Video display device with onboard hardcopy capability

Abstract

A video display device includes a digital frame store to store a digitized version of a displayed image. A print control chip is coupled to the digital frame store and is also responsive to commands generated by means for processing user input. The print control chip operates a printing assembly that is integrated into the video display device including a pagewidth printer and a print media transport mechanism. In use printed sheets corresponding to the displayed image are printed in accordance with user input. In a preferred embodiment the video display device comprises a data projector.

1 . A video display device arranged to convert a data signal into an image, including: 
 a digital frame store to store a digitized version of the data signal;    a print control chip coupled to the digital frame store; and    a printing assembly responsive to the print control chip whereby the printing assembly generates one or more printed sheet of the image.    
   
   
       2 . A video display device according to  claim 1 , wherein the print control chip is responsive to an activator arranged to receive operator instructions.  
   
   
       3 . A video display device according to  claim 2 , wherein the activator comprises a single switch and wherein the print control chip is arranged to command the printhead assembly to generate a single printed sheet of the image in response to operation of said switch.  
   
   
       4 . A video display device according to  claim 2 , wherein the activator comprises a wireless receiver integrated with the video display device and responsive to a remote control unit.  
   
   
       5 . A video display device according to  claim 4 , wherein the wireless receiver and remote control unit comprise an infrared receiver and infrared remote control unit.  
   
   
       6 . A video display device according to  claim 2 , wherein the activator provides an option for the operator to request the printing of multiple sheets corresponding to the image.  
   
   
       7 . A video display device according to  claim 1 , wherein the printing assembly includes a print media transport mechanism and a pagewidth printhead.  
   
   
       8 . A video display device according to  claim 7 , wherein the printing assembly includes a platen.  
   
   
       9 . A video display device according to  claim 1  comprising a data projector.  
   
   
       10 . A data projector for generating projected images in response to a signal, the data projector including: 
 an analog-to-digital converter coupling said signal to a digital frame store;    an activator to process operator instructions;    a print control chip coupled to the digital frame store and responsive to the activator; and    a printing assembly including 
 a pagewidth printhead and print media transportation mechanism responsive to the print control chip  
   whereby the printing assembly generates one or more printed sheets of the image in accordance with operator instructions.