Abstract: An apparatus and method to compress data for a print head divides print head nozzle firetime instructions into a plurality of bytes. A control word represents each byte by one bit. Bytes containing data are set from a host computer to a printer. Empty bytes are represented by a “0” in the corresponding bit in the control word. Empty bytes are omitted from transmission. At decompression, omitted bytes are treated as blank space. Bytes are organizing according to print head architecture, nozzle array and printing sequence, for example, in even and odd groups.

Abstract: A method of informing a user of an imaging apparatus of an event, the imaging apparatus having a plurality of print modes, includes the steps of defining a notice threshold that is associated with the event; determining whether the notice threshold has been reached; and upon reaching the notice threshold, progressively reducing an image density of an image formed by the imaging apparatus based on a print mode the imaging apparatus was operating in when the notice threshold was reached. Alternatively, imaging density may be progressively reduced based on reaching a next fade area of a plurality of fade areas for the print medium.

Abstract: A method for printing shingling print data in a shingling print pass of a multi-shingling-pass print swath. One step includes compacting the shingling print data by removing the deterministic voids associated with the shingling print algorithm. Another step includes expanding the compacted shingling print data based on the shingling print algorithm. An additional step includes printing the expanded shingling print data.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for printing an image using the printhead of an ink jet printer. The printhead ejects ink drops on a print medium in a series of scanning passes, and different addressing patterns are selected in each scanning pass to address ink drop locations for different portions of the raster lines addressed by each scanning pass. Addressing patterns having various interlacing percentages are selected in order to produce overlapping boundary regions between passes. The overlapping boundary regions minimize the banding effects that occur with inexact ink drop placement.

Abstract: A method of estimating an amount of ink contained in an ink reservoir includes the steps of determining a cumulative actual ink drop count of ink drops expelled from the ink reservoir; and determining an evaporation amount associated with the ink reservoir, wherein before a time threshold the evaporation amount is ignored, and upon reaching the time threshold the evaporation amount is used to compensate for an evaporation loss for the ink reservoir by adjusting the cumulative actual ink drop count to form an evaporation compensated drop count.

Abstract: A method of estimating an amount of ink contained in an ink reservoir includes the steps of determining a cumulative actual ink drop count of ink drops expelled from the ink reservoir; and determining an evaporation amount associated with the ink reservoir, wherein before a time threshold the evaporation amount is ignored, and upon reaching the time threshold the evaporation amount is used to compensate for an evaporation loss for the ink reservoir by adjusting the cumulative actual ink drop count to form an evaporation compensated drop count.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to compress data for a print head divides print head nozzle firetime instructions into a plurality of bytes. A control word represents each byte by one bit. Bytes containing data are set from a host computer to a printer. Empty bytes are represented by a “0” in the corresponding bit in the control word. Empty bytes are omitted from transmission. At decompression, omitted bytes are treated as blank space. Bytes are organizing according to print head architecture, nozzle array and printing sequence, for example, in even and odd groups.

Abstract: A method for printing shingling print data in a shingling print pass of a multi-shingling-pass print swath. One step includes compacting the shingling print data by removing the deterministic voids associated with the shingling print algorithm. Another step includes expanding the compacted shingling print data based on the shingling print algorithm. An additional step includes printing the expanded shingling print data.

Abstract: A cursor control device includes a single key cursor control which utilizes pressure sensitive resistors for controlling cursor movement. Pressure sensitive resistors are arrayed so as to provide an output corresponding to the magnitude and direction of an applied input pressure. Input pressure is transmitted to these resistors by a means for actuating these devices. The means for actuating can include a single key which incorporates functionality of both up, down, left and right cursor control keys and pointing devices to produce horizontal, vertical, diagonal and curvilinear cursor movement. Cursor control device offers mechanically simple, low cost construction, and can be incorporated onto many keyboard constructions. Cursor control device can be positioned on keyboards in many locations as best suits individual applications. Cursor control device can also be incorporated into other devices which require cursor control such as electronic mice.

Abstract: A two-layer membrane switch particularly suited for application as a keyswitch in low-profile keyboard applications, such as keyboards for notebook or laptop type personal computers. When used as a keyswitch, the switch comprises a first conductor layer including a conductive ink patterned as an electrical contact on a polyester dielectric film around an opening through the film. A second conductor layer, also includes a conductive ink patterned as an electrical contact on a polyester dielectric film. With the electrical contact of the second conductor layer located under the corresponding opening in the first conductor layer, a moveable, conductive elastomer switch closure is used to establish electrical contact between the electrical contact of the first conductor layer and the electrical contact of the second conductor layer through the opening in the first conductor.