Printing cartridge with capacitive sensor identification

• US 6,702,417 B2
• Filed: 08/06/2001
• Issued: 03/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Memjet Technology Ltd. (Memjet Limited)
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia
• Primary Examiner(s): Hallacher, Craig
• Application Number:
  US09/922,112
• Publication Number:
  US 20020080335A1
• Time in Patent Office: 946 Days
• Field of Search: 347/2, 347/19, 347/86, 399/12, 355/18, 355/72
• US Class Current: 347/19
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 11/0005 Curl smoothing, i.e. smoothing down corrugated printing material, e.g. by pressing means acting on wrinkled printing material
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 11/009 Detecting type of paper, e.g. by automatic reading of a code that is printed on a paper package or on a paper roll or by sensing the grade of translucency of the paper
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 15/044 Cassettes or cartridges containing continuous copy material, tape, for setting into printing devices
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/01 Ink jet
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/14 Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/14427 Structure of ink jet print heads with thermal bend detached actuators
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1623 bonding and adhesion
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1626 etching
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1628 dry etching
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1629 wet etching
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1631 photolithography
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1632 machining
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1635 dividing the wafer into individual chips
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1637 molding
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1642 thin film formation by CVD [chemical vapor deposition]
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1643 thin film formation by plating
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1645 thin film formation by spincoating
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1646 thin film formation by sputtering
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1648 Production of print heads with thermal bend detached actuators
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/16585 for paper-width or non-reciprocating print heads
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/175 : Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17503 : Ink cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17513 : Inner structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17546 : electronically
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 : Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17596 : Ink pumps, ink valves
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2002/041 : Electromagnetic transducer
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2202/21 : Line printing
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/38 : Drives, motors, controls or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/393 : Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine ; Controlling or analysing mechanical parameters involving printing of test patterns
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/00 : Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/4078 : Printing on textile
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/413 : for metal
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 30/00 : Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 27/50 : with slit or like diaphragm moving over original for progressive exposure G03B27/34 takes precedence ; projection optics per se G03B27/525
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/79 : in semiconductor storage media, e.g. directly-addressable memories
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/86 : Secure or tamper-resistant housings
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2129 : Authenticate client device independently of the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 1/121 : by printing code marks applying code marks to labels B65C9/46; marking or coding completed packages B65B61/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/06 : characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/06037 : multi-dimensional coding
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/073 : Special arrangements for circuits, e.g. for protecting identification code in memory protection against unauthorised use of computer memory G06F12/14
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10 : by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10722 : Photodetector array or CCD scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10732 : Light sources
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/14 : using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light G06K7/10831 - G06K7/1097 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1417 : 2D bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1443 : locating of the code in an image
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 11/56 : using storage elements with more than two stable states represented by steps, e.g. of voltage, current, phase, frequency
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 : Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00326 : with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus G11B31/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0044 : for image preview or review, e.g. to help the user position a sheet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00965 : using a plug-in memory module, e.g. memory card, memory stick
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2112 : using still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2154 : the still video camera incorporating a hardcopy reproducing device, e.g. a printer
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32133 : on the same paper sheet, e.g. a facsimile page header
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 : Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0008 : Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3222 : of processing required or performed, e.g. forwarding, urgent or confidential handling
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3261 : of multimedia information, e.g. a sound signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3264 : of sound signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3269 : of machine readable codes or marks, e.g. bar codes or glyphs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3276 : of a customised additional information profile, e.g. a profile specific to a user ID
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/328 : Processing of the additional information
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/00 : Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/2628 : Alteration of picture size, shape, position or orientation, e.g. zooming, rotation, rolling, perspective, translation

Abstract

A printing cartridge includes a housing. An actuating formation is positioned on the housing and is capable of actuating a number of capacitive sensors in an array of such sensors. The actuating formation is configured to represent data relating to at least one of: a serial number of the cartridge, a media and a media colorant, so that the capacitive sensors, when actuated, together generate a signal carrying such data.

Claims

1. A printing cartridge that comprises

a housing;

and

an actuating formation that is positioned on the housing and is capable of actuating a number of capacitive sensors in an array of such sensors, the actuating formation being configured to represent data relating to at least one of;

a serial number of the cartridge, a media and a media colorant, so that the capacitive sensors, when actuated, together generate a signal carrying such data.

2. A method of determining a media colorant of a printing cartridge, the method comprising the step of actuating a number of capacitive sensors within an array of such sensors with an actuating formation positioned on the printing cartridge, the actuating formation representing data relating to a media colorant in the cartridge, so that the capacitive sensors, when actuated, generate a signal carrying data relating to the media colorant.

3. A printing cartridge that comprises

a housing;

a media colorant supply arrangement positioned within the housing and containing a supply of media colorant; and

an actuating formation positioned on the housing and being capable of actuating a number of capacitive sensors in an array of such sensors, the actuating formation being configured to represent data relating to the media colorant so that a signal generated by the capacitive sensors, when actuated, carries said data relating to the media colorant.

4. A printing cartridge as claimed in claim 3, wherein the data represented by the actuating formation relates to at least one of:

a serial number identifying the media colorant, a type of the media colorant, a viscosity of the media colorant, a surface tension of the media colorant, optical characteristics of the media colorant and an optimal ink drop volume corresponding to a type of media.

5. A printing cartridge as claimed in claim 3, wherein a conductive material defines the actuating formation so that the actuating formation and a capacitive plate of each of said number of capacitive sensors define a capacitor.

6. A printing cartridge as claimed in claim 5, in which the actuating formation is defined by a plurality of projections that extend from the housing in an array which represents the data, each projection corresponding with a capacitive plate of each capacitive sensor of said number of capacitive sensors.

7. A printing cartridge as claimed in claim 3, in which the actuating formation is the product of an injection micromolding process.

8. A method of determining media of a printing cartridge, the method comprising the step of actuating a number of capacitive sensors in an array of such sensors with an actuating formation positioned on the printing cartridge, the actuating formation representing data relating to the media in the cartridge, so that the capacitive sensors, when actuated, generate a signal carrying data relating to the media.

9. A printing cartridge that comprises

a housing;

a media supply arrangement positioned within the housing and containing a supply of media; and

an actuating formation positioned on the housing and being capable of actuating a number of capacitive sensors in an array of such sensors, the actuating formation being configured to represent data relating to the media so that a signal generated by the capacitive sensors, when actuated, carries said data relating to the media.

11. A printing cartridge as claimed in claim 9, wherein a conductive material defines the actuating formation so that the actuating formation and a capacitive plate of each of said number of capacitive sensors define a capacitor.

12. A printing cartridge as claimed in claim 11, in which the actuating formation is defined by a plurality of projections that extend from the housing in an array which represents the data, each projection corresponding with a capacitive plate of each capacitive sensor of said number of capacitive sensors.

13. A printing cartridge as claimed in claim 9, in which the actuating formation is the product of an injection micromolding process.

10. A printing cartridge as C1 aimed in C1 aim 9, wherein the data represented by the actuating formation relates to at least one of:

a serial number identifying the media, a type of the media and a length of the media.

14. A method of determining media and media colorant of a printing cartridge, the method comprising the step of actuating a number of capacitive sensors in an array of such sensors with an actuating formation positioned on the printing cartridge, the actuating formation representing data relating to the media and the media colorant in the cartridge, so that the capacitive sensors, when actuated, generate a signal carrying data relating to the media and the media colorant.

15. A printing cartridge that comprises

a housing;

media and media colorant supply arrangements positioned within the housing and containing a supply of media and a supply of media colorant, respectively; and

an actuating formation positioned on the housing and being capable of actuating a number of capacitive sensors in an array of such sensors, the actuating formation being configured to represent data relating to the media and the media colorant so that a signal generated by the capacitive sensors, when actuated, carries said data relating to the media and the media colorant.

16. A printing cartridge as claimed in claim 15, wherein the data represented by the actuating formation relates to at least one of:

a serial number identifying the media, a serial number identifying the media colorant, a length of the media, a type of the media, a viscosity of the media colorant, a surface tension of the media colorant, optical characteristics of the media colorant and an optimal ink drop volume of the media colorant corresponding to the type of media.

17. A printing cartridge as claimed in claim 15, wherein a conductive material defines the actuating formation so that the actuating formation and a capacitive plate of each of said number of capacitive sensors define a capacitor.

18. A printing cartridge as claimed in claim 17, in which the actuating formation is defined by a plurality of projections that extend from the housing in an array which represents the data, each projection corresponding with a capacitive plate of each capacitive sensor of said number of capacitive sensors.

19. A printing cartridge as claimed in claim 15, in which the actuating formation is the product of an injection micromolding process.

20. A printing device that comprises

a body, a printing cartridge being engageable with the body, the printing cartridge having a housing, a media colorant supply arrangement positioned within the housing and containing a supply of media colorant, an actuator formation being positioned on the housing and representing data relating to the media colorant;

a processor positioned in the body to control operation of a media colorant feed mechanism and a printing mechanism; and

an array of capacitive sensors positioned in the body and being configured so that predetermined combinations of capacitive sensors in the sensor array, when actuated, generate signals carrying data related to the media colorant, such predetermined combinations of capacitive sensors in the sensor array being actuable by the actuator formation positioned on the housing of the printing cartridge when the printing cartridge is engaged with the body so that the array of capacitive sensors generates a signal carrying said data relating to the media colorant of the printing cartridge.

21. A printing device as claimed in claim 20, in which the array of capacitive sensors is the product of an integrated circuit fabrication process.

22. A printing device as claimed in claim 21, in which the array of capacitive sensors is in the form of a ceramic metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device.

23. A printing device as claimed in claim 21, in which the array of capacitive sensors includes a substrate having dielectric properties, the substrate defining a contact surface against which the actuating formation bears, with each capacitive sensor including a capacitor plate positioned in the substrate, and spaced from the contact surface, so that, when the actuating formation bears against the contact surface, the capacitor plate and the actuating formation defines a capacitor.

24. A printing device as claimed in claim 23, in which the capacitor plates are positioned so that capacitor plates of predetermined combinations of capacitor plates correspond with projections of the actuating formation, to define capacitors having a capacitance that represents the data relating to the media colorant.

25. A printing device as claimed in claim 23, in which the array of capacitive sensors incorporates circuitry to determine said capacitance.

30. A printing device as claimed in claim 23, in which the capacitor plates are positioned so that capacitor plates of predetermined combinations of capacitor plates correspond with projections of the actuating formation, to define capacitors having a capacitance that represents the data relating to the media.

31. A printing device as claimed in claim 23, in which the array of capacitive sensors incorporates circuitry to determine said capacitance.

33. A printing device as claimed in claim 30, in which the array of capacitive sensors is the product of an integrated circuit fabrication process.

34. A printing device as claimed in claim 31, in which the array of capacitive sensors is in the form of a ceramic metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device.

35. A printing device as claimed in claim 31, in which the array of capacitive sensors includes a substrate having dielectric properties, the substrate defining a contact surface against which the actuating formation bears, with each capacitive sensor including a capacitor plate positioned in the substrate, and spaced from the contact surface, so that, when the actuating formation bears against the contact surface, the capacitor plate and the actuating formation defines a capacitor.

36. A printing device as claimed in claim 33, in which the capacitor plates are positioned so that capacitor plates of predetermined combinations of capacitor plates correspond with projections of the actuating formation, to define capacitors having a capacitance that represents the data relating to the media and the media colorant.

37. A printing device as claimed in claim 34, in which the array of capacitive sensors incorporates circuitry to determine said capacitance.

26. A printing device that comprises

a body, a printing cartridge being engageable with the body, the printing cartridge having a housing, a media supply arrangement positioned within the housing and containing a supply of media, an actuating formation being positioned on the housing and representing data relating to the media;

a processor positioned in the body to control operation of a media feed mechanism and a printing mechanism; and

an array of capacitive sensors positioned in the body and being configured so that predetermined combinations of capacitive sensors in the sensor array, when actuated, generate signals carrying data related to the media, such predetermined combinations of capacitive sensors in the sensor array being actuable by the actuator formation positioned on the housing of the printing cartridge when the printing cartridge is engaged with the body so that the array of capacitive sensors generates a signal carrying said data relating to the media of the printing cartridge.

27. A printing device as claimed in claim 26, in which the array of capacitive sensors is the product of an integrated circuit fabrication process.

28. A printing device as claimed in claim 27, in which the array of capacitive sensors is in the form of a ceramic metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device.

29. A printing device as claimed in claim 27, in which the array of capacitive sensors includes a substrate having dielectric properties, the substrate defining a contact surface against which the actuating formation bears, with each capacitive sensor including a capacitor plate positioned in the substrate, and spaced from the contact surface, so that, when the actuating formation bears against the contact surface, the capacitor plate and the actuating formation defines a capacitor.

32. A printing device that comprises

a body, a printing cartridge being engageable with the body, the printing cartridge having a housing, media colorant and media supply arrangements positioned within the housing and containing a supply of media and media colorant, an actuating formation being positioned on the housing and representing data relating to the media colorant and the media;

a processor positioned in the body to control operation of media colorant and media feed mechanisms and a printing mechanism; and

an array of capacitive sensors positioned in the body and being configured so that predetermined combinations of capacitive sensors in the sensor array, when actuated, generate signals carrying data related to the media and the media colorant, such predetermined combinations of capacitive sensors in the sensor array being actuable by the actuator formation positioned on the housing of the printing cartridge when the printing cartridge is engaged with the body so that the array of capacitive sensors generates a signal carrying said data relating to the media and the media colorant of the printing cartridge.