U.S. patent application number 12/535685 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-26 for printer module with capping mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Kia Silverbrook, Simon Robert Walmsley.
Application Number | 20090289991 12/535685 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 3814761 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090289991 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Silverbrook; Kia ; et
al. |
November 26, 2009 |
Printer Module With Capping Mechanism
Abstract
A printer module includes an elongate body. A motor assembly is
operatively mounted to an end of the body. A quartet of rollers is
rotationally mounted with respect to the body and extends along the
inside of the body. The rollers include a pair of driven rollers
coupled to the motor assembly and a pair of free rotation neutral
rollers. The rollers are arranged in pinching pairs with each pair
including a respective driven and neutral roller. An elongate
printhead is operatively mounted to extend along the body, and is
configured to print ink upon print media passing through the body
and between the pairs of rollers.
Inventors: |
Silverbrook; Kia; (Balmain,
AU) ; Walmsley; Simon Robert; (Balmain, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTD
393 DARLING STREET
BALMAIN
2041
AU
|
Assignee: |
Silverbrook Research Pty
Ltd
|
Family ID: |
3814761 |
Appl. No.: |
12/535685 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11696186 |
Apr 4, 2007 |
7581831 |
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12535685 |
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|
10975458 |
Oct 29, 2004 |
7222939 |
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11696186 |
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|
10636250 |
Aug 8, 2003 |
7083254 |
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10975458 |
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09575182 |
May 23, 2000 |
6924907 |
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10636250 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
347/32 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 3/44 20130101; H04N
1/62 20130101; H04N 1/00249 20130101; H04N 1/00962 20130101; H04N
5/2251 20130101; B41J 2/17513 20130101; B41J 11/008 20130101; B41J
23/02 20130101; G03B 17/02 20130101; H04N 1/2154 20130101; B41J
13/103 20130101; G07F 17/3232 20130101; B41J 3/36 20130101; G03B
2215/05 20130101; H04N 1/00538 20130101; B41J 29/023 20130101; H04N
1/00347 20130101; B41J 29/393 20130101; G03B 15/05 20130101; H04N
1/0083 20130101; G07F 17/3262 20130101; H04N 1/00278 20130101; H04N
2201/0096 20130101; B41J 2/17503 20130101; B41J 3/46 20130101; H04N
2101/00 20130101; H04N 1/387 20130101; B41J 2/17523 20130101; B41J
29/02 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; H04N 5/2252 20130101; B41J
2/17553 20130101; G03B 17/50 20130101; H04N 1/60 20130101; H04N
2201/0084 20130101; B41J 2/1752 20130101; B41J 2/17566 20130101;
B41J 2/01 20130101; B41J 2/16508 20130101; H04N 1/00557 20130101;
H04N 1/00541 20130101; H04N 1/32598 20130101; H04N 2201/0082
20130101; H04N 1/405 20130101; H04N 2201/001 20130101; B41J 2/155
20130101; B41J 2/16579 20130101; B41J 3/445 20130101; H04N 1/52
20130101; B41J 13/12 20130101; H04N 1/00397 20130101; H04N 1/32358
20130101; H04N 1/6019 20130101; G03B 29/00 20130101; B41J 13/02
20130101; H04N 1/00265 20130101; H04N 2201/0081 20130101; H04N
1/2112 20130101; H04N 1/107 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
347/32 |
International
Class: |
B41J 2/165 20060101
B41J002/165 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 25, 1999 |
AU |
PQ0560 |
Claims
1. A printer module comprising: a body having a media entry slot
and a media exit slot; a quartet of rollers each rotationally
mounted with respect to the body and extending along the inside of
the body, the rollers comprising a pair of driven rollers and a
pair of neutral rollers, the rollers being arranged to form two
pinching pairs of rollers with the pinching pairs comprising
respective driven and neutral rollers; a motor assembly for driving
the driven rollers; a stationary printhead positioned between the
driven rollers and the neutral rollers to print ink upon print
media passing through the body; and a capping mechanism, the
capping mechanism comprising: a blotter; a capping arm supporting
the blotter; a clutch operatively associated with at least one of
the driven rollers to move the capping arm from a first
configuration where the blotter covers the printhead to a second
configuration where the printhead is uncovered by the blotter.
2. A printer module as claimed in claim 1, which includes an ink
cartridge mounted within the body on an opposite side of the body
to the printhead so that the print media passes between the ink
cartridge and the printhead.
3. A printer module as claimed in claim 2, which includes a
plurality of tubular inlets which supply ink from respective ink
reservoirs in the ink cartridge to respective ink channels defined
by the body and in fluid communication with the printhead.
4. A printer module as claimed in claim 3, which includes a filter
which is located between the printhead and the tubular inlets.
5. A printer module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the tubular
inlets are operatively mounted to an end of the printhead.
6. A printer module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor
assembly includes a gearbox which mechanically couples the motor to
the driven rollers.
7. A printer module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is
elongate and has a substantially circular cross section.
8. A printer module as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
media sensor for detecting the presence of media at the media entry
slot and activating the driven rollers upon detecting media at the
media entry slot.
9. A printer module as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a
memory for storing an image; wherein the printer module is
configured to repeatedly print the image upon media detected at the
media entry slot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/696,186 filed on Apr. 04, 2007, which is a
Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/975,458 filed on Oct.
29, 2004, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,939, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/636,250, filed on Aug.
8, 2003, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,254, which is a Divisional
of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/575,182, filed on May 23, 2000, now
issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,924,907, all of which are herein
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a compact printer system able to
print full-color, business card size documents from a device about
the size of a pen. The system includes various hot-connectable
modules that provide a range of functions. In particular the
invention relates to a compact color printer that provides a print
function for the compact printer system.
[0003] Reference may be had to co-pending applications claiming
priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application number
PQ0560 dated 25 May 1999. The co-pending applications describe
related modules and methods for implementing the compact printer
system. The co-pending applications are as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Docket USSN No. Title 6,712,452 PP02 Modular Compact
Printer System 6,416,160 PP03 Nozzle Capping Mechanism 6,238,043
PP04 Ink Cartridge for Compact Printer System 6,958,826 PP07
Controller for Printer Module 6,812,972 PP08 Camera Module for
Compact Printer System 6,553,459 PP10 Memory Module for Compact
Printer System 6,967,741 PP11 Effects Module for Compact Printer
System 6,956,669 PP12 Effects Processor for Effects Module
6,903,766 PP13 Timer Module for Compact Printer System 6,804,026
PP15 Color Conversion Method for Compact Printer System 7,259,889
PP16 Method and Apparatus of Dithering 6,975,429 PP17 Method and
Apparatus of Image Conversion
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Microelectronic manufacturing techniques have led to the
miniaturization of numerous devices. Mobile phones, personal
digital assistant devices, and digital cameras are very common
examples of the miniaturization trend.
[0005] One device that has not seen the advantage of
microelectronic manufacturing techniques is the printer.
Commercially available printers are large compared to many of the
devices they could support. For instance, it is impractical to
carry a color printer for the purpose of instantly printing
photographs taken with known compact digital cameras.
[0006] A compact printhead has been described in co-pending United
States Patent Applications filed simultaneously to the present
application and hereby incorporated by cross reference:
TABLE-US-00002 Docket USSN No. Title 7,018,016 MJ62 Fluidic seal
for an ink jet nozzle assembly 6,428,133 IJ52 Ink jet printhead
having a moving nozzle with an externally arranged actuator
6,526,658 IJM52 Method of manufacture of an ink jet printhead
having a moving nozzle with an externally arranged actuator
6,328,417 MJ63 Ink jet printhead nozzle array 6,390,591 MJ58 Nozzle
guard for an ink jet printhead
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention there is
provided a printer module comprising:
[0008] a body having a media entry slot and a media exit slot;
[0009] a quartet of rollers each rotationally mounted with respect
to the body and extending along the inside of the body, the rollers
comprising a pair of driven rollers and a pair of neutral rollers,
the rollers being arranged to form two pinching pairs of rollers
with the pinching pairs comprising respective driven and neutral
rollers;
[0010] a motor assembly for driving the driven rollers;
[0011] a stationary printhead positioned between the driven rollers
and the neutral rollers to print ink upon print media passing
through the body; and
[0012] a capping mechanism, the capping mechanism comprising:
[0013] a blotter; [0014] a capping arm supporting the blotter;
[0015] a clutch operatively associated with at least one of the
driven rollers to move the capping arm from a first configuration
where the blotter covers the printhead to a second configuration
where the printhead is uncovered by the blotter.
[0016] Further features of the invention will be evident from the
following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In order to assist with describing preferred embodiments of
the invention, reference will be made to the following figures in
which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a printer module;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a camera module;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a memory module;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a communication module;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flash module;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a timer module;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a laser module;
[0025] FIG. 8 is an effects module;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a characters module;
[0027] FIG. 10 is an adaptor module;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a pen module;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a dispenser module;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a first compact printer configuration;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a second compact printer configuration;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a third compact printer configuration;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a fourth compact printer configuration;
[0034] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the Printer Module of FIG.
1;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a top view of the Printer Module with ink
cartridge removed;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view through AA in FIG. 18;
and
[0037] FIG. 20 is a block circuit diagram of a controller for the
printer module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, there are shown various modules
that together form a compact printer system. Individual modules can
be attached and detached from the compact printer configuration to
allow a user-definable solution to business-card sized printing.
Images can also be transferred from one compact printer to another
without the use of a secondary computer system. Modules have a
minimal user-interface to allow straightforward interaction.
[0039] A compact printer system configuration consists of a number
of compact printer modules connected together. Each compact printer
module has a function that contributes to the overall functionality
of the particular compact printer configuration. Each compact
printer module is typically shaped like part of a pen, physically
connecting with other compact printer modules to form the complete
pen-shaped device. The length of the compact printer device depends
on the number and type of compact printer modules connected. The
functionality of a compact printer configuration depends on the
compact printer modules in the given configuration.
[0040] The compact printer modules connect both physically and
logically. The physical connection allows modules to be connected
in any order, and the logical connection is taken care of by the
compact printer Serial Bus - a bus that provides power, allows the
modules to self configure and provides for the transfer of
data.
[0041] In terms of physical connection, most compact printer
modules consist of a central body, a male connector at one end, and
a female connector at the other. Since most modules have both a
male and female connector, the modules can typically be connected
in any order. Certain modules only have a male or a female
connector, but this is determined by the function of the module.
Adaptor modules allow these single-connector modules to be
connected at either end of a given compact printer
configuration.
[0042] A four wire physical connection between all the compact
printer modules provides the logical connection between them in the
form of the compact printer Serial Bus. The compact printer Serial
Bus provides power to each module, and provides the means by which
data is transferred between modules. Importantly, the compact
printer Serial Bus and accompanying protocol provides the means by
which the compact printer system auto-configures, reducing the
user-interface burden on the end-user.
[0043] Compact printer modules can be grouped into three types:
[0044] image processing modules including a Printer Module (FIG.
1), a Camera Module (FIG. 2), and a Memory Module (FIG. 3). Image
processing modules are primarily what sets the compact printer
system apart from other pen-like devices. Image processing modules
capture, print, store or manipulate photographic images; [0045]
housekeeping modules including an Adapter Module (FIG. 10), an
Effects Module (FIG. 8), a Communications Module (FIG. 4), and a
Timer Module (FIG. 6). Housekeeping modules provide services to
other modules or extended functionality to other modules; and
[0046] isolated modules including a Pen Module (FIG. 11) and a
Laser Module (FIG. 7). Isolated modules are those that attach to
the compact printer system but are completely independent of any
other module. They do not necessarily require power, and may even
provide their own power. Isolated Modules are defined because the
functionality they provide is typically incorporated into other
pen-like devices.
[0047] Although housekeeping modules and isolated modules are
useful components in a compact printer system, they are extras in a
system dedicated to image processing and photographic manipulation.
Life size (1:1) illustrations of the compact printer modules are
shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, and example configurations produced by
connecting various modules together are shown in FIGS. 13 to
16.
[0048] FIG. 1 shows a printer module that incorporates a compact
printhead described in co-pending United States Patent Applications
listed in the Background section of this application, incorporated
herewith by reference, and referred to herewith as a Memjet
printhead. The Memjet printhead is a drop-on-demand 1600 dpi inkjet
printer that produces bi-level dots in up to 4 colors to produce a
printed page of a particular width. Since the printhead prints dots
at 1600 dpi, each dot is approximately 22.5 m in diameter, and
spaced 15.875 m apart. Because the printing is bi-level, the input
image should be dithered or error-diffused for best results.
Typically a Memjet printhead for a particular application is
page-width. This enables the printhead to be stationary and allows
the paper to move past the printhead. A Memjet printhead is
composed of a number of identical 1/2 inch Memjet segments.
[0049] The printer module 10 comprises a body 11 housing the Memjet
printhead. Power is supplied by a three volt battery housed in
battery compartment 12. The printhead is activated to commence
printing when a business card (or similar sized printable media) is
inserted into slot 13. Male connector 14 and female connector 15
facilitate connection of other modules to the printer module
10.
[0050] FIG. 2 shows a camera module 20. The camera module provides
a point-and-shoot camera component to the compact printer system as
a means of capturing images. The camera module comprises a body 21
having a female connector 22. A lens 23 directs an image to an
image sensor and specialized image processing chip within the
camera 24. A conventional view finder 25 is provided as well as a
lens cap 26. An image is captured when the Take button 27 is
pushed. Captured images are transferred to the Printer Module 10
for subsequent printing, manipulation, or storage. The Camera
Module also contains a self-timer mode similar to that found on
regular cameras.
[0051] FIG. 3 shows a Memory Module 30 comprising a body 31, LCD
32, IN button 33, OUT button 34 and SELECT button 35. The Memory
Module 30 is a standard module used for storing photographic images
captured by the Camera 20. The memory module stores 48 images, each
of which can be accessed either at full resolution or at thumbnail
resolution. Full resolution provides read and write access to
individual images, and thumbnail resolution provides read access to
16 images at once in thumbnail form.
[0052] The Memory Module 30 attaches to other modules via a female
connector 36 or male connector 37. The male and female connectors
allow the module to be connected at either end of a configuration.
Power is provided from the Printer Module 10 via the Serial
Bus.
[0053] A Communications Module 40 is shown in FIG. 4. The
communications module 40 consists of a connector 41 and a cable 42
that terminates in an appropriate connector for a computer port,
such as a USB port, RS232 serial port or parallel port. The
Communications Module 40 allows the compact printer system to be
connected to a computer. When so connected, images can be
transferred between the computer and the various modules of the
compact printer system. The communications module allows captured
images to be downloaded to the computer, and new images for
printing to be uploaded into the printer module 10.
[0054] A Flash Module 50 is shown in FIG. 5. The Flash Module 50 is
used to generate a flash with flash cell 51 when taking photographs
with the Camera Module 20. The Flash Module attaches to other
modules via female connector 52 and male connector 53. It contains
its own power source. The Flash Module is automatically selected by
the Camera Module when required. A simple switch allows the Flash
Module to be explicitly turned off to maximize battery life.
[0055] FIG. 6 shows a Timer Module 60 that is used to automate the
taking of multiple photos with the Camera Module 20, each photo
separated by a specific time interval. The captured photos are
stored in Memory Module 30. Any flash requirements are handled by
the Camera Module 20, and can therefore be ignored by the Timer
Module. The Timer Module 60 consists of a body 61 housing a LCD 62,
START/STOP button 63 and UNITS button 64. A SELECT button 65 allows
the user to select time units and the number of units are set by
UNITS button 64. The Timer Module 60 includes a male connector 66
and female connector 67. The Timer Module takes its power from the
Printer Module 10 via the Serial Bus.
[0056] A Laser Module 70 is shown in FIG. 7. The Laser Module 70
consists of a body 71 containing a conventional laser pointer
operated by button 72. As the Laser Module is a terminal module it
only has one connector, which in the example is a male connector
73. The Laser Module is an isolated module, in that it does not
perform any image capture, storage, or processing. It exists as a
functional addition to the compact printer system. It is provided
because laser pointer services are typically incorporated into
other pen-like devices. The Laser Module contains its own power
supply and does not appear as a device on the Serial Bus.
[0057] The Effects Module shown in FIG. 8 is an image processing
module. It allows a user to select a number of effects and applies
them to the current image stored in the Printer Module 10. The
effects include borders, clip-art, captions, warps, color changes,
and painting styles. The Effects Module comprises a body 81 housing
custom electronics and a LCD 82. A CHOOSE button 83 allows a user
to choose between a number of different types of effects. A SELECT
button 84 allows the user to select one effect from the number of
effects of the chosen type. Pressing the APPLY button 85 applies
the effect to image stored in the Printer Module 10. The Effects
Module obtains power from the Serial Bus. Male connector 86 and
female connector 87 allow the Effects Module to be connected to
other compact printer system modules.
[0058] FIG. 9 shows a Character Module 90 that is a special type of
Effects Module (described above) that only contains character
clip-art effects of a given topic or genre. Examples include The
Simpsons.RTM., Star Wars.RTM., Batman.RTM., and Dilbert.RTM. as
well as company specific modules for McDonalds.RTM. etc. As such it
is an image processing module. It consists of a body 91 housing
custom electronics and a LCD 92. SELECT button 93 allows the user
to choose the effect that is to be applied with APPLY button 94.
The Character Module obtains power from the Serial Bus through male
connector 95 and female connector 96.
[0059] The Adaptor Module 100, shown in FIG. 10, is a female/female
connector that allows connection between two modules that terminate
in male connectors. A male/male connector (not shown) allows
connection between two modules that terminate in female connectors.
The Adaptor Module is a housekeeping module, in that it facilitates
the use of other modules, and does not perform any specific
processing of its own.
[0060] All "through" modules have a male connector at one end, and
a female connector at the other end. The modules can therefore be
chained together, with each module connected at either end of the
chain. However some modules, such as the Laser Module 70, are
terminating modules, and therefore have either a male or female
connector only. Such single-connector modules can only be connected
at one end of the chain. If two such modules are to be connected at
the one time, an Adaptor Module 100 is required.
[0061] FIG. 11 shows a Pen Module 110 which is a pen in a module
form. It is an isolated module in that it attaches to the compact
printer system but is completely independent of any other module.
It does not consume or require any power. The Pen Module is defined
because it is a convenient extension of a pen shaped, pen sized
device. It may also come with a cap 111. The cap may be used to
keep terminating connectors clean in the case where the chain ends
with a connector rather than a terminating module.
[0062] To assist with accurately feeding a business card sized
print media into slot 13 of the printer module 10, a dispenser
module 120 is provided as shown in FIG. 12. The dispenser module
120 comprises a body 121 that holds a store of business card sized
print media. A Printer Module 10 locates into socket 122 on the
dispenser module 120. When correctly aligned, a card dispensed from
the dispenser module by slider 123 enters slot 13 and is
printed.
[0063] In the sense that a minimum configuration compact printer
system must be able to print out photos, a minimum compact printer
configuration contains at least a Printer Module 10. The Printer
Module holds a single photographic image that can be printed out
via its Memjet printer. It also contains the 3V battery required to
power the compact printer system.
[0064] In this minimum configuration, the user is only able to
print out photos. Each time a user inserts a business card 130 into
the slot in the Printer Module, the image in the Printer Module is
printed onto the card. The same image is printed each time a
business card is inserted into the printer. In this minimum
configuration there is no way for a user to change the image that
is printed. The dispenser module 120 can be used to feed cards 130
into the Printer Module with a minimum of fuss, as shown in FIG.
13.
[0065] By connecting a Camera Module 20 to the minimum
configuration compact printer system the user now has an instant
printing digital camera in a pen, as shown in FIG. 14. The Camera
Module 20 provides the mechanism for capturing images and the
Printer Module 10 provides the mechanism for printing them out. The
battery in the Printer Module provides power for both the camera
and the printer.
[0066] When the user presses the "Take" button 27 on the Camera
Module 20, the image is captured by the camera 24 and transferred
to the Printer Module 10. Each time a business card is inserted
into the printer the captured image is printed out. If the user
presses "Take" on the Camera Module again, the old image in the
Printer Module is replaced by the new image.
[0067] If the Camera Module is subsequently detached from the
compact printer system, the captured image remains in the Printer
Module, and can be printed out as many times as desired. The Camera
Module is simply there to capture images to be placed in the
Printer Module.
[0068] FIG. 15 shows a further configuration in which a Memory
Module 30 is connected to the configuration of FIG. 14. In the
embodiment of FIG. 15, the user has the ability to transfer images
between the Printer Module 10 and a storage area contained in the
Memory Module 30. The user selects the image number on the Memory
Module, and then either sends that image to the Printer Module
(replacing whatever image was already stored there), or brings the
current image from the Printer Module to the specified image number
in the Memory Module. The Memory Module also provides a way of
sending sets of thumbnail images to the Printer Module.
[0069] Multiple Memory Modules can be included in a given system,
extending the number of images that can be stored. A given Memory
Module can be disconnected from one compact printer system and
connected to another for subsequent image printing.
[0070] With the Camera Module 20 attached to a Memory
Module/Printer Module compact printer system, as shown in FIG. 15,
the user can "Take" an image with the Camera Module, then transfer
it to the specified image number in the Memory Module. The captured
images can then be printed out in any order.
[0071] By connecting a Communications Module 40 to the minimum
configuration compact printer system, the user gains the ability to
transfer images between a PC and the compact printer system. FIG.
16 shows the configuration of FIG. 15 with the addition of a
Communications Module 40. The Communications Module makes the
Printer Module 10 and any Memory Modules 30 visible to an external
computer system. This allows the download or uploading of images.
The communications module also allows computer control of any
connected compact printer modules, such as the Camera Module
20.
[0072] In the general case, the Printer Module holds the "current"
image, and the other modules function with respect to this central
repository of the current image. The Printer Module is therefore
the central location for image interchange in the compact printer
system, and the Printer Module provides a service to other modules
as specified by user interaction.
[0073] A given module may act as an image source. It therefore has
the ability to transfer an image to the Printer Module. A different
module may act as an image store. It therefore has the ability to
read the image from the Printer Module. Some modules act as both
image store and image source. These modules can both read images
from and write images to the Printer Module's current image.
[0074] The standard image type has a single conceptual definition.
The image definition is derived from the physical attributes of the
printhead used in the Printer Module. The printhead is 2 inches
wide and prints at 1600 dpi in cyan, magenta and yellow bi-level
dots. Consequently a printed image from the compact printer system
is 3200 bi-level dots wide.
[0075] The compact printer system prints on business card sized
pages (85 mm.times.55 mm). Since the printhead is 2 inches wide,
the business cards are printed such that 1 line of dots is 2
inches. 2 inches is 50.8 mm, leaving a 2 mm edge on a standard
business-card sized page. The length of the image is derived from
the same card size with a 2 mm edge. Consequently the printed image
length is 81 mm, which equals 5100 1600 dpi dots. The printed area
of a page is therefore 81 mm.times.51 mm, or 5100.times.3200
dots.
[0076] To obtain an integral contone to bi-level ratio a contone
resolution of 267 ppi (pixels per inch) is chosen. This yields a
contone CMY page size of 850.times.534, and a contone to bi-level
ratio of 1:6 in each dimension. This ratio of 1:6 provides no
perceived loss of quality since the output image is bi-level.
[0077] The printhead prints dots in cyan, magenta, and yellow ink.
The final output to the printed page must therefore be in the gamut
of the printhead and take the attributes of the inks into account.
It would at first seem reasonable to use the CMY color space to
represent images. However, the printer's CMY color space does not
have a linear response. This is definitely true of pigmented inks,
and partially true for dye-based inks. The individual color profile
of a particular device (input and output) can vary considerably.
Image capture devices (such as digital cameras) typically work in
RGB (red green blue) color space, and each sensor will have its own
color response characteristics.
[0078] Consequently, to allow for accurate conversion, as well as
to allow for future image sensors, inks, and printers, the CIE
L*a*b* color model [CIE, 1986, CIE 15.2 Colorimetry: Technical
Report (2.sup.nd Edition), Commission Internationale De
l'Eclairage] is used for the compact printer system. L*a*b* is well
defined, perceptually linear, and is a superset of other
traditional color spaces (such as CMY, RGB, and HSV).
[0079] The Printer Module must therefore be capable of converting
L*a*b* images to the particular peculiarities of its CMY color
space. However, since the compact printer system allows for
connectivity to PCs, it is quite reasonable to also allow highly
accurate color matching between screen and printer to be performed
on the PC. However the printer driver or PC program must output
L*a*b*.
[0080] Each pixel of a compact printer image is therefore
represented by 24 bits: 8 bits each of L*, a*, and b*. The total
image size is therefore 1,361,700 bytes
(850.times.534.times.3).
[0081] Each image processing module is able to access the image
stored in the Printer Module. The access is either to read the
image from the Printer Module, or to write a new image to the
Printer Module.
[0082] The communications protocol for image access to the Printer
Module provides a choice of internal image organization. Images can
be accessed either as 850.times.534 or as 534.times.850. They can
also be accessed in interleaved or planar format. When accessed as
interleaved, each pixel in the image is read or written as 24 bits:
8 bits each of L*, a*, b*. When accessed as planar, each of the
color planes can be read or written independently. The entire image
of L* pixels, a* pixels or b* pixels can be read or written at a
time.
[0083] Detailed views of the Printer Module 10 are shown in FIGS.
17, 18 and 19. The Printer Module 10 is the central module in the
compact printer system. It contains a 2-inch Memjet printhead 16, a
Cyan/Magenta/Yellow ink cartridge 17, the current image stored in
flash memory on the printhead, and a power source in the form of a
3V battery 12a in the battery compartment 12. With regards to
processing, the Printer Module 10 contains a controller chip (or
chips) 101 that controls printing of the stored image in high
quality.
[0084] The Printer Module 10 can be used as a stand-alone printer
of a single image (such as business cards), or can be used in
conjunction with other modules to print a variety of images.
[0085] Looking in detail at FIG. 17, the body 11 of the printer
module is in three parts being a lid 11a, base 11b and chassis 11c.
Printhead 16 with filter 16a fits into the chassis 11c. Powered
rollers 18a are driven by motor and gearbox 103. Neutral rollers
18b fit into ink cartridge 17 and guide a card past the printhead
16. Springs 18c (FIG. 19) urge the neutral rollers 18b towards the
powered rollers 18a. The ink cartridge 17 is located beyond the
rollers 18 so that the card passes between the printhead 16 and the
ink cartridge 17. Ink inlets 105 provide communication between the
ink cartridge 17 and the printhead 16. Micro-moulded channels 106
in the chassis 11c distribute the ink from the ink inlets 105 to
the length of the printhead 16.
[0086] Serial bus 104 provides power and data between the printer
module 10 and other modules connected to male connector 14 and
female connector 15. The serial bus 104 picks up power from the
battery 12a and signals from the controller 101. Looking at FIG.
19, to print an image, a user simply inserts a business card into
the input slot 13 of the Printer Module. Sensor 102 detects the
insertion and a small motor 103a and gearbox 103b activates rollers
18 to carry the card through the module. A tab film 107 provides
signal connection from the sensor 102 to the controller 101 and
hence to the motor and gearbox 103. A wedge 108 holds the tab film
107 in place to make a signal connection.
[0087] The printed card is ejected from the output slot 13a of the
module over a time period of 1 second. There is no on/off
switch--the act of inserting the card is the effective "on" switch
for the duration of a print.
[0088] To reduce the chance of ink drying in the printhead 16 a
capping mechanism 19 is provided to cap the ink nozzles in the
printhead. The capping mechanism 19 comprises a capping arm 191
supporting a blotter 192 with adjacent elastomeric seals 193. A
clutch 194 is operatively associated with one of the powered
rollers 18a to move the capping arm 191 out of the path of the card
for printing.
[0089] The volume of ink present in an ink cartridge is 450 ml (2
mm.times.3mm.times.75 mm), enough to produce 450 million dots of a
given color. The exact number of images that can be printed before
replacement will depend on the color composition of those images.
450 ml represents: [0090] 25 full black cards (black requires all
three colors to be used) [0091] 50 full sized photos at 50% CMY
coverage [0092] 111 typical photo/text cards at 22.5% CMY coverage
[0093] 166 cards of black (CMY) text at 15% coverage
[0094] A QA chip in the ink cartridge keeps track of how much ink
has been used. Sensors in the ink cartridge provide signals to the
QA chip that are transferred to the controller 101 via contacts
109. If there is insufficient ink of any color to print a given
image, the card will pass through the printer module, but nothing
will be printed.
[0095] It is a simple matter to replace the old ink cartridge 17 by
sliding latch 171, removing lid 11a, unclipping the old cartridge
and clipping on a new one.
[0096] A schematic of a suitable controller 101 is shown in FIG.
20. The controller may be embodied in a single application specific
integrated circuit or in a number of discrete elements. The
controller 101 includes a simple micro-controller CPU core 201 with
associated program ROM 202 and program RAM 203. The CPU 201
communicates with the other units within the controller via
memory-mapped I/O supported by a Memory Decoder 204. The Decoder
204 translates data addresses into internal controller register
accesses over the internal low speed bus 205, and therefore allows
for memory mapped I/O of controller registers. The bus 205 includes
address lines 205a and data or control lines 205b.
[0097] An optional Serial Bus interface 206, is connected to the
internal chip low-speed bus 205 and connects to the Serial Bus for
communication with other modules. A parallel interface 207 provides
communication to the motor and gearbox 103 in the printer module
10. It can also receive signals from buttons, such as a paper
sensor 102.
[0098] There are two optional low-speed serial interfaces 208, 209
connected to the internal low-speed bus 205. A first interface 208
connects to the QA chip 220 in the ink cartridge of the printer
module 10. The second interface connects to a QA chip 221 on the
print module 10. The reason for having two interfaces is to connect
to both the on-module QA Chip 221 and to the ink cartridge QA Chip
220 using separate lines to improve security. If only a single line
is used, a clone ink cartridge manufacturer could usurp the
authentication mechanism and provide a non-proprietary
cartridge.
[0099] The total amount of memory required for the interleaved
linear CMY/L*a*b* image is 1,361,700 bytes (approximately 1.3 MB).
The image is written to Image Storage Memory 211 by the Image
Access Unit 212, and read by both the Image Access Unit 212 and the
Printhead Interface (PHI) 210. The CPU does not have direct random
access to this image memory. It must access the image pixels via
the Image Access Unit 212. The Printhead Interface 210 is the means
by which the controller loads the printhead 16 with the dots to be
printed, and controls the actual dot printing process.
[0100] The controller 101 may also include a clock phase-locked
loop 213 that provides timing signals to the controller. The clock
213 draws a base signal from crystal oscillator 214. Some CPU
include a clock so the clock and crystal would not be required.
[0101] A standard JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) Interface 215 is
included in the controller for testing purposes. Due to the
complexity of the controller, a variety of testing techniques are
required, including BIST (Built In Self Test) and functional block
isolation. An overhead of 10% in chip area is assumed for overall
chip testing circuitry.
[0102] The battery used to power the compact printer system is a
CR1/3N cell. The battery contains enough power to print 133 photos.
The characteristics of the battery are listed in the following
table.
TABLE-US-00003 Parameter Value Type Designation CR1/3N Voltage (V)
3 Electrochemical System Lithium Typical Capacity (mAh) 170 Height
(mm) 10.80 Diameter (mm) 11.60 Weight (g) 3.00
[0103] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe
the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the
invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features.
Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the
specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of
the invention.
* * * * *