Patterning device, and the pattern forming method

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pattern forming apparatus and method capable of forming a fine pattern at low cost. SOLUTION: In a pattern forming base 10, electrode pieces 13 are arranged in a matrix on a substrate having insulating properties so as to be isolated from each other, and an insulating layer covers a plurality of electrode pieces 13. A pattern forming apparatus 1 comprises a drive IC for selectively providing the ground potential or a predetermined positive potential to a plurality of electrodes 13 of the pattern forming base 10. A potential control unit controls the driver IC as to provide a positive potential to electrode pieces 13 corresponding to a formation patter, and to provide the ground potential to the other electrode pieces 13 laying outside of the formation pattern, in a state that a conductive liquid 3 is arranged above the insulating layer of the pattern forming base 10. Then, a transcriptional mechanism 30 transcribes the formation pattern onto a print medium 5 by making the conductive liquid 3 formed into the formation pattern on the insulating layer abut on the print medium 5. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT