Entertainment console with integrated printing

• US 7,018,294 B2
• Filed: 12/04/2002
• Issued: 03/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Zamtec Limited (Memjet Limited)
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia, King, Tobin Allen
• Primary Examiner(s): SAGER, MARK ALAN
• Application Number:
  US10/309,067
• Publication Number:
  US 20030064813A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,210 Days
• Field of Search: 463/1, 463/30, 463/36, 463/39, 463 43- 44, 463/46, 273/148.R, 340/323.R
• US Class Current: 463/30
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/28 responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light controlling the output signals based on the game progress A63F13/50
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/655 by importing photos, e.g. of the player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/85 Providing additional services to players
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1031 using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/202 the game platform being a DVD player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/302 specially adapted for receiving control signals not targeted to a display device or game input means, e.g. vibrating driver's seat, scent dispenser
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/57 details of game services offered to the player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/695 Imported photos, e.g. of the player
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/00 Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/103 for the sheet feeding section
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/01 Ink jet
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17503 Ink cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17513 Inner structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/026 Stackable
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 : External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/21 : Combinations with auxiliary equipment, e.g. with clocks or memoranda pads
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 : User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 : Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0063 : Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 : Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence

Abstract

There is provided a video game console device including means to receive detachable interactive program storage means for execution by the console, processing and operating means for executing the interactive program stored on the detachable interactive program storage means for delivery to a video output, communication means to enable operational interaction input from external control devices during execution of the program, an integral printer apparatus including a printhead, ink supply unit, an internal print media supply unit, and print media feed means, the printer apparatus being operatively associated with the processing and operating means to print out images relevant to the interactive program. In the preferred form, the console is designed for use with a detachable controller module that includes a variety of interactive control devices such as joysticks and control buttons.

Claims

1. A video game console device including:

a housing providing a memory module adapted to receive at least one detachable interactive program storage device;

a processor housed within the housing configured to execute an interactive program stored on said storage device, execution of said program causing the generation of images for display on a display;

communication means to enable operational interaction from at least one device during execution of said program; and

an integral printer apparatus disposed within the housing and including a printhead, print media feeder, and a replaceable cartridge assembly, the replaceable cartridge assembly including an ink supply unit and print media supply;

said printer apparatus being operatively associated with the processor to print out onto print media images relevant to said interactive program.

2. A video game console device according to claim 1 including an integral internal print media supply unit.

3. A video game console device according to claim 2, wherein said print media is in the form of sheets of paper or card.

4. A video game console device according to claim 3, wherein images are printed out on substantially business card size sheets of paper or card.

5. A video game console according to claim 2, wherein the print media and ink supply unit are housed in a replaceable cartridge.

6. A video game console device according to claim 5, wherein said cartridge includes a print media feed roller device that interacts with a print media feed mechanism provided within the console.

7. A video game console device according to claim 1, wherein said interactive program is activated to print out images via said printer at certain predetermined positions in said program.

8. A video game console device according to claim 1, wherein said printhead comprises an ink jet printhead.

9. A video game console device according to claim 8, wherein said ink jet printhead comprises a page width array of ink ejection nozzles which eject ink by a series of actuators.

10. A video game console device according to claim 9, wherein said actuators are thermal bend actuators.

11. A video game console device according to claim 8, wherein said printhead is a microelectromechanical system printhead.

12. A video game console device according to claim 1, wherein said storage device comprises a Digital Video Disk (DVD) executable by a DVD player module.

13. A video game console device according to claim 1, wherein said storage device comprises a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM).

14. A video game console device according to claim 1, wherein said storage device comprises a semiconductor memory cartridge.

15. A video game console device according to claim 1, wherein said communication mean comprises a wireless communication system.

16. A video game console device according to claim 1, including a detachable controller module incorporating a variety of interactive control devices.

17. A video game console device according to claim 16, wherein said controller module is realeasably connected with said console by a magnetic coupling.