Abstract: A mesh model may be divided into nontrivial meshlets that together form the mesh model, where each meshlet has a single associated render state and some meshlets have different respective render states. Cost metrics are assigned to respective render state transitions, where each render state transition comprises a transition between a different pair of render states. A render state can be anything whose modification in a renderer incurs a slowdown or cost in the renderer. The cost metrics may be provided to an optimization algorithm that automatically determines an optimal order for rendering the meshlets. That is to say, an order for rendering the meshlets that optimizes the cost of changing render states when rendering the meshlets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for digitally obtaining contours of fabricated polygons. A GDS polygon described in a Geographic Data System (GDS) file is provided. Based on the GDS polygon, a plurality of identical polygons is fabricated with the same fabrication process such that shapes of the plurality of identical polygons are altered by optical effects in the same or similar way. The plurality of identical polygons forms poly-silicon gates of a plurality of test transistors. The position of source and drain islands along a length of a poly-silicon gate for each of the plurality of test transistors is different. Using Automated Test Equipment (ATE), a digital test is performed on a circuit including the plurality of test transistors to obtain test responses, the test responses being raw digital data. The test responses may be displayed in a histogram reflecting a contour of the plurality of identical polygons or post-processed to reconstruct a contour of the plurality of identical polygons.

Abstract: A method of direct volume rendering is provided comprising combining ambient occlusion volumes terms from a plurality of different filtered volumes using filters with different radii. During an ambient occlusion computation phase, the method obtains ambient occlusion terms from a plurality of different filtered volumes and, combining the ambient occlusion terms from the plurality of different filtered volumes into a composite ambient volume occlusion. During a subsequent volume rendering phase, data acquired from the subject is processed using the composite ambient volume occlusion to obtain a shaded rendition of an image of the subject.

Abstract: Techniques for generating a visual representation for a model representation in a manner whereby the model representation is not coupled to the visual representation. An abstract representation is generated based upon the model representation. Mapping rules are configured and used for generating the abstract representation from the model representation. A visual representation is then generated based upon the abstract representation.

Abstract: Method for communicating area information in a common framework implemented on hardware, including the steps of providing to the hardware a first set of instructions which generates an area of interest (AOI) defined by a first geometric shape, defining with the hardware the first geometric shape by one or more coordinates, and converting with the hardware the one or more coordinates to a second set of coordinates for use with a second set of instructions different than the first set of instructions, wherein the second set of coordinates is defined by a new AOI which includes information associated with the first set of instructions and which is interpreted by the second set of instructions, and wherein the common framework provides that different recognition AOI systems, each using its own set of conventions for describing area information, are compatible with one another.

Abstract: Smooth transitions between rich media (e.g., animations of visual elements of a UI) are provided when a “second” animation is started on a property of a visual element for which a “first” animation is already running. When the second animation is started, an animation system causes a current value of the property that resulted from the running of the “first” animation (i.e., snapshot) to be stored, terminates or releases the first animation, and then causes the second animation to run using the snapshot as the “from” value of the property. Because the second animation “begins” at exactly the point at which the first animation ended, the transition between the first and second animation is smooth. An animation storage object can be created for a property for which an animation has been triggered to store base values and snapshots of the property while being animated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mobile communication terminal having a function of animating input characters. The mobile communication terminal includes memory, device hardware, a device Operation System (OS), an animation engine, and content. The memory stores character font image data and animation data capable of providing the animation effect of animating characters. The device hardware receives key input from a user and informs the device OS of input characters. The device OS transfers information about the received characters to the animation engine. The animation engine analyzes the content and extracts information about the locations of images from the content. The content creates frame variation information, indicating the variations of various objects on the screen as to implement the animation effects, and transfers the frame variation information to the animation engine.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, in a virtual space unit area, a message is distributed among computers using a physical topology based on a physical network. This avoids delaying operations in a computer which are related to those in another computer on a virtual space and taking a roundabout route on the physical network for distribution. On the other hand, outside the virtual space unit area, a message is distributed among computers using a virtual topology based on a virtual space. Consequently, the computers forming the physical topology can be limited to those present in the virtual space unit area. It is thus possible to reduce the amount of communication required to measure physical network distances.

Abstract: A first GPU is provided with a digital video output terminal (Vout terminal) for connection to an external source. A digital video signal output from the Vout terminal is provided to a display device via a HDMI. The first GPU and a second GPU are connected to each other via a data bus for bidirectional data exchange. The second GPU applies a predetermined rendering process on data provided from the first GPU via a data input and output interface. The rendered data is returned to the first GPU via the data input and output interface. The first GPU processes the data returned from the second GPU as necessary and outputs a digital video signal via the Vout terminal and the HDMI.

Abstract: A device for sharing states and information in a high-reliability or high-availability computer system, comprising a switch provided with a memory constituted by a memory key, said switch being connectable to at least one pair of computers by means of respective cables, the computers of said pair of computers being connected to each other for synchronization.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a memory integrated circuit is provided including an address decoder to selectively access memory cells within a memory array; a mode register with bit storage circuits to store an enable bit and at least one sub-channel select bit; and control logic. The control logic is coupled to a plurality of address signal lines, the address decoder, and the mode register. In response to the enable bit and the at least one sub-channel select bit, the control logic selects one or more of the address signal lines to capture independent address information to support independent sub-channel memory accesses into the memory array. The control logic couples the independent address information into the address decoder.

Abstract: Storing frames of data in frame buffers sized to match the frame size when the frame size is not a power-of-two number of bytes is disclosed. The buffer size is chosen to be the largest power-of-two that is less than the frame size. When a frame of data is to be stored, the buffer number of a free buffer is effectively multiplied by the buffer size to obtain a partial frame buffer address Q. The buffer size subtracted from the frame size is referred to as a residual buffer size, and the buffer number is effectively multiplied by the residual buffer size to obtain a residual frame buffer address R. The full frame buffer starting address S=Q+R. For implementations where the difference between the frame size and the buffer size is a power-of-two value, binary shifts and addition can be used instead of a multiplier.

Abstract: Each of RAM blocks provided in a display memory and disposed along a first direction in which bitlines extend includes a sense amplifier circuit which outputs M-bit data upon one wordline selection (M is an integer larger than 1). At least M memory cells are arranged in each of the RAM blocks along a second direction in which wordlines extend. M sense amplifier cells to which M-bit data read from the M memory cells is input are provided in the sense amplifier circuit. L sense amplifier cells of the M sense amplifier cells are disposed at a position corresponding to L memory cells adjacent in the second direction (L is an integer which satisfies 2?L<M/2). When the height of the memory cell in the second direction is denoted by MCY and the height of the sense amplifier cell in the second direction is denoted by SACY, “(L?1)×MCY<SACY?L×MCY” is satisfied.

Abstract: In an integrated circuit device, a data line driver block which drives data lines of a display panel based on data supplied from a RAM block from which data is read N times (N is an integer larger than one) in one horizontal scan period 1H of the display panel includes first to N-th divided data line driver blocks disposed along a first direction in which bitlines extend. When data supplied from the RAM block is M bits (M is an integer larger than 1) and grayscale of a pixel corresponding to the data line is G bits, each of the first to N-th divided data line driver blocks includes (M/G) (multiple of three) data line driver cells which drive (M/G) data lines. (M/3G) R data line driver cells are provided in a first subdivided driver, (M/3G) G data line driver cells are provided in a second subdivided driver, and (M/3G) B data line driver cells are provided in a third subdivided driver.

Abstract: A tiled-map display control with a predictive caching technique that minimizes user wait time and provides at least the illusion of continuous panning, even while map tile images are being loaded. Important components of the tiled map display are its definition and cached use of map tiles, as well as the way that the map tiles are put together on a small screen. Easy, seamless, wait-free and convenient viewing of a map for a user of a wireless device provides information, e.g., mapped traffic conditions. The disclosed embodiments are techniques that have been reduced to practice in both a BREW platform, and then in a J2ME platform, and deployed for operation in major carrier wireless networks. The invention has particular applicability for use in wireless devices with typically smaller display screens requiring the need for panning, and limited bandwidth capabilities of the supporting wireless network.

Abstract: The invention proposes a process for rendering an object view using a PLM database. The database comprises modeled objects and relations between said modeled objects. Said modeled objects are associated to a set of values of attributes, whose values are stored in the database or computable based on relations involving said modeled objects. The process comprises displaying to the user a view of a set of modeled objects; receiving a selection by a user of an attribute; querying the database for a modeled object to be rendered; providing a value of the selected attribute, associated to said modeled object; and rendering said modeled object in the view according to the provided value of the attribute. It is also possible for the user to select a value of an attribute and the rendering will be carried out only on the object, whose value(s) matches with the selected value.

Abstract: A novel framework for fast and continuous registration between two imaging modalities is disclosed. The approach makes it possible to completely determine the rigid transformation between multiple sources at real-time or near real-time frame-rates in order to localize the cameras and register the two sources. A disclosed example includes computing or capturing a set of reference images within a known environment, complete with corresponding depth maps and image gradients. The collection of these images and depth maps constitutes the reference source. The second source is a real-time or near-real time source which may include a live video feed. Given one frame from this video feed, and starting from an initial guess of viewpoint, the real-time video frame is warped to the nearest viewing site of the reference source. An image difference is computed between the warped video frame and the reference image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program apparatus, implementing techniques for processing digital artwork. In one aspect, the techniques process aggregations of artwork where both the aggregation and at least some of the aggregated artwork have attached styles. The techniques handle various combinations of conditions resulting in applying style elements to the aggregation before or after applying style elements to underlying artwork. In another aspect, the techniques implement editable path objects having multiple attached fills and/or strokes. The techniques provide user interfaces for using the foregoing features.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing texture tiling. The disclosed systems and methods may include copying a source image into a texture of a size the same or larger than the source image. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods may include displacing texture coordinates corresponding to the texture into a desired range. A displacement map may be used in displacing the texture coordinates. Moreover, the disclosed systems and methods may include rendering, within the desired range, an output image corresponding to the texture coordinates associated with the texture.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional texture synthesis apparatus includes a generator to generate a reference multi-dimensional texture including a codebook and a reference index image, the codebook including a set of color information of the same-position pixels of the reference texture images, and the reference index image including a set of indexes for addressing the codebook, a quantizater to quantize the reference multi-dimensional texture at one or more quantization levels to generate a quantized codebook and a quantized reference index image, a synthesizer to synthesize a new index image having a specified size from the quantized reference index image using a hierarchical structure of the reference multi-dimensional texture corresponding to the one or more quantization levels, and a generator to generate the new multi-dimensional texture by combining the new index image with the quantized codebook.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting saturation in digital images that operates as closely as possible to the long-, medium-, short-(LMS) cone spectral response space. According to the method, a sensor component image such as an RGB image from a digital imager is input and converted to the LMS space. White point adaptation and equalization are performed on the LMS data. The saturation adjustment is then performed by applying a stretching transformation to the L and S LMS components with respect to the M component of each pixel.

Abstract: A display button set has corresponding indications on a screen of a display so that the instruction is operated by intuition. The display button set comprises an instruction table displayed on a screen of a display; a set of display adjustment buttons corresponding to the instruction table; each display adjustment button having a corresponding to instructions in the instruction table. When a display adjustment button is clicked, the instruction corresponding to the display adjustment button will be inputted into a processor; and the processor converts the instruction into a signal and then the signal is performed by the display body and are stored in a memory.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for projecting an image onto a surface suitable for interaction with a user while avoiding user occlusion, and while correcting for distortion due to oblique projection. The displayed image moves to a suitable surface at a suitable size and orientation as a user moves around an environment, resulting in a user-following interface. Surfaces are selected in which the projected interface is not occluded by the user or other objects in the environment. Displayed images may be interactive, and moved into an interaction area on a suitable surface that is convenient for the user. The interaction area may or may not coincide with the display area. Adaptation of the projected interface is allowed so that the content of the display and the style of interaction widgets are modified based on distance from the user and orientation of the user with respect to a projected interface.

Abstract: System and method for gray scale mapping for displaying non-linear images on linear displays. A preferred embodiment comprises applying a linearizing function to a non-linear image to produce a linear image, selecting a picture element in the linear image, determining a first gray shade and a second gray shade based upon the picture element, computing a dither percentage, and selecting either the first gray shade or the second gray shade based upon the dither percentage and a threshold value. The dithering can reduce the presence of contouring, which reduces image quality, while non-linear spacing between gray shades permits the optimization of pulse width modulation sequences to reduce transition artifacts.

Abstract: An image processor is provided which utilizes images taken by an imaging device, e.g., a digital camera, as an input interface to enter commands, etc. A memory is operable to store in real time a series of images of a location captured by the imaging device over time. A detector detects a target captured in the series of images and a quantitative value of a movement component of the target by detecting differences between features of the captured series of images between points in time. An image generator is operable to generate an object image, the object image following a movement of the detected target and including an image representing a trace of the movement. An image generator generates a combined image from the object image and an image from the captured series of images. An output is operable to output in real time a signal representing the combined image at the location captured in the series of images.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storing unit for storing, in a storage medium, image data of an image to be displayed on a display unit; a rendering unit for rendering characters in a character rendering region specified on the image; and a controlling unit for performing display control processing. When characters are superimposed on an image and the resulting image is displayed, image data of a region of the image, the region being corresponding to the character rendering region, is stored in the storage medium, the characters are rendered to the image data of the image, the resulting image is displayed on the display unit, and then the image data saved in the storage medium is rendered back to the image data of the displayed image. This arrangement can restrain increases in the amount of memory used and processing load and can prevent the flickering of displayed characters.

Abstract: Information handling system flat panel displays, such as liquid crystal and plasma displays, are supported on an adjustable stand having a rotation limiter that restricts adjustments of display positions to prevent damage to the display. A display bracket allows rotation of a display between landscape and portrait orientations and a support member allows adjustment of the vertical height of the display bracket relative to a base. The rotation limiter is disposed between the display bracket and support member to restrict rotation of the display bracket from the landscape to the portrait orientation when the support member adjusts the display bracket below a predetermined height at which the display extends beyond the support member. The rotation limiter allows rotation of the display bracket above the predetermined height but restricts height adjustment below the predetermined height unless the display bracket is in the landscape orientation.

Abstract: Method of display of at least one digital image, called initial image, on a monitoring screen having a resolution less than the resolution of the initial image, the method comprising the following steps: a) the automatic identification in the image of at least one zone-of-interest (32a, 32b and 32c), b) for each zone-of-interest identified, the automatic selection of an image portion (34a, 34b and 34c) containing the zone-of-interest, c) the formation of a sequence of images to be displayed comprising selected image portions, d) the command of a full screen display of the images of the sequence. Application to mobile phones or any other portable equipment provided with a camera sensor.

Abstract: Described is a context map that assists users in determining a current location within a source region of a display monitor that is being magnified. The context map comprises a visible image representing a location of the unmagnified region that is being magnified. The visible image may be an indicator such as a pointer, or a reduced-size representation of the desktop with an indicator therein. The visible image may be made to selectively appear, such as by user command. The magnified content may be displayed on one monitor, and the context map on another. The context map alternatively may be on the same monitor, possibly superimposed over some part of the magnified content. The magnification window may move with a pointing device, and the context map may be docked, or displayed over at least part of the floating window such that the context map also moves with it.

Abstract: Described is an engine and API that couples an application program to an effects program such as a magnification program. For example, source content may be magnified for viewing in an output region. Magnification may be accomplished by identifying a magnification window to the magnification engine, a source region to magnify, a magnification transform, and possibly filtering criteria, such as any windows to include or exclude from magnification. A request to display a region of displayed graphics as modified by a transform may be received, and when graphics commands corresponding to that region are received, the graphics commands are processed to show a transformed representation of the region. The engine and API may work with immediate mode graphics primitives (e.g., GDI commands) and retained mode graphics primitives (e.g., primitives corresponding to a rendering tree; a composition engine composes the output, including any magnified output.

Abstract: A method for building architectural scaled physical models uses additive manufacturing equipment to make a building model based on electronic data in a building model file, and uses subtractive manufacturing equipment to make a site model based on electronic data in a site model file. The building model file is modified to conform to requirements of additive manufacturing. The site model file is modified to conform to requirements of subtractive manufacturing. The modified building and site model files are compared to check that they are of the same scale. The modified building model file is submitted to additive manufacturing equipment to build the building model, and the modified site model file is submitted to subtractive manufacturing equipment to build the site model. After being built the building model and the site-model are integrated to form an architectural model.

Abstract: A circuit and methods eliminating production related luminance variations of electronic display applies to all display technologies that require gamma adjustment or also adjustment of other display parameters e.g. brightness or contrast as e.g. LCD or OLED display modules are disclosed. This is performed by individual trimming of the display driver's gamma curve One alternative is that an end-user has access to a non-volatile memory and replaces the factory default settings of the gamma curve with individual settings. Another alternative is to load gamma curve parameters from the non-volatile memory to gamma control registers and perform tweaking of the gamma curve from these control registers on top of the factory default settings in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: Image deterioration is suppressed as much as possible which is complexly generated by variations of printing positions respectively of printing elements in a printing element row and by displacement of printing positions among printing element rows. To this end, a first adjustment value for adjusting printing positions among a plurality of printing elements included in a printing element row is obtained. Next, printing positions among a plurality of printing elements are adjusted based on the first adjustment value. Then a second adjustment value for adjusting printing positions among not less than two of the printing element rows is obtained. Thereby variations of printing positions in a discharge port row and displacement of printing positions among discharge port rows are properly adjusted in different phases, and adverse effects generated by two kinds of different causes are collectively suppressed.

Abstract: An ink level detecting apparatus usable with an inkjet printer, which uses an optical fiber to detect the ink level. The ink level detecting apparatus includes: an ink tank having an ink outlet; an optical fiber disposed near the ink tank; a light source which is disposed at a front end of the optical fiber and emits light; a light receiving sensor which is disposed at a rear end of the optical fiber and senses light propagating through the optical fiber; and a pressuring unit which presses the optical fiber so as to bend the optical fiber according to the weight of the ink tank.

Abstract: An ink level detection apparatus of an image forming apparatus. The ink level detection apparatus includes an ink tank having a light receiving sensor and a light source disposed such that an intensity of light emitted toward the light receiving sensor changes as a height of a contracting type ink pack changes.

Abstract: An inkjet image forming apparatus and a high resolution printing method for the same. In the high resolution printing method, a printhead is moved with a predetermined motion amplitude in a stepwise manner to compensate for a malfunctioning nozzle or to perform a high resolution printing. Thus, a higher resolution image than an actual resolution of the printhead can be obtained and printing quality can be enhanced by compensating for a malfunctioning nozzle.

Abstract: A recording method for use in a recording system for completing an image by multiple scans of a recording head includes the steps of reading an image recorded by a predetermined number of scans among the multiple scans of the recording head except at least the last scan, and correcting, based on a result of reading the image in the reading step, data for an image to be recorded by one or more scans subsequent to the predetermined number of scans. An image is correctively recorded by performing one or more scans subsequent to the predetermined number of scans in accordance with the corrected data.

Abstract: The image processing method comprises the steps of: obtaining a distance between an ejection surface of a liquid ejection head in which a plurality of liquid droplet ejection ports are formed, and a recording surface onto which liquid droplets ejected from the liquid droplet ejection ports are deposited; identifying an amount of depositing position displacement of the liquid droplet ejected from each of the liquid droplet ejection ports on the recording surface, according to the distance; and generating droplet ejection arrangement data by correcting image data according to the identified amount of depositing position displacement and performing a halftoning process of the corrected image data.

Abstract: The present invention can correct, when a printing position is displaced by an inclination of a printing head for example, the displacement in an easy and effective manner and also allows a user to easily recognize the displacement of the printing position to correct the displacement. To realize this, dots for forming a test pattern are formed by different scannings by a nozzle group including a plurality of nozzles positioned at one end side of a nozzle row and a nozzle group including a plurality of nozzles positioned at the other end side of the nozzle row. Depending on displacements of the printing positions of these dots, the plurality of nozzles constituting the nozzle row are divided to a plurality of divided nozzle groups. Then, the printing position is adjusted on the basis of the divided nozzle groups.

Abstract: In a cartridge for a chemical reaction, the chemical reaction is caused by feeding liquid in an inner part of the cartridge by deformation when an external force is applied. An RF tag is arranged in a prescribed area of the cartridge. Since the RF tag is arranged in the cartridge, management is possible for each cartridge using information written in the RF tag. The RF tag may be attached to a component member of the cartridge. The RF tag may be located in the liquid in the inner part of the cartridge. The RF tag may measure a physical quantity. The RF tag may store at least one of information related to a sample fed or to be fed in the cartridge, information related to a reagent fed or to be fed in the cartridge, or information related to the cartridge.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir for use in a printing device includes a housing that, at least partially, forms at least one chamber therein. The chamber is configured to hold a fluid. A bubble port leads through housing into a first region of chamber and fluidically couples chamber to atmospheric gas external to housing. A bubble director arranged within chamber is configured to direct at least one bubble of gas from first region to a second region of chamber. The bubble is formed within fluid within first region upon gas entering chamber through bubble port.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording head, a maintenance recovery unit for maintaining and recovering a state of the recording head, a waste liquid tank removably loaded to the maintenance recovery unit to store a waste liquid from the maintenance recovery unit, a shutter mechanism arranged between the maintenance recovery unit and the waste liquid tank and including a shutter member which moves between a closed position at which the maintenance recovery unit is isolated from the waste liquid tank and an open position at which the maintenance recovery unit is linked to the waste liquid tank and a close mechanism which causes the shutter member to stay at the closed position, and a holding member removably inserted to the ink jet recording apparatus in a first direction and causes the shutter member to move to the open position in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A fluid deposition device including a platen and a cartridge mount assembly is described. The platen is configured to support a substrate upon which a fluid will be deposited. The cartridge mount assembly includes a receptacle configured to receive a print cartridge and multiple electrical contacts configured to mate with corresponding electrical contacts on the print cartridge. In one implementation, the cartridge mount assembly further includes a vacuum connector configured to mate with a vacuum inlet included on the print cartridge. When the print cartridge is received in the receptacle, the print cartridge can form connections with the electrical contacts and with the vacuum connector of the receptacle at substantially the same timee.

Abstract: A three dimensional object creation system prints objects layer by layer. A conveyor conveys a substrate relative to an arrangement of printheads having multiple groups of printheads. Each group of printheads prints a respective layer of multiple materials over the previous layer such that the system prints the entire three dimensional object in a single pass.

Abstract: A modular printhead includes an elongate chassis. A plurality of engagement plates are arranged in series along the chassis and are each movable transversely with respect to the chassis. Each engagement plate defines a set of apertures. A plurality of printhead modules is mounted on respective engagement plates. Each printhead module includes a molding assembly which defines a set of ink supply conduits which extend through the apertures. Each printhead module further includes a printhead integrated circuit which is in fluid communication with the set of ink supply conduits and which is configured to print ink supplied via the conduits. A movement arrangement is configured to move each engagement plate and printhead module transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the chassis.

Abstract: A print engine assembly includes an elongate chassis that defines a channel and a slot. A printhead assembly is fast with respect to the chassis and is configured to print upon print media fed through the chassis. A pair of bearing moldings is located within the channel and mounted on respective, opposite ends of the chassis. A print media feed mechanism is mounted between the bearing moldings and is arranged to feed the print media through the chassis in register with the printhead assembly and out through the slot.

Abstract: An ink jet printhead which has a plurality of nozzles 3 and a chamber 7 corresponding to each nozzle respectively. A heater element 10 disposed in each bubble forming chamber 7 to heat printing fluid 11 to a temperature above its boiling point to form a vapour bubble 12 that causes the ejection of a drop 16 of the printing fluid through an ejection aperture 5 in each nozzle 3. The heater element is a suspended beam mounted at its respective ends to laterally opposing portions of the chamber. A suspended beam heater element mounted to opposing sides of the chamber forms a symmetrical bubble.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a wafer substrate defining an ink passage and incorporating drive circuitry. A passivation layer is operatively positioned on the substrate and defines a first aperture of lesser cross sectional area than the ink passage and which is in fluid communication with the ink passage. A nozzle chamber wall extends from the passivation layer. A nozzle chamber roof is positioned on the nozzle chamber wall so as to define a nozzle chamber that is in fluid communication with the first aperture. The roof defines an ejection port that is in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber and the wall defines a second aperture. An actuator is anchored to the passivation layer, extends through the second aperture and terminates in a paddle. The actuator is connected to the drive circuitry and is configured so that, upon receipt of a drive signal from the drive circuitry, the actuator displaces the paddle to eject ink through the ejection port.

Abstract: A printhead includes a substrate that defines a plurality of ink inlet channels. Drive circuitry is positioned on the substrate. A pair of sets of nozzle arrangements is positioned on the substrate. Each nozzle arrangement has a nozzle mounted on the substrate and defines an ink chamber in fluid communication with a respective ink supply channel. The nozzle defines an ink ejection port through which ink in the ink chamber can be ejected. A micro-electromechanical shutter is located within the ink chamber and is connected to the drive circuitry. The shutter is displaceable between a closed position to shut off the supply of ink to the ink chamber from the ink supply channel and an open position to permit ink to flow into the ink chamber on receipt of an electrical drive signal from the drive circuitry. The shutters of the nozzle arrangements in each set are configured to shut off the supply of ink to their respective ink chambers concurrently.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement includes a wafer defining a nozzle chamber which can be supplied with ink via an ink supply channel. A cover is provided which covers the nozzle chamber. The cover defines a plurality of radially extending bridging portions which terminate in a common rim through which ink in the chamber can be ejected. The cover further defines a plurality of thermal bend actuators which each extend between a respective pair of adjacent bridging portions and each terminate in a free end proximal to the rim. Each thermal bend actuator is configured to bend upon actuation so that its free end enters the nozzle chamber and ejects ink through the rim.