Arrangement of print media in a low-cost disposable camera

• US 7,006,143 B1
• Filed: 09/15/2000
• Issued: 02/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Google Inc. (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia
• Primary Examiner(s): Ho, Tuan
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hernandez, Nelson D.
• Application Number:
  US09/662,668
• Time in Patent Office: 1,992 Days
• Field of Search: 348/207.2, 348/373, 348/374, 348/376, 348/231.1, 348/375, 348/552, 396/27, 396/6
• US Class Current: 348/373
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00132 in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0018 of images captured using a loaned, rented or limited-use still digital camera, e.g. recyclable or disposable camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00188 Printing, e.g. prints or reprints H04N1/0019, H04N1/00196 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2154 the still video camera incorporating a hardcopy reproducing device, e.g. a printer
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 Still video cameras

Abstract

A recyclable, one-time use, print on demand, digital camera comprises a chassis. The chassis carries an image sensor device for sensing an image, a processor for processing the sensed image, a pagewidth print head for printing the sensed image, an ink supply arrangement for supplying ink to the print head and a supply of print media onto which the sensed image is printed. A casing surrounds the chassis so that the supply of print media is unable to be accessed without destruction of the casing.

Claims

1. A recyclable, one time use, print on demand, digital camera comprising:

a chassis carrying;

an image sensor device for sensing an image;

a processing means for processing said sensed image;

a pagewidth print head for printing said sensed image;

an ink supply means for supplying ink to the print head;

a supply of print media on to which said sensed image is printed; and

a casing surrounding and encasing said chassis so that the supply of print media is unable to be accessed without destruction of the casing.

2. The camera of claim 1 in which the casing comprises two shells, the shells being bonded together during one of a manufacturing process and a recycling process.

3. The camera of claim 1 in which the casing is recyclable.

4. The camera of claim 1 in which the supply of print media is carried via a holder on the chassis and the holder is releasably supported on the chassis to facilitate its removal from the chassis to be replaced by a new supply of print media upon recycling of the camera.

5. The camera of claim 4 in which the ink supply means is refilled and a power supply means of the camera is replaced at the same time as the supply of print media is replaced during said recycling of the camera.

6. The camera of claim 5 in which the power supply means is accommodated within the supply of print media.