a2, United States Patent
`US 6,614,560 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`
` Silverbrook (45) Date of Patent: Sep. 2, 2003
`
`
`US006614560B1
`
`(54)
`
`INTEGRATED CAMERA CIRCUIT
`INCLUDING IMAGE SENSOR, IMAGE
`
`cheurnn” AND PRINTER DRIVE
`
`Inventor: Kia Silverbrook, Sydney (AU)
`(75)
`(73) Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd,
`Balmain (AU)
`.
`oo,
`.
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`.
`,
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`.
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/113,104
`(22)
`Filed:
`Jul. 10, 1998
`(30)
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Jul. 15, 1997
`(AU) oo eee cece ceeeecneeneae cena PO7991
`Dec. 12, 1997
`(AU) once eeeceeceeeececneseneeecnaeees PP0887
`
`(SL) Unt. C0 eee ecccccccsecseeseeseeseereeseeseeneesees HO4N 1/40
`(52) US. Ch. cee 358/443; 358/456; 358/474;
`358/909.1; 348/222; 348/294
`(58) Field of Search oo...eee 358/443, 456,
`358/474, 482, 906, 909.1, 348/207, 222,
`294, 308
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6,163,338 A * 12/2000 Johnsonet al.
`
`............. 348/148
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Thomas D. Lee
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`A camera system is disclosed comprising an image sensor
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`and processing device for sensing and processing an image;
`print
`int
`medi
`1
`‘ded for
`the
`st
`f
`a print media supply meansprovided
`for
`the storage of prin
`media; a print head for printing the sensed image on print
`media stored internally to the camera system;
`the image
`sensor and processing device comprising a single integrated
`circuit chip including the following interconnected compo-
`nents: a processing unit for controlling the operation of the
`camera system; a program ROMutilized by the processing
`unit; a CMOSactive pixel image sensor for sensing the
`:
`.
`:
`°
`image; a memory store for storing images and associated
`program data; a series of motor drive units each including
`motor drive transistors for the driving of external mechani-
`cal system of the camera system; and print head interface
`unit for driving the print head for printing of the sensed
`image. Preferably, the motor drive transistors are located
`along one peripheral edge of the integrated circuit and the
`CMOSpixel image sensoris located along an opposite edge
`of the integrated circuit.
`
`5,883,830 A *
`
`3/1999 Hirt etal. we 348/294
`
`5 Claims, 23 Drawing Sheets
`
`CMOS4TCell Image Sensor
`1,500 * 1,000
`Cell Size = 44m * 4um
`
`yoo 48
`
`207
`
`204
`
`12 Mbit DRAM
`(Using 256 MBit DRAM Technology)
`
`216
`
`217
`
`ctl
`
`211
`
`CTTeaa
`
`/_e
`seca
`208
`
`ProgramROM
`
`A/6bivALu_|
`
`P
`LIT
`214
`
`220
`
`219,
`
`221 222 225 212 213
`
`210 225
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`228
`
`224
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 2, 2003
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`Sheet 1 of 23
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`US 6,614,560 B1
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`FIC.1
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`Sep. 2, 2003
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 3
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 3
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`FIG.3
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 4 of 23
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 5
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 5 of 23
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`FIG.5
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 6
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 6
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`Sheet 6 of 23
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 7
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 7
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`Sep. 2, 2003
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`Sheet 7 of 23
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`FIG,7
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`Sep. 2, 2003
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`Sheet 8 of 23
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`8Old
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 9
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 9
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 2, 2003
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`Sheet 9 of 23
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`FIG.9
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 10
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`Sheet 10 of 23
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`FIG.10
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 11
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 11
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`Sheet 11 of 23
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`FIC.11
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 12
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`Sep. 2, 2003
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`Sheet 12 of 23
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`FIG.12
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`Sheet 14 of 23
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`FIG.14
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`Sheet 15 of 23
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`US 6,614,560 B1
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 16
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`Sep. 2, 2003
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`Sheet 16 of 23
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`FIG.16
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`Sheet 17 of 23
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`FIG.17
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 20
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`Sheet 20 of 23
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`oiial
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`OZ‘Ald
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`Sheet 21 of 23
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`FIG.21
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`Sheet 22 of 23
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`FIG.22 &—__\
`
`— 5) —SSS
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`VY
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`iy
`
`
`ee
`2
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 23
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 23
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`Sep. 2, 2003
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`Sheet 23 of 23
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`FIG,23
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`US 6,614,560 B1
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`1
`INTEGRATED CAMERA CIRCUIT
`INCLUDING IMAGE SENSOR, IMAGE
`PROCESSING, AND PRINTER DRIVE
`CIRCUITS
`
`FILED OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present relates substantially to the concept of a
`disposable camera having instant printing capabilities and in
`particular, discloses An Integrated Camera Circuit including
`Sensor and Drive Transistors.
`
`CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`The following Australian provisional patent applications
`are hereby incorporated by cross-reference. For the purposes
`of location and identification, US patent applications, iden-
`tified by their US patent application serial numbers (USSN)
`are listed alongside the Australian applications from which
`the US patent applications claim the right of priority.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Recently, the concept of a “single use” disposable camera
`has becomean increasingly popular consumeritem. Dispos-
`able camera systems presently on the market normally
`include an internalfilm roll and a simplified gearing mecha-
`nism for traversing the film roll across an imaging system
`including a shutter and lensing system. The user, after
`utilising a single film roll returns the camera system toa film
`developmentcentre for processing. Thefilm roll is taken out
`of the camera system and processed andthe prints returned
`to the user. The camera system is then able to be
`re-manufactured through the insertion of a new film roll into
`the camera system, the replacement of any worn or wearable
`parts and the re-packaging of the camera system in accor-
`dance with requirements.In this way, the concept of a single
`use “disposable” camera is provided to the consumer.
`Recently, a camera system has been proposed by the
`present applicant which provides for a handheld camera
`device having an internal print head,
`image sensor and
`processing means such that
`images sense by the image
`sensing means, are processed by the processing means and
`adapted to be instantly printed out by the printing means on
`demand. The proposed camera system further discloses a
`system of internal “print rolls” carrying print media such as
`film on to which imagesare to be printed in addition to ink
`to supplying the printing meansfor the printing process. The
`print roll is further disclosed to be detachable and replace-
`able within the camera system.
`Unfortunately, such a system is likely to only be con-
`structed at a substantial cost and it would be desirable to
`
`provide for a more inexpensive form of instant camera
`system which maintains a substantial numberof the quality
`aspects of the aformentioned arrangement.
`In particular,
`in any “disposable camera” it would be
`desirable to provide for a simple and rapid form of replen-
`ishment of the consumable portions in any disposable cam-
`era so that the disposable camera can be readily and rapidly
`serviced by replenishment and return to the market place.
`It would be desirable to provide for an extremely low cost
`camera system having as great quality as possible. In this
`respect, the camera system, as previously proposed should
`include mechanisms for sensing and processing sensed
`images in addition to mechanisms for printing out
`the
`images on print media via a printhead system. It would be
`
`10
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`further desirable to provide for a system having a convenient
`and compact arrangement of components such that they can
`be inexpensively manufactured in an inexpensive manner so
`as to allow for the readily disposable form of printing.
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`It is an object of the present invention to provide for the
`efficient and effective operation of a print on demand camera
`system.
`In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
`there is provided a camera system comprising an image
`sensor and processing device for sensing and processing an
`image; a print media supply means provided for the storage
`of print media; a print head for printing the sensed image on
`print media stored internally to the camera system;
`the
`image sensor and processing device comprising a single
`integrated circuit chip including the following intercon-
`nected components: a processing unit for controlling the
`operation of the camera system; a program ROMutilized by
`the processing unit; a CMOSactive pixel image sensor for
`sensing the image; a memorystore for storing images and
`associated program data; a series of motor drive units each
`including motor drive transistors for the driving of external
`mechanical system of the camera system; and print head
`interface unit for driving the print head for printing of the
`sensed image.
`Preferably, the motor drive transistors are located along
`one peripheral edge of the integrated circuit and the CMOS
`pixel image sensoris located along an opposite edge of the
`integrated circuit.
`Preferably, the image sensor and processing device fur-
`ther include a halftoning unit for halftoning the sensed
`image into corresponding bi-level pixel elements for print-
`ing out by the print head. The halftoning unit can implement
`a dither operation and includes a halftone matrix ROM
`utilized by the halftoning unit in performing the halftoning
`operation.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Notwithstanding any other forms which mayfall 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:
`FIG. 1 illustrated a side front perspective view of the
`assembled camera of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 2 illustrates a back side perspective view, partly
`exploded, of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the chassis of the
`preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the chassis illustrating
`the insertion of the electric motors;
`FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective of the ink supply
`mechanism of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 6 is a side perspective of the assembled form of the
`ink supply mechanism of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the assembled form
`of the ink supply mechanism of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective of the platten unit of the
`preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the assembled form
`of the platten unit;
`FIG. 10 is also a perspective view of the assembled form
`of the platten unit;
`FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective unit of the printhead
`recapping mechanism ofthe preferred embodiment;
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`FIG. 12 is a close up exploded perspective of the recap-
`ping mechanism of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective of the ink supply
`cartridge of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 14 is a close up perspective, partly in section of the
`internal portions of the ink supply cartridge in an assembled
`form;
`FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of one form of chip
`layer of the image capture and processing chip of the
`preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective illustrating the assem-
`bly process of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 17 illustrates a front exploded perspective view of
`the assembly process of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 18 illustrates a side perspective view of the assembly
`process of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 19 illustrates a side perspective view of the assembly
`process of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the insertion of
`the platten unit in the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 21 illustrates the interconnection of the electrical
`
`components of the preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 22 illustrates the process of assembling the preferred
`embodiment; and
`FIG. 23 is a perspective view further illustrating the
`assembly process of the preferred embodiment.
`DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`10
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`4
`illustrates a back exploded perspective view, FIG. 6 illus-
`trates a back assembled view and FIG. 7 illustrates a front
`
`assembled view. The ink supply mechanism 40 is based
`around an ink supply cartridge 42 which containsprinter ink
`and a print head mechanism for printing out pictures on
`demand. The ink supply cartridge 42 includes a side alu-
`minium strip 43 which is provided as a shearstrip to assist
`in cutting images from a paperroll.
`A dial mechanism 44 is provided for indicating the
`numberof “prints left”. The dial mechanism 44is snapfitted
`through a corresponding mating portion 46so as to be freely
`rotatable.
`
`As shownin FIG. 6,the print head includesa flexible PCB
`strip 47 which interconnects with the print head and pro-
`vides for control of the print head. The interconnection
`between the Flex PCB strip and an image sensor and print
`head chip can be via Tape Automated Bonding (TAB) Strips
`51, 58. A moulded aspherical lens and aperture shim 50
`(FIG. 5) is also provided for imaging an image onto the
`surface of the image sensor chip normally located within
`cavity 53 and a light box module or hood 52 is provided for
`snap fitting over the cavity 53 so as to provide for proper
`light control. A series of decoupling capacitors eg. 34 can
`also be provided. Further a plug 45 (FIG. 7) is provided for
`re-plugging ink holesafterrefilling. Aseries of guide prongs
`eg. 55-57 are further provided for guiding the flexible PCB
`strip 47.
`The ink supply mechanism 40 interacts with a platten unit
`which guides print media under a printhead located in the
`ink supply mechanism. FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of
`the platten unit 60, while FIGS. 9 and 10 show assembled
`viewsof the platten unit. The platten unit 60 includesa first
`pinch roller 61 which is snap fitted to one side of a platten
`base 62. Attached to a second side of the platten base 62 is
`a cutting mechanism 63 which traverses the platten by
`meansof a rod 64 having a screwed thread whichis rotated
`by means of cogged wheel 65 which is also fitted to the
`platten 62. The screwed thread engages a block 67 which
`includes a cutting wheel 68 fastened via a fastener 69. Also
`mounted to the block 67 is a counter actuator which includes
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`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 26
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`Turning initially simultaneously to FIG. 1, and FIG. 2
`there is illustrated perspective views of an assembled camera
`constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment
`with FIG. 1 showing a front side perspective view and FIG.
`2 showing a back side perspective view. The camera 1
`includes a paperor plastic film jacket 2 which can include
`simplified instructions 3 for the operation of the camera
`system 1. The camera system 1 includesa first “take” button
`4 which is depressed to capture an image. The captured
`imageis output via output slot 6. A further copy of the image
`a prong 71. The prong 71 acts to rotate the dial mechanism
`can be obtained through depressing a second “printer copy”
`44 of FIG. 6 upon the return traversal of the cutting wheel.
`button 7 whilst an LED light 5 is illuminated. The camera
`As shown previously in FIG. 6,
`the dial mechanism 44
`system also provides the usual view finder 8 in addition to
`includes a cogged surface which interacts with pawl lever
`a CCD image capture/lensing system 9.
`73, thereby maintaining a count of the number of photo-
`The camera system 1 provides for a standard numberof
`graphs taken on the surface of dial mechanism 44. The
`output prints after which the camera system 1 ceases to
`cutting mechanism 63 is inserted into the platten base 62 by
`function. A prints left indicatorslot 10 is provided to indicate
`means of a snap fit via receptacle eg. 74.
`the numberof remaining prints. Arefund schemeat the point
`The platten 62 includes an internal recapping mechanism
`of purchase is assumed to be operational for the return of
`80 for recapping the print head when not
`in use. The
`used camera systems for recycling.
`recapping mechanism 80 includes a sponge portion 81 and
`Turning nowto FIG. 3, the assembly of the camera system
`is operated via a solenoid coil so as to provide for recapping
`is based around an internal chassis 12 which can beaplastic
`of the print head. In the preferred embodiment,
`there is
`55
`injection molded part. A pair of paper pinch rollers 28, 29
`provided an inexpensive form of printhead re-capping
`utilized for decurling are snap fitted into corresponding
`mechanism provided for incorporation into a handheld cam-
`frame holes eg. 26, 27.
`era system so as to provide for printhead re-capping of an
`As shownin FIG. 4, the chassis 12 includes a series of
`inkjet printhead.
`mutually opposed prongs eg. 13, 14 into which is snapped
`FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the recapping
`fitted a series of electric motors 16, 17. The electric motors
`mechanism whilst FIG. 12 illustrates a close up of the end
`16, 17 can be entirely standard with the motor 16 being of
`portion thereof. The re-capping mechanism 90 is structured
`a stepper motor type and include a cogged end portion 19,
`around a solenoid including a 16 turn coil 75 which can
`20 for driving a series of gear wells. A first set of gear wells
`comprise insulated wire. The coil 75 is turned arounda first
`is provided for controlling a paper cutter mechanism and a
`stationery solenoid arm 76 which is mounted on a bottom
`second set is provided for controlling print roll movement.
`surface of the pattern 62(FIG. 8) and includes a post portion
`Turning next to FIGS. 5 to 7, there is illustrated an ink
`77 to magnify effectiveness of operation. The arm 76 can
`supply mechanism 40 utilized in the camera system. FIG. 5
`comprise a ferrous material.
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`the air inlet channel. The air inlet channel further takes a
`convoluted path further assisting in resisting any ink flow
`out of the chambers 104-106. An adhesive tape portion 117
`is provided for sealing the channels within end portion 118.
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`Turning now to FIG. 14, there is illustrated a close up
`perspective view, partly in section through the ink supply
`cartridge 42 of FIG. 13 when formed as a unit. The ink
`supply cartridge includes the three colour ink reservoirs 104,
`105, 106 which supply ink to different portions of the back
`surface of printhead 102 which includesa series of apertures
`128 defined therein for carriage of the ink to the front
`surface.
`
`The ink supply unit includes two guide walls 124, 125
`which separate the various ink chambersand are tapered into
`an end portion abutting the surface of the printhead 102. The
`guide walls are further mechanically supported and regular
`spaces by a block portions eg. 126 which are placed at
`regular intervals along the length of the printhead supply
`unit. The block portions 126 leaving space at portions close
`to the back of printhead 102 for the flow of ink around the
`back surface thereof.
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`20
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`The printhead supply unit is preferably formed from a
`multi-part plastic injection mould and the mould pieces eg.
`10, 11 (FIG. 1) snap together around the sponge pieces 107,
`109. Subsequently, a syringe type device can be inserted in
`the inkrefill holes and the ink reservoirs filled with ink with
`
`the air flowing out of the air outlets 113-115. Subsequently,
`the adhesive tape portion 117 and plug 121 are attached and
`the printhead tested for operation capabilities. Subsequently,
`the ink supply cartridge 42 can be readily removed for
`refilling by means of removing the ink supply cartridge,
`performing a washing cycle, and then utilising the holes for
`the insertion of a refill syringe filled with ink forrefilling the
`ink chamberbefore returning the ink supply cartridge 42 to
`a camera.
`
`40
`
`5
`A second moveable arm of the solenoid actuator is also
`provided 78. The arm 78 being moveable and also made of
`ferrous material. Mounted on the arm is a sponge portion
`surrounded by an elastomerstrip 79. The elastomerstrip 79
`is of a generally arcuate cross-section and act as a leaf
`Atthe top end, there is includedaseriesofrefill holes for
`springs against
`the surface of the printhead ink supply
`refilling corresponding ink supply chambers 104, 105, 106.
`cartridge 42 (FIG. 5) so as to provide for a seal against the
`A plug 121 is provided for sealing the refill holes.
`surface of the printhead ink supply cartridge 42. In the
`quiescent position a elastomer spring units 87, 88 act to
`resiliently deform the elastomer seal 79 against the surface
`of the ink supply unit 42.
`Whenit is desired to operate the printhead unit, upon the
`insertion of paper, the solenoid coil 75 is activated so as to
`cause the arm 78 to move downto be adjacent to the end
`plate 76. The arm 78 is held against end plate 76 while the
`printheadis printing by meansof a small “keeper current” in
`coil 77. Simulation results indicate that the keeper current
`can be significantly less than the actuation current.
`Subsequently, after photo printing, the paper is guillotined
`by the cutting mechanism 63 of FIG. 8 acting against
`Aluminium Strip 43 of FIG. 5, and rewoundso as to clear
`the area of the re-capping mechanism 88. Subsequently, the
`current is turned off and springs 87, 88 return the arm 78 so
`that the elastomer seal is again resting against the printhead
`ink supply cartridge.
`It can be seen that the preferred embodimentprovides for
`a simple and inexpensive meansof re-capping a printhead
`through the utilisation of a solenoid type device having a
`long rectangular form. Further, the preferred embodiment
`utilises minimal power in that currents are only required
`whilst the device is operational and additionally, only a low
`keeper current is required whilst the printhead is printing.
`Turning next to FIGS. 13 and 14, FIG. 13 illustrates an
`exploded perspective of the ink supply cartridge 42 whilst
`FIG. 14illustrates a close up sectional view of a bottom of
`the ink supply cartridge with the printhead unit in place. The
`ink supply cartridge 42 is based around a page width
`printhead 102 which comprises a long slither of silicon
`having a series of holes etched on the back surface for the
`supply of ink to a front surface of the silicon wafer for
`subsequent ejection via a micro electro mechanical system.
`The form of ejection can be many different forms such as
`those set out in the tables below.
`
`Of course, many other inkjet technologies, as referred to
`the attached tables below, can also be utilised when con-
`structing a printhead unit 102. The fundamental requirement
`of the ink supply cartridge 42 being the supply of ink to a
`series of colour channels etched through the back surface of
`the printhead 102.
`In the description of the preferred
`embodiment,
`it
`is assumed that a three colour printing
`processis to be utilised so as to provide full colour picture
`output. Hence, the print supply unit 42 includes three ink
`supply reservoirs being a cyan reservoir 104, a magenta
`reservoir 105 and a yellow reservoir 106. Each of these
`reservoirs is required to store ink and includes a correspond-
`ing sponge type material 107-109 whichassists in stabilis-
`ing ink within the corresponding ink channel and therefore
`preventing the ink from sloshing back and forth when the
`printhead is utilised in a handheld camera system. The
`reservoirs 104, 105, 106 are formed through the mating of
`first exterior plastic piece 110 mating with a second base
`piece) 111.
`Ata first end of the base piece 11 includesa series of air
`inlet 113-115. Theair inlet leads to a corresponding winding
`channel which is hydrophobically treated so as to act as an
`ink repellent and therefore repel any ink that may flow along
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Turning now to FIG. 15, there is shown an example layout
`of the Image Capture and Processing Chip (ICP) 48. The
`Image Capture and Processing Chip 48 provides mostof the
`electronic functionality of the camera with the exception of
`the print head chip. The chip 48 is a highly integrated
`system. It combines CMOSimagesensing, analog to digital
`conversion, digital
`image processing, DRAM storage,
`ROM,and miscellaneous control functions in a single chip.
`The chipis estimatedto be around 32 mm?using a leading
`edge 0.18 micron CMOS/DRAM/APSprocess. The chip
`size and cost can scale somewhat with Moore’s law, but is
`dominated by a CMOSactive pixel sensor array 201, so
`scaling is limited as the sensor pixels approach the diffrac-
`tion limit.
`
`The ICP 48 includes CMOSlogic, a CMOSimagesensor,
`DRAM,and analog circuitry. A very small amountof flash
`memory or other non-volatile memory is also preferably
`included for protection against reverse engineering.
`
`the ICP can readily be divided into two
`Alternatively,
`chips: one for the CMOSimagingarray, and the other forthe
`remaining circuitry. The cost of this two chip solution should
`not be significantly different than the single chip ICP, as the
`extra cost of packaging and bond-pad area is somewhat
`cancelled by the reduced total wafer area requiring the color
`filter fabrication steps.
`
`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 27
`
`ONSEMI EXHIBIT 1048, Page 27
`
`

`

`US 6,614,560 B1
`
`7
`The ICP preferably contains the following functions:
`
`Function
`1.5 megapixel image sensor
`Analog Signal Processors
`Image sensor column decoders
`Image sensor row decoders
`Analogue to Digital Conversion (ADC)
`Function
`Column ADC’s
`Auto exposure
`12 Mbits of DRAM
`DRAM Address Generator
`Color interpolator
`Convolver
`Color ALU
`Halftone matrix ROM
`Digital halftoning
`Print head interface
`8 bit CPU core
`Program ROM
`Flash memory
`Scratchpad SRAM
`Parallel interface (8 bit)
`Motor drive transistors (5)
`Clock PLL
`JTAGtestinterface
`Test circuits
`Busses
`Bond pads
`
`The CPU, DRAM,Image sensor, ROM, Flash memory,
`Parallel interface, JTAG interface and ADC can be vendor
`supplied cores. The ICP is intended to run on 1.5V to
`minimize power consumption and allow convenient opera-
`tion from two AA type battery cells.
`FIG. 15 illustrates a layout of the ICP 48. The ICP 48 is
`dominated by the imaging array 201, which consumes
`around 80% of the chip area. The imaging array is a CMOS
`4 transistor active pixel design with a resolution of 1,500x
`1,000. The array can be divided into the conventional
`configuration, with two green pixels, one red pixel, and one
`blue pixel in each pixel group. There are 750x500 pixel
`groups in the imaging array.
`The latest advances in the field of image sensing and
`CMOS image sensing in particular can be found in the
`October, 1997 issue of IEEE Transactions on Electron
`Devices and, in particular, pages 1689 to 1968. Further, a
`specific implementation similar to that disclosed in the
`present application is disclosed in Wong et. al, “CMOS
`Active Pixel Image Sensors Fabricated Using a 1.8V, 0.25
`um CMOSTechnology”, IEDM 1996, page 915.
`The imaging array uses a 4 transistor active pixel design
`of a standard configuration. To minimize chip area and
`therefore cost, the image sensor pixels should be as small as
`feasible with the technology available. With a four transistor
`cell, the typical pixel size scales as 20 times the lithographic
`feature size. This allows a minimum pixelarea of around 3.6
`umx3.6 um. However, the photosite must be substantially
`abovethe diffraction limitofthe lens. It is also advantageous
`to have a square photosite, to maximize the margin over the
`diffraction limit in both horizontal and vertical directions. In
`this case, the photosite can be specified as 2.5 umx2.5 um.
`The photosite can be a photogate, pinned photodiode, charge
`modulation device, or other sensor.
`The four transistors are packed as an ‘L’ shape,rather than
`a rectangular region, to allow both the pixel and the photo-
`site to be square. This reduces the transistor packing density
`slightly, increasing pixel size. However, the advantage in
`avoiding the diffraction limit
`is greater than the small
`decrease in packing density.
`
`8
`The transistors also have a gate length which is longer
`than the minimum for the process technology. These have
`been increased from a drawn length of 0.18 micron to a
`drawn length of 0.36 micron. This is to improve the tran-
`sistor matching by making the variations in gate length
`represent a smaller proportion of the total gate length.
`The extra gate length, and the ‘L’ shaped packing, mean
`that the transistors use more area than the minimum for the
`technology. Normally, around 8 wm? would be required for
`rectangular packing. Preferably, 9.75 um* has been allowed
`for the transistors.
`Thetotal area for each pixel is 16 um’, resulting from a
`pixel size of 4 umx4 wm. With a resolution of 1,500x1,000,
`the area of the imaging array 101 is 6,000 zmx4,000 um,or
`24 umm”.
`The presence of a color image sensor on the chip affects
`the process required in two major ways:
`The CMOSfabrication process should be optimized to
`minimize dark current
`
`Color filters are required. These can be fabricated using
`dyed photosensitive polyimides, resulting in an added pro-
`cess complexity of three spin coatings, three photolitho-
`graphic steps, three developmentsteps, and three hardbakes.
`There are 15,000 analog signal processors (ASPs) 205,
`one for each of the columnsof the sensor. The ASPs amplify
`the signal, provide a dark current reference, sample and hold
`the signal, and suppress the fixed pattern noise (FPN).
`There are 375 analog to digital converters 206, one for
`each four columns of the sensor array. These may be
`delta-sigma or successive approximation type ADC’s. A row
`of low column ADC’s are used to reduce the conversion
`
`speed required, and the amountof analog signal degradation
`incurred before the signal is converted to digital. This also
`eliminates the hot spot (affecting local dark current) and the
`substrate coupled noise that would occur if a single high
`speed ADC was used. Each ADC also has two four bit
`DAC’s which trim the offset and scale of the ADC to further
`reduce FPN variations between columns. These DAC’s are
`
`controlled by data stored in flash memory during chip
`testing.
`The column select logic 204 is a 1:1500 decoder which
`enables the appropriate digital output of the ADCs onto the
`output bus. As each ADC is shared by four columns, the least
`significant two bits of the row select control 4 input analog
`multiplexors.
`A row decoder 207 is a 1:1000 decoder which enables the
`appropriate row of the active pixel sensorarray. This selects
`which of the 1000 rowsof the imaging array is connected to
`analog signal processors. As the rows are always accessed in
`sequence, the row select logic can be implementedas a shift
`register.
`An auto exposure system 208 adjusts the reference volt-
`age of the ADC 205 in response to the maximum intensity
`sensed during the previous frame period. Data from the
`green pixels is passed through a digital peak detector. The
`peak value of the image frame period before capture (the
`reference frame)
`is provided to a digital
`to analogue
`converter(DAC), which generates the global reference volt-
`age for the column ADCs. The peak detector is reset at the
`beginning of the reference frame. The minimum and maxi-
`mum values of the three RGB color components are also
`collected for color correction.
`The second largest section of the chip is consumed by a
`DRAM 210 used to hold the image. To store the 1,500x1,
`000 image from the sensor without compression, 1.5 Mbytes
`of DRAM 210 are required. This equals 12 Mbits,