Incremental printing of symbolic information – Ink jet – Controller
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-16
2001-12-25
Barlow, John (Department: 2853)
Incremental printing of symbolic information
Ink jet
Controller
C400S175000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332663
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to marking images and obtaining image data using a single platform, such as a printer platform.
2. Description of Related Art
Ink-jet printers, and other types of printers, are widely used as marking engines. These printers include a printer platform on which a replaceable printer cartridge is detachably mounted.
Meanwhile, image pick-up devices, such as scanners, are used to scan images, convert the scanned image data into a digital format, and transfer and/or store the digitized image data for subsequent reproduction or analysis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A user wishing to both print an image and scan an image typically must purchase both a printer and a scanner. This invention provides methods and apparatus for marking images and scanning image data using the same platform. This invention separately provides methods and apparatus for performing self-diagnostic functions in a marking/image pick-up engine in which an image pick-up unit and a marking unit are both installed.
In one exemplary embodiment of the systems and methods according to this invention, a marking/image pick-up engine is provided that includes a platform on which a plurality of marking cartridges are mounted, at least one of which is interchangeable with an image pick-up cartridge. The marking/image pick-up engine may include a function switch that switches between a marking mode and an image pick-up mode. The function switch may include a manual input device and/or a cartridge type detector that automatically detects which type of cartridge is mounted on the platform.
When marking is to be performed, the marking cartridge is mounted on the platform, and marking is performed. When image pick-up is to be performed, the image pick-up cartridge is mounted on the platform, and image pick-up is performed.
Since both a marking cartridge and an image pick-up cartridge can be mounted on the same platform, self-diagnostic functions may be performed by, for example, marking an image with the marking cartridge, scanning the marked image with the image pick-up cartridge in the same pass of the platform, and analyzing the obtained image data.
These and other features and advantages of this invention arc described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4872027 (1989-10-01), Buskirk et al.
patent: 5033887 (1991-07-01), Bauerle
patent: 5488223 (1996-01-01), Austin et al.
Berinato, Scott, “Canon Ink-Jet Can Function as a Scanner,” PC Week, vol. 14, No. 31, p. 48 (Canon Computer Systems Product Announcement).
Sotach, John D., “Sensing System for Detecting Failed Jets on Ink Jet Devices,” Xerox Dislosure Journal, Sep./Oct. 1988.
Barlow John
Oliff & Berridg,e PLC
Stephens Juanita
Xerox Corporation
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