Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to printing systems that make use of a replaceable printing component. More particularly, the present invention relates to replaceable printing components that include an electrical storage device for providing information to the printing system.  
           [0002]    In the case where the printing system is an ink jet printing system an ink-jet printhead is frequently mounted within a carriage that is moved back and forth across a print media, such as paper. As the printhead is moved across the print media, a control system activates the printhead to deposit or eject ink droplets onto the print media to form images and text. Ink is provided to the printhead by a supply of ink that is either carried by the carriage or mounted to the printing system to not move with the carriage. For the case where the ink supply is not carried with the carriage, the ink supply can be intermittently or continuously connected to the printhead for replenishing the printhead. In either case, the replaceable printing components, such as the ink container and the printhead, require periodic replacement. The ink supply is replaced when exhausted. The printhead is replaced at the end of printhead life.  
           [0003]    In the case where the printing system is an electrophotographic printing system the replaceable consumable is typically the electrophotographic engine frequently referred to as a toner cartridge. The toner cartridge often includes an intermediate imaging device such as a drum and an imaging material such as toner. The drum is charged using an energy source such as a scanning laser. The imaging material is attracted to the charged drum and is then transferred to print media. The replaceable consumable is either a supply of imaging material or the entire toner cartridge.  
           [0004]    It is frequently desirable to alter printer parameters or provide information to the printer concurrently with the replacement of the replaceable printing components such as discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/584,499 entitled “Replaceable Part With Integral Memory For Usage, Calibration And Other Data” assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Patent application Ser. No. 08/584,499 discloses the use of a memory device, which contains parameters relating to the replaceable printing component. The installation of the replaceable printing component allows the printer to access the replaceable part parameters to insure high print quality. By incorporating the memory device into the replaceable printing component and storing replaceable part parameters in the memory device within the replaceable component the printing system can determine these parameters upon installation into the printing system. This automatic updating of printer parameters frees the user from having to update printer parameters each time a replaceable component is newly installed. Automatically updating printer parameters with replaceable printing component parameters insures high print quality. In addition, this automatic parameter updating tends to ensure the printer is not inadvertently damaged due to improper operation, such as, operating after the supply of ink is exhausted or operation with the wrong or non-compatible printer components.  
           [0005]    It is important that the exchange of information between the printer and the replaceable printing component be accomplished in a highly reliable manner. One problem associated with the use of electrical contacts or terminals positioned on the replaceable printing component is that these electrical contacts are subject to contamination. Contamination can result from the handling that transfers contaminants such as hand oils and salts that are frequently present in human skin. This contamination may be transferred to the electrical contacts associated with the printer. Contamination also can result from leakage from the replaceable printing component that can contaminate the electrical contacts. For example, in the case of ink jet printing leakage of ink from the ink container or printhead may contaminate the electrical contacts. Inks used for ink-jet printing typically make use of solvents and surfactants that over time can result in corrosion of the electrical contacts preventing proper electrical contact between the printer and ink container. In addition, liquid contaminates can result in the shorting of these electrical contacts resulting in a faulty electrical interconnect and possibly system failure.  
           [0006]    Another problem associated with the use of electrical contacts or terminals positioned on the outer portion of the replaceable consumable is that these contacts are subject to mechanical damage to the contracts such as scraping, denting or pealing, to name a few. This damage, if sufficient, may result in reliability problems or failures of the electrical interconnect between the printer and the replaceable consumable.  
           [0007]    Still another problem associated with the use of electrical terminals positioned on the outer portion of the replaceable consumable is that these terminals subject the memory or storage device to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Electrostatic discharge results from the electric terminals contacting a charged surface resulting in a discharge through the storage device. This discharge can result in catastrophic failure or reduce lifetime or reliability of the storage device. Storage devices such as CMOS semiconductor devices are particularly susceptible to electrostatic discharge damage.  
           [0008]    There is an ever present need for techniques for transferring information between a replaceable printing component and the printer which does not suffer from the above shortcomings. This technique should be reliable and result in relatively low manufacturing costs to maintain a relatively low overall cost of the printer.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The present invention relates to a marking engine for use in a marking machine. The marking engine is responsive to control signals for selectively depositing marking material on media. The marking engine includes a housing associated with the marking engine. The housing is configured for docking with the printing system. The housing has an undocked position and a docked position wherein the housing is secured to a receiving station associated with the marking machine. Also included is a radio frequency linking device mounted to the housing so that there is substantially no relative movement between the radio frequency linking device and a corresponding radio frequency linking device associated with the receiving station when the marking engine is in the docked position with the marking machine. The radio frequency linking device provides a radio frequency link for transferring information between the marking engine and the marking machine. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary ink-jet printing system, shown with the cover removed, that incorporates removable printing components of the present invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 depicts a schematic representation of the ink-jet printing system shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a removable ink container and printhead each of which contain a linking device for transferring information between the removable printing components and printer portion.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 depicts a schematic block diagram of the ink-jet printing system of FIG. 1 shown connected to a host and which includes a removable ink container and printhead each of which contain the linking device.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 depicts a schematic representation of the linking device shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 depicts a plurality of linking devices associated with the replaceable printing component positioned at various orientations and spacing from a linking device associated with the printer portion.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 depicts a simplified representation of the replaceable printing component of the present invention in a docked position with a docking station associated with the printer portion. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of an ink-jet printing system  10  of the present invention shown with its cover removed. The ink-jet printing system  10  includes a printer portion  12  having a plurality of replaceable printing components  14  installed therein. The plurality of replaceable printing components  14  include a plurality of printheads  16  for selectively depositing ink in response to control signals and a plurality of ink containers  18  for providing ink to each of the plurality of printheads  16 . Each of the plurality of printheads  16  is fluidically connected to each of the plurality of ink containers  18  by a plurality of flexible conduits  20 .  
         [0017]    Each of the plurality of printheads  16  is mounted in a scanning carriage  22 . The scanning carriage moves on a carriage support rod  23  to scan past a print media (not shown) as the print media is stepped through a print zones. As the plurality of printheads are moved relative to the print media, ink is selectively ejected from a plurality of orifices in each of the print plurality of the printheads  16  to form images and text.  
         [0018]    One aspect of the present invention is a method and apparatus for transferring information between the replaceable printing components  14  and the printer portion  12 . An electrical storage device is associated with each of the replaceable printing components  14 . The electrical storage device contains information related to the particular replaceable printer component  14 . Installation of the replaceable printing component  14  into the printer portion  12  allows information to be transferred between the electrical storage device and the printing portion  12  to insure proper operation of the printing system  10 . The information provided from the replaceable printing component  14  to the printing portion  12  tends to prevent operation of the printing system  10  in a manner which damages the printing system  10  or which reduces the print quality. An important aspect of the present invention is the method and apparatus for transferring information from the between the printing component  14  and the printer portion  12  which will be discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS.  2 - 6 .  
         [0019]    Although the printing system  10  shown in FIG. 1 makes use of ink containers  18  which are mounted off of the scanning carriage  22 , the present invention is equally well suited for other types of printing system configurations. One such configuration is one where the replaceable ink containers  18  are mounted on the scanning carriage  22 . Alternatively, the printhead  16  and the ink container  18  may be incorporated into an integrated printing cartridge that is mounted to the scanning carriage  22 . The printing system  10  is alternatively an electrophotographic printing system  10  that makes use of a replaceable consumable  14  that is a replaceable toner cartridge. Upon installation of the toner cartridge information is transferred between an electrical storage device on the toner cartridge and the printer portion  12  that receives the toner cartridge. The printing system  10  of the present invention may be used in a wide variety of applications such as facsimile machines, postal franking machines and large format type printing systems suitable for use in displays and outdoor signage, to name a few.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 depicts a simplified schematic representation of the ink-jet printing system  10  of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is simplified to illustrate a single printhead  16  and a single ink container  18  for accomplishing the printing of a single color. For the case where more than one color is desired a plurality of printheads  16  are typically used with each printhead  16  having an associated ink container  18 .  
         [0021]    The ink-jet printing system  10  of the present invention includes a printer portion  12  having replaceable printing components  14 . The replaceable printing components  14  include a printhead  16  and an ink container  18 . The printer portion  12  includes an ink container receiving station  24  and a controller  26 . With the ink container  18  properly inserted into the ink container receiving station  24 , a fluidic coupling is established between the ink container  18  and the printer portion  12 . The fluidic coupling allows ink stored within the ink container  18  to be provided to the printhead  16 .  
         [0022]    The ink container  18  includes a reservoir  28  for storing ink therein. A fluid outlet  30  is provided that it is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir  28 . The fluid outlet  30  is configured for connection to a complimentary fluid inlet  32  associated with the ink container receiving station  24 .  
         [0023]    The printhead  16  includes a fluid inlet  34  configured for connection to a complimentary fluid outlet  36  associated with the printing portion  12 . With the printhead  16  properly inserted into the scanning carriage  22  (shown in FIG. 1) fluid communication is established between the printhead and the ink container  18  by way of the flexible fluid conduit  20 .  
         [0024]    Each of the replaceable printing components  14  such as the printhead  16  and the ink container  18  include a linking device  38  such as a radio frequency linking device. Associated with each of the linking devices  38  is an electrical storage device or memory for storing information related to the respective replaceable printer component  14 . A corresponding linking device  42  associated with the printer portion  12  for exchanging information with the corresponding linking device  38  associated with the replaceable printing component.  
         [0025]    An information link is selectively established between the printer portion  12  and each of the replaceable printing components such as the printhead  16  and ink container  18 . The information link allows information to be passed between the printer portion  12  and each of the printhead  16  and the ink container  18  to insure the operation of the printer portion  12  is compatible with the ink contained in the ink container  18  and the printhead  16  thereby achieving high print quality and reliable operation of the printing system  10 .  
         [0026]    With the ink container  18  properly inserted into the ink container receiving station  24  the linking device  38  is disposed and arranged relative to the linking device  42  associated with the printer portion  12  to allow information to be passed between linking device  42  and linking device  38  without direct electrical contact. Similarly, with the printhead  16  properly inserted into a corresponding printhead receiving station (not shown) the linking device  38  is disposed and arranged relative to the linking device  42  to allow information to be passed between linking device  42  and linking device  38  without direct electrical contact.  
         [0027]    The controller  26  controls the transfer of information between the printer portion  12  and each of the printhead  16  and the ink container  18 . In addition, the controller  26  controls the relative movement of the printhead  16  and the print media as well as selectively activating the printhead to deposit ink on print media.  
         [0028]    Although linking devices  38  associated with each of the ink container  18  and the printhead  16  are given the same element number to indicate these devices are similar devices, the information stored in the electrical storage device associated with the ink container  18  will, in general, be different from the information stored in the electrical storage device associated with the printhead  16 . Similarly, the information stored in electrical storage device associated with each ink container of the plurality of ink containers  18  will in general be different and unique to be particular ink container of the plurality of ink containers  18 .  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 represents a simplified block diagram of the printing system  10  of the present invention shown connected to an information source or host computer  48 . The host computer  48  is shown connected to a display device  50 . The host  48  can be a variety of information sources such as a personal computer, work station, or server to name a few, that provides image information to the controller  26  by way of a data link  52 . The data link  52  may be any one of a variety of conventional data links such as an electrical link or an infrared link for transferring information between the host  48  and the printing system  10 .  
         [0030]    Information is transferred between the controller  26  and an electrical storage device or memory  54  associated with the ink container  18  by transferring information between linking devices  42  and  38 . Similarly, information is transferred between the controller  26  and an electrical storage device or memory  56  associated with the by transferring information between link  42  and link  38  associated with the printhead  16 . In addition, the controller  26  is electrically connected to a printer mechanism  58  for controlling media transport and movement of the carriage  22 . The controller  26  makes use of parameters and information provided by the host  48 , the memory  54  associated with the ink container  18  and memory  56  associated with the printhead  16  to accomplish printing.  
         [0031]    The host computer  48  provides image description information or image data to the printing system  10  for forming images on print media. In addition, the host computer  48  provides various parameters for controlling operation of the printing system  10 , which is typically resident in printer control software typically referred to as the “print driver”. In order to ensure the printing system  10  provides the highest quality images it is necessary that the operation of the controller  26  compensate for the particular replaceable printer component  14  installed within the printing system  10 . It is the electric storage devices  54  and  56  that are associated with the ink container  18  and printhead  16 , respectively, that provide parameters which are utilized by the controller  26  to ensure the reliable operation of the printing system  10  and insure high quality print images.  
         [0032]    Among the parameters, for example which are stored in electrical storage device  54  associated with the replaceable printing component  14  are the following: actual count of ink drops emitted from the printhead  16 ; a date code associated with the ink container  18 ; date code of initial insertion of the ink container  18 ; system coefficients; ink type/color: ink container size; age of the ink; printer model number or identification number; cartridge usage information; just to name a few.  
         [0033]    Although the linking devices  38  and  42  of present invention is described herein in the context of an ink jet printing system this is intended as an example only and not intended to limit the scope of Applicants&#39; invention. The linking devices of the present invention are equally well suited to other printer technologies such as electrophotographic printers referred to as laser printers. For electrophotographic printers the linking device  38  is placed on one or more replaceable printing components  14  such as a toner cartridge, a toner container or a replaceable motor, just to name a few. These replaceable printing components  14  are components that are replaceable because they are depleted, have a limited useful life or are specific to a certain type of printing or print media. Some examples of specific types of printing that can require a change in replaceable printing components  14  are color printing, black and white printing, plain paper printing, transparency printing, just to name a few.  
         [0034]    The replaceable printing component  14  is alternatively a refurbished replaceable printing component  14 . A refurbished replaceable printing component  18  has been reconditioned or refilled with a replacement ink or replacement marking media. The memory  54  is either refurbished or replaced to allow it to provide signals that enable printing with printing system  10 . The memory  54  is refurbished to include, among other things, marking material-related information that is indicative of an amount or type of replacement marking material  28 .  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 depicts further detail of the linking devices  38  and  42  of the present invention for transferring information between the ink container  18  and the printer portion  12 . The linking device  38  associated with the printhead  16  is similar to the linking device  38  associated with the ink container  18  and therefore will not be discussed in detail.  
         [0036]    The linking device  42  associated with the printer portion  12  includes a serial controller  60 , a radio frequency interface  62  and an antenna  64 . The serial controller  60  controls the transfer of information between and the controller  26  associated with the printer portion  10  and the radio frequency interface  62 . The serial controller  60  is a microprocessor or a hardware implemented controller that performs all of the necessary interface and data manipulation functions for passing information between the controller  26  and the radio frequency interface  62 . One example of this data manipulation is to receive data in a parallel format from the controller  26  and provide the received data in a serial format to the radio frequency interface  62 .  
         [0037]    The radio frequency interface  62  receives information from the serial controller  60  in a serial fashion and converts this information into a time varying voltage at the antenna  64 . This time varying voltage is preferably in a standard radio frequency range such as from 125 kilohertz to 13.56 megahertz. Radio frequencies outside of this range may also be suitable. Transmission of information using a radio frequency technology is used in financial transaction cards provided by financial institutions for financial transactions. These financial transaction cards are sometimes referred to as “smart cards”. Similar technology is also used in inventory systems that is sometimes referred to as radio frequency identification technology (RFID).  
         [0038]    The linking device  38  associated with the ink container  18  is similar to the linking device  42  associated with the printer portion  12 . Similar numbers will be used to identify features of the linking device  38  that are similar to the features of the linking device  42 . The linking device  38  includes a serial controller  66 , a radio frequency interface  68  and an antenna  70 . Provided the antenna  70  associated with linking device  38  is properly orientated and positioned relative to the antenna  64  associated with the linking device  42  voltages are induced on antenna  70  in response to time varying voltages at antenna  64 . Information is extracted from the time varying voltages induced on antenna  70  by the radio frequency interface  68 . The information is passed from the radio frequency interface  68  to the serial controller  66 . In response to command information, the serial controller  66  either stores information in the memory device  54  or retrieves information from the memory device  54  for sending this information to the controller  26  in a process similar to the transfer of information from the controller  26  to the serial controller  66 .  
         [0039]    The linking device  38  and memory  54  is either powered by an active device such as a battery or by a passive device that stores energy in a storage device such as a capacitor. The energy is provided to the capacitor by voltages induced on the antenna  70 . In the preferred embodiment, voltages are induced on the antenna  70  due to time-varying voltages that are applied to antenna  64  by the radio frequency interface  62 . The induced voltage at antenna  70  is provided to a power conditioner  72  which converts these time varying voltages into a single polarity voltage that is suitable as a supply voltage for each of the memory  54 , serial controller  66 , and radio frequency interface  68 . In one preferred embodiment the power conditioner  72  rectifies a time-varying voltage that is induced on antenna  70  and filters this rectified voltage to provide a suitable supply voltage. The use of a power conditioner  72  on the linking device  38  eliminates the need for a direct power and ground connection between the replaceable printing component  14  and the printing system  10 .  
         [0040]    In the case of a passive linking device  38  a time varying electro-magnetic field induces a voltage on antenna  70  to power this device. The modulation of this time varying electro-magnetic field allows information to be transferred to the linking device  38 . For example, a carrier signal can be provided by the linking device  42  to induce a time varying voltage at antenna  70 . This time varying voltage is rectified and filtered by the power conditioner  72  to provide a supply voltage to the linking device  38  and memory  54 . The radio frequency interface  62  modulates the carrier signal such as by varying the frequency, phase or amplitude to transmit information to the linking device  38 . Demodulation of the carrier signal allows the radio frequency interface  68  to extract information from the carrier signal. Information is transferred in a similar manner from the linking device  38  back to the linking device  42 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 5 depicts a schematic representation of the linking device  42  associated with the printer portion  12  and the linking device  38 ,  38 ′, and  38 ″ associated with the replaceable consumable  14 . The linking device  38 ,  38 ′, and  38 ″ is shown positioned in three different locations, each having different spacing and orientation to the linking device  42 . A series of wave fronts  72  are shown representing an electric or magnetic field that is emanated from the linking device  42 . This electric or magnetic field has directionality as it is radiated from the linking device  42  as represented by the wave fronts  72  or lines of equal force. Assuming that the radiated electro-magnetic field has a limited field strength or that the linking device  38  has a limited sensitivity a capture region  74  can be defined. The capture region or read range  74  is a region whereupon the positioning the linking device  38  within this capture region  74  with the proper orientation to the linking device  42  allows information to be reliably transferred between linking devices  38  and  32 .  
         [0042]    Linking device  38 ′ is shown positioned wit the electrical or magnetic field emanating from the linking device  42 , however, the orientation of the linking device  38 ′ is not properly aligned with the electrical or magnetic field to achieve optimal induce voltage in the antenna  70  associated with the linking device  38 ′. Therefore, for a given field strength emanated by the linking device  42  and a given sensitivity for the linking device  38 ′ a proper link can not be established.  
         [0043]    Similarly, the positioning of a linking device  38 ″ illustrates proper orientation with the linking device  42 , however, the spacing from the linking device too great for a sufficient voltage to be induced on the antenna  70  associated with the linking device  38 ″. Therefore, a proper information link can not be established between linking devices  42  and  38 ″.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 6 depicts a simplified representation of a docking station  24  for receiving the replaceable printing component  14  into the printer portion  12 . The docking station  24  is configured to receive the replaceable printing component  14  such that the linking device  38  is properly positioned with the linking device  42  to be within the capture region  74  such that information can properly be exchanged therebetween. More specifically, the linking device  38  is positioned on the replaceable printing component  14  such that when inserted into the docking station  24 , the linking device  38  has both the proper spacing from the linking device  42  as well as the proper orientation relative to the linking device  42 . Once the replaceable printing component  14  is properly docked in the docking station  24  the replaceable printing component is restrained to prevent relative movement between the linking device  38  associated with the replaceable printing component and the linking device  42  associated with the printer portion  12 .  
         [0045]    Applicants&#39; invention makes use of close spacing and controlled orientation between the linking devices  38  and  42  in the docking position to allow optimization of an electric coupling therebetween for information exchange. The use of close spacing and controlled orientation allows the linking device  42  to require only minimal radio frequency power to establish a reliable communication link with the linking device  38 . In addition, linking device  38  requires only a minimal antenna size to receive sufficient the radio frequency power from linking device  42  to power the linking device  38  and to communicate back to linking device  42 . Minimal power requirements for linking device  42  and minimal antenna size requirements for the linking device  38  allow for the use of low cost linking devices  38  and  42  because cost tends to be proportional to power and proportional to antenna size, especially for linking device  38 .  
         [0046]    In addition, radiated emissions tend to be minimized when the power required from device  42  is minimized. Minimized radiated emissions tend to minimize radio frequency interference with other electrical devices within the printing system  10 . Minimized radiated emissions also tend to allow simple shielding to limit radiated emissions to electrical devices outside the printing system  10 . Reduced radio frequency interference tends to reduce the manufacturing costs of the printing system  10 .  
         [0047]    Finally, Applicant&#39;s invention limits relative movement between the linking device  38  and linking device  42 . By eliminating relative movement between the linking devices  38  and  42  tends to provide more reliable and better coupling between the linking devices  38  and  42  for a given radio frequency power and antenna size. Therefore, use of a fixed orientation with no relative motion where coupling between the linking devices is maximized tends to reduce the cost of the linking devices  38  and  42 .  
         [0048]    In addition, the use of linking devices  38  and  42  for transferring information between replaceable printing components and the printing system eliminates the need for direct electrical connection between the printing components  14  and the printing system  10 . One problem with the use of electrical contacts or terminals positioned on the outer portion of the replaceable printing component is that the electrical contacts associated with the replaceable printing component  14  must properly engage the electrical contacts associated with the docking station or printing system  10  upon insertion of the replaceable printing component into the printing system  10 . In order for these electrical contacts to properly mate requires that the alignment tolerance between the replaceable printing component  14  and the printing system be sufficiently small to ensure proper alignment of these electrical contacts. Small alignment tolerances are necessary to ensure the electrical contacts are closely aligned to prevent misregistration between electrical contacts. This misregistration, if severe enough, results in failure to achieve electrical connection between the printing system  10  and the replaceable printing component. As the number of electrical contacts increase the alignment tolerances tend to be further reduced. As these alignment tolerances become smaller, the manufacturing cost of both the docking station  24  as well as the replaceable printing component  14  each tend to increase.  
         [0049]    International Patent Application PCT/US98/07324 entitled, Intelligent Printer Components and Printing System, published on Nov. 26, 1998 discloses a printing system that makes use of a media roll that includes an RF ID tag device for storing information related to the media itself. The RF ID tag device is selected to interact with an RF transceiver associated with the printer as the media roll is in motion.  
         [0050]    In contrast, Applicant&#39;s invention makes use of linking devices  38  and  42  that do not move relative to each other. The spacing between the linking devices  38  and  42  is fixed in a relatively closely spaced relationship which does not change once the replaceable consumable  14  is in the printer portion  12 . In addition, the relative orientation of the linking devices  38  and  42  is fixed and does not change in contrast to the media roll that is constantly moving. By positioning each of the linking devices  38  and  42  to be in a closely spaced arrangement that has a fixed spacing and orientation allows the use of low cost linking devices  38  and  42 . The use of low cost linking devices  38  and  42  make possible the use of a non-contact or wireless interface between the replaceable consumable  14  and printer portion  12  in applications which heretofore have been cost prohibitive. In addition, the use of a wireless interface allows the elimination of contacts and electrical conductors as well as the requirement of rigid alignment requirements for the replaceable consumable  14 , both of which add to manufacturing costs that increase the overall cost of the printing system. Finally, the use of a wireless interface placed on the replaceable consumable  14  can be made more aesthetically pleasing than the use of electrical contacts on the replaceable consumable.

Technology Category: 7