Cartridge for a digital printing device, incorporating an integral media transport mechanism

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A CARTRIDGE FOR A DIGITAL PRINTING DEVICE, INCORPORATING AN INTEGRAL MEDIA TRANSPORT MECHANISM 162281/2 - 1 -

PRINTING DEVICE CARTRIDGE

Field of the Invention

The present inventions relate to printing devices and more particularly to printing device applications and associated componentry such as print media cartridges and the like.

Background of the Invention

The inventions have been developed in the preferred forms to utlize drop-on-demand inkjet printing technology and are described hereinafter on this basis. However, in most instances the inventive aspects are equally applicable to systems utilizing other preferably compact printing systems.

Disclosure of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a sticker printing digital camera device, said device including: sticker storage means; sticker feed means; an image sensor for sensing an image; an internal inkjet printhead operatively associated with said image sensor and adapted to print on to a sticker delivered by said sticker feed means said sensed image or a modification thereof; an ink supply; and means to deliver ink to said printhead, wherein the printhead includes at least one printhead chip.

Preferably, the device is sized and packaged so as to be readily portable and more preferably so as to be hand held.

The sticker printer and camera device can further comprise image effect setting means for setting an image effect to be applied to the sensed image; and image processing means interconnected to the image effect setting means and the image sensor and adapted to modify the sensed image in accordance with the current setting of the image effect setting means.

The image effect setting means can comprise a dial or a slider having a number of effect images indicated thereon. The sticker supply and the ink supply are AP01/09-IL D6 -2- 162281/2 preferably replenishable and at least one preferably includes an associated authentication system.

Cutting means for severing printed portions of the printed stickers may also be provided.

Preferably the printhead is a pagewidth printhead'.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a cartridge for the printing device of the first aspect, said cartridge including: a cartridge casing defining a first container portion for housing therein a supply of adhesive coated print media and a second container portion for storing an ink supply.

Preferably, the cartridge includes some form of authentication means that is recognisable by the printing device.

Desirably, the ink storage container portion of the cartridge includes one or more ink outlets that are piercable upon installation so as to connect with an ink distribution unit on the printing device.

In the preferred form, the casing housing the sticker rollers of a generally annular configuration with the ink storage container extending outwardly therefrom. Preferably, the cartridge casing is adapted to snap fit with the device with which it is to be used.

In one particularly preferred form, the cartridge is sized and configured for use with a sticker printing digital camera device of the kind described hereafter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred examples of the inventions will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of the sticker printing camera according to the first aspect of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the sticker printing camera of Fig.l;

Fig. 3 is a left hand side view of the sticker printing camera of the previous figures; AP01/09-1L D6 - J - 162281/2

Fig. 4 is a right hand side view of the sticker printing camera of the previous figures;

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the sticker printing camera device as shown in Fig. 1 including the sticker printroll and ink cartridge;

Fig. 6 is a rear view of the sticker printing camera from the previous figures with the uppermost cover portions removed to illustrate the sticker storage area, ink supply, feeder and printer mechanism;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the printer mechanism shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the device shown in Figs. 1-5;

Fig. 9 is a part sectioned top plan view showing detail of the printer mechanism shown in Figs. 6 and 7;

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the sticker roll and ink cartridge;

Fig. 11 is a front view of the sticker roll and ink cartridge shown with the base moulding removed;

Fig. 12 is a front view showing the interaction of the cartridge with the printer mechanism;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the major components of the electrical control circuitry of the sticker printing camera;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a portable printer according to the invention showing a sheet paper cartridge engaged with the printer;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the paper cartridge shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the printer and cartridge shown in Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view to an enlarged scale of the printhead and ink reservoir shown in Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a detachable printer unit for use in a print on demand camera system according to the invention;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the paper cartridge shown engaged with the printer in Fig. 18; AP01/09-IL D6 -4- 162281/2

Fig. 20 is a exploded perspective view of the printer and cartridge shown in Fig. 18;

Fig. 21 is a perspective view to an enlarged scale of the printhead and ink reservoir shown in Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a front perspective view of a print on demand camera system according to the invention incorporating the printer shown in Fig. 18;

Fig. 23 is a rear perspective view of the print on demand camera system shown in Fig. 22;

Fig. 24 is similar view to Fig. 22 showing the detachable printer unit removed from the camera unit;

Fig. 25 is a similar view to Fig. 24 showing the paper cartridge removed from the detachable printer unit;

Fig. 26 is a section through the camera system at some depth from the face presented in Fig. 5;

Fig. 27 is a section through the camera system at right angles to the section of Fig. 26;

Fig. 28 is a block diagram showing the operational interconnection of the various components of the camera system according to the invention;

Fig. 29 is a front perspective view of a printer unit according to the invention in the operational position;

Fig. 30 is a similar view to Fig. 29 in the loading position;

Fig. 31 is a similar view to Fig. 30 showing the loading door open and a demountable cartridge aligned for loading;

Fig. 32 is a horizontal section through the printer in the position shown in Fig. 29;

Fig. 33 is a similar view to Fig. 4 with the printer in the position shown in Fig. 30;

Fig. 34 is a front view of the printer in the position shown in Fig. 30;

Fig. 35 is a similar view to Fig. 6 with the loading door open;

Fig. 36 is a vertical section to an enlarged scale through the printer unit;

Fig. 37 is a vertical section at right angles to Fig. 36; AP01/09-IL D6 -5- 162281/2

Fig. 38 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the printer unit;

Fig. 39 is a front view of a first preferred embodiment in accordance with the sixth aspect of the invention;

Fig. 40 is an exploded perspective view of the rear of the first embodiment; Fig. 41 is a further exploded perspective view, partly in section, of the first embodiment showing more detail of the internal structures;

Figs. 42 and 42A are sectional rear and side views of the first embodiment respectively;

Fig. 43 is a sectional perspective view of the print apparatus of the first embodiment;

Fig. 44 is a schematic block diagram showing the electrical interconnections for the first embodiment;

Fig. 45 is a front view of a second preferred embodiment utilising a paper and ink cartridge and having a scanning facility;

Fig. 46 is a right hand side view of the second embodiment printer phone shown in figure 45;

Fig. 47 is a rear view of the second embodiment printer phone according to the sixth inventive aspect shown in figures 45 and 46;

Fig. 48 is a left hand side view of the printer phone shown in figure 45;

Fig. 49 is a top plan view of the printer phone shown in figure 45;

Fig. 50 is an inverted plan view of the printer phone shown in figure 45;

Fig. 51 is an inverted plan view as shown in figure 50 illustrated with the print roll hatch in the open position;

Fig. 52 is a perspective view of the printer phone of figure 45 illustrating insertion/removal of the print roll via the print roll hatch; and

Fig. 53 is a schematic block diagram showing the electrical interconnections for the second embodiment of the sixth aspect of the invention.

Fig. 54 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment printer phone in accordance with the seventh aspect of the invention;

Fig. 55 is a rear perspective view of the phone shown in figure 54; AP01/09-IL D6 -6- 162281/2

Fig. 56 is a front perspective view as shown in figure 54 with the front outer cover removed;

Fig. 57 is a front perspective view of the battery shown in the previous figures; Fig. 58 is a layered sectional right hand side view of the printer phone shown in the previous figures;

Fig. 59 is a front perspective view of the printer phone sub-chassis and printhead/ink supply module;

Fig. 60 is a front perspective view of the support chassis shown in figure 59. Fig. 61 is a part sectioned front perspective view of the printhead and ink supply module shown in figure 59;

Fig. 62 is a transverse section through the phone unit and printhead/ink supply module;

Fig. 63 is a front layered sectional view of the printer phone of the previous figures;

Fig. 64 is a plan view of the phone of the previous figures attached to an associated print media dispensing device;

Fig. 65 is a plan view of the print media dispensing device shown in figure 64; Fig. 66 is a left hand side view of the print media dispenser shown in figures 64 and 65;

Fig. 67 is a sectional right hand side view of the print media dispenser shown in figure 64;

Fig. 68 is a plan view of the print media dispenser shown in figure 64 with the upper portion of the casing removed;

Fig. 69 is a schematic block diagram showing the electrical interconnections; Fig. 70 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment video game console according to the invention with detachable controller module, illustrating a printed card being ejected from the integral printer;

Fig. 71 is a front perspective view of the console comprising printer module and DVD module with the top controller module removed;

Fig. 72 is a rear perspective of the console shown in figure 71;

Fig. 73 is a front view of the console shown in figures 71 and 72; AP0I/09-IL D6 -7- 162281/2

Fig. 74 is a side view of the console assembly shown in figure 73;

Fig. 75 is an exploded front perspective view of the console assembly shown in figures 71 to 75;

Fig. 76 is a front perspective view of the console with the printer module top cover removed;

Fig. 77 is an exploded perspective view of the printer apparatus including the printhead, print media feed mechanism and printhead ink distribution assembly but excluding the ink supply;

Fig. 78 is a front perspective view of the console showing the printer module in the raised position for insertion of the print media and ink supply cartridge;

Fig. 79 is a schematic view of the assembly shown in figure 78 illustrating insertion of a DVD into the DVD player module;

Fig. 80 is a top perspective view of a cartridge in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 81 is an inverted perspective view of the cartridge shown in figure 80;

Fig. 82 is an exploded perspective top view shown in the same orientation as that shown in figure 80;

Fig. 83 is an exploded inverted perspective view shown in the same orientation as figure 81;

Fig. 84 is a top plan view of the cartridge of the previous figures;

Fig. 85 is a right hand side view of tire cartridge shown in figure 84;

Fig. 86 is an inverted plan view of the cartridge of the previous figures;

Fig. 87 is a left hand side view of the same cartridge;

Fig. 88 is a front view of the same cartridge;

Fig. 89 is a rear view of the same cartridge;

Fig. 90 is a sectional rear view taken on line 11-11 of figure 84; and

Fig. 91 is a sectional side view taken on line 12-12 of figure 84.

Preferred Embodiments of the invention

Preferred embodiments of the various aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to figures 1 to 91 of the accompanying drawings. AP01/09-IL D6 -8- 162281/2

The preferred embodiment of the first and second aspects of the invention comprises a sticker printing camera able to print stickers on demand on a replenishable \ printroll. The “stickercam” 1 as illustrated in the accompanying figures has a multipart housing defined by an external front cover moulding 2, an internal sub-structure and rear molding 3, a sticker and ink cartridge molding 4 and an external rear cover 5.

The housing in the illustrated preferred form is generally tear drop shaped in / elevation, the generally circular portion 6 being adapted to store stickers in a printroll form and the remaining portion housing the ink supply 7, printhead arrangement 8 and sticker feed mechanism 9.

The view finder 10 is also disposed at or near the centre of the circular housing portion 6 and extends fully through the casing from the front cover 2 to an optional eye piece 11 on the rear. Provided immediately below the view finder 10 at the front of the casing is a camera lens 12 which is operatively associated with the suitable image sensing and processing means such as the CCD 13 shown in figure 12. Further, a “take" button 14 is provided at the top of the casing together with a “print” button 15 for taking and printing images respectively.

The preferred “stickercam” as illustrated also includes an “effects dial” 16 which is rotatable so as to implement a series of effects such as normal, black and white, sepia, soft blending, etc. It can also be used for the addition of graphical clip arts such as love hearts, flowers, surprise effects etc. On the dial, a series of icon pictures may be provided on which is printed an indicator of the effect. The effect placed at the indicator marker 17 is the one then applied by the camera. The effect dial can be implemented by placing a series of conductive segments on the reverse side of the wheel with the conductive segments forming a binary pattern indicative of the type of effect to be displayed. The segments can complete a circuit monitorable by the stickercam so as to provide for the effect.

In the preferred form, the stickers are provided in the form of a sticker roll 18 which is preferably housed in a cartridge assembly 19 which is releasably secured to the external casing. The cartridge is of a similar shape and structure to the external i housing and comprises a top molding 20 which defines a generally annular sticker roll AP01/09-ILD6 -9- 162281/2 containing portion 21 with a generally triangular sectioned ink storage section 22. The ink storage section is preferably divided into a plurality of distinct chambers 23 so as to provide for both colour and black and white printing. Two slots are also provided in the side wall of the cartridge top molding, the first being a sticker exit slot 24 and ' the second being a pick up roller slot 25 which forms part of the sticker feed mechanism 27 that is described in more detail below. The cartridge 19 also includes a base molding 28 which seals both the sticker roll cavity and the ink chambers. Preferably, ink outlet perforations 29 are provided in the base molding that are covered by a sealing film that is pierced during installation so as to be in fluid communication with a printer mechanism 30. Desirably, the cartridge is a sealed unit such that the stickers and ink supply are to be replenished simultaneously. Conveniently, the cartridge may be snap fitted with the external housing by means of pressure snap mounts 31 shown in the drawings.

The sticker feed mechanism 27 and printer mechanism 30 are best illustrated in figures 2, 5, 7, 9 and 12. The sticker feed mechanism 27 includes a pick up roller 32 which spools the stickers forward once the cartridge has been inserted in the outer housing. Adjacent the pick up roller are several pairs of drive rollers or nip rollers 33 which are operated via an appropriate gear chain 34 by the motor 35. A serrated cutter 36 may also be provided as part of the feed sub-assembly and arranged so as to be adjacent the printed sticker outlet 37 that is formed as part of the housing front molding 2. Alternatively, a guillotine type arrangement could be provided.

The printer mechanism 30 is best shown in figures 6 and 7 and comprises a page width printhead chip 40 with an ink distribution unit 41. Forming part of the ink distribution unit is an ink supply connection manifold 42 which has a plurality of ink inlet projections 43 which engage the ink outlet perforations 29 on the sticker roll and ink cartridge 19. Preferably, the printer mechanism and sticker feed mechanism are a single unit and are detachable for replacement or repair.

Turning now to figure 12 (and figure 5), there is shown a schematic arrangement of a part of the electrical circuitry for the control and operation of the stickercam device. As can be seen, a simple flexible PCB harness can be used to interconnect the take and print buttons 14 and 15 to the CCD 13 and the printhead assembly 30. Also AP01/09-IL D6 - ΙΟ Ι 62281/3 provided as part of the circuit are contacts 45 for the power supply which is preferably in the form of a three volt battery 46. Further, the detachable printhead and/or sticker and ink supply cartridge preferably include an authentication mechanism such as that outlined in applicant’s earlier PCT application number WO 99/04368 entitled “A camera with an internal printing system”. The authentication chip contact 47 is shown in figure 12.

In use, the “stickercam” is oriented toward the target subject and the take button 14 is then operated to capture the image. The effects dial 16 can then be rotated and an effect selected. When the print button 15 is then operated the sticker feed mechanism 27 delivers the next sticker or portion of sticker media to the printhead assembly 30 for printing of the effect processed image thereon.

Numerous variations are possible within the overall inventive concept. For example, the preferred embodiment can be implemented as a rearrangement of the system disclosed in WO 99/04551 entitled “A Replenishable One Time Use Camera System” also filed by the present applicant. Advantageously, the image sensor can be of a reduced size to that described in the above referenced PCT application due to the small size of the stickers.

Similarly, the electronics of the stickercam can be based around a CMOS image sensor 19 which also includes processing circuitry for processing an image and forwarding it to the printhead 12 for printing. The operation of the internal control electronics can be substantially as set out in the aforementioned PCT specification WO 99/04551.

The preferred application of the cartridge according to the second aspect of the invention is to a sticker printing camera able to print stickers on demand on a replenishable printroll.

In the preferred form of the third aspect of the invention, a small compact printer is provided which is adapted to print on business card sized sheets of paper and which is sized to fit within the constraints of a PCMCIA type III card (the PCMCIA -Personal Computer Memory Card International Association - sets parameters for so called PC cards with a type III card having a typical size of 85.6 mm by 54 mm and a thickness of 10.5 mm). It will, however, by appreciated that a printer made according to the invention can be of a larger size e.g. to print on 6 inch by 4 inch photo sized AP01/09-IL D6 162281/4 -11 - paper while still incorporating a direct interface with a PCMCIA slot by way of a PCMCIA interface plug as will be described below.

In the preferred form of the invention shown in Figure 18, the printer comprises a support case 501 having a PCMCIA interface plug 502 protruding from one end and a pagewidth inkjet printer extending substantially across the case beneath a cover 503 at the opposite end.

The printer incorporates a docking bay 504 adapted to receive a sheet paper cartridge 505 shown in more detail in figures 15 and 16.

The paper cartridge 505 typically has a metal cover 506 incorporating a pair of integral leaf springs 507 arranged to bear against the top of a paper stack 508, forcing the paper downwardly (in the sense shown in figure 16) to a lower position, where the lowermost sheet in the stack may be fed out beneath a front molding 509.

The cartridge is completed by a lower base member 510 and a back molding 511.

The pagewidth printer 512 located beneath cover 503 includes a series of ink channel reservoirs such as those shown at 513 and 514 with one reservoir for each ink color in addition to an additional reservoir of large capacity for black ink. The reservoirs are formed around a printhead having feed channels progressively reducing in size such as those shown at 515, 516, 517 and 518 feeding a printhead 530 formed by chip manufacturing techniques and incorporating CMOS and MEMS technology.

The printer unit 512 further includes rollers 519, 520 arranged to firstly withdraw the lowest sheet from the stack 508 in cartridge 505, forward the sheet across the printhead 524 on demand for printing and eject the sheet from the printer via exit slot 521. The rollers are driven from an electric motor 522 by way of a gear box 523.

The printer is controlled by a printer control chip interconnected between the PCMCIA interface 502 and the printer unit 512 and this may be incorporated within the printhead at 524 or in a flexible printed circuit board beneath the floor of docking bay 504.

The electronic circuitry to drive the printhead can also include an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) device which provides for a one-time use of the printer unit 512 before it must be replaced. This circuit, in the form of an APO1/09-IL D6 - 12- 162281/3 'authentication chip' is preferably similar to that disclosed in international patent application WO 99/04368, also assigned to the present applicant.

The provision of a detachable paper cartridge 505 as a separate item to the printer mechanism 512 allows for ready replenishment of paper supplies. A portable printer of this type has many different applications including the printing of business cards on demand from an extremely compact and portable device which can be directly engaged with the PC card slot in a lap top or notebook type computer without the use of interconnecting cables or other devices. An enlarged version of the printer, also provided with a PCMCIA interface plug can be used to print larger materials in a similar manner, for example, the printing of 6 by 4 size photographs or other similar material

The printer unit may be engaged into a camera system to provide a complete camera unit as shown in figures 22 and 23. The camera unit comprises a camera body 625 adapted to receive the printer unit with the printer unit cover 603 and its exit slot 621 protruding from the housing.

The camera further incorporates a lens 626 and a view finder having a front window 627 and an eye piece 628. A convenient door 629 may be provided for access to the battery or batteries used to power the camera.

The camera includes a 'shutter' button 630 and a print button 631 arranged to control operation of the detachable printer unit.

As described above, the paper cartridge 605 is detachable from the printer unit for replenishment of paper as can be clearly seen in figure 25.

The interior of the camera body 625 is provided with a PCMCIA slot 632 (figure 27) engageable with the PCMCIA plug 602 on the end of the detachable printer unit. When the printer unit is inserted into the camera body, the plug 602 is engaged in the slot 632 providing the appropriate electrical interconnection between the detachable printer unit and the camera unit.

The camera unit further incorporates an image sensor typically in the form of a CCD 633 (figure 26) located directly behind the lens 626. The CCD 633 is connected via a flexible PCB 634 to main PCB 635 incorporating image processing means which process the signal from the CCD and transfer it in turn to the PC card slot 632. AP01/09-IL D6 -13- 162281/3

The camera system is powered by a battery 635 inserted through hinged door 629.

Turning to figure 28, there is illustrated, schematically ,the operational portions of the system which are interconnected by means of a communications bus and include the CMOS image sensor (CCD) 637 which captures a high resolution image via the lens of the camera. A processing unit 638 for processing the image and forwarding it to the printer control chip 639 which is located in the detachable printer unit and intum controls the printhead 640 to produce the image 641. A memory 642 is utilized for intermediate storage within the camera unit which may also include controls for manipulation of the image before it is transmitted to the printer unit.

In this manner, a print on demand camera system is provided which enables a detachable and multipurpose printer unit to be used to provide photographic prints as required, while also allowing the printer unit to be utilized for other purposes by engagement with other devices via the PCMCIA interface.

In the preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention, a printer unit is provided having an overall size and shape adapted to fit within the disk drive bay of a conventional PC. The printer unit uses a system incorporating a pagewidth inkjet printhead, a print controller chip and a consumable ink and paper supply cartridge of the type fully described in international patent application WO 99/04368 entitled Ά camera with an internal printing system' the contents of which are hereby incorporated into this specification by way of cross reference.

The aforementioned PCT application discloses a camera system having an integral printer which utilizes a print roll containing ink and 'paper' or other print media (referred to throughout this specification as paper) upon which images are printed on demand. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the image sensing portions of the camera arrangement of international application WO 99/04368 are dispensed with and the print roll and printhead are designed to be incorporated into a printer unit configured to fit within the disk drive bay of a PC.

The printer unit 701 is preferably rotatably mounted to a sub-frame 702 designed for insertion into the disk drive unit of a PC and typically having engagement lugs 703, an eject button 704 and power LED 705. The printer unit has a paper exit slot 6 as can be clearly seen in figure 1. AP01/09-ILD6 - Μ Ι 62281/3

Figure 30 shows the unit of figure 29 with the printer unit rotated through 90° for the insertion of a paper and ink cartridge of the type described in the aforementioned international patent application. The printer unit is typically rotated by way of an electric motor 707 (figure 32) operating through a gear train 708 to rotate the printer unit between the operational position shown in figure 31 and the loading position shown in figure 30. In the loading position, a loading door 709 may be opened outwardly on hinge 710 as shown in figure 31 to reveal an opening 711 adapted to receive the ink and paper cartridge 712.

The ink and paper cartridge 712 is elongate in shape and adapted to be inserted into the printer unit in a longitudinal direction as will be apparent from figure 31.

Figure 32 shows some of the internal arrangement of the printer unit including flexible PCB's 713 and 714 which connect the electronic circuitry from a further PCB 715 to a standard connector 716 engageable with a standard interface in the PC disk drive bay, and the printhead respectively.

The printhead is preferably a pagewidth inkjet printhead as shown at 716 in figure 32 provided with ink from the ink and paper cartridge as set out in international application WO 99/04368. Also visible in figure 32 is the print roll ejector 717. A cross section through the pagewidth printhead can be seen in figure 35 which clearly shows the print chamber 718, the capping mechanism 719 of the printhead, and the paper cutter 720. Also clearly visible in figure 35 is the print roll door solenoid 721 operable to open and close the print roll door 722.

The vertical cross section in figure 36 clearly shows the print roll bay connector 716, the main printer circuit board 723, the rotatable drum drive motor 707, gears 708 and drum base 709. Figure 36 also shows the ink channels 724 extending between the print roll 712 and the print chamber 718. The paper cutter 720 is driven by a motor drive 725.

Also visible in figure 36 is the print roll motor 726 and gear train 727 arranged to drive the print roll in the same manner as previously described in international application WO 99/04368.

Turning now to figure 38 there is illustrated the schematic operation of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Preferably, the computer system sends print data to the print controller chip 728 which can be a modified form of the ACP chip as AP01/09-IL D6 -15 - 162281/3 discussed in the aforementioned PCT application. The ACP chip is responsible for operational control of the printhead and print roll to print out images on demand and to authenticate the print roll 729 which as discussed in the aforementioned application, can have an on board authentication system.

In this manner a printer unit is provided, able to print images of photographic size (typically 6 inches by 4 inches) from a compact and simple to arrange printer unit adapted to be wholly contained within the disk drive bay of a PC.

In both embodiments in accordance with the sixth inventive aspect, there is provided a mobile phone having an internal detachable printer which includes a separately detachable printhead and ink distribution unit assembly and further a preferably separately detachable paper or other print media supply. The mobile phone printer of at least the first preferred embodiment is of a standard size thereby conferring a high level of convenience during operation. The primary differences between the two embodiments relate to form of the print media and the location of the ink supply.

Turning initially to figure 39, there is illustrated the first preferred embodiment printer phone 801 which looks like a conventional mobile phone including an earpiece 802, microphone 803, aerial 804, a series of push buttons 805 and a preferably colour LCD screen 806 for the display of information.

In figure 40, the back portions of the first embodiment phone 801 is shown with the battery cover 808 removed so as to reveal a print media stock container 809 from which business card sized cards or sheets 810 are used on which to print images on by a printer unit 812. The print out onto the card can be processed signal information downloaded via the mobile phone 801 such as e-mail or other facilities.

The mobile phone can optionally be equipped with a camera device 813 which can comprise, for example, a CMOS sensor designed to sense and store images on demand so that the mobile phone 801 can effectively act as a camera device for the printing out of images or their capture and forwarding across a mobile network.

In figure 41, there is illustrated an exploded perspective view, partly in section, of the first mobile phone device 801 showing more detail of the printer assembly 812 including the printhead assembly 816 and feed means 817. The paper stock container 809 includes a series of cards 810 which are resiliently compressed by means of leaf AP01/09-IL D6 - 16- 162281/3 springs 814. As shown in the other figures, the print media feed means 817 are provided in the form of pinch rollers 818 which are driven by motor 819 via gear train 820 and which is used to drive individual cards 810 to and past the printhead 816.

The printhead may form part of an optionally replaceable printhead and ink 5 distribution unit assembly 821 including an ink distribution unit 822.

The ink distribution unit 822 of this first embodiment includes a series of ink supply reservoirs 823 to 826 which are provided for full colour printing. The reservoir 823 is substantially larger than the reservoirs 822 to 826 and can be utilized to store black ink. It is estimated that the ink supply will be sufficient for printing of 10 approximately 2000 pages at 15 % coverage of black or 200 photos of 50 % coverage of CMYK. A more detailed view of the printer assembly 812 is illustrated in figure 42A with an expanded technical description being disclosed in the aforementioned provisional patent specification.

The mobile phone system can be operated electronically under the control of a 15 series of one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS) which incorporate the usual mobile phone capabilities in addition to camera and image processing capabilities. A sample block diagram indicating the electrical interconnections for this first embodiment is shown in figure 44. A suitable adaptation of the system as outlined in PCT Patent Application WO 99/04368 filed by 20 the present application can be utilized in the design of the ASIC. Other alternative system designs can be incorporated in accordance with the knowledge of those skilled in this particular field.

Other features/components of the phone device, the function of which will be readily apparent, are identified in the accompanying illustrations by the following 25 reference numerals.

Reference Numeral Feature/component 30 loud speaker 31 camera lens array 32 NiMh Battery 33 Printhead cover molding 34 Paper exit wheels 35 Printhead capping mechanism 36 Telephone PCB with buttons 37 SIM card AP01/09-IL D6 - 17- 162281/3 38 SIM card ejector 39 Batteiy contacts

Turning next to figures 45 to 53, there is shown a second embodiment printer phone according to the invention. Wherever possible like reference numerals will be used to denote corresponding features.

The major differences between the two embodiments are that instead of having a card dispenser and printhead with integral ink supply, this second embodiment utilises a replaceable combined paper and ink print roll cartridge. The cartridge can be substantially the same as that described in the applicant’s earlier applications USSN 6788336 “Digital Camera System with Integral Print Roll”; USSN 6362868 “Print Media Roll and Ink Replaceable Cartridge”; USSN 6472052 “Anisotropic Rigidity to Reduce Curl in Rolled Media”; USSN 6431704 “Miniature Color Printer using Ink and Paper Cartridges”; and USSN 6217165 “Ink and Media Cartridge with Axial Ink Chambers” the contents all of which are incorporated herein by cross reference.

Another difference resides in the optional inclusion of a scanning facility, which whilst described with reference to the second embodiment, could also be included in the first embodiment, although it is envisaged that in practice this facility is better suited for use with print media in the form of a print roll. Further, the additional space required to accommodate the scanning facility is less of a problem with the second embodiment which by design cannot be as compact as the first embodiment. More details of these different features are described below.

In the second embodiment, the phone casing 850 is configured to receive the paper and ink print roll cartridge 851 via a cartridge hatch 852 formed in the base of the phone. Also provided in the base of the phone are the usual DC in and USB connectors 853 and 854.

In this particular embodiment, the camera device 813 is located on the rear of the phone and is operable via a camera take button 856. The printer phone may also include a scanning head (not shown) in the form of a linear CMOS image sensor which is located within the right hand side of the casing adjacent an image scan path defined by a scanning image slot 857 having an entry 858 in the front of the phone and an exit 859 at the rear of the phone. AP01/09-ILD6 -18- 162281/3

As can be best seen in figure 52, the paper and ink print roll cartridge 851 is of similar shape to a conventional 35 mm camera film cartridge, having a paper exit 861 which when installed aligns with a corresponding printer exit slot 862 formed in the front left hand side of the phone casing 850. However, the cartridge 851 is substantially longer, as it preferably contains sufficient print media and ink for 836 images, each 100mm x 150mm, the customary size of a photographic print. The printhead and ink distribution unit assembly 821 is located behind the portion of the base molding identified at 865.

The second embodiment printer phone 801 can also be operated under the control of a series of one or more ASIC chips which incorporate the usual mobile phone capabilities in addition to camera and scanner image processing capabilities. Again, a suitable adaptation of the system as outlined in PCT Patent Application WO 99/04368 filed by the present application can be utilised in the design of the ASIC chip.

In use, the operation of this second embodiment is very similar to that of the first with the exception of the additional scanner facility. Replacement of the paper and ink supply is achieved by simply opening the cartridge hatch 852, removing the old cartridge and inserting a new one. The cartridge includes piercable ink outlets which engage nozzles on the ink distribution assembly connected with the printhead.

In the preferred embodiment of the seventh inventive aspect illustrated, there has provided a mobile phone having an internal printer which includes a separately detachable printhead and ink supply module. The printer phone can be produced at or close to a standard size phone for any system including PHS, GSM and GPRS, thereby conferring a higher level of convenience during operation.

Turning initially to figure 54, there is illustrated the preferred embodiment 901 in the form of a PHS phone and which in many ways looks like and includes the features of a conventional mobile phone of this type including an ear piece 902, microphone 903, aerial 904, loud speaker 905, a series of push buttons 906 and a preferably colour LCD screen 907 for the display of information. Also included is a battery 908 as shown in figure 57.

The phone 901 can optionally be equipped with a camera device 910 comprising lenses 911 and associated CCD chip or CMOS sensor 912. The CCD or CMOS sensor enables the device to store images on demand, so that the phone can effectively AP01/09-IL D6 -19- 162281/3 act as a camera device for the printing out of images, or for their capture and forwarding across a mobile phone network. The operation of the relevant part of the internal control electronics can be substantially as set out in the applicant’s earlier PCT application WO 99/04551 entitled “A replenishable one time use camera system” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, the camera device may also be configured to enable video conferencing by facilitating simultaneous image processing during phone transmission. A camera function that is mounted for selective movable positioning on the phone device may be useful for this purpose. For example, it may be rotatable between a forward facing camera orientation and a rearward facing video conferencing orientation.

The printer apparatus is shown generally at 915 and comprises a printhead and ink supply module 916 including a printhead 917, an ink supply/distribution unit 918 and a print media feed apparatus 920. The feed apparatus is of a conventional form including a motor 921 with associated gear train 922 which drive a series of feed rollers 923.

The packaging of the printer apparatus 915 is best shown in figures 58, 59 and 62. In this regard the printer phone 901 is constructed around a rigid chassis molding 925. The chassis is adapted to slideably receive and retain the printhead and ink supply module 916 by means of retaining flanges 926 provided on the outer casing of the printhead module 916 which cooperate with under cut channels 927 provided on the chassis molding.

The full operation of the printer apparatus 915 is best illustrated in figure 62. In use print media 930, preferably in the form of business card sized paper or card sheets, is fed in through an entry slot 931 provided in the external phone casing 932. This can be done manually or via a dispenser as described hereafter. The card 930 is then picked up by the powered entry feed rollers 923 and delivered to the printhead module 916. In such a device, the printhead is in the form of an elongate printhead chip that extends the full length of the print media pathway, so as to print the full width of the print media in a single pass without the need for any printhead traversing mechanisms.

In this particular preferred embodiment, the printhead and ink module is formed as a sealed unit which is replaced in its totality after a predetermined amount of usage. The detailed structure of the ink supply and printhead module is shown more clearly AP01/09-IL D6 -20- 162281/3 in figure 61. The ink supply/distribution unit 918 is of a molded multi-part structure including a cover 935, a macro channel molding 936 defining four separate ink supply chambers 937-940 having therein optional flow control baffles 941. Connected with converging outlets of the macro channel molding 936 is a micro-molding 942 which defines similarly converging ink flow nozzles 943 that accurately direct the ink to minute ink supply inlets on the rear of the printhead 917. Optionally, an ink filter 944 is provided between the two moldings. A capping device 947 is also provided as part of the module for sealing and protecting the nozzle outlets when the printer head is not in use. It is estimated that the ink supply will on average be sufficient for printing approximately 1000 pages at 15% coverage of black or 100 photos of 50% coverage of CMYK.

The mobile phone system can be operated under the control of a series of one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS) which incorporate the usual mobile phone capabilities in addition to camera and image processing capabilities.

An adaptation of the system outlined in PCT Patent Application WO 99/04368 filed by the present applicant (also incorporated herein by reference) can be utilised in the design of the ASIC. The electrical interconnections for the preferred embodiment is shown schematically as a block diagram in figure 69. Other system designs well known to those skilled in this field may also be used.

Referring next to figures 64 to 68 there is illustrated a print media dispenser 950 configured for use with the PHS phone of the previous embodiments. The dispenser comprises a lower molding 951 that defines a media storage and dispensing region 952 and a cradle 953 which supports the printer phone 901 and aligns it with the outlet of the dispenser.

The interactive operation of the print media dispenser with the phone 901 is best illustrated in figure 67. As can be seen, the dispenser 950 has a storage area 952 in which is disposed a quantity of print media in the form of business card sized paper or card sheets 954. These cards are supported on a metal base plate 955 which is sprung by means of opposed spring fingers 956 as shown in figure 68. In this manner, the card supply is constantly biased upwardly toward a media ejector mechanism 958.

The ejector mechanism includes an ejector slider 959 which is operable upon manual sliding against a return spring 960 to pick up the top card and feed this out of the AP01/09-IL D6 -21 - 162281/3 dispenser outlet 961 and into the media entry slot 931 on the phone 901. On release, the slider automatically returns to the home position to engage the next card ready for further loading.

Desirably, the printer phone 901 and/or printhead and ink supply module 916 includes an authentication mechanism such as that outlined in the applicant’s earlier PCT application no. WO 99/04368 entitled “A camera with an internal printing system”. This can be used to ensure not only that an authenticated approved consumable (such as the printhead and ink supply module) is used with the printer phone, but can also be used to store data on the relative usages of the consumable components such as the ink or the printhead itself and can optionally be used to set a predetermined usage for these items.

As noted above, the phone device of the invention may be any kind of mobile phone that sends and receives signals in a manner which can be processed into a printable form. Further, while the preferred form described has a printhead and ink distribution unit which has an integrally formed and attached ink supply, the ink supply could be separate and optionally also separately replenishable.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment according to the eighth inventive aspect, there is provided a video game player which includes an integral printer which is able to print out, preferably on business card sized cards, information which enhances the interactivity of the video game.

Turning to the figures, there is shown a video game console 401 comprising a printer module 402 and Digital Video Disk (DVD) player module 403. Connected to the console is an optional detachable controller module 404 as shown in figure 70.

The detachable controller module can communicate with the console by any suitable means including wireless systems such as “Bluetooth” or cable etc. and can be releasably secured to the console by any suitable means including magnetic coupling 405 or mechanical interlocking.

The printer module 402 and DVD player module 403 are interconnected by means of connecting housing extensions 406 and 407 which hinge about pivots 408 as shown in figure 72. The lower connecting extension 407 preferably includes various input/output connectors and ports 409 for optionally connecting joy sticks and other interactive devices. A video outlet port is also provided for connection with standard AP01/09-IL D6 -22- 162281/3 video type devices as is common in the art. Further ports can also be provided for an external power source or other devices such as sound systems to be interconnected to the console.

The DVD player module 403 is able to take standard DVD games disks 4010 as 5 is becoming popular in the industry. The DVD player is interconnected to a high end processor (not shown) which can be constructed along similar lines to standard high end video game processors or along the lines of that discussed in PCT Patent Application No. WO 99/04368, the contents of which are specifically incorporated herein by cross reference. The processor in turn utilizes memory for standard video 10 game functions and interacts with the print controller chip which is also preferably housed with the high end processor on PCB 411 within the printer module 402. Batteries for driving the console are preferably located in the base of the DVD player module as shown by arrow 412.

The printer module 402 is preferably constructed so as to simultaneously 15 provide a closure for the DVD player module 403. This is achieved by hinging the printer unit to the DVD module as shown. The printer module 402 comprises a base molding 414 that is configured to fully enclose a DVD disk receiving compartment 15 formed in the upper surface of the DVD player module 403. The base molding 414 is further configured to define an integral chassis structure 416 adapted on its under side 20 to receive and locate an ink and paper cartridge 418.

The upper surface of the chassis structure 416 is configured to support a printhead and ink distribution assembly 419, print media feed mechanism 420, and ink connecting hoses 421, the latter linking ink outlet nozzles 422 on the chassis with ink inlet nozzles 423 provided on the printhead and ink distribution assembly 419. The 25 printer and DVD control PCB 410 is also supported on the chassis 416 and has flexible connections 426 extending therefrom to interconnect the DVD and printer control buttons 427 and 428 provided on a top cover molding 429.

Details of the printhead, ink distribution assembly and print media feed means are best illustrated in figure 77. The printhead, which is preferably in the form of a 30 pagewidth inkjet printhead chip, is packaged with an ink distribution unit and printhead cover into a printhead module 430. This module 430 is supported on a printhead chassis molding 432, and further includes a printhead capping mechanism AP01/09-IL D6 -23- 162281/3 433, paired drive rollers 434 and 435, stepper motor 436 and an associated gear box 437 that engages the drive rollers 434 and 435.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings the ink and paper cartridge comprises a casing 440 defining an upper print media storage region 441 adapted to hold a stack of paper cards or sheets 442. A card dispensing outlet is shown at 443. The lower portion of the casing defines an ink supply region 445 which is separated internally into four sections each of which connect with piercable ink supply outlets 446. On installation, these outlets 446 are pierced by formations in the underside of the base molding so that ink flows from the cartridge to the outlet nozzles on the chassis 416, via connecting hoses 421, to the printhead and ink distribution assembly 419.

In use, the console is connected to a video device and a DVD 448 is inserted into the DVD player module 403. Appropriate controllers are then selected. These may be the detachable controller module 401 as shown in figure 70, or alternatively other external interactive controllers. The printer can then be operated during execution of the program in the DVD either manually or automatically as discussed in more detail below.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiment provides for a video games system enabling print on demand cards. These cards can be utilized for a number of purposes. Firstly, the video game can, at certain predetermined levels, print out a series of 'brag cards'. These can provide a high resolution picture which can only be achieved at a certain point in the game. The brag cards can be personalised with the game players name, score, chosen character, accumulated wealth or objects, etc. The cards could also include a photographic likeness where the video game arrangement includes an optional image sensor (not shown). With such an option, the brag cards could also be personalised with a photographic likeness mapping on to 3D characters etc.

The DVD player can be adapted to play standard DVD movies in addition to being configured to read CD-ROMs so as to provide information from encyclopaedias, maps etc provided by other CD-ROMs or DVD disks. In this manner, images from DVD movies and information from such CD-ROM or DVD repositories can be printed out. It should be noted that while the preferred form uses a AP01/09-IL D6 -24- 162281/3 DVD player or drive, the interactive programs may be stored on CD-ROM or on semiconductor memory cartridges, the latter being popularly used with pocket sized prior art video game devices.

Additionally, although the preferred embodiment described is designed for optional use with non portable external display and control devices, the game storage medium, controls, game processor, screen, audio and printer may all be housed in the same housing, and this may be pocket sized if required.

Where educational software is provided, the printer can be utilized to print out standard award certificates or diplomas upon reaching various levels. Such a system provides for an ideal incentive for children utilizing the system to become further involved in educational software running on the system. The utilization of the printer also allows parents to monitor children in the utilization of the device through, for example, the demanding of certain information or diploma certificates being printed out at various steps before the device is able to be utilized as a game playing machine. The arrangement can be synergistic between the game playing and educational software, where the educational software prints out a code or clue for utilization by the user in playing the games. Of course, many other interactive uses can be provided.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a cartridge 301 in accordance with the ninth inventive aspect for a printing device including a casing shown generally at 302. In the illustrated preferred form, the casing is divided into two main portions comprising, a print media supply portion 303 for housing sheets of paper and the like, and a second storage portion 304 for housing an ink supply. This cartridge is designed for use with digital printing devices, and is particularly suitable for drop-on-demand inkjet printing devices.

The casing 302 also defines a print media exit opening 305 that connects with the print media storage portion 303 and a print media transport mechanism shown generally at 307. This transport mechanism is disposed within the print media housing portion 303 adjacent the print media exit 305, such that upon operation it picks up and drives the print media 308 out through the print media exit opening.

Turning first to consider the elements of the print media storage portion of the cartridge, it can be seen to comprise a media top molding 310 which mates with a AP01/09-IL D6 -25- 162281/3 corresponding bottom molding 311. In this manner the moldings combine to define a generally rectangular print media storage region 312 in which is housed print media in the form of a stack of paper sheets or cards.

The top and bottom moldings 310 and 311 are both configured at a front end to define, in combination, the print media exit opening 35. In use, the stack of cards 38 are disposed within the storage region 312. These are biased downwardly toward engagement with an upper surface 314 of the bottom molding 311 by means of thin metal springs 15 which bear against an inner lower surface 316 of the top molding 310.

The print media transport mechanism of the preferred form illustrated is in the form of a geared pick up roller assembly 318. This assembly includes a drive shaft 319, pick up rollers 320 that are rigidly secured to the drive shaft, and an external drive gear 321.

The transport assembly 318 is captively retained within the casing portion formed by the top and bottom print media moldings, the drive shaft 319 being rotably supported by means of arcuate ribs 322 formed in a channel 323 located beneath the exit opening 305. The top molding fully encloses the portion of the drive shaft holding the pick up rollers 320, but leaves the external drive gear 321 exposed as shown. In an alternate form, the drive gear may be accessed via an opening in the casing for engagement with a corresponding powered roller on the printer device. A plastic or metal foil 325 is also provided adjacent the exit opening 305. This foil is sized to extend downwardly across the exit such that once the transport mechanism is operated, only a single sheet of paper or card is driven through the exit at any one time.

The ink storage portion 304 is similarly defined by two separate moldings forming part of the cartridge casing. The primary molding is the ink storage base molding 326 which is configured to define a plurality of distinct ink chambers 327. Ultimately, the chambers are sealed by direct or indirect connection of this base molding 326 to a cover molding, which in this preferred form is provided by an underside 328 of the print media storage bottom molding 311.

In the preferred form shown, the connection of the two moldings is indirect, as there is provided an intermediate thin walled deformable film 330 which is preferably AP01/09-IL D6 -26- 162281/3 initially contoured to nest within the ink chambers 327 defined in the base molding 326. During assembly, the base molding 326 is sealingly connected with a flange 331 provided around the periphery of the thin walled deformable film 330 which in turn is sealingly connected with the underside 328 of the print media storage bottom molding 311.

As can be seen from the drawings, the ink chambers base molding 327 preferably extends beyond the peripheral edge of the print media storage region above, so as to define an ink supply connection manifold region 332. The upper portion of the manifold 332 is formed as an extension 33 of the print media storage bottom molding 311 and includes thereon a plurality of ink connection nozzles 334 which are closed by means of piercable ink seals 335. In use the ink is stored above the deformable film and is thereby in fluid communication with the ink connection nozzles 334. In order to facilitate collapsing of the deformable film 330 as the ink is withdrawn, air vents 337 are provided in the ink storage base molding 326, preferably at the end remote from the ink nozzles. The various components of the cartridge casing can be assembled by any suitable means including use of adhesives, ultrasonic welding or mechanical fasteners or the like. A preferred application of the cartridge of the invention as hereinbefore described is for use in a video games console having an integral printer.

In use, the cartridge of the invention is inserted into an appropriately configured printer device whereby the drive gear 321 aligns with and engages a corresponding driven gear provided on the printer mechanism. The advantages of this configuration are numerous. Most importantly, the provision of the transportation means within the cartridge, ensures that the paper or other print media is fed out of the cartridge accurately and with minimum initial contamination, as the mechanism and print media are housed within an enclosed unit. In cartridges of the prior art, the cartridge is pressed onto a pick up roller mounted in the printer device, which exposes the paper on the underside. By contrast, the present design allows for greater structural integrity as there is no need to provide an opening that exposes the print media to that same extent. Further, the design provides for a tamper proof unit.

Additional advantages relating to the preferred forms include the provision of seals over the ink outlet nozzles that are piercable automatically by the printer AP01/09-IL D6 -27 - 162281/3 mechanism upon loading. In this regard, the cartridge is intended only as a single use product. Additionally, the structure of the ink chamber molding whereby the deformable film and base can be molded or joined in a simultaneous operation to form a completely sealed ink chamber, clearly offers manufacturing cost and efficiency 5 advantages.

The print media transport mechanism need not be limited to a pick up roller mechanism, but could include any other suitable mechanisms which can be externally driven from outside the cartridge casing. Similarly, the means of storage of the ink is not limited to the form described and could include the use of other deformable or 10 non-deformable storage means.

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