CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/831,235 filed Apr. 26, 2004, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/112,743 filed on Jul. 10, 1998, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,951 all of which are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to digital cameras and in particular, the onboard processing of image data captured by the camera.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Recently, digital cameras have become increasingly popular. These cameras normally operate by means of imaging a desired image utilising a charge coupled device (CCD) array and storing the imaged scene on an electronic storage medium for later down loading onto a computer system for subsequent manipulation and printing out. Normally, when utilising a computer system to print out an image, sophisticated software may available to manipulate the image in accordance with requirements.
Unfortunately such systems require significant post processing of a captured image and normally present the image in an orientation to which it was taken, relying on the post processing process to perform any necessary or required modifications of the captured image. Also, much of the environmental information available when the picture was taken is lost. Furthermore, the type or size of the media substrate and the types of ink used to print the image can also affect the image quality. Accounting for these factors during post processing of the captured image data can be complex and time consuming.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a digital camera comprising:
an image sensor for capturing an image;
an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor and transmitting processed data to a printhead; and,
an effects interface for user input of one or more predetermined image manipulations; such that,
the processed data transmitted to the printhead incorporate the selected image manipulations.
The present invention allows the user to perform many common image manipulations when the image is captured by inputting required effect via the interface. This permits the user to print the images in the camera without first downloading to a desktop system.
Preferably, data relating to the image manipulations are stored on separate portable memory devices for connection to the effects interface.
In a further preferred form, the image manipulations comprise image rotations, borders, text or clip art.
In yet another preferred form, further adapted for use with a media cartridge comprising a supply of media substrate on which images can be printed, and an information store with information relating to the media substrate, wherein the camera further comprises a cartridge interface for accessing the information such that the image processor can utilise the information relating to the media substrate.
The camera accesses information about the media substrate so that the image processor can utilise the information to enhance the quality of the printed image.
Preferably, the media substrate has postcard formatting printed on its reverse surface so that the camera can produce personalised postcards, and the information store has the dimensions of the postcard formatting to allow the image processor to align printed images with the postcard formatting.
In a further preferred form the cartridge further comprises an ink supply for the printhead and the information store is an authentication chip that allows the image processor to confirm that the media substrate and the ink supply is suitable for use with the camera.
According to a related aspect, there is provided a digital camera for sensing and storing an image, the camera comprising:
an image sensor with a charge coupled device (CCD) for capturing image data relating to a sensed image, and an auto exposure setting for adjusting the image data captured by the CCD in response to the lighting conditions at image capture; and,
an image processor for processing image data from the CCD and storing the processed data; wherein,
the image processor is adapted to use information from the auto exposure setting relating to the lighting conditions at image capture when processing the image data from the CCD.
Utilising the auto exposure setting to determine an advantageous re-mapping of colours within the image allows the processor to produce an amended image having colours within an image transformed to account of the auto exposure setting. The processing can comprise re-mapping image colours so they appear deeper and richer when the exposure setting indicates low light conditions and re-mapping image colours to be brighter and more saturated when the auto exposure setting indicates bright light conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which:
FIG. 1A illustrates an example camera device;
FIG. 1B illustrates the method of operation of the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 2 illustrates a form of print roll ready for purchase by a consumer;
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view, partly in section, of an alternative form of a print roll;
FIG. 4 is a left side exploded perspective view of the print roll of FIG. 3; and,
FIG. 5 is a right side exploded perspective view of a single print roll.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS The preferred embodiment is preferable implemented through suitable programming of a hand held camera device such as that described in the present applicant's application entitled “A Digital Image Printing Camera with Image Processing Capability”, the content of which is hereby specifically incorporated by cross reference and the details of which, and other related applications are set out in the tables below. An example of a camera device 100 is shown in FIG. 1A.
The aforementioned patent specification discloses a camera system, hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images can be directly printed out by an Artcam portable camera unit. Further, the aforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performing various manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing device leading to the production of various effects in any output image. The manipulations are disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can be implemented through the insertion into the Artcam of cards having encoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of images, the cards hereinafter being known as Artcards. The Artcam further has significant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit (ACP) which is interconnected to a memory device for the storage of important data and images.
In the preferred embodiment, the Artcam has an auto exposure sensor for determining the light level associated with the captured image. This auto exposure sensor is utilised to process the image in accordance with the set light value so as to enhance portions of the image.
Preferably, the area image sensor includes a means for determining the light conditions when capturing an image. The area image sensor adjusts the dynamic range of values captured by the CCD in accordance with the detected level sensor. The captured image is transferred to the Artcam central processor and stored in the memory store. Intensity information, as determined by the area image sensor, is also forwarded to the ACP. This information is utilised by the Artcam central processor to manipulate the stored image to enhance certain effects.
Turning now to FIG. 1, the auto exposure setting information 1 is utilised in conjunction with the stored image 2 to process the image by utilising the ACP. The processed image is returned to the memory store for later printing out 4 on the output printer.
A number of processing steps can be undertaken in accordance with the determined light conditions. Where the auto exposure setting 1 indicates that the image was taken in a low light condition, the image pixel colours are selectively re-mapped so as to make the image colours stronger, deeper and richer.
Where the auto exposure information indicates that highlight conditions were present when the image was taken, the image colours can be processed to make them brighter and more saturated. The re-colouring of the image can be undertaken by conversion of the image to a hue-saturation-value (HSV) format and an alteration of pixel values in accordance with requirements. The pixel values can then be output converted to the required output colour format of printing.
Of course, many different re-colouring techniques may be utilised. Preferably, the techniques are clearly illustrated on the pre-requisite Artcard inserted into the reader.
Alternatively, the image processing algorithms can be automatically applied and hard-wired into the camera for utilization in certain conditions.
Alternatively, the Artcard inserted could have a number of manipulations applied to the image which are specific to the auto-exposure setting. For example, clip arts containing candles etc could be inserted in a dark image and large suns inserted in bright images.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 5, the Artcam prints the images onto media stored in a replaceable print roll 5. In some preferred embodiments, the operation of the camera device is such that when a series of images is printed on a first surface of the print roll, the corresponding backing surface has a ready made postcard which can be immediately dispatched at the nearest post office box within the jurisdiction. In this way, personalized postcards can be created.
It would be evident that when utilising the postcard system as illustrated FIG. 2 only predetermined image sizes are possible as the synchronization between the backing postcard portion and the front image must be maintained. This can be achieved by utilising the memory portions of the authentication chip stored within the print roll 5 to store details of the length of each postcard backing format sheet. This can be achieved by either having each postcard the same size or by storing each size within the print rolls on-board print chip memory.
In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a modified form of print roll which can be constructed mostly from injection moulded plastic pieces suitably snapped fitted together. The modified form of print roll has a high ink storage capacity in addition to a somewhat simplified construction. The print media onto which the image is to be printed is wrapped around a plastic sleeve former for simplified construction. The ink media reservoir has a series of air vents which are constructed so as to minimise the opportunities for the ink flow out of the air vents. Further, a rubber seal is provided for the ink outlet holes with the rubber seal being pierced on insertion of the print roll into a camera system. Further, the print roll includes a print media ejection slot and the ejection slot includes a surrounding moulded surface which provides and assists in the accurate positioning of the print media ejection slot relative to the printhead within the printing or camera system.
Turning to FIG. 3 there is illustrated a single point roll unit 5 in an assembled form with a partial cutaway showing internal portions of the print roll. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate left and right side exploded perspective views respectively. The print roll 5 is constructed around the internal core portion 6 which contains an internal ink supply. Outside of the core portion 6 is provided a former 7 around which is wrapped a paper or film supply 8. Around the paper supply it is constructed two cover pieces 9, 10 which snap together around the print roll so as to form a covering unit as illustrated in FIG. 3. The bottom cover piece 10 includes a slot 11 through which the output of the print media 12 for interconnection with the camera system.
Two pinch rollers 13, 14 are provided to pinch the paper against a drive pinch roller 15 so they together provide for a decurling of the paper around the roller 15. The decurling acts to negate the strong curl that may be imparted to the paper from being stored in the form of print roll for an extended period of time. The rollers 13, 14 are provided to form a snap fit with end portions of the cover base portion 10 and the roller 15 which includes a cogged end 16 for driving, snap fits into the upper cover piece 9 so as to pinch the paper 12 firmly between.
The cover pieces 9, 10 includes an end protuberance or lip 17. The end lip 17 is provided for accurately alignment of the exit hole of the paper with a corresponding printing heat platen structure within the camera system. In this way, accurate alignment or positioning of the exiting paper relative to an adjacent printhead is provided for full guidance of the paper to the printhead.
It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.
The present invention is best utilized in the Artcam device, the details of which are set out in the following paragraphs.
Ink Jet Technologies The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Of course many different devices could be used. However presently popular ink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.
The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption. This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stems from the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves the rapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink. Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermal inkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, from electricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.
The most significant problem with piezoelectric inkjet is size and cost. Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drive voltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, each piezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on a separate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the current limit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment to the fabrication of pagewide print heads with 19,200 nozzles.
Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements of in-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, low cost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digital photography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The target features include:
low power (less than 10 Watts)
high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)
photographic quality output
low manufacturing cost
small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)
high speed (<2 seconds per page).
All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. 45 different inkjet technologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range of choices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part of separate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in the table below.
The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digital printing systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras, through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercial printing systems
For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print head is designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS post processing. For color photographic applications, the print head is 100 mm long, with a width which depends upon the inkjet type. The smallest print head designed is IJ38, which is 0.35 mm wide, giving a chip area of 35 square mm. The print heads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus data and control circuitry.
Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection molded plastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which can be created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standard injection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the wafer to the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. The print head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automated bonding.
CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS The following table is a guide to cross-referenced patent applications filed concurrently herewith and discussed hereinafter with the reference being utilized in subsequent tables when referring to a particular case:
Docket
No Reference Title
IJ01US 6227652 Radiant Plunger Ink Jet Printer
IJ02US 6213588 Electrostatic Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ03US 6213589 Planar Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink
Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ04US 6231163 Stacked Electrostatic Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism
IJ05US 6247795 Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism
IJ06US 6394581 Paddle Type Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ07US 6244691 Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ08US 6257704 Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink
Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ09US 6416168 Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism
IJ10US 6220694 Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism
IJ11US 6257705 Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic
Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ12US 6247794 Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism
IJ13US 6234610 Gear Driven Shutter Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism
IJ14US 6247793 Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic
Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ15US 6264306 Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink
Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ16US 6241342 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet
Printing Mechanism
IJ17US 6247792 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered
Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism
IJ18US 6264307 Buckle Grill Oscillating Pressure Ink
Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ19US 6254220 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ20US 6234611 Curling Calyx Thermoelastic Ink Jet
Printing Mechanism
IJ21US 6302528 Thermal Actuated Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism
IJ22US 6283582 Iris Motion Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ23US 6239821 Direct Firing Thermal Bend Actuator Ink
Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ24US 6338547 Conductive PTFE Bend Actuator Vented Ink
Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ25US 6247796 Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism
IJ26US 6557977 Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism
IJ27US 6390603 Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ28US 6362843 Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet
Printing Mechanism
IJ29US 6293653 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet
Printing Mechanism
IJ30US 6312107 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE
Corrugated Heater Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism
IJ31US 6227653 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink Jet
Printing Mechanism
IJ32US 6234609 High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink
Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ33US 6238040 Thermally Actuated Slotted Chamber Wall
Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ34US 6188415 Ink Jet Printer having a Thermal
Actuator Comprising an External Coil
Spring
IJ35US 6227654 Trough Container Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism with Paddle
IJ36US 6209989 Dual Chamber Single Actuator Ink Jet
Printing Mechanism
IJ37US 6247791 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum
Actuator Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ38US 6336710 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Actuator
Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ39US 6217153 Single Bend Actuator Cupped Paddle Ink
Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ40US 6416167 Thermally Actuated Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism having a Series of Thermal
Actuator Units
IJ41US 6243113 Thermally Actuated Ink Jet Printing
Mechanism including a Tapered Heater
Element
IJ42US 6283581 Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink
Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ43US 6247790 Inverted Radial Back-Curling
Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ44US 6260953 Surface Bend Actuator Vented Ink Supply
Ink Jet Printing Mechanism
IJ45US 6267469 A Solenoid Actuated Magnetic Plate Ink
Jet Printing Mechanism
Tables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation of individual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristics are largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an eleven dimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix include entries developed by the present assignee.
The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table of inkjet types.
Actuator mechanism (18 types)
Basic operation mode (7 types)
Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)
Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)
Actuator motion (19 types)
Nozzle refill method (4 types)
Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)
Nozzle clearing method (9 types)
Nozzle plate construction (9 types)
Drop ejection direction (5 types)
Ink type (7 types)
The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains 36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all of the possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, many million configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical to elucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjet types have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 to IJ45 above.
Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these 45 examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more of the 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into inkjet print heads with characteristics superior to any currently available inkjet technology.
Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more of these examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below. The IJ01 to IJ45 series are also listed in the examples column. In some cases, a printer may be listed more than once in a table, where it shares characteristics with more than one entry.
Suitable applications include: Home printers, Office network printers, Short run digital printers, Commercial print systems, Fabric printers, Pocket printers, Internet WWW printers, Video printers, Medical imaging, Wide format printers, Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrial printing systems, Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.
The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrix are set out in the following tables.
Actuator Mechanism (Applied Only to Selected Ink Drops)
Actuator
Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Thermal An electrothermal heater heats the Large force generated High power Canon Bubblejet 1979
bubble ink to above boiling point, Simple construction Ink carrier limited to water Endo et al GB
transferring significant heat to the No moving parts Low efficiency patent 2,007,162
aqueous ink. A bubble nucleates Fast operation High temperatures required Xerox heater-in-pit
and quickly forms, expelling the Small chip area required for High mechanical stress 1990 Hawkins et al
ink. actuator Unusual materials required U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181
The efficiency of the process is Large drive transistors Hewlett-Packard TIJ
low, with typically less than Cavitation causes actuator failure 1982 Vaught et al
0.05% of the electrical energy Kogation reduces bubble formation U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,728
being transformed into kinetic Large print heads are difficult to
energy of the drop. fabricate
Piezoelectric A piezoelectric crystal such as Low power consumption Very large area required for actuator Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No.
lead lanthanum zirconate (PZT) is Many ink types can be used Difficult to integrate with electronics 3,946,398
electrically activated, and either Fast operation High voltage drive transistors required Zoltan U.S. Pat.
expands, shears, or bends to apply High efficiency Full pagewidth print heads impractical No. 3,683,212
pressure to the ink, ejecting drops. due to actuator size 1973 Stemme U.S.
Requires electrical poling in high field Pat. No. 3,747,120
strengths during manufacture Epson Stylus
Tektronix IJ04
Electro- An electric field is used to Low power consumption Low maximum strain (approx. 0.01%) Seiko Epson, Usui et
strictive activate electrostriction in relaxor Many ink types can be used Large area required for actuator due to all JP 253401/96
materials such as lead lanthanum Low thermal expansion low strain IJ04
zirconate titanate (PLZT) or lead Electric field strength Response speed is marginal (~ 10 μs)
magnesium niobate (PMN). required (approx. 3.5 V/μm) High voltage drive transistors required
can be generated Full pagewidth print heads impractical
without difficulty due to actuator size
Does not require electrical
poling
Ferroelectric An electric field is used to induce Low power consumption Difficult to integrate with electronics IJ04
a phase transition between the Many ink types can be used Unusual materials such as PLZSnT are
antiferroelectric (AFE) and Fast operation (<1 μs) required
ferroelectric (FE) phase. Relatively high longitudinal Actuators require a large area
Perovskite materials such as tin strain
modified lead lanthanum High efficiency
zirconate titanate (PLZSnT) Electric field strength of
exhibit large strains of up to 1% around 3 V/μm can be
associated with the AFE to FE readily provided
phase transition.
Electrostatic Conductive plates are separated Low power consumption Difficult to operate electrostatic IJ02, IJ04
plates by a compressible or fluid Many ink types can be used devices in an aqueous environment
dielectric (usually air). Upon Fast operation The electrostatic actuator will
application of a voltage, the plates normally need to be separated from
attract each other and displace the ink
ink, causing drop ejection. The Very large area required to achieve
conductive plates may be in a high forces
comb or honeycomb structure, or High voltage drive transistors may be
stacked to increase the surface required
area and therefore the force. Full pagewidth print heads are not
competitive due to actuator size
Electrostatic A strong electric field is applied Low current consumption High voltage required 1989 Saito et al,
pull on ink to the ink, whereupon electrostatic Low temperature May be damaged by sparks due to air U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068
attraction accelerates the ink breakdown 1989 Miura et al,
towards the print medium. Required field strength increases as U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,954
the drop size decreases Tone-jet
High voltage drive transistors required
Electrostatic field attracts dust
Permanent An electromagnet directly attracts Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ07, IJ10
magnet a permanent magnet, displacing Many ink types can be used Permanent magnetic material such as
electro- ink and causing drop ejection. Fast operation Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB)
magnetic Rare earth magnets with a field High efficiency required.
strength around 1 Tesla can be Easy extension from single High local currents required
used. Examples are: Samarium nozzles to pagewidth Copper metalization should be used
Cobalt (SaCo) and magnetic print heads for long electromigration lifetime
materials in the neodymium iron and low resistivity
boron family (NdFeB, Pigmented inks are usually infeasible
NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB, etc) Operating temperature limited to the
Curie temperature (around 540 K)
Soft magnetic A solenoid induced a magnetic Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ01, IJ05, IJ08, IJ10
core electro- field in a soft magnetic core or Many ink types can be used Materials not usually present in a IJ12, IJ14, IJ15, IJ17
magnetic yoke fabricated from a ferrous Fast operation CMOS fab such as NiFe, CoNiFe,
material such as electroplated iron High efficiency or CoFe are required
alloys such as CoNiFe [1], CoFe, Easy extension from single High local currents required
or NiFe alloys. Typically, the soft nozzles to pagewidth Copper metalization should be used
magnetic material is in two parts, print heads for long electromigration lifetime
which are normally held apart by and low resistivity
a spring. When the solenoid is Electroplating is required
actuated, the two parts attract, High saturation flux density is
displacing the ink. required (2.0-2.1 T is achievable
with CoNiFe [1])
Magnetic The Lorenz force acting on a Low power consumption Force acts as a twisting motion IJ06, IJ11, IJ13, IJ16
Lorenz force current carrying wire in a Many ink types can be used Typically, only a quarter of the
magnetic field is utilized. Fast operation solenoid length provides force in a
This allows the magnetic field to High efficiency useful direction
be supplied externally to the print Easy extension from single High local currents required
head, for example with rare earth nozzles to pagewidth Copper metalization should be used
permanent magnets. print heads for long electromigration lifetime
Only the current carrying wire and low resistivity
need be fabricated on the print- Pigmented inks are usually infeasible
head, simplifying materials
requirements.
Magneto- The actuator uses the giant Many ink types can be used Force acts as a twisting motion Fischenbeck,
striction magnetostrictive effect of Fast operation Unusual materials such as Terfenol-D U.S. Pat. No. 4,032,929
materials such as Terfenol-D (an Easy extension from single are required IJ25
alloy of terbium, dysprosium and nozzles to pagewidth High local currents required
iron developed at the Naval print heads Copper metalization should be used
Ordnance Laboratory, hence Ter- High force is available for long electromigration lifetime
Fe-NOL). For best efficiency, the and low resistivity
actuator should be pre-stressed to Pre-stressing may be required
approx. 8 MPa.
Surface Ink under positive pressure is held Low power consumption Requires supplementary force to effect Silverbrook, EP 0771
tension in a nozzle by surface tension. Simple construction drop separation 658 A2 and related
reduction The surface tension of the ink is No unusual materials Requires special ink surfactants patent applications
reduced below the bubble required in fabrication Speed may be limited by surfactant
threshold, causing the ink to High efficiency properties
egress from the nozzle. Easy extension from single
nozzles to pagewidth
print heads
Viscosity The ink viscosity is locally Simple construction Requires supplementary force to effect Silverbrook, EP 0771
reduction reduced to select which drops are No unusual materials drop separation 658 A2 and related
to be ejected. A viscosity required in fabrication Requires special ink viscosity patent applications
reduction can be achieved Easy extension from single properties
electrothermally with most inks, nozzles to pagewidth High speed is difficult to achieve
but special inks can be engineered print heads Requires oscillating ink pressure
for a 100:1 viscosity reduction. A high temperature difference
(typically 80 degrees) is required
Acoustic An acoustic wave is generated and Can operate without a Complex drive circuitry 1993 Hadimioglu et
focussed upon the drop ejection nozzle plate Complex fabrication al, EUP 550,192
region. Low efficiency 1993 Elrod et al, EUP
Poor control of drop position 572,220
Poor control of drop volume
Thermoelastic An actuator which relies upon Low power consumption Efficient aqueous operation requires a IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, IJ18
bend differential thermal expansion Many ink types can be used thermal insulator on the hot side IJ19, IJ20, IJ21, IJ22
actuator upon Joule heating is used. Simple planar fabrication Corrosion prevention can be difficult IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28
Small chip area required for Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32
each actuator pigment particles may jam the bend IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36
Fast operation actuator IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40
High efficiency IJ41
CMOS compatible voltages
and currents
Standard MEMS processes
can be used
Easy extension from single
nozzles to pagewidth
print heads
High CTE A material with a very high High force can be generated Requires special material (e.g. PTFE) IJ09, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20
thermoelastic coefficient of thermal expansion PTFE is a candidate for low Requires a PTFE deposition process, IJ21, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24
actuator (CTE) such as dielectric constant which is not yet standard in ULSI IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, IJ30
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is insulation in ULSI fabs IJ31, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44
used. As high CTE materials are Very low power PTFE deposition cannot be followed
usually non-conductive, a heater consumption with high temperature (above 350° C.)
fabricated from a conductive Many ink types can be used processing
material is incorporated. A 50 μm Simple planar fabrication Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as
long PTFE bend actuator with Small chip area required for pigment particles may jam the bend
polysilicon heater and 15 mW each actuator actuator
power input can provide 180 μN Fast operation
force and 10 μm deflection. High efficiency
Actuator motions include: CMOS compatible voltages
1) Bend and currents
2) Push Easy extension from single
3) Buckle nozzles to pagewidth
4) Rotate print heads
Conductive A polymer with a high coefficient High force can be generated Requires special materials IJ24
polymer of thermal expansion (such as Very low power development (High CTE conductive
thermoelastic PTFE) is doped with conducting consumption polymer)
actuator substances to increase its Many ink types can be used Requires a PTFE deposition process,
conductivity to about 3 orders of Simple planar fabrication which is not yet standard in ULSI
magnitude below that of copper. Small chip area required for fabs
The conducting polymer expands each actuator PTFE deposition cannot be followed
when resistively heated. Fast operation with high temperature (above 350° C.)
Examples of conducting dopants High efficiency processing
include: CMOS compatible voltages Evaporation and CVD deposition
1) Carbon nanotubes and currents techniques cannot be used
2) Metal fibers Easy extension from single Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as
3) Conductive polymers such as nozzles to pagewidth pigment particles may jam the bend
doped polythiophene print heads actuator
4) Carbon granules
Shape A shape memory alloy such as High force is available Fatigue limits maximum number of IJ26
memory alloy TiNi (also known as Nitinol - (stresses of hundreds of cycles
Nickel Titanium alloy developed MPa) Low strain (1%) is required to extend
at the Naval Ordnance Large strain is available fatigue resistance
Laboratory) is thermally switched (more than 3%) Cycle rate limited by heat removal
between its weak martensitic state High corrosion resistance Requires unusual materials (TiNi)
and its high stiffness austenic Simple construction The latent heat of transformation must
state. The shape of the actuator in Easy extension from single be provided
its martensitic state is deformed nozzles to pagewidth High current operation
relative to the austenic shape. The print heads Requires pre-stressing to distort the
shape change causes ejection of a Low voltage operation martensitic state
drop.
Linear Linear magnetic actuators include Linear Magnetic actuators Requires unusual semiconductor IJ12
Magnetic the Linear Induction Actuator can be constructed with materials such as soft magnetic
Actuator (LIA), Linear Permanent Magnet high thrust, long travel, alloys (e.g. CoNiFe [1])
Synchronous Actuator (LPMSA), and high efficiency using Some varieties also require permanent
Linear Reluctance Synchronous planar semiconductor magnetic materials such as
Actuator (LRSA), Linear fabrication techniques Neodymium iron boron (NdFeB)
Switched Reluctance Actuator Long actuator travel is Requires complex multi-phase drive
(LSRA), and the Linear Stepper available circuitry
Actuator (LSA). Medium force is available High current operation
Low voltage operation
Basic Operation Mode
Operational mode Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Actuator directly This is the simplest mode of Simple operation Drop repetition rate is usually limited Thermal inkjet
pushes ink operation: the actuator directly No external fields required to less than 10 KHz. However, this Piezoelectric inkjet
supplies sufficient kinetic energy Satellite drops can be is not fundamental to the method, IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, IJ04
to expel the drop. The drop must avoided if drop velocity is but is related to the refill method IJ05, IJ06, IJ07, IJ09
have a sufficient velocity to less than 4 m/s normally used IJ11, IJ12, IJ14, IJ16
overcome the surface tension. Can be efficient, depending All of the drop kinetic energy must be IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24
upon the actuator used provided by the actuator IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28
Satellite drops usually form if drop IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32
velocity is greater than 4.5 m/s IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36
IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40
IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44
Proximity The drops to be printed are Very simple print head Requires close proximity between the Silverbrook, EP 0771
selected by some manner (e.g. fabrication can be used print head and the print media or 658 A2 and related
thermally induced surface tension The drop selection means transfer roller patent applications
reduction of pressurized ink). does not need to provide May require two print heads printing
Selected drops are separated from the energy required to alternate rows of the image
the ink in the nozzle by contact separate the drop from the Monolithic color print heads are
with the print medium or a nozzle difficult
transfer roller.
Electrostatic The drops to be printed are Very simple print head Requires very high electrostatic field Silverbrook, EP 0771
pull on ink selected by some manner (e.g. fabrication can be used Electrostatic field for small nozzle 658 A2 and related
thermally induced surface tension The drop selection means sizes is above air breakdown patent applications
reduction of pressurized ink). does not need to provide Electrostatic field may attract dust Tone-Jet
Selected drops are separated from the energy required to
the ink in the nozzle by a strong separate the drop from the
electric field. nozzle
Magnetic pull on The drops to be printed are Very simple print head Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771
ink selected by some manner (e.g. fabrication can be used Ink colors other than black are 658 A2 and related
thermally induced surface tension The drop selection means difficult patent applications
reduction of pressurized ink). does not need to provide Requires very high magnetic fields
Selected drops are separated from the energy required to
the ink in the nozzle by a strong separate the drop from the
magnetic field acting on the nozzle
magnetic ink.
Shutter The actuator moves a shutter to High speed (>50 KHz) Moving parts are required IJ13, IJ17, IJ21
block ink flow to the nozzle. The operation can be achieved Requires ink pressure modulator
ink pressure is pulsed at a due to reduced refill time Friction and wear must be considered
multiple of the drop ejection Drop timing can be very Stiction is possible
frequency. accurate
The actuator energy can be
very low
Shuttered The actuator moves a shutter to Actuators with small travel Moving parts are required IJ08, IJ15, IJ18, IJ19
grill block ink flow through a grill to can be used Requires ink pressure modulator
the nozzle. The shutter movement Actuators with small force Friction and wear must be considered
need only be equal to the width of can be used Stiction is possible
the grill holes. High speed (>50 KHz)
operation can be achieved
Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field attracts Extremely low energy Requires an external pulsed magnetic IJ10
magnetic pull an ‘ink pusher’ at the drop operation is possible field
on ink pusher ejection frequency. An actuator No heat dissipation Requires special materials for both the
controls a catch, which prevents problems actuator and the ink pusher
the ink pusher from moving when Complex construction
a drop is not to be ejected.
Auxiliary Mechanism (Applied to all Nozzles)
Auxiliary
Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
None The actuator directly fires the ink Simplicity of construction Drop ejection energy must be supplied Most inkjets,
drop, and there is no external field Simplicity of operation by individual nozzle actuator including
or other mechanism required. Small physical size piezoelectric and
thermal bubble.
IJ01-IJ07, IJ09, IJ11
IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22
IJ23-IJ45
Oscillating The ink pressure oscillates, Oscillating ink pressure can Requires external ink pressure Silverbrook, EP 0771
ink pressure providing much of the drop provide a refill pulse, oscillator 658 A2 and related
(including ejection energy. The actuator allowing higher operating Ink pressure phase and amplitude must patent applications
acoustic selects which drops are to be fired speed be carefully controlled IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17
stimulation) by selectively blocking or The actuators may operate Acoustic reflections in the ink IJ18, IJ19, IJ21
enabling nozzles. The ink pressure with much lower energy chamber must be designed for
oscillation may be achieved by Acoustic lenses can be used
vibrating the print head, or to focus the sound on the
preferably by an actuator in the nozzles
ink supply.
Media proximity The print head is placed in close Low power Precision assembly required Silverbrook, EP 0771
proximity to the print medium. High accuracy Paper fibers may cause problems 658 A2 and related
Selected drops protrude from the Simple print head Cannot print on rough substrates patent applications
print head further than unselected construction
drops, and contact the print
medium. The drop soaks into the
medium fast enough to cause drop
separation.
Transfer Drops are printed to a transfer High accuracy Bulky Silverbrook, EP 0771
roller roller instead of straight to the Wide range of print Expensive 658 A2 and related
print medium. A transfer roller substrates can be used Complex construction patent applications
can also be used for proximity Ink can be dried on the Tektronix hot melt
drop separation. transfer roller piezoelectric inkjet
Any of the IJ series
Electrostatic An electric field is used to Low power Field strength required for separation Silverbrook, EP 0771
accelerate selected drops towards Simple print head of small drops is near or above air 658 A2 and related
the print medium. construction breakdown patent applications
Tone-Jet
Direct A magnetic field is used to Low power Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771
magnetic accelerate selected drops of Simple print head Requires strong magnetic field 658 A2 and related
field magnetic ink towards the print construction patent applications
medium.
Cross The print head is placed in a Does not require magnetic Requires external magnet IJ06, IJ16
magnetic constant magnetic field. The materials to be integrated Current densities may be high,
field Lorenz force in a current carrying in the print head resulting in electromigration
wire is used to move the actuator. manufacturing process problems
Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field is used to Very low power operation is Complex print head construction IJ10
magnetic cyclically attract a paddle, which possible Magnetic materials required in print
field pushes on the ink. A small Small print head size head
actuator moves a catch, which
selectively prevents the paddle
from moving.
Actuator Amplification or Modification Method
Actuator
amplification Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
None No actuator mechanical Operational simplicity Many actuator mechanisms have Thermal Bubble Inkjet
amplification is used. The actuator insufficient travel, or insufficient IJ01, IJ02, IJ06, IJ07
directly drives the drop ejection force, to efficiently drive the drop IJ16, IJ25, IJ26
process. ejection process
Differential An actuator material expands Provides greater travel in a High stresses are involved Piezoelectric
expansion more on one side than on the reduced print head area Care must be taken that the materials IJ03, IJ09, IJ17-IJ24
bend actuator other. The expansion may be The bend actuator converts do not delaminate IJ27, IJ29-IJ39, IJ42,
thermal, piezoelectric, a high force low travel Residual bend resulting from high IJ43, IJ44
magnetostrictive, or other actuator mechanism to temperature or high stress during
mechanism. high travel, lower force formation
mechanism.
Transient A trilayer bend actuator where the Very good temperature High stresses are involved IJ40, IJ41
bend actuator two outside layers are identical. stability Care must be taken that the materials
This cancels bend due to ambient High speed, as a new drop do not delaminate
temperature and residual stress. can be fired before heat
The actuator only responds to dissipates
transient heating of one side or the Cancels residual stress of
other. formation
Actuator A series of thin actuators are Increased travel Increased fabrication complexity Some piezoelectric
stack stacked. This can be appropriate Reduced drive voltage Increased possibility of short circuits ink jets
where actuators require high due to pinholes IJ04
electric field strength, such as
electrostatic and piezoelectric
actuators.
Multiple Multiple smaller actuators are Increases the force available Actuator forces may not add linearly, IJ12, IJ13, IJ18, IJ20
actuators used simultaneously to move the from an actuator reducing efficiency IJ22, IJ28, IJ42, IJ43
ink. Each actuator need provide Multiple actuators can be
only a portion of the force positioned to control ink
required. flow accurately
Linear Spring A linear spring is used to Matches low travel actuator Requires print head area for the IJ15
transform a motion with small with higher travel spring
travel and high force into a longer requirements
travel, lower force motion. Non-contact method of
motion transformation
Reverse The actuator loads a spring. When Better coupling to the ink Fabrication complexity IJ05, IJ11
spring the actuator is turned off, the High stress in the spring
spring releases. This can reverse
the force/distance curve of the
actuator to make it compatible
with the force/time requirements
of the drop ejection.
Coiled A bend actuator is coiled to Increases travel Generally restricted to planar IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, IJ35
actuator provide greater travel in a reduced Reduces chip area implementations due to extreme
chip area. Planar implementations are fabrication difficulty in other
relatively easy to orientations.
fabricate.
Flexure bend A bend actuator has a small Simple means of increasing Care must be taken not to exceed the IJ10, IJ19, IJ33
actuator region near the fixture point, travel of a bend actuator elastic limit in the flexure area
which flexes much more readily Stress distribution is very uneven
than the remainder of the actuator. Difficult to accurately model with
The actuator flexing is effectively finite element analysis
converted from an even coiling to
an angular bend, resulting in
greater travel of the actuator tip.
Gears Gears can be used to increase Low force, low travel Moving parts are required IJ13
travel at the expense of duration. actuators can be used Several actuator cycles are required
Circular gears, rack and pinion, Can be fabricated using More complex drive electronics
ratchets, and other gearing standard surface MEMS Complex construction
methods can be used. processes Friction, friction, and wear are
possible
Catch The actuator controls a small Very low actuator energy Complex construction IJ10
catch. The catch either enables or Very small actuator size Requires external force
disables movement of an ink Unsuitable for pigmented inks
pusher that is controlled in a bulk
manner.
Buckle plate A buckle plate can be used to Very fast movement Must stay within elastic limits of the S. Hirata et al, “An
change a slow actuator into a fast achievable materials for long device life Ink-jet Head . . . ”,
motion. It can also convert a high High stresses involved Proc. IEEE MEMS,
force, low travel actuator into a Generally high power requirement February 1996, pp 418-423.
high travel, medium force motion. IJ18, IJ27
Tapered A tapered magnetic pole can Linearizes the magnetic Complex construction IJ14
magnetic increase travel at the expense of force/distance curve
pole force.
Lever A lever and fulcrum is used to Matches low travel actuator High stress around the fulcrum IJ32, IJ36, IJ37
transform a motion with small with higher travel
travel and high force into a requirements
motion with longer travel and Fulcrum area has no linear
lower force. The lever can also movement, and can be
reverse the direction of travel. used for a fluid seal
Rotary The actuator is connected to a High mechanical advantage Complex construction IJ28
impeller rotary impeller. A small angular The ratio of force to travel Unsuitable for pigmented inks
deflection of the actuator results of the actuator can be
in a rotation of the impeller vanes, matched to the nozzle
which push the ink against requirements by varying
stationary vanes and out of the the number of impeller
nozzle. vanes
Acoustic lens A refractive or diffractive (e.g. No moving parts Large area required 1993 Hadimioglu et
zone plate) acoustic lens is used to Only relevant for acoustic ink jets al, EUP 550,192
concentrate sound waves. 1993 Elrod et al, EUP
572,220
Sharp A sharp point is used to Simple construction Difficult to fabricate using standard Tone-jet
conductive concentrate an electrostatic field. VLSI processes for a surface
point ejecting ink-jet
Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets
Actuator Motion
Actuator
motion Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Volume The volume of the actuator Simple construction in the High energy is typically required to Hewlett-Packard
expansion changes, pushing the ink in all case of thermal ink jet achieve volume expansion. This Thermal Inkjet
directions. leads to thermal stress, cavitation, Canon Bubblejet
and kogation in thermal ink jet
implementations
Linear, The actuator moves in a direction Efficient coupling to ink High fabrication complexity may be IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ07
normal to normal to the print head surface. drops ejected normal to required to achieve perpendicular IJ11, IJ14
chip surface The nozzle is typically in the line the surface motion
of movement.
Linear, The actuator moves parallel to the Suitable for planar Fabrication complexity IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, IJ33,
parallel to print head surface. Drop ejection fabrication Friction IJ34, IJ35, IJ36
chip surface may still be normal to the surface. Stiction
Membrane An actuator with a high force but The effective area of the Fabrication complexity 1982 Howkins U.S. Pat. No.
push small area is used to push a stiff actuator becomes the Actuator size 4,459,601
membrane that is in contact with membrane area Difficulty of integration in a VLSI
the ink. process
Rotary The actuator causes the rotation of Rotary levers may be used Device complexity IJ05, IJ08, IJ13, IJ28
some element, such a grill or to increase travel May have friction at a pivot point
impeller Small chip area
requirements
Bend The actuator bends when A very small change in Requires the actuator to be made from 1970 Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No.
energized. This may be due to dimensions can be at least two distinct layers, or to 3,946,398
differential thermal expansion, converted to a large have a thermal difference across the 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No.
piezoelectric expansion, motion. actuator 3,747,120
magnetostriction, or other form of IJ03, IJ09, IJ10, IJ19
relative dimensional change. IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ29
IJ30, IJ31, IJ33, IJ34
IJ35
Swivel The actuator swivels around a Allows operation where the Inefficient coupling to the ink motion IJ06
central pivot. This motion is net linear force on the
suitable where there are opposite paddle is zero
forces applied to opposite sides of Small chip area
the paddle, e.g. Lorenz force. requirements
Straighten The actuator is normally bent, and Can be used with shape Requires careful balance of stresses to IJ26, IJ32
straightens when energized. memory alloys where the ensure that the quiescent bend is
austenic phase is planar accurate
Double bend The actuator bends in one One actuator can be used to Difficult to make the drops ejected by IJ36, IJ37, IJ38
direction when one element is power two nozzles. both bend directions identical.
energized, and bends the other Reduced chip size. A small efficiency loss compared to
way when another element is Not sensitive to ambient equivalent single bend actuators.
energized. temperature
Shear Energizing the actuator causes a Can increase the effective Not readily applicable to other 1985 Fishbeck U.S. Pat. No.
shear motion in the actuator travel of piezoelectric actuator mechanisms 4,584,590
material. actuators
Radial The actuator squeezes an ink Relatively easy to fabricate High force required 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No.
constriction reservoir, forcing ink from a single nozzles from glass Inefficient 3,683,212
constricted nozzle. tubing as macroscopic Difficult to integrate with VLSI
structures processes
Coil/uncoil A coiled actuator uncoils or coils Easy to fabricate as a planar Difficult to fabricate for non-planar IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, IJ35
more tightly. The motion of the VLSI process devices
free end of the actuator ejects the Small area required, Poor out-of-plane stiffness
ink. therefore low cost
Bow The actuator bows (or buckles) in Can increase the speed of Maximum travel is constrained IJ16, IJ18, IJ27
the middle when energized. travel High force required
Mechanically rigid
Push-Pull Two actuators control a shutter. The structure is pinned at Not readily suitable for inkjets which IJ18
One actuator pulls the shutter, and both ends, so has a high directly push the ink
the other pushes it. out-of-plane rigidity
Curl inwards A set of actuators curl inwards to Good fluid flow to the Design complexity IJ20, IJ42
reduce the volume of ink that they region behind the actuator
enclose. increases efficiency
Curl A set of actuators curl outwards, Relatively simple Relatively large chip area IJ43
outwards pressurizing ink in a chamber construction
surrounding the actuators, and
expelling ink from a nozzle in the
chamber.
Iris Multiple vanes enclose a volume High efficiency High fabrication complexity IJ22
of ink. These simultaneously Small chip area Not suitable for pigmented inks
rotate, reducing the volume
between the vanes.
Acoustic The actuator vibrates at a high The actuator can be Large area required for efficient 1993 Hadimioglu et
vibration frequency. physically distant from operation at useful frequencies al, EUP 550,192
the ink Acoustic coupling and crosstalk 1993 Elrod et al, EUP
Complex drive circuitry 572,220
Poor control of drop volume and
position
None In various ink jet designs the No moving parts Various other tradeoffs are required to Silverbrook, EP 0771
actuator does not move. eliminate moving parts 658 A2 and related
patent applications
Tone-jet
Nozzle Refill Method
Nozzle refill
method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Surface tension After the actuator is energized, it Fabrication simplicity Low speed Thermal inkjet
typically returns rapidly to its Operational simplicity Surface tension force relatively small Piezoelectric inkjet
normal position. This rapid return compared to actuator force IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14
sucks in air through the nozzle Long refill time usually dominates the IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45
opening. The ink surface tension total repetition rate
at the nozzle then exerts a small
force restoring the meniscus to a
minimum area.
Shuttered oscillating Ink to the nozzle chamber is High speed Requires common ink pressure IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17
ink pressure provided at a pressure that Low actuator energy, as the oscillator IJ18, IJ19, IJ21
oscillates at twice the drop actuator need only open May not be suitable for pigmented
ejection frequency. When a drop or close the shutter, inks
is to be ejected, the shutter is instead of ejecting the ink
opened for 3 half cycles: drop drop
ejection, actuator return, and
refill.
Refill actuator After the main actuator has High speed, as the nozzle is Requires two independent actuators IJ09
ejected a drop a second (refill) actively refilled per nozzle
actuator is energized. The refill
actuator pushes ink into the nozzle
chamber. The refill actuator
returns slowly, to prevent its
return from emptying the chamber
again.
Positive ink pressure The ink is held a slight positive High refill rate, therefore a Surface spill must be prevented Silverbrook, EP 0771
pressure. After the ink drop is high drop repetition rate Highly hydrophobic print head 658 A2 and related
ejected, the nozzle chamber fills is possible surfaces are required patent applications
quickly as surface tension and ink Alternative for:
pressure both operate to refill the IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14
nozzle. IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45
Method of Restricting Back-Flow Through Inlet
Inlet back-
flow
restriction
method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Long inlet channel The ink inlet channel to the nozzle Design simplicity Restricts refill rate Thermal inkjet
chamber is made long and Operational simplicity May result in a relatively large chip Piezoelectric inkjet
relatively narrow, relying on Reduces crosstalk area IJ42, IJ43
viscous drag to reduce inlet back- Only partially effective
flow.
Positive ink pressure The ink is under a positive Drop selection and Requires a method (such as a nozzle Silverbrook, EP 0771
pressure, so that in the quiescent separation forces can be rim or effective hydrophobizing, or 658 A2 and related
state some of the ink drop already reduced both) to prevent flooding of the patent applications
protrudes from the nozzle. Fast refill time ejection surface of the print head. Possible operation of
This reduces the pressure in the the following:
nozzle chamber which is required IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12
to eject a certain volume of ink. IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22,
The reduction in chamber IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ41
pressure results in a reduction in IJ44
ink pushed out through the inlet.
Baffle One or more baffles are placed in The refill rate is not as Design complexity HP Thermal Ink Jet
the inlet ink flow. When the restricted as the long inlet May increase fabrication complexity Tektronix
actuator is energized, the rapid ink method. (e.g. Tektronix hot melt piezoelectric ink jet
movement creates eddies which Reduces crosstalk Piezoelectric print heads).
restrict the flow through the inlet.
The slower refill process is
unrestricted, and does not result in
eddies.
Flexible flap In this method recently disclosed Significantly reduces back- Not applicable to most inkjet Canon
restricts inlet by Canon, the expanding actuator flow for edge-shooter configurations
(bubble) pushes on a flexible flap thermal ink jet devices Increased fabrication complexity
that restricts the inlet. Inelastic deformation of polymer flap
results in creep over extended use
Inlet filter A filter is located between the ink Additional advantage of ink Restricts refill rate IJ04, IJ12, IJ24, IJ27
inlet and the nozzle chamber. The filtration May result in complex construction IJ29, IJ30
filter has a multitude of small Ink filter may be fabricated
holes or slots, restricting ink flow. with no additional
The filter also removes particles process steps
which may block the nozzle.
Small inlet compared The ink inlet channel to the nozzle Design simplicity Restricts refill rate IJ02, IJ37, IJ44
to nozzle chamber has a substantially May result in a relatively large chip
smaller cross section than that of area
the nozzle, resulting in easier ink Only partially effective
egress out of the nozzle than out
of the inlet.
Inlet shutter A secondary actuator controls the Increases speed of the ink- Requires separate refill actuator and IJ09
position of a shutter, closing off jet print head operation drive circuit
the ink inlet when the main
actuator is energized.
The inlet is located The method avoids the problem of Back-flow problem is Requires careful design to minimize IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06
behind the inlet back-flow by arranging the eliminated the negative pressure behind the IJ07, IJ10, IJ11, IJ14
ink-pushing surface ink-pushing surface of the paddle IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, IJ25
actuator between the inlet and the IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33
nozzle. IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ39
IJ40, IJ41
Part of the The actuator and a wall of the ink Significant reductions in Small increase in fabrication IJ07, IJ20, IJ26, IJ38
actuator chamber are arranged so that the back-flow can be complexity
moves to motion of the actuator closes off achieved
shut off the the inlet. Compact designs possible
inlet
Nozzle In some configurations of ink jet, Ink back-flow problem is None related to ink back-flow on Silverbrook, EP 0771
actuator does there is no expansion or eliminated actuation 658 A2 and related
not result in movement of an actuator which patent applications
ink back-flow may cause ink back-flow through Valve-jet
the inlet. Tone-jet
IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17
IJ18, IJ19, IJ21
Nozzle Clearing Method
Nozzle
Clearing
method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Normal All of the nozzles are fired No added complexity on the May not be sufficient to displace dried Most ink jet systems
nozzle firing periodically, before the ink has a print head ink IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12
chance to dry. When not in use IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22
the nozzles are sealed (capped) IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ45
against air.
The nozzle firing is usually
performed during a special
clearing cycle, after first moving
the print head to a cleaning
station.
Extra power to In systems which heat the ink, but Can be highly effective if Requires higher drive voltage for Silverbrook, EP 0771
ink heater do not boil it under normal the heater is adjacent to clearing 658 A2 and related
situations, nozzle clearing can be the nozzle May require larger drive transistors patent applications
achieved by over-powering the
heater and boiling ink at the
nozzle.
Rapid succession The actuator is fired in rapid Does not require extra drive Effectiveness depends substantially May be used with:
of actuator pulses succession. In some circuits on the print head upon the configuration of the inkjet IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ11
configurations, this may cause Can be readily controlled nozzle IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22
heat build-up at the nozzle which and initiated by digital IJ23-IJ25, IJ27-IJ34
boils the ink, clearing the nozzle. logic IJ36-IJ45
In other situations, it may cause
sufficient vibrations to dislodge
clogged nozzles.
Extra power Where an actuator is not normally A simple solution where Not suitable where there is a hard limit May be used with:
to ink driven to the limit of its motion, applicable to actuator movement IJ03, IJ09, IJ16, IJ20
pushing nozzle clearing may be assisted by IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ27
actuator providing an enhanced drive IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32
signal to the actuator. IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42
IJ43, IJ44, IJ45
Acoustic An ultrasonic wave is applied to A high nozzle clearing High implementation cost if system IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17
resonance the ink chamber. This wave is of capability can be does not already include an acoustic IJ18, IJ19, IJ21
an appropriate amplitude and achieved actuator
frequency to cause sufficient force May be implemented at very
at the nozzle to clear blockages, low cost in systems which
This is easiest to achieve if the already include acoustic
ultrasonic wave is at a resonant actuators
frequency of the ink cavity.
Nozzle A microfabricated plate is pushed Can clear severely clogged Accurate mechanical alignment is Silverbrook, EP 0771
clearing plate against the nozzles. The plate has nozzles required 658 A2 and related
a post for every nozzle. The array Moving parts are required patent applications
of posts There is risk of damage to the nozzles
Accurate fabrication is required
Ink pressure The pressure of the ink is May be effective where Requires pressure pump or other May be used with all
pulse temporarily increased so that ink other methods cannot be pressure actuator IJ series ink jets
streams from all of the nozzles. used Expensive
This may be used in conjunction Wasteful of ink
with actuator energizing.
Print head A flexible ‘blade’ is wiped across Effective for planar print Difficult to use if print head surface is Many ink jet systems
wiper the print head surface. The blade head surfaces non-planar or very fragile
is usually fabricated from a Low cost Requires mechanical parts
flexible polymer, e.g. rubber or Blade can wear out in high volume
synthetic elastomer. print systems
Separate ink A separate heater is provided at Can be effective where Fabrication complexity Can be used with
boiling heater the nozzle although the normal other nozzle clearing many IJ series ink
drop e-ection mechanism does methods cannot be used jets
not require it. The heaters do not Can be implemented at no
require individual drive circuits, additional cost in some
as many nozzles can be cleared inkjet configurations
simultaneously, and no imaging is
required.
Nozzle Plate Construction
Nozzle plate
construction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Electroformed A nozzle plate is separately Fabrication simplicity High temperatures and pressures are Hewlett Packard
nickel fabricated from electroformed required to bond nozzle plate Thermal Inkjet
nickel, and bonded to the print Minimum thickness constraints
head chip. Differential thermal expansion
Laser ablated Individual nozzle holes are No masks required Each hole must be individually formed Canon Bubblejet
or drilled ablated by an intense UV laser in Can be quite fast Special equipment required 1988 Sercel et al.,
polymer a nozzle plate, which is typically a Some control over nozzle Slow where there are many thousands SPIE, Vol. 998
polymer such as polyimide or profile is possible of nozzles per print head Excimer Beam
polysulphone Equipment required is May produce thin burrs at exit holes Applications, pp.
relatively low cost 76-83
1993 Watanabe et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,604
Silicon micro- A separate nozzle plate is High accuracy is attainable Two part construction K. Bean, IEEE
machined micromachined from single High cost Transactions on
crystal silicon, and bonded to the Requires precision alignment Electron Devices,
print head wafer. Nozzles may be clogged by adhesive Vol. ED-25, No. 10,
1978, pp 1185-1195
Xerox 1990 Hawkins
et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,899,181
Glass Fine glass capillaries are drawn No expensive equipment Very small nozzle sizes are difficult to 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No.
capillaries from glass tubing. This method required form 3,683,212
has been used for making Simple to make single Not suited for mass production
individual nozzles, but is difficult nozzles
to use for bulk manufacturing of
print heads with thousands of
nozzles.
Monolithic, The nozzle plate is deposited as a High accuracy (<1 μm) Requires sacrificial layer under the Silverbrook, EP 0771
surface layer using standard VLSI Monolithic nozzle plate to form the nozzle 658 A2 and related
micro- deposition techniques. Nozzles Low cost chamber patent applications
machined are etched in the nozzle plate Existing processes can be Surface may be fragile to the touch IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ11
using VLSI using VLSI lithography and used IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20
lithographic etching. IJ22, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28
processes IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32
IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37
IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41
IJ42, IJ43, IJ44
Monolithic, The nozzle plate is a buried etch High accuracy (<1 μm) Requires long etch times IJ03, IJ05, IJ06, IJ07
etched stop in the wafer. Nozzle Monolithic Requires a support wafer IJ08, IJ09, IJ10, IJ13
through chambers are etched in the front Low cost IJ14, IJ15, IJ16, IJ19
substrate of the wafer, and the wafer is No differential expansion IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, IJ26
thinned from the back side.
Nozzles are then etched in the
etch stop layer.
No nozzle Various methods have been tried No nozzles to become Difficult to control drop position Ricoh 1995 Sekiya et
plate to eliminate the nozzles entirely, clogged accurately al U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,413
to prevent nozzle clogging. These Crosstalk problems 1993 Hadimioglu et al
include thermal bubble EUP 550,192
mechanisms and acoustic lens 1993 Elrod et al EUP
mechanisms 572,220
Trough Each drop ejector has a trough Reduced manufacturing Drop firing direction is sensitive to IJ35
through which a paddle moves. complexity wicking.
There is no nozzle plate. Monolithic
Nozzle slit The elimination of nozzle holes No nozzles to become Difficult to control drop position 1989 Saito et al U.S. Pat.
instead of and replacement by a slit clogged accurately No. 4,799,068
individual encompassing many actuator Crosstalk problems
nozzles positions reduces nozzle clogging,
but increases crosstalk due to ink
surface waves
Drop Ejection Direction
Ejection
direction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Edge Ink flow is along the surface of Simple construction Nozzles limited to edge Canon Bubblejet 1979
(‘edge shooter’) the chip, and ink drops are ejected No silicon etching required High resolution is difficult Endo et al GB
from the chip edge. Good heat sinking via Fast color printing requires one print patent 2,007,162
substrate head per color Xerox heater-in-pit
Mechanically strong 1990 Hawkins et al
Ease of chip handing U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181
Tone-jet
Surface Ink flow is along the surface of No bulk silicon etching Maximum ink flow is severely Hewlett-Packard TIJ
(‘roof shooter’) the chip, and ink drops are ejected required restricted 1982 Vaught et al
from the chip surface, normal to Silicon can make an U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,728
the plane of the chip. effective heat sink IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, IJ20
Mechanical strength IJ22
Through Ink flow is through the chip, and High ink flow Requires bulk silicon etching Silverbrook, EP 0771
chip, forward ink drops are ejected from the Suitable for pagewidth print 658 A2 and related
(‘up shooter’) front surface of the chip. High nozzle packing density patent applications
therefore low IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, IJ24
manufacturing cost IJ27-IJ45
Through Ink flow is through the chip, and High ink flow Requires wafer thinning IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06
chip, reverse ink drops are ejected from the rear Suitable for pagewidth print Requires special handling during IJ07, IJ08, IJ09, IJ10
(‘down shooter’) surface of the chip. High nozzle packing density manufacture IJ13, IJ14, IJ15, IJ16
therefore low IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, IJ25
manufacturing cost IJ26
Through Ink flow is through the actuator, Suitable for piezoelectric Pagewidth print heads require several Epson Stylus
actuator which is not fabricated as part of print heads thousand connections to drive Tektronix hot melt
the same substrate as the drive circuits piezoelectric ink
transistors. Cannot be manufactured in standard jets
CMOS fabs
Complex assembly required
Ink Type
Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Aqueous, dye Water based ink which typically Environmentally friendly Slow drying Most existing inkjets
contains: water, dye, surfactant, No odor Corrosive All IJ series ink jets
humectant, and biocide. Bleeds on paper Silverbrook, EP 0771
Modern ink dyes have high water- May strikethrough 658 A2 and related
fastness, light fastness Cockles paper patent applications
Aqueous, Water based ink which typically Environmentally friendly Slow drying IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, IJ26
pigment contains: water, pigment, No odor Corrosive IJ27, IJ30
surfactant, humectant, and Reduced bleed Pigment may clog nozzles Silverbrook, EP 0771
biocide. Reduced wicking Pigment may clog actuator 658 A2 and related
Pigments have an advantage in Reduced strikethrough mechanisms patent applications
reduced bleed, wicking and Cockles paper Piezoelectric ink-jets
strikethrough. Thermal ink jets (with
significant
restrictions)
Methyl Ethyl MEK is a highly volatile solvent Very fast drying Odorous All IJ series ink jets
Ketone (MEK) used for industrial printing on Prints on various substrates Flammable
difficult surfaces such as such as metals and
aluminum cans. plastics
Alcohol Alcohol based inks can be used Fast drying Slight odor All IJ series ink jets
(ethanol, 2- where the printer must operate at Operates at sub-freezing Flammable
butanol, and temperatures below the freezing temperatures
others) point of water. An example of this Reduced paper cockle
is in-camera consumer Low cost
photographic printing.
Phase The ink is solid at room No drying time-ink High viscosity Tektronix hot melt
change temperature, and is melted in the instantly freezes on the Printed ink typically has a ‘waxy’ feel piezoelectric ink
(hot melt) print head before jetting. Hot melt print medium Printed pages may ‘block’ jets
inks are usually wax based, with a Almost any print medium Ink temperature may be above the 1989 Nowak U.S. Pat. No.
melting point around 80° C. After can be used curie point of permanent magnets 4,820,346
jetting the ink freezes almost No paper cockle occurs Ink heaters consume power All IJ series ink jets
instantly upon contacting the print No wicking occurs Long warm-up time
medium or a transfer roller. No bleed occurs
No strikethrough occurs
Oil Oil based inks are extensively High solubility medium for High viscosity: this is a significant All IJ series ink jets
used in offset printing. They have some dyes limitation for use in inkjets, which
advantages in improved Does not cockle paper usually require a low viscosity.
characteristics on paper Does not wick through Some short chain and multi-
(especially no wicking or cockle). paper branched oils have a sufficiently
Oil soluble dies and pigments are low viscosity.
required. Slow drying
Microemulsion A microemulsion is a stable, self Stops ink bleed Viscosity higher than water All IJ series ink jets
forming emulsion of oil, water, High dye solubility Cost is slightly higher than water
and surfactant. The characteristic Water, oil, and amphiphilic based ink
drop size is less than 100 nm, and soluble dies can be used High surfactant concentration required
is determined by the preferred Can stabilize pigment (around 5%)
curvature of the surfactant. suspensions
Ink Jet Printing A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed to facilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing and data distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can be included in printer devices incorporated as part of the present invention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to these ink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
Australian US Patent/Patent
Provisional Application and Filing
Number Filing Date Title Date
PO8066 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,227,652
(IJ01) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8072 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,213,588
(IJ02) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8040 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,213,589
(IJ03) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8071 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,231,163
(IJ04) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8047 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,795
(IJ05) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8035 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,394,581
(IJ06) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8044 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,244,691
(IJ07) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8063 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,257,704
(IJ08) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8057 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,416,168
(IJ09) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8056 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,220,694
(IJ10) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8069 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,257,705
(IJ11) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8049 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,794
(IJ12) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8036 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,234,610
(IJ13) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8048 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,793
(IJ14) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8070 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,264,306
(IJ15) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8067 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,241,342
(IJ16) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8001 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,792
(IJ17) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8038 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,264,307
(IJ18) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8033 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,254,220
(IJ19) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8002 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,234,611
(IJ20) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8068 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,302,528
(IJ21) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8062 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,283,582
(IJ22) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8034 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,239,821
(IJ23) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8039 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,338,547
(IJ24) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8041 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,796
(IJ25) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8004 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 09/113,122
(IJ26) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8037 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,390,603
(IJ27) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8043 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,362,843
(IJ28) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8042 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,293,653
(IJ29) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8064 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,312,107
(IJ30) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9389 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,227,653
(IJ31) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9391 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,234,609
(IJ32) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0888 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,238,040
(IJ33) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0891 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,188,415
(IJ34) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,227,654
(IJ35) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0873 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,209,989
(IJ36) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0993 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,791
(IJ37) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,336,710
(IJ38) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP1398 19-Jan-98 An Image Creation Method and 6,217,153
Apparatus (IJ39) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP2592 25-Mar-98 An Image Creation Method and 6,416,167
Apparatus (IJ40) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP2593 25-Mar-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,243,113
(IJ41) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3991 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,283,581
(IJ42) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3987 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,790
(IJ43) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3985 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,260,953
(IJ44) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3983 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,267,469
(IJ45) (Jul. 10, 1998)
Ink Jet Manufacturing Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor fabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
Australian US Patent/Patent
Provisional Filing Application and Filing
Number Date Title Date
PO7935 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,224,780
Creation Apparatus (IJM01) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7936 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,212
Creation Apparatus (IJM02) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7937 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,280,643
Creation Apparatus (IJM03) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8061 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,284,147
Creation Apparatus (IJM04) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8054 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,214,244
Creation Apparatus (IJM05) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8065 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,071,750
Creation Apparatus (IJM06) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8055 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,267,905
Creation Apparatus (IJM07) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8053 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,251,298
Creation Apparatus (IJM08) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8078 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,285
Creation Apparatus (IJM09) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7933 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,225,138
Creation Apparatus (IJM10) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7950 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,904
Creation Apparatus (IJM11) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7949 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,299,786
Creation Apparatus (IJM12) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8060 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 09/113,124
Creation Apparatus (IJM13) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8059 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,773
Creation Apparatus (IJM14) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8073 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,190,931
Creation Apparatus (IJM15) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8076 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,248,249
Creation Apparatus (IJM16) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8075 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,290,862
Creation Apparatus (IJM17) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8079 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,906
Creation Apparatus (IJM18) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8050 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 09/113,116
Creation Apparatus (IJM19) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8052 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,905
Creation Apparatus (IJM20) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7948 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,451,216
Creation Apparatus (IJM21) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7951 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,772
Creation Apparatus (IJM22) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8074 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,274,056
Creation Apparatus (IJM23) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7941 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,290,861
Creation Apparatus (IJM24) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8077 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,248,248
Creation Apparatus (IJM25) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8058 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,306,671
Creation Apparatus (IJM26) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8051 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,331,258
Creation Apparatus (IJM27) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8045 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,110,754
Creation Apparatus (IJM28) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7952 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,294,101
Creation Apparatus (IJM29) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8046 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,416,679
Creation Apparatus (IJM30) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8503 11-Aug-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,264,849
Creation Apparatus (IJM30a) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9390 23-Sep-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,254,793
Creation Apparatus (IJM31) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9392 23-Sep-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,211
Creation Apparatus (IJM32) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0889 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,211
Creation Apparatus (IJM35) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0887 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,264,850
Creation Apparatus (IJM36) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0882 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,284
Creation Apparatus (IJM37) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0874 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,284
Creation Apparatus (IJM38) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP1396 19-Jan-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,228,668
Creation Apparatus (IJM39) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP2591 25-Mar-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,180,427
Creation Apparatus (IJM41) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3989 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,171,875
Creation Apparatus (IJM40) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3990 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,267,904
Creation Apparatus (IJM42) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3986 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,245,247
Creation Apparatus (IJM43) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3984 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,245,247
Creation Apparatus (IJM44) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3982 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,148
Creation Apparatus (IJM45) (Jul. 10, 1998)
Fluid Supply Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system to the ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to a series of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
Australian US Patent/Patent
Provisional Application
Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date
PO8003 15-Jul-97 Supply Method 6,350,023
and Apparatus (F1) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8005 15-Jul-97 Supply Method 6,318,849
and Apparatus (F2) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9404 23-Sep-97 A Device and 09/113,101
Method (F3) (Jul. 10, 1998)
MEMS Technology Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor microelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
Australian US Patent/Patent
Provisional Application
Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date
PO7943 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS01)
PO8006 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS02) 6,087,638
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8007 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS03) 09/113,093
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8008 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS04) 6,340,222
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8010 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS05) 6,041,600
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8011 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS06) 6,299,300
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7947 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS07) 6,067,797
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7945 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS08) 09/113,081
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7944 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS09) 6,286,935
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7946 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS10) 6,044,646
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9393 23-Sep-97 A Device and Method 09/113,065
(MEMS11) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0875 12-Dec-97 A Device (MEMS12) 09/113,078
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0894 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method 09/113,075
(MEMS13) (Jul. 10, 1998)
IR Technologies Further, the present application may include the utilization of a disposable camera system such as those described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
Australian
Provisional US Patent/Patent
Number Filing Date Title Application and Filing Date
PP0895 12-Dec-97 An Image Creation Method and 6,231,148
Apparatus (IR01) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0870 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR02) 09/113,106
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0869 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR04) 6,293,658
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0887 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 09/113,104
Apparatus (IR05) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0885 12-Dec-97 An Image Production System 6,238,033
(IR06) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0884 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,312,070
Apparatus (IR10) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0886 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,238,111
Apparatus (IR12) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0871 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR13) 09/113,086
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0876 12-Dec-97 An Image Processing Method and 09/113,094
Apparatus (IR14) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0877 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR16) 6,378,970
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0878 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR17) 6,196,739
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0879 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR18) 09/112,774
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0883 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR19) 6,270,182
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0880 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR20) 6,152,619
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0881 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR21) 09/113,092
(Jul. 10, 1998)
DotCard Technologies Further, the present application may include the utilization of a data distribution system such as that described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
Australian US Patent/Patent
Provisional Application and
Number Filing Date Title Filing Date
PP2370 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method 09/112,781
and Apparatus (Dot01) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP2371 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method 09/113,052
and Apparatus (Dot02) (Jul. 10, 1998)
Artcam Technologies Further, the present application may include the utilization of camera and data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device as described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.
Australian
Provisional US Patent/Patent
Number Filing Date Title Application and Filing Date
PO7991 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,060
Apparatus (ART01) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7988 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,476,863
Apparatus (ART02) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7993 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,073
Apparatus (ART03) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9395 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,322,181
(ART04) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8017 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,747
Apparatus (ART06) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8014 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART07) 6,227,648
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8025 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,750
Apparatus (ART08) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8032 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,746
Apparatus (ART09) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7999 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,743
Apparatus (ART10) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7998 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,742
Apparatus (ART11) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8031 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,741
Apparatus (ART12) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8030 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART13) 6,196,541
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7997 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART15) 6,195,150
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7979 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART16) 6,362,868
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8015 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART17) 09/112,738
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7978 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART18) 09/113,067
(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7982 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,431,669
(ART19) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7989 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,362,869
(ART20) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8019 15-Jul-97 Media Processing Method and 6,472,052
Apparatus (ART21) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7980 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,356,715
Apparatus (ART22) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8018 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,777
Apparatus (ART24) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7938 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,224
Apparatus (ART25) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8016 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,366,693
Apparatus (ART26) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8024 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,329,990
Apparatus (ART27) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7940 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,072
(ART28) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7939 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,785
(ART29) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8501 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,137,500
Apparatus (ART30) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8500 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,796
Apparatus (ART31) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7987 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,071
(ART32) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8022 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,398,328
Apparatus (ART33) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8497 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,090
Apparatus (ART34) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8020 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,431,704
(ART38) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8023 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,222
(ART39) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8504 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,786
Apparatus (ART42) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8000 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,415,054
(ART43) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7977 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,782
(ART44) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7934 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,056
(ART45) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7990 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,059
(ART46) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8499 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,486,886
Apparatus (ART47) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8502 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,381,361
Apparatus (ART48) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7981 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,317,192
(ART50) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7986 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,057
(ART51) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7983 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,054
(ART52) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8026 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,752
Apparatus (ART53) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8027 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,759
Apparatus (ART54) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8028 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,757
Apparatus (ART56) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9394 23-Sep-97 Image Processing Method and 6,357,135
Apparatus (ART57) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9396 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,107
(ART58) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9397 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,271,931
(ART59) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9398 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,353,772
(ART60) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9399 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,106,147
(ART61) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9400 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,790
(ART62) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9401 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,304,291
(ART63) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9402 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,788
(ART64) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9403 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,305,770
(ART65) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9405 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,289,262
(ART66) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0959 16-Dec-97 A Data Processing Method 6,315,200
and Apparatus (ART68) (Jul. 10, 1998)
PP1397 19-Jan-98 A Media Device (ART69) 6,217,165
(Jul. 10, 1998)
