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Can I use the _bstr_t class to convert between multibyte and Unicode on Windows? (C++) - Stack Overflow
BSTR is this weird Windows data type with a few specific uses, such as COM functions. According to MSDN, it contains a WCHAR string and some other stuff, like a length descriptor. Windows is also nice enough to give us the _bstr_t class, which encapsulates BSTR; it takes care of the allocation and deallocation and gives you some extra functionality. It has four constructors, including one that takes in a char* and one that takes in a wchar_t*. MSDN's description of the former: "Constructs a _bstr_t object by calling SysAllocString to create a new BSTR object and then encapsulates it. This constructor first performs a multibyte to Unicode conversion."
It also has operators that can extract a pointer to the string as any of char*, const char*, and wchar_t*, and I'm pretty sure those are null-terminated, which is cool.
I've spent a while reading up on how to to convert between multibyte and Unicode, and I've seen a lot of talk about how to use mbstowcs and wcstomb, and how MultiByteToWideChar and WideCharToMultiByte are better because of encodings may differ, and blah blah blah. It all kind of seems like a headache, so I'm wondering whether I can just construct a _bstr_t and use the operations to access the strings, which would be... a lot fewer lines of code:
char* multi = "asdf";
_bstr_t bs = _bstr_t(mb);
wchar_t* wide = (wchar_t*)bs; // assume read-only
I guess my intuitive answer to this is that we don't know what Windows is doing behind the scenes, so if I have a problem using mbstowcs/wcstomb (I guess I really mean mbstowcs_s/wcstomb_s) rather than MultiByteToWideChar/WideCharToMultiByte, I shouldn't risk it because it's possible that Windows uses those. (It's almost certainly not using the latter, since I'm not specifying a "code page" here, whatever that is.) Honestly I'm not sure yet whether I consider the mbstowcs_s and wcstomb_s functions OK for my purposes, because I don't really have a grasp on all of the different encodings and stuff, but that's a whole different question and it seems to be addressed all over the Internet.
Sooooo, is there anything wrong with doing this, aside from that potential concern?
c++ unicode multibyte bstr bstr-t share|improve this question asked Jan 14 '13 at 22:18
Btw, CComBSTR might be a better substitute.
Ugh, so many weird string types! Yeah, I had seen that type referenced on codeproject.com/Articles/4829/…; I didn't really pay attention because the name was so ugly I figured it'd be really complicated. Any particular reason it's better?
– Melanie Johnson Deux
A lot of this string conversion misery will disappear completely when you join the 21st century. Unicode is universal today, 8-bit encodings that are not utf-8 are a historical footnote whose useful life ended a long time ago. Just use const wchar_t* multi = L"asdf"; and never look back again.
Regarding what @HansPassant mentioned -- be aware that it really depends on how Unicode-compliant you want to be. Windows isn't always fully compliant either; a lot of code in Windows assumes 16 bits is a Unicode character, which it isn't (UTF-16 is a variable-length encoding; 32k characters isn't exactly enough). But for many cases it should be fine.
Most Windows code does not assume that 16bits represent a single character. Microsoft dropped UCS-2 and switched to UTF-16 in Windows 2000, so a 16bit value can either represent a single character by itself, or be a member of a surrogate pair that represents a single character. Either way, Windows stopped assuming 16bits=1char a LONG time ago.
Using _bstr_t::_bstr_t(const char*) is not exactly a good idea in production code:
Constructs a _bstr_t object by calling SysAllocString to create a new BSTR object and encapsulate it. This constructor first performs a multibyte to Unicode conversion. If s2 is too large, you [sic] may generate a stack overflow error. In such a situation, convert your char* to a wchar_t with MultiByteToWideChar and then call the wchar_t * constructor.
Besides that _bstr_t::operator wchar_t*() const throw() seems barely useful. It's just for struct member extraction, so you're constrained to a const:
These operators can be used to extract raw pointers to the encapsulated Unicode or multibyte BSTR object. The operators return the pointer to the actual internal buffer, so the resulting string cannot be modified.
So _bstr_t is just a helper object for encapsulating BSTRs, and a mediocre one at that. Conversion using MultiByteToWideChar and WideCharToMultiByte is a much better choice, for multiple reasons:
It's much less prone to crash.
You don't get a const buffer in return, because you provide your own.
The names of those functions are self-descriptive. Conversion through a constructor and casting operator of an unrelated type is not.
The caveat concerning the stack overflow that _bstr_t::_bstr_t(const char*) may generate only applies to Visual Studio .Net 2003, not later versions
Not the answer you're looking for?	Browse other questions tagged c++ unicode multibyte bstr bstr-t or ask your own question.	asked


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Alan, North Notts
21/3/2013 08:35
The money which is generated by TV rights should be distributed more evenly, premier, championship, leagues 1 & 2 conference premier, SPL and divisions 1,2,3 should have a sliding scale of allocated money, premier rate 1, championship rate 2 etc etc, also the teams from beyond these leagues who proceed to televised rounds of the FA cup an amount of money should be set aside as a bonus payment if the match is shown on TV. If you are relegated from whichever division you receive no parachute payments and at the start of the new season the clubs receive the amount to which league they have been promoted/relegated. This would ensure clubs would have to abide by fairplay financial rules and not give over inflated wages to over hyped players, teams could then budget for the season. This would make each league average itself out regarding playing abilites and make the leagues more competitive.

type: global

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Amazon.com: [2 Pack] Orzero For Huawei Honor 7X / Huawei Mate SE Tempered Glass Screen Protector, 2.5D Arc Edges 9 Hardness HD Anti-Scratch [Lifetime Replacement Warranty]: Cell Phones & Accessories
[2 Pack] Orzero For Huawe... has been added to your Cart
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1.0 out of 5 starsLess Than Zero
I purchased an Honor 7 and I wanted to quickly have the screen protected, thus I made a quick decision on the screen protector. I should have waited.
Although the Orzero applied quickly and easily with no air bubbles, it displays a strange rainbow effect that I have not observed in other screen protectors. However the worst part is the fingerprints.
The fingerprints will not come off with a quick wipe on my tee shirt, they just smear. I must use a lens cleaner to get the screen to look like hasn't been licked by a Schnauzer!
Orzero comes up a big fat ZERO - NOT RECOMMENDED
1.0 out of 5 starsUnstable Screen Protector
I would not recommend this product. After following the instructions step by step (even though you basically use common sense to apply this tempered glass) the item is not worth it. I want to add that I just purchased the Huawei Honor 7X and both this tempered glass and my phone was delivered the same day. As soon as I received the product, I applied it. After using my phone for 2 days, I was getting frustrated because the touch screen was not responding and the screen protector kept sliding. It would not hold in place. I finally took the tempered glass off. I immediately noticed that the phone worked perfectly. The adhesive is thick around the edges, so it creates a space between the screen and the glass. I had to tap my phone quite hard to use the screen because of this. Lol, I looked liked someone who was having a rough day and decided to take it out on their phone every time I used it. One would think that with the adhesive being so thick, it would at least stay in place. Unfortunately not. I even tried the second screen protector and it did the exact same thing. You may want to look into another screen protector.
1.0 out of 5 starsNot worth the time and money if you have a hardcase for your phone or you like a neat look without air bubbles
Because the screen protector only has the sticky band on the edges, it leaves an air bubble that creates a rainbow effect in the middle of the phone. Couldn't get it out no matter what I tried, I used both screen protectors with the same result. Then when I put back the phone's case, the screen protector got completely pushed out. Not worth the time and money if you have a hardcase for your phone or you like a neat look without air bubbles. I will go either for a tempered glass without the black edges or for an IQ shield.
1.0 out of 5 starsNot satisified with Orzero Customer Support
Company will not contact me as stated on the replacement Guarantee, which is printed on the box (email address: orzeroaftersales@163.com). Orzero Guarantee states they will reply to your email within 24 hrs. I purchased the tempered glass screen protector for the Huawei Honor 7X phone. I installed it on 3-6-18. On 3-15-18 and it broke. I used the 2nd protector as this was a 2 pack of screen protectors and it has not broke so far. I would like the broken screen replaced as this product advertises a "Lifetime Guarantee" . I do not have a problem if Orzero honors their Lifetime Warranty. I am concerned that I have not received a response from them. If they do respond soon and provide a replacement as advertised, I will be satisfied (if the protector screens work). Too early for me to say if this is a good protector screen as usage and time will tell. I hope Orezero will respond to my replacement request.
Rafael Garcia-Leyva
1.0 out of 5 starsI bought a second phone for my other daughter and installed the extra screen on it and it did not get attached to the screen like no glue
The screen protector broke by itself just with the pressure of the edges from the phone case. I bought a second phone for my other daughter and installed the extra screen on it and it did not get attached to the screen like no glue. I am very very very very dissatisfied from this product and worse of all I need to buy a scrren protector again. So I lost money. PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PRODUCT EVER!!!!!! BAD BAD BAD. Don't throw your money away. Is there a way I can get my money back?????????
1.0 out of 5 starsThis is Trash, Dont buy
This is trash, how can they call this is is screen protector, they are not even stick on the screen for more than a day.
4.0 out of 5 starsFingerprint Smudges
So far ive purchased a few screen protectors for my honor 7x and they have all let me down. Either they don't stick well or they're small in size. This however I have purchased twice because the fit is perfect and it sticks. The only issue with it is the Smudges. It leaves a TON of fingerprint marks that dont wipe off work one rub. Besides,it's pointless to keep cleaning it when you're gonna use it again 5 minutes later. Once the screen lights up you can't even notice it though.
If need be I will definitely buy this one again.... especially since my experience with previous screeen protectors.
Katherine Snow
2.0 out of 5 starssadly my experience with the screen protector has not been great. Installation was a cinch
The packaging for this product is really professional, sadly my experience with the screen protector has not been great. Installation was a cinch, no air bubbles (hence the 2 stars), but the protector smudges really easily and I have to use a lot of pressure to get a response from the phone.
This screen protector does not stick well. Had to return it.
The protective glass doesn't stick well it slides off periodically.
it was ok. Need to press the screen little hard though
Johnma12
1.0 out of 5 starsThis screen protector is in very bad quality and it is very thick
This screen protector is in very bad quality and it is very thick! Often times there are lots of finger prints with oil on the screen. I don't like this product.
David Ivan Plascencia Villanueva
4.0 out of 5 starsIt matches perfectly.
It's clear and resistant, haven't scratched, but it seems I need to use a little more for than the usual, like it made the touch screen less sensible
1.0 out of 5 starsWaste of money. Scratched my phone screen.
Terrible product. The glass had a permanent bubble behind the screen and would always slide around the front of the phone with the lightest touch.Read more
Not as good as I expected but effective
amrik.saini
I purchase it and with in a month the screen started crack, left feedback couple of time no response
Applied as instructed and they seem to hold up ok
This item: [2 Pack] Orzero For Huawei Honor 7X / Huawei Mate SE Tempered Glass Screen Protector, 2.5D Arc Edges 9 Hardness HD Anti-Scratch [Lifetime Replacement Warranty]

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Patent US20060038849 - Printhead having first and second rows of print nozzles - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA printhead module comprising at least first and second rows of print nozzles that extend along at least part of a pagewidth to be printed, each nozzle including first circuitry of a first type and second circuitry of a second type, such that, in plan view, the first and second circuitry are generally...http://www.google.com/patents/US20060038849?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20060038849 - Printhead having first and second rows of print nozzlesAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20060038849 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 10/922,845Publication dateFeb 23, 2006Filing dateAug 23, 2004Priority dateAug 23, 2004Also published asUS7182422, US7866791, US8079663, US8382246, US20070115313, US20110085006, US20120086748Publication number10922845, 922845, US 2006/0038849 A1, US 2006/038849 A1, US 20060038849 A1, US 20060038849A1, US 2006038849 A1, US 2006038849A1, US-A1-20060038849, US-A1-2006038849, US2006/0038849A1, US2006/038849A1, US20060038849 A1, US20060038849A1, US2006038849 A1, US2006038849A1InventorsKia Silverbrook, Mark Jackson Pulver, Michael Webb, John Sheahan, Simon WalmsleyOriginal AssigneeKia Silverbrook, Mark Jackson Pulver, Webb Michael J, Sheahan John R, Walmsley Simon RExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManClassifications (7), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetPrinthead having first and second rows of print nozzlesUS 20060038849 A1Abstract A printhead module comprising at least first and second rows of print nozzles that extend along at least part of a pagewidth to be printed, each nozzle including first circuitry of a first type and second circuitry of a second type, such that, in plan view, the first and second circuitry are generally located at opposite ends of the nozzle, wherein the nozzles are orientated such that the first circuitry of the nozzles of the first row are closer to the first circuitry of the nozzles of the second row than to the second circuitry of the nozzles of the second row. Images(5) Claims(21)
1. A printhead module comprising at least first and second rows of print nozzles that extend along at least part of a pagewidth to be printed, each nozzle including first circuitry of a first type and second circuitry of a second type, such that, in plan view, the first and second circuitry are generally located at opposite ends of the nozzle, wherein the nozzles are orientated such that the first circuitry of the nozzles of the first row are closer to the first circuitry of the nozzles of the second row than to the second circuitry of the nozzles of the second row. 2. A printhead module according to claim 1, wherein the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of each nozzle of the first row are rotated 180 degrees relative to the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of the corresponding nozzles in the second row. 3. A printhead module according to claim 1, wherein the first and second circuitry of each nozzle are positioned in a line perpendicular to the pagewidth. 4. A printhead module according to claim 1, wherein the first and second rows of nozzles at least partially interlock. 5. A printhead module according to claim 4, wherein the first circuitry of each nozzle in the first row at least partially interlocks with the first circuitry of at least one adjacent nozzle from the second row. 6. A printhead module according to claim 1, wherein each of at least a majority of nozzles in the first row is paired with a corresponding nozzle in the second row. 7. A printhead module according to claim 1, including a plurality of first rows and second rows, each of the first rows being paired with one of the second rows. 8. A printhead module according to claim 1, wherein the first and second rows are configured to print the same color. 9. A printhead module according to claim 8, wherein the first and second rows are configured to print the same ink. 10. A printhead module according to claim 9, wherein the first and second rows are coupled to the same ink supply. 11. A printhead according to claim 10, including a plurality of first rows and second rows, each of the first rows being paired with one of the second rows, wherein the first and second rows in each pair are configured to print the same ink as each other. 12. A printhead module according to claim 11, wherein the first and second rows in each pair are coupled to the same ink supply. 13. A printhead module according to claim 1, wherein the first and second rows are configured to share at least one power supply node. 14. A printhead module according to claim 13, wherein the power supply node is an earth. 15. A printhead module according to claim 14, wherein the earth is rated to conduct current on the basis that only one of the first and second rows will be conducting current to earth at any one time. 16. A printhead module according to claim 13, wherein the power supply node is a current supply conduit. 17. A printhead module according to claim 16, wherein the current supply conduit is rated to conduct current on the basis that only one of the first and second rows will be sourcing current via the current supply conduit at any one time. 18. A printhead according to claim 1, wherein the first and second rows are configured to share at least one global signal. 19. A printhead according to claim 18, wherein the global signal is a fire signal. 20. A printhead according to claim 18, wherein the global signal is a clock signal. 21. A printhead module as claimed in claim 1 comprising at least first and second rows of print nozzles that extend along at least part of a pagewidth to be printed, each nozzle including first circuitry of a first type and second circuitry of a second type, such that, in plan view, the first and second circuitry are generally located at opposite ends of the nozzle, wherein the nozzles are orientated such that the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of each nozzle of the first row are mirrored or rotated relative to the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of corresponding nozzles in the second row.
FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of printheads. The invention has primarily been developed for use with applicant's inkjet printhead comprising a plurality of printhead modules extending across a pagewidth, and will be described with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention can be applied to other printhead arrangements having multiple rows of print nozzles. CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the present invention are disclosed in the following co-filed U.S. application, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference: PLL001 US CROSS REFERENCES Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the present invention are disclosed in the following granted U.S. patents and co-pending US applications filed by the applicant or assignee of the present application: The disclosures of all of these granted U.S. patents and co-pending U.S. applications are incorporated herein by reference. 09/517,539 09/112,763 09/112,762 09/112,737 09/112,761 09/113,223 09/517,384 09/505,951 09/516,869 09/517,608 09/505,147 09/505,952 09/517,380 09/516,874 09/517,541 10/203,540 10/636,263 10/203,564 10/636,283 AUTH22US AUTH23US AUTH24US 10/407,212 10/407,207 10/683,064 10/683,041 JUM005US JUM006US 10/727,181 10/727,162 10/727,163 10/727,245 10/727,204 10/727,233 10/727,280 10/727,157 10/727,178 10/727,210 10/727,257 10/727,238 10/727,251 10/727,159 10/727,180 10/727,179 10/727,192 10/727,274 10/727,164 10/727,161 10/727,198 10/727,158 10/754,536 10/754,938 10/727,227 10/727,160 09/575,108 PEC011US 09/575,109 09/575,110 09/607,985 09/607,990 09/607,196 09/606,999 10/173,739 10/189,459 10/854,521 10/854,522 10/854,488 10/854,487 PLT005US 10/854,504 PLT007US PLT008US PLT009US PLT010US 10/854,495 PLT012US PLT013US PLT014US 10/854,525 10/854,526 PLT017US PLT018US PLT019US PLT020US 10/854,506 10/854,505 PLT023US 10/854,494 10/854,489 10/854,490 PLT027US 10/854,491 10/854,528 10/854,523 10/854,527 10/854,524 10/854,520 PLT034US PLT035US PLT036US PLT037US 10/854,501 PLT039US PLT040US 10/854,518 10/854,517 Some patent applications are temporarily identified by their docket number. This will be replaced by the corresponding application number when available. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Manufacturing a printhead that has relatively high resolution and print-speed raises a number of issues. One of these relates to the provision of drive and control signals to nozzles. One way to do this is to have a CMOS layer in the same substrate as the print nozzles are constructed. This integration saves space and enables relatively short links between drive circuitry and nozzle actuators. In a typical layout, such as that disclosed by applicant in a number of the cross-referenced applications, each color in a printhead includes an odd and an even row, which are offset across the pagewidth by half the horizontal nozzle pitch. Each nozzle and its drive circuit are arranged, in plan, in a line parallel to the direction of print media travel relative to the printhead. Moreover, all the nozzle/circuitry pairs in printhead are orientated in the same way. Using odd and even rows offset by half the horizontal nozzle pitch allows dots to be printed more closely together across the page than would be possible if the nozzles and associated drive circuitry had to be positioned side by side in a single row. Dot data to the appropriate row needs to be delayed such that data printed by the two rows ends up aligned correctly on the page. That said, the relative difference in space requirement for the CMOS and nozzles means there is still some wasted area in the printhead. Also, in designs where high-voltage circuitry is disposed adjacent low-voltage circuitry from another row, careful design and spacing is required to avoid interference between the two. It would be desirable to improve space usage in a printhead circuit having multiple rows of print nozzles, or at least to provide a useful alternative to prior art arrangements. SUMMARY OF INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention provides a printhead module comprising at least first and second rows of print nozzles that extend along at least part of a pagewidth to be printed, each nozzle including first circuitry of a first type and second circuitry of a second type, such that, in plan view, the first and second circuitry are generally located at opposite ends of the nozzle, wherein the nozzles are orientated such that the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of each nozzle of the first row are mirrored or rotated relative to the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of corresponding nozzles in the second row. Preferably the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of each nozzle of the first row are rotated 180 degrees relative to the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of the corresponding nozzles in the second row. Preferably the first and second circuitry of each nozzle are positioned in a line perpendicular to the pagewidth. Preferably the first and second rows of nozzles at least partially interlock. Preferably the first circuitry of each nozzle in the first row at least partially interlocks with the first circuitry of at least one adjacent nozzle from the second row. Preferably each of at least a majority of nozzles in the first row is paired with a corresponding nozzle in the second row. Preferably the printhead module includes a plurality of first rows and second rows, each of the first rows being paired with one of the second rows. Preferably the first and second rows are configured to print the same color. Preferably the first and second rows are configured to print the same ink. Preferably the first and second rows are coupled to the same ink supply. Preferably the printhead further includes a plurality of first rows and second rows, each of the first rows being paired with one of the second rows, wherein the first and second rows in each pair are configured to print the same ink as each other. Preferably the first and second rows in each pair are coupled to the same ink supply. Preferably the first and second rows are configured to share at least one power supply node. Preferably the power supply node is an earth. Preferably the earth is rated to conduct current on the basis that only one of the first and second rows will be conducting current to earth at any one time. Preferably the power supply node is a current supply conduit. Preferably the current supply conduit is rated to conduct current on the basis that only one of the first and second rows will be sourcing current via the current supply conduit at any one time. Preferably the first and second rows are configured to share at least one global signal. Preferably the global signal is a fire signal. Preferably the global signal is a clock signal. In another aspect the present invention provides a printhead module comprising at least first and second rows of print nozzles that extend along at least part of a pagewidth to be printed, each nozzle including first circuitry of a first type and second circuitry of a second type, such that, in plan view, the first and second circuitry are generally located at opposite ends of the nozzle, wherein the nozzles are orientated such that the first circuitry of the nozzles of the first row are closer to the first circuitry of the nozzles of the second row than to the second circuitry of the nozzles of the second row. Preferably the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of each nozzle of the first row are rotated 180 degrees relative to the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of the corresponding nozzles in the second row. Preferably the first and second circuitry of each nozzle are positioned in a line perpendicular to the pagewidth. Preferably first and second rows of nozzles at least partially interlock. Preferably the first circuitry of each nozzle in the first row at least partially interlocks with the first circuitry of at least one adjacent nozzle from the second row. Preferably each of at least a majority of nozzles in the first row is paired with a corresponding nozzle in the second row. Preferably the printhead module includes a plurality of first rows and second rows, each of the first rows being paired with one of the second rows. Preferably the first and second rows are configured to print the same color. Preferably the first and second rows are configured to print the same ink. Preferably the first and second rows are coupled to the same ink supply. Preferably printhead according to claim 10, including a plurality of first rows and second rows, each of the first rows being paired with one of the second rows, wherein the first and second rows in each pair are configured to print the same ink as each other. Preferably the first and second rows in each pair are coupled to the same ink supply. Preferably the first and second rows are configured to share at least one power supply node. Preferably the power supply node is an earth. Preferably the earth is rated to conduct current on the basis that only one of the first and second rows will be conducting current to earth at any one time. Preferably the power supply node is a current supply conduit. Preferably the current supply conduit is rated to conduct current on the basis that only one of the first and second rows will be sourcing current via the current supply conduit at any one time. Preferably the first and second rows are configured to share at least one global signal. Preferably the global signal is a fire signal. Preferably the global signal is a clock signal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the three layers 2, 4, 6 that together make up a unit cell 1 (ie, a nozzle) 1 for a Memjet� MEMS printhead. Whilst FIG. 1 shows three separate layers in plan, it will be appreciated that, in use, the unit cell is manufactured such that the layers are stacked on top of each other, as shown in side elevation in FIG. 2. It will also be understood that each of the layers 2, 4, 6 is made up of further sublayers and subcomponents, the details of which are omitted for clarity. The lowest layer 2 contains active CMOS circuits, and is divided into two main regions. The first region contains low voltage CMOS logic circuits 8 that control whether and when the cell 1 ejects ink. The second region contains high voltage CMOS, comprising a large drive transistor 10 that provides the electric current to an actuator (see FIG. 2) that ejects the ink when enabled by the control logic. The intermediate layer 4 is made up of CMOS metal layer structures that provide contacts to the MEMs layer 6. The drive transistor 10 connects to a drive contact area 12. A ground contact area 14 provides a return path for the current and lies physically above the control logic region 8. The upper layer 6 is a MEMs layer that includes a MEMs actuator 17. The actuator 17 is connected at one end 16 to the drive transistor 10 through contact area 12, and at the other end 18 to ground contact area 14. The connection through the various layers is best shown in FIG. 2. It will also be noted from FIG. 1 that an ink hole 20 extends through the first and second layers 2, 4 to supply ink to the third layer 6 for expulsion by the actuator. As shown in FIG. 3, when unit cells (ie, nozzles) 1 are arrayed in rows and columns to form a complete prior art printhead, various constraints apply to abutting cells. For clarity, only the CMOS active layer is shown but the position and orientation of the others layers will be clear to one skilled in the art based on the nozzle layout shown in FIG. 1 The control logic circuits 8 of horizontally adjacent rows of nozzles 1 generally abut directly, and global control signals are routed through this area so that they are provided to each cell. Similarly, the ground contact areas (not shown) of horizontally adjacent cells form a continuous metal strip. The vertical spacing of the rows is determined by the spacing constraints that apply to each layer. In the CMOS active layer, the critical spacing is between the high voltage area of one cell, and the low voltage area of the cell in the adjacent row. In the CMOS contact layer, the critical spacing is between the drive contact of one cell, and the ground contact of the cell in the adjacent row. In the MEMs layer, the critical spacing is between the drive terminal of one actuator, and the ground contact of the actuator in the adjacent row FIG. 4 shows the preferred embodiment of arranging cells into rows in an array, in which every second row is flipped or mirrored. Reference numerals used in this Figure correspond with the features described earlier for those numerals. In a mirrored arrangement of FIG. 4, the relationship between high and low voltage regions allows a smaller overall vertical row pitch for given unit cell component sizes. In the CMOS active layer shown, pairs of rows have abutting control logic regions 8. This allows global signals to be routed through the array once every row pair, rather than once every row. Additionally, each high voltage region directly abuts only other high voltage regions, halving the number of high-voltage to low-voltage separations in the array. In the CMOS contact layer (not shown, but refer to FIG. 1), pairs of rows can share a common ground contact area. As cells in adjacent rows are never fired simultaneously in the preferred embodiment, this shared ground contact need only be large enough to carry the current for a single row. Similarly, the ground terminals of the actuators on the MEMs layer (see FIG. 1) can be shared, reducing the size requirement. Although not shown in this embodiment, current can also be supplied to the drive circuits by way of a supply current conduit shared by adjacent rows. Whilst the preferred embodiment that has been described shows that alternate rows of nozzles are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other, it will be appreciated that they can also be mirror images of each other. Moreover, the rotation or mirroring need not involve a complete 180 degree rotational offset. Much of the advantage of the invention can be achieved with lesser angles of relative rotation. Also, although the preferred embodiment shows devices that are identical in plan, it will be appreciated that the devices in the rows need not be identical. It need merely be the case that the requirement of at least some of the circuitry of nozzles in adjacent rows is asymmetric, such that space and/or design improvements can be taken advantage of by flipping, mirroring or otherwise rotating the nozzle layouts in adjacent rows. In general, the present invention offers a smaller array size than existing layouts, without affecting the CMOS and MEMs component sizes. Classifications U.S. Classification347/43International ClassificationB41J2/21Cooperative ClassificationB41J2002/14491, B41J2/14, B41J2/155European ClassificationB41J2/155, B41J2/14Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJul 13, 2012ASAssignmentEffective date: 20120503Owner name: ZAMTEC LIMITED, IRELANDFree format text: OPTION;ASSIGNOR:SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY. LIMITED AND CLAMATE PTY LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:028549/0189Aug 18, 2010FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Aug 23, 2004ASAssignmentOwner name: SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY. LTD., AUSTRALIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SILVERBROOK, KIA;JACKSON PULVER, MARK;WEBB, MICHAEL JOHN;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:015718/0644Effective date: 20040817Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SILVERBROOK, KIA;JACKSON PULVER, MARK;WEBB, MICHAEL JOHN;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:015718/0621Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SILVERBROOK, KIA;JACKSON PULVER, MARK;WEBB, MICHAEL JOHN;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:015718/0658RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google

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