Abstract: The described method and apparatus permit much cheaper and quicker print mode selection by at least semi-automating the process. In accordance with one preferred method, a set of sample images produced by different print modes are printed on the media and the user selects the highest print quality from the samples. In accordance with another preferred method, an optical detector makes the print mode selection by examining the printed samples. In accordance with yet another preferred method, the optical detector examines the medium itself for characteristics such as density, reflectivity, fibers, etc. and automatically selects a print mode that is compatible with the print medium.

Abstract: A scanner is housed in a similar body to that of a removable printer ink jet cartridge and can be inserted in place thereof. The scanner includes a light source mounted on the scanner housing which is able to emit light through an aperture in the housing, a CCD array mounted on the housing to receive light reflected off the image, a lens positioned between the image and the CCD for focusing the reflected light on the CCD, scanner electronics coupled to the CCD array for converting the analog output of the CCD to image data, and means for selecting between optically scanning media or printing thereupon. The scanner electronics transmits the image data to a printer CPU via a flexible interconnect which is normally used to select the individual nozzles of the removable printer cartridge. The printer CPU can forward the image data to a host personal computer for permanent storage in a first mode or store the image data in printer memory for contemporaneous reproduction in a second copy mode.

Abstract: An imaging inkjet cartridge system for an inkjet printing mechanism provides near photographic image quality, as well as crisp black text and line art. In a multi-pen carriage, typically for a tri-chamber full color (e.g. cyan, magenta and yellow) cartridge and a monochrome (e.g. black) cartridge, the monochrome cartridge may be replaced with an imaging inkjet cartridge. The full color cartridge carries full colorant concentrations of inks, while the imaging cartridge carries ink formulations having reduced colorant concentrations, such as cyan and magenta, with either a full or a reduced colorant concentration of black ink. The carriage may also carry all three cartridges (full color, black and imaging). Pens containing other color and concentration combinations may also be interchanged. A method is provided of retrofitting or upgrading an inkjet printing mechanism by replacing or interchanging cartridges, such as by replacing the monochrome cartridge with an imaging inkjet cartridge.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating an electrical connection between a tape-assisted bonding (TAB) segment having a plurality of conductive leads formed thereon and a printed circuit board also having a plurality of conductive leads formed thereon. A sheet of polymeric material having conductive elements mounted thereon so that each element protrudes from both sides of the sheet is disposed between a plurality of TAB segment leads and a corresponding plurality of generally opposing printed circuit board leads. A clamp secures the TAB segment to the printed circuit board thereby sandwiching the conductive elements between the TAB segment leads and the printed circuit board leads thus creating electrical connections between the opposing leads.