks and spaces
encountered by the encoder in the clock or data track. An IR LED
472 is configured to illuminate a mark-sized area of the card 226
and a phototransistor 468 is configured to capture the light 470
reflected by the card. The LED 472 has a peak wavelength matched to
the peak absorption wavelength of the infrared ink used to print
the media coding.
[2203] As an alternative, the optical encoders can sense the
direction of media movement by configuring them to be `quadrature
encoders`. A quadrature encoder contains a pair of optical encoders
spatially positioned to read the clock track 90 degrees out of
phase. Its in-phase and quadrature outputs allow the MoPEC 326 to
identify not just the motion of the clock track 434 but also the
direction of the motion. A quadrature encoder is generally not
required, since the media transport direction is known a priori
because the printer controller also controls the transport motor.
However, the use of a quadrature encoder can help decouple a
bi-directional motion sensing mechanism from the motion control
mechanism.
[2204] FIG. 94 shows a block diagram of the MoPEC 326. It
incorporates a digital phase lock loop (DPLL) 444 to track the
clock inherent in the clock track 434 (see FIG. 91), a line sync
generator 448 to generate the line sync signal 476 from the clock
446, and a data decoder 450 to decode the data in the data track
436. De-framing, error detection and error correction may be
performed by software running on MoPEC's general-purpose processor
452, or it may be performed by dedicated hardware in MoPEC.
[2205] The data decoder 450 uses the clock 446 recovered by the
DPLL 444 to sample the signal from the data track optical encoder
442. It may either sample the continuous signal from the data track
optical encoder 442, or it may actually trigger the LED of the data
track optical encoder 442 for the duration of the sample period,
thereby reducing the total power consumption of the LED.
[2206] The DPLL 444 may be a PLL, or it may simply measure and
filter the period between successive clock pulses.
[2207] The line sync generator 456 consists of a
numerically-controlled oscillator which generates line sync pulses
476 at a rate which is a multiple of the rate of the clock 446
recovered from the clock track 434.
[2208] As shown in FIG. 92, the print engine may optionally
incorporate an explicit edge detector 474 to provide longitudinal
registration of the card 226 with the operation of the printhead
202. In this case, as shown in FIG. 95, it generates a page sync
signal 478 to signal the start of printing after counting a fixed
number of line syncs 476 after edge detection. Longitudinal
registration may also be achieved by other card-in detection
mechanisms ranging from opto-sensors, de-capping mechanical
switches, drive shaft/tension spring contact switch and motor load
detection.
[2209] Optionally, the printer can rely on the media coding itself
to obtain longitudinal registration. For example, it may rely on
acquisition of a pilot sequence on the data track 436 to obtain
registration. In this case, as shown in FIG. 96, it generates a
page sync signal 478 to signal the start of printing after counting
a fixed number of line syncs 476 after pilot detection. The pilot
detector 460 consists of a shift register and combinatorial logic
to recognise the pilot sequence 480 provided by the data decoder
450, and generate the pilot sync signal 482. Relying on the media
coding itself can provide superior information for registering
printed content with the Netpage tag pattern 438 (see FIG. 91).
[2210] As shown in FIG. 97, the data track optical encoder 442 is
positioned adjacent to the first clock data encoder 440, so that
the data track 436 (see FIG. 91) can be decoded as early as
possible and using the recovered clock signal 446. The clock must
be acquired before printing can commence, so a first optical
encoder 440 is positioned before the printhead 202 in the media
feed path. However, as the clock needs to be tracked throughout the
print, a second clock optical encoder 464 is positioned coincident
with or downstream of the printhead 202. This is described in more
detail below.
[2211] FIG. 73 shows the printed card 226 being withdrawn from the
print cartridge 148. It will be appreciated that the printed card
226 needs to be manually withdrawn by the user. Once the trailing
edge of the card 226 has passed between the drive shaft 178 and the
spring fingers 238, it is no longer driven along the media feed
path. However, as the printhead 202 is less than 2 mm from the
drive shaft 178, the momentum of the card 226 projects the trailing
edge of past the printhead 202.
[2212] While the momentum of the card is sufficient to carry the
trailing edge past the printhead, it is not enough to fling it out
of the exit slot 150 (FIG. 14). Instead, the card 226 is lightly
gripped by the opposed lock actuator arms 232 as it protrudes from
the exit slot 150 in the side of the mobile phone 100. This retains
the card 226 so it does not simply fall from exit slot 150, but
rather allows users to manually remove the printed card 226 from
the mobile phone 100 at their convenience. This is important to the
practicality of the mobile telecommunications device because the
card 226 is fed into one side of the mobile telecommunications
device and retrieved from the other, so users will typically want
to swap the hand that holds the mobile telecommunications device
when collecting the printed card. By lightly retaining the printed
card, users do not need to swap hands and be ready to collect the
card before completion of the print job (approximately 1-2
seqs).
[2213] Alternatively, the velocity of the card as it leaves the
roller can be made high enough that the card exits the outlet slot
123 under its own inertia.
Dual Clock Sensor Synchronization
[2214] For full bleed printing, the decoder needs to generate a
line sync signal for the entire longitudinal length of the card.
Unless the card has a detachable strip (described elsewhere in the
specification), the print engine will need two clock track sensors;
one either side of printhead. Initially the line sync signal is
generated from the clock signal from the pre-printhead sensor and
then, before the trailing edge of the card passes the pre-printhead
sensor, the line sync signal needs to be generated by the
post-printhead sensor. In order to switch from the first clock
signal to the second, the second needs to be synchronized with the
first to avoid any discontinuity in the line sync signal (which
cause artefacts in the print).
[2215] Referring to FIG. 99, a pair of DPLL's 443 and 444 track the
clock inherent in the clock track, via respective first and second
clock track optical encoders 440 and 464. During the initial phase
of the print only the first encoder 440 will be seeing the clock
track and only the first PLL 443 will be locked. The card is
printed as it passes the printhead and then the second clock track
optical encoder 464 sees the clock track. At this stage, both
encoders will be seeing the clock track and both DPLL's will be
locked. During the final phase of the print only the second encoder
will be seeing the clock track and only the second DPLL 443 will be
locked.
[2216] During the initial phase the output from the first DPLL 440
must be used to generate the line sync signal 476, but before the
end of the middle phase the decoder must start using the output
from the second DPLL 444 to generate the line sync signal 476.
Since it is not generally practical to space the encoders an
integer number of clock periods apart, the output from the second
DPLL 444 must be phase-aligned with the output of the first DPLL
443 before the transition occurs.
[2217] For the purposes of managing the transition, there are four
clock tracking phases of interest. During the first phase, when
only the first DPLL 443 is locked, the clock from the first DPLL
443 is selected via a multiplexer 462 and fed to the line sync
generator 448. During the second phase, which starts when the
second DPLL 444 locks, the phase difference between the two DPLLs
is computed 441 and latched into a phase difference register 445.
During the third phase, which starts a fixed time after the start
of the second phase, the signal from the second DPLL 444, is fed
through a delay 447 set by the latched phase difference in the
latch register 445. During the fourth phase, which starts a fixed
time after the start of the third phase, the delayed clock from the
second DPLL 447 is selected via the multiplexer 462 and fed to the
line sync generator 448.
[2218] FIG. 101 shows the signals which control the clock tracking
phases. The lock signals 449 and 451 are generated using lock
detection circuits in the DPLL's 443 and 444. Alternatively, PLL
lock is assumed according to approximate knowledge of the position
of the card relative to the two encoders 440 and 464. The two phase
control signals 453 and 455 are triggered by the lock signals 449
and 451 and controlled by timers.
[2219] Note that in practice, rather than explicitly delaying the
second PLL's clock, the delayed clock can be generated directly by
a digital oscillator which takes into account the phase
difference.
Two Drive Shaft Version
[2220] Projecting the card 226 past the printhead 202 by momentum,
permits a compact single drive shaft design. However, the
deceleration of the card 226 once it disengages from the drive
shaft 178 makes the generation of an accurate line sync signal 476
for the trailing edge much more difficult. If the compactness of
the device is not overly critical, a second drive shaft after the
printhead can keep the speed of the card constant until printing is
complete.
[2221] FIGS. 110 and 114 show a dual drive shaft embodiment.
Referring firstly to FIG. 110, the print cartridge 148 has the
first drive shaft 178 and drive roller 176 and as with the previous
embodiments, the cartridge 148 is carried by the cradle 124.
However, the cradle 124 carries a second drive shaft 486, drive
roller 492, and miniature spikewheels 488 on a sprung shaft 489.
The second drive shaft 486 uses the spikewheels 488 instead of a
media guide similar to the spring fingers 230 of first drive shaft
178, to avoid smudging any wet ink. FIGS. 111 to 113 show the
cartridge installed in the cradle. A central drive roller 490
mounted at the end of the cradle, abuts both first and second drive
rollers 176 and 492 simultaneously. This ensures a synchronized
drive speed. The central drive roller 490 can be driven by the
piezo electric or electric motor drive systems discussed above.
[2222] Section A-A shown in FIG. 114 best shows the media feed path
through the cartridge/cradle assembly. When the trailing edge of
the card 226 disengages from the first drive shaft 178, the second
drive shaft 486 continues to draw it past the printhead 202 at
essentially the same speed. The line sync signal generated using
the clock track is constant and therefore it is less difficult for
the MoPEC chip to longitudinally register the printing with the
trailing edge. Upon completion of the printing, the MoPEC chip can
stop the central drive roller 490 so that the card is held in the
nip between the second drive shaft 486 and the spikewheeks 488 for
user retrieval. Alternatively, it can be fed back in the reverse
direction for user retrieval from the inlet slot.
[2223] It will be appreciated, of course, that in some embodiments
there will be no provision for a clock track and/or coded data such
as a linear track or Netpage tags. Where no (implicit or explicit)
clock track is provided, other mechanisms such as optical, magnetic
or electrical feedback, including feedback from one or more
transducers associated with one or more rollers or other mechanisms
can be used to determine the position and speed of the card before
and/or during printing. Where no form of coded data is provided,
the printer simply prints onto any form of print medium that is
inserted and is capable of being printed on. Both options open a
variety of issues related to quality control of printed output,
including media jamming, ink bleeding, and undue mechanical stress
and wear on the printer components.
Media Coding
[2224] The card 226 shown in FIG. 91 has coded data in the form of
the clock track 434, the data track 436 and the Netpag tag pattern
438. This coded data can serve a variety of functions and these are
described below. However, the functions listed below are not
exhaustive and the coded media (together with the appropriate
mobile telecommunications device) can implement many other
functions as well. Similarly, it is not necessary for all of these
features to be incorporated into the coded data on the media. Any
one or more can be combined to suit the application or applications
for which a particular print medium and/or system is designed.
Side
[2225] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine,
prior to commencing printing, which side of the card is facing the
printhead, i.e. the front or the back. This allows the printer to
reject the card if it is inserted back-to-front, in case the card
has been pre-printed with graphics on the back (e.g. advertising),
or in case the front and the back have different surface treatments
(e.g. to protect the graphics pre-printed on the back and/or to
facilitate high-quality printing on the front). It also allows the
printer to print side-dependent content (e.g. a photo on the front
and corresponding photo details on the back).
Orientation
[2226] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine,
prior to commencing printing, the orientation of the card in
relation to the printhead. This allows the printhead to print
graphics rotated to match the rotation of pre-printed graphics on
the back. It also allows the printer to reject the card if it is
inserted with the incorrect orientation (with respect to
pre-printed graphics on the back). Orientation can be determined by
detecting an explicit orientation indicator, or by using the known
orientation of information printed for another purpose, such as
Netpage tags or even pre-printed user information or
advertising.
Media Type/Size
[2227] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine,
prior to commencing printing, the type of the card. This allows the
printer to prepare print data or select a print mode specific to
the media type, for example, color conversion using a color profile
specific to the media type, or droplet size modulation according to
the expected absorbance of the card. The card can be coded to allow
the printer to determine, prior to commencing printing, the
longitudinal size of the card. This allows the printer to print
graphics formatted for the size of the card, for example, a
panoramic crop of a photo to match a panoramic card.
Prior Printing
[2228] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine,
prior to commencing printing, if the side of the card facing the
printhead is pre-printed. The printer can then reject the card,
prior to commencing printing, if it is inserted with the
pre-printed side facing the printhead. This prevents over-printing.
It also allows the printer to prepare, prior to commencing
printing, content which fits into a known blank area on an
otherwise pre-printed side (for example, photo details on the back
of a photo, printed onto a card with pre-printed advertising on the
back, but with a blank area for the photo details).
[2229] The card can be coded to allow the printer to detect, prior
to commencing printing, whether the side facing the printhead has
already been printed on demand (as opposed to pre-printed). This
allows the printer to reject the card, prior to commencing
printing, if the side facing the printhead has already been printed
on demand, rather than overprinting the already-printed
graphics.
[2230] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine,
ideally prior to commencing printing, if it is an authorised card.
This allows the printer to reject, ideally prior to commencing
printing, an un-authorised card, as the quality of the card will
then be unknown, and the quality of the print cannot be
guaranteed.
Position
[2231] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine,
prior to commencing printing, the absolute longitudinal position of
the card in relation to the printhead. This allows the printer to
print graphics in registration with the card. This can also be
achieved by other means, such as by directly detecting the leading
edge of the card.
[2232] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine,
prior to commencing printing, the absolute lateral position of the
card in relation to the printhead. This allows the printer to print
graphics in registration with the card. This can also be achieved
by other means, such as by providing a snug paper path, and/or by
detecting the side edge(s) of the card.
[2233] The card can be coded to allow the printer to track, during
printing, the longitudinal position of the card in relation to the
printhead, or the longitudinal speed of the card in relation to the
printhead. This allows the printer to print graphics in
registration with the card. This can also be achieved by other
means, such as by coding and tracking a moving part in the
transport mechanism.
[2234] The card can be coded to allow the printer to track, during
printing, the lateral position of the card in relation to the
printhead, or the lateral speed of the card in relation to the
printhead. This allows the printer to print graphics in
registration with the card. This can also be achieved by other
means, such as by providing a snug paper path, and/or by detecting
the side edge(s) of the card.
Invisibility
[2235] The coding can be disposed on or in the card so as to render
it substantially invisible to an unaided human eye. This prevents
the coding from detracting from printed graphics.
Fault Tolerance
[2236] The coding can be sufficiently fault-tolerant to allow the
printer to acquire and decode the coding in the presence of an
expected amount of surface contamination or damage. This prevents
an expected amount of surface contamination or damage from causing
the printer to reject the card or from causing the printer to
produce a sub-standard print.
Card and Printer Alternatives
[2237] In light of the broad ranging functionality that a suitable
M-Print printer with compatible cards can provide, several design
alternatives for the printer, the cards and the coding are outlined
below. Again, this list is not intended to be exhaustive, but
instead is merely illustrative of some possible variations to the
embodiments shown elsewhere in this specification.
[2238] As an alternative to using separate clock and data tracks,
the data track can be self-clocking and the clock can be recovered
from the data track for other purposes such as line sync
generation. FIG. 98 shows the layout of the same coding as
described in relation to the card 226 shown in FIG. 91, but using a
self-clocking data track 500. The self-clocking data track 500 can
use a Manchester phase encoding, or another self-clocking scheme
such as return-to-zero (RZ). Encoding of the data is described in
greater detail in the "Linear Encoding" sub-section below.
[2239] FIG. 99 shows a block diagram of the corresponding MoPEC
chip, where the DPLL 444 operates on the self clocking data track
500 rather than a separate clock track.
[2240] The self-clocking data track 500 eliminates the need for
separate clock and data optical encoders, and reduces the impact
that separate clock and data tracks have on the area of Netpage
interactivity. The disadvantage of a self-clocking data track is
that it encodes data at half the rate of an explicitly-clocked data
track.
[2241] In subsequent media coding variations which include a
separate clock and data track, a self-clocking data track 500 can
also be used, even when not explicitly mentioned.
Reading Phase Before Printing Phase
[2242] The minimal media coding is designed to be read during
printing rather than prior to printing. Information encoded in the
data track 436 is generally not available until after printing is
complete. For example, the printer typically cannot use the Netpage
identifier and digital signature to validate the card 226 before
printing.
[2243] The printer can gain access to data track information prior
to printing by transporting the card 226 in a forward direction
past the data track optical encoder 442, decoding some or all of
the data track 436, and then transporting the card back to its
starting position. This can also provide the printer with more
space to recognize a robust page sync indicator in the data track
436, as discussed above in relation to the card shown in FIG. 91.
The information in the data track can then be usefully expanded to
serve some or all of the other functions in the Media Coding
subsection.
Explicit Side and Orientation Indicators
[2244] The minimal media coding does not explicitly encode the side
of the card 226. The printer determines from the presence of the
clock track 434 that the front of the card is facing the printhead.
The minimal media coding does not make the orientation of the card
accessible to the printer prior to printing, unless the printer
implements a reading phase as described above. Instead, the minimal
encoding assumes that it is advantageous for the user to be able to
present the card in either orientation (but not upside-down).
[2245] Rather than allow printing in both orientations, the printer
can reject the card 226 if presented in the wrong orientation. To
allow this, the media coding must include an orientation indicator
accessible to the printer prior to printing. As shown in FIG. 102,
the benefit of this is that a smaller area of the card is dedicated
to the clock 434 and data tracks 436, and a larger area is
therefore available for Netpage interactivity.
[2246] Instead of relying on the absence of a clock track on the
front of the card to indicate side, the media coding can instead
include explicit side indicators on the front side as well. The
following table gives an example of an 8-bit code which can be used
to fault-tolerantly encode the side and orientation indicator:
TABLE-US-00005 Codeword Side Orientation 00000000 Front Normal
00011111 Rotated 11100011 Back Normal 11111100 Rotated
[2247] The code has a minimum distance of five, so it can correct
two errors. Longer and more robust codes are obviously
possible.
[2248] The indicator 502 can be included in the data track
immediately after the pilot. The side & orientation indicator
502 can also be combined with the pilot by designing a code of
suitable length whose four codewords are maximally separated from
each other as well as from preamble-prefixed shifts of
themselves.
[2249] Like the data track 436, the side & orientation
indicator 502 can be explicitly clocked by the clock track 434, or
self-clocking.
[2250] Rather than being clocked at the same rate as the remainder
of the data track 436, the side & orientation indicators 502
can be gross markers which can be recognised given only rough
longitudinal registration. For example, the two bits required to
encode the side and orientation can be pulse-position modulated
(PPM) using gross marks (e.g. 0.5 mm long) for each pulse.
[2251] The following table defines some possible PPM schemes. In
the table, a zero indicates a gross space and a one indicates a
gross mark.
TABLE-US-00006 2 PPM 4 PPM Side Orientation 0101 0001 Front Normal
0110 0010 Rotated 1001 0100 Back Normal 1010 1000 Rotated
Data Track on Both Sides
[2252] Rather than relying on all possible future printers having
optical encoders mounted to face the back of the card 226, the
media coding can instead include clock 434 and data tracks 436 on
the front as well.
Card with Detachable Strip
[2253] The arrangement shown in FIGS. 91 to 97 uses two clock track
optical decoders 440 and 464, one to ensure that the clock is
acquired before printing commences, and the other to ensure clock
tracking continues till the end of the print. As an alternative,
the card 226 can be extended with a tear-off strip 504, as shown in
FIG. 103, with the clock track 434 extending onto the strip.
[2254] The tear-off strip 504 is manufactured as part of the card
226, and remains joined to the card by a perforation until detached
by the user, as shown in FIG. 104. The perforation is fine enough
to leave an edge which is smooth to the touch.
[2255] By extending the length of the card via a strip attached to
the card's trailing edge, a single clock track linear encoder 464
located upstream of the printhead 202 (see FIG. 97) is sufficient
to support clock acquisition before printing starts as well as
clock tracking throughout the entire print.
[2256] A second important benefit of the strip 504 is that a single
drive shaft 178 can drive the card past the printhead throughout
the print, i.e. without requiring a second drive shaft 486, or
without expecting the card to "fly" un-driven for a final short
distance using only its momentum.
[2257] To ensure correct recognition of the card 226 after the
tear-off strip 504 is removed, the media coding can include a
second side & orientation indicator 508 which is exposed when
the tear-off strip 504 is removed. This is shown in FIG. 103.
[2258] The tear-off strip 504 may create a source of litter. To
counteract this, each tear-off strip can act as a lottery ticket
when presented to a retailer which sells M-Print media. The
retailer can check a presented strip using any of the many
Netpage-enabled devices described in the assignee's
cross-referenced Netpage applications and patents.
Card with Square Corners
[2259] Whether the card 226 has a detachable strip 504 or not, a
card shape with square rather than rounded corners may be
preferable. Photo printing is arguably the most compelling
application of M-Print. Both photos and business cards usually have
square corners. Furthermore, the presence of a tear-off strip 504
creates an additional motivation to use square rather than round
corners. FIGS. 106 and 107 show a card 226 with square corners 510
and a tear-off strip 504.
Lateral Data Track
[2260] Rather than transporting the card 226 forward twice to
effect a reading phase before printing phase (as described above),
the media coding can incorporate a lateral rather than a
longitudinal data track.
[2261] As shown in FIG. 108, a lateral data track 514, whether
explicitly clocked 512 or self-clocked, can be read by a linear
image sensor. Relevant techniques and devices are described in the
Applicant's co-pending applications U.S. Ser. No. 11/084,796
(Docket No. NOS001US), filed on Mar. 21, 2005. The lateral data
track 514 is ideally placed along the leading edge 516 of the card,
so it can be fully decoded prior to printing. It can be placed on
the tear-off strip 504, thus eliminating the impact of the data
track 514 on the Netpage tag pattern 438 on the card proper (that
is, the retained portion of the card 226). In this case, the
tear-off strip 504 needs to be on the leading edge 516 of the card,
rather than the trailing edge 518. This in turn dictates that the
clock track optical encoder 464 is positioned downstream of the
printhead 202 rather than upstream (see FIG. 97). The card proper
still has self-clocking side & orientation indicators 502 and a
single clock track 434 on each side, but no data track. The lateral
data track 514 can provide the basis for accurate lateral
registration, in particular to provide accurate lateral
registration between the Netpage tag pattern 438 and the printed
visual content.
[2262] A lateral track can also be added to non-tear-off versions
of the card.
[2263] The linear image sensor extends laterally across the media
feed path in front of the printhead with respect to the media feed
direction. The image sensor is a linear array of active pixel
sensors, each sensor reading the coded data within a sample area on
the card. The sample area corresponds to the `Mnem area` described
in detail in the Applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/084,796 (Docket No. NOS001US) filed on 21 Mar. 2005,
the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference.
FIG. 109 shows a detailed physical view of a Memjet printhead IC
with an integral image sensor. For simplicity the figure only shows
a single row of 1600 dpi nozzles 600, mounted adjacent associated
actuators and drive circuitry shown generally at 601. Note that
because the 32-micron width of each nozzle unit cell exceeds the
16-micron dot pitch required for 1600 dpi printing, each row of
nozzles is composed of two staggered half-rows 602, 603. The
sampling rate N is 2.5 in the arrangement shown.
[2264] Although a sample area may utilize a single printed dot to
represent a single encoded bit, it may also utilize more than one
printed dot to represent a single encoded bit. For example, a
sample area may utilize a 2.times.2 array of printed dots to
represent a single bit. Thus if the printer resolution is 1600 dpi,
the sample area resolution is only 800 dpi. In certain
applications, reducing the print resolution of a sample area may
provide more robust performance, such as in the presence of
particular sources of surface degradation or damage.
[2265] If the area resolution is lower than the printer resolution,
then the ratio of the pixel count to the nozzle count can be
reduced accordingly, and larger pixel sensors can be employed. For
example, in the case of the Memjet printhead shown in FIG. 109, a
12.8 micron pixel sensor can be utilized in place of two 6.4 micron
pixel sensors.
Automatic Printing
[2266] In one form, the mobile device is configured to
automatically commence printing once the print medium is inserted
into the feed path. A mechanical or optical sensor (or combination
thereof) can be used to determine when this has happened.
[2267] The device can print automatically in a number of ways. In
one example, the device automatically prints the current document
or file presently in use by the user. This will, in the majority of
cases, be the document or application presently being viewed on the
device's display. For example, if the user is reading an email or
SMS shown on the display, inserting a print medium will cause the
email or SMS to be printed.
[2268] Alternatively, the user can instruct the mobile device to
print a document or file and subsequently insert the print medium.
The mobile device will then cause automatic printing of the next
print job in the queue. Optionally, the device can ask for
confirmation of the job to be printed, particularly if an excessive
amount of time has passed since the job was placed in the
queue.
[2269] Preferably, the printing mode is selectable by the user,
thereby enabling automatic printing to be activated (print
immediately without confirmation), partially activated (wait for
confirmation) or deactivated (wait for explicit instruction from
user to print).
Possible M-Print Configurations.
[2270] From the above alternatives, there are a number of
possibilities for the physical configuration of the components in
an M-Print printer. Each possibility has inherent advantages and
disadvantages which can be assessed when choosing a configuration
for a particular M-Print application. A selection of the possible
configurations and their associated advantages is set out below
with reference to the schematic representations shown in FIGS. 115
to 120. These figures position the components with reference to the
media feed path and the following M-Print parameters:
[2271] Tracking Tail Fly Period (TTFP): a period of time during
which MoPEC does not receive card tracking information from the
coding.
[2272] Drive Tail Fly Period (DTFP): the period of time between the
disengagement of the card from the drive shaft and it coming to
rest within the media path.
[2273] Drive Settling Period (DSP): the period of time between the
initial engagement of the card with the drive shaft and the card
accelerating to it's steady state speed.
[2274] Tracking Settling Period (TSP): the period of time that the
optical encoder requires to lock onto the markings of the clock
track.
[2275] Media Coding Dead Zone (MCDZ): the portion of the data track
that is visible to the data encoder while the card is not being
driven. Reading data from the MCDZ can be unpredictable.
[2276] Ink Drying Time (IDT): the minimum period of time after a
drop of ink is printed to the card, that the printed dot can be
contacted without degrading print quality.
[2277] Encoder-Drive-Printhead: As shown in FIG. 115, positioning
the encoder 440 before the drive shaft 178, which in turn is before
the printhead 202 minimizes the distance between the printhead and
drive. This configuration also uses minimum components. This allows
a compact design.
[2278] Drive-Encoder-Printhead: Referring to FIG. 116, positioning
the drive shaft 178, the encoder 440 and the printhead 202
sequentially along the media path simplifies leading edge
detection.
[2279] Encoder-Drive-Printhead-Drive: The configuration shown in
FIG. 117 is the same as that of FIG. 115 with the addition of the
second drive shaft 486. This removes DTFP and simplifies handling
of TTFP.
[2280] Encoder-Drive-Printhead-Drive: The configuration shown in
FIG. 118 is the same as that of FIG. 116 with the addition of the
second drive shaft 486. This removes DTFP, MCDZ and simplifies
handling of TTFP.
[2281] Encoder-Drive-Printhead-Encoder: The configuration shown in
FIG. 119 is the same as that of FIG. 115 with the addition of the
second encoder 464. This removes TTFP and simplifies handling of
DTFP.
[2282] Drive-Encoder-Printhead-Encoder: The configuration shown in
FIG. 120 is the same as that of FIG. 116 with the addition of the
second encoder 464. This removes TTFP, MCDZ and simplifies handling
of DTFP plus leading edge detection.
[2283] It should be noted that maximizing DSP and TSP, minimizing
TTFP and DTFP, and avoiding MCDZ and IDT, are general design
objectives for these configurations.
Linear Encoding
[2284] Kip is the assignee's internal name for a template for a
class of robust one-dimensional optical encoding schemes for
storing small quantities of digital data on physical surfaces. It
optionally incorporates error correction to cope with real-world
surface degradation.
[2285] A particular encoding scheme is defined by specializing the
Kip template described below. Parameters include the data capacity,
the clocking scheme, the physical scale, and the level of
redundancy. A Kip reader is typically also specialized for a
particular encoding scheme.
[2286] A Kip encoding is designed to be read via a simple optical
detector during transport of the encoded medium past the detector.
The encoding therefore typically runs parallel to the transport
direction of the medium. For example, a Kip encoding may be read
from a print medium during printing. In the preferred embodiment,
Kip encoded data is provided along at least one (and preferably two
or more) of the longitudinal edges of the print media to be printed
in a mobile device, as described above. In the preferred form, the
Kip encoded data is printed in infrared ink, rendering it invisible
or at least difficult to see with the unaided eye.
[2287] A Kip encoding is typically printed onto a surface, but may
be disposed on or in a surface by other means.
Summary of Kip Parameters
[2288] The following tables summarize the parameters required to
specialize Kip. The parameters should be understood in the context
of the entire document.
[2289] The following table summarizes framing parameters:
TABLE-US-00007 parameter units description L.sub.data bits Length
of bitstream data.
[2290] The following table summarizes clocking parameters:
TABLE-US-00008 parameter units description b.sub.clock {0, 1} Flag
indicating whether the clock is implicit (0) or explicit (1).
C.sub.clocksync clock Length of clock synchronization interval
periods required before data.
[2291] The following table summarizes physical parameters:
TABLE-US-00009 Parameter Units Description l.sub.clock mm Length of
clock period. l.sub.mark mm Length of mark. l.sub.preamble mm
Length of preamble. Equals or exceeds decoder's uncertainty in
longitudinal position of strip. w.sub.mintrack mm Minimum width of
track. w.sub.misreg mm Maximum lateral misregistration of strip
with respect to reader. .alpha. radians Maximum rotation of strip
with respect to reader.
[2292] The following table summarizes error correction
parameters:
TABLE-US-00010 Parameter Units Description m bits Size of
Reed-Solomon symbol. k symbols Size of Reed-Solomon codeword data.
t symbols Error-correcting capacity of Reed-Solomon code.
Kip Encoding
[2293] A Kip encoding encodes a single bitstream of data, and
includes a number of discrete and independent layers, as
illustrated in FIG. 121. The framing layer frames the bitstream to
allow synchronization and simple error detection. The modulation
and clocking layer encodes the bits of the frame along with
clocking information to allow bit recovery. The physical layer
represents the modulated and clocked frame using optically-readable
marks.
[2294] An optional error correction layer encodes the bitstream to
allow error correction. An application can choose to use the error
correction layer or implement its own.
[2295] A Kip encoding is designed to allow serial decoding and
hence has an implied time dimension. By convention in this document
the time axis points to the right. However, a particular Kip
encoding may be physically represented at any orientation that
suits the application.
Framing
[2296] A Kip frame consists of a preamble, a pilot, the bitstream
data itself, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) word, as
illustrated in FIG. 122.
[2297] The preamble consists of a sequence of zeros of length
L.sub.preamble. The preamble is long enough to allow the
application to start the Kip decoder somewhere within the preamble,
i.e. it is long enough for the application to know a priori the
location of at least part of the preamble. The length of the
preamble sequence in bits is therefore derived from an
application-specific preamble length preamble l.sub.preamble (see
EQ8).
[2298] The pilot consists of a unique pattern that allows the
decoder to synchronize with the frame. The pilot pattern is
designed to maximize its binary Hamming distance from arbitrary
shifts of itself prefixed by preamble bits. This allows the decoder
to utilize a maximum-likelihood decoder to recognize the pilot,
even in the presence of bit errors.
[2299] The preamble and pilot together guarantee that any bit
sequence the decoder detects before it detects the pilot is
maximally separated from the pilot.
[2300] The pilot sequence is 11 10 1011 0110 0010. Its length
L.sub.pilot is 16. Its minimum distance from preamble-prefixed
shifts of itself is 9. It can therefore be recognized reliably in
the presence of up to 4 bit errors.
[2301] The length L.sub.data of the bitstream is known a priori by
the application and is therefore a parameter. It is not encoded in
the frame. The bitstream is encoded most-significant bit first,
i.e. leftmost.
[2302] The CRC (cyclic redundancy code) is a CCITT CRC-16 (known to
those skilled in the art, and so not described in detail here)
calculated on the bitstream data, and allows the decoder to
determine if the bitstream has been corrupted. The length L.sub.CRC
of the CRC is 16. The CRC is calculated on the bitstream from left
to right. The bitstream is padded with zero bits during calculation
of the CRC to make its length an integer multiple of 8 bits. The
padding is not encoded in the frame.
[2303] The length of a frame in bits is:
L.sub.frame=L.sub.preamble+L.sub.pilot+L.sub.data+L.sub.CRC (EQ
1)
L.sub.frame=L.sub.preamble+L.sub.data+32 (EQ 2)
Modulation and Clocking
[2304] The Kip encoding modulates the frame bit sequence to produce
a sequence of abstract marks and spaces. These are realized
physically by the physical layer.
[2305] The Kip encoding supports both explicit and implicit
clocking. When the frame is explicitly clocked, the encoding
includes a separate clock sequence encoded in parallel with the
frame, as illustrated in FIG. 123. The bits of the frame are then
encoded using a conventional non-return-to-zero (NRZ) encoding. A
zero bit is represented by a space, and a one bit is represented by
a mark.
[2306] The clock itself consists of a sequence of alternating marks
and spaces. The center of a clock mark is aligned with the center
of a bit in the frame. The frame encodes two bits per clock period,
i.e. the bitrate of the frame is twice the rate of the clock.
[2307] The clock starts a number of clock periods C.sub.clocksync
before the start of the frame to allow the decoder to acquire clock
synchronization before the start of the frame. The size of
C.sub.clocksync depends on the characteristics of the PLL used by
the decoder, and is therefore a reader-specific parameter.
[2308] When the encoding is explicitly clocked, the corresponding
decoder incorporates an additional optical sensor to sense the
clock.
[2309] When the frame is implicitly clocked, the bits of the frame
are encoded using a Manchester phase encoding. A zero bit is
represented by space-mark transition, and a one bit is represented
by mark-space transition, with both transitions defined
left-to-right. The Manchester phase encoding allows the decoder to
extract the clock signal from the modulated frame.
[2310] In this case the preamble is extended by C.sub.clocksync
bits to allow the decoder to acquire clock synchronization before
searching for the pilot.
[2311] Assuming the same marking frequency, the bit density of the
explicitly-clocked encoding is twice the bit density of the
implicitly-clocked encoding.
[2312] The choice between explicit and implicit clocking depends on
the application. Explicit clocking has the advantage that it
provides greater longitudinal data density than implicit clocking.
Implicit clocking has the advantage that it only requires a single
optical sensor, while explicit clocking requires two optical
sensors.
[2313] The parameter b.sub.clock indicates whether the clock is
implicit (b.sub.clock=0) or explicit (b.sub.clock=1). The length,
in clock periods, of the modulated and clocked Kip frame is:
C.sub.frame=C.sub.clocksync+L.sub.frame/(1+b.sub.clock) (EQ 3)
Physical Representation
[2314] The Kip encoding represents the modulated and clocked frame
physically as a strip that has both a longitudinal extent (i.e. in
the coding direction) and a lateral extent.
[2315] A Kip strip always contains a data track. It also contains a
clock track if it is explicitly clocked rather than implicitly
clocked.
[2316] The clock period l.sub.clock within a Kip strip is nominally
fixed, although a particular decoder will typically be able to cope
with a certain amount of jitter and drift. Jitter and drift may
also be introduced by the transport mechanism in a reader. The
amount of jitter and drift supported by a decoder is decoder
specific.
[2317] A suitable clock period depends on the characteristics of
the medium and the marking mechanism, as well as on the
characteristics of the reader. It is therefore an
application-specific parameter.
[2318] Abstract marks and spaces have corresponding physical
representations which give rise to distinct intensities when
sampled by a matched optical sensor, allowing the decoder to
distinguish marks and spaces. The spectral characteristics of the
optical sensor, and hence the corresponding spectral
characteristics of the physical marks and spaces, are application
specific.
[2319] The transition time between a mark and a space is nominally
zero, but is allowed to be up to 5% of the clock period.
[2320] An abstract mark is typically represented by a physical mark
printed using an ink with particular absorption characteristics,
such as an infrared-absorptive ink, and an abstract space is
typically represented by the absence of such a physical mark, i.e.
by the absorption characteristics of the substrate, such as
broadband reflective (white) paper. However, Kip does not prescribe
this.
[2321] The length l.sub.mark of a mark and length l.sub.space of a
space are nominally the same. Suitable marks and spaces depend on
the characteristics of the medium and the marking mechanism, as
well as on the characteristics of the reader. Their lengths are
therefore application-specific parameters.
[2322] The length of a mark and the length of a space may differ by
up to a factor of ((2+( {square root over (2)}-1))/(2 ( {square
root over (2)}-1))) to accommodate printing of marks at up to half
the maximum dot resolution of a particular printer, as illustrated
in FIG. 125. The factor may vary between unity and the limit
according to vertical position, as illustrated in the figure.
[2323] The sum of the length of a mark and the length of a space
equals the clock period:
l.sub.clock=l.sub.mark+l.sub.space (EQ 4)
[2324] The overall length of the strip is:
l.sub.strip=l.sub.clock.times.C.sub.frame (EQ 5)
[2325] The minimum width w.sub.mintrack of a data track (or clock
track) within a strip depends on the reader. It is therefore an
application-specific parameter.
[2326] The required width w.sub.track of a data track (or clock
track) within a strip is determined by the maximum allowable
lateral misregistration w.sub.misreg and maximum allowable rotation
.alpha. of the strip with respect to the transport path past the
corresponding optical sensor:
w.sub.track=w.sub.mintrack+w.sub.misreg+l.sub.strip tan .alpha. (EQ
6)
[2327] The maximum lateral misregistration and rotation depend on
the characteristics of the medium and the marking mechanism, as
well as on the characteristics of the reader. They are therefore
application-specific parameters.
[2328] The width of a strip is:
w.sub.strip=(1+b.sub.clock).times.w.sub.track (EQ 7)
[2329] The length of the preamble sequence in bits is derived from
a parameter which specifies the length of the preamble:
L preamble = l preamble l clock .times. ( 1 + b clock ) ( EQ 8 )
##EQU00001##
Error Correction
[2330] The Kip encoding optionally includes error correcting coding
(ECC) information to allow the decoder to correct bitstream data
corrupted by surface damage or dirt. Reed-Solomon redundancy data
is appended to the frame to produce an extended frame, as
illustrated in FIG. 126.
[2331] A Kip Reed-Solomon code is characterized by its symbol size
m (in bits), data size k (in symbols), and error-correcting
capacity t (in symbols), as described below. A Reed-Solomon code is
chosen according to the size L.sub.data of the bitstream data and
the expected bit error rate. The parameters of the code are
therefore application-specific.
[2332] Redundancy data is calculated on the concatenation of the
bitstream data and the CRC. This allows the CRC to be corrected as
well.
[2333] The bitstream data and the CRC are padded with zero bits
during calculation of the redundancy data to make their length an
integer multiple of the symbol size m. The padding is not encoded
in the extended frame.
[2334] A decoder verifies the CRC before performing Reed-Solomon
error correction. If the CRC is valid, then error correction may
potentially be skipped. If the CRC is invalid, then the decoder
performs error correction. It then verifies the CRC again to check
that error correction succeeded.
[2335] The length of a Reed-Solomon codeword in bits is:
L.sub.codeword=(2t+k).times.m (EQ 9)
[2336] The number of Reed-Solomon codewords is:
s = ( L data + L CRC ) - 1 L codeword + 1 ( EQ 10 )
##EQU00002##
[2337] The length of the redundancy data is:
L.sub.ECC=s.times.(2t.times.m) (EQ 11)
[2338] The length of an extended frame in bits is:
L.sub.extendedframe=L.sub.frame+L.sub.ECC (EQ 12)
Reed-Solomon Coding
[2339] A 2.sup.m-ary Reed-Solomon code (n, k) is characterized by
its symbol size m (in bits), codeword size n (in symbols), and data
size k (in symbols), where:
n=2.sup.m-1 (EQ 13)
[2340] The error-correcting capacity of the code is t symbols,
where:
t = n - k 2 ( EQ 14 ) ##EQU00003##
[2341] To minimize the redundancy overhead of a given
error-correcting capacity, the number of redundancy symbols n-k is
chosen to be even, i.e. so that:
2t=n-k (EQ 15)
[2342] Reed-Solomon codes are well known and understood in the art
of data storage, and so are not described in great detail here.
[2343] Data symbols d.sub.i and redundancy symbols r.sub.j of the
code are indexed from left to right according to the power of their
corresponding polynomial terms, as illustrated in FIG. 127. Note
that data bits are indexed in the opposite direction, i.e. from
right to left.
[2344] The data capacity of a given code may be reduced by
puncturing the code, i.e. by systematically removing a subset of
data symbols. Missing symbols can then be treated as erasures
during decoding. In this case:
n=k+2t<2.sup.m-1 (EQ 16)
[2345] Longer codes and codes with greater error-correcting
capacities are computationally more expensive to decode than
shorter codes or codes with smaller error-correcting capacities.
Where application constraints limit the complexity of the code and
the required data capacity exceeds the capacity of the chosen code,
multiple codewords can be used to encode the data. To maximize the
codewords' resilience to burst errors, the codewords are
interleaved.
[2346] To maximize the utility of the Kip encoding, the bitstream
is encoded contiguously and in order within the frame. To reconcile
the requirement for interleaving and the requirement for contiguity
and order, the bitstream is de-interleaved for the purpose of
computing the Reed-Solomon redundancy data, and is then
re-interleaved before being encoded in the frame. This maintains
the order and contiguity of the bitstream, and produces a separate
contiguous block of interleaved redundancy data which is placed at
the end of the extended frame. The Kip interleaving scheme is
defined in detail below.
[2347] Kip Reed-Solomon codes have the primitive polynomials given
in the following table:
TABLE-US-00011 Symbol size Primitive (m) polynomial 3 1011 4 10011
5 100101 6 1000011 7 10000011 8 101110001 9 1000010001 10
10000001001 11 100000000101 12 1000001010011 13 10000000011011 14
100000001010011
[2348] The entries in the table indicate the coefficients of the
primitive polynomial with the highest-order coefficient on the
left. Thus the primitive polynomial for m=4 is:
p(x)=x.sup.4+x+1 (EQ 17)
[2349] Kip Reed-Solomon codes have the following generator
polynomials:
g ( x ) = ( x + .alpha. ) ( x + .alpha. 2 ) ( x + .alpha. 2 t ) = i
= 1 2 t ( x + .alpha. i ) ( EQ 18 ) ##EQU00004##
[2350] For the purposes of interleaving, the source data D is
partitioned into a sequence of m-bit symbols and padded on the
right with zero bits to yield a sequence of u symbols, consisting
of an integer multiple s of k symbols, where s is the number of
codewords:
u=s.times.k (EQ 19)
D={D.sub.0, . . . , D.sub.u-1} (EQ 20)
[2351] Each symbol in this sequence is then mapped to a
corresponding (i.sup.th) symbol d.sub.w,i of an interleaved
codeword w:
d.sub.w,i=D.sub.(i.times.s)+w (EQ 21)
[2352] The resultant interleaved data symbols are illustrated in
FIG. 128. Note that this is an in situ mapping of the source data
to codewords, not a re-arrangement of the source data.
[2353] The symbols of each codeword are de-interleaved prior to
encoding the codeword, and the resultant redundancy symbols are
re-interleaved to form the redundancy block. The resultant
interleaved redundancy symbols are illustrated in FIG. 129.
General Netpage Description
[2354] Netpage interactivity can be used to provide printed user
interfaces to various phone functions and applications, such as
enabling particular operational modes of the mobile
telecommunications device or interacting with a calculator
application, as well as providing general "keypad", "keyboard" and
"tablet" input to the mobile telecommunications device. Such
interfaces can be pre-printed and bundled with a phone, purchased
separately (as a way of customizing phone operation, similar to
ringtones and themes) or printed on demand where the phone
incorporates a printer.
[2355] A printed Netpage business card provides a good example of
how a variety of functions can be usefully combined in a single
interface, including: [2356] loading contact details into an
address book [2357] displaying a Web page [2358] displaying an
image [2359] dialing a contact number [2360] bringing up an e-mail,
SMS or MMS form [2361] loading location info into a navigation
system [2362] activating a promotion or special offer
[2363] Any of these functions can be made single-use only.
[2364] A business card may be printed by the mobile
telecommunications device user for presentation to someone else, or
may be printed from a Web page relating to a business for the
mobile telecommunications device user's own use. It may also be
pre-printed.
[2365] As described below, the primary benefit of incorporating a
Netpage pointer or pen in another device is synergy. A Netpage
pointer or pen incorporated in a mobile phone, smartphone or
telecommunications-enabled PDA, for example, allows the device to
act as both a Netpage pointer and as a relay between the pointer
and the mobile phone network and hence a Netpage server. When the
pointer is used to interact with a page, the target application of
the interaction can display information on the phone display and
initiate further interaction with the user via the phone
touchscreen. The pointer is most usefully configured so that its
"nib" is in a corner of the phone body, allowing the user to easily
manipulate the phone to designate a tagged surface.
[2366] The phone can incorporate a marking nib and optionally a
continuous force sensor to provide full Netpage pen
functionality.
[2367] An exemplary Netpage interaction will now be described to
show how a sensing device in the form of a Netpage enabled mobile
device interacts with the coded data on a print medium in the form
of a card. Whilst in the preferred form the print medium is a card
generated by the mobile device or another mobile device, it can
also be a commercially pre-printed card that is purchased or
otherwise provided as part of a commercial transaction. The print
medium can also be a page of a book, magazine, newspaper or
brochure, for example.
[2368] The mobile device senses a tag using an area image sensor
and detects tag data. The mobile device uses the sensed data tag to
generate interaction data, which is sent via a mobile
telecommunications network to a document server. The document
server uses the ID to access the document description, and
interpret the interaction. In appropriate circumstances, the
document server sends a corresponding message to an application
server, which can then perform a corresponding action.
[2369] Typically Netpage pen and Netpage-enabled mobile device
users register with a registration server, which associates the
user with an identifier stored in the respective Netpage pen or
Netpage enabled mobile device. By providing the sensing device
identifier as part of the interaction data, this allows users to be
identified, allowing transactions or the like to be performed.
[2370] Netpage documents are generated by having an ID server
generate an ID which is transferred to the document server. The
document server determines a document description and then records
an association between the document description and the ID, to
allow subsequent retrieval of the document description using the
ID.
[2371] The ID is then used to generate the tag data, as will be
described in more detail below, before the document is printed by a
suitable printer, using the page description and the tag map.
[2372] Each tag is represented by a pattern which contains two
kinds of elements. The first kind of element is a target. Targets
allow a tag to be located in an image of a coded surface, and allow
the perspective distortion of the tag to be inferred. The second
kind of element is a macrodot. Each macrodot encodes the value of a
bit by its presence or absence.
[2373] The pattern is represented on the coded surface in such a
way as to allow it to be acquired by an optical imaging system, and
in particular by an optical system with a narrowband response in
the near-infrared. The pattern is typically printed onto the
surface using a narrowband near-infrared ink.
[2374] In the preferred embodiment, the region typically
corresponds to the entire surface of an M-Print card, and the
region ID corresponds to the unique M-Print card ID. For clarity in
the following discussion we refer to items and IDs, with the
understanding that the ID corresponds to the region ID.
[2375] The surface coding is designed so that an acquisition field
of view large enough to guarantee acquisition of an entire tag is
large enough to guarantee acquisition of the ID of the region
containing the tag. Acquisition of the tag itself guarantees
acquisition of the tag's two-dimensional position within the
region, as well as other tag-specific data. The surface coding
therefore allows a sensing device to acquire a region ID and a tag
position during a purely local interaction with a coded surface,
e.g. during a "click" or tap on a coded surface with a pen.
Example Tag Structure
[2376] A wide range of different tag structures (as described in
the assignee's various cross-referenced Netpage applications) can
be used. The preferred tag will now be described in detail.
[2377] FIG. 130 shows the structure of a complete tag 1400. Each of
the four black circles 1402 is a target. The tag 1400, and the
overall pattern, has four-fold rotational symmetry at the physical
level. Each square region 1404 represents a symbol, and each symbol
represents four bits of information.
[2378] FIG. 131 shows the structure of a symbol. It contains four
macrodots 1406, each of which represents the value of one bit by
its presence (one) or absence (zero). The macrodot spacing is
specified by the parameter s throughout this document. It has a
nominal value of 143 .mu.m, based on 9 dots printed at a pitch of
1600 dots per inch. However, it is allowed to vary by .+-.10%
according to the capabilities of the device used to produce the
pattern.
[2379] FIG. 132 shows an array of nine adjacent symbols. The
macrodot spacing is uniform both within and between symbols.
[2380] FIG. 133 shows the ordering of the bits within a symbol. Bit
zero (b0) is the least significant within a symbol; bit three (b3)
is the most significant. Note that this ordering is relative to the
orientation of the symbol. The orientation of a particular symbol
within the tag 1400 is indicated by the orientation of the label of
the symbol in the tag diagrams. In general, the orientation of all
symbols within a particular segment of the tag have the same
orientation, consistent with the bottom of the symbol being closest
to the centre of the tag.
[2381] Only the macrodots 1406 are part of the representation of a
symbol in the pattern. The square outline 1404 of a symbol is used
in this document to more clearly elucidate the structure of a tag
1400. FIG. 134, by way of illustration, shows the actual pattern of
a tag 1400 with every bit set. Note that, in practice, every bit of
a tag 1400 can never be set.
[2382] A macrodot 1406 is nominally circular with a nominal
diameter of (5/9)s. However, it is allowed to vary in size by
.+-.10% according to the capabilities of the device used to produce
the pattern.
[2383] A target 1402 is nominally circular with a nominal diameter
of (17/9)s. However, it is allowed to vary in size by .+-.10%
according to the capabilities of the device used to produce the
pattern.
[2384] The tag pattern is allowed to vary in scale by up to .+-.10%
according to the capabilities of the device used to produce the
pattern. Any deviation from the nominal scale is recorded in the
tag data to allow accurate generation of position samples.
[2385] Each symbol shown in the tag structure in FIG. 130 has a
unique label. Each label consists an alphabetic prefix and a
numeric suffix.
Tag Group
[2386] Tags are arranged into tag groups. Each tag group contains
four tags arranged in a square. Each tag therefore has one of four
possible tag types according to its location within the tag group
square. The tag types are labelled 00, 10, 01 and 11, as shown in
FIG. 135.
[2387] FIG. 136 shows how tag groups are repeated in a continuous
tiling of tags. The tiling guarantees the any set of four adjacent
tags contains one tag of each type.
Codewords
[2388] The tag contains four complete codewords. Each codeword is
of a punctured 2.sup.4-ary (8,5) Reed-Solomon code. Two of the
codewords are unique to the tag. These are referred to as local and
are labelled A and B. The tag therefore encodes up to 40 bits of
information unique to the tag.
[2389] The remaining two codewords are unique to a tag type, but
common to all tags of the same type within a contiguous tiling of
tags. These are referred to as global and are labelled C and D,
subscripted by tag type. A tag group therefore encodes up to 160
bits of information common to all tag groups within a contiguous
tiling of tags. The layout of the four codewords is shown in FIG.
137.
Reed-Solomon Encoding
[2390] Codewords are encoded using a punctured 2.sup.4-ary (8,5)
Reed-Solomon code. A 2.sup.4-ary (8,5) Reed-Solomon code encodes 20
data bits (i.e. five 4-bit symbols) and 12 redundancy bits (i.e.
three 4-bit symbols) in each codeword. Its error-detecting capacity
is three symbols. Its error-correcting capacity is one symbol. More
information about Reed-Solomon encoding in the Netpage context is
provide in U.S. Ser. No. 10/815,647 (Docket No. HYG001US), filed on
Apr. 2, 2004, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
cross-reference.
Netpage in a Mobile Environment
[2391] FIG. 138 provides an overview of the architecture of the
Netpage system, incorporating local and remote applications and
local and remote Netpage servers. The generic Netpage system is
described extensively in many of the assignee's patents and
co-pending applications, (such as U.S. Ser. No. 09/722,174 (Docket
No. NPA081US), and so is not described in detail here. However, a
number of extensions and alterations to the generic Netpage system
are used as part of implementing various Netpage-based functions
into a mobile device. This applies both to Netpage-related sensing
of coded data on a print medium being printed (or about to be
printed) and to a Netpage-enabled mobile device with or without a
printer.
[2392] Referring to FIG. 138, a Netpage microserver 790 running on
the mobile phone 1 provides a constrained set of Netpage functions
oriented towards interpreting clicks rather than interpreting
general digital ink. When the microserver 790 accepts a click event
from the pointer driver 718 it interprets it in the usual Netpage
way. This includes retrieving the page description associated with
the click impression ID, and hit testing the click location against
interactive elements in a page description. This may result in the
microserver identifying a command element and sending the command
to the application specified by the command element. This
functionality is described in many of the earlier Netpage
applications cross-referenced above.
[2393] The target application may be a local application 792 or a
remote application 700 accessible via the network 788. The
microserver 790 may deliver a command to a running application or
may cause the application to be launched if not already
running.
[2394] If the microserver 790 receives a click for an unknown
impression ID, then it uses the impression ID to identify a
network-based Netpage server 798 capable of handling the click, and
forwards the click to that server for interpretation. The Netpage
server 798 may be on a private intranet accessible to the mobile
telecommunications device, or may be on the public Internet.
[2395] For a known impression ID the microserver 790 may interact
directly with a remote application 700 rather than via the Netpage
server 798.
[2396] In the event that the mobile device includes a printer 4, an
optional printing server 796 is provided. The printing server 796
runs on the mobile phone 1 and accepts printing requests from
remote applications and Netpage servers. When the printing server
accepts a printing request from an untrusted application, it may
require the application to present a single-use printing token
previously issued by the mobile telecommunications device.
[2397] A display server 704 running on the mobile
telecommunications device accepts display requests from remote
applications and Netpage servers. When the display server 704
accepts a display request from an untrusted application, it may
require the application to present a single-use display token
previously issued by the mobile telecommunications device. The
display server 704 controls the mobile telecommunications device
display 750.
[2398] As illustrated in FIG. 139, the mobile telecommunications
device may act as a relay for a Netpage stylus, pen, or other
Netpage input device 708. If the microserver 790 receives digital
ink for an unknown impression ID, then it uses the impression ID to
identify a network-based Netpage server 798 capable of handling the
digital ink, and forwards the digital ink to that server for
interpretation.
[2399] Although not required to, the microserver 790 can be
configured to have some capability for interpreting digital ink.
For example, it may be capable of interpreting digital ink
associated with checkboxes and drawings fields only, or it may be
capable of performing rudimentary character recognition, or it may
be capable of performing character recognition with the help of a
remote server.
[2400] The microserver can also be configured to enable routing of
digital ink captured via a Netpage "tablet" to the mobile
telecommunications device operating system. A Netpage tablet may be
a separate surface, pre-printed or printed on demand, or it may be
an overlay or underlay on the mobile telecommunications device
display.
[2401] The Netpage pointer incorporates the same image sensor and
image processing ASIC (referred to as "Jupiter", and described in
detail below) developed for and used by the Netpage pen. Jupiter
responds to a contact switch by activating an illumination LED and
capturing an image of a tagged surface. It then notifies the mobile
telecommunications device processor of the "click". The Netpage
pointer incorporates a similar optical design to the Netpage pen,
but ideally with a smaller form factor. The smaller form factor is
achieved with a more sophisticated multi-lens design, as described
below.
Obtaining Media Information Directly from Netpage Tags
[2402] Media information can be obtained directly from the Netpage
tags. It has the advantage that no data track is required, or only
a minimal data track is required, since the Netpage identifier and
digital signatures in particular can be obtained from the Netpage
tag pattern.
[2403] The Netpage tag sensor is capable of reading a tag pattern
from a snapshot image. This has the advantage that the image can be
captured as the card enters the paper path, before it engages the
transport mechanism, and even before the printer controller is
activated, if necessary.
[2404] A Netpage tag sensor capable of reading tags as the media
enters or passes through the media feed path is described in detail
in the Netpage Clicker sub-section below (see FIGS. 140 and
141).
[2405] Conversely, the advantage of reading the tag pattern during
transport (either during a reading phase or during the printing
phase), is that the printer can obtain exact information about the
lateral and longitudinal registration between the Netpage tag
pattern and the visual content printed by the printer. Whilst a
single captured image of a tag can be used to determine
registration in either or both directions, it is preferred to
determine the registration based on at least two captured images.
The images can be captured sequentially by a single sensor, or two
sensors can capture them simultaneously or sequentially. Various
averaging approaches can be taken to determine a more accurate
position in either or both direction from two or more captured
images than would be available by replying on a single image.
[2406] If the tag pattern can be rotated with respect to the
printhead, either due to the manufacturing tolerances of the card
itself or tolerances in the paper path, it is advantageous to read
the tag pattern to determine the rotation. The printer can then
report the rotation to the Netpage server, which can record it and
use it when it eventually interprets digital ink captured via the
card. Whilst a single captured image of a tag can be used to
determine the rotation, it is preferred to determine the rotation
based on at least two captured images. The images can be captured
sequentially by a single sensor, or two sensors can capture them
simultaneously or sequentially. Various averaging approaches can be
taken to determine a more accurate rotation from two or more
captured images than would be available by replying on a single
image.
Netpage Options
[2407] The following media coding options relate to the Netpage
tags. Netpage is described in more detail in a later section.
Netpage Tag Orientation
[2408] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine,
possibly prior to commencing printing, the orientation of Netpage
tags on the card in relation to the printhead. This allows the
printer to rotate page graphics to match the orientation of the
Netpage tags on the card, prior to commencing printing. It also
allows the printer to report the orientation of the Netpage tags on
the card for recording by a Netpage server.
Netpage Tag Position
[2409] If lateral and longitudinal registration and motion
tracking, as discussed above, is achieved by means other than via
the media coding, then any misregistration between the media coding
itself and the printed content, either due to manufacturing
tolerances in the card itself or due to paper path tolerances in
the printer, can manifest themselves as a lateral and/or
longitudinal registration error between the Netpage tags and the
printed content. This in turn can lead to a degraded user
experience. For example, if the zone of a hyperlink may fail to
register accurately with the visual representation of the
hyperlink.
[2410] As discussed above in relation to card position, the media
coding can provide the basis for accurate lateral and longitudinal
registration and motion tracking of the media coding itself, and
the printer can report this registration to the Netpage server
alongside the Netpage identifier. The Netpage server can record
this registration information as a two-dimensional offset which
corrects for any deviation between the nominal and actual
registration, and correct any digital ink captured via the card
accordingly, before interpretation.
Netpage Identity
[2411] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine the
unique 96-bit Netpage identifier of the card. This allows the
printer to report the Netpage identifier of the card for recording
by a Netpage server (which associates the printed graphics and
input description with the identity).
[2412] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine the
unique Netpage identifier of the card from either side of the card.
This allows printer designers the flexibility of reading the
Netpage identifier from the most convenient side of the card.
[2413] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine if
it is an authorised Netpage card. This allows the printer to not
perform the Netpage association step for an un-authorised card,
effectively disabling its Netpage interactivity. This prevents a
forged card from preventing the use of a valid card with the same
Netpage identifier.
[2414] The card can be coded to allow the printer to determine both
the Netpage identifier and a unique digital signature associated
with the Netpage identifier. This allows the printer to prevent
forgery using a digital signature verification mechanism already in
place for the purpose of controlling interactions with Netpage
media.
Netpage Interactivity
[2415] Substantially all the front side of the card can be coded
with Netpage tags to allow a Netpage sensing device to interact
with the card subsequent to printing. This allows the printer to
print interactive Netpage content without having to include a tag
printing capability. If the back side of the card is blank and
printable, then substantially the entire back side of the card can
be coded with Netpage tags to allow a Netpage sensing device to
interact with the card subsequent to printing. This allows the
printer to print interactive Netpage content without having to
include a tag printing capability.
[2416] The back side of the card can be coded with Netpage tags to
allow a Netpage sensing device to interact with the card. This
allows interactive Netpage content to be pre-printed on the back of
the card.
Cryptography
Background
[2417] Blank media designed for use with the preferred embodiment
are pre-coded to satisfy a number of requirements, supporting
motion sensing and Netpage interactivity, and protecting against
forgery.
[2418] The following section describes authentication mechanisms
that can be used to detect and reject forged or un-coded blank
media. Forged or un-coded media are hereafter referred to as
invalid media.
[2419] The need for protection against invalid media derives from a
number of requirements. Only genuine media are guaranteed to
maximize print quality, since color management is closely tied to
actual media characteristics. Rejecting invalid media therefore
ensures that print quality is maximized. Conversely, print quality
guarantees cannot be made for invalid media.
[2420] Netpage interactivity is a fundamental property of print
media in the preferred embodiment. Rejecting invalid media ensures
that Netpage interactivity is properly enabled, i.e. that a valid
and unique Netpage tag pattern is always present.
[2421] Media identification and authentication can also be used to
control media expiry, e.g. for quality control purposes.
[2422] A medium, once printed, can act as a secure token which
provides the holder of the medium with privileged access to
information associated with the medium. For example, the medium may
bear a printout of a photo, and the medium may then act as a token
that gives the holder access to a digital image corresponding to
the photo.
[2423] This mechanisms described in this document can also be used
to authenticate media as secure tokens.
Media Identifier and Digital Signatures
[2424] In the preferred embodiment, media coding includes a unique
media identifier and two digital signatures associated with the
media identifier. The digital signatures are described in detail
below. The media identifier and the digital signatures are encoded
in both the Netpage tag pattern, as described below, and in the
data track, if present.
[2425] The short digital signature is a digital signature
associated with the media identifier in a way known only to an
authentication server. For example, the short signature may be a
random number explicitly recorded by the authentication server,
indexed by the media identifier. The short digital signature must
therefore be authenticated by the server.
[2426] The long digital signature is a public-key digital signature
of the media identifier. The media identifier is optionally padded
with a random number before being signed. The public-key digital
signature can be authenticated without reference to the
authentication server, so long as the authenticator is in
possession of the publicly-available public key associated with the
media identifier. The padding can be authenticated with reference
to the server, if desired.
[2427] The short and long signatures may also be used in
combination.
[2428] When a blank pre-coded medium is duplicated exactly, it
results in a copy which cannot be identified as a forgery per se.
However, by tracking the production, movement and/or usage of media
identifiers, the authentication server can detect multiple uses of
the same media identifier and reject such uses as probably
fraudulent. Since a forger is unable to guess valid digital
signatures for novel (i.e. un-seen) media identifiers, rejection of
duplicates does not penalize users of valid media.
Authentication During Printing
[2429] An M-Print printing device is configured to obtain the media
identifier and one or both of the digital signatures before, during
or after completion of printing. The M-Print device obtains this
information from the Netpage tag pattern and/or the data track, if
present.
[2430] The M-Print device can use the information to authenticate
the medium. It can authenticate the media identifier and short
signature by querying the authentication server, or it can
authenticate the media identifier and long signature locally if it
is already in possession of the appropriate public key. It can
obtain a public key associated with a range of media identifiers
the first time it encounters a media identifier in the range, and
can then cache the public key locally for future use, indexed by
range. It can flush the cache at any time to regain space, e.g. on
a least-recently-used or least-frequently-used basis. It can obtain
the public key from the authentication server itself or from any
other trusted source.
[2431] If the M-Print device is unable to authenticate the medium
before or during printing, then it can abort printing to prevent
use of the medium. If it is only able to authenticate the medium
after printing, then it can still provide the user with feedback
indicating that the medium is a forgery.
[2432] If the M-Print device fails to obtain coded information from
the medium at all, then it can abort printing and/or signal to the
user that the medium is invalid.
[2433] If the source of printed content is network-based, and the
M-Print device itself is not trusted, then the server which is
providing the printed content can predicate delivery of that
content on media authentication. I.e. the medium itself can act as
a secure token for enabling printing.
Authentication During Netpage Interaction
[2434] A Netpage pointing device (such as an M-Print device
incorporating a Netpage pointer), when tapped on (or swiped over) a
Netpage-enabled medium such as a printed M-Print medium, is
configured to obtain the media identifier and one or both of the
digital signatures from the Netpage tag pattern.
[2435] The device is thereby able to authenticate the medium, using
the mechanisms described earlier, should it need to do so.
[2436] More importantly, it is able to prove to a Netpage server
that it is being used to interact with a valid medium by providing
the server with a copy of the media identifier and one or both of
the digital signatures (or fragments thereof). The server is
thereby able to authenticate the medium, and is therefore able to
reject attempted interactions with an invalid medium. For example,
it is able to reject an attempt to download the digital image
associated with a printed photo, preventing fraudulent access to
photo images based on merely guessing valid media identifiers.
[2437] A medium, once printed, can act as a secure token which
provides the holder of the medium with privileged access to
information associated with the medium. For example, the medium may
bear a printout of a photo, and the medium may then act as a token
that gives the holder access to a digital image corresponding to
the photo.
[2438] This mechanisms described in this document can also be used
to authenticate media as secure tokens.
Security in M-Print in Mobile Netpage Contexts
[2439] As described above, authentication relies on verifying the
correspondence between data and a signature of that data. The
greater the difficulty in forging a signature, the greater the
trustworthiness of signature-based authentication.
[2440] The Netpage ID is unique and therefore provides a basis for
a signature. If online authentication access is assumed, then the
signature may simply be a random number associated with the ID in
an authentication database accessible to the trusted online
authenticator. The random number may be generated by any suitable
method, such as via a deterministic (pseudo-random) algorithm, or
via a stochastic physical process. A keyed hash or encrypted hash
may be preferable to a random number since it requires no
additional space in the authentication database. However, a random
signature of the same length as a keyed signature is more secure
than the keyed signature since it is not susceptible to key
attacks. Equivalently, a shorter random signature confers the same
security as a longer keyed signature.
[2441] In the limit case no signature is actually required, since
the mere presence of the ID in the database indicates authenticity.
However, the use of a signature limits a forger to forging items he
has actually sighted.
[2442] To prevent forgery of a signature for an unsighted ID, the
signature must be large enough to make exhaustive search via
repeated accesses to the online authenticator intractable. If the
signature is generated using a key rather than randomly, then its
length must also be large enough to prevent the forger from
deducing the key from known ID-signature pairs. Signatures of a few
hundred bits are considered secure, whether generated using private
or secret keys.
[2443] While it may be practical to include a reasonably secure
random signature in a tag (or local tag group), particularly if the
length of the ID is reduced to provide more space for the
signature, it may be impractical to include a secure ID-derived
signature in a tag. To support a secure ID-derived signature, we
can instead distribute fragments of the signature across multiple
tags. If each fragment can be verified in isolation against the ID,
then the goal of supporting authentication without increasing the
sensing device field of view is achieved. The security of the
signature can still derive from the full length of the signature
rather than from the length of a fragment, since a forger cannot
predict which fragment a user will randomly choose to verify. A
trusted authenticator can always perform fragment verification
since they have access to the key and/or the full stored signature,
so fragment verification is always possible when online access to a
trusted authenticator is available.
[2444] Fragment verification requires that we prevent brute force
attacks on individual fragments, otherwise a forger can determine
the entire signature by attacking each fragment in turn. A brute
force attack can be prevented by throttling the authenticator on a
per-ID basis. However, if fragments are short, then extreme
throttling is required. As an alternative to throttling the
authenticator, the authenticator can instead enforce a limit on the
number of verification requests it is willing to respond to for a
given fragment number. Even if the limit is made quite small, it is
unlikely that a normal user will exhaust it for a given fragment,
since there will be many fragments available and the actual
fragment chosen by the user can vary. Even a limit of one can be
practical. More generally, the limit should be proportional to the
size of the fragment, i.e. the smaller the fragment the smaller the
limit. Thus the experience of the user would be somewhat invariant
of fragment size. Both throttling and enforcing fragment
verification limits imply serialisation of requests to the
authenticator. A fragment verification limit need only be imposed
once verification fails, i.e. an unlimited number of successful
verifications can occur before the first failure. Enforcing
fragment verification limits further requires the authenticator to
maintain a per-fragment count of satisfied verification
requests.
[2445] A brute force attack can also be prevented by concatenating
the fragment with a random signature encoded in the tag. While the
random signature can be thought of as protecting the fragment, the
fragment can also be thought of as simply increasing the length of
the random signature and hence increasing its security. A fragment
verification limit can make verification subject to a denial of
service attack, where an attacker deliberately exceeds the limit
with invalid verification request in order to prevent further
verification of the ID in question. This can be prevented by only
enforcing the fragment verification limit for a fragment when the
accompanying random signature is correct.
[2446] Fragment verification may be made more secure by requiring
the verification of a minimum number of fragments
simultaneously.
[2447] Fragment verification requires fragment identification.
Fragments may be explicitly numbered, or may more economically be
identified by the two-dimensional coordinate of their tag, modulo
the repetition of the signature across a continuous tiling of
tags.
[2448] The limited length of the ID itself introduces a further
vulnerability. Ideally it should be at least a few hundred bits. In
the Netpage surface coding scheme it is 96 bits or less. To
overcome this, the ID may be padded. For this to be effective the
padding must be variable, i.e. it must vary from one ID to the
next. Ideally the padding is simply a random number, and must then
be stored in the authentication database indexed by ID. If the
padding is deterministically generated from the ID then it is
worthless.
[2449] Offline authentication of secret-key signatures requires the
use of a trusted offline authentication device. The QA chip (which
is the subject of a number of US patents, including U.S. Pat. No.
6,566,858 (Docket No. AUTH02US); U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,946 (Docket
No. AUTH04US); U.S. Pat. No. 6,246,970 (Docket No. AUTH05US); U.S.
Pat. No. 6,442,525 (Docket No. AUTH06US), all filed on Jun. 8, 1998
provides the basis for such a device, although of limited capacity.
The QA chip can be programmed to verify a signature using a secret
key securely held in its internal memory. In this scenario,
however, it is impractical to support per-ID padding, and it is
impractical even to support more than a very few secret keys.
Furthermore, a QA chip programmed in this manner is susceptible to
a chosen-message attack. These constraints limit the applicability
of a QA-chip-based trusted offline authentication device to niche
applications.
[2450] In general, despite the claimed security of any particular
trusted offline authentication device, creators of secure items are
likely to be reluctant to entrust their secret signature keys to
such devices, and this is again likely to limit the applicability
of such devices to niche applications (although such niche
applications are still important).
[2451] By contrast, offline authentication of public-key signatures
(i.e. generated using the corresponding private keys) is highly
practical. An offline authentication device utilising public keys
can trivially hold any number of public keys, and may be designed
to retrieve additional public keys on demand, via a transient
online connection, when it encounters an ID for which it knows it
has no corresponding public signature key. Untrusted offline
authentication is likely to be attractive to most creators of
secure items, since they are able to retain exclusive control of
their private signature keys.
[2452] A disadvantage of offline authentication of a public-key
signature is that the entire signature must be acquired from the
coding, which is at odds with the general desire to support
authentication with a minimal field of view. A corresponding
advantage of offline authentication of a public-key signature is
that access to the ID padding is no longer required, since
decryption of the signature using the public signature key
generates both the ID and its padding, and the padding can then be
ignored. A forger can not take advantage of the fact that the
padding is ignored during offline authentication, since the padding
is not ignored during online authentication.
[2453] Acquisition of an entire distributed signature is not
particularly onerous. Any random or linear swipe of a hand-held
sensing device across a coded surface allows it to quickly acquire
all of the fragments of the signature. The sensing device can
easily be programmed to signal the user when it has acquired a full
set of fragments and has completed authentication. The device may
be programmed to only perform authentication when the tags indicate
the presence of a signature.
[2454] The need for swiping is of less concern in the context of
authenticating a print medium prior to or during printing with the
preferred embodiment of a mobile device incorporating a printer. In
the preferred form, the print medium is inserted into a media feed
path for printing. Either during this insertion, or subsequently
while the print medium is being moved by the device's drive
mechanism, a sensing device can read a series of tags sufficient to
obtain all the required signature fragments.
[2455] Although the use of authentication has been described with
reference to Netpage tags, similar principles can be applied to the
linear encoding scheme (or any other encoding scheme) used to
encode data on pre-printed print media.
[2456] Note that a public-key signature may be authenticated online
via any of its fragments in the same way as any signature, whether
generated randomly or using a secret key. The trusted online
authenticator may generate the signature on demand using the
private key and ID padding, or may store the signature explicitly
in the authentication database. The latter approach obviates the
need to store the ID padding.
[2457] Note also that signature-based authentication may be used in
place of fragment-based authentication even when online access to a
trusted authenticator is available.
[2458] Table 13 provides a summary of which signature schemes are
workable using the coded data structures in the preferred encoding
scheme. It will be appreciated that these limitations do not apply
to all encoding schemes that can be used with the invention.
TABLE-US-00012 Encoding Acquisition Signature Online Offline in
tags from tags generation authentication authentication Local full
random ok Impractical to store per ID information secret key
Signature too short Undesirable to store secret to be secure keys
private Signature too short key to be secure Distributed
fragment(s) random ok impractical.sup.b secret key ok
impractical.sup.c private ok impractical.sup.b key full random ok
impractical.sup.b secret key ok impractical.sup.c private ok ok key
Key: a: It is impractical to store per-ID information in the
offline authentication device .sup.bThe signature is too short to
be secure. .sup.cIt is undesirable to store secret keys in the
offline authentication device.
Cryptographic Algorithms
[2459] When the public-key signature is authenticated offline, the
user's authentication device typically does not have access to the
padding used when the signature was originally generated. The
signature verification step must therefore decrypt the signature to
allow the authentication device to compare the ID in the signature
with the ID acquired from the tags. This precludes the use of
algorithms which don't perform the signature verification step by
decrypting the signature, such as the standard Digital Signature
Algorithm U.S. Department of Commerce/National Institute of
Standards and Technology, Digital Signature Standard (DSS), FIPS
186-2, 27 Jan. 2000.
[2460] RSA encryption is described in: [2461] Rivest, R. L., A.
Shamir, and L. Adleman, "A Method for Obtaining Digital Signatures
and Public-Key Cryptosystems", Communications of the ACM, Vol. 21,
No. 2, February 1978, pp. 120-126 [2462] Rivest, R. L., A. Shamir,
and L. M. Adleman, "Cryptographic communications system and
method", U.S. Pat. No. 4,405,829, issued 20 Sep. 1983 [2463] RSA
Laboratories, PKCS #1 v2.0: RSA Encryption Standard, Oct. 1,
1998
[2464] RSA provides a suitable public-key digital signature
algorithm that decrypts the signature. RSA provides the basis for
the ANSI X9.31 digital signature standard American National
Standards Institute, ANSI X9.31-1998, Digital Signatures Using
Reversible Public Key Cryptography for the Financial Services
Industry (rDSA), Sep. 8, 1998. If no padding is used, then any
public-key signature algorithm can be used.
[2465] In the preferred Netpage surface coding scheme the ID is 96
bits long or less. It is padded to 160 bits prior to being
signed.
[2466] The padding is ideally generated using a truly random
process, such as a quantum process, or by distilling randomness
from random events. For more information on these issues, see
Schneier, B., Applied Cryptography, Second Edition, John Wiley
& Sons 1996.
[2467] In the preferred Netpage surface coding scheme the random
signature, or secret, is 36 bits long or less. It is also ideally
generated using a truly random process. If a longer random
signature is required, then the length of the ID in the surface
coding can be reduced to provide additional space for the
signature.
Authentication
[2468] Each object ID has a signature. Limited space within the
preferred tag structure makes it impractical to include a full
cryptographic signature in a tag so signature fragments are
distributed across multiple tags. A smaller random signature, or
secret, can be included in a tag.
[2469] To avoid any vulnerability due to the limited length of the
object ID, the object ID is padded, ideally with a random number.
The padding is stored in an authentication database indexed by
object ID. The authentication database may be managed by the
manufacturer, or it may be managed by a third-party trusted
authenticator.
[2470] Each tag contains a signature fragment and each fragment (or
a subset of fragments) can be verified, in isolation, against the
object ID. The security of the signature still derives from the
full length of the signature rather than from the length of the
fragment, since a forger cannot predict which fragment a user will
randomly choose to verify.
[2471] Fragment verification requires fragment identification.
Fragments may be explicitly numbered, or may by identified by the
two-dimensional coordinate of their tag, modulo the repetition of
the signature across continuous tiling of tags.
[2472] Note that a trusted authenticator can always perform
fragment verification, so fragment verification is always possible
when on-line access to a trusted authenticator is available.
Off-Line Public-Key-Based Authentication
[2473] An off-line authentication device utilises public-key
signatures. The authentication device holds a number of public
keys. The device may, optionally, retrieve additional public keys
on demand, via a transient on-line connection when it encounters an
object ID for which it has no corresponding public key
signature.
[2474] For off-line authentication, the entire signature is needed.
The authentication device is swiped over the tagged surface and a
number of tags are read. From this, the object ID is acquired, as
well as a number of signature fragments and their positions. The
signature is then generated from these signature fragments. The
public key is looked up, from the scanning device using the object
ID. The signature is then decrypted using the public key, to give
an object ID and padding. If the object ID obtained from the
signature matches the object ID in the tag then the object is
considered authentic.
[2475] The off-line authentication method can also be used on-line,
with the trusted authenticator playing the role of
authenticator.
On-Line Public-Key-Based Authentication
[2476] An on-line authentication device uses a trusted
authenticator to verify the authenticity of an object. For on-line
authentication a single tag can be all that is required to perform
authentication. The authentication device scans the object and
acquires one or more tags. From this, the object ID is acquired, as
well as at least one signature fragment and its position. The
fragment number is generated from the fragment position. The
appropriate trusted authenticator is looked up by the object ID.
The object ID, signature fragment, and fragment number are sent to
the trusted authenticator.
[2477] The trusted authenticator receives the data and retrieves
the signature from the authentication database by object ID. This
signature is compared with the supplied fragment, and the
authentication result is reported to the user.
On-Line Secret-Based Authentication
[2478] Alternatively or additionally, if a random signature or
secret is included in each tag (or tag group), then this can be
verified with reference to a copy of the secret accessible to a
trusted authenticator. Database setup then includes allocating a
secret for each object, and storing it in the authentication
database, indexed by object ID.
[2479] The authentication device scans the object and acquires one
or more tags. From this, the object ID is acquired, as well as the
secret. The appropriate trusted authenticator is looked up by the
object ID. The object ID and secret are sent to the trusted
authenticator.
[2480] The trusted authenticator receives the data and retrieves
the secret from the authentication database by object ID. This
secret is compared with the supplied secret, and the authentication
result is reported to the user.
[2481] Secret-based authentication can be used in conjunction with
on-line fragment-based authentication is discussed in more detail
above.
Netpage Clicker
[2482] An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.
140 and 141, in which the mobile device includes a Netpage clicker
module 362. This embodiment includes a printer and uses a dual
optical pathway arrangement to sense coded data from media outside
the mobile device as well as coded data pre-printed on media as it
passes through the device for printing.
[2483] The Netpage clicker in the preferred embodiment forms part
of a dual optical path Netpage sensing device. The first path is
used in the Netpage clicker, and the second operates to read coded
data from the card as it enters the mobile telecommunications
device for printing. As described below, the coded data on the card
is read to ensure that the card is of the correct type and quality
to enable printing.
[2484] The Netpage clicker includes a non-marking nib 340 that
exits the top of the mobile telecommunications device. The nib 340
is slidably mounted to be selectively moveable between a retracted
position, and an extended position by manual operation of a slider
342. The slider 342 is biased outwardly from the mobile
telecommunications device, and includes a ratchet mechanism (not
shown) for retaining the nib 340 in the extended position. To
retract the nib 340, the user depresses the slider 342, which
disengages the ratchet mechanism and enables the nib 340 to return
to the retracted position. One end of the nib abuts a switch (not
shown), which is operatively connected to circuitry on the PCB.
[2485] Working from one end of the first optical path to the other,
a first infrared LED 344 is mounted to direct infrared light out of
the mobile device via an aperture to illuminate an adjacent surface
(not shown). Light reflected from the surface passes through an
infrared filter 348, which improves the signal to noise ratio of
the reflected light by removing most non-infrared ambient light.
The reflected light is focused via a pair of lenses 350 and then
strikes a plate beam splitter 352. It will be appreciated that the
beam splitter 352 can include one or more thin-film optical
coatings to improve its performance.
[2486] A substantial portion of the light is deflected downwardly
by the plate splitter and lands on an image sensor 346 that is
mounted on the PCB. The image sensor 346 in the preferred
embodiment takes the form of the Jupiter image sensor and processor
described in detail below. It will be appreciated that a variety of
commercially available CCD and CMOS image sensors would also be
suitable.
[2487] The particular position of the nib, and orientation and
position of the first optical path within the casing enables a user
to interact with Netpage interactive documents as described
elsewhere in the detailed description. These Netpage documents can
include media printed by the mobile device itself, as well as other
media such as preprinted pages in books, magazines, newspapers and
the like.
[2488] The second optical path starts with a second infrared LED
354, which is mounted to shine light onto a surface of a card 226
when it is inserted in the mobile telecommunications device for
printing. The light is reflected from the card 226, and is turned
along the optical path by a first turning mirror 356 and a second
turning mirror 358. The light then passes through an aperture 359,
a lens 360 and the beam splitter 352 and lands on the image sensor
346.
[2489] The mobile device is configured such that both LEDs 344 and
354 turned off when a card is not being printed and the nib is not
being used to sense coded data on an external surface. However,
once the nib is extended and pressed onto a surface with sufficient
force to close the switch, the LED 344 is illuminated and the image
sensor 346 commences capturing images.
[2490] Although a non-marking nib has been described, a marking
nib, such as a ballpoint or felt-tip pen, can also be used. Where a
marking nib is used, it is particularly preferable to provide the
retraction mechanism to allow the nib to selectively be withdrawn
into the casing. Alternatively, the nib can be fixed (ie, no
retraction mechanism is provided).
[2491] In other embodiments, the switch is simply omitted (and the
device operates continuously, preferably only when placed into a
capture mode) or replaced with some other form of pressure sensor,
such as a piezo-electric or semiconductor-based transducer. In one
form, a multi-level or continuous pressure sensor is utilized,
which enables capture of the actual force of the nib against the
writing surface during writing. This information can be included
with the position information that comprises the digital ink
generated by the device, which can be used in a manner described in
detail in many of the assignee's cross-referenced Netpage-related
applications. However, this is an optional capability.
[2492] It will be appreciated that in other embodiments a simple
Netpage sensing device can also be included in a mobile device that
does not incorporate a printer. FIGS. 85 to 87 shows an example of
such a clicker, albeit in the context of a mobile device having a
printer. It will be appreciated that in the embodiment of FIGS. 85
to 87, the Netpage clicker is entirely concerned with sensing coded
data from external Netpage documents.
[2493] In other embodiments, one or more of the turning mirrors can
be replaced with one or more prisms that rely on boundary
reflection or silvered (or half silvered) surfaces to change the
course of light through the first or second optical paths. It is
also possible to omit either of the first or second optical paths,
with corresponding removal of the capabilities offered by those
paths.
Image Sensor and Associated Processing Circuitry
[2494] In the preferred embodiment, the Netpage sensor is a
monolithic integrated circuit that includes an image sensor, analog
to digital converter (ADC), image processor and interface, which
are configured to operate within a system including a host
processor. The applicants have codenamed the monolithic integrated
circuit "Jupiter". The image sensor and ADC are codenamed
"Ganymede" and the image processor and interface are codenamed
"Callisto".
[2495] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the image sensor
is incorporated in a Jupiter image sensor as described in
co-pending application U.S. Ser. No. 10/778,056 (Docket No.
NPS047US), filed on Feb. 17, 2004, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by cross-reference.
[2496] Various alternative pixel designs suitable for incorporation
in the Jupiter image sensor are described in PCT application
PCT/AU/02/01573 entitled "Active Pixel Sensor", filed 22 Nov. 2002;
and PCT application PCT/AU02/01572 entitled "Sensing Device with
Ambient Light Minimisation", filed 22 Nov. 2002; the contents of
which are incorporated herein by cross reference.
[2497] It should appreciated that the aggregation of particular
components into functional or codenamed blocks is not necessarily
an indication that such physical or even logical aggregation in
hardware is necessary for the functioning of the present invention.
Rather, the grouping of particular units into functional blocks is
a matter of design convenience in the particular preferred
embodiment that is described. The intended scope of the present
invention embodied in the detailed description should be read as
broadly as a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims
allows.
Image Sensor
[2498] Jupiter comprises an image sensor array, ADC (Analog to
Digital Conversion) function, timing and control logic, digital
interface to an external microcontroller, and implementation of
some of the computational steps of machine vision algorithms.
[2499] FIG. 142 shows a system-level diagram of the Jupiter
monolithic integrated circuit 1601 and its relationship with a host
processor 1602. Jupiter 1601 has two main functional blocks:
Ganymede 1604 and Callisto 1606. As described below, Ganymede
comprises a sensor array 1612, ADC 1614, timing and control logic
1616, clock multiplier PLL 1618, and bias control 1619. Callisto
comprises the image processing, image buffer memory, and serial
interface to a host processor. A parallel interface 1608 links
Ganymede 4 with Callisto 6, and a serial interface 1610 links
Callisto 1606 with the host processor 2.
[2500] The internal interfaces in Jupiter are used for
communication among the different internal modules.
Ganymede Image Sensor
Features
[2501] Sensor array [2502] 8-bit digitisation of the sensor array
output [2503] Ddigital image output to Callisto [2504] Clock
multiplying PLL
[2505] As shown in FIG. 143, Ganymede 1604 comprises a sensor array
1612, an ADC block 1614, a control and timing block 1616 and a
clock-multiplying phase lock loop (PLL) 1618 for providing an
internal clock signal. The sensor array 1612 comprises pixels 1620,
a row decoder 1622, and a column decoder/MUX 1624. The ADC block
1614 includes an 8-bit ADC 26 and a programmable gain amplifier
(PGA) 1628. The control and timing block 1616 controls the sensor
array 1612, the ADC 1614, and the PLL 1618, and provides an
interface to Callisto 1606.
Callisto
[2506] Callisto is an image processor 1625 designed to interface
directly to a monochrome image sensor via a parallel data
interface, optionally perform some image processing and pass
captured images to an external device via a serial data
interface.
Features
[2507] Parallel interface to image sensor [2508] Frame store buffer
to decouple parallel image sensor interface and external serial
interface [2509] Double buffering of frame store data to eliminate
buffer loading overhead [2510] Low pass filtering and sub-sampling
of captured image [2511] Local dynamic range expansion of
sub-sampled image [2512] Thresholding of the sub-sampled,
range-expanded image [2513] Read-out of pixels within a defined
region of the captured image, for both processed and unprocessed
images [2514] Calculation of sub-pixel values [2515] Configurable
image sensor timing interface [2516] Configurable image sensor size
[2517] Configurable image sensor window [2518] Power management:
auto sleep and wakeup modes [2519] External serial interface for
image output and device management [2520] External register
interface for register management on external devices
Environment
[2521] Callisto interfaces to both an image sensor, via a parallel
interface, and to an external device, such as a microprocessor, via
a serial data interface. Captured image data is passed to Callisto
across the parallel data interface from the image sensor. Processed
image data is passed to the external device via the serial
interface. Callisto's registers are also set via the external
serial interface.
Function
[2522] The Callisto image processing core accepts image data from
an image sensor and passes that data, either processed or
unprocessed, to an external device using a serial data interface.
The rate at which data is passed to that external device is
decoupled from whatever data read-out rates are imposed by the
image sensor.
[2523] The image sensor data rate and the image data rate over the
serial interface are decoupled by using an internal RAM-based frame
store. Image data from the sensor is written into the frame store
at a rate to satisfy image sensor read-out requirements. Once in
the frame store, data can be read out and transmitted over the
serial interface at whatever rate is required by the device at the
other end of that interface.
[2524] Callisto can optionally perform some image processing on the
image stored in its frame store, as dictated by user configuration.
The user may choose to bypass image processing and obtain access to
the unprocessed image. Sub-sampled images are stored in a buffer
but fully processed images are not persistently stored in Callisto;
fully processed images are immediately transmitted across the
serial interface. Callisto provides several image process related
functions: [2525] Sub-sampling [2526] Local dynamic range expansion
[2527] Thresholding [2528] Calculation of sub-pixel values [2529]
Read-out of a defined rectangle from the processed and unprocessed
image
[2530] Sub-sampling, local dynamic range expansion and thresholding
are typically used in conjunction with dynamic range expansion
performed on sub-sampled images, and thresholding performed on
sub-sampled, range-expanded images. Dynamic range expansion and
thresholding are performed together, as a single operation, and can
only be performed on sub-sampled images. Sub-sampling, however, may
be performed without dynamic range expansion and thresholding.
Retrieval of sub-pixel values and image region read-out are
standalone functions.
Alternative Tag Sensor Arrangements
[2531] A number of specific alternative optics systems for
implementing sensing of Netpage tags using the mobile device will
now be described with reference to FIGS. 144 to 150.
[2532] Basic Two Dimensional Tag Image Sensor: FIG. 144 shows the
basic configuration of a two-dimensional tag sensor for sensing
tags on a pre-tagged print medium prior to printing. A tag sensor
ordinarily includes an image sensor 664, a focusing lens 666, an
aperture 668 to ensure adequate depth of field, an infrared filter
670 to eliminate ambient light, and an infrared illumination source
669 that is strobed in synchrony with image capture. In the figure,
the tag sensor is shown imaging the surface of a pre-tagged blank
670 to the left. The infrared filter is not included in the
configuration, on the assumption that ambient light can be
adequately excluded from the print path. Image capture can be
triggered by the detection of a print medium in the print path.
[2533] Dual-Purpose 2D Tag Image Sensor: If the Netpage printer is
incorporated in a device which already includes a Netpage tag
sensor, such as a pen, PDA or mobile device such as a phone, then
it can be convenient to multiplex the operation of the tag sensor
between sensing tagged surfaces designated by the user, and tagged
blanks presented to the printer. In the following discussion these
two imaging modes are referred to as external and internal imaging
respectively.
[2534] FIG. 145 shows one possible configuration of a multiplexed
tag sensor, with dual optical paths and a single image sensor 664.
The tag sensor is shown imaging an external tagged surface 671, and
the surface of a pre-tagged blank print medium 672.
[2535] The internal optical path includes a first mirror 673 to
allow it to point in the opposite direction to the external optical
path, and a second mirror 674 (shown in plan) to allow it to image
the print medium 672. In the FIG. 145, the second mirror 674
reflects the optical axis at a right angle to the print medium,
i.e. the mirror is nominally mounted at 45 degrees to the surface
of the print medium, as shown in FIG. 144.
[2536] Each optical path incorporates its own aperture and lens
arrangements 675. The focal length of each lens can be selected
according to the length of its corresponding optical path. A larger
aperture can potentially be utilised in the internal optical path
than in the external optical path, since shallower depth of field
is acceptable.
[2537] Each optical path has its own infrared illumination source.
When the first illumination source 677 is strobed in synchrony with
exposure of the image sensor 664, the image sensor captures an
image of the tagged surface 671 designated by the user. When the
second illumination source 676 is strobed the image sensor captures
an image of the pre-tagged blank print medium 672. External image
capture can be triggered by a user-initiated "pen down" or "click"
event. Internal image capture can be triggered by the detection of
a print medium in the print path.
[2538] Since both optical paths impinge on the image sensor at an
angle, some loss of focus may occur unless corrected by the lenses.
The induced perspective distortion is automatically handled by the
image processing and decoding algorithm.
[2539] Multiplexed tag sensor with beamsplitter: FIG. 146 shows a
variation of the multiplexed tag sensor of FIG. 145, with a
beam-splitter 678 for splitting the optical path. Although the
beam-splitter 678 is shown downstream of the aperture 675, it can
be placed upstream of the focusing lens if the two optical paths
have substantially different lengths.
[2540] Multiplexed tag sensor with beamsplitter and inline
illumination: FIG. 147 shows a variation of the multiplexed tag
sensor of FIG. 146, with the infrared illumination projected inline
with the imaging path via the beam-splitter 678. The IR filter 679
ideally has an anti-reflective coating to minimise reflection of
the outgoing illumination. Alternatively, the IR filter 679 can be
placed upstream of the beamsplitter to avoid the problem of
reflection altogether.
[2541] With a shared light source, selectively switching on one or
the other light source can no longer be used to select one or the
other imaging path. Instead, a shutter 680 is introduced into the
external imaging path for this purpose. Provided the print path is
non-reflective in the absence of a print medium, there is no need
to introduce a shutter into the internal imaging path.
[2542] The external imaging shutter 680 can be electronically
controlled or mechanically controlled. A mechanical shutter can be
sprung so that it is naturally open, and the print path can include
a lever which engages with the print medium and is mechanically
coupled to the shutter to close it when the medium is present.
Conversely, the shutter can be sprung so that it is naturally
closed, and the "nib" which the user presses to a tagged surface to
initiate external imaging can be mechanically coupled to the
shutter to open it when the nib is pressed to the surface. An
electromechanical shutter can consist of a pivoting barrier or
mirror mechanically coupled to an electromagnet. An electronic
shutter can consist of a liquid-crystal device which can be
electronically switched between transparent and opaque states, or a
digital micromirror device which can be switched between reflecting
and deflecting states. Although illustrated as a pivoting barrier
in FIG. 147, when the shutter utilises a mirror rather than a
barrier, it is mounted in a normally reflecting position in the
optical path.
[2543] If there is insufficient headroom above the print medium to
accommodate the full field of view cone, then the two mirrors can
be used to collimate and then re-expand the field of view cone. The
first mirror can be concave in the direction normal to the surface
of the print medium in order to collimate the field of view cone,
and the second mirror can be convex in the same direction to
re-expand it. The second IR illumination source can similarly have
a lens that collimates the illumination cone in the same direction.
The second mirror can also be tilted at less than 45 degrees to the
surface of the print medium, and the first mirror can be similarly
tilted to effect field-flattening, as illustrated in FIG. 148.
[2544] Tilted mirror to reduce headroom: The effect of ambient
light entering the tag sensor via the external optical path during
imaging of the print medium is a function of exposure time, the
response of the IR filter, and the configuration of the external
optical path in relation to its host device. For example, if the
external optical path exits the top of the host device, then it may
encounter a bright light source, such as the sun, in its field of
view.
[2545] If ambient light is a problem, then the external optical
path can be shuttered during imaging of the print medium. This can
be achieved as described above. Alternatively, a pivoting mirror
can be used to multiplex the optical path between external and
internal imaging, as shown in FIGS. 149 and 150.
[2546] Multiplexed tag sensor with pivoting mirror, in external
imaging mode: FIG. 149 shows the tag sensor with a pivoting mirror
681 positioned for external imaging, while FIG. 150 shows the tag
sensor with the mirror positioned for internal imaging.
[2547] The mirror can be electronically or mechanically controlled.
A mechanical mirror can be sprung so that it is naturally in the
external imaging position, and the print path can include a lever
that engages with the print medium and is mechanically coupled to
the mirror to pivot it to the internal imaging position when a
print medium is present. Conversely, the mirror can be sprung so
that it is naturally in the internal imaging position, and the
"nib" which the user presses to a tagged surface to initiate
external imaging can be mechanically coupled to the mirror to pivot
it to the external imaging position when the nib is pressed to the
surface. The mirror can also be coupled to an electromagnet, which
is activated to effect internal or external imaging. An electronic
mirror can consist of a digital micromirror device which can be
switched between internal imaging and external imaging reflecting
states.
[2548] Multiplexed tag sensor with pivoting mirror, in internal
imaging mode: Although the figures show the same side of the
pivoting mirror being used for both internal and external imaging,
if, as discussed earlier, the pivoting mirror is required to
collimate the field of view cone during internal imaging, then
opposite sides of the pivoting mirror can be used for the two
imaging modes, with external imaging mirror surface being planar
and the internal imaging mirror surface being concave in the
direction normal to the surface of the print medium.
[2549] Each of these configurations may utilise a monochrome CMOS
image sensor with an electronic shutter, or an
intrinsically-shuttered CCD image sensor.
Alternative Embodiment
Personal Digital Assistant
[2550] The invention can also be embodied in a number of other form
factors, one of which is a PDA as shown in FIGS. 151 to 160. Whilst
the increasing functionality of mobile phones means that there is
convergence between PDAs and mobile phones, PDAs are still
different enough, in general, from mobile phones to define a
different market and a different set of requirements. For example,
mobile phones are generally small enough to be carried around in a
user's pocket and are used mainly for voice communication and short
text messages. PDA-style functionality (such as contact and
appointment management) may be provided, but small screen size (due
to small form factor) and limited control interface options (again
due to size issues) makes them less convenient than a full-size PDA
with large screen and (often) touch-screen input functionality.
[2551] The present invention can be embodied in a PDA 300. The PDA
300 shares a number of features and components with the mobile
phone described above, and shared elements are indicated with like
reference numerals. A notable difference between the PDA 300 and
the mobile phone 1 is that the print cartridge 148 is positioned
horizontally near the top of the PDA (as best shown in FIGS. 154
and 158), rather than vertically along one side as in the mobile
phone. The cartridge 148 can be identical to that used in the
mobile phone, with the same media drive options. Alternatively, it
may have a wider print width to take advantage of the additional
width of the PDA (and the overall space advantages offered by the
PDA's size).
[2552] Referring to FIG. 160, the PDA 300 also differs from the
mobile phone in that it provides a replaceable cassette 302 that
holds a stack 304 of the print media. The print media can be the
same size and shape as that described for use with the mobile
phone, or can be larger, smaller, of different width or material,
or have different coded data or advertising material pre-printed on
it. The present description will assume, however, that the media is
the same as that described for use in the mobile phone
embodiment.
[2553] As best shown in FIG. 160, the cassette 302 comprises a
bottom moulding 306, a spring 308, the stack 304 of (in the
preferred embodiment) 20 sheets of the print media and a top
moulding 310. The bottom moulding 306 includes clip formations 312
that snap into complementary apertures 314 formed in the top
moulding 310. The spring 308 includes fingers 316 that engage the
floor of the bottom moulding 306 and a support section 318 that
engages the media stack 304. The top moulding also includes an exit
aperture 319 for allowing printed media to exit for printing.
[2554] The PDA has a larger display 138 than the mobile phone, and
can use any suitable display technology, such as OLED or TFT. It is
particularly preferred that the PDA incorporate a touch-sensitive
display (or display overlay) that enables a user to interact with
icons and other information displayed on the display.
[2555] Referring to FIGS. 155 and 156, the Netpage sensor in the
PDA 300 is a modified version of the arrangement described in
relation to FIG. 145, and like numerals have been used to designate
corresponding features. The particular arrangement allows the
mirrors 673 and 674 shown in FIG. 145 to be removed. When reading
tags from the print media in the cassette, the images are captured
from the print medium at the top of the stack which is next to be
printed. Tags on each subsequent print medium are read as it is
exposed by the preceding print medium being removed from the
cartridge for printing.
Netpage Camera Phone
[2556] Printing a photo as a Netpage and a camera incorporating a
Netpage printer are both claimed in WO 00/71353 (NPA035), Method
and System for Printing a Photograph and WO 01/02905 (NPP019),
Digital Camera with Interactive Printer, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by way of cross-reference. When a photo is
captured and printed using a Netpage digital camera, the camera
also stores the photo image persistently on a network server. The
printed photo, which is Netpage tagged, can then be used as a token
to retrieve the photo image.
[2557] A camera-enabled smartphone can be viewed as a camera with
an in-built wireless network connection. When the camera-enabled
smartphone incorporates a Netpage printer, as described above, it
becomes a Netpage camera.
[2558] When the camera-enabled smartphone also incorporates a
Netpage pointer or pen, as described above, the pointer or pen can
be used to designate a printed Netpage photo to request a printed
copy of the photo. The phone retrieves the original photo image
from the network and prints a copy of it using its in-built Netpage
printer. This is done by sending at least the identity of the
printed document to a Netpage server. This information alone may be
enough to allow the photo to be retrieved for display or printing.
However, in the preferred embodiment, the identity is sent along
with at least a position of the pen/clicker as determined
[2559] A mobile phone or smartphone Netpage camera can take the
form of any of the embodiments described above that incorporate a
printer and a mobile phone module including a camera.
Universal Pen
[2560] Further embodiments of the invention incorporate a stylus
that has an inkjet printhead nib.
[2561] In a first embodiment shown in FIGS. 161 to 178, the mobile
device includes a retractable stylus 1000 that includes an elongate
body portion 1002. The body portion 1002 incorporates a recess 1004
for holding a coil sprint 1006. A raised nub 1008 is formed on one
side of the body portion 1002, and a raised stop 1010 is formed on
another side of the body portion 1002.
[2562] A nib cap 1152 is attached to one end of the body portion
1002 and includes ink galleries which communicate the ink to a
printhead 1120, which is bonded to the free end of the cap 1126.
The printhead is preferably an inkjet type printhead and more
preferably a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based inkjet such
as that described in detail elsewhere in this specification. The
preferred MEMS based inkjets expel ink using mechanical actuators
rather than by heating of the ink, as currently used by most inkjet
printers currently available. As such MEMS based inkjets have a
lower power consumption compared to such printers, which makes them
attractive for use in portable devices where available power is
limited. Alternatively, a thermal inkjet printer such as that also
described elsewhere in this specification can be used.
[2563] Whichever type of inkjet ejection technology is used, in the
preferred form the ink ejection devices (ie, nozzles) are arranged
into partial spirals 1370-1380, as best shown in FIGS. 183 and 184.
This spiral arrangement produces more pleasing strokes than the
linear arrangement disclosed in cross-referenced patent U.S. Ser.
No. 10/309,185 (Docket No. UP08US), filed on Dec. 4, 2002, since it
generates ink dots which are more evenly spaced and which more
fully cover the width of the stroke, no matter the orientation of
the printhead with respect to the direction of motion of the pen.
The linear arrangement is prone to produce strokes with visible
striations when the direction of motion of the pen is substantially
parallel to any of its radial lines of ink ejection devices,
whereas in the spiral arrangement there are always lines of ink
ejection devices perpendicular to the direction of motion across
the full width of the device.
[2564] Striations due to uneven density can be further suppressed
if the direction of motion is known, since ink ejection devices
located along portions of the spirals which are substantially
parallel to the direction of motion can be prevented from ejecting
ink. The spiral arrangement includes a greater number of ink
ejection devices in the same area as the linear arrangement,
leading to better silicon utilization and greater stroke density,
and includes, for two of the inks, additional ink ejection devices
close to the axis of the printhead which allow still greater stroke
density for selected inks, such as black and cyan.
[2565] Although the preferred form of the invention uses these
spirally arranged rows of ink ejection devices, the stylus
printhead 1120 will be described with reference to a different
embodiment shown in FIGS. 169 to 178. These detailed drawings of
the inner working and assembly of the stylus are based on a
different embodiment of the invention designed to work with four
colors (CMYK) rather than the three colors (CMY) used by the
preferred embodiment of the present invention. As mentioned
earlier, the particular number of colors, or the arrangement of
nozzles in the printhead, are merely matters of design choice.
[2566] Referring to FIGS. 168 to 178, the printhead 1120 is bonded
to the end cap 1126 but mounted on a flexible printed circuit board
(PCB) 1144 which includes control and power contacts 1146.
[2567] A stylus nib 1118 is mounted on the end cap 1126 so as to be
capable of a small amount of axial movement. Axial movement of the
stylus nib 1118 is controlled by integral arms 1148 which extend
laterally and axially away from the inner end of the stylus to bear
against a land 1184 (see FIG. 170). In use, pressing the stylus
against a substrate causes the arms 1148 to bend and allows the
stylus to retract. The stylus is preferably formed by injection
molding of a thermoplastic material, most preferably acetyl. This
movement is typically a maximum of amount 0.5 mm and provides some
feedback to the user. In addition the flexibility of the stylus nib
accommodates a small amount of roughness in the substrate surface.
If desired the stylus nib may be fixed with substantially no
movement allowed.
[2568] A nib cap 1152 extends over the end cap 1126, printhead
1120, PCB 1144 and stylus nib 1118 and an aperture 1154 is provided
through which the free end 1156 of the stylus nib 1118 projects.
The aperture 1154 is oval in shape and allows the printhead 1120 to
expel ink though the aperture below the stylus nib.
[2569] The nib cap 1152 is secured in place by one or more
resilient snap action arms 1158 integrally formed adjacent its
edge.
[2570] Control circuitry for the inkjet actuators can be positioned
in any suitable combination of places within the device, such as
within the print engine controller and/or the printhead itself. The
on/off switch is preferably controlled so that ink is only ejected
when the stylus nib is pressed on a substrate. Pressing the stylus
against a substrate results in a compressive force in the stylus
nib. In this embodiment this results in movement of the stylus and
the on/off switch may be activated by the movement, by sensing the
compressive force or by other means. Where the stylus is
substantially fixed, movement of the stylus nib relative to the
rest of the pen is not available.
[2571] The stylus is easiest to use in a particular orientation,
but in use this is not particularly critical and the stylus is
configured so that the nib will not obstruct the path of ink from
the printhead to the paper at any orientation, as shown in FIG.
168.
[2572] FIG. 168 shows the stylus nib resting against paper at three
different orientations, indicated by numbers 1164, 1166 & 1168.
The path of ink from the printhead is indicated by line 1170. Paper
sheet 1164 represents an orientation with the stylus nib above the
printhead whilst paper sheet 1166 represents an orientation with
the stylus nib below the printhead. Paper sheet 1168 represents an
orientation with the stylus nib to the side of the printhead. As
seen, the stylus nib does not obstruct the path of the ink to the
paper at any orientation.
[2573] It will be appreciated that the print engine controller
and/or other circuitry associated with the stylus can be designed
to adjust one or more characteristics of the ink deposited by the
printhead 1120. This may be the amount of ink deposited, the width
of the line produced, the color of the ink deposited (in a color
cartridge) or any other attribute. Further information about this
control is described in cross-referenced U.S. Ser. No. 10/309,185
(Docket No. UP08US), filed on Dec. 4, 2002.
[2574] The printhead 1120 is mounted on PCB 1144 and is received in
a recess 1176 in end cap 1126. Both the printhead and the recess
are non-circular to aid in correct orientation.
[2575] The stylus nib 1118 is mounted in a slot 1184 of nib cap
1152 and held in place by surface 1190 of the end cap 1126. The
cantilevered arms 1148 bear against land 1185 and bias the stylus
nib outwards. The front portion 1186 of the stylus nib is circular
in cross section but the back portion 1188 has a flat surface 1191
which slides over surface 1190 of end cap 1126.
[2576] The stylus nib includes a slot 1181 which extends obliquely
along the flat surface 1191. In this embodiment of the invention,
the printhead 1120 includes a rotary capper 1183. The capper is
movable between first and second operative positions. In the first
position the ink ejection nozzles of the printhead are covered and
preferably sealed to prevent drying of the ink in the printhead and
ingress of foreign material or both. In the second position the ink
ejection nozzles of the printhead are not covered and the printhead
may operate. The capper 1183 includes an arm 1185 which engages the
slot 1181. Thus as the stylus nib moves in and out relative to the
printhead the capper 1183 is caused to rotate. When the stylus nib
is under no load and is fully extended the capper is in the first
position and when the stylus nib is depressed the capper is in the
second position. The capper 1183 may incorporate an on/off switch
for the printhead 1120, so the printhead can only operate where the
capper is in the second operative position. The slot may have an
oblique portion to open and close the capper and then a portion
extending axially where no movement of the capper occurs with
stylus nib movement.
[2577] The construction and arrangement of the printhead 1120 and
capper 1183 are shown in FIGS. 170 to 178 inclusive. The printhead
1120 is an assembly of four layers 1302, 1304, 1306 and 1308 of a
semiconductor material. Layer 1306 is a layer of electrically
active semiconductor elements, including MEMS ink ejection devices
1310. Layer 1306 has been constructed using standard semiconductor
fabrication techniques. Layers 1302 and 1304 are electrically
inactive in the printhead and provide passageways to supply the ink
to the ink ejection devices 1310 from the ink inlets 1182. The
layer 1308 is also electrically inactive and forms a guard with
apertures 1320 above each ink ejection device 1310 to allow ink to
be ejected from the printhead. The layers 1302, 1304 and 1308 need
not be the same material as the layer 1306 or even a semiconductor
but by using the same material one avoids problems with material
interfaces. Further, by using semiconductor material for all
components the entire assembly may be manufactured using
semiconductor fabrication techniques.
[2578] The printhead 1120 has three ink inlets 1182 and the ink
ejection devices 1310 are arranged into twelve sets, each of which
extends roughly radially outwards from the center 1300 of the
printhead. Every fourth radial line of ink ejection devices 1310 is
connected to the same ink inlet. Ink ejection devices connected to
the same ink inlet constitute a set of ink ejection devices. The
ink ejection devices 1310 are arranged on alternate sides of a
radial line, which results in closer radial spacing of their
centers. The twelve "lines" of ink ejection devices 1310 are
arranged symmetrically about the center 1300 of the printhead, at a
spacing of 300. It will be appreciated that the number of "lines"
of ink ejection devices 1310 may be more or less than twelve.
Similarly there may be more or less than four ink inlets 1182.
Preferably there are an equal number of lines for each ink inlet
1182. If a single ink is used the ink inlets need not feed equal
numbers of "lines" of ink ejection devices. Also, different colors
may have different numbers of nozzles. For example, black ink
(where used) may have more nozzles than the other colors.
[2579] The layer 1306 includes a tab 1311 on which there are
provided a number of sets of electrical control contacts 1312. For
clarity only four contacts are shown; it will be appreciated that
there may be more, depending on the number of different color inks
used and the degree of control desired over each individual ink
ejection device 1310 and other requirements. The printhead is
mounted on the PCB 1144 by bonding the tab onto the PCB 1144. The
electrical contacts 1312 engage corresponding contacts (not shown)
on the PCB 1144. The layer 1306 includes control circuitry for each
ink ejection device to control the device when turned on. However,
generally, all higher level control, such as what color inks to
print and in what relative quantities, is carried out externally of
the printhead, and preferably in the MoPEC integrated circuit.
These higher level controls are passed to the printhead 1120 via
contacts 1312. There is preferably at least one set of contacts
1312 for each set of ink ejection devices. However each line or
each individual ink ejection device may be addressable. At its
simplest, each set may be merely turned on or off by the control
signals.
[2580] As seen in FIG. 177, in plan view the printhead 1120 has a
substantially octagonal profile with tabs 1314 and 1316 extending
from opposite faces of the octagon. It will be noted that tab 1314
is formed of layers 1302, 1304 and 1306 only, whilst tab 1316 is
formed of all four layers 1302, 1304, 1306 and 1308. This enables
the PCB 1144 to be bonded to the layer 1306 without extending above
the top of layer 1308. The octagonal shape with tabs also aids in
locating the printhead in the recess 1176 in the end cap 1126.
[2581] The capper 1183 is also preferably formed of the same
semiconductor material as the print head and is mounted on the
printhead for rotation about the printhead's center 1300. As with
the non-electrically active layers, the capper need not be the same
material as the print head or even be a semiconductor. The capper
may be rotated between an open position (see FIG. 177) and a closed
position (see FIG. 178). The open position is shown, with the
closed position shown in dotted outline in FIGS. 173 and 176. The
capper 1183 has twelve radially extending apertures 1318. These
apertures are sized and arranged so that in the open position all
of the ink ejection devices are free to eject ink through the
apertures. In the closed position the apertures 1318 overlie
material between the lines of ink ejection devices, and the
material of the capper between the apertures 1318 overlies the
apertures 1320 in the upper layer 1308. Thus ink cannot escape from
the printhead and foreign material cannot enter into the apertures
1320 and the ink ejection devices to possibly cause a blockage.
[2582] The apertures 1318 are preferably formed in the capper 1183
using standard semiconductor etching methods. In the embodiment
shown, each aperture is equivalent to a series of overlapping
cylindrical bores, the diameter of which is a function of radial
distance from the capper's center 1300. Alternatively, the
apertures may be defined by two radially extending lines at a small
angle to each other. It will be appreciated that the outside of the
capper moves more than the inside when rotated so the apertures
need to increase in width as the radial distance increases.
[2583] The capper is substantially planar with eight legs 1322
extending downwards from the periphery of the lower surface 1326.
These legs are spaced equally about the circumference and engage in
corresponding slots 1328 formed in the peripheral edge of the upper
surface 1329 of the upper layer 1308. The slots are rectangular
with rounded inner corners. The inner surface 1330 of the slots
1328 and the inner surface of the legs may be arcuate and centered
on the printhead's center 1300 to aid in ensuring the capper
rotates about the central axis 1300. However this is not essential.
In the embodiment shown, each face of the octagon has a slot 1328
but this is not essential and, for instance, only alternate faces
may have a slot therein. The symmetry of the legs 1322 and slots
1328 is also not essential.
[2584] Rotation of the capper is caused by engaging arm 1185 in the
angled slot 1181 in the stylus nib. Rotation of the capper is
ultimately limited by the legs 1322 and slots 1328. To prevent
damage to the capper, printhead or the stylus nib, the arm 1185 has
a narrowed portion 1334. In the event that the stylus nib is pushed
in too far, the arm 1185 flexes about the narrowed portion 1334. In
addition, guard arms 1336 are provided on either side of the arm
1185 and also serve to limit rotation. The recess 1176 into which
the printhead is inserted has an opening in which the guard arms
are located. If for some reason the capper is rotated too much, the
guard arms contact the side of the opening and limit rotation
before the legs 1322 contact the ends of the slots 1328.
[2585] It is desirable that the print head only actuate when the
stylus nib is pressed against a substrate. The stylus nib may cause
a simple on-off switch to close as it moves into the pen.
Alternatively, a force sensor may measure the amount of force
applied to the stylus nib. In this regard the cantilevered arms
1148 may be used directly as electrical force sensors.
Alternatively, a discrete force sensor may be acted upon by the
inner end of the stylus nib. Where a force sensor is utilized, it
may be used merely to turn the printhead on or off or to
(electronically) control the rate of ink ejection with a higher
force resulting in a higher ejection rate, for instance. The force
sensed may be used by a controller to control other attributes,
such as the line width. Rotation of the capper may also cause an
on/off switch to change state.
[2586] The printhead has the different color ink ejection devices
arranged radially and this presents problems in supplying ink to
the ejection devices where the different color ink ejection devices
are interleaved. In conventional printers the ink ejection devices
are arranged in parallel rows and so all the different inks may be
supplied to each row from either or both ends of the row. In a
radial arrangement this is not possible.
[2587] The rear surface of the bottom layer 1302 is provided with
four ink inlets 1182. These inlets are oval shaped on the rear
surface for approximately half the thickness of the layer 1302 and
then continue as a circular aperture 1340 through to the upper
surface. The rear surface of the layer 1302 also has four grooves
1342, 1344, 1346 and 1348 located in the central region. There are
a number of holes that extend from the grooves through the layer
1302 (see FIGS. 175 and 176). The lower surface of the lower layer
1302 seals against the end cap 1126 so these grooves define sealed
passageways.
[2588] Ink holes 1356, 1358, 1360, 1364 and 1366 supply ink to ink
distribution grooves 1350, 1352, 1362, and 1368, which in turn
distribute the inks to their respective rows 1370-1380 of ink
ejection devices.
[2589] FIG. 184 shows a further alternative arrangement of ink
ejection devices 1370-1381 to that shown in FIG. 183. It consists
of the same arrangement as that shown in FIG. 183, but with a 0.5
mm radius compared with the 0.8 mm radius of the arrangement of
FIG. 183. It represents a more economical design when wider strokes
are not required. Note, however, that if the direction of motion is
known, then the arrangement of FIG. 183 can produce a more pleasing
stroke than the arrangement of FIG. 184 even for stroke widths less
than 0.5 mm, since ink ejection devices which are nominally further
from the printhead axis than the stroke radius but which are still
within the stroke boundary can be used to contribute to the
stroke.
[2590] At the other end of the body portion 1002, a flexible data,
power and ink conduit 1012 enters the stylus 1000. As best shown in
FIG. 167, the conduit 1012 is based on a piece of flex film 1014
which includes copper traces 1016 on one side and formed film 1018
on the other. The copper traces 1016 include data and power supply
traces. The formed film 1018 forms three ink channels 1020. The
conduit 1012 is folded back on itself in serpentine fashion to
enable extension and retraction of the body portion 1002 as
described below.
[2591] The end of the conduit 1012 remote from the body portion is
connected to the cartridge 148 such that ink, data and power are
supplied to the printhead in the stylus.
[2592] The stylus 1000 is mounted for telescopic sliding movement
within a holder 1022. The holder 1022 is an extension of the cradle
124, and includes an elongate hole 1024 through which the nub 1008
extends and a recess 1026 within which the stop 1010 is positioned.
Both the hole 1024 and the recess 1026 extend along the holder 1022
so that the nub and stop respectively can slide within them as the
stylus 1000 is extended and retracted.
[2593] A stylus retaining mechanism 1028 is attached to a snap-fit
retainer 1030 formed on a side of the holder 1022. A complementary
snap-in portion 1032 is generally circular in cross-section and
snaps into the retainer 1030 during assembly. The retainer 1030 and
snap-in portion 1032 are configured such that the stylus retaining
mechanism 1028 is rotatable between an open position and a closed
position, which are described in more detail below. A first end of
the stylus retaining mechanism 1028 includes a stop-engaging
portion 1034, whilst the other end includes a stylus release button
1036 and moulded bias spring 1038 that biases the stylus retaining
mechanism, into the closed position.
[2594] As best shown in FIG. 161, tension in the coil spring 1006
holds the stylus 1000 in a retracted position within the device. In
this position, the tip of the stylus is protected from snags and
bumps it might otherwise encounter when not in use. The stop 1010
is within a recess in the stop-engaging portion 1034, which enables
that end of the retaining mechanism 1028 to sit relatively flush
with the exterior of the device.
[2595] When the stylus is to be extended, a user places a finger or
thumb onto the nub 1008 and telescopically slides the stylus 1000
against the tension of the coil spring 1006 towards the extended
position shown in FIG. 163. As the stylus 1000 moves towards the
extended position, the stop 1010 engages a ramped surface (not
shown) within the stop-engaging portion 1034, which urges the
stop-engaging portion 1034 to pivot away from the body portion 1002
against the bias of the bias spring 1038, as shown in FIG. 162.
[2596] Eventually, the edge of the stop-engaging portion 1034
clears the stop 1010, thereby allowing the stop-engaging portion
1034 to snap back against the body portion 1002. The user can then
release the nub 1008, allowing the stylus 1000 to move in the
retraction direction under the tension of the coil spring 1006
until the stop 1010 engages the stop-engaging portion 1034. The
stylus is then retained in the extended position, as shown in FIG.
163 while the user uses the stylus to write or draw.
[2597] To retract the stylus 100, the user depresses the stylus
release button 1036, which causes the retaining mechanism 1028 to
pivot about the snap-in portion 1032. This cases the stop-engaging
portion 1034 to lift clear of the stop 1010. The stylus 1000 is
then free to retract under the coil spring's 1006 tension until it
is back in the original position shown in FIG. 161.
[2598] The conduit 1012 provides a compact way of supplying ink,
data and power to the stylus, whilst still enabling a functioning
retraction mechanism.
[2599] In a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 179 to 181, in which
like reference numerals indicate features corresponding with those
from the previous embodiment, the stylus 1000 is mounted onto the
cartridge 148. Unlike the previous embodiment, the stylus in FIGS.
179 to 181 does not feature a retraction mechanism. Instead, the
stylus is mounted directly to the cartridge 148, which supplies it
with ink and data.
[2600] As best shown in FIG. 181, the cartridge includes three side
ducts 1040, 1041, 1042 that are in fluid communication with the ink
reservoirs of the cartridge via channels 1043, 1044, 1045. Each
side duct includes a bore 1046 which is filled by a plug 1048 of
wicking compound that helps draw ink from the cartridge as
required. A duct cover 1050 covers the side ducts to provide sealed
pathways through which ink can flow from the cartridge towards the
printhead chip.
[2601] The ink is distributed to the printhead chip in a similar
manner to that described in relation to the previous embodiment,
notwithstanding the fact that it is provided directly from the
cartridge rather than along a conduit.
[2602] Power and data are provided to the printhead chip from the
MoPEC integrated circuit via flexible PCB 1052.
[2603] In either embodiment, an optional modular Netpage device
incorporating an infrared LED 1054, associated optics 1056 and CCD
(not shown) can be included, as shown in FIG. 182. This Netpage
device functions similarly to those described elsewhere in this
specification, but has the advantage of being integrated with the
cradle. This means that the entire assembly (cradle, stylus,
Netpage device) can be provided to a manufacturer for insertion
into a mobile device without the need for multiple additional
assembly steps.
M-Print Applications
[2604] Printing cards from a mobile device using the M-Print system
has a vast array of applications in many different fields. In the
interests of brevity, this specification does not describe any of
the applications in detail. However, to provide some overall
context for the M-Print system, several of its areas of application
are listed below. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list but
merely illustrative of its diversity.
[2605] The target application may be remote to the phone. For
example, an e-commerce application, as claimed in WO 00/72242
(NPA002), Method and System for Online Purchasing, can allow the
user to add items to a shopping cart by designating entries in a
printed catalogue or advertising using the preferred embodiment of
the mobile phone. It can also print a receipt via the printer in
the phone and allow the user to authorise the transaction by
signing the receipt with a Netpage pen in the phone (or with a
separate pen that can communicate with the mobile phone via, for
example, Bluetooth.TM. wireless transmitters and receivers.
[2606] When the phone is aware of its own location, either via an
in-built GPS receiver or via a mobile network mechanism, it can
report its location to selected applications to allow those
applications to provide a location-specific service. For example,
when the user designates a printed advertising promotion, such as a
movie discount offer printed on a product label, the phone can
print a voucher which is valid at a nearby movie theatre. The word
"voucher" is used very broadly, and can include any kind of
commercial document. "Voucher" therefore includes printed media
bearing advertising without any specific form of inducement, a
discount coupon, a special offer coupon and so on.
[2607] For example, a user visiting a town they are not familiar
with may decide that he wishes to visit an Italian restaurant. He
consults his mobile device and brings up a web-page that enables
him to search for restaurants by proximity to his location, price,
cuisine and reviews. The web-page can be hosted remotely and
browsed using a local browser application, or a local application
can be run that searches a remote database of relevant information
and presents it to the user. A local Italian restaurant running a
promotion is selected, and a voucher for 10% off the meal bill is
printed with the mobile device's inbuilt printer. Alternatively (or
in addition) a map can be printed showing the address of the
restaurant and directions from the user's present location.
[2608] The target application may also be local to the phone. For
example, a dialing application, as claimed in WO 01/41413 (NPA060),
Method and System for Telephone Control, can allow the user to dial
numbers by designating entries in a printed address book or phone
book. The Netpage clicker or sensor is used by a user to select a
phone number or email address on a printed document (which can
itself be a printed card produced by the phone or another user's
phone). In the case of a phone number being selected, the mobile
phone can either bring the number up on the display ready for
confirmation that it is to be called, or can simply skip the
confirmation step and ring the number directly. Alternatively, the
user can be offered a choice of which type of communication to
perform based on the number. For example, a choice may be given to
send the user a short text message via SMS, to call the user, or to
send a voicemail. Similarly, if an email address is designated
using the mobile phone, then an email to that address can be
opened, ready for the user to input text or add attachments. If the
Netpage pen has been used to write text on a suitable surface (a
Netpage notepad or sticky-note, for example), the last written text
can be inserted automatically in the email to be sent to the
selected email address.
[2609] A business card application, as claimed in WO 01/22358
(NPA024), Business Card as Electronic Mail Token and WO 01/22357
(NPA025), Business Card as Electronic Mail Authorization Token, can
allow the user to print Netpage business cards for presentation to
others and to scan Netpage business cards presented to others, with
automatic insertion of contact details into the user's local or
network-based address book. The business card application can be
local or remote. If purely local, then a presented business card
may be used simply as a single-use authorisation token for
retrieving contact details directly from the presenter's phone,
e.g. via a direct Bluetooth.TM. (or infrared) connection.
[2610] In related applications, schedule information stored in the
phone or PDA memory, or on a remote server, can be printed onto a
card. The user can choose from options such as, for example, a
"Things To Do Today" list, a summary of all work related
appointments in the next week, or a list of overdue tasks. All
forms of tasks, reminders, calendar and related functions can be
printed to a card. Moreover, the phone or PDA can be configured to
print an input template for a day, week or month to enable schedule
information to be input to the device using the built-in Netpage
pointer in the device (or using a separate Netpage pen in
communication with the device via, for example, Bluetooth.TM.).
[2611] In all cases, data that is being printed by the printer in
the device can either be stored locally on the device itself, or
downloaded from a remote server. Moreover, where a Netpage pointer
or pen is incorporated into the device (or is separately able to
communicate via the device), cards printed by the device can be
interacted with the Netpage pen or pointer.
Connection History
[2612] The mobile device with printer can be used to print out
connection history associated with the device. Connection history
includes any voice- or data-related information associated with the
sending or receipt of voice, data, text, images or audio, and with
the establishment of a connection associated with the communication
of data any of these types.
[2613] For example, a user can cause the mobile device to print out
a list of the 10 most voice calls initiated by the device.
Alternatively, the user can print the last calls received by the
device, or all missed calls in the last 24 hours.
[2614] Where Netpage clicker or pen capability is provided in the
mobile device (whether through a built-in clicker/pen or an
external Netpage enabled device communicating with the device via a
wired or wireless link), the printed connection history information
can be interacted with in a useful way. For example, electing a
listed missed call causes the phone number associated with the
contact to be dialed, or at least brought up on the mobile device's
display to enable the user to save the number or dial it.
Alternatively, selecting a message from a printed "Sent messages"
list causes the selected message to be displayed on the device's
display, or even printed by the device for further review.
Netpage Tag Pattern Printing
[2615] The preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying figures
operate on the basis that the cards may be pre-printed with a
Netpage tag pattern. Pre-printing the tag pattern means that the
printhead does not need nozzles or a reservoir for the IR ink. This
simplifies the design and reduces the overall form factor. However,
the M-Print system encompasses mobile telecommunication devices
that print the Netpage tag pattern simultaneously with the visible
images. This requires the printhead IC to have additional rows of
nozzles for ejecting the IR ink. A great many of the Assignee's
patents and co-pending applications have a detailed disclosure of
full color printheads with IR ink nozzles (see for example Ser. No.
11/014,769 (Docket No. RRC001US), filed on Dec. 20, 2004).
[2616] To generate the bit-map image that forms the Netpage tag
pattern for a card, there are many options for the mobile device to
access the required tag data. In one option, the coding for
individually identifying each of the tags in the pattern is
downloaded from a remote server on-demand with each print job. As a
variation of this, the remote Netpage server can provide the mobile
telecommunication device with the minimum amount of data it needs
to generate the codes for a tag pattern prior to each print job.
This variant reduces the data transmitted between the mobile device
and the server, thereby reducing delay before a print job.
[2617] In yet another alternative, each print cartridge includes a
memory that contains enough page identifiers for its card printing
capacity. This avoids any communication with the server prior to
printing although the mobile will need to inform the server of any
page identifiers that have been used. This can be done before,
during or after printing. The device can inform the Netpage server
of the graphic and/or interactive content that has been printed
onto the media, thereby enabling subsequent reproduction of, and/or
interaction with, the contents of the media.
[2618] There are other options such as periodic downloads of page
identifiers, and the M-print system can be easily modified to print
the Netpage tags with the visual bitmap image. However, pre-coding
the cards is a convenient method of authenticating the media and
avoids the need for an IR ink reservoir, enabling a more compact
design.
CONCLUSION
[2619] The present invention has been described with reference to a
number of specific embodiments. It will be understood that where
the invention is claimed as a method, the invention can also be
defined by way of apparatus or system claims, and vice versa. The
assignee reserves the right to file further applications claiming
these additional aspects of the invention.
[2620] Furthermore, various combinations of features not yet
claimed are also aspects of the invention that the assignee
reserves the right to make the subject of future divisional and
continuation applications as appropriate.
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