Abstract: A recyclable, one-time use, print on demand, digital camera is provided which has an image sensor device for sensing an image. A processor processes the sensed image. A pagewidth printhead prints the sensed image. An ink supply arrangement supplies ink to the print head and the image is printed on print media from a supply of print media. The printer prints tokens designating that postage has been paid so that each image printed out on the print media has one such token associated with it.

Abstract: A recyclable, one-time use, print on demand, digital camera includes an image sensor device for sensing an image. A processor processes the sensed image. A pagewidth printhead prints the sensed image. An ink supply arrangement supplies ink to the print-head and the image is printed on print media from a supply of print media. The supply of print media is pre-marked with tokens designating that postage has been paid so that each image printed out on the print media has one such token associated with it.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is provided in which a space can be secured on a desk without performing a troublesome operation, and penetration of dust or foreign matter into a main body can be prevented when the apparatus is not used, and a sheet jam caused by closing of a sheet-discharge-port cover does not occur when the apparatus is used. In the apparatus, a magnet unit is provided at a sheet feeding cover covering a sheet feeding opening, and a metal member is provided at a sheet-discharge-port cover for covering a sheet discharge port. By attraction of the metal member of the sheet-discharge-port cover by the magnet unit of the sheet feeding cover, and a locked state is provided, to provide a shell structure. Linked with opening of the sheet feeding cover, the sheet-discharge-port cover is automatically opened by its own weight. A DC jack is disposed at a right side of the printer main body, and an I/F (interface) connector is disposed within a detachable side cover.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus include a handheld printer manipulated by an operator to print an image on a media. A controller correlates a location of a printhead to the image and causes printing or not. A position sensor provides input to the controller. Its signal typifies pixels in a matrix frame indicating a current position frame and, over time, a previous position frame. The controller compares the two frames to find a presence of the previous in the current. To improve computational efficiency, the controller reduces a relative size of both frames before comparing. Specific reduction techniques contemplate converting a matrix frame of pixels indicative of previous and current locations into smaller matrices, including one-dimensional forms. Possible search areas within the current frame to look for the previous frame utilize knowledge about the movement history of the printer. Position sensor signal validity and controller architectures are other noteworthy features.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is featured with excellent operability of storage at the time of non-use, as well as excellent operability of charging the battery, in addition to such advantages as thin and battery-driven, and preferably suitable for portable use. A cradle provided for this image forming apparatus functions as a placement stand when an ink jet printer, which is provided with a battery charger mounted thereon, is inserted in the direction designated appropriately at the time of non-use. When the ink jet printer having the battery charger thus mounted thereon is contained in the cradle, the contact point portion of the battery charger and the contact terminal portion of the cradle are electrically connected. Therefore, the battery incorporated in the battery charger is charged when the AC adopter cable is inserted into the CDL-DCin jack of the cradle.

Abstract: A tip to be placed on a fluid-ejection device is filled with fluid. The fluid may be introduced into a substantially hollow body of the tip at a first end of the body. The body of the tip has a second end at which a fluid-ejection mechanism is disposed to eject the fluid as controlled by the fluid-ejection device. The fluid may be introduced into the substantially hollow body of the tip through of the fluid-ejection mechanism disposed at the second end of the body of the tip. The tip may further be identified and/or serviced, and the tip and/or the fluid-ejection device my further be validated.

Abstract: A fluid-ejection device includes a handheld and/or mountable enclosure, a pneumatic fitting, an electrical connector, and a controller. The pneumatic fitting extends from and/or through the enclosure and is receptive to placement of a tip thereon. The tip contains a supply of fluid, a fluid-ejection mechanism, and an electrical connector for the fluid-ejection mechanism. The electrical connector extends from and/or through the enclosure and is receptive to electrical coupling of the electrical connector of the tip. The controller is situated within the enclosure to cause the tip to eject the fluid via the electrical coupling of the electrical connectors of the tip and the fluid-ejection device.

Abstract: A printhead includes a chamber layer and at least two orifice layers. A first orifice layer is disposed on the chamber layer, and a second orifice layer is disposed on the first orifice layer. The second orifice layer has at least one counterbore formed therein. A first nozzle is formed through both orifice layers and produces droplets of a first drop weight. A second nozzle is formed through the first orifice layer, coincident with the counterbore, and produces droplets of a second drop weight that is different than the first drop weight. In one embodiment, the printhead is used in a stand-alone fluid-dispensing device.

Abstract: A handheld computing device includes a body with a user interface and processing circuitry. A pagewidth inkjet printer is arranged within the body. A display is mounted on the body and is connected to the processing circuitry. A pivot assembly is interposed between the body and the display to permit the display to be pivoted with respect to the body. The display is connected to the processing circuitry via the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly includes a hinge joint and a closure that bound a region in which a printing cartridge is receivable. The pagewidth inkjet printer is configured to engage the printing cartridge when the printing cartridge is received in said region for conventional operation of the personal digital assistant. The closure is displaceable between closed and open positions to facilitate replacement of the printing cartridge.

Abstract: An improved handheld printer includes projectors to project images of the various page content that remains to be printed on the page. By providing this visual indication of locations of the page that remain to be printed, the projectors assist the user in achieving full coverage of the page when moving the handheld printer across the page. The projectors emit a narrow beam of light that can be rapidly scanned, with the assistance of micromirror-based optics, over points composing an area on the page to create a visual image to guide the user along the page. The projectors can be used to project an actual image of the page content to be printed. Alternatively, the projectors can project signals or other meaningful information onto the page that provide instructions to the user or point the user towards void areas that have been missed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held and hand-operated printing device having a print (2) head assembly comprised in a housing (1) for a hand-held and hand-operated printing controlled by a processor (4), and a method therefore. The position of the printing device on a print medium is sensed in relation to pixels to be printed. An image is stored in a memory together with its mutual image pixel coordinate data. Image pixels are printed onto the print medium through nozzles (12) in a print-head array (60) in accordance with the pixel coordinate data during a printing sequence. The image is built-up through sectional printing whereby each section has at least one print area interfacing at least one other print area, said interfacing print areas being correlated to fill-out transition print areas during printing of said sections through at least one transition printing pattern by omitting printing of some pixels in said transition print area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor and ink-jet print-head assembly comprised in a housing for a hand-held and hand-operated printing device controlled by a processor, and a method therefore. It provides a control for navigation with coordinate systems and angles on a print medium that preferably is bigger than the assembly.

Abstract: Handheld printers and methods of printing receive a first portion of a material underneath at least one print nozzle. At least a second portion of the material is mounted on a spool. The rotation of the spool is detected using an optical sensor. At least one print nozzle is instructed to eject ink onto the first portion of the material based, at least in part, on the detection of the rotation of the spool using the optical sensor.

Abstract: A hand-held micro-fluid ejection device for ejecting a fluid onto a substrate surface in a plurality of physical orientations between the ejection device and a substrate surface and methods for controlling the geometric accuracy of printing using a hand-held printing apparatus. Various spatial and dynamic orientations of the ejection device are measured, such as rotation angle, yaw angle, and velocity and acceleration vectors. Threshold limits are established for the orientations and printing is disabled if the measured values exceed the threshold limits.

Abstract: A writing instrument comprising a liquid spray head serving to spray liquid onto a medium from a distance, and a processor unit serving to activate the spray head. The instrument further comprises measurement means for measuring the distance between the spray head and the medium, and holding detector means for detecting that the instrument is being held by the user, the processor unit being adapted to activate the liquid spray head when firstly the measurement means determine that the distance between the spray head and the medium is less than a predetermined maximum value, and when secondly the holding detector means detect that the instrument being held by the user.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises an image sensor device for sensing an image. A processor processes the sensed image. A pagewidth printhead prints the sensed image. An ink supply arrangement supplies ink to the print head and the image is printed on print media from a supply of print media. The supply of print media is pre-marked with tokens designating that postage has been paid so that each image printed out on the print media has one such token associated with it.

Abstract: A modular printing device includes a chassis that defines a print media feed path. A housing encloses the chassis and defines feed and discharge openings to and from the print media feed path. The chassis and the housing are elongate and pen-like in size. A feed mechanism is mounted on the chassis to feed sheets of print media along the print media feed path. A pagewidth inkjet printhead is mounted on the chassis to carry out a printing operation on the sheets of print media. A controller is mounted on the chassis and is configured to control operation of the printing device. At least one connector is mounted on a respective end of the chassis to permit peripherals to be connected to the chassis. A bus interconnects the, or each, connector and the controller to permit communication between the controller and a peripheral mounted on the, or each, connector.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes a printer portion provided in a main body and having a printing head, a recording paper holder provided in a portion of the main body near to the printer portion, a holder cover openably attached to the paper holder, a platen provided on the holder cover and facing the printing head when the holder cover covers the paper holder, and a paper sensor provided on the holder cover, located near to the platen, and detecting the recording paper. The apparatus may includes a water-drop proof cover removably attached on the main body, covering a portion of the outer surface region of the main body which faces the printed recording paper discharged out from a recording paper discharge port formed in the portion of the outer surface region, and housing the printed recording paper discharged out from the paper discharge port.

Abstract: A digital stamp is described which can print out a message using a moveable inkjet printhead (30) which can be moved by a mechanical arrangement of arm (35) and pivots (33, 36). A cartridge (20) containing ink feeds the printhead (30) with monochrome or color ink via lines (52). Movement of the upper section (10) of the housing towards the lower section (12) of the housing moves the arm (35) to slide the printhead (30) across the aperture (34) in the lower section (12) while at the same time electronic signals fed to the printhead (30) print out the stored message. A spring (42) returns the printhead (30) to its inoperative position once having traversed the opening (34). The stored message may be fixed, replaceable or programmable or may be one from a fixed number of stored or updateable messages or images or can be input by an attached apparatus, for example, a CCD imager, to record an image and to print it via the printhead (30).

Abstract: A manually moveable printer (20) is designed to print onto a page of print media (20) as a user swipes (21) the printer across the page. The printer has a printhead arrangement, which includes a number of ink ejection nozzles. The printer has a speed sensor designed to measure the speed at which the printhead arrangement is moved relative to the print media and to generate speed data. The printer also has a print controller designed to receive image data from an image source, convert the image data into a number of drop ejection signals, receive the speed data from the speed sensor and operate the ink ejection nozzles. The nozzles are operated in accordance with the drop ejection control signals at a rate determined using the speed data.

Abstract: A selectively reduced bi-cubic interpolation on quadrilateral grids for level set re-distancing improves finite-difference-based ink-jet simulation. The “bi-cubic” nature of the interpolation helps the scheme conserve droplet mass. The “selectively reduced” logic prevents the higher-order simulation algorithm from introducing new instability factors.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing graphical information on a surface is provided. The apparatus comprises a printhead for printing on the surface, an image sensor for recording an image of the surface, and a processor for determining the position of the apparatus using the recorded image. The surface contains a position-coding pattern that identifies a position on the surface. Further, for at least one predetermined position, the printhead prints onto the surface in accordance with a predetermined attribute. The attribute is associated with the predetermined position.

Abstract: A mobile telecommunications device, such as a mobile telephone, includes an internal printer for printing on print media external to the device. A speed sensor measures the speed at which a user moves the device relative to the print media and controls the rate of ink ejection accordingly. The device may print images displayed on a display screen of the device or may print image data received through a wireless telecommunications network.

Abstract: A mobile telecommunications device comprising a printhead for printing a sheet of media substrate; a drive shaft for feeding the sheet of media substrate past the printhead; wherein during use, the sheet disengages from the drive shaft before completion of its printing such that the trailing edge of the sheet projects past the printhead by momentum to complete its printing.

Abstract: 1. A hand held personal digital assistant including: memory for storing information; a display; a pagewidth printhead; a processor for processing information to generate dot data and supply it to the printhead; a supply of print media disposed within said personal digital assistant. a user interface configured to enable: retrieval of the information from the memory for display on the display; printing of the displayed information; and input of further information for storage, display and printing.

Abstract: A digital stamp is described which can print out a message using a moveable inkjet printhead (30) which can be moved by a mechanical arrangement of arm (35) and pivots (33, 36). A cartridge (20) containing ink feeds the printhead (30) with monochrome or color ink via lines (52). Movement of the upper section (10) of the housing towards the lower section (12) of the housing moves the arm (35) to slide the printhead (30) across the aperture (34) in the lower section (12) while at the same time electronic signals fed to the printhead (30) print out the stored message. A spring (42) returns the printhead (30) to its inoperative position once having traversed the opening (34). The stored message may be fixed, replaceable or programmable or may be one from a fixed number of stored or updateable messages or images or can be input by an attached apparatus, for example, a CCD imager, to record an image and to print it via the printhead (30).

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording unit for effecting recording on a recording medium, and a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium. The recording apparatus further includes a power input terminal adapted to be switched ON/OFF by the ignition key switch of an automobile, and a controller for executing the operation sequence of the recording apparatus in accordance with the ON/OFF state of the power input terminal. In addition, a method of controlling the above-described recording apparatus includes executing the operation sequence of the recording apparatus in accordance with the ON/OFF state of the power input terminal switched ON/OFF by the ignition key switch of an automobile.

Abstract: An accessory for a conveyance comprises a receiving element for receiving a data recording device, more particularly, a digital camera. An electrical connection is contained in the receiving element for engaging corresponding contacts of the data recording device to enable data to be downloaded from the device.

Abstract: A combination cartridge apparatus includes a housing, an inkjet pen and a media cartridge. The combination cartridge is configured to hold the inkjet pen and media cassette adjacent to each other external of a printer. The inkjet pen and media cassette are configured to separate when the cartridge is installed in a printer and to rejoin when the cartridge is withdrawn from the printer.

Abstract: A hand-held and/or hand-operated random movement printing device is controlled by at least one processor. The printing device provides a control to determine the position of an ink-jet print head assembly on a print medium. Specifically the assembly prints a pattern that it uses to determine its position.

Abstract: An effects module for a modular camera and printer assembly includes a body that houses processing circuitry. The processing circuitry includes a central processing core. Memory circuitry is connected to the core. User interface circuitry is connected to the core to facilitate operation of the module. Module interface circuitry permits communication between the central processing core and other modules of the camera and printer assembly. A connector is arranged on the body and is connected to the module interface circuitry to permit the effects module to be connected to said other modules.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and configured to receive and transmit radio signals; audio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; image processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; and a receptacle for receiving a detachable printing mechanism, the receptacle including an interface enabling connection of the printing mechanism to the image processing circuitry, thereby enabling images processed by the image processing circuitry to be printed by the printing mechanism when it is operatively positioned within the receptacle.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and configured to receive and transmit radio signals; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for electronically capturing an image; image processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to: the image sensor to receive the electronically captured image; and the radio signal processing circuitry; a receptacle for receiving a detachable printing mechanism, the receptacle including an interface enabling connection of the printing mechanism to the image processing circuitry, thereby enabling images processed by the image processing circuitry to be printed by the printing mechanism when it is operatively positioned within the receptacle.

Abstract: The performance of a portable printer (100) that receives power from at least one power supply (102) is controlled based on measured characteristic of the power supply.

Abstract: A capping device seals against a print chip (12) of a printhead (11) fixed within a housing (10) of a hand-held portable printer. The capping device can be moved manually by a user or automatically by internal mechanisms to reveal the print chip for printing. The capping device includes a capper arm (13) with an activating region (15) and a perpendicular leg (28) with an elastomeric pad (16) that seals against the chip (12). The capping device can be moved by mechanisms such as a fulcrum or pivot point (14), a friction clutch (19) with peg (20), an eccentric cam (23) or an internal solenoid (26). The capper arm can be formed of a resilient, elastically deformable material such as metal or plastics. In a non-printing mode, the capping device seals the print chip to prevent evaporation of ink, drying or blockages.

Abstract: A portable, compact electronic device is disclosed which is adapted for communication with a personal digital assistant. The electronic device includes a housing having an opening adapted for receiving a medium adapted for printing or scanning and at least one coiled structure formed from a coilable material. At least one guide positions the coilable material as it is extended from the coiled structure. The printing or scanning medium is moved through an opening in the housing by rotating elements. An activation means is utilized to perform printing or scanning of the medium, under the controlled extension and retraction of the coilable material from the coiled structure.

Abstract: A cartridge for a pen has an electronically controllable marking device, such as an ink jet printhead, for marking a visible path on a surface, a non marking stylus nib that in use contacts the surface with the marking device directed toward or contacting the surface The cartridge includes an on/off switch that turns the marking device on and off. Movement of the stylus nib or application of more than a predetermined compressive force to the stylus nib turns on the on/off switch and so causes the marking device to be turned on, so marking a path on the surface.

Abstract: A battery and ink charging stand (10) includes an ink reservoir, preferably removable, and has a receptacle (12) for receiving a mobile telecommunications device having an internal printer. Ink connections (41) disposed in the receptacle engage complimentary ink inlets of the telecommunications device and provide a conduit for the flow of ink from the reservoir to the ink storage systems of the device printer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor and assembly comprised in a housing for a hand-held and hand-operated printing device controlled by a processor, and a method therefor. It provides that the assembly comprises an arrangement and a method for preventing skew and cutting of printed images.

Abstract: The portable printer includes a housing having a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls, and a top wall defining a compartment having an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The top wall has an anterior section, a middle section and a rear section. The anterior section is pivotally connected to the middle section of the top wall and covers the anterior portion of the compartment, and a posterior lid is pivotally connected to the middle section of the top wall and covers the posterior portion of the compartment. A print head assembly, a primary feed mechanism and circuitry are disposed within the housing in order to feed a print medium through the printer and apply ink to the medium. A rechargeable battery may be connected to the circuitry.

Abstract: A printer for a modular image capture and printing system has an elongate body with connectors formed at opposing ends to engage other modules of the system. A data bus runs along the body and interconnects the end connectors. Slots along opposing sides of the elongate body define a print media path across which a printhead is located. The printhead is controlled by a printhead controller that, in use, responds to data placed on the bus from other modules of the system.

Abstract: A personal digital assistant (901) stores personal information in an electronic and transportable from. The digital assistant includes a body section (902) connected to a display screen (904). The body (902) houses a memory, control circuitry for operating the personal digital assistant and an internal printer (500) for printing stored and/or displayed information. The printer (500) has a removable ink/print media cartridge (504) disposed in the hinge joint (905) connecting the body section (902) and the display screen (904).

Abstract: Disclosed is a page-width printhead for a print engine having a a motorized transfer roller located adjacent to the printhead. The transfer roller is also adjacent to the sheet media path of the device which uses the engine. The printhead is oriented to print directly onto the transfer roller. The engine has a second roller closely adjacent to the transfer roller and on an opposite side of the path for pressing the sheet onto the transfer roller. In some embodiments, the printhead has a surface adjacent to the transfer roller that carries capping seals on either side of the ink ejecting area. The printhead is held off of the transfer roller by a solenoid but parked against the transfer roller when not in use.

Abstract: A printer eliminating an installation space on a desk or a floor. A printer has a hook and a housing. The hook is provided on the housing and is locked to a display panel to attach the printer to the display panel. The printer can be installed by making use of a space at a rear surface of the display panel, and a printed sheet can be discharged in the same side as the surface of a display. The printer thus provides easy observation of the printed sheet and easy handling.

Abstract: There is provided a media pack which can be removably mounted in a printer, and which allows a consumable article or articles contained therein for use by the printer, and enables the printer to easily recognize whether there is a possibility of degradation of the consumable article(s) due to a long time period elapsing after filling or producing of the consumable article(s). A pack body contains ink and a print medium for use by the printer, and a memory is arranged within the pack body, for having readably written therein data related to the print medium, which includes at least information of a year and month at which the print medium was filled or produced.

Abstract: A hand held personal digital assistant including: information storage means; display means; an in-built printer; a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge containing at least one ink for supply to the in-built printer; a cutter assembly for cutting print media after printing by the printhead.

Abstract: A hand held personal digital assistant including: information storage means; display means; an in-built printer; control means allowing a user to selectively retrieve and display information from said storage means on said display means and to print said information using said printer means; a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge containing at least one ink for supply to the in-built printer; and an interface enabling a user to enter and store new information in said information storage means.

Abstract: A digital hand stamp that can print multiple images on a supporting surface. The digital hand stamp includes a frame member, an ink jet printing head, a non-volatile memory, an image selection button, a display area, and a printing control circuit. The frame member has a cavity. The ink jet printing head has one or more nozzles. The ink jet printing head can be activated to slide inside the cavity of the frame member when the digital hand stamp is pressed against the supporting surface. The non-volatile memory can store a plurality of images. The image selection button can select an image from the plurality of images stored in the non-volatile memory. The display area can display the image selected by the selection button. The printing control circuit controls the nozzles on the ink jet printing head to project an ink pattern on the supporting surface when the ink jet printing head slides inside the cavity of the frame member.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for a compact printer module comprises a stationary printhead, an ink reservoir, a motive means and an image storing means, all housed within an elongate body. The motive means carries a printable media past the printhead which prints a full width image in a single pass. A power supply is also preferably housed within the elongate body. The body is preferably cylindrical and approximately the size of a large pen. The printhead is suitably a monolithic drop-on-demand inkjet printer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for use with a digital printing device. The cartridge includes a casing for housing print media and a supply of ink. The casing also includes a transport assembly which is adapted to cooperate with a powered gear provided on the printing device to thereby eject the print media from the casing.