MOBILE DEVICE WITH DUAL OPTICAL SENSING PATHWAYS

• US 20110092250A1
• Filed: 12/20/2010
• Published: 04/21/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia, Lapstun, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 8,303,199 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/556.1
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/36 for portability , i.e. hand-held printers or laptop printers B41J3/4075 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/445 Printers integrated in other types of apparatus, e.g. printers integrated in cameras

Abstract

A mobile device mobile device having an internal printer is disclosed. A media path is provided for receiving a print medium and a media drive mechanism transport the print medium along the media path past a printhead of the printer. An optical sensor and two separate optical pathways are also provided. The first optical pathway allows the optical sensor to image a surface of the print medium in the media path. The second optical pathway allows the optical sensor to image an area external to the mobile device.

Claims

1. A mobile device comprising:

a media path for receiving a print medium;

a printhead in the media path;

a media drive mechanism for transporting the print medium along the media path past the printhead;

an optical sensor;

a first optical pathway for allowing the optical sensor to image a surface of the print medium in the media path; and

a second optical pathway for allowing the optical sensor to image an area external to the mobile device.

2. A mobile device according to claim 1, further comprising an illumination source, wherein the first optical pathway is arranged to direct illumination from said illumination source to said surface of the print medium in the media path and the second optical pathway is arranged to direct illumination from said illumination source to said area external to the mobile device.

3. A mobile device according to claim 1, further comprising a shutter configured to reduce or prevent illumination external to the mobile device from reaching said second optical pathway.

4. A mobile device according to claim 3, further comprising a shutter-closing mechanism configured to close the shutter in response to the print medium moving through at least part of the media path.

5. A mobile device according to claim 3, further comprising:

a nib for sensing contact with said area; and

a shutter-opening mechanism configured to open the shutter in response to the nib contacting said area.

6. A mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second optical pathways share a common lens and aperture.