Abstract: A print having attached audio data storage and method of providing same. A print, generated by an image processing apparatus, has an attached memory with recorded audio data related to the print, which memory allows contactless access to the data using an electromagnetic frequency signal. A transceiver communicates with a transponder that is attached to the print substrate and is integrally coupled to the memory. The transponder is capable of receiving a first electromagnetic frequency from the transceiver and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generating a second electromagnetic frequency in response, where the second electromagnetic frequency is characteristic of the recorded audio data stored in memory.

Abstract: An inkjet printer adapted to sense type of supplied consumable receiver media, inks, printhead, and cleaning fluid. A transponder attached to a consumable is coupled to a memory device capable of storing information characteristic of the consumable. A transceiver is disposed within the inkjet printer, with antennae disposed for polling an individual transponder attached to each consumable. The transponder is capable of receiving a first RF frequency electromagnetic field from the transceiver and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generating a second RF frequency electromagnetic field in response, where the second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in memory. As instructed by a machine control logic processor, the transceiver can both read manufacturing data from the transponder about the consumable and write usage and processing data to the transponder for storage in memory.

Abstract: A film unit has image capture media and a radio-frequency identification transponder affixed to the image capture media. The image capture media can be photographic film.

Abstract: A printer media supply spool adapted to allow the printer to sense type of media, and method of assembling same. The supply spool comprises a shaft having a supply of media ribbon wound thereabout. A transceiver unit is disposed proximate the shaft. The transceiver is capable of transmitting a first electromagnetic field and sensing a second electromagnetic field. A transponder including a semi-conductor chip is integrally connected to the shaft and has encoded data stored in the chip indicative of the type of media ribbon. The chip is capable of receiving the first electromagnetic field to power the chip and then generating the second electromagnetic field as the chip is powered. The second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in the chip. The transceiver unit senses the second electromagnetic field, which second electromagnetic field has the data subsumed therein.

Abstract: A system for photographic film processing adapted to access stored information that is related to film processing. An electrically programmable read/write memory contained in a transponder is integrally attached to the film container used at each stage in the film processing chain. The transponder is capable of receiving a first RF frequency electromagnetic field and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generating a second RF frequency electromagnetic field in response, where the second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in memory. A transceiver is disposed within the processing apparatus, connected with an antenna and support components for polling each transponder. As instructed by a control logic processor, the transceiver communicates with the transponder to both read stored data from the transponder, such as manufacturing data for the film, and store usage and processing data to the transponder for storage in memory.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) comprises an imaging drum (300) for holding print media (32) and donor material (36) in registration on the imaging drum (300). A print head (500), driven by a lead screw (250) and stepper motor, moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the imaging drum (300) as the imaging drum (300) rotates. The print head (500) is brought repeatably to a mechanical registration position using sensors. For coarse positioning, the print head (500) is moved to a first linear sensor position, with the drive motor operated in full-step mode. For fine positioning, the drive motor is then operated in microstepping mode, during which a second sensor detects rotational orientation by detecting a rotational indicator mounted on the lead screw (250). The rotational indicator permits straightforward adjustment for fine-tuning, being adjustable to any one of a number of fixed positions relative to lead screw rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method for adjusting a focus of a multichannel printhead (500) for an imaging processing apparatus (10) performing the steps of establishing a home focus position and moving the printhead (500) in a first direction a predetermined number of coarse density. The printhead (500) is moved to the coarse focus position and then moved in a second direction a predetermined number of fine steps. A series of second test patches is printed on the media (32) at each of the fine steps. A fine focus position is determined by checking a fine density of each of the second test patches and selecting the fine focus position corresponding to the second test patch having a highest fine density.

Abstract: An image processor comprises on imaging drum (300) for print media (32) and donor sheet materials (36) in registration on vacuum imaging drum (300). A printhead (500) moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis of vacuum imaging drum (300) as vacuum imaging drum (300) rotates to provide for an intended image. The intended image may be written in a first direction and/or second direction based on the direction of rotation of vacuum imaging drum (300) and the linear direction of movement of the printhead (500).

Abstract: A camera has a body, an image capture assembly mounted in the body, and at least one radio-frequency identification transponder mounted within the body, said transponder is unshielded by the body. The transponder can be an inlay transponder.

Abstract: A photoprocessing apparatus for sensing type of photoprocessing consumable and method of assembling the apparatus. The invention includes a photographic printing and developing apparatus (10) adapted to allow the apparatus to sense types of supplied consumable photosensitive paper and photoprocessing chemicals and method for assembling the consumable paper and chemicals for sensing. An electrically programmable read/write memory contained in a transponder (54) is integrally attached to the consumable paper or chemicals package. The transponder (54) is capable of receiving a first, RF frequency electromagnetic field and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generating a second RF frequency electromagnetic field in response, where the second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in memory. A transceiver (50) is disposed within the photographic printing and developing apparatus (10) with antenna (56) and support components for polling each transponder (54).

Abstract: A printer with media supply spool adapted to sense type of media, and method of assembling same. A supply spool to be loaded into the printer is adapted to allow the printer to sense type of a media ribbon thereon. The supply spool comprises a shaft having a supply of media ribbon wound thereabout. A transceiver unit is disposed proximate the shaft. The transceiver is capable of transmitting a first electromagnetic field and sensing a second electromagnetic field. A transponder including a semi-conductor chip is integrally connected to the shaft and has encoded data previously stored therein indicative of the type of media ribbon. The chip is capable of receiving the first electromagnetic field to power the chip and then generating the second electromagnetic field as the chip is powered. The second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data previously stored in the chip. The transceiver unit senses the second electromagnetic field, which second electromagnetic field has the data subsumed in the chip.

Abstract: The present invention provides efficient dynamic braking of a DC motor to complement servo loop control. This invention uses a combined technique where, first, a reversed-torque signal is applied to a standard motor controller that then reverses armature current to initiate braking and, second, a dissipative load is switched between the DC voltage bus and ground in order to dissipate the regenerated current as the motor slows. As braking action continues, the dissipative load is repeatedly switched into and out of the circuit, whenever voltage on the DC voltage bus, caused by regenerated current, exceeds a selected threshold. Hysteresis is provided to maintain current flow for a controlled period, providing a pulse-width modulation of the switching action. The invention allows controlled, fast braking for repeated operations and improves overall servo positional control in high-inertia applications, such as for an image processing apparatus using an imaging drum.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10), typically for sheet thermal print media. The image processing apparatus (10) typically comprises a vacuum imaging drum (300) for holding thermal print media (32) and dye donor sheet material (36) in registration on the vacuum imaging drum (300). A printhead (500), driven by a lead screw (250), moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis (301) of the vacuum imaging drum (300) as the vacuum imaging drum (300) rotates. The printhead (500) receives information signals and produces radiation which is directed to the dye donor material (36) which causes color to transfer from the dye donor material (36) to the thermal print media (32). A stepper motor (162) that turns the lead screw (250) can run in a microstepping mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for scanning a receiving medium (32) in an image processing apparatus (10) that allows a variable number of imaging channels, and printhead motion is provided by a lead screw (250) that is driven by a stepper motor (162). In one embodiment, the receiving medium can be mounted on a rotatable imaging drum (300). In order to advance a printhead (500) at the proper speed for a variable number of channels and to adapt the stepper motor for possible variations in drum rotation speed, encoder pulses from the imaging drum are divided by a programmed value to provide input pulses to a stepper motor controller circuitry at the proper rate. Pulses are counted so as to disable this input to the stepper motor controller after a pre-programmed maximum value is reached. Both the divisor value and the pulse counter value are variable, depending on the number of channels used.

Abstract: A stepper motor that turns a lead screw runs in microstepping mode. To compensate for positional error in microstepping, the method utilizes the characteristic sinusoidal positional error behavior that is measured at four times the frequency of the composite microstepping current waveform, using a correction factor that is in phase with this positional error.

Abstract: A laser diode controller (30) having a constant current source (60) which supplies current to a laser diode (90) is disclosed. A current shunt switch (40) directs current to either the laser diode (90) or to a bypass circuit (42). A thermal compensator (70) alters a current level of the constant current source (60) as a function of on-time of the laser diode (90) to compensate for changes in optical power conversion efficiency due to temperature changes in the laser diode. A thermo electric cooler controller (80) maintains a constant temperature of a substrate on which the laser diode is mounted. In one embodiment, an array of sample and hold amplifiers (50) eliminates a need for multiple DACs.