Digital camera capable of printing captured images in various sizes

Abstract

A method and apparatus for capturing and printing an image of a subject utilizes a tracking mechanism to allow an operator to print the captured image onto a selected surface by manually manipulating the apparatus across the surface. The apparatus is a print-capable digital camera which can print the captured image in one of a range of sizes. The printing process involves an operator placing the digital camera on the surface and scanning the surface in order for the digital camera to print a segment of the captured image according to the location of the digital camera. The tracking mechanism may be comprised of two trackball assemblies. The rotations of the trackballs generate location data which is utilized by digital signal processing circuitry to determine the position of the digital camera relative to a start-print position. Once the location of the inkjet printing head is determined, the digital signal processing circuitry arranges print data to drive an inkjet cartridge to deposit droplets of ink to form a particular segment of the captured image. The digital camera also includes an optical lens for receiving the image of the subject. The optical lens is optically coupled to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC contains a photosensor array, analog-to-digital circuitry, a printer driver, timing control circuitry, a memory, and digital signal processing circuitry. A control interface is also included to allow the operator to control functions of the digital camera.