Intelligent ribbon cartridge.

(54) Title: INTELLIGENT TAPE CARTRIDGE.

(54) Title: INTELLIGENT RIBBON CARTRIDGE.

(57) Summary

In one embodiment, a printer smart ribbon cartridge includes a microcontroller that monitors the sensors related to the ribbon cartridge for use in a line matrix printer; the ribbon cartridge contains an impact printing ribbon, in the form of a single loop, a Mobius loop, or a long strip of ribbon connected to two reels, with one reel at each end of the cartridge; the ribbon cartridge can monitor at least one motion sensor, process the information and take an appropriate action, or communicate an action or information to the printer; This allows the ribbon cartridge to adapt or instruct the printer to adapt to any new types of ribbons, ribbon cartridges, formats, etc., so that printing can take place with virtually any type of ribbon / cartridge.

(57) Abstract

In one embodiment, an intelligent printer ribbon cartridge ineludes a microcontroller that monitors sensors related to the ribbon cartridge for use in a line matrix printer. The ribbon cartridge contains an impact printing ribbon in the form of either a simple loop, a mobius loop, or a long strip of ribbon connected to two spools, with one spool at each end of the cartridge. The ribbon cartridge is able to monitor at least one motion sensor, process the Information, and perform a suitable action or communicate an action or Information to the printer. This allows the ribbon cartridge to adapt or instruct the printer to adapt with any new types of ribbons, ribbon cartridges, formats, etc. so that the printing may occur with virtually any type of ribbon / cartridge.

Institute

Mexican Property

Industrial

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SECMWSÍA £ »BX8WÍMÍ *

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PATENT TITLE NO. 337165

Owner (s): PRINTRONIX, INC.

Address: 14600 Myford Road, Irvine, California, 92606-1005, USA

Denomination: INTELLIGENT TAPE CARTRIDGE.

Classification: IC 8: B41J35 / 28

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Law of

05/01/1999, traction V lrmado I Organic of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13 / 2007); 1, 3 and 5 subsection a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy Directors General, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Holders of the Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

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Issue date: February 15, 2016

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

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• ή '

NAHANNY CANAL REYES

Arenal No. 550. Floor 1,; ol. Pueblo Santa María Tepepan,

Xochímilco, CP 16020,

Mexico City

Tei (55) 53 34 07 00 wwu'.impi oob.rnx

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MX / 2016/13949

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33 = 1165 ίο

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CROSS REFERENCE WITH RELATED REQUESTS

This application claims priority from US provisional application Serial No. 61 / 296,247, filed on January 19, 2010, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to printer ribbon cartridges.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Printers are used in a variety of applications, and many require special ribbons and inks. The problem is that every time a new ribbon cartridge is created, other things have to change on the printer, causing older printers to no longer be compatible with newer ribbon cartridges. In the past, attempts have been made to save parameters to the tape cartridge to report the.-L inS'iítu; ..

£&gt; £ i / ·, ο ..: ..- printer how to behave, but this approach is limited because many algorithms must change and sometimes even the physical sensors must change. These changes cannot be accomplished by simply sending parameters from the ribbon cartridge back to the printer.

The problem that needs to be overcome is how you can introduce new ribbon cartridges that are compatible with older printers. Since many of the special ribbon requirements stem from new customer needs, it is a good idea to respond to those needs without pretending to satisfy them with a completely new printer that would require official approvals. As more and more countries come out with their own official requirements, they discourage buying smaller-volume specialized equipment in those regions, because the cost of going through the official testing agency may outweigh the profit from selling the equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, a smart printer ribbon cartridge includes a processor, microcontroller, or something similar that monitors the sensors related to the ribbon cartridge for use in a line matrix printer. The ribbon cartridge contains an impact printing ribbon, in the form of a single loop, a Mobius loop, or a long strip of ribbon connected to two reels, with one reel on each

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; W^S•^IJ- W end of the cartridge. The ribbon cartridge can monitor at least one motion sensor, process the information, and perform a convenient action or communicate an action or the information to the printer. This allows the ribbon cartridge to adapt or instruct the printer to adapt to any new types of ribbons, ribbon cartridges, formats, etc., so that printing can take place with virtually any type of ribbon / cartridge.

In one mode, the processor has the intelligence to know if the tape is moving in the appropriate way for the type of cartridge. The ribbon cartridge can communicate with the printer to inform the printer of any problems with ribbon movement. The motion sensor that the processor monitors can be either a magnetic sensor and an optical sensor, or a mechanical brush that makes contact with contacts on a wheel that rotates as the tape is wound on it.

In another embodiment, the smart tape cartridge monitors a sensor that detects welding where the two ends of the tape are attached to each other to create a loop or a Mobius loop. The processor can detect the weld for the given environment. This includes the technology used in the weld sensor, for example, transmitting or reflective optics, an electrical contact that uses a conductive material on the physical tape, or a hole in the tape that allows electrical contact to be made through the tape . The Smart Ribbon Cartridge communicates with the printer and informs the printer that the ribbon weld has been detected and the r r^ΪΛ i INSTITUTE ·· / 'i dum, ·':

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printer must stop printing until the weld has passed more β í, and

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In another embodiment, the ribbon cartridge can detect the type of printer to which it is connected so that the information for the particular printer can be made compatible. For example, the processor may convert information about the ribbon to a language or format that the printer can understand. This allows the ribbon cartridge to fit the printer rather than the printer to fit the cartridge.

In another embodiment, the smart tape cartridge contains a tape connected to two reels, one at either end of the tape, with the tape wrapped around one or both reels. The processor monitors sensors that detect when the tape has reached the end of the reel and it is time to reverse direction. The processor can detect the end of the tape for the given environment. This includes the technology used in the tape end sensor, for example, transmitting or reflective optics, an electrical contact that uses a conductive material on the physical tape, or a hole in the tape that allows electrical contact to be made through tape. The processor communicates with the printer and informs the printer that the ribbon has reached the end of the reel and that the printer must reverse the direction of printing.

Additionally, in one embodiment, all communications to and from the printer are done via a single wire. This reduces the number of electrical contacts required and therefore reduces cost and increases reliability. Also by means of a single wire, different information related to different will be sent to the printer. Also, by sending instructions to the printer, the ribbon cartridge controls the printer rather than the printer controlling the cartridge.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description of the modalities set forth below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a smart ribbon cartridge that is used in a printer system in accordance with one embodiment;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a smart tape cartridge using a continuous loop of tape in a box according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a block diagram of a smart tape cartridge using a tape wrapped around a single reel in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a block diagram of a smart tape cartridge using a tape wrapped around two reels at the ends of the cartridge in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

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The modalities of the present description and its advantages are ^{1 1} *-----. _{| r} ! _{&gt; tx} They understand better by referring to the following detailed description. It should be noted that like reference numbers are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures, where the projections thereof are for the purpose of illustrating the modalities of the present description and not for the purpose of limiting it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In various modes, the intelligence needed to handle different types of tapes or cartridges moves from the printer to the physical tape cartridge. This is accomplished, in one embodiment, by placing a processor or microcontroller inside the tape cartridge, which allows the new tape cartridges to behave in the same or similar manner as older tape cartridges.

In one embodiment, a processor inside a tape cartridge monitors one or more sensors inside or outside of the cartridge. The processor processes information from the one or more sensors and takes appropriate action. Depending on the information, the processor can change one or more ribbon operating parameters, communicate an event to the printer, communicate a suggestion or action to the printer, convert the language or format to one that is acceptable to the printer, etc. . This can be done via a single wire or other means of communication (including wirelessly) to a printer driver.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a smart tape cartridge 100 in communication with a printer driver 102 as part of a printer system. In this mode, the printer system is an impact printer and more specifically a dot matrix printer. Note that in other modes, any different type of printer may be suitable. Ribbon cartridge 100 contains a print ribbon 104 that passes between an impact print mechanism 106 and print media 108, such as paper. The impact print mechanism 106 may include hammers or other impact mechanisms for transferring letters, symbols, numbers, or characters to the print media 108. A tape motor 110 moves the tape 104 by means of the tape cartridge 100.

A processor or microcontroller 112 is located within or on tape cartridge 100. Microcontroller 112 can be any suitable processor or computing device that can perform the functions described herein. In particular, microcontroller 112 monitors one or more sensors on the ribbon cartridge or printer, processes information from the sensors, and communicates information to printer controller 102 and / or controls an action or function within the ribbon cartridge.

100.

The sensors may be located at various locations inside, on, or outside of the tape cartridge 100. In the embodiment of Figure 1,

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jj '; í. &lt;' a solder sensor 114 is located on the printer, which detects when a solder appears on the tape 104. The solder sensor 114 is placed at a location outside the cartridge and before the tape passes by the impact printing mechanism 106. Thus, the weld sensor 114 can detect a tape weld before being impacted by the impact printing mechanism 114. As is known, a tape weld is the location where a length of tape joins itself to create a loop. Conventional weld sensors are known and any suitable sensor can be used to detect the weld on the tape. Ways to detect a weld include, but are not limited to, transmitting or reflective optics, an electrical contact that uses a conductive material on the physical tape, or a hole in the tape that allows electrical contact to be made by the tape.

When the weld is detected by the weld sensor

114, a signal is communicated to microcontroller 112, which can then instruct the printer, via printer driver 112, to stop printing until the weld passes the impact print mechanism 106. This can be accomplished by microcontroller 112 that calculates when the printer should start printing again, based on the speed of the ribbon and the duration of the impact print mechanism 114 (i.e. the amount of time required for the the solder passes the other end of the impact impression mechanism 114). Alternatively, another weld sensor may be located on the other side of the impact print mechanism 114, which detects when the weld passes. This information is transmitted to microcontroller 112, which then informs the printer, through printer driver 102, to continue printing.

A motion sensor 116 may also or alternatively be located in the printer to detect movement of the tape 104. Such motion sensors are known and any suitable motion sensor can be used. For example, a sensor to detect a magnet or piece of iron metal located on a tension pulley can be used to detect movement of the tape. Different types of motion sensors include, but are not limited to, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, or a mechanical brush that contacts contacts on a wheel that rotates as the tape winds around on it. Motion sensor 116 detects if tape 104 stops moving. If this occurs, motion sensor 116 sends a signal to microcontroller 112, which in turn sends a signal to printer controller 102 to stop printing, notifies the user, or other appropriate action. In addition to communicating information to printer controller 102, microcontroller 112 can control the direction and speed of tape motor 110 and speed and cause the printer to stop printing.

Microcontroller 112 can also detect the type of printer to which it is connected, so that the information for the particular printer can be made compatible. For example, the processor may

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convert the information about the ribbon to a language or format that the printer can understand. This allows the ribbon cartridge to fit the printer rather than the printer to fit the cartridge. For example, my microcontroller 112 can read information regarding the ribbon or cartridge, determine (for example from its memory) the type of ribbon / cartridge, and convert the language or format to what is acceptable to the printer system, where the Type of printer system is known by microcontroller 112, for example by means of automatic detection or user input information.

The tape cartridge 100 may also include an optional second tape motor 118 for a different tape configuration, as will be discussed with respect to FIG. 4. The tape motor 110 and the second tape motor 118 can be directly controllable by the printer driver 102, for example via a direct connection 124 and 126, respectively, a common connection, wirelessly, or any other suitable means of control. The printer controller 102 can stop, speed up, slow down or start the movement of the tape by means of the tape motors 110 and / or 118, based on the information received from the microcontroller 112.

The microcontroller communicates with printer controller 102 via interface or connector 120, where connector 120 can be located inside, on, or outside of tape cartridge 100. A single wire, line, or link path 122 transmits signals. between microcontroller 112 and

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printer driver 102 via connector 120. Note that in some embodiments, connector 120 is not required and line 122 transmits signals directly between microcontroller 112 and printer driver 102. A single line reduces the number of electrical contacts required and therefore reduces cost and increases reliability. Also using a single line, different information related to different sensors can be sent to the printer. In addition, by sending instructions to the printer, the ribbon cartridge controls the printer rather than the printer controlling the cartridge. In other embodiments, multiple lines can be used, as well as wireless means of communication.

By having a microcontroller on or inside the tape cartridge to monitor and process signals from the sensors, the greatest flexibility results in designing the tape cartridge. For example, different types of ribbon configurations can be used for a single printer, without having to change the printer. This is because the microcontroller detects events / changes and controls the actions or informs the printer, as appropriate.

Figure 2 shows an example of a type of tape configuration that can be used with the smart tape cartridge described above. In this example, the configuration is a Mobius loop of tape 202 embedded in a box 204, contained in a housing 200. This configuration also contains a tension pulley 206 that is used to detect tape movement. A sensor in the printer (not shown) can detect this movement of tension pulley 206. This information can be sent to microcontroller 112 to be processed or communicated, as discussed above. Belt drive roller 208 pulls belt 202 from box 204.

The ribbon solder sensor114 may be located in the printer or cartridge housing 200. An advantage of having a ribbon solder sensor in housing 200 is the reduction in cartridge cost when a generic solder sensor can be used. Information from the weld sensor is sent to microcontroller 112 for processing or communication. For example, microcontroller 112 can command the printer to stop printing, while the weld passes through the print station or active printer area, and command the printer to resume printing, after the weld has passed the print station. Print.

The ribbon cartridge may also include an optional magnet or other motion sensor 210 in tension pulley 206 to detect ribbon motion 202. Microcontroller 112 may be informed of the absence of motion or resumption of motion for processing or appropriate communication. If there is also a motion sensor in the printer, microcontroller 112 can influence only the information from motion sensor 210. An optional 212 motion interruption sensor may also be present in the cartridge to detect when the tape stops moving, which can once again be processed or

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INSTITUTE . OF PROPERTY communicated by the microcontroller 112. Other elements posiíjíes' go

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A variable belt tensioner 214 and a dispenser can use a belt tensioner can to adjust the tension on the belt 202, based on the information received and processed by the microcontroller 112 or the printer. Intermittent tape dispenser 216 can be used for Mobius type tape.

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In other modalities, the smart cartridge can have many different variations, such as making the tape not intermittently stocked so that it is in a standard loop instead of a Mobius loop, having the tape weld sensor inside the cartridge, and ignoring the ribbon weld sensor that is located in the printer and ignore the ribbon weld entirely and print on the weld as it passes through the print station.

Figure 3 shows another example of a different tape configuration according to another embodiment. In this example, an ink ribbon

302 it is wrapped around a reel 304 forming a roll of ink ribbon 306. This type of arrangement is similar to what is used in older 8-track audio tapes, where the tape 302 is wrapped around a single reel and is remove from the center of the reel and return by wrapping it around the outside of reel 304.

This setup can still have all the different combinations of various elements described above, even having tape 302 on a Mobius loop or not, a tape weld sensor 310 on

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the printer or part of the ribbon cartridge, have the microcontroller 112 use the solder sensor in the printer or one with the cartridge (while ignoring the other if it is also present), ignore the solder entirely (with or without welding), a motion or speed sensor 308 in the printer or part of the ribbon cartridge, and add a variable ribbon tension device that is controlled by the microcontroller in the cartridge.

Figure 4 shows yet another example of a tape configuration according to an embodiment that can be used with the smart tape cartridge. Here, an ink ribbon 402 is wound and unwound between a first spool 404 at one end of cartridge housing 200 and a second spool 406 at another end of cartridge housing 200. This configuration is similar to that used in cassette audio tapes, in which tape 402 moves until it hits the end of one reel and then returns until it hits the end of the other reel. For example, when tape 402 is at the ends of reel 406, tape 402 forms a roll filled with tape 408 around reel 404, and when tape 402 reaches the end of reel 404, tape 402 forms a roll filled with tape 410 around reel 406. The procedure is repeated continuously until the ribbon runs out of ink.

Each reel 404 and 406 typically has either a drive motor (not shown) or they both have a single drive motor (not shown) with a clutch or transmission to switch the motor from reel to reel.

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A speed or motion sensor 412 is associated with reel 404 another speed or motion sensor 414 is associated with reel 406.

This allows the speed of the tape 402 to be controlled based on the information received by the microcontroller 112. A first tape sensor 416 is located at one end of the cartridge, and a second tape sensor 418 is located at the other end of the bridge to allow detecting a condition at the end of a tape in order to properly reverse the tape. For example, when the end of the tape is detected, the information is processed or communicated by microcontroller 112, causing the motors to reverse the direction of the reels.

Note that in this type of setup, no weld sensor is needed because the tape is not welded in a single loop. As such, there is no weld to detect, but rather when the tape ends on either of the two reels.

The aforementioned are just a few non-limited examples. As you can see, many different tape configurations can be used with a smart tape cartridge like the one described. These methods require returning different algorithms and sensors to the printer and not just just different parameters. This not only allows algorithms to be changed, but also physical sensors alike. Since the intelligence of dealing with tape sensors is now in the tape cartridge, it is now possible to physically move the sensors inside the tape cartridge when the tape cartridge type requires a

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special sensor. Additionally, the fundamental design of the tape cartridge can change.

Thus, older printers can accommodate new ribbon cartridges.

The foregoing description is not intended to limit the present description to the precise forms or particular fields of use described. Thus, it is contemplated that various alternative embodiments and / or modifications for the present invention, whether explicitly or implicitly described herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. For example, certain ribbon configurations have been described, but other types of configurations and for different types of printers may also be suitable when using a ribbon cartridge for printing. With the described embodiments of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in shape and detail can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present description is limited only by the claims.

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