U.S. patent application number 13/716937 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-19 for multi-function system for recovering media printed with thermo-reactive ink.
This patent application is currently assigned to Xerox Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is XEROX CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Christopher D. OLLIFFE, Brian REID, Duncan Ian STEVENSON, Michael John WILSHER.
Application Number | 20140171307 13/716937 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50931587 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140171307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WILSHER; Michael John ; et
al. |
June 19, 2014 |
MULTI-FUNCTION SYSTEM FOR RECOVERING MEDIA PRINTED WITH
THERMO-REACTIVE INK
Abstract
What is disclosed is a multi-function system which receives
media printed with ink having thermo-reactive properties with the
ink being visually transparent on that media, and which processes
that media such that the ink becomes visually perceptible. One
embodiment of the present system comprises an input tray for
receiving printed media into a transport path along which the media
travels. A cooling element resides in proximity to that transport
path for changing a temperature T of the media to T.ltoreq.T.sub.L.
A temp-normalizing element is positioned along the transport path
downstream of the cooling element for changing a temperature of the
media such that the media's temperature T can be normalized back to
a temperature range T.sub.L<T<T.sub.H prior to the media
being deposited into an output tray. A user interface enables a
user to perform various functions. Various embodiments of a user
interface are disclosed.
Inventors: |
WILSHER; Michael John;
(Letchworth, GB) ; OLLIFFE; Christopher D.;
(Berkhamsted, GB) ; STEVENSON; Duncan Ian;
(Smallford, GB) ; REID; Brian; (Welwyn,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
XEROX CORPORATION |
Norwalk |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Xerox Corporation
Norwalk
CT
|
Family ID: |
50931587 |
Appl. No.: |
13/716937 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
503/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41M 5/305 20130101;
B41J 29/377 20130101; B41M 5/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
503/201 |
International
Class: |
B41M 5/30 20060101
B41M005/30 |
Claims
1. A multi-function system for recovering printed media printed
with thermo-reactive ink that has been erased by an application of
heat, the system comprising: a printed media input module for
receiving printed media that has been printed with ink having
thermo-reactive properties such that said ink is visible on said
printed media when a temperature T of said ink is in a range of
T.sub.L<T<T.sub.H, said ink becoming visually transparent on
said printed media when heated to a temperature of at least
T.gtoreq.T.sub.H, said ink thereafter remaining visually
transparent after said temperature T returns back to within said
range, said ink becoming visually perceptible again on said printed
media when cooled to a temperature of at least T.ltoreq.T.sub.L,
said ink remaining visually perceptible on said printed media after
said temperature T returns back to within said range; at least one
cooling element which resides on a transport path traveled by said
printed media and in proximity to said printed media as said
printed media travels along said transport path, said cooling
element lowering a temperature T of said media to at least
T.ltoreq.T.sub.L, such that said thermo-reactive ink printed on
said printed media becomes visually perceptible; and a graphical
user interface to receive a user's selection directing a controller
along said transport path to keep said printed media at a distance
to said cooling element for an amount of time such that a change in
said temperature T of said ink is effectuated.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor for sensing
a temperature of said printed media; and a controller in
communication with said temperature sensor, said controller keeping
said printed media in proximity to said cooling element such that a
change in temperature T can be effectuated.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a temp-normalizing
element residing along said transport path in proximity to said
printed media and downstream of said cooling element, said
temp-normalizing element changing a temperature of said media such
that said media's temperature T returns to a range of greater than
T.sub.L and less than T.sub.H prior to said media being output by
said system.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface for
enabling any of: selecting to turn said cooling element ON/OFF,
adjusting a temperature of said cooling element changing a
transport path along which said printed media travels, adjusting a
distance said printed media is to said cooling element, and setting
an amount of time said printed media is exposed to said cooling
element.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display device for
viewing any of: an amount of time said printed media is exposed to
said cooling element, a temperature of said cooling element, a
temperature of said printed media during exposure to said cooling
element, a temperature of said printed media at various locations
along said transport path, and a temperature of said printed media
as it resides in an output tray of said system.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said cooling element comprises
any of: a drum, a roller, and a coil, wherein a refrigerant is
contained.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said cooling element comprises at
least one nozzle for spraying any of: a liquid onto said printed
media, and a compressed gas onto said printed media.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one heating
element which resides on said transport path and in proximity to
said printed media as said printed media travels along said
transport path, said heating element raising a temperature T of
said media to at least T.gtoreq.T.sub.H, such that said
thermo-reactive ink printed on said printed media becomes visually
transparent, said heating element comprising any of: a drum, a
roller, a coil, and a fuser in a xerographic engine.
9. The system of claim 1, where T.sub.L=-20.degree. C. and
T.sub.H=65.degree. C.
10. (canceled)
11. A method for recovering media printed with thermo-reactive ink,
the method comprising: receiving, into a transport path of a
multi-function system, media printed with ink having
thermo-reactive properties, said ink being visible on said media
when a temperature T of said ink is in a range of
T.sub.L<T<T.sub.H, said ink becoming visually transparent on
said media when said media is heated to a temperature of at least
T.gtoreq.T.sub.H, said ink thereafter remaining visually
transparent on said media after said media temperature T returns
back to within said range, said ink becoming visually perceptible
again on said media when said media is cooled to a temperature of
at least T.ltoreq.T.sub.L, said ink remaining visually perceptible
on said media after said temperature T returns to within said
range; moving said printed media along said transport path such
that said printed media comes into proximity with at least one
cooling element; lowering, using said cooling element, a
temperature T of said printed media to at least T.ltoreq.T.sub.L,
such that said thermo-reactive ink printed on said media becomes
visually perceptible; and a graphical user interface to receive a
user's selection directing a controller along said transport path
to keep said printed media at a distance to said cooling element
for an amount of time such that a change in said temperature T of
said ink is effectuated.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said multi-function system
further comprises: a sensor for sensing a temperature of said
media; and a controller in communication with said temperature
sensor, said controller keeping said media in proximity to said
cooling element such that a change in temperature T can be
effectuated.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein said multi-function system
further comprises a temp-normalizing element residing along said
transport path in proximity to said media and downstream of said
cooling element, said temp-normalizing element changing a
temperature of said media such that said media's temperature T
returns to a range of greater than T.sub.L and less than T.sub.H
prior to said media being output by said system.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein said multi-function system
further comprises a user interface, the method further comprising
any of: selecting to turn said cooling element ON/OFF, adjusting a
temperature of said cooling element, changing a transport path
along which said media travels, adjusting a distance said media is
to said cooling element, and setting an amount of time said media
is exposed to said cooling element.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein said multi-function system
further comprises a display device, the method further comprising
any of: viewing an amount of time said media is exposed to said
cooling element, viewing a temperature of said cooling element,
viewing a temperature of said media during exposure to said cooling
element, viewing a temperature of said media at various locations
along said transport path, and viewing a temperature of said media
as it resides in an output tray of said system.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein said cooling element comprises
any of: a drum, a roller, and a coil, wherein a refrigerant is
contained.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein said cooling element comprises
at least one nozzle for spraying any of: a liquid onto said printed
media, and a compressed gas onto said media.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising: moving said printed
media along said transport path such that said printed media comes
into proximity with at least one heating element comprising any of:
a drum, a roller, a coil, and a fuser in a xerographic engine; and
raising, using said heating element, a temperature T of said media
to at least T.gtoreq.T.sub.H, such that said thermo-reactive ink
printed on said media becomes visually transparent.
19. The method of claim 11, where T.sub.L=-20.degree. C. and
T.sub.H=65.degree. C.
20. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
[0001] This case is related to concurrently filed and commonly
assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/716,815, entitled: "A
Multi-Function Inkjet Device For Printing With Thermo-Reactive
Ink", by Wilsher et al. (Docket No. 20120730-US-NP); U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/716,863, entitled: "A Multi-Function System
For Erasing Media Printed With Thermo-Reactive Ink", by Wilsher et
al. (Docket No. 20120734-US-NP); and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______ entitled: "A System And Method For Printing A
Cancellation Mark On A Ticket", by Wilsher et al. (Docket No.
20120768-US-NP).
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is directed to a multi-function system
which receives media printed with ink having thermo-reactive
properties with the ink being visually transparent on that media,
and which processes the printed media such that the ink becomes
visually perceptible again.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the field of document security and anti-counterfeiting,
it is desirable to have a system which can recover content on a
document that has been rendered visually transparent such that the
invisible content can be made visually perceptible again.
[0004] Accordingly, what is needed in this art is a multi-function
system which receives media printed with ink having thermo-reactive
properties with the ink being visually transparent on that media,
and which processes that media such that the ink becomes visually
perceptible.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] What is disclosed is a multi-function system which receives
media printed with ink having thermo-reactive properties with the
ink being visually transparent on that media, and which processes
that media such that the ink becomes visually perceptible. The
thermo-reactive properties of the ink are such that the ink is
visible on the media when the media is at a temperature T in a
range of T.sub.L<T<T.sub.H. The ink becomes visually
transparent on the media when the media is heated to a temperature
of T.gtoreq.T.sub.H. The ink thereafter remains visually
transparent after the media's temperature T returns back to within
that temperature range. The ink becomes visually perceptible again
on the media when the media is cooled to a temperature of
T.ltoreq.T.sub.L with the ink remaining visible on the media after
the media's temperature T returns back to that range.
[0006] One embodiment of the present system comprises a cooling
element which resides in proximity to a transport path along which
the media travels for lowering a temperature T of the media to
T.ltoreq.T.sub.L. A sensor is used for sensing a temperature of the
media and a controller keeps the media in proximity to the cooling
element such that a full change in temperature T can be
effectuated. In those embodiments where the media transport path
comprises a primary and secondary transport path, the print system
further comprises a controller for re-directing the media from a
primary transport path to a secondary transport path wherein the
cooling element resides. A temp-normalizing element is positioned
along the transport path and downstream of the cooling element for
changing a temperature of the media such that the media's
temperature T can be normalized to a range of
T.sub.L<<T<<T.sub.H prior to the media being deposited
into an output tray such that the processed media is no longer cold
to the touch. A user interface enables a user to perform various
functions as more fully described herein. Various embodiments are
disclosed.
[0007] Many features and advantages of the above-described method
will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
subject matter disclosed herein will be made apparent from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a networked multi-function
system in accordance with one embodiment of the present system;
[0010] FIG. 2A shows one embodiment of a standalone system which
houses some or all of the various components of the system of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 2B shows another embodiment of a multi-function system
intended to be physically joined with a print system such that the
printed media is fed directly into this system for processing in
accordance with the teachings hereof;
[0012] FIG. 3A shows one embodiment of the user interface of the
system of FIG. 2A having displayed thereon selectable operational
menu options to perform an erase function or a recover
function;
[0013] FIG. 3B shows the user making a selection from the menus of
FIG. 3A;
[0014] FIG. 4A shows one embodiment of the user interface of the
system of FIG. 2A having displayed thereon various menu options
which are displayed as a result of a user having selected the ERASE
function of FIG. 3A;
[0015] FIG. 4B shows the user making a selection from the menus of
FIG. 4A;
[0016] FIG. 5A shows one embodiment of the user interface of the
system of FIG. 2A having displayed thereon various menu options
which are displayed as a result of a user having selected the
RECOVER function of FIG. 3A;
[0017] FIG. 5B shows the user making a selection from the menus of
FIG. 5A;
[0018] FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the user interface of the
system of FIG. 2A having displayed thereon various information for
a user to view;
[0019] FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a multi-function document
reproduction system wherein various aspects of the system of FIG. 1
have been incorporated;
[0020] FIG. 8 shows the media input module and the document
printing module of FIG. 7 having been physically joined with
various aspects of the multi-function system of FIG. 2B to form a
composite multi-function system;
[0021] FIG. 9 shows an example handheld device which receives the
ticket of FIG. 10 and performs an erase or a recover function on
the ticket as shown by way of example in FIG. 10, and may be
further configured to print a cancellation mark on the ticket as
shown by way of example in FIG. 11;
[0022] FIG. 10 shows a ticket which has a validation mark that has
been printed with thermo-reactive inks (10A) and the same ticket
with the validation mark having been erased (10B);
[0023] FIG. 11 shows the ticket of FIG. 10A with the validation
mark having been over-printed with a cancellation stamp;
[0024] FIG. 12 shows a plurality of documents processed by the
systems of FIGS. 1 and 7-8;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for
printing thermo-reactive ink onto a media using various embodiment
of the print system of FIGS. 7-9;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 13
with flow processing continuing with respect to node A;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 14
with flow processing continuing with respect to node B; and
[0028] FIG. 16 is a continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 15
with flow processing continuing with respect to node C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] What is disclosed is a multi-function system which receives
media printed with ink having thermo-reactive properties with the
ink being visually transparent on that media, and which processes
that media such that the ink becomes visually perceptible.
NON-LIMITING DEFINITIONS
[0030] "Inkjet printing" employs a specially configured printhead
to propel droplets of ink onto a print media. Inkjet technology was
developed in the 1950s and is commonly used. There are three main
types of technologies in use in contemporary inkjet devices:
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) and two forms of Drop-on-demand (DOD). In
CIJ technology, a high-pressure pump directs liquid ink from a
reservoir through a microscopic nozzle creating a continuous stream
of ink droplets. A piezoelectric crystal creates an acoustic wave
as it vibrates and causes the stream of liquid to break into
droplets at regular intervals upwards of 165,000 droplets per
second. The ink droplets are subjected to an electrostatic field
created by a charging electrode as they form with the field varying
according to the degree of drop deflection desired. This results in
a controlled, variable electrostatic charge on each droplet.
Drop-on-demand (DOD) technology can be divided into thermal DOD and
piezoelectric DOD. Of interest here are the piezoelectric
technologies, a peizo actuator is used to eject ink droplets onto
the media without heating the ink. Peizo dots are printed at
ambient temperature and any ink printed with such printheads will
be in the stable state condition. Any of the technologies can be
utilized in the embodiment dependent on the ink deposition
required.
[0031] A "print media" or simply "media" refers to a substrate such
as paper, on which ink is deposited by a device's printhead. Print
devices generally have one or more paper trays for retaining
different types of print media which include: paper, tickets, index
cards, forms, and the like. A given print media has an associated
set of attributes which encompass various characteristics by which
media can be differentiated. A set of attributes are typically
given in: type, size, color, and weight. A print media "type"
attribute includes: plain, lightweight, recycled, Mylar, etc. A
print media "size" attribute includes: letter, legal, A4, A5, A6,
etc. A print media "color" attribute refers to the color of the
media. A print media "weight" attribute has a value given in: lb,
gsm, etc. For example, a given paper media may have the following
attributes: type=plain, size=21.0x29.7, color=white, weight=90 lb.
The print media is retrieved from a storage tray or is otherwise
provided to the system by a user. The print media travels along a
transport path through the print device where various system
components reside such that the media can be printed or otherwise
manipulated as desired. In accordance herewith, system components
reside along the media's transport path to take advantage of the
thermo-reactive properties of the ink printed on the media.
[0032] "Printed media" refers to a print media that has been
printed with ink which has thermo-reactive properties. The printed
media may also have been printed with inks which are not
thermo-reactive. Various embodiments hereof receive printed media
such that the ink's thermo-reactive properties can be utilized. The
printed media may have already been erased, i.e., the media has
been processed using, for example, the system of FIG. 1, such that
the inks printed thereon have been rendered visually
transparent.
[0033] A "security mark" or "validation mark" is a mark which is
printed onto a media such as, for example, a ticket, at a specific
location on the ticket for anti-counterfeiting purposes. An example
security mark that comprises validation numbers "992935" is shown
printed on secure area 1003 of the ticket of FIG. 10A. The security
or validation mark may or may not be printed using ink with
thermo-reactive properties. Other areas of the ticket may or may
not be printed with normal permanent printing methods or
thermo-reactive printing methods.
[0034] A "cancellation mark" is a mark which provides an indication
that a security mark has been cancelled, i.e., indicate that the
ticket has been used. The cancellation mark is typically printed on
top of the security or validation mark but may be printed at a
separate location on the media. The cancellation mark is preferably
printed using ink with thermo-reactive properties.
[0035] "Thermo-reactive properties" refers one or more properties
of an ink that change as a function of temperature such that the
ink is visible on the media when a temperature T of the media is in
a temperature range of: T.sub.L<T<T.sub.H. The ink becomes
visually transparent on the print media when the media is heated to
a temperature of at least: T.gtoreq.T.sub.H. The ink thereafter
remains visually transparent after the temperature T of the media
is returned back to within the temperature range of:
T.sub.L<T<T.sub.H. The ink becomes visually perceptible again
on the media when the media is cooled to a temperature of at least:
T.ltoreq.T.sub.L. The ink remains visible on the media after the
temperature T of the media has returned back to the range of:
T.sub.L<T<T.sub.H. Various inks with thermo-reactive
properties are available from different venders in commerce. In one
embodiment, thermo-reactive inks comprises metamocolor Frixion.RTM.
inks by Pilot.RTM. where T.sub.L=-20.degree. C. and
T.sub.H=65.degree. C. Different embodiments of the systems
disclosed herein utilize thermo-changing elements to effectuate a
change in the transparency of the thermo-reactive ink(s) printed on
the media.
[0036] A "thermo-changing element" refers to one or more elements
which reside in proximity to a transport path along which the media
travels for changing a temperature T of the ink/media to one or
both of: T.ltoreq.T.sub.L and T.gtoreq.T.sub.H. In one embodiment,
the thermo-changing element comprises one or more cooling elements
for lowering a temperature of the media on which the ink is printed
to at least: T.ltoreq.T.sub.L. In another embodiment, the
thermo-changing element comprises one or more heating elements for
raising a temperature of the media on which the ink is printed to
at least: T.gtoreq.T.sub.H. In yet another embodiment, the present
system has both a heating and a cooling element residing along a
same or different transport paths. Any of the thermo-changing
elements may reside along a transport path at a location which is
ahead (i.e., upstream) of the inkjet printhead(s) such that the
thermo-reactive properties of the inks can be activated or
otherwise taken advantage of, as discussed herein in detail, in
advance of the media being transported to the print engine or on
the output of such a print engine. A thermo-changing element may
further include additional functionality such as pre-heaters or
pre-coolers which help facilitate a change in the media's
temperature. Pre-heating or cooling elements are not always
required depending on the ink and media properties. It should be
appreciated that raising/lowering the temperature of the media upon
which a thermo-reactive ink has been printed effectively
raises/lowers the temperature of that ink as well. Therefore, the
use herein of changing the "media's temperature" means
coincidentally changing the ink's temperature as well. In various
embodiments hereof, the thermo-changing element comprises a drum, a
roller, a coil, or a fuser in a xerographic engine.
[0037] A "temp-normalizing element" is a heating or cooling element
which resides along a transport path along which the media travels,
and downstream of the thermo-changing element(s) for
raising/lowering a temperature of the heated/cooled media such that
the temperature T of the media is normalized to a range of
T.sub.L<T<T.sub.H prior to the media being received by an
output tray. In one embodiment, the temperature of the media is
normalized to T.sub.L<<T<<T.sub.H, i.e., T approximates
room temperature or is otherwise no longer very hot or very cold to
the touch when retrieved by a user. The temp-normalizing element
may comprise a heating element positioned along a transport path of
the media and downstream of the thermo-changing "cooling" element
such that the cooled media's temperature T can be raised to:
T>>T.sub.L. The temp-normalizing "heating" element may or may
not be the same thermo-changing "heating" element used by the
device. Likewise, a cooling element may be positioned along a
transport path of the media and downstream of the thermo-changing
"heating" element such that the heated media's temperature T can be
lowered to: T<<T.sub.H. The temp-normalizing "cooling"
element may or may not be the same thermo-changing "cooling"
element used by the device. An output tray of the device which
receives the processed media may be specifically configured with
heating and/or cooling elements to perform a temperature
"normalization" function such that the media is not hot or cold to
the touch when retrieved by the user. The temperature normalizing
element is not always required depending on the media and ink
properties.
[0038] A "multi-function system" refers to a standalone system with
one or more thermo-changing elements residing along a transport
path traveled by the print media. Such a multi-function system may
be configured to perform one or both of: erasing media printed with
thermo-reactive inks such that the ink becomes visually
transparent, and recovering ink that has been erased on a printed
media such that the ink become visually perceptible. One example
multi-function system is shown and discussed with respect to the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-6.
[0039] A "multi-function document reproduction system" refers to a
printer which has an inkjet printhead for depositing
thermo-reactive inks onto a media and which incorporates some or
all of the functionality of the multi-function system disclosed
herein. One such print system is shown and discussed with respect
to FIG. 7. In a different embodiment, the system of FIG. 7
comprises a xerographic system with a xerographic engine containing
a fuser, as is well understood in the document reproduction
arts.
Example Multi-Function System
[0040] Reference is now being made to FIG. 1 which illustrates one
embodiment of a networked multi-function system in accordance with
one embodiment of the present system.
[0041] The example multi-function system 100 of FIG. 1 is shown
generally comprising first and second thermo-changing elements 102
and 103, respectively, connected to a network 104 via a
communications pathway 105 which may be wired or wireless. System
100 has two transport paths 106 and 107 along which the media
printed with thermo-reactive ink travels. When the printed media is
retrieved from tray 108, it moves along first transport path 106
and passes through or comes in proximity to a first thermo-changing
element 102. In a similar manner, when the printed media is
retrieved from tray 109, it which moves along transport path 107
and passes through or comes in proximity to second thermo-changing
element 103. Transport paths 106 and 107 may be the same with one
thermo-changing element being positioned downstream from the other
thermo-changing element. The retrieved print media may
alternatively be provided to the system of FIG. 1 by a user having
placed the printed media into one of trays 108 and 109 or by
sliding the media into a slot (not shown) which effectively places
the printed media on a desired transport path. Trays 108 and 109
may be the same input tray (at 202 of FIG. 2A) for receiving a
user-provided printed media. Alternatively, the user provides the
media to the system and uses a user interface to signal one or more
device controllers to direct or re-direct the media to a desired
transport path for processing. Thermo-changing elements 102 and 103
are shown being operatively controlled by a control system 110
shown generally comprising a processor 111 and a memory 112. Memory
112 is intended to represent any type of machine readable medium
such as RAM, ROM, magnetic disk or tape, optical disk, flash,
holographic, USB drive, and the like. The processor retrieves
machine readable program instructions from memory 112 and executes
those program instructions to control various aspects of the
thermo-changing elements 102 and 103, and various aspects of
temp-normalizing element 113. System 100 is shown further
comprising an output tray 114 for receiving the processed
media.
[0042] Thermo-changing element 102 provides a means for heating the
printed media such that the thermo-reactive ink on that media
becomes visually transparent. Thermo-changing element 102
incorporates a drum 115 with an electro-resistive filament to
pre-heat the printed media. The pre-heating drum 115 may physically
contact the media or may be positioned along the transport path
such that the printed media comes in close proximity thereto.
Temperature sensor 116 senses a temperature of the pre-heating drum
115 and communicates that temperature reading back to control
system 110. Control system 110 controls a movement of the printed
media as it travels along transport path 106 such that the printed
media can be kept in contact with or in proximity to pre-heating
drum 115 until a temperature of the media has reached a
pre-determined threshold. Thereafter, control system 110 signals
one or more device controllers (not shown) to propel or otherwise
move the pre-heated printed media along transport path 106 so the
printed media enters or comes in close proximity to a set of heated
rollers 117. As the printed media passes between the heated rollers
117, a temperature T of the media is raised. In this embodiment,
temperature sensors 118 repeatedly sense a temperature of the media
and communicate those readings back to control system 110. Control
system 110, in response to a temperature of the media, signals
device controllers (not shown) to adjust the speed of the travel of
the media to regulate an exposure of the printed media to the heat
from rollers 117. The media is propelled away from the
thermo-changing element 102 when the ink/media have reached a
desired temperature of at least: T.gtoreq.T.sub.H, such that the
ink on the media becomes visually transparent. In other
embodiments, the control system 110 regulates the temperature of
the pre-heating drum 115 and the heated rollers 117. The control
system 110 may signal one or more controllers along transport path
106 to change the distance between the printed media and the
pre-heating drum and/or the heated rollers such that an amount of
an exposure of the media to heat from one or both of these heating
elements can be changed. Upon the media exiting thermo-changing
element 102, the heated media is transported along path 106 to a
position 122 such that the heated media is brought into contact
with or in proximity to temp-normalization element 113. In this
embodiment, control system 110 communicates a signal to
temp-normalization element 113 to activate cooling element 123
which cools the heated media such that a temperature T of the media
is normalized to a range of T<<T.sub.H, prior to the media
being deposited into output tray 114. Device controllers (not
shown) may be utilized to control a speed of travel of the printed
media or a proximity of the printed media to cooling element 123
such that an exposure of the media thereto can be regulated as
desired.
[0043] Thermo-changing element 103 provides a means for cooling the
printed media such that the ink becomes visually perceptible on the
media. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, thermo-changing element 103
incorporates a pre-cooling drum 118 comprising a coil of
refrigerant, to pre-cool the printed media. The pre-cooling drum
118 may physically contact the media or may be positioned along the
transport path such that the printed media comes in close proximity
thereto. Temperature sensor 119 senses a temperature of the
pre-cooling drum 118 and communicates that temperature reading back
to control system 110. Control system 110 controls a movement of
the printed media as it travels along transport path 107 such that
the printed media can be kept in contact with or in proximity to
pre-cooling drum 118 until a temperature of the printed media has
reached a pre-determined threshold. Thereafter, control system 110
signals one or more device controllers (not shown) to propel or
otherwise move the pre-cooled printed media along transport path
107 so the printed media enters or comes in close proximity to a
set of cooled rollers 120. As the printed media passes between the
rollers 120, a temperature T of the media is lowered. In this
embodiment, temperature sensors 121 repeatedly sense a temperature
of the media and communicate those readings back to control system
110. Control system 110, in response to a temperature of the
printed media, signals device controllers (not shown) to adjust the
speed of the travel of the media to regulate an exposure of the
media to the cooling elements of rollers 120. The media is
propelled away from the thermo-changing element 103 when the
ink/media have reached a desired temperature of at least:
T.ltoreq.T.sub.L, such that the ink on the media becomes visually
perceptible. In other embodiments, the control system 110 regulates
the temperature of the pre-cooling drum 118 and the cooled rollers
120. The control system 110 may signal one or more controllers
along transport path 107 to change a distance between the media and
the pre-cooling drum 118 and/or the cooling rollers 120 such that
an amount of an exposure of the media to cold from one or both of
these cooling elements can be changed. In a manner as similarly
described with respect to the thermo-changing element 102, upon the
media exiting thermo-changing element 103, the heated media is
transported along path 107 to a position 122 such that the cooled
media is brought into contact with or in proximity to
temp-normalization element 113. Control system 110 communicates a
signal to temp-normalization element 113 to activate heating
element 124 which heats the cooled media such that a temperature T
of the media is normalized to a range of T>>T.sub.L, prior to
the media being deposited into output tray 114. Device controllers
(not shown) may be utilized to control a speed of travel of the
printed media or a proximity of the printed media to heating
element 124 such that an exposure of the media thereto can be
regulated as desired. Temperature sensor 125 provides temperature
readings of the media (at 122) back to control system 110.
Temperature sensor 131 provides temperature readings back to the
user interface of the media as it resides in output tray 114.
[0044] The multi-function system of FIG. 1 is shown further
comprising a computer workstation 126 which includes a hard drive
(internal to computer housing 127) which reads/writes to a media
such as computer readable media 128 which may comprise a floppy
disk, optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic tape, etc. Computer case
127 houses a motherboard with a processor (CPU) and memory, a
communications link such as a network card, graphics card, and the
like, and other software and hardware to perform the functionality
of a computer system as is generally known. Workstation 126 is
shown further including a user interface which, in various
embodiments, comprises a display 129 such as a CRT, LCD, touch
screen, etc., a keyboard 130, and a mouse (not shown). It should be
appreciated that workstation 126 has an operating system and other
specialized software configured to display a wide variety of data,
images, numeric values, text, scroll bars, pull-down menus with
user selectable options for entering, selecting, or modifying
information as desired. The embodiment shown is illustrative and
should not be viewed as being limited. Although shown as a desktop
computer, it should be appreciated that workstation 126 can be a
laptop, tablet, mainframe, client/server, or a special purpose
computer such as an ASIC, circuit board, dedicated processor, or
the like.
[0045] Any of the Information obtained from any of the operative
modules of system 100 including various characteristics of any of
the sensors thereof can be communicated to workstation 126 and
displayed for a user to view. Such information may include, for
instance, an amount of time the media is exposed to any of the
heating and cooling elements of thermo-changing elements 102 and
103; an operating temperature of any the various heating and
cooling elements of the thermo-changing elements; a temperature of
the media during exposure to any of the various heating and cooling
elements; and a temperature of the media as it travels along any of
the transport paths 106 and 107. A user may use the keyboard of the
user interface of workstation 126 to turn any of the
thermo-changing elements ON/OFF; select or adjust temperatures to
be applied to the media; set or adjust a temperature of any
components of the thermo-changing element(s) or any of the
components of the temp-normalization element(s); change a transport
path along which the media travels; and change a proximity the
media is to any components of the thermo-changing element(s). The
user may further set an amount of time the media is in proximity to
any of the thermo-changing element(s) or the temp-normalization
element(s). Alternatively the described system can be reduced to a
preset configuration with set modes and temperatures, which may not
require all the described elements.
[0046] Any information detected or sensed by any of the controllers
or temperature sensors may be communicated to a remote device over
network 104 for storage, viewing, analysis, or processing. Network
104 is shown as an amorphous cloud. A detailed discussion as to the
operation of any specific network or network configuration has been
omitted. Suffice it to say, packets of data are transmitted over
the network via special purpose devices in communication with each
other via a plurality of communication links. Data is transferred
between devices in the network in the form of signals. Such signals
may be in any combination of electrical, electro-magnetic, optical,
or other forms, and are transmitted by wire, cable, fiber optic,
phone line, cellular link, RF, satellite, or any other medium or
communications link known in the arts.
[0047] Any of the modules of the system of FIG. 1 are in
communication with the control system 110 via communication
pathways shown and not shown.
Example Standalone System
[0048] Reference is now being made to FIG. 2A which illustrates one
example embodiment of a standalone system which houses some or all
of the various components shown and discussed with respect to FIG.
1.
[0049] The system 200 of FIG. 2A is a standalone system
incorporates much or all of the functionality performed by the
system of FIG. 1 but does not perform a print function, i.e., has
no printhead. The system of FIG. 2A is shown comprising an input
area 202 to receive printed media 203 that has been printed with
thermo-reactive ink. Printed media 203 may or may not have been
erased, i.e., the media processed such that the inks thereon have
been rendered visually transparent. If the media has already been
erased by having raised the temperature of the media to at least:
T.gtoreq.T.sub.H, such that the ink on the media is visually
transparent then the system of FIG. 2A would contain various
aspects of the thermo-changing element 102 in order to lower the
temperature of the media such that the ink on the media becomes
visually perceptible again, i.e., make the ink re-appear. If the
media has not been erased and the ink is visually perceptible on
the printed media 203 then the system of FIG. 2A would contain
various aspects of thermo-changing element 103 in order to raise
the temperature of the media such that the ink becomes visually
transparent. Various system components of FIG. 1 are housed in
access-cabinets 204 which enable a technician to open the system
and service the components housed therein. In operation, a user
places printed media 203 into receiving tray 202 and proceeds to
make a selection from a plurality of selectable menu options
displayed on user interface 205 shown comprising a LCD display 201
and a keyboard/keypad 207. As discussed with respect to the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the user interface enables the user to view
various operational features of the system as it performs the
intended functions and to set or otherwise adjust various features
and functionality of the device. Embodiments of various selectable
menu options and displayed information that may be displayed on the
display screen 205 of the system of FIG. 2A are discussed with
respect to FIGS. 3-6. Upon completion of having heated/cooled the
printed media as desired, the processed media is received by output
tray 206.
[0050] Reference is now being briefly made to FIG. 2B which shows
yet another embodiment of a multi-function system 210 having a
keypad 211 for enabling a user selection of the desired operations
to be performed. The system of FIG. 2B is intended to be physically
joined with a multi-function document reproduction device (such as
media processing module 708 of FIG. 7) such that the printed media
output by that document printing module 706 can be fed directly
into device 210 via input area 212 wherein the printed media is
received for further processing. In another embodiment, the
processed media ("erased" or "recovered") is provided from device
210 to the document printing module 706 via internal transport
paths (not shown) such that the processed media is moved into
proximity of the device's inkjet printhead or xerographic engine.
One such composite multi-function (printer or xerographic) document
reproduction system is shown and discussed herein further with
respect to FIG. 8. Features and functionality to "erase" and/or
"recover" printed media, as discussed with respect to the
embodiment of FIG. 1, are housed in cabinets 213 which enable
servicing of these components by an operator or technician. The
processed media is provided to output tray behind accessible doors
214.
Example User Interfaces
[0051] Reference is now being made to FIG. 3A which illustrates one
example embodiment of the user interface (UI) of the system of FIG.
2 having displayed thereon a plurality of selectable menu options
displayed on screen 201. FIG. 3B shows the user making a selection
from the menu screen of FIG. 3A.
[0052] Shown on screen 201 is a first menu 301 providing selectable
options wherein the user is prompted to select the operation to be
performed by the system of FIGS. 1 and 2. Shown are iconic buttons
302, 304 and 305, to enable the user to have the device perform an
ERASE, RECOVER or PRINT function, respectively. If the user
desires, for instance, to have printed media erased then the user
selects the "ERASE" function 302. If the user desires to have
erased ink made visually perceptible again such that the ink
re-appears on the media then the user selects the "RECOVER" button
303. A PRINT button 305 is shown for those embodiments where the
multi-function device is also configured to perform a print
function with or without thermo-reactive inks, depending on the
implementation. These user-selectable buttons signal the control
system 110 of FIG. 1 to configure the appropriate transport path
and set or pre-set the corresponding thermo-changing element(s) or
components thereof in anticipation of the system receiving printed
media 203 for processing. Also shown is a QUIT button 303 to enable
the user to exit the operation or return back to a previous
screen.
[0053] If the user selected, for instance, the "ERASE" button 302
then the user interface signals control system 110 to configure
transport path 106 to receive the printed media 203 from the user
or retrieve the printed media from input tray 108 and activate
pre-heater drum 115 in anticipation of the media being received
from the user. Temperature sensors 116 and 118 and other sensors
along the transport path would be re-set, calibrated, or otherwise
initialized in preparation of taking various respective temperature
readings. The cooling element 123 of the temp-normalization element
113 would be configured to receive heated media from
thermo-changing element 102 for cooling such that temperature of
the media can be normalized. If, on the other hand, the user
selects the "RECOVER" button 303 then, in a similar manner, control
system 110 is signaled to configure transport path 107 to receive
the printed media 203 from the user or retrieve the printed media
from input tray 109 and activate pre-cooler 118 in anticipation of
the media being received from the user. Temperature sensors 119 and
121 and other sensors along the transport path would be re-set,
calibrated, or otherwise initialized in preparation of taking
various respective temperature readings. Heating element 124 of
temp-normalization element 113 would be configured to receive
cooled media from thermo-changing element 103 for heating such that
a temperature of the media can be normalized as desired.
[0054] Reference is now being made to FIG. 4A which shows one
embodiment of the user interface of the system of FIG. 2 having
displayed thereon various menu options 310 displayed as a result of
a user having selected the ERASE function of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4B shows
the user making a selection from the menus of FIG. 4A.
[0055] Shown on menu 310 are a plurality of user-selectable menu
sub-sections 311, 312, 313, 314. Menu sub-section 311 provides a
plurality of selectable options for enabling a user to set or
adjust, in real-time, the operating temperature of the pre-heating
drum 115 of the thermo-changing element 102 of FIG. 1. Buttons 311A
and 311B allow the user to increase or decrease the temperature of
pre-heating drum 115. A digital value of the user's desired
temperature for pre-heating drum 115 is shown in display box 311C,
shown displaying an example temperature of 40.degree. C.
Alternatively, display box 311C shows the current temperature of
pre-heating drum 115 which the user can raise or lower using icon
buttons 311A-B. As a result of the user selections of sub-section
311, a signal is communicated to control system 110 to configure
the transport path 106 for an "erase" function and to set the
temperature of the pre-heating drum 115 to the temperature
displayed at 311C. In a similar manner, buttons 312A-B allow the
user to increase or decrease an operating temperature of heating
rollers 117. A digital value of the user's selected temperature is
shown in digital display 312C which displays an example temperature
value for T.sub.H=66.degree. C. Alternatively, display box 312C
shows the current operating temperature of heating rollers 117
which the user can raise or lower. As a result of the user
selections of sub-section 312, a signal is communicated to control
system 110 to set the temperature of the heating rollers 117 to the
temperature displayed at 312C. The menu sub-section 313 displays a
similar set of iconic widgets shown as buttons 313A-B to raise and
lower a desired temperature for the cooling element 123 of
temp-normalization element 113. The displayed temperature is shown
at 313C. Alternatively, display box 313C shows the current
operating temperature of cooling element 123 which the user can
raise or lower. As a result of the user making a selection in
sub-section 313, a corresponding signal is sent to the control
system 110 to configure the temp-normalization element 113
according to the user-provided settings. Menu sub-section 314
enables the user to set a Minimum 314A and Maximum 314B amount of
exposure time that the printed media 203 is in contact with or in
proximity to any of the components of thermo-changing element 102.
Example values are displayed in digital display box 314C-D,
respectively. Menu 310 further provides a BACK button 315 to enable
the user to return to a previous menu screen. It should be
appreciated that, in the absence of a user-provided value, default
values are retrieved from a memory or storage device and provided
to control system 110 such that a default configuration can be set
or pre-set for the system sufficient to enable a "erase" function
to be performed. Values and settings provided by the user may be
stored in a memory or storage device for subsequent retrieval.
[0056] Reference is now being made to FIG. 5A which shows one
embodiment of the user interface of the system of FIG. 2 having
displayed thereon various menu options 310 displayed as a result of
a user having selected the RECOVER function of FIG. 3A. As stated
earlier, using defined media and ink these settings are likely to
be pre-set and no further user interaction would be required. FIG.
5B shows the user making a selection from the menus of FIG. 5A.
[0057] Shown on menu 320 are a plurality of user-selectable menu
sub-sections 311, 322, 323, 324. Menu sub-section 321 provides a
plurality of selectable options for enabling a user to set or
adjust, in real-time, the operating temperature of the pre-cooling
drum 118 of the thermo-changing element 103 of FIG. 1. Buttons 321A
and 321B allow the user to increase or decrease the temperature of
pre-cooling drum 118. A digital value of the user's desired
temperature for pre-cooling drum 118 is shown in display box 321C,
shown displaying an example temperature of 0.degree. C.
Alternatively, display box 321C shows the current temperature of
pre-cooling drum 118 which the user can raise or lower using icon
buttons 321A-B. As a result of the user selections of sub-section
321, a signal is communicated to control system 110 to configure
the transport path 107 for a "recover" function and to set the
temperature of the pre-cooling drum 118 to the temperature
displayed at 321C. In a similar manner, buttons 322A-B allow the
user to increase or decrease an operating temperature of cooling
rollers 120. A digital value of the user's selected temperature is
shown in digital display 322C which displays an example temperature
value for T.sub.H=-20.degree. C. Alternatively, display box 322C
shows the current operating temperature of cooling rollers 120
which the user can raise or lower. As a result of a user selection
of sub-section 322, a signal is communicated to control system 110
to set the temperature of the cooling rollers 120 to the
temperature displayed at 322C. The menu sub-section 323 displays a
similar set of iconic widgets shown as buttons 323A-B to raise and
lower a desired temperature for the heating element 124 of
temp-normalization element 113. The displayed temperature is shown
at 323C. Alternatively, display box 323C shows the current
operating temperature of heating element 124 which the user can
raise or lower. As a result of the user making a selection in
sub-section 323, a corresponding signal is sent to the control
system 110 to configure the temp-normalization element 113
according to the user-provided settings. Menu sub-section 324
enables the user to set a Minimum 324A and Maximum 324B amount of
exposure time that the printed media 203 is in contact with or in
proximity to any of the components of thermo-changing element 103.
Example values are displayed in digital display box 324C-D,
respectively. Menu 320 further provides a BACK button 325 to enable
the user to return to a previous menu screen. It should be
appreciated that, in the absence of a user-provided value, default
values are retrieved from a memory or storage device and provided
to control system 110 such that a default configuration can be set
or pre-set for the system sufficient to enable a "recover" function
to be performed. Values and settings provided by the user may be
stored in a memory or storage device for subsequent retrieval. As
stated, these settings are likely to be pre-set and no further user
interaction would be required.
[0058] Reference is now being made to FIG. 6 which shows one
embodiment of the user interface of the system of FIG. 2 having
displayed thereon various information for a user to view.
[0059] Shown on the screen 330 are various sub-windows which
display for the user the amount of time to completion (at 331)
which shows, in one embodiment, an amount of time estimated to be
remaining for the selected ERASE or RECOVER function. Such a time
estimate would be based, at least in part, by one or more of the
user selections of the associated menus when the user was
configuring the job to their desired settings.
[0060] In response to the user having selected the ERASE button 302
displayed on screen 301, sub-windows 332A-D would display various
operating temperatures of the pre-heating element 115 (at 332A) as
sensed by temperature sensor 116, heating rollers 117 (at 332B) as
sensed by temperature sensors 118, the operating temperature of the
cooling element 123 of temp-normalization element 113 (at 331C) as
sensed by temperature sensor 125, and a temperature of the
processed media (at 332D) in output tray 114 as sensed by
temperature sensor 131. Also displayed on screen 330 of FIG. 6 are
four temperature readings (shown at 333A-D) of the media at
different points along transport path 106. Such temperature reading
are provided to the display by each of the above-described
temperature sensors which are configured to also communicate
temperature readings of the media along with temperature readings
of each of the above described elements.
[0061] Likewise, in response to the user having selected the
RECOVER button 303 displayed on screen 301, sub-windows 332A-D
would display various operating temperatures of the pre-cooling
element 118 (at 332A) as sensed by temperature sensor 119, cooling
rollers 120 (at 332B) as sensed by temperature sensors 120, the
operating temperature of the heating element 124 of
temp-normalization element 113 (at 331C) as sensed by temperature
sensor 125, and a temperature of the processed media (at 332D) in
output tray 114 as sensed by temperature sensor 131. Also displayed
on screen 330 of FIG. 6 are four temperature readings (shown at
333A-D) of the media at different points along transport path 107.
Such temperature reading are provided to the display by each of the
above-described temperature sensors which also communicate
temperature readings of the media along with the various
temperature readings of each of the above described temp-changing
elements.
[0062] Shown on the screen 330 are various sub-windows which
display for the user the amount of time to completion (at 331)
which shows, in one embodiment, an amount of time estimated to be
remaining for the selected ERASE function. Such a time estimate
would be based, at least in part, by one or more of the user
selections of the associated menus when the user was configuring
the job to their desired settings. Sub-windows 332A-D display
various operating temperatures of the pre-heating element 115 (at
332A) as sensed by temperature sensor 116, heating rollers 117 (at
332B) as sensed by temperature sensors 118, the operating
temperature of the temp-normalization element 113 (at 331C) as
sensed by temperature sensor 125, a temperature of the processed
media (at 332D) in output tray 114 as sensed by temperature sensor
131. Also displayed on screen 330 of FIG. 6 are four temperature
readings (shown at 333A-D) of the media as it travels along the
desired transport path. Such temperature reading are provided to
the display by each of the above-described temperature sensors
which are configured to also communicate temperature readings of
the media along with temperature readings of each of the above
described elements.
[0063] Screen 330 further provides a selectable EXIT button 334 to
enable the user to exit to a main menu. The EXIT button can be
configured in software to perform any number of desired options
such as, for example, shutting the system down, returning to a
previous menu screen, and the like. Additional features and
functionality can be added to any of the illustrated menu screens.
Further, additional menu screens with other displayed information
by a user and other selectable obtains may be added to provide the
user with additional capabilities beyond those discussed herein
depending on the nature and configuration of a multi-function
system wherein these teachings find their intended uses. Such
features and functionality are intended to fall within the scope of
the appended claims.
Multi-Function Print Device
[0064] Reference is now being made to FIG. 7 which illustrates one
multi-function document reproduction device 700 wherein various
aspects of the system of FIG. 1 have been incorporated.
[0065] The multi-function document reproduction system of FIG. 7
includes the functionality of the multi-function system 100 of FIG.
1 and further provides a printhead which deposits ink with
thermo-reactive properties onto a media. The embodiment of the
multi-function document reproduction system 700 is shown generally
comprising a media input module 702 where blank media to be printed
are retained in a plurality of media trays accessible to the user
via cabinet doors 703. The user can provide one or more printed
media (intended to be "erased" or "recovered") such as printed
media 203 of FIG. 2A, as input to the multi-function document
reproduction system of FIG. 7 via input tray 704. Document printing
module 706 of the system of FIG. 7 houses various print engines
which have printheads for depositing ink with thermo-reactive
properties on media retrieved from any of the media trays or
provided by a user via tray 704. In the embodiment wherein the
multi-function document reproduction system 700 is a xerographic
device, document printing module 706 houses a xerographic engine
with a fuser. In either embodiments, the printed media is deposited
in output bins 707 where the document(s) can be subsequently
retrieved. The document reproduction system of FIG. 7 may be
configured to print in non-thermo-reactive inks as well as
thermo-reactive inks. In the embodiment wherein the multi-function
document reproduction system 700 is a xerographic device, document
printing module 706 renders printed media using toner. A selection
as to which inks/toner are to be printed on the media is made
selectable by a user using computer 710 which, in this embodiment,
is integral to the document printing module 706. Computer 710
includes a display device 711, a keyboard 711, and a mouse 713.
[0066] The system 700 further generally comprises a media
processing module 708 wherein various features and functionality of
the system of FIG. 1 which are made accessible by a user or service
technician via cabinet doors 709 which, in this embodiment, are
slideably retractable such that each of the thermo-changing
elements 102 and 103, respectively, can be accessed or otherwise
serviced. Various menus, such as those discussed with respect to
FIGS. 3-6 can be displayed on display device 711 and values can be
entered by a user using the keyboard 712 and mouse 713. An operator
can further use the computer workstation 710 to set various device
parameters and configure various aspects of the thermo-changing
and/or temp-normalization elements, temperature sensors, change
transport paths, set operational parameters, and enable other
document printing operations to be performed by the multi-function
print device. It should be appreciated that media processing module
708 can comprise, for example, the joinable system of FIG. 2B. One
such physically joined "composite" multi-function system 800 is
shown in FIG. 8.
[0067] Various modules of the multi-function document reproduction
systems of FIGS. 7 and 8 also include processors having memory and
storage devices such as a disk drive for storage of programs and
data required for processing documents through the system in a
manner as disclosed herein. Document printing module 706 and media
processing module 708 include device controllers integral to these
systems for regulating the application of inks onto paper as well
controlling the media moving through these various modules. These
controllers may also be placed in digital communication with one or
more storage devices such as a CD-ROM or magnetic disk. Device
controllers and the control system 110 of FIG. 1 are designed and
programmed to cause the multi-function document reproduction
systems 700 and 800 to carry out various features and enhancements
to any of their intended functionality and as further described
with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6. A network connection
(not shown) may also be provided for communicating or receiving
various information and other data over a network such as an
intranet or internet or for receiving device settings and
configuration parameters over that network such that the document
reproduction system can be configured remotely to perform any of
its functions. One or more aspects of the system of FIGS. 7 and 8
may be carried out by a special purpose computer.
Example Handheld Device
[0068] It should be appreciated that some or all of the features
and functionality of the system of FIG. 1 can be made into a
portable or handheld device as shown in FIG. 9. Such a handheld
device 900 encompasses various aspects of the system of FIG. 1 to
perform an "erase" function when button 902 is pressed. Button 902
may comprise any kind of user-activated switch. Alternatively, the
erase function is performed automatically in response to the ticket
having been inserted into the device. In this embodiment, a
detector is used to sense the presence of the ticket as it is
inserted into the device and activating the intended function. The
erase function has been described with respect to thermo-changing
element 102. Power to the device is provided by power cord 903
which is connected to an electrical outlet (not shown). LED light
904 lights up to provide a visual indication to the user that the
erase function performed by the device has completed. In this
"erase" example, ticket shown in FIG. 10A area 1000 has information
(collectively at 1002) printed thereon by a printer using regular
ink, i.e., ink with no thermo-reactive properties. On a secure area
1003 of the ticket of FIG. 10A is printed a validation mark shown
by way of example as a number "992935". The validation mark has
been printed onto secure area 1003 with thermo-reactive ink by, for
example, the multi-function document reproduction system of FIG. 7.
The ticket comprises printed media. The validation mark is visibly
perceptible at the time the ticket was purchased and is still
visible when presented at the entrance gate or door of the event.
The ticket enables the ticket holder to attend the event.
Operationally, at the gate or door of the event, a security agent
receives the ticket presented by the ticket holder and proceeds to
slide validation area of the ticket into a slot 905 of device 900
and presses button 902 such that an "erase" function can be
performed on the thermo-changing ink of the validation mark. It
should be appreciated that slot 905 is a transport path along which
the printed media travels such that the printed media can be
brought into proximity of the thermo-changing element. When the
ticket has been erased, LED 904 lights up to provide a visual
indication that this ticket has been effectively processed. The
validation mark is no longer visibly perceptible on the ticket so
that the ticket cannot be used again. Thereafter, the ticket can be
retracted from the device and provided back to the user or
retained.
[0069] In another embodiment, the handheld device of FIG. 9
encompasses sufficient aspects of the system of FIG. 1 to perform a
"recover" function as described with respect to thermo-changing
element 103. Power to the device is provided by power cord 903
which is connected to an electrical outlet (not shown). LED light
904 lights up to provide a visual indication to the user that the
recover function performed by the device has completed. In this
"recover" example, the validation mark "992935" printed on secure
area 1003 of the ticket of FIG. 10B has been erased, i.e., made
visually transparent, prior to the ticket having been sold. As
such, the validation area 1003 of the ticket appears empty. The
validation mark is not visually perceptible when presented by the
ticket holder at the entrance gate or door of the event. At the
gate or door of the event, a security agent receives the ticket
presented by the ticket holder and proceeds to slide the portion of
the secure area of the ticket containing the validation mark into
device 900 and presses button 902 such that a "recover" function
can be performed of the validation mark. Alternatively, the recover
function is performed automatically in response to the ticket
having been inserted into the device. In this embodiment, a
detector is used to sense the presence of the ticket as it is
inserted into the device and activating the intended function. When
the validation mark has been recovered, i.e., made visually
perceptible, LED 904 lights up to provide a visual indication that
this ticket has been effectively processed. Thereafter, the ticket
can be retracted from the device and provide back to the user or
retained. The visibly perceptible validation number can then be
viewed by the security agent again and, if desired, cross-checked
against a list of valid ticket validation numbers. Thereafter, the
ticket is retracted from the device and provided back to the user
or is retained.
[0070] It should be appreciated that the validation mark may be
cancelled by printing a cancellation mark over the security mark.
For example, FIG. 11 shows the ticket 1000 of FIG. 10A with the
security mark printed in secure area 1003 having a cancellation
mark 1100 printed over it. In this example, the device 900 of FIG.
9 contains an inkjet printhead which is specifically configured to
print a cancellation mark 1100 upon a user pressing button or
switch 902. Alternatively, the cancellation mark is automatically
printed by the device in response to the ticket having been
inserted into the device. In this embodiment, a detector is used to
sense the presence of the ticket as it is inserted into the device
and activating the intended function. Light 904 blinks when the
cancellation mark has been printed. The cancellation may be printed
in such a manner as to overlap the validation mark (as shown) or
the cancellation mark is printed in another area of the ticket.
Device 900 may print the cancellation mark using regular inks or
thermo-reactive inks, depending on the implementation. Upon
presentation of the ticket by the ticket holder, the security agent
checks the validation number and then inserts the ticket into mark
cancellation device 900 and presses the button. When the light 904
blinks, the cancelled ticket can be retracted from the device and
provide back to the user or retained. The "cancellation" device 900
may be configured to perform one or both of the "erase" and
"recover" functions, including over-printing the validation
mark.
[0071] The simple process of erasing a validation number is not
totally secure as one skilled in the technology could recover the
number by cooling the media. So in an additional embodiment, the
ticket is printed with the fixed information (at 1002) in addition
it is printed with a cancellation stamp 1100, which is then erased.
Subsequently the ticket is printed with the validation code,
resulting in the output shown in FIG. 10A. If the ticket is
presented for entry it is erased and a blank area results as in
FIG. 10B. Now if a fraudulent attempt to recover the ticket is made
by cooling, not only does the validation code re-appear but so does
the cancellation mark. It is not possible to recover one without
the other so it is clear that the ticket has been tampered with. It
should be clear to one skilled in the art that this tamper proof
method using two thermo-reactive inks can be used in other
applications where validation and tamper proofing is required.
Additional Features and Functionality
[0072] Reference is now being made to FIG. 12 which shows a
plurality of documents processed by the systems of FIGS. 1 and 7-8
wherein various content has been printed. The plurality of
documents 1200 are intended to represent example pages of an
original multi-page document that contains confidential content.
The dashed lines surrounding certain content displayed on the first
page shows the content that has been erased using the teachings
hereof. The erased content are: a title 1202, a first section of
text 1204, a second section of text 1206, and a page number 1208 of
the report. All this content was printed using, for example, the
multi-function document reproduction system of FIG. 7 with
thermo-reactive inks and further processed by the thermo-changing
element 102 which performed an erase function on the document
pages. Other non-confidential content namely, the first graphic
1209 and second graphic 1210 were printed with regular inks. Each
of the remaining pages of the example plurality of document pages
1200 have their own respective variously printed confidential and
non-confidential content. The multi-page document is made "secure"
by performing an "erase" function on the document pages such that
all content printed with the thermo-reactive inks is thereafter
made visually transparent, as illustrated by way of example on the
first page of multi-page document 1200. The processed document with
the visually transparent content thereon can then be physically
transported to another location. Upon receipt of the secure
document by another user, the document is provided to the system of
FIG. 1 which performs a "recover" function on the transparent text
such that the erased content becomes visibly perceptible once
again. In a further embodiment an erased item, for example 1202,
could be a security mark like a watermark, but invisible. If it is
desired to determine if the document is for example genuine (in
this example would have an invisible mark) then the document could
be subject to a recover cycle and the genuine document would show
the previously invisible watermark or security feature.
[0073] It should also be appreciated that various modules of any of
the systems described herein may designate one or more components
which may, in turn, comprise software and/or hardware designed to
perform an intended function. A plurality of modules may
collectively perform a single function. Each module may have a
specialized processor capable of executing machine readable program
instructions. A module may comprise a single piece of hardware such
as an ASIC, electronic circuit, or special purpose processor. A
plurality of modules may be executed by either a single special
purpose computer system or a plurality of special purpose computer
systems operating in parallel. Connections between modules include
both physical and logical connections. Modules may further include
one or more software/hardware modules which may further comprise an
operating system, drivers, device controllers, and other
apparatuses some or all of which may be connected via a network.
The teachings hereof can be implemented using known or later
developed systems, structures, devices, and/or software by those
skilled in the applicable art without undue experimentation from
the functional description provided herein with a general knowledge
of the relevant arts. Moreover, various aspects of the
above-described systems may be partially or fully implemented in
software using object or object-oriented software development
environments that provide portable source code that can be used on
a variety of computer, workstation, server, network, or other
hardware platforms.
Example Flow Diagram
[0074] Reference is now being made to the flow diagram of FIG. 13
which illustrates one embodiment of a method for printing
thermo-reactive ink onto a media using any of the multi-function
inkjet print systems described with respect to FIGS. 7-8. Flow
processing begins at step 1300 and immediately proceeds to step
1302.
[0075] At step 1302, receive media into a transport path of a
multi-function inkjet print system capable of printing media with
ink having thermo-reactive properties, as describe here in detail.
Example transport paths are shown and described with respect to the
block diagram of FIG. 1.
[0076] At step 1304, a decision is made whether the media is to be
erased. In this example, the media has been printed with ink having
thermo-reactive properties and the user desires to have the ink
printed on that media made visually transparent. Such a
user-selection can be made using a user interface. Embodiments of
various user interfaces are shown and discussed with respect to
FIGS. 3A-B.
[0077] If, at step 1304, a user has selected to erase media then
processing continues with respect to step 1306 wherein the printed
media is moved along the transport path such that the media comes
in proximity to a heating element capable of raising the
temperature of the printed media to at least T.gtoreq.T.sub.H. At
step 1308, raise the temperature of the media, using the heating
element, to T.gtoreq.T.sub.H such that the ink printed on the media
becomes visually transparent. Once the ink printed on the media has
been made visually transparent, i.e., the printed media has been
"erased", processing continues with respect to step 1310 wherein
the temperature of the heated media is normalized to a temperature
range of T<<T.sub.H such that the media is no longer hot to
the touch. Embodiments of a temp-normalization element for lowering
the temperature of heated media are shown and discussed with
respect to FIG. 1.
[0078] Reference is now being made to FIG. 14 which is a
continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 13 with flow processing
continuing with respect to node A.
[0079] At step 1312, provide the processed or "treated" media to an
output tray for retrieval by a user hereof.
[0080] At step 1314, a decision is made whether any more media
remains to be processed. If so then flow processing continues with
respect to node D where, at step 1302, another media is provided to
the transport path of the multi-function print device. If not then
further processing stops.
[0081] Assume, for the discussion of this embodiment, that the user
has selected, at step 1314, to process another media. The media
desired to be processed has been previously printed with
thermo-reactive ink which have been made visually transparent on
that media using the teachings hereof. Assume further that the user
desires to make the transparent ink visually perceptible again on
that printed media. In this embodiment, processing continues at
step 1314 with respect to node D wherein, at step 1302, the user
provides the erased media to a transport path of the multi-function
print system. At step 1304, the user selects that they do not wish
to "erase" the media so processing continues with respect to node B
of FIG. 15.
[0082] Reference is now being made to FIG. 15 which is a
continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 14 with flow processing
continuing with respect to node B.
[0083] At step 1316, a decision is made as to whether the user
wishes to recover the received media. In this example, the user
intends to recover the erased media so processing continues with
respect to step 1318.
[0084] At step 1318, the erased media is moved along the transport
path such that the media comes into proximity of a cooling element
capable of lowering the media's temperature to
T.ltoreq.T.sub.L.
[0085] At step 1320, the temperature of the media is lowered to
T.ltoreq.T.sub.L such that the visually transparent ink printed on
the "erased" media becomes visually transparent again.
[0086] At step 1322, the temperature of the cooled media is
normalized to a temperature of T>>T.sub.L such that the
cooled media is no longer cold to the touch. Embodiments of a
temp-normalization element for raising the temperature of cooled
media are shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 1. Thereafter,
processing continues with respect to node A of FIG. 14 wherein, at
step 1312, the processed or "treated" media is provided to an
output tray for subsequent retrieval. Thereafter, a decision is
made, at step 1314, whether the user desires to process more
media.
[0087] Assume, for the discussion of this next embodiment, that the
user now wishes to use the printhead of the multi-function print
system hereof to deposit thermo-reactive inks onto, for example, a
secure area of a concert ticket. In this instance, the user desires
to print a validation mark 1003 of FIG. 10A onto ticket 1000 using
thermo-reactive ink. At step 1312, the user selects that they
intend to process another media so processing continues with
respect to node D wherein, at step 1302, the user provides the
ticket to be printed to a transport path of the multi-function
print system. At step 1304, the user selects that they do not wish
to have the system perform an "erase" function so processing
continues with respect to node B wherein, at step 1316, the user
selects that they do not wish to have the system perform a
"recover" function so processing continues with respect to node C
of FIG. 16.
[0088] Reference is now being made to FIG. 16 which is a
continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 15 with flow processing
continuing with respect to node C.
[0089] At step 1324, a decision is made whether the user desires to
have the multi-function print system device perform a print
function using thermo-reactive inks. In this example, the user
selects to perform a print function so processing continues with
respect to step 1328. If, on the other hand, the user decided that
they did not wish to have the multi-function print system perform a
"print" function, then processing would continue with respect to
node E wherein, at step 1326, the user would retrieve the media
provided to the device's transport path. Processing would then
continue with respect to node F wherein, at step 1314, the user
would make a decision whether any more media was intended to be
processed. If the user is done then further processing stops. If
the user is not done then processing would continue with respect to
node D wherein, at step 1302, the user would provide the next media
to the transport path and processing would continue
accordingly.
[0090] In this example embodiment, at step 1328, the ticket is
moved along the transport path such that the ticket comes into
proximity of the inkjet printheads of the multi-function print
system device.
[0091] At step 1330, the printhead of the print system device
deposits thermo-reactive ink onto the media.
[0092] At step 1332, the printed media is transported along the
transport path to an output tray where the media awaits retrieval
by the user. Processing thereafter continues with respect to node F
wherein, at step 1314, the user would make a decision whether any
more media was intended to be processed. If the user is done then
further processing stops. If the user is not done then processing
would continue with respect to node D wherein, at step 1302, the
user would provide the next media to the transport path and
processing would continue accordingly.
[0093] It should be appreciated that the flow diagrams herein are
illustrative and are intended to explain various embodiments of the
present method. One or more of the operations illustrated in the
flow diagrams may be performed in a differing order. Other steps
may be added such as, for instance, the step of selecting a
transport path for the media to travel along, depending on the
configuration of the device wherein the teachings hereof find their
intended implementation. Other operations may be added or modified.
Steps of the flow diagrams may be enhanced or consolidated. Such
variations thereof are intended to fall within the scope of the
appended claims.
[0094] Any of the above-disclosed and other features and functions,
or alternatives hereof, may be combined into other systems or
applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated
alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein
may become apparent and/or subsequently made by those skilled in
the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following
claims. Accordingly, the embodiments set forth above are considered
to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the
above-described embodiments may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. The teachings of any printed
publications including patents and patent applications, are each
separately hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
* * * * *