PATENT DOCUMENT

Abstract:
A method of processing a digital image in a digital camera is provided in which structures within a digital image produced by the digital camera utilising an adjustable focusing technique of the digital camera are detected by processing the digital image with a processor of the digital camera utilising focusing settings of the adjustable focusing technique as an indicator of positions of said structures, and image effects are applied to the detected structures with the processor.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/831,238 filed Apr. 26, 2004, which is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/112,750, filed on Jul. 10, 1998, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,948, all of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus and, in particular, discloses a process for—utilising autofocus information in a digital image camera. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Recently, digital cameras have become increasingly popular. These cameras normally operate by means of imaging a desired image utilizing 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 utilizing a computer system to print out an image, sophisticated software may be 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 in which is was taken, relying on the post processing process to perform any necessary or required modifications of the captured image. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for enhanced processing of images captured by a digital camera utilising autofocus settings. 
         [0006]    In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of generating a manipulated output image by means of a digital camera, the method comprising the steps of: 
         [0007]    capturing a focused image using an automatic focusing technique generating focus settings; 
         [0008]    generating a manipulated output image by applying a digital image manipulating process to the focused image, the digital image manipulating process utilizing the focus settings. 
         [0009]    Preferably the focus settings include a current position of a zoom motor of the digital camera. 
         [0010]    In a preferred embodiment the digital image manipulating process includes a step of locating an object within the focused image utilizing the focus settings. 
         [0011]    The method may include the step of printing out the manipulated image by means of a printing mechanism incorporated into the digital camera. 
         [0012]    It is preferred that the digital image manipulating process selectively applies techniques to the focused image on the basis of the focus settings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates the method of the preferred embodiment; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of the ARTCAM type camera. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    The preferred embodiment is preferably implemented through suitable programming of a hand held camera device such as that described in the concurrently filed application, Applicant&#39;s reference ART01, U.S. Ser. No. 09/113,060 entitled “A Digital Camera with Image Processing Capability” filed concurrently herewith by the present applicant 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.  FIG. 2  shows a block diagram thereof. 
         [0017]    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 such as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Further, the aforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performing various manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing device  30  leading to the production of various effects in any output image  40 . 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  9  hereinafter being known as Artcards. The Artcam further has significant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit (ACP)  32  which is interconnected to a memory device  34  for the storage of important data and images. 
         [0018]    In the preferred embodiment, autofocus is achieved by processing of a CCD data stream to ensure maximum contrast. Techniques for determining a focus position based on a CCD data stream are known. For example, reference is made to “The Encyclopedia of Photography” editors Leslie Stroebel and Richard Zakia, published 1993 by Butterworth-Heinemann and “Applied Photographic Optics” by London &amp; Boston, Focal Press, 1988. These techniques primarily rely on measurements of contrast between adjacent pixels over portions of an input image. The image is initally processed by the ACP in order to determine a correct autofocus setting. 
         [0019]    This autofocus information is then utilized by the ACP  32  in certain modes, for example, when attempting to locate faces within the image, as a guide to the likely size of any face within the image, thereby simplifying the face location process. 
         [0020]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated an example of the method utilized to determine likely image characteristics for examination by a face detection algorithm  10 . 
         [0021]    Various images eg. 2, 3 and 4 are imaged by the camera device  28 . As a by product of the operation of the auto-focusing the details of the focusing settings of the autofocus unit  5  are stored by the ACP  32 . Additionally, a current position of the zoom motor  38  is also utilized as zoom setting  6 . Both of these settings are determined by the ACP  32 . Subsequently, the ACP  32  applies analysis techniques in heuristic system  8  to the detected values before producing an output  29  having a magnitude corresponding to the likely depth location of objects of interest  21 ,  31  or  41  within the image  2 ,  3  or  4  respectively. 
         [0022]    Next, the depth value is utilised in a face detection algorithm  10  running on the ACP  32  in addition to the inputted sensed image  11  so as to locate objects within the image. A close output  29  corresponding to a range value indicates a high probability of a portrait image, a medium range indicates a high probability of a group photograph and a further range indicates a higher probability of a landscape image. This probability information can be utilized as an aid for the face detection algorithm and also can be utilised for selecting between various parameters when producing “painting” effects within the image or painting the image with clip arts or the like, with different techniques or clip arts being applied depending on the distance to an object. 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    The present invention is further best utilized in the Artcam device, the details of which are set out in the following paragraphs although it is not restricted thereto. 
       Ink Jet Technologies 
       [0025]    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. 
         [0026]    The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption. This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stems from the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves the rapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink. Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermal inkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, from electricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out. 
         [0027]    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 pagewidth print heads with 19,200 nozzles. 
         [0028]    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: 
         [0029]    low power (less than 10 Watts) 
         [0030]    high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more) 
         [0031]    photographic quality output 
         [0032]    low manufacturing cost 
         [0033]    small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section) 
         [0034]    high speed (&lt;2 seconds per page). 
         [0035]    All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. Fortyfive different inkjet technologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range of choices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part of separate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in the table below. 
         [0036]    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 
         [0037]    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. 
         [0038]    Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection molded plastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which can be created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standard injection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the wafer to the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. The print head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automated bonding. 
       CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS 
       [0039]    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: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Docket 
                 Reference 
                 Title 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 IJ01US 
                 6,227,652 
                 Radiant Plunger Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ02US 
                 6,213,588 
                 Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ03US 
                 6,213,589 
                 Planar Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet 
               
               
                 IJ04US 
                 6,231,163 
                 Stacked Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ05US 
                 6,247,795 
                 Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ06US 
                 6,394,581 
                 Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ07US 
                 6,244,691 
                 Permanent Magnet Electromagnetic Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printer 
               
               
                 IJ08US 
                 6,257,704 
                 Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printer 
               
               
                 IJ09US 
                 6,416,168 
                 Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ10US 
                 6,220,694 
                 Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ11US 
                 6,257,705 
                 Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ12US 
                 6,247,794 
                 Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ13US 
                 6,234,610 
                 Gear Driven Shutter Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ14US 
                 6,247,793 
                 Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printer 
               
               
                 IJ15US 
                 6,264,306 
                 Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printer 
               
               
                 IJ16US 
                 6,241,342 
                 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printer 
               
               
                 IJ17US 
                 6,247,792 
                 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Pressure Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ18US 
                 6,264,307 
                 Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printer 
               
               
                 IJ19US 
                 6,254,220 
                 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ20US 
                 6,234,611 
                 Curling Calyx Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ21US 
                 6,302,528 
                 Thermal Actuated Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ22US 
                 6,283,582 
                 Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ23US 
                 6,239,821 
                 Direct Firing Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printer 
               
               
                 IJ24US 
                 6,338,547 
                 Conductive PTFE Ben Activator Vented Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printer 
               
               
                 IJ25US 
                 6,247,796 
                 Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ26US 
                 6,557,977 
                 Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ27US 
                 6,390,603 
                 Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ28US 
                 6,362,843 
                 Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printer 
               
               
                 IJ29US 
                 6,293,653 
                 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ30US 
                 6,312,107 
                 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Corrugated Copper Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ31US 
                 6,227,653 
                 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printer 
               
               
                 IJ32US 
                 6,234,609 
                 A High Young&#39;s Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printer 
               
               
                 IJ33US 
                 6,238,040 
                 Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink 
               
               
                   
                   
                 jet printer 
               
               
                 IJ34US 
                 6,188,415 
                 Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuator 
               
               
                   
                   
                 comprising an external coiled spring 
               
               
                 IJ35US 
                 6,227,654 
                 Trough Container Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                 IJ36US 
                 6,209,989 
                 Dual Chamber Single Vertical Actuator Ink Jet 
               
               
                 IJ37US 
                 6,247,791 
                 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum Actuator 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ink Jet 
               
               
                 IJ38US 
                 6,336,710 
                 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink Jet 
               
               
                 IJ39US 
                 6,217,153 
                 A single bend actuator cupped paddle ink jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                 printing device 
               
               
                 IJ40US 
                 6,416,167 
                 A thermally actuated ink jet printer having a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 series of thermal actuator units 
               
               
                 IJ41US 
                 6,243,113 
                 A thermally actuated ink jet printer including 
               
               
                   
                   
                 a tapered heater element 
               
               
                 IJ42US 
                 6,283,581 
                 Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet 
               
               
                 IJ43US 
                 6,247,790 
                 Inverted Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Jet 
               
               
                 IJ44US 
                 6,260,953 
                 Surface bend actuator vented ink supply ink 
               
               
                   
                   
                 jet printer 
               
               
                 IJ45US 
                 6,267,469 
                 Coil Acutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet Printer 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Tables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets 
       [0040]    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. 
         [0041]    The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table of inkjet types. 
         [0042]    Actuator mechanism (18 types) 
         [0043]    Basic operation mode (7 types) 
         [0044]    Auxiliary mechanism (8 types) 
         [0045]    Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types) 
         [0046]    Actuator motion (19 types) 
         [0047]    Nozzle refill method (4 types) 
         [0048]    Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types) 
         [0049]    Nozzle clearing method (9 types) 
         [0050]    Nozzle plate construction (9 types) 
         [0051]    Drop ejection direction (5 types) 
         [0052]    Ink type (7 types) 
         [0053]    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. 
         [0054]    Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these fortyfive examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more of the 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into inkjet print heads with characteristics superior to any currently available inkjet technology. 
         [0055]    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 print technology may be listed more than once in a table, where it shares characteristics with more than one entry. 
         [0056]    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. 
         [0057]    The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrix are set out in the following tables. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TO SELECTED INK DROPS) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Actuator 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Mechanism 
                 Description 
                 Advantages 
                 Disadvantages 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Thermal 
                 An electrothermal heater heats the 
                 Large force generated 
                 High power 
                 Canon Bubblejet 
               
               
                 bubble 
                 ink to above boiling point, 
                 Simple construction 
                 Ink carrier limited to water 
                 1979 Endo et al GB 
               
               
                   
                 transferring significant heat to the 
                 No moving parts 
                 Low efficiency 
                 patent 2,007,162 
               
               
                   
                 aqueous ink. A bubble nucleates 
                 Fast operation 
                 High temperatures required 
                 Xerox heater-in-pit 
               
               
                   
                 and quickly forms, expelling the 
                 Small chip area required 
                 High mechanical stress 
                 1990 Hawkins et al 
               
               
                   
                 ink. 
                 for actuator 
                 Unusual materials required 
                 U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 
               
               
                   
                 The efficiency of the process is 
                   
                 Large drive transistors 
                 Hewlett-Packard 
               
               
                   
                 low, with typically less than 
                   
                 Cavitation causes actuator failure 
                 TIJ 1982 Vaught et 
               
               
                   
                 0.05% of the electrical energy 
                   
                 Kogation reduces bubble formation 
                 al U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,728 
               
               
                   
                 being transformed into kinetic 
                   
                 Large print heads are difficult to 
               
               
                   
                 energy of the drop. 
                   
                 fabricate 
               
               
                 Piezoelectric 
                 A piezoelectric crystal such as 
                 Low power consumption 
                 Very large area required for 
                 Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No. 
               
               
                   
                 lead lanthanum zirconate (PZT) is 
                 Many ink types can be 
                 actuator 
                 3,946,398 
               
               
                   
                 electrically activated, and either 
                 used 
                 Difficult to integrate with 
                 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. 
               
               
                   
                 expands, shears, or bends to apply 
                 Fast operation 
                 electronics 
                 3,683,212 
               
               
                   
                 pressure to the ink, ejecting drops. 
                 High efficiency 
                 High voltage drive transistors 
                 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 required 
                 3,747,120 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Full pagewidth print heads 
                 Epson Stylus 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 impractical due to actuator size 
                 Tektronix 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Requires electrical poling in high 
                 IJ04 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 field strengths during manufacture 
               
               
                 Electro- 
                 An electric field is used to 
                 Low power consumption 
                 Low maximum strain (approx. 
                 Seiko Epson, Usui 
               
               
                 strictive 
                 activate electrostriction in relaxor 
                 Many ink types can be 
                 0.01%) 
                 et all JP 253401/96 
               
               
                   
                 materials such as lead lanthanum 
                 used 
                 Large area required for actuator due 
                 IJ04 
               
               
                   
                 zirconate titanate (PLZT) or lead 
                 Low thermal expansion 
                 to low strain 
               
               
                   
                 magnesium niobate (PMN). 
                 Electric field strength 
                 Response speed is marginal (~10 μs) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 required (approx. 3.5 V/μm) 
                 High voltage drive transistors 
               
               
                   
                   
                 can be generated 
                 required 
               
               
                   
                   
                 without difficulty 
                 Full pagewidth print heads 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Does not require 
                 impractical due to actuator size 
               
               
                   
                   
                 electrical poling 
               
               
                 Ferroelectric 
                 An electric field is used to induce 
                 Low power consumption 
                 Difficult to integrate with 
                 IJ04 
               
               
                   
                 a phase transition between the 
                 Many ink types can be 
                 electronics 
               
               
                   
                 antiferroelectric (AFE) and 
                 used 
                 Unusual materials such as PLZSnT 
               
               
                   
                 ferroelectric (FE) phase. 
                 Fast operation (&lt;1 μs) 
                 are required 
               
               
                   
                 Perovskite materials such as tin 
                 Relatively high 
                 Actuators require a large area 
               
               
                   
                 modified lead lanthanum 
                 longitudinal strain 
               
               
                   
                 zirconate titanate (PLZSnT) 
                 High efficiency 
               
               
                   
                 exhibit large strains of up to 1% 
                 Electric field strength of 
               
               
                   
                 associated with the AFE to FE 
                 around 3 V/μm can be 
               
               
                   
                 phase transition. 
                 readily provided 
               
               
                 Electrostatic 
                 Conductive plates are separated 
                 Low power consumption 
                 Difficult to operate electrostatic 
                 IJ02, IJ04 
               
               
                 plates 
                 by a compressible or fluid 
                 Many ink types can be 
                 devices in an aqueous environment 
               
               
                   
                 dielectric (usually air). Upon 
                 used 
                 The electrostatic actuator will 
               
               
                   
                 application of a voltage, the plates 
                 Fast operation 
                 normally need to be separated from 
               
               
                   
                 attract each other and displace 
                   
                 the ink 
               
               
                   
                 ink, causing drop ejection. The 
                   
                 Very large area required to achieve 
               
               
                   
                 conductive plates may be in a 
                   
                 high forces 
               
               
                   
                 comb or honeycomb structure, or 
                   
                 High voltage drive transistors may 
               
               
                   
                 stacked to increase the surface 
                   
                 be required 
               
               
                   
                 area and therefore the force. 
                   
                 Full pagewidth print heads are not 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 competitive due to actuator size 
               
               
                 Electrostatic 
                 A strong electric field is applied 
                 Low current consumption 
                 High voltage required 
                 1989 Saito et al, 
               
               
                 pull on ink 
                 to the ink, whereupon electrostatic 
                 Low temperature 
                 May be damaged by sparks due to 
                 U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068 
               
               
                   
                 attraction accelerates the ink 
                   
                 air breakdown 
                 1989 Miura et al, 
               
               
                   
                 towards the print medium. 
                   
                 Required field strength increases as 
                 U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,954 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 the drop size decreases 
                 Tone-jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 High voltage drive transistors 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 required 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Electrostatic field attracts dust 
               
               
                 Permanent 
                 An electromagnet directly attracts 
                 Low power consumption 
                 Complex fabrication 
                 IJ07, IJ10 
               
               
                 magnet 
                 a permanent magnet, displacing 
                 Many ink types can be 
                 Permanent magnetic material such 
               
               
                 electro- 
                 ink and causing drop ejection. 
                 used 
                 as Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) 
               
               
                 magnetic 
                 Rare earth magnets with a field 
                 Fast operation 
                 required. 
               
               
                   
                 strength around 1 Tesla can be 
                 High efficiency 
                 High local currents required 
               
               
                   
                 used. Examples are: Samarium 
                 Easy extension from 
                 Copper metalization should be used 
               
               
                   
                 Cobalt (SaCo) and magnetic 
                 single nozzles to 
                 for long electromigration lifetime 
               
               
                   
                 materials in the neodymium iron 
                 pagewidth print heads 
                 and low resistivity 
               
               
                   
                 boron family (NdFeB, 
                   
                 Pigmented inks are usually 
               
               
                   
                 NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB, etc) 
                   
                 infeasible 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Operating temperature limited to the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Curie temperature (around 540 K) 
               
               
                 Soft magnetic 
                 A solenoid induced a magnetic 
                 Low power consumption 
                 Complex fabrication 
                 IJ01, IJ05, IJ08, 
               
               
                 core electro- 
                 field in a soft magnetic core or 
                 Many ink types can be 
                 Materials not usually present in a 
                 IJ10 
               
               
                 magnetic 
                 yoke fabricated from a ferrous 
                 used 
                 CMOS fab such as NiFe, CoNiFe, 
                 IJ12, IJ14, IJ15, 
               
               
                   
                 material such as electroplated iron 
                 Fast operation 
                 or CoFe are required 
                 IJ17 
               
               
                   
                 alloys such as CoNiFe [1], CoFe, 
                 High efficiency 
                 High local currents required 
               
               
                   
                 or NiFe alloys. Typically, the soft 
                 Easy extension from 
                 Copper metalization should be used 
               
               
                   
                 magnetic material is in two parts, 
                 single nozzles to 
                 for long electromigration lifetime 
               
               
                   
                 which are normally held apart by 
                 pagewidth print heads 
                 and low resistivity 
               
               
                   
                 a spring. When the solenoid is 
                   
                 Electroplating is required 
               
               
                   
                 actuated, the two parts attract, 
                   
                 High saturation flux density is 
               
               
                   
                 displacing the ink. 
                   
                 required (2.0-2.1 T is achievable 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 with CoNiFe [1]) 
               
               
                 Magnetic 
                 The Lorenz force acting on a 
                 Low power consumption 
                 Force acts as a twisting motion 
                 IJ06, IJ11, IJ13, 
               
               
                 Lorenz force 
                 current carrying wire in a 
                 Many ink types can be 
                 Typically, only a quarter of the 
                 IJ16 
               
               
                   
                 magnetic field is utilized. 
                 used 
                 solenoid length provides force in a 
               
               
                   
                 This allows the magnetic field to 
                 Fast operation 
                 useful direction 
               
               
                   
                 be supplied externally to the print 
                 High efficiency 
                 High local currents required 
               
               
                   
                 head, for example with rare earth 
                 Easy extension from 
                 Copper metalization should be used 
               
               
                   
                 permanent magnets. 
                 single nozzles to 
                 for long electromigration lifetime 
               
               
                   
                 Only the current carrying wire 
                 pagewidth print heads 
                 and low resistivity 
               
               
                   
                 need be fabricated on the print- 
                   
                 Pigmented inks are usually 
               
               
                   
                 head, simplifying materials 
                   
                 infeasible 
               
               
                   
                 requirements. 
               
               
                 Magneto- 
                 The actuator uses the giant 
                 Many ink types can be 
                 Force acts as a twisting motion 
                 Fischenbeck, U.S. Pat. No. 
               
               
                 striction 
                 magnetostrictive effect of 
                 used 
                 Unusual materials such as Terfenol- 
                 4,032,929 
               
               
                   
                 materials such as Terfenol-D (an 
                 Fast operation 
                 D are required 
                 IJ25 
               
               
                   
                 alloy of terbium, dysprosium and 
                 Easy extension from 
                 High local currents required 
               
               
                   
                 iron developed at the Naval 
                 single nozzles to 
                 Copper metalization should be used 
               
               
                   
                 Ordnance Laboratory, hence Ter- 
                 pagewidth print heads 
                 for long electromigration lifetime 
               
               
                   
                 Fe-NOL). For best efficiency, the 
                 High force is available 
                 and low resistivity 
               
               
                   
                 actuator should be pre-stressed to 
                   
                 Pre-stressing may be required 
               
               
                   
                 approx. 8 MPa. 
               
               
                 Surface 
                 Ink under positive pressure is held 
                 Low power consumption 
                 Requires supplementary force to 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 tension 
                 in a nozzle by surface tension. 
                 Simple construction 
                 effect drop separation 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                 reduction 
                 The surface tension of the ink is 
                 No unusual materials 
                 Requires special ink surfactants 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 reduced below the bubble 
                 required in fabrication 
                 Speed may be limited by surfactant 
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                 threshold, causing the ink to 
                 High efficiency 
                 properties 
               
               
                   
                 egress from the nozzle. 
                 Easy extension from 
               
               
                   
                   
                 single nozzles to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pagewidth print heads 
               
               
                 Viscosity 
                 The ink viscosity is locally 
                 Simple construction 
                 Requires supplementary force to 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 reduction 
                 reduced to select which drops are 
                 No unusual materials 
                 effect drop separation 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                 to be ejected. A viscosity 
                 required in fabrication 
                 Requires special ink viscosity 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 reduction can be achieved 
                 Easy extension from 
                 properties 
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                 electrothermally with most inks, 
                 single nozzles to 
                 High speed is difficult to achieve 
               
               
                   
                 but special inks can be engineered 
                 pagewidth print heads 
                 Requires oscillating ink pressure 
               
               
                   
                 for a 100:1 viscosity reduction. 
                   
                 A high temperature difference 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (typically 80 degrees) is required 
               
               
                 Acoustic 
                 An acoustic wave is generated 
                 Can operate without a 
                 Complex drive circuitry 
                 1993 Hadimioglu et 
               
               
                   
                 and focussed upon the drop 
                 nozzle plate 
                 Complex fabrication 
                 al, EUP 550,192 
               
               
                   
                 ejection region. 
                   
                 Low efficiency 
                 1993 Elrod et al, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Poor control of drop position 
                 EUP 572,220 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Poor control of drop volume 
               
               
                 Thermoelastic 
                 An actuator which relies upon 
                 Low power consumption 
                 Efficient aqueous operation requires 
                 IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, 
               
               
                 bend 
                 differential thermal expansion 
                 Many ink types can be 
                 a thermal insulator on the hot side 
                 IJ18 
               
               
                 actuator 
                 upon Joule heating is used. 
                 used 
                 Corrosion prevention can be 
                 IJ19, IJ20, IJ21, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Simple planar fabrication 
                 difficult 
                 IJ22 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Small chip area required 
                 Pigmented inks may be infeasible, 
                 IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 for each actuator 
                 as pigment particles may jam the 
                 IJ28 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Fast operation 
                 bend actuator 
                 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 High efficiency 
                   
                 IJ32 
               
               
                   
                   
                 CMOS compatible 
                   
                 IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 voltages and currents 
                   
                 IJ36 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Standard MEMS 
                   
                 IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 processes can be used 
                   
                 IJ40 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Easy extension from 
                   
                 IJ41 
               
               
                   
                   
                 single nozzles to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pagewidth print heads 
               
               
                 High CTE 
                 A material with a very high 
                 High force can be 
                 Requires special material (e.g. 
                 IJ09, IJ17, IJ18, 
               
               
                 thermoelastic 
                 coefficient of thermal expansion 
                 generated 
                 PTFE) 
                 IJ20 
               
               
                 actuator 
                 (CTE) such as 
                 PTFE is a candidate for 
                 Requires a PTFE deposition 
                 IJ21, IJ22, IJ23, 
               
               
                   
                 polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is 
                 low dielectric constant 
                 process, which is not yet standard in 
                 IJ24 
               
               
                   
                 used. As high CTE materials are 
                 insulation in ULSI 
                 ULSI fabs 
                 IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, 
               
               
                   
                 usually non-conductive, a heater 
                 Very low power 
                 PTFE deposition cannot be 
                 IJ30 
               
               
                   
                 fabricated from a conductive 
                 consumption 
                 followed with high temperature 
                 IJ31, IJ42, IJ43, 
               
               
                   
                 material is incorporated. A 50 μm 
                 Many ink types can be 
                 (above 350° C.) processing 
                 IJ44 
               
               
                   
                 long PTFE bend actuator with 
                 used 
                 Pigmented inks may be infeasible, 
               
               
                   
                 polysilicon heater and 15 mW 
                 Simple planar fabrication 
                 as pigment particles may jam the 
               
               
                   
                 power input can provide 180 μN 
                 Small chip area required 
                 bend actuator 
               
               
                   
                 force and 10 μm deflection. 
                 for each actuator 
               
               
                   
                 Actuator motions include: 
                 Fast operation 
               
               
                   
                 1) Bend 
                 High efficiency 
               
               
                   
                 2) Push 
                 CMOS compatible 
               
               
                   
                 3) Buckle 
                 voltages and currents 
               
               
                   
                 4) Rotate 
                 Easy extension from 
               
               
                   
                   
                 single nozzles to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pagewidth print heads 
               
               
                 Conductive 
                 A polymer with a high coefficient 
                 High force can be 
                 Requires special materials 
                 IJ24 
               
               
                 polymer 
                 of thermal expansion (such as 
                 generated 
                 development (High CTE conductive 
               
               
                 thermoelastic 
                 PTFE) is doped with conducting 
                 Very low power 
                 polymer) 
               
               
                 actuator 
                 substances to increase its 
                 consumption 
                 Requires a PTFE deposition 
               
               
                   
                 conductivity to about 3 orders of 
                 Many ink types can be 
                 process, which is not yet standard in 
               
               
                   
                 magnitude below that of copper. 
                 used 
                 ULSI fabs 
               
               
                   
                 The conducting polymer expands 
                 Simple planar fabrication 
                 PTFE deposition cannot be 
               
               
                   
                 when resistively heated. 
                 Small chip area required 
                 followed with high temperature 
               
               
                   
                 Examples of conducting dopants 
                 for each actuator 
                 (above 350° C.) processing 
               
               
                   
                 include: 
                 Fast operation 
                 Evaporation and CVD deposition 
               
               
                   
                 1) Carbon nanotubes 
                 High efficiency 
                 techniques cannot be used 
               
               
                   
                 2) Metal fibers 
                 CMOS compatible 
                 Pigmented inks may be infeasible, 
               
               
                   
                 3) Conductive polymers such as 
                 voltages and currents 
                 as pigment particles may jam the 
               
               
                   
                 doped polythiophene 
                 Easy extension from 
                 bend actuator 
               
               
                   
                 4) Carbon granules 
                 single nozzles to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pagewidth print heads 
               
               
                 Shape 
                 A shape memory alloy such as 
                 High force is available 
                 Fatigue limits maximum number of 
                 IJ26 
               
               
                 memory alloy 
                 TiNi (also known as Nitinol - 
                 (stresses of hundreds of 
                 cycles 
               
               
                   
                 Nickel Titanium alloy developed 
                 MPa) 
                 Low strain (1%) is required to 
               
               
                   
                 at the Naval Ordnance 
                 Large strain is available 
                 extend fatigue resistance 
               
               
                   
                 Laboratory) is thermally switched 
                 (more than 3%) 
                 Cycle rate limited by heat removal 
               
               
                   
                 between its weak martensitic state 
                 High corrosion resistance 
                 Requires unusual materials (TiNi) 
               
               
                   
                 and its high stiffness austenic 
                 Simple construction 
                 The latent heat of transformation 
               
               
                   
                 state. The shape of the actuator in 
                 Easy extension from 
                 must be provided 
               
               
                   
                 its martensitic state is deformed 
                 single nozzles to 
                 High current operation 
               
               
                   
                 relative to the austenic shape. The 
                 pagewidth print heads 
                 Requires pre-stressing to distort the 
               
               
                   
                 shape change causes ejection of a 
                 Low voltage operation 
                 martensitic state 
               
               
                   
                 drop. 
               
               
                 Linear 
                 Linear magnetic actuators include 
                 Linear Magnetic 
                 Requires unusual semiconductor 
                 IJ12 
               
               
                 Magnetic 
                 the Linear Induction Actuator 
                 actuators can be 
                 materials such as soft magnetic 
               
               
                 Actuator 
                 (LIA), Linear Permanent Magnet 
                 constructed with high 
                 alloys (e.g. CoNiFe [1]) 
               
               
                   
                 Synchronous Actuator (LPMSA), 
                 thrust, long travel, and 
                 Some varieties also require 
               
               
                   
                 Linear Reluctance Synchronous 
                 high efficiency using 
                 permanent magnetic materials such 
               
               
                   
                 Actuator (LRSA), Linear 
                 planar semiconductor 
                 as Neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) 
               
               
                   
                 Switched Reluctance Actuator 
                 fabrication techniques 
                 Requires complex multi-phase drive 
               
               
                   
                 (LSRA), and the Linear Stepper 
                 Long actuator travel is 
                 circuitry 
               
               
                   
                 Actuator (LSA). 
                 available 
                 High current operation 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Medium force is available 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Low voltage operation 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 BASIC OPERATION MODE 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Operational 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mode 
                 Description 
                 Advantages 
                 Disadvantages 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Actuator 
                 This is the simplest mode of 
                 Simple operation 
                 Drop repetition rate is usually 
                 Thermal inkjet 
               
               
                 directly 
                 operation: the actuator directly 
                 No external fields 
                 limited to less than 10 KHz. 
                 Piezoelectric inkjet 
               
               
                 pushes ink 
                 supplies sufficient kinetic energy 
                 required 
                 However, this is not fundamental to 
                 IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, 
               
               
                   
                 to expel the drop. The drop must 
                 Satellite drops can be 
                 the method, but is related to the 
                 IJ04 
               
               
                   
                 have a sufficient velocity to overcome the 
                 avoided if drop velocity is 
                 refill method normally used 
                 IJ05, IJ06, IJ07, 
               
               
                   
                 surface tension. 
                 less than 4 m/s 
                 All of the drop kinetic energy must 
                 IJ09 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Can be efficient, 
                 be provided by the actuator 
                 IJ11, IJ12, IJ14, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 depending upon the 
                 Satellite drops usually form if drop 
                 IJ16 
               
               
                   
                   
                 actuator used 
                 velocity is greater than 4.5 m/s 
                 IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ24 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 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 head 
                 Requires close proximity between 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                   
                 selected by some manner (e.g. 
                 fabrication can be used 
                 the print head and the print media or 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                 thermally induced surface tension 
                 The drop selection means 
                 transfer roller 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 reduction of pressurized ink). 
                 does not need to provide 
                 May require two print heads 
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                 Selected drops are separated from 
                 the energy required to 
                 printing alternate rows of the image 
               
               
                   
                 the ink in the nozzle by contact 
                 separate the drop from the 
                 Monolithic color print heads are 
               
               
                   
                 with the print medium or a 
                 nozzle 
                 difficult 
               
               
                   
                 transfer roller. 
               
               
                 Electrostatic 
                 The drops to be printed are 
                 Very simple print head 
                 Requires very high electrostatic 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 pull on ink 
                 selected by some manner (e.g. 
                 fabrication can be used 
                 field 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                 thermally induced surface tension 
                 The drop selection means 
                 Electrostatic field for small nozzle 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 reduction of pressurized ink). 
                 does not need to provide 
                 sizes is above air breakdown 
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                 Selected drops are separated from 
                 the energy required to 
                 Electrostatic field may attract dust 
                 Tone-Jet 
               
               
                   
                 the ink in the nozzle by a strong 
                 separate the drop from the 
               
               
                   
                 electric field. 
                 nozzle 
               
               
                 Magnetic pull 
                 The drops to be printed are 
                 Very simple print head 
                 Requires magnetic ink 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 on ink 
                 selected by some manner (e.g. 
                 fabrication can be used 
                 Ink colors other than black are 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                 thermally induced surface tension 
                 The drop selection means 
                 difficult 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 reduction of pressurized ink). 
                 does not need to provide 
                 Requires very high magnetic fields 
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                 Selected drops are separated from 
                 the energy required to 
               
               
                   
                 the ink in the nozzle by a strong 
                 separate the drop from the 
               
               
                   
                 magnetic field acting on the 
                 nozzle 
               
               
                   
                 magnetic ink. 
               
               
                 Shutter 
                 The actuator moves a shutter to 
                 High speed (&gt;50 KHz) 
                 Moving parts are required 
                 IJ13, IJ17, IJ21 
               
               
                   
                 block ink flow to the nozzle. The 
                 operation can be achieved 
                 Requires ink pressure modulator 
               
               
                   
                 ink pressure is pulsed at a 
                 due to reduced refill time 
                 Friction and wear must be 
               
               
                   
                 multiple of the drop ejection 
                 Drop timing can be very 
                 considered 
               
               
                   
                 frequency. 
                 accurate 
                 Stiction is possible 
               
               
                   
                   
                 The actuator energy can 
               
               
                   
                   
                 be very low 
               
               
                 Shuttered 
                 The actuator moves a shutter to 
                 Actuators with small 
                 Moving parts are required 
                 IJ08, IJ15, IJ18, 
               
               
                 grill 
                 block ink flow through a grill to 
                 travel can be used 
                 Requires ink pressure modulator 
                 IJ19 
               
               
                   
                 the nozzle. The shutter movement 
                 Actuators with small 
                 Friction and wear must be 
               
               
                   
                 need only be equal to the width of 
                 force can be used 
                 considered 
               
               
                   
                 the grill holes. 
                 High speed (&gt;50 KHz) 
                 Stiction is possible 
               
               
                   
                   
                 operation can be achieved 
               
               
                 Pulsed 
                 A pulsed magnetic field attracts 
                 Extremely low energy 
                 Requires an external pulsed 
                 IJ10 
               
               
                 magnetic pull 
                 an ‘ink pusher’ at the drop 
                 operation is possible 
                 magnetic field 
               
               
                 on ink pusher 
                 ejection frequency. An actuator 
                 No heat dissipation 
                 Requires special materials for both 
               
               
                   
                 controls a catch, which prevents 
                 problems 
                 the actuator and the ink pusher 
               
               
                   
                 the ink pusher from moving when 
                   
                 Complex construction 
               
               
                   
                 a drop is not to be ejected. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Auxiliary 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Mechanism 
                 Description 
                 Advantages 
                 Disadvantages 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 None 
                 The actuator directly fires the ink 
                 Simplicity of construction 
                 Drop ejection energy must be 
                 Most inkjets, 
               
               
                   
                 drop, and there is no external field 
                 Simplicity of operation 
                 supplied by individual nozzle 
                 including 
               
               
                   
                 or other mechanism required. 
                 Small physical size 
                 actuator 
                 piezoelectric and 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 thermal bubble. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ01-IJ07, IJ09, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ11 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ22 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ23-IJ45 
               
               
                 Oscillating 
                 The ink pressure oscillates, 
                 Oscillating ink pressure 
                 Requires external ink pressure 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 ink pressure 
                 providing much of the drop 
                 can provide a refill pulse, 
                 oscillator 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                 (including 
                 ejection energy. The actuator 
                 allowing higher operating 
                 Ink pressure phase and amplitude 
                 related patent 
               
               
                 acoustic 
                 selects which drops are to be fired 
                 speed 
                 must be carefully controlled 
                 applications 
               
               
                 stimulation) 
                 by selectively blocking or 
                 The actuators may 
                 Acoustic reflections in the ink 
                 IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, 
               
               
                   
                 enabling nozzles. The ink 
                 operate with much lower 
                 chamber must be designed for 
                 IJ17 
               
               
                   
                 pressure oscillation may be 
                 energy 
                   
                 IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 
               
               
                   
                 achieved by vibrating the print 
                 Acoustic lenses can be 
               
               
                   
                 head, or preferably by an actuator 
                 used to focus the sound 
               
               
                   
                 in the ink supply. 
                 on the nozzles 
               
               
                 Media 
                 The print head is placed in close 
                 Low power 
                 Precision assembly required 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 proximity 
                 proximity to the print medium. 
                 High accuracy 
                 Paper fibers may cause problems 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                 Selected drops protrude from the 
                 Simple print head 
                 Cannot print on rough substrates 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 print head further than unselected 
                 construction 
                   
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                 drops, and contact the print 
               
               
                   
                 medium. The drop soaks into the 
               
               
                   
                 medium fast enough to cause drop 
               
               
                   
                 separation. 
               
               
                 Transfer 
                 Drops are printed to a transfer 
                 High accuracy 
                 Bulky 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 roller 
                 roller instead of straight to the 
                 Wide range of print 
                 Expensive 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                 print medium. A transfer roller 
                 substrates can be used 
                 Complex construction 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 can also be used for proximity 
                 Ink can be dried on the 
                   
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                 drop separation. 
                 transfer roller 
                   
                 Tektronix hot melt 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 piezoelectric inkjet 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Any of the IJ series 
               
               
                 Electrostatic 
                 An electric field is used to 
                 Low power 
                 Field strength required for 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                   
                 accelerate selected drops towards 
                 Simple print head 
                 separation of small drops is near or 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                 the print medium. 
                 construction 
                 above air breakdown 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Tone-Jet 
               
               
                 Direct 
                 A magnetic field is used to 
                 Low power 
                 Requires magnetic ink 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 magnetic 
                 accelerate selected drops of 
                 Simple print head 
                 Requires strong magnetic field 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                 field 
                 magnetic ink towards the print 
                 construction 
                   
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 medium. 
                   
                   
                 applications 
               
               
                 Cross 
                 The print head is placed in a 
                 Does not require 
                 Requires external magnet 
                 IJ06, IJ16 
               
               
                 magnetic 
                 constant magnetic field. The 
                 magnetic materials to be 
                 Current densities may be high, 
               
               
                 field 
                 Lorenz force in a current carrying 
                 integrated in the print 
                 resulting in electromigration 
               
               
                   
                 wire is used to move the actuator. 
                 head manufacturing 
                 problems 
               
               
                   
                   
                 process 
               
               
                 Pulsed 
                 A pulsed magnetic field is used to 
                 Very low power 
                 Complex print head construction 
                 IJ10 
               
               
                 magnetic 
                 cyclically attract a paddle, which 
                 operation is possible 
                 Magnetic materials required in print 
               
               
                 field 
                 pushes on the ink. A small 
                 Small print head size 
                 head 
               
               
                   
                 actuator moves a catch, which 
               
               
                   
                 selectively prevents the paddle 
               
               
                   
                 from moving. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Actuator 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 amplification 
                 Description 
                 Advantages 
                 Disadvantages 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 None 
                 No actuator mechanical 
                 Operational simplicity 
                 Many actuator mechanisms have 
                 Thermal Bubble 
               
               
                   
                 amplification is used. The 
                   
                 insufficient travel, or insufficient 
                 Inkjet 
               
               
                   
                 actuator directly drives the drop 
                   
                 force, to efficiently drive the drop 
                 IJ01, IJ02, IJ06, 
               
               
                   
                 ejection process. 
                   
                 ejection process 
                 IJ07 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ16, IJ25, IJ26 
               
               
                 Differential 
                 An actuator material expands 
                 Provides greater travel in 
                 High stresses are involved 
                 Piezoelectric 
               
               
                 expansion 
                 more on one side than on the 
                 a reduced print head area 
                 Care must be taken that the 
                 IJ03, IJ09, IJ17-IJ24 
               
               
                 bend actuator 
                 other. The expansion may be 
                 The bend actuator 
                 materials do not delaminate 
                 IJ27, IJ29-IJ39, 
               
               
                   
                 thermal, piezoelectric, 
                 converts a high force low 
                 Residual bend resulting from high 
                 IJ42, 
               
               
                   
                 magnetostrictive, or other 
                 travel actuator 
                 temperature or high stress during 
                 IJ43, IJ44 
               
               
                   
                 mechanism. 
                 mechanism to high travel, 
                 formation 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lower force mechanism. 
               
               
                 Transient 
                 A trilayer bend actuator where the 
                 Very good temperature 
                 High stresses are involved 
                 IJ40, IJ41 
               
               
                 bend actuator 
                 two outside layers are identical. 
                 stability 
                 Care must be taken that the 
               
               
                   
                 This cancels bend due to ambient 
                 High speed, as a new 
                 materials do not delaminate 
               
               
                   
                 temperature and residual stress. 
                 drop can be fired before 
               
               
                   
                 The actuator only responds to 
                 heat dissipates 
               
               
                   
                 transient heating of one side or the 
                 Cancels residual stress of 
               
               
                   
                 other. 
                 formation 
               
               
                 Actuator 
                 A series of thin actuators are 
                 Increased travel 
                 Increased fabrication complexity 
                 Some piezoelectric 
               
               
                 stack 
                 stacked. This can be appropriate 
                 Reduced drive voltage 
                 Increased possibility of short 
                 ink jets 
               
               
                   
                 where actuators require high 
                   
                 circuits due to pinholes 
                 IJ04 
               
               
                   
                 electric field strength, such as 
               
               
                   
                 electrostatic and piezoelectric 
               
               
                   
                 actuators. 
               
               
                 Multiple 
                 Multiple smaller actuators are 
                 Increases the force 
                 Actuator forces may not add 
                 IJ12, IJ13, IJ18, 
               
               
                 actuators 
                 used simultaneously to move the 
                 available from an actuator 
                 linearly, reducing efficiency 
                 IJ20 
               
               
                   
                 ink. Each actuator need provide 
                 Multiple actuators can be 
                   
                 IJ22, IJ28, IJ42, 
               
               
                   
                 only a portion of the force 
                 positioned to control ink 
                   
                 IJ43 
               
               
                   
                 required. 
                 flow accurately 
               
               
                 Linear Spring 
                 A linear spring is used to 
                 Matches low travel 
                 Requires print head area for the 
                 IJ15 
               
               
                   
                 transform a motion with small 
                 actuator with higher 
                 spring 
               
               
                   
                 travel and high force into a longer 
                 travel requirements 
               
               
                   
                 travel, lower force motion. 
                 Non-contact method of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 motion transformation 
               
               
                 Reverse 
                 The actuator loads a spring. When 
                 Better coupling to the ink 
                 Fabrication complexity 
                 IJ05, IJ11 
               
               
                 spring 
                 the actuator is turned off, the 
                   
                 High stress in the spring 
               
               
                   
                 spring releases. This can reverse 
               
               
                   
                 the force/distance curve of the 
               
               
                   
                 actuator to make it compatible 
               
               
                   
                 with the force/time requirements 
               
               
                   
                 of the drop ejection. 
               
               
                 Coiled 
                 A bend actuator is coiled to 
                 Increases travel 
                 Generally restricted to planar 
                 IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, 
               
               
                 actuator 
                 provide greater travel in a reduced 
                 Reduces chip area 
                 implementations due to extreme 
                 IJ35 
               
               
                   
                 chip area. 
                 Planar implementations 
                 fabrication difficulty in other 
               
               
                   
                   
                 are relatively easy to 
                 orientations. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fabricate. 
               
               
                 Flexure bend 
                 A bend actuator has a small 
                 Simple means of 
                 Care must be taken not to exceed 
                 IJ10, IJ19, IJ33 
               
               
                 actuator 
                 region near the fixture point, 
                 increasing travel of a 
                 the elastic limit in the flexure area 
               
               
                   
                 which flexes much more readily 
                 bend actuator 
                 Stress distribution is very uneven 
               
               
                   
                 than the remainder of the actuator. 
                   
                 Difficult to accurately model with 
               
               
                   
                 The actuator flexing is effectively 
                   
                 finite element analysis 
               
               
                   
                 converted from an even coiling to 
               
               
                   
                 an angular bend, resulting in 
               
               
                   
                 greater travel of the actuator tip. 
               
               
                 Gears 
                 Gears can be used to increase 
                 Low force, low travel 
                 Moving parts are required 
                 IJ13 
               
               
                   
                 travel at the expense of duration. 
                 actuators can be used 
                 Several actuator cycles are required 
               
               
                   
                 Circular gears, rack and pinion, 
                 Can be fabricated using 
                 More complex drive electronics 
               
               
                   
                 ratchets, and other gearing 
                 standard surface MEMS 
                 Complex construction 
               
               
                   
                 methods can be used. 
                 processes 
                 Friction, friction, and wear are 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 possible 
               
               
                 Catch 
                 The actuator controls a small 
                 Very low actuator energy 
                 Complex construction 
                 IJ10 
               
               
                   
                 catch. The catch either enables or 
                 Very small actuator size 
                 Requires external force 
               
               
                   
                 disables movement of an ink 
                   
                 Unsuitable for pigmented inks 
               
               
                   
                 pusher that is controlled in a bulk 
               
               
                   
                 manner. 
               
               
                 Buckle plate 
                 A buckle plate can be used to 
                 Very fast movement 
                 Must stay within elastic limits of the 
                 S. Hirata et al, “An 
               
               
                   
                 change a slow actuator into a fast 
                 achievable 
                 materials for long device life 
                 Ink-jet Head . . . ”, 
               
               
                   
                 motion. It can also convert a high 
                   
                 High stresses involved 
                 Proc. IEEE MEMS, 
               
               
                   
                 force, low travel actuator into a 
                   
                 Generally high power requirement 
                 February 1996, pp 418-423. 
               
               
                   
                 high travel, medium force motion. 
                   
                   
                 IJ18, IJ27 
               
               
                 Tapered 
                 A tapered magnetic pole can 
                 Linearizes the magnetic 
                 Complex construction 
                 IJ14 
               
               
                 magnetic 
                 increase travel at the expense of 
                 force/distance curve 
               
               
                 pole 
                 force. 
               
               
                 Lever 
                 A lever and fulcrum is used to 
                 Matches low travel 
                 High stress around the fulcrum 
                 IJ32, IJ36, IJ37 
               
               
                   
                 transform a motion with small 
                 actuator with higher 
               
               
                   
                 travel and high force into a 
                 travel requirements 
               
               
                   
                 motion with longer travel and 
                 Fulcrum area has no 
               
               
                   
                 lower force. The lever can also 
                 linear movement, and can 
               
               
                   
                 reverse the direction of travel. 
                 be used for a fluid seal 
               
               
                 Rotary 
                 The actuator is connected to a 
                 High mechanical 
                 Complex construction 
                 IJ28 
               
               
                 impeller 
                 rotary impeller. A small angular 
                 advantage 
                 Unsuitable for pigmented inks 
               
               
                   
                 deflection of the actuator results 
                 The ratio of force to 
               
               
                   
                 in a rotation of the impeller vanes, 
                 travel of the actuator can 
               
               
                   
                 which push the ink against 
                 be matched to the nozzle 
               
               
                   
                 stationary vanes and out of the 
                 requirements by varying 
               
               
                   
                 nozzle. 
                 the number of impeller 
               
               
                   
                   
                 vanes 
               
               
                 Acoustic lens 
                 A refractive or diffractive (e.g. 
                 No moving parts 
                 Large area required 
                 1993 Hadimioglu et 
               
               
                   
                 zone plate) acoustic lens is used to 
                   
                 Only relevant for acoustic ink jets 
                 al, EUP 550,192 
               
               
                   
                 concentrate sound waves. 
                   
                   
                 1993 Elrod et al, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 EUP 572,220 
               
               
                 Sharp 
                 A sharp point is used to 
                 Simple construction 
                 Difficult to fabricate using standard 
                 Tone-jet 
               
               
                 conductive 
                 concentrate an electrostatic field. 
                   
                 VLSI processes for a surface 
               
               
                 point 
                   
                   
                 ejecting ink-jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Only relevant for electrostatic ink 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 jets 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 ACTUATOR MOTION 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Actuator 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 motion 
                 Description 
                 Advantages 
                 Disadvantages 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Volume 
                 The volume of the actuator 
                 Simple construction in 
                 High energy is typically required to 
                 Hewlett-Packard 
               
               
                 expansion 
                 changes, pushing the ink in all 
                 the case of thermal ink jet 
                 achieve volume expansion. This 
                 Thermal Inkjet 
               
               
                   
                 directions. 
                   
                 leads to thermal stress, cavitation, 
                 Canon Bubblejet 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 and kogation in thermal ink jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 implementations 
               
               
                 Linear, 
                 The actuator moves in a direction 
                 Efficient coupling to ink 
                 High fabrication complexity may be 
                 IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, 
               
               
                 normal to 
                 normal to the print head surface. 
                 drops ejected normal to 
                 required to achieve perpendicular 
                 IJ07 
               
               
                 chip surface 
                 The nozzle is typically in the line 
                 the surface 
                 motion 
                 IJ11, IJ14 
               
               
                   
                 of movement. 
               
               
                 Linear, 
                 The actuator moves parallel to the 
                 Suitable for planar 
                 Fabrication complexity 
                 IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, 
               
               
                 parallel to 
                 print head surface. Drop ejection 
                 fabrication 
                 Friction 
                 IJ33, 
               
               
                 chip surface 
                 may still be normal to the surface. 
                   
                 Stiction 
                 IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 
               
               
                 Membrane 
                 An actuator with a high force but 
                 The effective area of the 
                 Fabrication complexity 
                 1982 Howkins U.S. Pat. No. 
               
               
                 push 
                 small area is used to push a stiff 
                 actuator becomes the 
                 Actuator size 
                 4,459,601 
               
               
                   
                 membrane that is in contact with 
                 membrane area 
                 Difficulty of integration in a VLSI 
               
               
                   
                 the ink. 
                   
                 process 
               
               
                 Rotary 
                 The actuator causes the rotation of 
                 Rotary levers may be 
                 Device complexity 
                 IJ05, IJ08, IJ13, 
               
               
                   
                 some element, such a grill or 
                 used to increase travel 
                 May have friction at a pivot point 
                 IJ28 
               
               
                   
                 impeller 
                 Small chip area 
               
               
                   
                   
                 requirements 
               
               
                 Bend 
                 The actuator bends when 
                 A very small change in 
                 Requires the actuator to be made 
                 1970 Kyser et al 
               
               
                   
                 energized. This may be due to 
                 dimensions can be 
                 from at least two distinct layers, or 
                 U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,398 
               
               
                   
                 differential thermal expansion, 
                 converted to a large 
                 to have a thermal difference across 
                 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No. 
               
               
                   
                 piezoelectric expansion, 
                 motion. 
                 the actuator 
                 3,747,120 
               
               
                   
                 magnetostriction, or other form of 
                   
                   
                 IJ03, IJ09, IJ10, 
               
               
                   
                 relative dimensional change. 
                   
                   
                 IJ19 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ29 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ30, IJ31, IJ33, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ34 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ35 
               
               
                 Swivel 
                 The actuator swivels around a 
                 Allows operation where 
                 Inefficient coupling to the ink 
                 IJ06 
               
               
                   
                 central pivot. This motion is 
                 the net linear force on the 
                 motion 
               
               
                   
                 suitable where there are opposite 
                 paddle is zero 
               
               
                   
                 forces applied to opposite sides of 
                 Small chip area 
               
               
                   
                 the paddle, e.g. Lorenz force. 
                 requirements 
               
               
                 Straighten 
                 The actuator is normally bent, and 
                 Can be used with shape 
                 Requires careful balance of stresses 
                 IJ26, IJ32 
               
               
                   
                 straightens when energized. 
                 memory alloys where the 
                 to ensure that the quiescent bend is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 austenic phase is planar 
                 accurate 
               
               
                 Double bend 
                 The actuator bends in one 
                 One actuator can be used 
                 Difficult to make the drops ejected 
                 IJ36, IJ37, IJ38 
               
               
                   
                 direction when one element is 
                 to power two nozzles. 
                 by both bend directions identical. 
               
               
                   
                 energized, and bends the other 
                 Reduced chip size. 
                 A small efficiency loss compared to 
               
               
                   
                 way when another element is 
                 Not sensitive to ambient 
                 equivalent single bend actuators. 
               
               
                   
                 energized. 
                 temperature 
               
               
                 Shear 
                 Energizing the actuator causes a 
                 Can increase the effective 
                 Not readily applicable to other 
                 1985 Fishbeck U.S. Pat. No. 
               
               
                   
                 shear motion in the actuator 
                 travel of piezoelectric 
                 actuator mechanisms 
                 4,584,590 
               
               
                   
                 material. 
                 actuators 
               
               
                 Radial 
                 The actuator squeezes an ink 
                 Relatively easy to 
                 High force required 
                 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. 
               
               
                 constriction 
                 reservoir, forcing ink from a 
                 fabricate single nozzles 
                 Inefficient 
                 3,683,212 
               
               
                   
                 constricted nozzle. 
                 from glass tubing as 
                 Difficult to integrate with VLSI 
               
               
                   
                   
                 macroscopic structures 
                 processes 
               
               
                 Coil/uncoil 
                 A coiled actuator uncoils or coils 
                 Easy to fabricate as a 
                 Difficult to fabricate for non-planar 
                 IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, 
               
               
                   
                 more tightly. The motion of the 
                 planar VLSI process 
                 devices 
                 IJ35 
               
               
                   
                 free end of the actuator ejects the 
                 Small area required, 
                 Poor out-of-plane stiffness 
               
               
                   
                 ink. 
                 therefore low cost 
               
               
                 Bow 
                 The actuator bows (or buckles) in 
                 Can increase the speed of 
                 Maximum travel is constrained 
                 IJ16, IJ18, IJ27 
               
               
                   
                 the middle when energized. 
                 travel 
                 High force required 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Mechanically rigid 
               
               
                 Push-Pull 
                 Two actuators control a shutter. 
                 The structure is pinned at 
                 Not readily suitable for inkjets 
                 IJ18 
               
               
                   
                 One actuator pulls the shutter, and 
                 both ends, so has a high 
                 which directly push the ink 
               
               
                   
                 the other pushes it. 
                 out-of-plane rigidity 
               
               
                 Curl inwards 
                 A set of actuators curl inwards to 
                 Good fluid flow to the 
                 Design complexity 
                 IJ20, IJ42 
               
               
                   
                 reduce the volume of ink that they 
                 region behind the actuator 
               
               
                   
                 enclose. 
                 increases efficiency 
               
               
                 Curl 
                 A set of actuators curl outwards, 
                 Relatively simple 
                 Relatively large chip area 
                 IJ43 
               
               
                 outwards 
                 pressurizing ink in a chamber 
                 construction 
               
               
                   
                 surrounding the actuators, and 
               
               
                   
                 expelling ink from a nozzle in the 
               
               
                   
                 chamber. 
               
               
                 Iris 
                 Multiple vanes enclose a volume 
                 High efficiency 
                 High fabrication complexity 
                 IJ22 
               
               
                   
                 of ink. These simultaneously 
                 Small chip area 
                 Not suitable for pigmented inks 
               
               
                   
                 rotate, reducing the volume 
               
               
                   
                 between the vanes. 
               
               
                 Acoustic 
                 The actuator vibrates at a high 
                 The actuator can be 
                 Large area required for efficient 
                 1993 Hadimioglu et 
               
               
                 vibration 
                 frequency. 
                 physically distant from 
                 operation at useful frequencies 
                 al, EUP 550,192 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the ink 
                 Acoustic coupling and crosstalk 
                 1993 Elrod et al, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Complex drive circuitry 
                 EUP 572,220 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Poor control of drop volume and 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 position 
               
               
                 None 
                 In various ink jet designs the 
                 No moving parts 
                 Various other tradeoffs are required 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                   
                 actuator does not move. 
                   
                 to eliminate moving parts 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Tone-jet 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 NOZZLE REFILL METHOD 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Nozzle refill 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 method 
                 Description 
                 Advantages 
                 Disadvantages 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Surface 
                 After the actuator is energized, it 
                 Fabrication simplicity 
                 Low speed 
                 Thermal inkjet 
               
               
                 tension 
                 typically returns rapidly to its 
                 Operational simplicity 
                 Surface tension force relatively 
                 Piezoelectric inkjet 
               
               
                   
                 normal position. This rapid return 
                   
                 small compared to actuator force 
                 IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14 
               
               
                   
                 sucks in air through the nozzle 
                   
                 Long refill time usually dominates 
                 IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45 
               
               
                   
                 opening. The ink surface tension 
                   
                 the total repetition rate 
               
               
                   
                 at the nozzle then exerts a small 
               
               
                   
                 force restoring the meniscus to a 
               
               
                   
                 minimum area. 
               
               
                 Shuttered 
                 Ink to the nozzle chamber is 
                 High speed 
                 Requires common ink pressure 
                 IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, 
               
               
                 oscillating 
                 provided at a pressure that 
                 Low actuator energy, as 
                 oscillator 
                 IJ17 
               
               
                 ink pressure 
                 oscillates at twice the drop 
                 the actuator need only 
                 May not be suitable for pigmented 
                 IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 
               
               
                   
                 ejection frequency. When a drop 
                 open or close the shutter, 
                 inks 
               
               
                   
                 is to be ejected, the shutter is 
                 instead of ejecting the ink 
               
               
                   
                 opened for 3 half cycles: drop 
                 drop 
               
               
                   
                 ejection, actuator return, and 
               
               
                   
                 refill. 
               
               
                 Refill 
                 After the main actuator has 
                 High speed, as the nozzle 
                 Requires two independent actuators 
                 IJ09 
               
               
                 actuator 
                 ejected a drop a second (refill) 
                 is actively refilled 
                 per nozzle 
               
               
                   
                 actuator is energized. The refill 
               
               
                   
                 actuator pushes ink into the 
               
               
                   
                 nozzle chamber. The refill 
               
               
                   
                 actuator returns slowly, to prevent 
               
               
                   
                 its return from emptying the 
               
               
                   
                 chamber again. 
               
               
                 Positive ink 
                 The ink is held a slight positive 
                 High refill rate, therefore 
                 Surface spill must be prevented 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 pressure 
                 pressure. After the ink drop is 
                 a high drop repetition rate 
                 Highly hydrophobic print head 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                 ejected, the nozzle chamber fills 
                 is possible 
                 surfaces are required 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 quickly as surface tension and ink 
                   
                   
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                 pressure both operate to refill the 
                   
                   
                 Alternative for: 
               
               
                   
                 nozzle. 
                   
                   
                 IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Inlet back- 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 flow 
               
               
                 restriction 
               
               
                 method 
                 Description 
                 Advantages 
                 Disadvantages 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Long inlet channel 
                 The ink inlet channel to the nozzle 
                 Design simplicity 
                 Restricts refill rate 
                 Thermal inkjet 
               
               
                   
                 chamber is made long and 
                 Operational simplicity 
                 May result in a relatively large chip 
                 Piezoelectric inkjet 
               
               
                   
                 relatively narrow, relying on 
                 Reduces crosstalk 
                 area 
                 IJ42, IJ43 
               
               
                   
                 viscous drag to reduce inlet back- 
                   
                 Only partially effective 
               
               
                   
                 flow. 
               
               
                 Positive ink 
                 The ink is under a positive 
                 Drop selection and 
                 Requires a method (such as a nozzle rim 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 pressure 
                 pressure, so that in the quiescent 
                 separation forces can be 
                 or effective hydrophobizing, or 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                 state some of the ink drop already 
                 reduced 
                 both) to prevent flooding of the 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 protrudes from the nozzle. 
                 Fast refill time 
                 ejection surface of the print head. 
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                 This reduces the pressure in the 
                   
                   
                 Possible operation 
               
               
                   
                 nozzle chamber which is required 
                   
                   
                 of the following: 
               
               
                   
                 to eject a certain volume of ink. 
                   
                   
                 IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12 
               
               
                   
                 The reduction in chamber 
                   
                   
                 IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, 
               
               
                   
                 pressure results in a reduction in 
                   
                   
                 IJ22, 
               
               
                   
                 ink pushed out through the inlet. 
                   
                   
                 IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ41 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ44 
               
               
                 Baffle 
                 One or more baffles are placed in 
                 The refill rate is not as 
                 Design complexity 
                 HP Thermal Ink Jet 
               
               
                   
                 the inlet ink flow. When the 
                 restricted as the long inlet 
                 May increase fabrication 
                 Tektronix 
               
               
                   
                 actuator is energized, the rapid ink 
                 method. 
                 complexity (e.g. Tektronix hot melt 
                 piezoelectric ink jet 
               
               
                   
                 movement creates eddies which 
                 Reduces crosstalk 
                 Piezoelectric print heads). 
               
               
                   
                 restrict the flow through the inlet. 
               
               
                   
                 The slower refill process is 
               
               
                   
                 unrestricted, and does not result in 
               
               
                   
                 eddies. 
               
               
                 Flexible flap 
                 In this method recently disclosed 
                 Significantly reduces 
                 Not applicable to most inkjet 
                 Canon 
               
               
                 restricts inlet 
                 by Canon, the expanding actuator 
                 back-flow for edge- 
                 configurations 
               
               
                   
                 (bubble) pushes on a flexible flap 
                 shooter thermal ink jet 
                 Increased fabrication complexity 
               
               
                   
                 that restricts the inlet. 
                 devices 
                 Inelastic deformation of polymer 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 flap results in creep over extended 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 use 
               
               
                 Inlet filter 
                 A filter is located between the ink 
                 Additional advantage of 
                 Restricts refill rate 
                 IJ04, IJ12, IJ24, 
               
               
                   
                 inlet and the nozzle chamber. The 
                 ink filtration 
                 May result in complex construction 
                 IJ27 
               
               
                   
                 filter has a multitude of small 
                 Ink filter may be 
                   
                 IJ29, IJ30 
               
               
                   
                 holes or slots, restricting ink flow. 
                 fabricated with no 
               
               
                   
                 The filter also removes particles 
                 additional process steps 
               
               
                   
                 which may block the nozzle. 
               
               
                 Small inlet 
                 The ink inlet channel to the nozzle 
                 Design simplicity 
                 Restricts refill rate 
                 IJ02, IJ37, IJ44 
               
               
                 compared to 
                 chamber has a substantially 
                   
                 May result in a relatively large chip 
               
               
                 nozzle 
                 smaller cross section than that of 
                   
                 area 
               
               
                   
                 the nozzle, resulting in easier ink 
                   
                 Only partially effective 
               
               
                   
                 egress out of the nozzle than out 
               
               
                   
                 of the inlet. 
               
               
                 Inlet shutter 
                 A secondary actuator controls the 
                 Increases speed of the 
                 Requires separate refill actuator and 
                 IJ09 
               
               
                   
                 position of a shutter, closing off 
                 ink-jet print head 
                 drive circuit 
               
               
                   
                 the ink inlet when the main 
                 operation 
               
               
                   
                 actuator is energized. 
               
               
                 The inlet is 
                 The method avoids the problem of 
                 Back-flow problem is 
                 Requires careful design to minimize 
                 IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, 
               
               
                 located 
                 inlet back-flow by arranging the 
                 eliminated 
                 the negative pressure behind the 
                 IJ06 
               
               
                 behind the 
                 ink-pushing surface of the 
                   
                 paddle 
                 IJ07, IJ10, IJ11, 
               
               
                 ink-pushing 
                 actuator between the inlet and the 
                   
                   
                 IJ14 
               
               
                 surface 
                 nozzle. 
                   
                   
                 IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ25 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ33 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ39 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ40, IJ41 
               
               
                 Part of the 
                 The actuator and a wall of the ink 
                 Significant reductions in 
                 Small increase in fabrication 
                 IJ07, IJ20, IJ26, 
               
               
                 actuator 
                 chamber are arranged so that the 
                 back-flow can be 
                 complexity 
                 IJ38 
               
               
                 moves to 
                 motion of the actuator closes off 
                 achieved 
               
               
                 shut off the 
                 the inlet. 
                 Compact designs possible 
               
               
                 inlet 
               
               
                 Nozzle 
                 In some configurations of ink jet, 
                 Ink back-flow problem is 
                 None related to ink back-flow on 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 actuator does 
                 there is no expansion or 
                 eliminated 
                 actuation 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                 not result in 
                 movement of an actuator which 
                   
                   
                 related patent 
               
               
                 ink back-flow 
                 may cause ink back-flow through the 
                   
                   
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                 inlet. 
                   
                   
                 Valve-jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Tone-jet 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ17 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Nozzle 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Clearing 
               
               
                 method 
                 Description 
                 Advantages 
                 Disadvantages 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Normal 
                 All of the nozzles are fired 
                 No added complexity on 
                 May not be sufficient to displace 
                 Most ink jet 
               
               
                 nozzle firing 
                 periodically, before the ink has a 
                 the print head 
                 dried ink 
                 systems 
               
               
                   
                 chance to dry. When not in use 
                   
                   
                 IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12 
               
               
                   
                 the nozzles are sealed (capped) 
                   
                   
                 IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, 
               
               
                   
                 against air. 
                   
                   
                 IJ22 
               
               
                   
                 The nozzle firing is usually 
                   
                   
                 IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ45 
               
               
                   
                 performed during a special 
               
               
                   
                 clearing cycle, after first moving 
               
               
                   
                 the print head to a cleaning 
               
               
                   
                 station. 
               
               
                 Extra power 
                 In systems which heat the ink, but 
                 Can be highly effective if 
                 Requires higher drive voltage for 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 to ink heater 
                 do not boil it under normal 
                 the heater is adjacent to 
                 clearing 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                 situations, nozzle clearing can be 
                 the nozzle 
                 May require larger drive transistors 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 achieved by over-powering the 
                   
                   
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                 heater and boiling ink at the 
               
               
                   
                 nozzle. 
               
               
                 Rapid 
                 The actuator is fired in rapid 
                 Does not require extra 
                 Effectiveness depends substantially 
                 May be used with: 
               
               
                 succession 
                 succession. In some 
                 drive circuits on the print 
                 upon the configuration of the inkjet 
                 IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ11 
               
               
                 of actuator 
                 configurations, this may cause 
                 head 
                 nozzle 
                 IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, 
               
               
                 pulses 
                 heat build-up at the nozzle which 
                 Can be readily controlled 
                   
                 IJ22 
               
               
                   
                 boils the ink, clearing the nozzle. 
                 and initiated by digital 
                   
                 IJ23-IJ25, IJ27-IJ34 
               
               
                   
                 In other situations, it may cause 
                 logic 
                   
                 IJ36-IJ45 
               
               
                   
                 sufficient vibrations to dislodge 
               
               
                   
                 clogged nozzles. 
               
               
                 Extra power 
                 Where an actuator is not normally 
                 A simple solution where 
                 Not suitable where there is a hard 
                 May be used with: 
               
               
                 to ink 
                 driven to the limit of its motion, 
                 applicable 
                 limit to actuator movement 
                 IJ03, IJ09, IJ16, 
               
               
                 pushing 
                 nozzle clearing may be assisted 
                   
                   
                 IJ20 
               
               
                 actuator 
                 by providing an enhanced drive 
                   
                   
                 IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, 
               
               
                   
                 signal to the actuator. 
                   
                   
                 IJ27 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ32 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ42 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ43, IJ44, IJ45 
               
               
                 Acoustic 
                 An ultrasonic wave is applied to 
                 A high nozzle clearing 
                 High implementation cost if system 
                 IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, 
               
               
                 resonance 
                 the ink chamber. This wave is of 
                 capability can be 
                 does not already include an acoustic 
                 IJ17 
               
               
                   
                 an appropriate amplitude and 
                 achieved 
                 actuator 
                 IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 
               
               
                   
                 frequency to cause sufficient force 
                 May be implemented at 
               
               
                   
                 at the nozzle to clear blockages. 
                 very low cost in systems 
               
               
                   
                 This is easiest to achieve if the 
                 which already include 
               
               
                   
                 ultrasonic wave is at a resonant 
                 acoustic actuators 
               
               
                   
                 frequency of the ink cavity. 
               
               
                 Nozzle 
                 A microfabricated plate is pushed 
                 Can clear severely 
                 Accurate mechanical alignment is 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 clearing 
                 against the nozzles. The plate has 
                 clogged nozzles 
                 required 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                 plate 
                 a post for every nozzle. The array 
                   
                 Moving parts are required 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 of posts 
                   
                 There is risk of damage to the 
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 nozzles 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Accurate fabrication is required 
               
               
                 Ink pressure 
                 The pressure of the ink is 
                 May be effective where 
                 Requires pressure pump or other 
                 May be used with 
               
               
                 pulse 
                 temporarily increased so that ink 
                 other methods cannot be 
                 pressure actuator 
                 all IJ series ink jets 
               
               
                   
                 streams from all of the nozzles. 
                 used 
                 Expensive 
               
               
                   
                 This may be used in conjunction 
                   
                 Wasteful of ink 
               
               
                   
                 with actuator energizing. 
               
               
                 Print head 
                 A flexible ‘blade’ is wiped across 
                 Effective for planar print 
                 Difficult to use if print head surface 
                 Many ink jet 
               
               
                 wiper 
                 the print head surface. The blade 
                 head surfaces 
                 is non-planar or very fragile 
                 systems 
               
               
                   
                 is usually fabricated from a 
                 Low cost 
                 Requires mechanical parts 
               
               
                   
                 flexible polymer, e.g. rubber or 
                   
                 Blade can wear out in high volume 
               
               
                   
                 synthetic elastomer. 
                   
                 print systems 
               
               
                 Separate ink 
                 A separate heater is provided at 
                 Can be effective where 
                 Fabrication complexity 
                 Can be used with 
               
               
                 boiling 
                 the nozzle although the normal 
                 other nozzle clearing 
                   
                 many IJ series ink 
               
               
                 heater 
                 drop e-ection mechanism does 
                 methods cannot be used 
                   
                 jets 
               
               
                   
                 not require it. The heaters do not 
                 Can be implemented at no 
               
               
                   
                 require individual drive circuits, 
                 additional cost in some 
               
               
                   
                 as many nozzles can be cleared 
                 inkjet configurations 
               
               
                   
                 simultaneously, and no imaging is 
               
               
                   
                 required. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Nozzle plate 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 construction 
                 Description 
                 Advantages 
                 Disadvantages 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Electroformed 
                 A nozzle plate is separately 
                 Fabrication simplicity 
                 High temperatures and pressures are 
                 Hewlett Packard Thermal Inkjet 
               
               
                 nickel 
                 fabricated from electroformed 
                   
                 required to bond nozzle plate 
                   
               
               
                   
                 nickel, and bonded to the print 
                   
                 Minimum thickness constraints 
               
               
                   
                 head chip. 
                   
                 Differential thermal expansion 
               
               
                 Laser ablated 
                 Individual nozzle holes are 
                 No masks required 
                 Each hole must be individually 
                 Canon Bubblejet 
               
               
                 or drilled 
                 ablated by an intense UV laser in 
                 Can be quite fast 
                 formed 
                 1988 Sercel et al., 
               
               
                 polymer 
                 a nozzle plate, which is typically a 
                 Some control over nozzle 
                 Special equipment required 
                 SPIE, Vol. 998 
               
               
                   
                 polymer such as polyimide or 
                 profile is possible 
                 Slow where there are many 
                 Excimer Beam 
               
               
                   
                 polysulphone 
                 Equipment required is 
                 thousands of nozzles per print head 
                 Applications, pp. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 relatively low cost 
                 May produce thin burrs at exit holes 
                 76-83 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 1993 Watanabe et 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,604 
               
               
                 Silicon micro- 
                 A separate nozzle plate is 
                 High accuracy is 
                 Two part construction 
                 K. Bean, IEEE 
               
               
                 machined 
                 micromachined from single 
                 attainable 
                 High cost 
                 Transactions on 
               
               
                   
                 crystal silicon, and bonded to the 
                   
                 Requires precision alignment 
                 Electron Devices, 
               
               
                   
                 print head wafer. 
                   
                 Nozzles may be clogged by 
                 Vol. ED-25, No. 10, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 adhesive 
                 1978, pp 1185-1195 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Xerox 1990 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Hawkins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 4,899,181 
               
               
                 Glass 
                 Fine glass capillaries are drawn 
                 No expensive equipment 
                 Very small nozzle sizes are difficult 
                 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. 
               
               
                 capillaries 
                 from glass tubing. This method 
                 required 
                 to form 
                 3,683,212 
               
               
                   
                 has been used for making 
                 Simple to make single 
                 Not suited for mass production 
               
               
                   
                 individual nozzles, but is difficult 
                 nozzles 
               
               
                   
                 to use for bulk manufacturing of 
               
               
                   
                 print heads with thousands of 
               
               
                   
                 nozzles. 
               
               
                 Monolithic, 
                 The nozzle plate is deposited as a 
                 High accuracy (&lt;1 μm) 
                 Requires sacrificial layer under the 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 surface 
                 layer using standard VLSI 
                 Monolithic 
                 nozzle plate to form the nozzle 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                 micro- 
                 deposition techniques. Nozzles 
                 Low cost 
                 chamber 
                 related patent 
               
               
                 machined 
                 are etched in the nozzle plate 
                 Existing processes can be 
                 Surface may be fragile to the touch 
                 applications 
               
               
                 using VLSI 
                 using VLSI lithography and 
                 used 
                   
                 IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, 
               
               
                 lithographic 
                 etching. 
                   
                   
                 IJ11 
               
               
                 processes 
                   
                   
                   
                 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 buried etch 
                 High accuracy (&lt;1 μm) 
                 Requires long etch times 
                 IJ03, IJ05, IJ06, 
               
               
                 etched 
                 stop in the wafer. Nozzle 
                 Monolithic 
                 Requires a support wafer 
                 IJ07 
               
               
                 through 
                 chambers are etched in the front 
                 Low cost 
                   
                 IJ08, IJ09, IJ10, 
               
               
                 substrate 
                 of the wafer, and the wafer is 
                 No differential expansion 
                   
                 IJ13 
               
               
                   
                 thinned from the back side. 
                   
                   
                 IJ14, IJ15, IJ16, 
               
               
                   
                 Nozzles are then etched in the 
                   
                   
                 IJ19 
               
               
                   
                 etch stop layer. 
                   
                   
                 IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ26 
               
               
                 No nozzle 
                 Various methods have been tried 
                 No nozzles to become 
                 Difficult to control drop position 
                 Ricoh 1995 Sekiya 
               
               
                 plate 
                 to eliminate the nozzles entirely, 
                 clogged 
                 accurately 
                 et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,413 
               
               
                   
                 to prevent nozzle clogging. These 
                   
                 Crosstalk problems 
                 1993 Hadimioglu et 
               
               
                   
                 include thermal bubble 
                   
                   
                 al EUP 550,192 
               
               
                   
                 mechanisms and acoustic lens 
                   
                   
                 1993 Elrod et al 
               
               
                   
                 mechanisms 
                   
                   
                 EUP 572,220 
               
               
                 Trough 
                 Each drop ejector has a trough 
                 Reduced manufacturing 
                 Drop firing direction is sensitive to 
                 IJ35 
               
               
                   
                 through which a paddle moves. 
                 complexity 
                 wicking. 
               
               
                   
                 There is no nozzle plate. 
                 Monolithic 
               
               
                 Nozzle slit 
                 The elimination of nozzle holes 
                 No nozzles to become 
                 Difficult to control drop position 
                 1989 Saito et al 
               
               
                 instead of 
                 and replacement by a slit 
                 clogged 
                 accurately 
                 U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068 
               
               
                 individual 
                 encompassing many actuator 
                   
                 Crosstalk problems 
               
               
                 nozzles 
                 positions reduces nozzle clogging, 
               
               
                   
                 but increases crosstalk due to ink 
               
               
                   
                 surface waves 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DROP EJECTION DIRECTION 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Ejection direction 
                 Description 
                 Advantages 
                 Disadvantages 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Edge 
                 Ink flow is along the surface of 
                 Simple construction 
                 Nozzles limited to edge 
                 Canon Bubblejet 1979 Endo 
               
               
                 (‘edge 
                 the chip, and ink drops are ejected 
                 No silicon etching 
                 High resolution is difficult 
                 et al GB 
               
               
                 shooter’) 
                 from the chip edge. 
                 required 
                 Fast color printing requires one 
                 patent 2,007,162 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Good heat sinking via 
                 print head per color 
                 Xerox heater-in-pit 
               
               
                   
                   
                 substrate 
                   
                 1990 Hawkins et al 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Mechanically strong 
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ease of chip handing 
                   
                 Tone-jet 
               
               
                 Surface 
                 Ink flow is along the surface of 
                 No bulk silicon etching 
                 Maximum ink flow is severely 
                 Hewlett-Packard 
               
               
                 (‘roof 
                 the chip, and ink drops are ejected 
                 required 
                 restricted 
                 TIJ 1982 Vaught et 
               
               
                 shooter’) 
                 from the chip surface, normal to 
                 Silicon can make an 
                   
                 al U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,728 
               
               
                   
                 the plane of the chip. 
                 effective heat sink 
                   
                 IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Mechanical strength 
                   
                 IJ20 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ22 
               
               
                 Through 
                 Ink flow is through the chip, and 
                 High ink flow 
                 Requires bulk silicon etching 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                 chip, forward 
                 ink drops are ejected from the 
                 Suitable for pagewidth 
                   
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                 (‘up shooter’) 
                 front surface of the chip. 
                 print 
                   
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                   
                 High nozzle packing 
                   
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                   
                 density therefore low 
                   
                 IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 manufacturing cost 
                   
                 IJ24 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ27-IJ45 
               
               
                 Through 
                 Ink flow is through the chip, and 
                 High ink flow 
                 Requires wafer thinning 
                 IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, 
               
               
                 chip, reverse 
                 ink drops are ejected from the rear 
                 Suitable for pagewidth 
                 Requires special handling during 
                 IJ06 
               
               
                 (‘down 
                 surface of the chip. 
                 print 
                 manufacture 
                 IJ07, IJ08, IJ09, 
               
               
                 shooter’) 
                   
                 High nozzle packing 
                   
                 IJ10 
               
               
                   
                   
                 density therefore low 
                   
                 IJ13, IJ14, IJ15, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 manufacturing cost 
                   
                 IJ16 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ25 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 IJ26 
               
               
                 Through 
                 Ink flow is through the actuator, 
                 Suitable for piezoelectric 
                 Pagewidth print heads require 
                 Epson Stylus 
               
               
                 actuator 
                 which is not fabricated as part of 
                 print heads 
                 several thousand connections to 
                 Tektronix hot melt 
               
               
                   
                 the same substrate as the drive 
                   
                 drive circuits 
                 piezoelectric ink 
               
               
                   
                 transistors. 
                   
                 Cannot be manufactured in standard 
                 jets 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 CMOS fabs 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Complex assembly required 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 INK TYPE 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Ink type 
                 Description 
                 Advantages 
                 Disadvantages 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Aqueous, dye 
                 Water based ink which typically 
                 Environmentally friendly 
                 Slow drying 
                 Most existing 
               
               
                   
                 contains: water, dye, surfactant, 
                 No odor 
                 Corrosive 
                 inkjets 
               
               
                   
                 humectant, and biocide. 
                   
                 Bleeds on paper 
                 All IJ series ink jets 
               
               
                   
                 Modern ink dyes have high water- 
                   
                 May strikethrough 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                   
                 fastness, light fastness 
                   
                 Cockles paper 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 applications 
               
               
                 Aqueous, 
                 Water based ink which typically 
                 Environmentally friendly 
                 Slow drying 
                 IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, 
               
               
                 pigment 
                 contains: water, pigment, 
                 No odor 
                 Corrosive 
                 IJ26 
               
               
                   
                 surfactant, humectant, and 
                 Reduced bleed 
                 Pigment may clog nozzles 
                 IJ27, IJ30 
               
               
                   
                 biocide. 
                 Reduced wicking 
                 Pigment may clog actuator 
                 Silverbrook, EP 
               
               
                   
                 Pigments have an advantage in 
                 Reduced strikethrough 
                 mechanisms 
                 0771 658 A2 and 
               
               
                   
                 reduced bleed, wicking and 
                   
                 Cockles paper 
                 related patent 
               
               
                   
                 strikethrough. 
                   
                   
                 applications 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Piezoelectric ink- 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 jets 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Thermal ink jets 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 (with significant 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 restrictions) 
               
               
                 Methyl Ethyl 
                 MEK is a highly volatile solvent 
                 Very fast drying 
                 Odorous 
                 All IJ series ink jets 
               
               
                 Ketone (MEK) 
                 used for industrial printing on 
                 Prints on various 
                 Flammable 
               
               
                   
                 difficult surfaces such as 
                 substrates such as metals 
               
               
                   
                 aluminum cans. 
                 and plastics 
               
               
                 Alcohol 
                 Alcohol based inks can be used 
                 Fast drying 
                 Slight odor 
                 All IJ series ink jets 
               
               
                 (ethanol, 
                 where the printer must operate at 
                 Operates at sub-freezing 
                 Flammable 
               
               
                 2-butanol, and others) 
                 temperatures below the freezing 
                 temperatures 
               
               
                   
                 point of water. An example of this 
                 Reduced paper cockle 
               
               
                   
                 is in-camera consumer 
                 Low cost 
               
               
                   
                 photographic printing. 
               
               
                 Phase 
                 The ink is solid at room 
                 No drying time-ink 
                 High viscosity 
                 Tektronix hot melt 
               
               
                 change (hot melt) 
                 temperature, and is melted in the 
                 instantly freezes on the 
                 Printed ink typically has a ‘waxy’ 
                 piezoelectric ink 
               
               
                   
                 print head before jetting. Hot melt 
                 print medium 
                 feel 
                 jets 
               
               
                   
                 inks are usually wax based, with a 
                 Almost any print medium 
                 Printed pages may ‘block’ 
                 1989 Nowak U.S. Pat. No. 
               
               
                   
                 melting point around 80° C. After 
                 can be used 
                 Ink temperature may be above the 
                 4,820,346 
               
               
                   
                 jetting the ink freezes almost 
                 No paper cockle occurs 
                 curie point of permanent magnets 
                 All IJ series ink jets 
               
               
                   
                 instantly upon contacting the print 
                 No wicking occurs 
                 Ink heaters consume power 
               
               
                   
                 medium or a transfer roller. 
                 No bleed occurs 
                 Long warm-up time 
               
               
                   
                   
                 No strikethrough occurs 
               
               
                 Oil 
                 Oil based inks are extensively 
                 High solubility medium 
                 High viscosity: this is a significant 
                 All IJ series ink jets 
               
               
                   
                 used in offset printing. They have 
                 for some dyes 
                 limitation for use in inkjets, which 
               
               
                   
                 advantages in improved 
                 Does not cockle paper 
                 usually require a low viscosity. 
               
               
                   
                 characteristics on paper 
                 Does not wick through 
                 Some short chain and multi- 
               
               
                   
                 (especially no wicking or cockle). 
                 paper 
                 branched oils have a sufficiently 
               
               
                   
                 Oil soluble dies and pigments are 
                   
                 low viscosity. 
               
               
                   
                 required. 
                   
                 Slow drying 
               
               
                 Microemulsion 
                 A microemulsion is a stable, self 
                 Stops ink bleed 
                 Viscosity higher than water 
                 All IJ series ink jets 
               
               
                   
                 forming emulsion of oil, water, 
                 High dye solubility 
                 Cost is slightly higher than water 
               
               
                   
                 and surfactant. The characteristic 
                 Water, oil, and 
                 based ink 
               
               
                   
                 drop size is less than 100 nm, and 
                 amphiphilic soluble dies 
                 High surfactant concentration 
               
               
                   
                 is determined by the preferred 
                 can be used 
                 required (around 5%) 
               
               
                   
                 curvature of the surfactant. 
                 Can stabilize pigment 
               
               
                   
                   
                 suspensions 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Ink Jet Printing 
       [0058]    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. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Australian 
                   
                   
                 US Patent/Patent 
               
               
                 Provisional 
                 Filing 
                   
                 Application and 
               
               
                 Number 
                 Date 
                 Title 
                 Filing Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 PO8066 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,227,652 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ01) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8072 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,213,588 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ02) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8040 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,213,589 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ03) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8071 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,231,163 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ04) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8047 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,247,795 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ05) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8035 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,394,581 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ06) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8044 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,244,691 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ07) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8063 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,257,704 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ08) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8057 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,416,168 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ09) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8056 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,220,694 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ10) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8069 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,257,705 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ11) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8049 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,247,794 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ12) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8036 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,234,610 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ13) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8048 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,247,793 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ14) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8070 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,264,306 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ15) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8067 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,241,342 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ16) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8001 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,247,792 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ17) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8038 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,264,307 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ18) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8033 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,254,220 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ19) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8002 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,234,611 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ20) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8068 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,302,528 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ21) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8062 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,283,582 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ22) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8034 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,239,821 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ23) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8039 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,338,547 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ24) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8041 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,247,796 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ25) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8004 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 09/113,122 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ26) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8037 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,390,603 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ27) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8043 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,362,843 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ28) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8042 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,293,653 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ29) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8064 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,312,107 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ30) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9389 
                 23-Sep-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,227,653 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ31) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9391 
                 23-Sep-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,234,609 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ32) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0888 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,238,040 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ33) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0891 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,188,415 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ34) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0890 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,227,654 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ35) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0873 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,209,989 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ36) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0993 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,247,791 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ37) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0890 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,336,710 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ38) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP1398 
                 19-Jan-98 
                 An Image Creation Method 
                 6,217,153 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and Apparatus (IJ39) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP2592 
                 25-Mar-98 
                 An Image Creation Method 
                 6,416,167 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and Apparatus (IJ40) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP2593 
                 25-Mar-98 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,243,113 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ41) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP3991 
                 9-Jun-98 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,283,581 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ42) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP3987 
                 9-Jun-98 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,247,790 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ43) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP3985 
                 9-Jun-98 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,260,953 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ44) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP3983 
                 9-Jun-98 
                 Image Creation Method and 
                 6,267,469 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus (IJ45) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Ink Jet Manufacturing 
       [0059]    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. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 US Patent/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Patent 
               
               
                 Australian 
                   
                   
                 Application 
               
               
                 Provisional 
                 Filing 
                   
                 and 
               
               
                 Number 
                 Date 
                 Title 
                 Filing Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 PO7935 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,224,780 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM01) 
               
               
                 PO7936 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,235,212 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM02) 
               
               
                 PO7937 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,280,643 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM03) 
               
               
                 PO8061 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,284,147 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM04) 
               
               
                 PO8054 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,214,244 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM05) 
               
               
                 PO8065 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,071,750 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM06) 
               
               
                 PO8055 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,267,905 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM07) 
               
               
                 PO8053 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,251,298 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM08) 
               
               
                 PO8078 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,258,285 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM09) 
               
               
                 PO7933 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,225,138 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM10) 
               
               
                 PO7950 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,241,904 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM11) 
               
               
                 PO7949 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,299,786 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM12) 
               
               
                 PO8060 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 09/113,124 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM13) 
               
               
                 PO8059 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,231,773 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM14) 
               
               
                 PO8073 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,190,931 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM15) 
               
               
                 PO8076 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,248,249 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM16) 
               
               
                 PO8075 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,290,862 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM17) 
               
               
                 PO8079 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,241,906 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM18) 
               
               
                 PO8050 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 09/113,116 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM19) 
               
               
                 PO8052 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,241,905 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM20) 
               
               
                 PO7948 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,451,216 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM21) 
               
               
                 PO7951 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,231,772 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM22) 
               
               
                 PO8074 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,274,056 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM23) 
               
               
                 PO7941 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,290,861 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM24) 
               
               
                 PO8077 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,248,248 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM25) 
               
               
                 PO8058 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,306,671 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM26) 
               
               
                 PO8051 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,331,258 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM27) 
               
               
                 PO8045 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,110,754 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM28) 
               
               
                 PO7952 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,294,101 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM29) 
               
               
                 PO8046 
                 15-Jul- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,416,679 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM30) 
               
               
                 PO8503 
                 11-Aug- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,264,849 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM30a) 
               
               
                 PO9390 
                 23-Sep- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,254,793 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM31) 
               
               
                 PO9392 
                 23-Sep- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,235,211 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM32) 
               
               
                 PP0889 
                 12-Dec- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,235,211 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM35) 
               
               
                 PP0887 
                 12-Dec- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,264,850 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM36) 
               
               
                 PP0882 
                 12-Dec- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,258,284 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM37) 
               
               
                 PP0874 
                 12-Dec- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,258,284 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM38) 
               
               
                 PP1396 
                 19-Jan- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,228,668 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM39) 
               
               
                 PP2591 
                 25-Mar- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,180,427 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM41) 
               
               
                 PP3989 
                 9-Jun- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,171,875 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM40) 
               
               
                 PP3990 
                 9-Jun- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,267,904 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM42) 
               
               
                 PP3986 
                 9-Jun- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,245,247 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM43) 
               
               
                 PP3984 
                 9-Jun- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,245,247 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM44) 
               
               
                 PP3982 
                 9-Jun- 
                 A Method of Manufacture of an 
                 6,231,148 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 Image Creation Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IJM45) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Fluid Supply 
       [0060]    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. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Australian 
                   
                   
                 US Patent/Patent 
               
               
                 Provisional 
                 Filing 
                   
                 Application and 
               
               
                 Number 
                 Date 
                 Title 
                 Filing Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 PO8003 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Supply Method and 
                 6,350,023 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (F1) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8005 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Supply Method and 
                 6,318,849 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (F2) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9404 
                 23-Sep- 
                 A Device and Method 
                 09/113,101 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 (F3) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       MEMS Technology 
       [0061]    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. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Australian 
                   
                   
                 US Patent/Patent 
               
               
                 Provisional 
                   
                   
                 Application and 
               
               
                 Number 
                 Filing Date 
                 Title 
                 Filing Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 PO7943 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 A device (MEMS01) 
                   
               
               
                 PO8006 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 A device (MEMS02) 
                 6,087,638 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8007 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 A device (MEMS03) 
                 09/113,093 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8008 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 A device (MEMS04) 
                 6,340,222 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8010 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 A device (MEMS05) 
                 6,041,600 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8011 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 A device (MEMS06) 
                 6,299,300 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7947 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 A device (MEMS07) 
                 6,067,797 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7945 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 A device (MEMS08) 
                 09/113,081 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7944 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 A device (MEMS09) 
                 6,286,935 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7946 
                 15-Jul-97 
                 A device (MEMS10) 
                 6,044,646 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9393 
                 23-Sep-97 
                 A Device and Method 
                 09/113,065 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (MEMS11) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0875 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 A Device (MEMS12) 
                 09/113,078 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0894 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 A Device and Method 
                 09/113,075 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (MEMS13) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       IR Technologies 
       [0062]    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. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Australian 
                   
                   
                 US Patent/Patent 
               
               
                 Provisional 
                 Filing 
                   
                 Application and 
               
               
                 Number 
                 Date 
                 Title 
                 Filing Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 PP0895 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 An Image Creation Method 
                 6,231,148 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and Apparatus (IR01) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0870 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 A Device and Method 
                 09/113,106 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IR02) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0869 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 A Device and Method 
                 6,293,658 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IR04) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0887 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 Image Creation Method 
                 09/113,104 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and Apparatus (IR05) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0885 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 An Image Production 
                 6,238,033 
               
               
                   
                   
                 System (IR06) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0884 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 Image Creation Method 
                 6,312,070 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and Apparatus (IR10) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0886 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 Image Creation Method 
                 6,238,111 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and Apparatus (IR12) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0871 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 A Device and Method 
                 09/113,086 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IR13) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0876 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 An Image Processing 
                 09/113,094 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Method and Apparatus 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IR14) 
               
               
                 PP0877 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 A Device and Method 
                 6,378,970 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IR16) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0878 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 A Device and Method 
                 6,196,739 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IR17) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0879 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 A Device and Method 
                 09/112,774 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IR18) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0883 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 A Device and Method 
                 6,270,182 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IR19) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0880 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 A Device and Method 
                 6,152,619 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IR20) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0881 
                 12-Dec-97 
                 A Device and Method 
                 09/113,092 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (IR21) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DotCard Technologies 
       [0063]    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. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Australian 
                   
                   
                 US Patent/Patent 
               
               
                 Provisional 
                 Filing 
                   
                 Application and 
               
               
                 Number 
                 Date 
                 Title 
                 Filing Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 PP2370 
                 16-Mar- 
                 Data Processing Method 
                 09/112,781 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 and Apparatus (Dot01) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP2371 
                 16-Mar- 
                 Data Processing Method 
                 09/113,052 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 and Apparatus (Dot02) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Artcam Technologies 
       [0064]    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. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Australian 
                   
                   
                 US Patent/Patent 
               
               
                 Provisional 
                 Filing 
                   
                 Application and 
               
               
                 Number 
                 Date 
                 Title 
                 Filing Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 PO7991 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/113,060 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART01) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7988 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 6,476,863 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART02) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7993 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/113,073 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART03) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9395 
                 23-Sep- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,322,181 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART04) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8017 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,747 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART06) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8014 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Media Device (ART07) 
                 6,227,648 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8025 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,750 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART08) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8032 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,746 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART09) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7999 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,743 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART10) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7998 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,742 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART11) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8031 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,741 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART12) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8030 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Media Device (ART13) 
                 6,196,541 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7997 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Media Device (ART15) 
                 6,195,150 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7979 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Media Device (ART16) 
                 6,362,868 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8015 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Media Device (ART17) 
                 09/112,738 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7978 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Media Device (ART18) 
                 09/113,067 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7982 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,431,669 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART19) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7989 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,362,869 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART20) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8019 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Media Processing Method and 
                 6,472,052 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART21) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7980 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 6,356,715 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART22) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8018 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,777 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART24) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7938 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/113,224 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART25) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8016 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 6,366,693 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART26) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8024 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 6,329,990 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART27) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7940 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/113,072 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART28) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7939 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/112,785 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART29) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8501 
                 11-Aug- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 6,137,500 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART30) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8500 
                 11-Aug- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,796 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART31) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7987 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/113,071 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART32) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8022 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 6,398,328 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART33) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8497 
                 11-Aug- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/113,090 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART34) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8020 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,431,704 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART38) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8023 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/113,222 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART39) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8504 
                 11-Aug- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,786 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART42) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8000 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,415,054 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART43) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7977 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/112,782 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART44) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7934 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/113,056 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART45) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7990 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/113,059 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART46) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8499 
                 11-Aug- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 6,486,886 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART47) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8502 
                 11-Aug- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 6,381,361 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART48) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7981 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,317,192 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART50) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7986 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/113,057 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART51) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO7983 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/113,054 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART52) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8026 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,752 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART53) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8027 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,759 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART54) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO8028 
                 15-Jul- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 09/112,757 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART56) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9394 
                 23-Sep- 
                 Image Processing Method and 
                 6,357,135 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART57) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9396 
                 23-Sep- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/113,107 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART58) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9397 
                 23-Sep- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,271,931 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART59) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9398 
                 23-Sep- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,353,772 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART60) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9399 
                 23-Sep- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,106,147 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART61) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9400 
                 23-Sep- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/112,790 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART62) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9401 
                 23-Sep- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,304,291 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART63) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9402 
                 23-Sep- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 09/112,788 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART64) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9403 
                 23-Sep- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,305,770 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART65) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PO9405 
                 23-Sep- 
                 Data Processing Method and 
                 6,289,262 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 Apparatus (ART66) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP0959 
                 16-Dec- 
                 A Data Processing Method 
                 6,315,200 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 and Apparatus (ART68) 
                 (Jul. 10, 1998) 
               
               
                 PP1397 
                 19-Jan- 
                 A Media Device (ART69) 
                 6,217,165 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                   
                 (Jul. 10, 1998)