Digital camera using exposure information for image processing

[0001] The present application is a Continuation-in Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/112,743 tiled on Jul. 10, 1998, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,951.

[0002] The present invention relates to digital cameras and in particular, the onboard processing and printing of images captured by the camera.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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. Further, much of the environmental information available when the picture was taken is lost.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide for the utilisation of exposure information in an image specific manner.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention provides a digital camera for sensing and storing an image, the camera comprising:

[0007] 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,

[0008] an image processor for processing image data from the CCD and storing the processed data; wherein,

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 top the ACP. This information is utilised by the Artcam central processor to manipulate the stored image to enhance certain effects.

[0021] Turning now to FIG. 1, Artcam 20 is illustrated in which auto exposure setting information 1 is utilised in conjunction with stored image 2 to process the image by utilising ACP 3. The processed image is returned to the memory store 2 for later printing out on printer 4 or printed directly.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The present invention is best utilized in the Artcam device, the details of which are set out in the following paragraphs.

Ink Jet Technologies

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 ink-jet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, from electricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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:

[0038] low power (less than 10 Watts)

[0039] high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)

[0040] photographic quality output

[0041] low manufacturing cost

[0042] small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)

[0043] high speed (<2 seconds per page).

[0044] All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. 45 different ink-jet 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.

[0045] 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

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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:

[0049]

Reference	Title
6227652	Radiant Plunger Ink Jet Printer
6213588	Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer
6213589	Planar Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet
6231163	Stacked Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer
6247795	Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer
6394581	Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer
6244691	Permanent Magnet Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer
6257704	Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer
6416168	Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printer
6220694	Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printer
6257705	Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer
6264306	Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer
6234610	Gear Driven Shutter Ink Jet Printer
6247793	Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer
6264306	Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink Jet Printer
6241342	Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer
6247792	PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating Pressure
	Ink Jet Printer
6264307	Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer
6254220	Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer
6234611	Curling Calyx Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer
6302528	Thermal Actuated Ink Jet Printer
6283582	Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer
6239821	Direct Firing Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer
6338547	Conductive PTFE Ben Activator Vented Ink Jet Printer
6247796	Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printer
6557977	Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer
6390603	Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printer
6362843	Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet Printer
6293653	Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer
6312107	Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and Corrugated
	Copper Ink Jet Printer
6227653	Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink Jet Printer
6234609	A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer
6238040	Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink jet printer
6188415	Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuator comprising an
	external coiled spring
6227654	Trough Container Ink Jet Printer
6209989	Dual Chamber Single Vertical Actuator Ink Jet
6247791	Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum Actuator Ink Jet
6336710	Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink Jet
6217153	A single bend actuator cupped paddle ink jet printing device
6416167	A thermally actuated ink jet printer having a series of thermal
	actuator units
6243113	A thermally actuated ink jet printer including a tapered
	heater element
6283581	Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet
6247790	Inverted Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet
6260953	Surface bend actuator vented ink supply ink jet printer
6267469	Coil Acutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet Printer

Tables of Drop-on-Demand Ink-Jets

[0050] 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.

[0051] The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table of inkjet types.

• • [0052] Actuator mechanism (18 types)
  • [0053] Basic operation mode (7 types)
  • [0054] Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)
  • [0055] Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)
  • [0056] Actuator motion (19 types)
  • [0057] Nozzle refill method (4 types)
  • [0058] Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)
  • [0059] Nozzle clearing method (9 types)
  • [0060] Nozzle plate construction (9 types)
  • [0061] Drop ejection direction (5 types)
  • [0062] Ink type (7 types)

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 ink-jet technology.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrix are set out in the following tables.

[0068]

ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TO SELECTED INK DROPS)
Actuator
Mechanism	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
Thermal	An electrothermal heater	Large force generated	High power	Canon Bubblejet
bubble	heats the ink to above	Simple construction	Ink carrier limited to water	1979 Endo et al
	boiling point, transferring	No moving parts	Low efficiency	GB patent
	significant heat to the	Fast operation	High temperatures required	2,007,162
	aqueous ink. A bubble	Small chip area	High mechanical stress	Xerox heater-in-
	nucleates and quickly	required for	Unusual materials required	pit 1990
	forms, expelling the ink.	actuator	Large drive transistors	Hawkins et al
	The efficiency of the		Cavitation causes actuator	U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181
	process is low, with		failure	Hewlett-Packard
	typically less than 0.05%		Kogation reduces bubble	TIJ 1982 Vaught
	of the electrical energy		formation	et al U.S. Pat. No.
	being transformed into		Large print heads are	4,490,728
	kinetic energy of the drop.		difficult to fabricate
Piezoelectric	A piezoelectric crystal	Low power consumption	Very large area required for	Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No.
	such as lead lanthanum	Many ink types can be	actuator	3,946,398
	zirconate (PZT) is	used	Difficult to integrate with	Zoltan U.S. Pat. No.
	electrically activated, and	Fast operation	electronics	3,683,212
	either expands, shears, or	High efficiency	High voltage drive	1973 Stemme U.S. Pat.
	bends to apply pressure to		transistors required	No. 3,747,120
	the ink, ejecting drops.		Full pagewidth print heads	Epson Stylus
			impractical due to actuator	Tektronix
			size	IJ04
			Requires electrical poling in
			high field strengths during
			manufacture
Electro-strictive	An electric field is used	Low power consumption	Low maximum strain (approx.	Seiko Epson,
	to activate	Many ink types can be	0.01%)	Usui et all JP
	electrostriction in relaxor	used	Large area required for	253401/96
	materials such as lead	Low thermal expansion	actuator due to low strain	IJ04
	lanthanum zirconate	Electric field	Response speed is marginal (~10 μs)
	titanate (PLZT) or lead	strength required	High voltage drive
	magnesium niobate (PMN).	(approx. 3.5 V/μm)	transistors required
		can be generated	Full pagewidth print heads
		without difficulty	impractical due to actuator
		Does not require	size
		electrical poling
Ferroelectric	An electric field is used	Low power consumption	Difficult to integrate with	IJ04
	to induce a phase	Many ink types can be	electronics
	transition between the	used	Unusual materials such as
	antiferroelectric (AFE) and	Fast operation (<1 μs)	PLZSnT are required
	ferroelectric (FE) phase.	Relatively high	Actuators require a large
	Perovskite materials such	longitudinal strain	area
	as tin modified lead	High efficiency
	lanthanum zirconate	Electric field
	titanate (PLZSnT) exhibit	strength of around 3 V/μm
	large strains of up to 1%	can be readily
	associated with the AFE to	provided
	FE phase transition.
Electrostatic	Conductive plates are	Low power consumption	Difficult to operate	IJ02, IJ04
plates	separated by a compressible	Many ink types can be	electrostatic devices in an
	or fluid dielectric	used	aqueous environment
	(usually air). Upon	Fast operation	The electrostatic actuator
	application of a voltage,		will normally need to be
	the plates attract each		separated from the ink
	other and displace ink,		Very large area required to
	causing drop ejection. The		achieve high forces
	conductive plates may be in		High voltage drive
	a comb or honeycomb		transistors may be required
	structure, or stacked to		Full pagewidth print heads
	increase the surface area		are not competitive due to
	and therefore the force.		actuator size
Electrostatic	A strong electric field is	Low current	High voltage required	1989 Saito et
pull on ink	applied to the ink,	consumption	May be damaged by sparks due	al, U.S. Pat. No.
	whereupon electrostatic	Low temperature	to air breakdown	4,799,068
	attraction accelerates the		Required field strength	1989 Miura et
	ink towards the print		increases as the drop size	al, U.S. Pat. No.
	medium.		decreases	4,810,954
			High voltage drive	Tone-jet
			transistors required
			Electrostatic field attracts
			dust
Permanent	An electromagnet directly	Low power consumption	Complex fabrication	IJ07, IJ10
magnet	attracts a permanent	Many ink types can be	Permanent magnetic material
electromagnetic	magnet, displacing ink and	used	such as Neodymium Iron Boron
	causing drop ejection. Rare	Fast operation	(NdFeB) required.
	earth magnets with a field	High efficiency	High local currents required
	strength around 1 Tesla can	Easy extension from	Copper metalization should be
	be used. Examples are:	single nozzles to	used for long
	Samarium Cobalt (SaCo) and	pagewidth print	electromigration lifetime
	magnetic materials in the	heads	and low resistivity
	neodymium iron boron family		Pigmented inks are usually
	(NdFeB, NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB,		infeasible
	etc)		Operating temperature limited
			to the Curie temperature
			(around 540 K)
Soft magnetic	A solenoid induced a	Low power consumption	Complex fabrication	IJ01, 1J05,
core electromagnetic	magnetic field in a soft	Many ink types can be	Materials not usually present	IJ08, IJ10
	magnetic core or yoke	used	in a CMOS fab such as NiFe,	IJ12, IJ14,
	fabricated from a ferrous	Fast operation	CoNiFe, or CoFe are required	IJ15, IJ17
	material such as	High efficiency	High local currents required
	electroplated iron alloys	Easy extension from	Copper metalization should be
	such as CoNiFe [1], CoFe,	single nozzles to	used for long
	or NiFe alloys. Typically,	pagewidth print	electromigration lifetime
	the soft magnetic material	heads	and low resistivity
	is in two parts, which are		Electroplating is required
	normally held apart by a		High saturation flux density
	spring. When the solenoid		is required (2.0-2.1 T is
	is actuated, the two parts		achievable with CoNiFe [1])
	attract, displacing the
	ink.
Magnetic	The Lorenz force acting on	Low power consumption	Force acts as a twisting	IJ06, IJ11,
Lorenz force	a current carrying wire in	Many ink types can be	motion	IJ13, IJ16
	a magnetic field is	used	Typically, only a quarter of
	utilized.	Fast operation	the solenoid length provides
	This allows the magnetic	High efficiency	force in a useful direction
	field to be supplied	Easy extension from	High local currents required
	externally to the print	single nozzles to	Copper metalization should be
	head, for example with rare	pagewidth print	used for long
	earth permanent magnets.	heads	electromigration lifetime
	Only the current carrying		and low resistivity
	wire need be fabricated on		Pigmented inks are usually
	the print-head, simplifying		infeasible
	materials requirements.
Magnetostriction	The actuator uses the giant	Many ink types can be	Force acts as a twisting	Fischenbeck, U.S. Pat.
	magnetostrictive effect of	used	motion	No. 4,032,929
	materials such as Terfenol-	Fast operation	Unusual materials such as	IJ25
	D (an alloy of terbium,	Easy extension from	Terfenol-D are required
	dysprosium and iron	single nozzles to	High local currents required
	developed at the Naval	pagewidth print	Copper metalization should be
	Ordnance Laboratory, hence	heads	used for long
	Ter-Fe-NOL). For best	High force is	electromigration lifetime
	efficiency, the actuator	available	and low resistivity
	should be pre-stressed to		Pre-stressing may be required
	approx. 8 MPa.
Surface	Ink under positive pressure	Low power consumption	Requires supplementary force	Silverbrook, EP
tension	is held in a nozzle by	Simple construction	to effect drop separation	0771 658 A2 and
reduction	surface tension. The	No unusual materials	Requires special ink	related patent
	surface tension of the ink	required in	surfactants	applications
	is reduced below the bubble	fabrication	Speed may be limited by
	threshold, causing the ink	High efficiency	surfactant properties
	to egress from the nozzle.	Easy extension from
		single nozzles to
		pagewidth print
		heads
Viscosity	The ink viscosity is	Simple construction	Requires supplementary force	Silverbrook, EP
reduction	locally reduced to select	No unusual materials	to effect drop separation	0771 658 A2 and
	which drops are to be	required in	Requires special ink	related patent
	ejected. A viscosity	fabrication	viscosity properties	applications
	reduction can be achieved	Easy extension from	High speed is difficult to
	electrothermally with most	single nozzles to	achieve
	inks, but special inks can	pagewidth print	Requires oscillating ink
	be engineered for a 100:1	heads	pressure
	viscosity reduction.		A high temperature difference
			(typically 80 degrees) is
			required
Acoustic	An acoustic wave is	Can operate without a	Complex drive circuitry	1993 Hadimioglu
	generated and focussed upon	nozzle plate	Complex fabrication	et al, EUP
	the drop ejection region.		Low efficiency	550,192
			Poor control of drop position	1993 Elrod et
			Poor control of drop volume	al, EUP 572,220
Thermoelastic	An actuator which relies	Low power consumption	Efficient aqueous operation	IJ03, IJ09,
bend actuator	upon differential thermal	Many ink types can be	requires a thermal insulator	IJ17, IJ18
	expansion upon Joule	used	on the hot side	IJ19, IJ20,
	heating is used.	Simple planar	Corrosion prevention can be	IJ21, IJ22
		fabrication	difficult	IJ23, IJ24,
		Small chip area	Pigmented inks may be	IJ27, IJ28
		required for each	infeasible, as pigment	IJ29, IJ30,
		actuator	particles may jam the bend	IJ31, IJ32
		Fast operation	actuator	IJ33, IJ34,
		High efficiency		IJ35, IJ36
		CMOS compatible		IJ37, IJ38,
		voltages and		IJ39, IJ40
		currents		IJ41
		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	Requires special material	IJ09, IJ17,
thermoelastic	coefficient of thermal	generated	(e.g. PTFE)	IJ18, IJ20
actuator	expansion (CTE) such as	PTFE is a candidate	Requires a PTFE deposition	IJ21, IJ22,
	polytetrafluoroethylene	for low dielectric	process, which is not yet	IJ23, IJ24
	(PTFE) is used. As high CTE	constant insulation	standard in ULSI fabs	IJ27, IJ28,
	materials are usually non-	in ULSI	PTFE deposition cannot be	IJ29, IJ30
	conductive, a heater	Very low power	followed with high	IJ31, IJ42,
	fabricated from a	consumption	temperature (above 350° C.)	IJ43, IJ44
	conductive material is	Many ink types can be	processing
	incorporated. A 50 μm long	used	Pigmented inks may be
	PTFE bend actuator with	Simple planar	infeasible, as pigment
	polysilicon heater and 15 mW	fabrication	particles may jam the bend
	power input can provide	Small chip area	actuator
	180 μN force and 10 μm	required for each
	deflection. Actuator	actuator
	motions include:	Fast operation
	1) Bend	High efficiency
	2) Push	CMOS compatible
	3) Buckle	voltages and
	4) Rotate	currents
		Easy extension from
		single nozzles to
		pagewidth print
		heads
Conductive	A polymer with a high	High force can be	Requires special materials	IJ24
polymer	coefficient of thermal	generated	development (High CTE
thermoelastic	expansion (such as PTFE) is	Very low power	conductive polymer)
actuator	doped with conducting	consumption	Requires a PTFE deposition
	substances to increase its	Many ink types can be	process, which is not yet
	conductivity to about 3	used	standard in ULSI fabs
	orders of magnitude below	Simple planar	PTFE deposition cannot be
	that of copper. The	fabrication	followed with high
	conducting polymer expands	Small chip area	temperature (above 350° C.)
	when resistively heated.	required for each	processing
	Examples of conducting	actuator	Evaporation and CVD
	dopants include:	Fast operation	deposition techniques cannot
	1) Carbon nanotubes	High efficiency	be used
	2) Metal fibers	CMOS compatible	Pigmented inks may be
	3) Conductive polymers such as	voltages and	infeasible, as pigment
	doped polythiophene	currents	particles may jam the bend
	4) Carbon granules	Easy extension from	actuator
		single nozzles to
		pagewidth print
		heads
Shape memory	A shape memory alloy such	High force is	Fatigue limits maximum number	IJ26
alloy	as TiNi (also known as	available (stresses	of cycles
	Nitinol - Nickel Titanium	of hundreds of MPa)	Low strain (1%) is required
	alloy developed at the	Large strain is	to extend fatigue resistance
	Naval Ordnance Laboratory)	available (more than	Cycle rate limited by heat
	is thermally switched	3%)	removal
	between its weak	High corrosion	Requires unusual materials
	martensitic state and its	resistance	(TiNi)
	high stiffness austenic	Simple construction	The latent heat of
	state. The shape of the	Easy extension from	transformation must be
	actuator in its martensitic	single nozzles to	provided
	state is deformed relative	pagewidth print	High current operation
	to the austenic shape. The	heads	Requires pre-stressing to
	shape change causes	Low voltage operation	distort the martensitic
	ejection of a drop.		state
Linear	Linear magnetic actuators	Linear Magnetic	Requires unusual	IJ12
Magnetic	include the Linear	actuators can be	semiconductor materials such
Actuator	Induction Actuator (LIA),	constructed with	as soft magnetic alloys
	Linear Permanent Magnet	high thrust, long	(e.g. CoNiFe [1])
	Synchronous Actuator	travel, and high	Some varieties also require
	(LPMSA), Linear Reluctance	efficiency using	permanent magnetic materials
	Synchronous Actuator	planar semiconductor	such as Neodymium iron boron
	(LRSA), Linear Switched	fabrication	(NdFeB)
	Reluctance Actuator (LSRA),	techniques	Requires complex multi-phase
	and the Linear Stepper	Long actuator travel	drive circuitry
	Actuator (LSA).	is available	High current operation
		Medium force is
		available
		Low voltage operation

[0069]

BASIC OPERATION MODE
Operational
mode	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
Actuator	This is the simplest mode	Simple operation	Drop repetition rate is	Thermal inkjet
directly	of operation: the actuator	No external fields	usually limited to less than	Piezoelectric
pushes ink	directly supplies	required	10 KHz. However, this is not	inkjet
	sufficient kinetic energy	Satellite drops can	fundamental to the method,	IJ01, IJ02,
	to expel the drop. The drop	be avoided if drop	but is related to the refill	IJ03, IJ04
	must have a sufficient	velocity is less	method normally used	IJ05, IJ06,
	velocity to overcome the	than 4 m/s	All of the drop kinetic	IJ07, IJ09
	surface tension.	Can be efficient,	energy must be provided by	IJ11, IJ12,
		depending upon the	the actuator	IJ14, IJ16
		actuator used	Satellite drops usually form	IJ20, IJ22,
			if drop velocity is greater	IJ23, IJ24
			than 4.5 m/s	IJ25, IJ26,
				IJ27, IJ28
				IJ29, IJ30,
				IJ31, IJ32
				IJ33, IJ34,
				IJ35, IJ36
				IJ37, IJ38,
				IJ39, IJ40
				IJ41, IJ42,
				IJ43, IJ44
Proximity	The drops to be printed are	Very simple print	Requires close proximity	Silverbrook, EP
	selected by some manner	head fabrication can	between the print head and	0771 658 A2 and
	(e.g. thermally induced	be used	the print media or transfer	related patent
	surface tension reduction	The drop selection	roller	applications
	of pressurized ink).	means does not need	May require two print heads
	Selected drops are	to provide the	printing alternate rows of
	separated from the ink in	energy required to	the image
	the nozzle by contact with	separate the drop	Monolithic color print heads
	the print medium or a	from the nozzle	are difficult
	transfer roller.
Electrostatic	The drops to be printed are	Very simple print	Requires very high	Silverbrook, EP
pull on ink	selected by some manner	head fabrication can	electrostatic field	0771 658 A2 and
	(e.g. thermally induced	be used	Electrostatic field for small	related patent
	surface tension reduction	The drop selection	nozzle sizes is above air	applications
	of pressurized ink).	means does not need	breakdown	Tone-Jet
	Selected drops are	to provide the	Electrostatic field may
	separated from the ink in	energy required to	attract dust
	the nozzle by a strong	separate the drop
	electric field.	from the nozzle
Magnetic pull	The drops to be printed are	Very simple print	Requires magnetic ink	Silverbrook, EP
on ink	selected by some manner	head fabrication can	Ink colors other than black	0771 658 A2 and
	(e.g. thermally induced	be used	are difficult	related patent
	surface tension reduction	The drop selection	Requires very high magnetic	applications
	of pressurized ink).	means does not need	fields
	Selected drops are	to provide the
	separated from the ink in	energy required to
	the nozzle by a strong	separate the drop
	magnetic field acting on	from the nozzle
	the magnetic ink.
Shutter	The actuator moves a	High speed (>50 KHz)	Moving parts are required	IJ13, IJ17, IJ21
	shutter to block ink flow	operation can be	Requires ink pressure
	to the nozzle. The ink	achieved due to	modulator
	pressure is pulsed at a	reduced refill time	Friction and wear must be
	multiple of the drop	Drop timing can be	considered
	ejection frequency.	very accurate	Stiction is possible
		The actuator energy
		can be very low
Shuttered	The actuator moves a	Actuators with small	Moving parts are required	IJ08, IJ15,
grill	shutter to block ink flow	travel can be used	Requires ink pressure	IJ18, IJ19
	through a grill to the	Actuators with small	modulator
	nozzle. The shutter	force can be used	Friction and wear must be
	movement need only be equal	High speed (>50 KHz)	considered
	to the width of the grill	operation can be	Stiction is possible
	holes.	achieved
Pulsed	A pulsed magnetic field	Extremely low energy	Requires an external pulsed	IJ10
magnetic pull	attracts an ‘ink pusher’ at	operation is	magnetic field
on ink pusher	the drop ejection	possible	Requires special materials
	frequency. An actuator	No heat dissipation	for both the actuator and
	controls a catch, which	problems	the ink pusher
	prevents the ink pusher		Complex construction
	from moving when a drop is
	not to be ejected.

[0070]

AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES)
Auxiliary
Mechanism	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
None	The actuator directly fires	Simplicity of	Drop ejection energy must be	Most inkjets,
	the ink drop, and there is	construction	supplied by individual	including
	no external field or other	Simplicity of	nozzle actuator	piezoelectric
	mechanism required.	operation		and thermal
		Small physical size		bubble.
				IJ01-IJ07,
				IJ09, IJ11
				IJ12, IJ14,
				IJ20, IJ22
				IJ23-IJ45
Oscillating	The ink pressure	Oscillating ink	Requires external ink	Silverbrook, EP
ink pressure	oscillates, providing much	pressure can provide	pressure oscillator	0771 658 A2 and
(including	of the drop ejection	a refill pulse,	Ink pressure phase and	related patent
acoustic	energy. The actuator	allowing higher	amplitude must be carefully	applications
stimulation)	selects which drops are to	operating speed	controlled	IJ08, IJ13,
	be fired by selectively	The actuators may	Acoustic reflections in the	IJ15, IJ17
	blocking or enabling	operate with much	ink chamber must be designed	IJ18, IJ19, IJ21
	nozzles. The ink pressure	lower energy	for
	oscillation may be achieved	Acoustic lenses can
	by vibrating the print	be used to focus the
	head, or preferably by an	sound on the nozzles
	actuator in the ink supply.
Media	The print head is placed in	Low power	Precision assembly required	Silverbrook, EP
proximity	close proximity to the	High accuracy	Paper fibers may cause	0771 658 A2 and
	print medium. Selected	Simple print head	problems	related patent
	drops protrude from the	construction	Cannot print on rough	applications
	print head further than		substrates
	unselected drops, and
	contact the print medium.
	The drop soaks into the
	medium fast enough to cause
	drop separation.
Transfer	Drops are printed to a	High accuracy	Bulky	Silverbrook, EP
roller	transfer roller instead of	Wide range of print	Expensive	0771 658 A2 and
	straight to the print	substrates can be	Complex construction	related patent
	medium. A transfer roller	used		applications
	can also be used for	Ink can be dried on		Tektronix hot
	proximity drop separation.	the transfer roller		melt
				piezoelectric
				inkjet
				Any of the IJ
				series
Electrostatic	An electric field is used	Low power	Field strength required for	Silverbrook, EP
	to accelerate selected	Simple print head	separation of small drops is	0771 658 A2 and
	drops towards the print	construction	near or above air breakdown	related patent
	medium.			applications
				Tone-Jet
Direct	A magnetic field is used to	Low power	Requires magnetic ink	Silverbrook, EP
magnetic	accelerate selected drops	Simple print head	Requires strong magnetic	0771 658 A2 and
field	of magnetic ink towards the	construction	field	related patent
	print medium.			applications
Cross	The print head is placed in	Does not require	Requires external magnet	IJ06, IJ16
magnetic	a constant magnetic field.	magnetic materials	Current densities may be
field	The Lorenz force in a	to be integrated in	high, resulting in
	current carrying wire is	the print head	electromigration problems
	used to move the actuator.	manufacturing
		process
Pulsed	A pulsed magnetic field is	Very low power	Complex print head	IJ10
magnetic	used to cyclically attract	operation is	construction
field	a paddle, which pushes on	possible	Magnetic materials required
	the ink. A small actuator	Small print head size	in print head
	moves a catch, which
	selectively prevents the
	paddle from moving.

[0071]

ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD
Actuator
amplification	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
None	No actuator mechanical	Operational	Many actuator mechanisms have	Thermal Bubble
	amplification is used. The	simplicity	insufficient travel, or	Inkjet
	actuator directly drives		insufficient force, to	IJ01, IJ02,
	the drop ejection process.		efficiently drive the drop	IJ06, IJ07
			ejection process	IJ16, IJ25, IJ26
Differential	An actuator material	Provides greater	High stresses are involved	Piezoelectric
expansion	expands more on one side	travel in a reduced	Care must be taken that the	IJ03, IJ09,
bend actuator	than on the other. The	print heat area	materials do not delaminate	IJ17-IJ24
	expansion may be thermal,	The bend actuator	Residual bend resulting from	IJ27, IJ29-IJ39,
	piezoelectric,	converts a high	high temperature or high	IJ42,
	magnetostrictive, or other	force low travel	stress during formation	IJ43, IJ44
	mechanism.	actuator mechanism
		to high travel,
		lower force
		mechanism.
Transient	A trilayer bend actuator	Very good temperature	High stresses are involved	IJ40, IJ41
bend actuator	where the two outside	stability	Care must be taken that the
	layers are identical. This	High speed, as a new	materials do not delaminate
	cancels bend due to ambient	drop can be fired
	temperature and residual	before heat
	stress. The actuator only	dissipates
	responds to transient	Cancels residual
	heating of one side or the	stress of formation
	other.
Actuator	A series of thin actuators	Increased travel	Increased fabrication	Some
stack	are stacked. This can be	Reduced drive voltage	complexity	piezoelectric
	appropriate where actuators		Increased possibility of	ink jets
	require high electric field		short circuits due to	IJ04
	strength, such as		pinholes
	electrostatic and
	piezoelectric actuators.
Multiple	Multiple smaller actuators	Increases the force	Actuator forces may not add	IJ12, IJ13,
actuators	are used simultaneously to	available from an	linearly, reducing	IJ18, IJ20
	move the ink. Each actuator	actuator	efficiency	IJ22, IJ28
	need provide only a portion	Multiple actuators		IJ42, IJ43
	of the force required.	can be positioned to
		control ink flow
		accurately
Linear Spring	A linear spring is used to	Matches low travel	Requires print head area for	IJ15
	transform a motion with	actuator with higher	the spring
	small travel and high force	travel requirements
	into a longer travel, lower	Non-contact method of
	force motion.	motion
		transformation
Reverse	The actuator loads a	Better coupling to	Fabrication complexity	IJ05, IJ11
spring	spring. When the actuator	the ink	High stress in the spring
	is turned off, the 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	Increases travel	Generally restricted to	IJ17, IJ21,
actuator	to provide greater travel	Reduces chip area	planar implementations due	IJ34, IJ35
	in a reduced chip area.	Planar	to extreme fabrication
		implementations are	difficulty in other
		relatively easy to	orientations.
		fabricate.
Flexure bend	A bend actuator has a small	Simple means of	Care must be taken not to	IJ10, IJ19, IJ33
actuator	region near the fixture	increasing travel of	exceed the elastic limit in
	point, which flexes much	a bend actuator	the flexure area
	more readily than the		Stress distribution is very
	remainder of the actuator.		uneven
	The actuator flexing is		Difficult to accurately model
	effectively converted from		with finite element analysis
	an even coiling to an
	angular bend, resulting in
	greater travel of the
	actuator tip.
Gears	Gears can be used to	Low force, low travel	Moving parts are required	IJ13
	increase travel at the	actuators can be	Several actuator cycles are
	expense of duration.	used	required
	Circular gears, rack and	Can be fabricated	More complex drive
	pinion, ratchets, and other	using standard	electronics
	gearing methods can be	surface MEMS	Complex construction
	used.	processes	Friction, friction, and wear
			are possible
Catch	The actuator controls a	Very low actuator	Complex construction	IJ10
	small catch. The catch	energy	Requires external force
	either enables or disables	Very small actuator	Unsuitable for pigmented inks
	movement of an ink pusher	size
	that is controlled in a
	bulk manner.
Buckle plate	A buckle plate can be used	Very fast movement	Must stay within elastic	S. Hirata et al,
	to change a slow actuator	achievable	limits of the materials for	“An Ink-jet
	into a fast motion. It can		long device life	Head . . . ”, Proc.
	also convert a high force,		High stresses involved	IEEE MEMS, Feb.
	low travel actuator into a		Generally high power	1996, pp 418-423.
	high travel, medium force		requirement	IJ18, IJ27
	motion.
Tapered	A tapered magnetic pole can	Linearizes the	Complex construction	IJ14
magnetic pole	increase travel at the	magnetic
	expense of force.	force/distance curve
Lever	A lever and fulcrum is used	Matches low travel	High stress around the	IJ32, IJ36, IJ37
	to transform a motion with	actuator with higher	fulcrum
	small travel and high force	travel requirements
	into a motion with longer	Fulcrum area has no
	travel and lower force. The	linear movement, and
	lever can also reverse the	can be used for a
	direction of travel.	fluid seal
Rotary	The actuator is connected	High mechanical	Complex construction	IJ28
impeller	to a rotary impeller. A	advantage	Unsuitable for pigmented inks
	small angular deflection of	The ratio of force to
	the actuator results in a	travel of the
	rotation of the impeller	actuator can be
	vanes, which push the ink	matched to the
	against stationary vanes	nozzle requirements
	and out of the nozzle.	by varying the
		number of impeller
		vanes
Acoustic lens	A refractive or diffractive	No moving parts	Large area required	1993 Hadimioglu
	(e.g. zone plate) acoustic		Only relevant for acoustic	et al, EUP
	lens is used to concentrate		ink jets	550, 192
	sound waves.			1993 Elrod et
				al, EUP 572,220
Sharp	A sharp point is used to	Simple construction	Difficult to fabricate using	Tone-jet
conductive	concentrate an		standard VLSI processes for
point	electrostatic field.		a surface ejecting ink-jet
			Only relevant for
			electrostatic ink jets

[0072]

ACTUATOR MOTION
Actuator
motion	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
Volume	The volume of the actuator	Simple construction	High energy is typically	Hewlett-Packard
expansion	changes, pushing the ink in	in the case of	required to achieve volume	Thermal Inkjet
	all directions.	thermal ink jet	expansion. This leads to	Canon Bubblejet
			thermal stress, cavitation,
			and kogation in thermal ink
			jet implementations
Linear,	The actuator moves in a	Efficient coupling to	High fabrication complexity	IJ01, IJ02,
normal to	direction normal to the	ink drops ejected	may be required to achieve	IJ04, IJ07
chip surface	print head surface. The	normal to the	perpendicular motion	IJ11, IJ14
	nozzle is typically in the	surface
	line of movement.
Linear,	The actuator moves parallel	Suitable for planar	Fabrication complexity	IJ12, IJ13,
parallel to	to the print head surface.	fabrication	Friction	IJ15, IJ33,
chip surface	Drop ejection may still be		Stiction	IJ34, IJ35, IJ36
	normal to the surface.
Membrane push	An actuator with a high	The effective area of	Fabrication complexity	1982 Howkins U.S. Pat.
	force but small area is	the actuator becomes	Actuator size	No. 4,459,601
	used to push a stiff	the membrane area	Difficulty of integration in
	membrane that is in contact		a VLSI process
	with the ink.
Rotary	The actuator causes the	Rotary levers may be	Device complexity	IJ05, IJ08,
	rotation of some element,	used to increase	May have friction at a pivot	IJ13, IJ28
	such a grill or impeller	travel	point
		Small chip area
		requirements
Bend	The actuator bends when	A very small change	Requires the actuator to be	1970 Kyser et al
	energized. This may be due	in dimensions can be	made from at least two	U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,398
	to differential thermal	converted to a large	distinct layers, or to have	1973 Stemme U.S. Pat.
	expansion, piezoelectric	motion.	a thermal difference across	No. 3,747,120
	expansion,		the actuator	IJ03, IJ09,
	magnetostriction, or other			IJ10, IJ19
	form of relative			IJ23, IJ24,
	dimensional change.			IJ25, IJ29
				IJ30, IJ31,
				IJ33, IJ34
				IJ35
Swivel	The actuator swivels around	Allows operation	Inefficient coupling to the	IJ06
	a central pivot. This	where the net linear	ink motion
	motion is suitable where	force on the paddle
	there are opposite forces	is zero
	applied to opposite sides	Small chip area
	of the paddle, e.g. Lorenz	requirements
	force.
Straighten	The actuator is normally	Can be used with	Requires careful balance of	IJ26, IJ32
	bent, and straightens when	shape memory alloys	stresses to ensure that the
	energized.	where the austenic	quiescent bend is accurate
		phase is planar
Double bend	The actuator bends in one	One actuator can be	Difficult to make the drops	IJ36, IJ37, IJ38
	direction when one element	used to power two	ejected by both bend
	is energized, and bends the	nozzles.	directions identical.
	other way when another	Reduced chip size.	A small efficiency loss
	element is energized.	Not sensitive to	compared to equivalent
		ambient temperature	single bend actuators.
Shear	Energizing the actuator	Can increase the	Not readily applicable to	1985 Fishbeck
	causes a shear motion in	effective travel of	other actuator mechanisms	U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,590
	the actuator material.	piezoelectric
		actuators
Radial	The actuator squeezes an	Relatively easy to	High force required	1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat.
constriction	ink reservoir, forcing ink	fabricate single	Inefficient	No. 3,683,212
	from a constricted nozzle.	nozzles from glass	Difficult to integrate with
		tubing as	VLSI processes
		macroscopic
		structures
Coil/uncoil	A coiled actuator uncoils	Easy to fabricate as	Difficult to fabricate for	IJ17, IJ21,
	or coils more tightly. The	a planar VLSI	non-planar devices	IJ34, IJ35
	motion of the free end of	process	Poor out-of-plane stiffness
	the actuator ejects the	Small area required,
	ink.	therefore low cost
Bow	The actuator bows (or	Can increase the	Maximum travel is constrained	IJ16, IJ18, IJ27
	buckles) in the middle when	speed of travel	High force required
	energized.	Mechanically rigid
Push-Pull	Two actuators control a	The structure is	Not readily suitable for	IJ18
	shutter. One actuator pulls	pinned at both ends,	inkjets which directly push
	the shutter, and the other	so has a high out-	the ink
	pushes it.	of-plane rigidity
Curl inwards	A set of actuators curl	Good fluid flow to	Design complexity	IJ20, IJ42
	inwards to reduce the	the region behind
	volume of ink that they	the actuator
	enclose.	increases efficiency
Curl outwards	A set of actuators curl	Relatively simple	Relatively large chip area	IJ43
	outwards, pressurizing ink	construction
	in a chamber surrounding
	the actuators, and
	expelling ink from a nozzle
	in the chamber.
Iris	Multiple vanes enclose a	High efficiency	High fabrication complexity	IJ22
	volume of ink. These	Small chip area	Not suitable for pigmented
	simultaneously rotate,		inks
	reducing the volume between
	the vanes.
Acoustic	The actuator vibrates at a	The actuator can be	Large area required for	1993 Hadimioglu
vibration	high frequency.	physically distant	efficient operation at	et al, EUP
		from the ink	useful frequencies	550,192
			Acoustic coupling and	1993 Elrod et
			crosstalk	al, EUP 572,220
			Complex drive circuitry
			Poor control of drop volume
			and position
None	In various ink jet designs	No moving parts	Various other tradeoffs are	Silverbrook, EP
	the actuator does not move.		required to eliminate moving	0771 658 A2 and
			parts	related patent
				applications
				Tone-jet

[0073]

NOZZLE REFILL METHOD
Nozzle refill
method	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
Surface	After the actuator is	Fabrication	Low speed	Thermal inkjet
tension	energized, it typically	simplicity	Surface tension force	Piezoelectric
	returns rapidly to its	Operational	relatively small compared to	inkjet
	normal position. This rapid	simplicity	actuator force	IJ01-IJ07,
	return sucks in air through		Long refill time usually	IJ10-IJ14
	the nozzle opening. The ink		dominates the total	IJ16, IJ20,
	surface tension at the		repetition rate	IJ22-IJ45
	nozzle then exerts a small
	force restoring the
	meniscus to a minimum area.
Shuttered	Ink to the nozzle chamber	High speed	Requires common ink pressure	IJ08, 1J13,
oscillating	is provided at a pressure	Low actuator energy,	oscillator	IJ15, 1J17
ink pressure	that oscillates at twice	as the actuator need	May not be suitable for	IJ18, IJ19, IJ21
	the drop ejection	only open or close	pigmented inks
	frequency. When a drop is	the shutter, instead
	to be ejected, the shutter	of ejecting the ink
	is opened for 3 half	drop
	cycles: drop ejection,
	actuator return, and
	refill.
Refill	After the main actuator has	High speed, as the	Requires two independent	IJ09
actuator	ejected a drop a second	nozzle is actively	actuators per nozzle
	(refill) actuator is	refilled
	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	The ink is held a slight	High refill rate,	Surface spill must be	Silverbrook, EP
pressure	positive pressure. After	therefore a high	prevented	0771 658 A2 and
	the ink drop is ejected,	drop repetition rate	Highly hydrophobic print head	related patent
	the nozzle chamber fills	is possible	surfaces are required	applications
	quickly as surface tension			Alternative for:
	and ink pressure both			IJ01-IJ07,
	operate to refill the			IJ10-IJ14
	nozzle.			IJ16, IJ20,
				IJ22-IJ45

[0074]

METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET
Inlet back-
flow
restriction
method	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
Long inlet	The ink inlet channel to	Design simplicity	Restricts refill rate	Thermal inkjet
channel	the nozzle chamber is made	Operational	May result in a relatively	Piezoelectric
	long and relatively narrow,	simplicity	large chip area	inkjet
	relying on viscous drag to	Reduces crosstalk	Only partially effective	IJ42, IJ43
	reduce inlet back-flow.
Positive ink	The ink is under a positive	Drop selection and	Requires a method (such as a	Silverbrook, EP
pressure	pressure, so that in the	separation forces	nozzle rim or effective	0771 658 A2 and
	quiescent state some of the	can be reduced	hydrophobizing, or both) to	related patent
	ink drop already protrudes	Fast refill time	prevent flooding of the	applications
	from the nozzle.		ejection surface of the	Possible
	This reduces the pressure		print head.	operation of
	in the nozzle chamber which			the following:
	is required to eject a			IJ01-IJ07,
	certain volume of ink. The			IJ09-IJ12
	reduction in chamber			IJ14, IJ16,
	pressure results in a			IJ20, IJ22,
	reduction in ink pushed out			IJ23-IJ34,
	through the inlet.			IJ36-IJ41
				IJ44
Baffle	One or more baffles are	The refill rate is	Design complexity	HP Thermal Ink
	placed in the inlet ink	not as restricted as	May increase fabrication	Jet
	flow. When the actuator is	the long inlet	complexity (e.g. Tektronix	Tektronix
	energized, the rapid ink	method.	hot melt Piezoelectric print	piezoelectric
	movement creates eddies	Reduces crosstalk	heads).	ink jet
	which restrict the flow
	through the inlet. The
	slower refill process is
	unrestricted, and does not
	result in eddies.
Flexible flap	In this method recently	Significantly reduces	Not applicable to most inkjet	Canon
restricts	disclosed by Canon, the	back-flow for edge-	configurations
inlet	expanding actuator (bubble)	shooter thermal ink	Increased fabrication
	pushes on a flexible flap	jet devices	complexity
	that restricts the inlet.		Inelastic deformation of
			polymer flap results in
			creep over extended use
Inlet filter	A filter is located between	Additional advantage	Restricts refill rate	IJ04, IJ12,
	the ink inlet and the	of ink filtration	May result in complex	IJ24, IJ27
	nozzle chamber. The filter	Ink filter may be	construction	IJ29, IJ30
	has a multitude of small	fabricated with no
	holes or slots, restricting	additional process
	ink flow. The filter also	steps
	removes particles which may
	block the nozzle.
Small inlet	The ink inlet channel to	Design simplicity	Restricts refill rate	IJ02, IJ37, IJ44
compared to	the nozzle chamber has a		May result in a relatively
nozzle	substantially smaller cross		large chip area
	section than that of the		Only partially effective
	nozzle , resulting in
	easier ink egress out of
	the nozzle than out of the
	inlet.
Inlet shutter	A secondary actuator	Increases speed of	Requires separate refill	IJ09
	controls the position of a	the ink-jet print	actuator and drive circuit
	shutter, closing off the	head operation
	ink inlet when the main
	actuator is energized.
The inlet is	The method avoids the	Back-flow problem is	Requires careful design to	IJ01, IJ03,
located	problem of inlet back-flow	eliminated	minimize the negative	1J05, 1J06
behind the	by arranging the ink-		pressure behind the paddle	IJ07, IJ10,
ink-pushing	pushing surface of the			IJ11, IJ14
surface	actuator between the inlet			IJ16, IJ22,
	and the nozzle.			IJ23, IJ25
				IJ28, IJ31,
				IJ32, IJ33
				IJ34, IJ35,
				IJ36, IJ39
				IJ40, IJ41
Part of the	The actuator and a wall of	Significant	Small increase in fabrication	IJ07, IJ20,
actuator	the ink chamber are	reductions in back-	complexity	IJ26, IJ38
moves to shut	arranged so that the motion	flow can be achieved
off the inlet	of the actuator closes off	Compact designs
	the inlet.	possible
Nozzle	In some configurations of	Ink back-flow problem	None related to ink back-flow	Silverbrook, EP
actuator does	ink jet, there is no	is eliminated	on actuation	0771 658 A2 and
not result in	expansion or movement of an			related patent
ink back-flow	actuator which may cause			applications
	ink back-flow through the			Valve-jet
	inlet.			Tone-jet
				IJ08, IJ13,
				IJ15, IJ17
				IJ18, IJ19, IJ21

[0075]

NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD
Nozzle
Clearing
method	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
Normal nozzle	All of the nozzles are	No added complexity	May not be sufficient to	Most ink jet
firing	fired periodically, before	on the print head	displace dried ink	systems
	the ink has a chance to			IJ01-IJ07,
	dry. When not in use the			IJ09-IJ12
	nozzles are sealed (capped)			IJ14, IJ16,
	against air.			IJ20, IJ22
	The nozzle firing is			IJ23-IJ34,
	usually performed during a			IJ36-IJ45
	special clearing cycle,
	after first moving the
	print head to a cleaning
	station.
Extra power	In systems which heat the	Can be highly	Requires higher drive voltage	Silverbrook, EP
to ink heater	ink, but do not boil it	effective if the	for clearing	0771 658 A2 and
	under normal situations,	heater is adjacent	May require larger drive	related patent
	nozzle clearing can be	to the nozzle	transistors	applications
	achieved by over-powering
	the heater and boiling ink
	at the nozzle.
Rapid	The actuator is fired in	Does not require	Effectiveness depends	May be used
succession of	rapid succession. In some	extra drive circuits	substantially upon the	with:
actuator	configurations, this may	on the print head	configuration of the inkjet	IJ01-IJ07,
pulses	cause heat build-up at the	Can be readily	nozzle	IJ09-IJ11
	nozzle which boils the ink,	controlled and		IJ14, IJ16,
	clearing the nozzle. In	initiated by digital		IJ20, IJ22
	other situations, it may	logic		IJ23-IJ25,
	cause sufficient vibrations			IJ27-IJ34
	to dislodge clogged			IJ36-IJ45
	nozzles.
Extra power	Where an actuator is not	A simple solution	Not suitable where there is a	May be used
to ink	normally driven to the	where applicable	hard limit to actuator	with:
pushing	limit of its motion, nozzle		movement	IJ03, IJ09,
actuator	clearing may be assisted by			IJ16, IJ20
	providing an enhanced drive			IJ23, IJ24,
	signal to the actuator.			IJ25, IJ27
				IJ29, IJ30,
				IJ31, IJ32
				IJ39, IJ40,
				IJ41, IJ42
				IJ43, IJ44, IJ45
Acoustic	An ultrasonic wave is	A high nozzle	High implementation cost if	IJ08, IJ13,
resonance	applied to the ink chamber.	clearing capability	system does not already	IJ15, IJ17
	This wave is of an	can be achieved	include an acoustic actuator	IJ18, IJ19, IJ21
	appropriate amplitude and	May be implemented at
	frequency to cause	very low cost in
	sufficient force at the	systems which
	nozzle to clear blockages.	already include
	This is easiest to achieve	acoustic actuators
	if the ultrasonic wave is
	at a resonant frequency of
	the ink cavity.
Nozzle	A microfabricated plate is	Can clear severely	Accurate mechanical alignment	Silverbrook, EP
clearing	pushed against the nozzles.	clogged nozzles	is required	0771 658 A2 and
plate	The plate has a post for		Moving parts are required	related patent
	every nozzle. The array of		There is risk of damage to	applications
	posts		the nozzles
			Accurate fabrication is
			required
Ink pressure	The pressure of the ink is	May be effective	Requires pressure pump or	May be used with
pulse	temporarily increased so	where other methods	other pressure actuator	all IJ series
	that ink streams from all	cannot be used	Expensive	ink jets
	of the nozzles. This may be		Wasteful of ink
	used in conjunction with
	actuator energizing.
Print head	A flexible ‘blade’ is wiped	Effective for planar	Difficult to use if print	Many ink jet
wiper	across the print head	print head surfaces	head surface is non-planar	systems
	surface. The blade is	Low cost	or very fragile
	usually fabricated from a		Requires mechanical parts
	flexible polymer, e.g.		Blade can wear out in high
	rubber or synthetic		volume print systems
	elastomer.
Separate ink	A separate heater is	Can be effective	Fabrication complexity	Can be used with
boiling	provided at the nozzle	where other nozzle		many IJ series
heater	although the normal drop e-	clearing methods		ink jets
	ection mechanism does not	cannot be used
	require it. The heaters do	Can be implemented at
	not require individual	no additional cost
	drive circuits, as many	in some inkjet
	nozzles can be cleared	configurations
	simultaneously, and no
	imaging is required.

[0076]

NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION
Nozzle plate
construction	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
Electroformed	A nozzle plate is	Fabrication	High temperatures and	Hewlett Packard
nickel	separately fabricated from	simplicity	pressures are required to	Thermal Inkjet
	electroformed nickel, and		bond nozzle plate
	bonded to the print head		Minimum thickness constraints
	chip.		Differential thermal
			expansion
Laser ablated	Individual nozzle holes are	No masks required	Each hole must be	Canon Bubblejet
or drilled	ablated by an intense UV	Can be quite fast	individually formed	1988 Sercel et
polymer	laser in a nozzle plate,	Some control over	Special equipment required	al., SPIE, Vol.
	which is typically a	nozzle profile is	Slow where there are many	998 Excimer
	polymer such as polyimide	possible	thousands of nozzles per	Beam
	or polysulphone	Equipment required is	print head	Applications,
		relatively low cost	May produce thin burrs at	pp. 76-83
			exit holes	1993 Watanabe et
				al., U.S. Pat. No.
				5,208,604
Silicon	A separate nozzle plate is	High accuracy is	Two part construction	K. Bean, IEEE
micro-	micromachined from single	attainable	High cost	Transactions on
machined	crystal silicon, and bonded		Requires precision alignment	Electron
	to the print head wafer.		Nozzles may be clogged by	Devices, Vol.
			adhesive	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	No expensive	Very small nozzle sizes are	1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat.
capillaries	drawn from glass tubing.	equipment required	difficult to form	No. 3,683,212
	This method has been used	Simple to make single	Not suited for mass
	for making individual	nozzles	production
	nozzles, but is difficult
	to use for bulk
	manufacturing of print
	heads with thousands of
	nozzles.
Monolithic,	The nozzle plate is	High accuracy (<1 μm)	Requires sacrificial layer	Silverbrook, EP
surface	deposited as a layer using	Monolithic	under the nozzle plate to	0771 658 A2 and
micro-	standard VLSI deposition	Low cost	form the nozzle chamber	related patent
machined	techniques. Nozzles are	Existing processes	Surface may be fragile to the	applications
using VLSI	etched in the nozzle plate	can be used	touch	IJ01, IJ02,
lithographic	using VLSI lithography and			IJ04, IJ11
processes	etching.			IJ12, IJ17,
				IJ18, IJ20
				IJ22, IJ24,
				IJ27, IJ28
				IJ29, IJ30,
				IJ31, IJ32
				IJ33, IJ34,
				IJ36, IJ37
				IJ38, IJ39,
				IJ40, IJ41
				IJ42, IJ43, IJ44
Monolithic,	The nozzle plate is a	High accuracy (<1 μm)	Requires long etch times	IJ03, IJ05,
etched	buried etch stop in the	Monolithic	Requires a support wafer	IJ06, IJ07
through	wafer. Nozzle chambers are	Low cost		IJ08, IJ09,
substrate	etched in the front of the	No differential		IJ10, IJ13
	wafer, and the wafer is	expansion		IJ14, IJ15,
	thinned from the back side.			IJ16, IJ19
	Nozzles are then etched in			IJ21, IJ23,
	the etch stop layer.			IJ25, IJ26
No nozzle	Various methods have been	No nozzles to become	Difficult to control drop	Ricoh 1995
plate	tried to eliminate the	clogged	position accurately	Sekiya et al
	nozzles entirely, to		Crosstalk problems	U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,413
	prevent nozzle clogging.			1993 Hadimioglu
	These include thermal			et al EUP
	bubble mechanisms and			550,192
	acoustic lens mechanisms			1993 Elrod et al
				EUP 572,220
Trough	Each drop ejector has a	Reduced manufacturing	Drop firing direction is	IJ35
	trough through which a	complexity	sensitive to wicking.
	paddle moves. There is no	Monolithic
	nozzle plate.
Nozzle slit	The elimination of nozzle	No nozzles to become	Difficult to control drop	1989 Saito et al
instead of	holes and replacement by a	clogged	position accurately	U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068
individual	slit encompassing many		Crosstalk problems
nozzles	actuator positions reduces
	nozzle clogging, but
	increases crosstalk due to
	ink surface waves

[0077]

DROP EJECTION DIRECTION
Ejection
direction	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
Edge	Ink flow is along the	Simple construction	Nozzles limited to edge	Canon Bubblejet
(‘edge	surface of the chip, and	No silicon etching	High resolution is difficult	1979 Endo et al
shooter’)	ink drops are ejected from	required	Fast color printing requires	GB patent
	the chip edge.	Good heat sinking via	one print head per color	2,007,162
		substrate		Xerox heater-in-
		Mechanically strong		pit 1990
		Ease of chip handing		Hawkins et al
				U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181
				Tone-jet
Surface	Ink flow is along the	No bulk silicon	Maximum ink flow is severely	Hewlett-Packard
(‘roof	surface of the chip, and	etching required	restricted	TIJ 1982 Vaught
shooter’)	ink drops are ejected from	Silicon can make an		et al U.S. Pat. No.
	the chip surface, normal to	effective heat sink		4,490,728
	the plane of the chip.	Mechanical strength		IJ02, IJ11,
				IJ12, IJ20
				IJ22
Through chip,	Ink flow is through the	High ink flow	Requires bulk silicon etching	Silverbrook, EP
forward	chip, and ink drops are	Suitable for		0771 658 A2 and
(‘up	ejected from the front	pagewidth print		related patent
shooter’)	surface of the chip.	High nozzle packing		applications
		density therefore		IJ04, IJ17,
		low manufacturing		IJ18, IJ24
		cost		IJ27-IJ45
Through chip,	Ink flow is through the	High ink flow	Requires wafer thinning	IJ01, IJ03,
reverse	chip, and ink drops are	Suitable for	Requires special handling	IJ05, IJ06
(‘down	ejected from the rear	pagewidth print	during manufacture	IJ07, IJ08,
shooter’)	surface of the chip.	High nozzle packing		IJ09, IJ10
		density therefore		IJ13, IJ14,
		low manufacturing		IJ15, IJ16
		cost		IJ19, IJ21,
				IJ23, IJ25
				IJ26
Through	Ink flow is through the	Suitable for	Pagewidth print heads require	Epson Stylus
actuator	actuator, which is not	piezoelectric print	several thousand connections	Tektronix hot
	fabricated as part of the	heads	to drive circuits	melt
	same substrate as the drive		Cannot be manufactured in	piezoelectric
	transistors.		standard CMOS fabs	ink jets
			Complex assembly required

[0078]

INK TYPE
Ink type	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
Aqueous, dye	Water based ink which	Environmentally	Slow drying	Most existing
	typically contains: water,	friendly	Corrosive	inkjets
	dye, surfactant, humectant,	No odor	Bleeds on paper	All IJ series
	and biocide.		May strikethrough	ink jets
	Modern ink dyes have high		Cockles paper	Silverbrook, EP
	water-fastness, light			0771 658 A2 and
	fastness			related patent
				applications
Aqueous,	Water based ink which	Environmentally	Slow drying	IJ02, IJ04,
pigment	typically contains: water,	friendly	Corrosive	IJ21, IJ26
	pigment, surfactant,	No odor	Pigment may clog nozzles	IJ27, IJ30
	humectant, and biocide.	Reduced bleed	Pigment may clog actuator	Silverbrook, EP
	Pigments have an advantage	Reduced wicking	mechanisms	0771 658 A2 and
	in reduced bleed, wicking	Reduced strikethrough	Cockles paper	related patent
	and strikethrough.			applications
				Piezoelectric
				ink-jets
				Thermal ink jets
				(with
				significant
				restrictions)
Methyl Ethyl	MEK is a highly volatile	Very fast drying	Odorous	All IJ series
Ketone (MEK)	solvent used for industrial	Prints on various	Flammable	ink jets
	printing on difficult	substrates such as
	surfaces such as aluminum	metals and plastics
	cans.
Alcohol	Alcohol based inks can be	Fast drying	Slight odor	All IJ series
(ethanol, 2-	used where the printer must	Operates at sub-	Flammable	ink jets
butanol, and	operate at temperatures	freezing
others)	below the freezing point of	temperatures
	water. An example of this	Reduced paper cockle
	is in-camera consumer	Low cost
	photographic printing.
Phase change	The ink is solid at room	No drying time-ink	High viscosity	Tektronix hot
(hot melt)	temperature, and is melted	instantly freezes on	Printed ink typically has a	melt
	in the print head before	the print medium	‘waxy’ feel	piezoelectric
	jetting. Hot melt inks are	Almost any print	Printed pages may ‘block’	ink jets
	usually wax based, with a	medium can be used	Ink temperature may be above	1989 Nowak U.S. Pat. No.
	melting point around 80° C.	No paper cockle	the curie point of permanent	4,820,346
	After jetting the ink	occurs	magnets	All IJ series
	freezes almost instantly	No wicking occurs	Ink heaters consume power	ink jets
	upon contacting the print	No bleed occurs	Long warm-up time
	medium or a transfer	No strikethrough
	roller.	occurs
Oil	Oil based inks are	High solubility	High viscosity: this is a	All IJ series
	extensively used in offset	medium for some dyes	significant limitation for	ink jets
	printing. They have	Does not cockle paper	use in inkjets, which
	advantages in improved	Does not wick through	usually require a low
	characteristics on paper	paper	viscosity. Some short chain
	(especially no wicking or		and multi-branched oils have
	cockle). Oil soluble dies		a sufficiently low
	and pigments are required.		viscosity.
			Slow drying
Microemulsion	A microemulsion is a	Stops ink bleed	Viscosity higher than water	All IJ series
	stable, self forming	High dye solubility	Cost is slightly higher than	ink jets
	emulsion of oil, water, and	Water, oil, and	water based ink
	surfactant. The	amphiphilic soluble	High surfactant concentration
	characteristic drop size is	dies can be used	required (around 5%)
	less than 100 nm, and is	Can stabilize pigment
	determined by the preferred	suspensions
	curvature of the
	surfactant.

Ink Jet Printing

[0079] 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.

[0080]

Australian			U.S. Pat. No.
Pro-			Patent
visional			Application
Number	Filing Date	Title	and Filing Date
PO8066	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,227,652
		Apparatus (IJ01)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8072	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,213,588
		Apparatus (IJ02)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8040	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,213,589
		Apparatus (IJ03)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8071	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,231,163
		Apparatus (IJ04)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8047	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,247,795
		Apparatus (IJ05)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8035	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,394,581
		Apparatus (IJ06)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8044	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,244,691
		Apparatus (IJ07)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8063	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,257,704
		Apparatus (IJ08)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8057	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,416,168
		Apparatus (IJ09)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8056	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,220,694
		Apparatus (IJ10)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8069	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,257,705
		Apparatus (IJ11)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8049	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,247,794
		Apparatus (IJ12)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8036	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,234,610
		Apparatus (IJ13)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8048	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,247,793
		Apparatus (IJ14)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8070	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,264,306
		Apparatus (IJ15)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8067	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,241,342
		Apparatus (IJ16)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8001	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,247,792
		Apparatus (IJ17)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8038	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,264,307
		Apparatus (IJ18)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8033	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,254,220
		Apparatus (IJ19)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8002	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,234,611
		Apparatus (IJ20)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8068	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,302,528
		Apparatus (IJ21)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8062	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,283,582
		Apparatus (IJ22)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8034	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,239,821
		Apparatus (IJ23)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8039	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,338,547
		Apparatus (IJ24)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8041	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,247,796
		Apparatus (IJ25)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8004	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	09/113,122
		Apparatus (IJ26)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8037	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,390,603
		Apparatus (IJ27)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8043	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,362,843
		Apparatus (IJ28)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8042	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,293,653
		Apparatus (IJ29)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8064	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,312,107
		Apparatus (IJ30)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9389	Sep. 23, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,227,653
		Apparatus (IJ31)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9391	Sep. 23, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,234,609
		Apparatus (IJ32)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0888	Dec. 12, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,238,040
		Apparatus (IJ33)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0891	Dec. 12, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,188,415
		Apparatus (IJ34)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0890	Dec. 12, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,227,654
		Apparatus (IJ35)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0873	Dec. 12, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,209,989
		Apparatus (IJ36)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0993	Dec. 12, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,247,791
		Apparatus (IJ37)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0890	Dec. 12, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,336,710
		Apparatus (IJ38)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP1398	Jan. 19, 1998	Image Creation Method and	6,217,153
		Apparatus (IJ39)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP2592	Mar. 25, 1998	Image Creation Method and	6,416,167
		Apparatus (IJ40)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP2593	Mar. 25, 1998	Image Creation Method and	6,243,113
		Apparatus (IJ41)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3991	Jun. 9, 1998	Image Creation Method and	6,283,581
		Apparatus (IJ42)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3987	Jun. 9, 1998	Image Creation Method and	6,247,790
		Apparatus (IJ43)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3985	Jun. 9, 1998	Image Creation Method and	6,260,953
		Apparatus (IJ44)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3983	Jun. 9, 1998	Image Creation Method and	6,267,469
		Apparatus (IJ45)	(Jul. 10, 1998)

Ink Jet Manufacturing

[0081] 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.

[0082]

Australian			U.S. Pat. No./Patent
Provisional	Filing		Application and Filing
Number	Date	Title	Date
PO7935	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,224,780
		Creation Apparatus (IJM01)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7936	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,235,212
		Creation Apparatus (IJM02)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7937	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,280,643
		Creation Apparatus (IJM03)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8061	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,284,147
		Creation Apparatus (IJM04)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8054	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,214,244
		Creation Apparatus (IJM05)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8065	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,071,750
		Creation Apparatus (IJM06)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8055	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,267,905
		Creation Apparatus (IJM07)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8053	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,251,298
		Creation Apparatus (IJM08)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8078	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,258,285
		Creation Apparatus (IJM09)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7933	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,225,138
		Creation Apparatus (IJM10)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7950	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,241,904
		Creation Apparatus (IJM11)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7949	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,299,786
		Creation Apparatus (IJM12)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8060	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	09/113,124
		Creation Apparatus (IJM13)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8059	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,231,773
		Creation Apparatus (IJM14)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8073	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,190,931
		Creation Apparatus (IJM15)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8076	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,248,249
		Creation Apparatus (IJM16)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8075	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,290,862
		Creation Apparatus (IJM17)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8079	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,241,906
		Creation Apparatus (IJM18)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8050	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	09/113,116
		Creation Apparatus (IJM19)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8052	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,241,905
		Creation Apparatus (IJM20)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7948	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,451,216
		Creation Apparatus (IJM21)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7951	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,231,772
		Creation Apparatus (IJM22)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8074	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,274,056
		Creation Apparatus (IJM23)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7941	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,290,861
		Creation Apparatus (IJM24)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8077	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,248,248
		Creation Apparatus (IJM25)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8058	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,306,671
		Creation Apparatus (IJM26)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8051	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,331,258
		Creation Apparatus (IJM27)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8045	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,110,754
		Creation Apparatus (IJM28)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7952	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,294,101
		Creation Apparatus (IJM29)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8046	Jul. 15, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,416,679
		Creation Apparatus (IJM30)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8503	Aug. 11, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,264,849
		Creation Apparatus (IJM30a)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9390	Sep. 23, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,254,793
		Creation Apparatus (IJM31)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9392	Sep. 23, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,235,211
		Creation Apparatus (IJM32)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0889	Dec. 12, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,235,211
		Creation Apparatus (IJM35)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0887	Dec. 12, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,264,850
		Creation Apparatus (IJM36)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0882	Dec. 12, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,258,284
		Creation Apparatus (IJM37)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0874	Dec. 12, 1997	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,258,284
		Creation Apparatus (IJM38)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP1396	Jan. 19, 1998	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,228,668
		Creation Apparatus (IJM39)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP2591	Mar. 25, 1998	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,180,427
		Creation Apparatus (IJM41)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3989	Jun. 9, 1998	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,171,875
		Creation Apparatus (IJM40)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3990	Jun. 9, 1998	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,267,904
		Creation Apparatus (IJM42)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3986	Jun. 9, 1998	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,245,247
		Creation Apparatus (IJM43)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3984	Jun. 9, 1998	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,245,247
		Creation Apparatus (IJM44)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP3982	Jun. 9, 1998	A Method of Manufacture of an Image	6,231,148
		Creation Apparatus (IJM45)	(Jul. 10, 1998)

Fluid Supply

[0083] 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.

[0084]

Austra-			U.S. Pat. No./
ian			Patent
Pro-			Application
visional	Filing		and
Number	Date	Title	Filing Date
PO8003	Jul. 15, 1997	Supply Method and Apparatus	6,350,023
		(F1)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8005	Jul. 15, 1997	Supply Method and Apparatus	6,318,849
		(F2)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9404	Sep. 23, 1997	A Device and Method (F3)	09/113,101
			(Jul. 10, 1998)

MEMS Technology

[0085] 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.

[0086]

			U.S. Pat. No./
Australian			Patent
Provisional			Application and
Number	Filing Date	Title	Filing Date
PO7943	Jul. 15, 1997	A device (MEMS01)
PO8006	Jul. 15, 1997	A device (MEMS02)	6,087,638
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8007	Jul. 15, 1997	A device (MEMS03)	09/113,093
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8008	Jul. 15, 1997	A device (MEMS04)	6,340,222
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8010	Jul. 15, 1997	A device (MEMS05)	6,041,600
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8011	Jul. 15, 1997	A device (MEMS06)	6,299,300
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7947	Jul. 15, 1997	A device (MEMS07)	6,067,71997
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7945	Jul. 15, 1997	A device (MEMS08)	09/113,081
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7944	Jul. 15, 1997	A device (MEMS09)	6,286,935
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7946	Jul. 15, 1997	A device (MEMS10)	6,044,646
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9393	Sep. 23, 1997	A Device and Method	09/113,065
		(MEMS11)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0875	Dec. 12, 1997	A Device (MEMS12)	09/113,078
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0894	Dec. 12, 1997	A Device and Method	09/113,075
		(MEMS13)	(Jul. 10, 1998)

IR Technologies

[0087] 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.

[0088]

Australian			U.S. Pat. No./Patent
Provisional			Application and Filing
Number	Filing Date	Title	Date
PP0895	Dec. 12, 1997	An Image Creation Method and Apparatus	6,231,148
		(IR01)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0870	Dec. 12, 1997	A Device and Method (IR02)	09/113,106
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0869	Dec. 12, 1997	A Device and Method (IR04)	6,293,658
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0887	Dec. 12, 1997	Image Creation Method and	09/113,104
		Apparatus (IR05)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0885	Dec. 12, 1997	An Image Production System	6,238,033
		(IR06)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0884	Dec. 12, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,312,070
		Apparatus (IR10)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0886	Dec. 12, 1997	Image Creation Method and	6,238,111
		Apparatus (IR12)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0871	Dec. 12, 1997	A Device and Method (IR13)	09/113,086
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0876	Dec. 12, 1997	An Image Processing Method	09/113,094
		and Apparatus (IR14)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0877	Dec. 12, 1997	A Device and Method (IR16)	6,378,970
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0878	Dec. 12, 1997	A Device and Method (IR17)	6,196,739
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0879	Dec. 12, 1997	A Device and Method (IR18)	09/112,774
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0883	Dec. 12, 1997	A Device and Method (IR19)	6,270,182
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0880	Dec. 12, 1997	A Device and Method (IR20)	6,152,619
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0881	Dec. 12, 1997	A Device and Method (IR21)	09/113,092
			(Jul. 10, 1998)

DotCard Technologies

[0089] 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.

[0090]

Austra-			U.S. Pat. No./
lian			Patent
Pro-			Application
visional	Filing		and
Number	Date	Title	Filing Date
PP2370	Mar. 16, 1998	Data Processing Method and	09/112,781
		Apparatus (Dot01)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP2371	Mar. 16, 1998	Data Processing Method and	09/113,052
		Apparatus (Dot02)	(Jul. 10, 1998)

Artcam Technologies

[0091] 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.

[0092]

Austra-			U.S. Pat. No./
lian			Patent
Pro-			Application
visional	Filing		and
Number	Date	Title	Filing Date
PO7991	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/113,060
		Apparatus (ART01)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7988	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	6,476,863
		Apparatus (ART02)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7993	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/113,073
		Apparatus (ART03)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9395	Sep. 23, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,322,181
		Apparatus (ART04)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8017	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,747
		Apparatus (ART06)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8014	Jul. 15, 1997	Media Device (ART07)	6,227,648
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8025	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,750
		Apparatus (ART08)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8032	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,746
		Apparatus (ART09)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7999	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,743
		Apparatus (ART10)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7998	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,742
		Apparatus (ART11)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8031	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,741
		Apparatus (ART12)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8030	Jul. 15, 1997	Media Device (ART13)	6,196,541
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7997	Jul. 15, 1997	Media Device (ART15)	6,195,150
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7979	Jul. 15, 1997	Media Device (ART16)	6,362,868
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8015	Jul. 15, 1997	Media Device (ART17)	09/112,738
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7978	Jul. 15, 1997	Media Device (ART18)	09/113,067
			(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7982	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,431,669
		Apparatus (ART19)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7989	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,362,869
		Apparatus (ART20)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8019	Jul. 15, 1997	Media Processing Method and	6,472,052
		Apparatus (ART21)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7980	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	6,356,715
		Apparatus (ART22)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8018	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,777
		Apparatus (ART24)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7938	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/113,224
		Apparatus (ART25)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8016	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	6,366,693
		Apparatus (ART26)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8024	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	6,329,990
		Apparatus (ART27)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7940	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/113,072
		Apparatus (ART28)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7939	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/112,785
		Apparatus (ART29)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8501	Aug. 11,1997	Image Processing Method and	6,137,500
		Apparatus (ART30)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8500	Aug. 11,1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,796
		Apparatus (ART31)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7987	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/113,071
		Apparatus (ART32)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8022	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	6,398,328
		Apparatus (ART33)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8497	Aug. 11,1997	Image Processing Method and	09/113,090
		Apparatus (ART34)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8020	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,431,704
		Apparatus (ART38)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8023	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/113,222
		Apparatus (ART39)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8504	Aug. 11,1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,786
		Apparatus (ART42)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8000	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,415,054
		Apparatus (ART43)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7977	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/112,782
		Apparatus (ART44)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7934	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/113,056
		Apparatus (ART45)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7990	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/113,059
		Apparatus (ART46)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8499	Aug. 11,1997	Image Processing Method and	6,486,886
		Apparatus (ART47)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8502	Aug. 11,1997	Image Processing Method and	6,381,361
		Apparatus (ART48)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7981	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,317,192
		Apparatus (ART50)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7986	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/113,057
		Apparatus (ART51)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO7983	Jul. 15, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/113,054
		Apparatus (ART52)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8026	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,752
		Apparatus (ART53)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8027	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,759
		Apparatus (ART54)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO8028	Jul. 15, 1997	Image Processing Method and	09/112,757
		Apparatus (ART56)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9394	Sep. 23, 1997	Image Processing Method and	6,357,135
		Apparatus (ART57)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9396	Sep. 23, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/113,107
		Apparatus (ART58)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9397	Sep. 23, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,271,931
		Apparatus (ART59)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9398	Sep. 23, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,353,772
		Apparatus (ART60)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9399	Sep. 23, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,106,147
		Apparatus (ART61)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9400	Sep. 23, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/112,790
		Apparatus (ART62)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9401	Sep. 23, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,304,291
		Apparatus (ART63)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9402	Sep. 23, 1997	Data Processing Method and	09/112,788
		Apparatus (ART64)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9403	Sep. 23, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,305,770
		Apparatus (ART65)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PO9405	Sep. 23, 1997	Data Processing Method and	6,289,262
		Apparatus (ART66)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP0959	Dec. 16, 1997	A Data Processing Method	6,315,200
		and Apparatus (ART68)	(Jul. 10, 1998)
PP1397	Jan. 19, 1998	A Media Device (ART69)	6,217,165
			(Jul. 10, 1998)