US7019871B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Digital photo album having a built-in scanner
Assignee: TR Marketing Inc
•
Filing: 2003-04-08
•
Granted: 2006-03-28
•
Expires: 2023-04-08
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a digital photo album having a hard drive and built-in scanner configured to scan photographic prints. The digital photo album allows a user to save the photographic prints as digital images on the hard drive, or another medium, and then view individual images or play photo album slideshows comprising a plurality of digital images. Additionally, a user may upload digital images from an external medium to the hard drive of the photo album, and then view those images and/or include them in a playlist. The digital photo album of the present invention advantageously allows a user to scan photographic prints, upload or download digital images, and view digital images individually or in an album format, in a substantially automated manner and without the need for complex peripheral devices.
Inventors
- 👤 Tareq A. Risheq
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 10:53
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/0035; H04N1/00405; H04N1/00408; H04N1/0044; H04N1/00127; H04N1/00347; H04N1/04; H04N1/10; H04N1/1013; H04N1/1017; H04N1/19; H04N1/191; H04N1/192; H04N1/193; H04N2201/00; H04N2201/0008; H04N2201/0063; H04N2201/0077; H04N2201/0081; H04N2201/0087; H04N2201/0089
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 96
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A digital photo album for viewing at least one digital image, the digital photo album comprising: a frame having a screen configured to display a digital image; a scanner housing and a computer housing; the scanner housing coupled to the frame; a scanner disposed within the scanner housing, the scanner configured to scan at least one photographic print; and the computer housing enclosing a hard drive, a microprocessor and a memory coupled to the microprocessor, wherein the computer housing is configured to serve as a support stand for the frame and the scanner housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A digital photo album for viewing at least one digital image, the digital photo album comprising: a frame having a screen configured to display a digital image; a scanner housing and a computer housing; the scanner housing coupled to the frame; a scanner disposed within the scanner housing, the scanner configured to scan at least one photographic print; and the computer housing enclosing a hard drive, a microprocessor and a memory coupled to the microprocessor, wherein the computer housing is configured to serve as a support stand for the frame and the scanner housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 wherein the hard drive is configured to store a digital image associated with the photographic print.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 wherein the hard drive is configured to store at least one photo album playlist comprising a plurality of digital images.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 wherein the digital photo album is configured to download data from at least one origin medium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 wherein the digital photo album is configured to upload data to at least one destination medium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 wherein the computer housing comprises a first support leg separated a distance apart from a second support leg.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising at least one data port disposed between the first support leg and the second support leg, the data port selected from the group consisting of a USB port, a firewire port, and a power-in port.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The digital photo album of claim 6 further comprising at least one non-skid pad disposed on the first support leg and the second support leg.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 further comprising at least one non-skid pad disposed on at least one lateral surface of the frame.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 further comprising a swivel mechanism that couples the computer housing to the scanner housing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
The digital photo album of claim 10 wherein the swivel mechanism allows the screen to be transported between a first orientation configured to display a digital image in a landscape configuration and a second orientation configured to display a digital image in a portrait configuration.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 further comprising a hinge mechanism that couples the computer housing to the scanner housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 further comprising an auto-feed scan mechanism, the auto-feed scan mechanism comprising a slot disposed in a lateral surface of the scanner housing, wherein the slot is configured to receive a photographic print.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
66 words
The digital photo album of claim 13 further comprising: an optical sensor disposed inside the scanner housing, the optical sensor coupled to the microprocessor; a drive motor; and at least one pinch roller coupled to the drive motor, the pinch roller configured to pull a photographic print into the scanner housing when the drive motor is actuated based on a response provided by the optical sensor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
40 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 wherein the scanner housing and the frame are configured to be at least partially separated to allow a user to position a photographic print at a location between the frame and the scanner.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The digital photo album of claim 15 further comprising a tray having a groove into which the photographic print may be placed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of control buttons coupled to the frame and electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 further comprising a USB data port coupled to the computer housing, wherein the USB data port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 further comprising a firewire data port coupled to the computer housing, wherein the firewire data port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 further comprising an infrared data associated port coupled to the frame, wherein the infrared data association port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 further comprising a power-in port coupled to the computer housing, wherein the power-in port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 further comprising a battery disposed within the computer housing.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The digital photo album of claim 1 further comprises a CD/DVD/RW drive electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
89 words
A digital photo album for viewing at least one digital image, the digital photo album comprising: a frame having a screen configured to display a digital image; a scanner housing coupled to the frame, the scanner housing enclosing a scanner configured to scan a photographic print; an auto-feed scan mechanism comprising a slot disposed in a lateral surface of the scanner housing, wherein the slot is configured to receive the photographic print; and a computer housing enclosing a hard drive, a microprocessor and a memory coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
89 words
A digital photo album for viewing at least one digital image, the digital photo album comprising: a frame having a screen configured to display a digital image; a scanner housing coupled to the frame, the scanner housing enclosing a scanner configured to scan a photographic print; an auto-feed scan mechanism comprising a slot disposed in a lateral surface of the scanner housing, wherein the slot is configured to receive the photographic print; and a computer housing enclosing a hard drive, a microprocessor and a memory coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
65 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 further comprising: an optical sensor disposed inside the scanner housing, the optical sensor coupled to the microprocessor; a drive motor; and at least one pinch roller coupled to the drive motor, the pinch roller configured to pull a photo into the scanner housing when the drive motor is actuated based on a response provided by the optical sensor.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 wherein the computer housing is configured to serve as a support stand for the frame.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The digital photo album of claim 26 wherein the computer housing comprises a first support leg separated a distance apart from a second support leg.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
44 words
The digital photo album of claim 27 further comprising at least one data port disposed between the first support leg and the second support leg, the data port selected from the group consisting of a USB port, a firewire port, and a power-in port.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 wherein the hard drive is configured to store a digital image associated with the photographic print.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 wherein the hard drive is configured to store at least one photo album playlist comprising a plurality of digital images.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 wherein the digital photo album is configured to download data from at least one origin medium.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 wherein the digital photo album is configured to upload data to at least one destination medium.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 further comprising a swivel mechanism that couples the computer housing to the scanner housing.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
45 words
The digital photo album of claim 33 wherein the swivel mechanism allows the screen to be transported between a first orientation configured to display a digital image in a landscape configuration and a second orientation configured to display a digital image in a portrait configuration.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 further comprising a hinge mechanism that couples the computer housing to the scanner housing.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 further comprising a plurality of control buttons coupled to the frame and electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
29 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 further comprising a USB data port coupled to the computer housing, wherein the USB data port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 further comprising a firewire data port coupled to the computer housing, wherein the firewire data port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 further comprising an infrared data associated port coupled to the frame, wherein the infrared data association port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 further comprising a power-in port coupled to the computer housing, wherein the power-in port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 further comprising a battery disposed within the computer housing.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
The digital photo album of claim 24 further comprises a CD/DVD/RW drive electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
96 words
A digital photo album for viewing at least one digital image, the digital photo album comprising: a frame having a screen configured to display a digital image; a computer housing enclosing a hard drive, a microprocessor and a memory coupled to the microprocessor; and a scanner housing coupled to the frame, the scanner housing enclosing a scanner configured to scan a photographic print, wherein the scanner housing and the frame are configured to be at least partially separated to allow a user to position a photographic print at a location between the frame and the scanner.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
96 words
A digital photo album for viewing at least one digital image, the digital photo album comprising: a frame having a screen configured to display a digital image; a computer housing enclosing a hard drive, a microprocessor and a memory coupled to the microprocessor; and a scanner housing coupled to the frame, the scanner housing enclosing a scanner configured to scan a photographic print, wherein the scanner housing and the frame are configured to be at least partially separated to allow a user to position a photographic print at a location between the frame and the scanner.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 further comprising a tray having a groove into which the photographic print may be placed.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 wherein the computer housing is configured to serve as a support stand for the frame.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The digital photo album of claim 45 wherein the computer housing comprises a first support leg separated a distance apart from a second support leg.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
44 words
The digital photo album of claim 46 further comprising at least one data port disposed between the first support leg and the second support leg, the data port selected from the group consisting of a USB port, a firewire port, and a power-in port.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 wherein the hard drive is configured to store a digital image associated with the photographic print.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
27 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 wherein the hard drive is configured to store at least one photo album playlist comprising a plurality of digital images.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 wherein the digital photo album is configured to download data from at least one origin medium.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 wherein the digital photo album is configured to upload data to at least one destination medium.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 further comprising a swivel mechanism that couples the computer housing to the scanner housing.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
45 words
The digital photo album of claim 52 wherein the swivel mechanism allows the screen to be transported between a first orientation configured to display a digital image in a landscape configuration and a second orientation configured to display a digital image in a portrait configuration.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 further comprising a hinge mechanism that couples the computer housing to the scanner housing.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
24 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 further comprising a plurality of control buttons coupled to the frame and electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
29 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 further comprising a USB data port coupled to the computer housing, wherein the USB data port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 further comprising a firewire data port coupled to the computer housing, wherein the firewire data port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
30 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 further comprising an infrared data associated port coupled to the frame, wherein the infrared data association port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
27 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 further comprising a power-in port coupled to the computer housing, wherein the power-in port is electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
17 words
The digital photo album of claim 43 further comprises a CD/DVD/RW drive electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for viewing at least one digital image using a digital photo album, the method comprising; providing a digital photo album comprising a frame having a screen, a scanner disposed within a scanner housing, wherein the scanner housing is coupled to the frame, and a computer housing coupled to the scanner housing; positioning a photographic print in a position facing the scanner; scanning the photographic print; displaying a digital image associated with the photographic print on the screen; saving the digital image; and subsequently viewing the digital image on the screen, wherein positioning a photographic print in a position facing a scanner further comprises: providing an auto-feed scan mechanism comprising a slot disposed in a lateral surface of the scanner housing; and automatically pulling the photographic print into the slot.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for viewing at least one digital image using a digital photo album, the method comprising; providing a digital photo album comprising a frame having a screen, a scanner disposed within a scanner housing, wherein the scanner housing is coupled to the frame, and a computer housing coupled to the scanner housing; positioning a photographic print in a position facing the scanner; scanning the photographic print; displaying a digital image associated with the photographic print on the screen; saving the digital image; and subsequently viewing the digital image on the screen, wherein positioning a photographic print in a position facing a scanner further comprises: providing an auto-feed scan mechanism comprising a slot disposed in a lateral surface of the scanner housing; and automatically pulling the photographic print into the slot.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 61 wherein automatically pulling the photographic print into the slot further comprises: sensing a leading edge of the photographic print; actuating a drive motor coupled to at least one pinch roller; and causing the pinch roller to pull the photographic print into a position facing the scanner.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for viewing at least one digital image using a digital photo album, the method comprising; providing a digital photo album comprising a frame having a screen, a scanner disposed within a scanner housing, wherein the scanner housing is coupled to the frame, and a computer housing coupled to the scanner housing; positioning a photographic print in a position facing the scanner; scanning the photographic print; displaying a digital image associated with the photographic print on the screen; saving the digital image; and subsequently viewing the digital image on the screen, wherein positioning a photographic print in a position facing a scanner further comprises: at least partially separating an upper portion of the scanner housing from an upper portion of the frame; and manually inserting the photographic print to a position facing the scanner.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for viewing at least one digital image using a digital photo album, the method comprising; providing a digital photo album comprising a frame having a screen, a scanner disposed within a scanner housing, wherein the scanner housing is coupled to the frame, and a computer housing coupled to the scanner housing; positioning a photographic print in a position facing the scanner; scanning the photographic print; displaying a digital image associated with the photographic print on the screen; saving the digital image; and subsequently viewing the digital image on the screen, wherein positioning a photographic print in a position facing a scanner further comprises: at least partially separating an upper portion of the scanner housing from an upper portion of the frame; and manually inserting the photographic print to a position facing the scanner.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 61 or 63 further comprising the step of editing the digital image prior to the step of saving the digital image.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 61 or 63 further comprising the step of editing the digital image after the step of saving the digital image.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 61 or 63 wherein saving the digital image further comprises selecting an image format.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 61 or 63 wherein saving the digital image further comprises selecting an image destination.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 67 wherein selecting an image destination further comprises saving the digital image to at least one internal destination of the digital photo album.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 68 wherein the internal destination is a hard drive.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 68 wherein the internal destination is a CD/DVD/RW drive.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 67 wherein selecting an image destination further comprises saving the digital image to at least one external destination.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 71 wherein the external destination is a computer.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 71 wherein the external destination is an internet storage site.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 61 or 63 wherein saving the digital image further comprises entering identification information associated with the digital image.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 61 or 63 further comprising adding the digital image to a photo album playlist, the photo album playlist comprising a plurality of digital images.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 75 further comprising saving the photo album playlist to a desired medium.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 76 further comprising playing a slideshow associated with the photo album playlist on the screen of the digital photo album.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 77 further comprising actuating control buttons coupled to the frame to control a manner in which the slideshow is played.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 61 or 63 further comprising uploading digital images to the digital photo album from at least one origin medium.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
60 words
A digital photo album for viewing at least one digital image, the digital photo album comprising: a frame having a screen configured to display a digital image; a scanner disposed within the frame, the scanner configured to scan at least one photographic print; and a computer housing enclosing a hard drive, a microprocessor and a memory coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
60 words
A digital photo album for viewing at least one digital image, the digital photo album comprising: a frame having a screen configured to display a digital image; a scanner disposed within the frame, the scanner configured to scan at least one photographic print; and a computer housing enclosing a hard drive, a microprocessor and a memory coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 80 wherein the hard drive is configured to store a digital image associated with the photographic print.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
27 words
The digital photo album of claim 80 wherein the hard drive is configured to store at least one photo album playlist comprising a plurality of digital images.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 80 wherein the digital photo album is configured to download data from at least one origin medium.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
23 words
The digital photo album of claim 80 wherein the digital photo album is configured to upload data to at least one destination medium.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
38 words
The digital photo album of claim 80 further comprising an auto-feed scan mechanism, the auto-feed scan mechanism comprising a slot disposed in a lateral surface of the frame, wherein the slot is configured to receive a photographic print.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
64 words
The digital photo album of claim 85 further comprising: an optical sensor disposed inside the frame, the optical sensor coupled to the microprocessor; a drive motor; and at least one pinch roller coupled to the drive motor, the pinch roller configured to pull a photographic print into the frame when the drive motor is actuated based on a response provided by the optical sensor.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
16 words
The digital photo album of claim 80 further comprising a keyboard electronically coupled to the microprocessor.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
14 words
The digital photo album of claim 80 further comprising at least one storage drive.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
38 words
The digital photo album of claim 80 further comprising a hinge mechanism disposed between the frame and the computer housing, the hinge mechanism configured to transition the digital photo album between an open state and a closed state.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
25 words
The digital photo album of claim 89 further comprising a latch mechanism configured to secure the frame to the computer housing in the closed state.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4888648A
Cited
US6249644B1
Cited
US6229566B1
Cited
US5574519A
Cited
US6101292A
Cited
US5812899A
Cited
US5761485A
Cited
US5703624A
Cited
US6111586A
Cited
US6141052A
Cited
US6396472B1
Cited
US6738154B1
Cited
US6324545B1
Cited
US6715003B1
Cited
US6434579B1
Cited
US6441828B1
Cited
US6123362A
Cited
US6833848B1
Cited
US6816620B2
Cited
US6745186B1
Cited
US6778935B2
Cited
US20020122067A1
Cited
US20040027590A1
Cited
US20040095481A1
Cited
US6809762B1
Cited
US20020156827A1
Cited
US20030090498A1
Cited
US20030090457A1
Cited
US20030214509A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-03-27 | 2009-09-26 | 2010-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-03-27 | 2013-09-26 | 2014-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-03-27 | 2017-09-26 | 2018-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |