Patent Publication Number: US-6991332-B1

Title: Digital hand stamp with memory to store multiple images

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   The present invention relates generally to a digital hand stamp, and more particularly to a digital hand stamp with a memory to store multiple images. 
     FIG. 1  shows a conventional hand stamp  10  that can be used to imprint a word “PAID” on a supporting surface  50 . Conventional hand stamp  10  includes a frame member  14  and an operating member  12 . Operating member  12  is operatively associated with frame member  14 . A stamp plate  16  is attached to the end of frame member  14 . A mirror image of the word “PAID” is inscribed on stamp plate  16 . 
   When several words or images are to be imprinted, conventional stamp  10  is not very convenient. For example, if one needs to imprint two words “PAID” and “VOID”, one may have to use two stamps: one stamp for imprinting word “PAID” and one stamp for imprinting word “VOID”. Alternatively, one may use one stamp and attach on the stamp a stamp plate that is selected from two stamp plates: one stamp plate for imprinting word “PAID” and one stamp plate for imprinting word “VOID”. 
   A digital hand stamp that can imprint multiple images clearly has advantages over the conventional hand stamp  10 . 
   SUMMARY 
   In one aspect, the invention is directed to a digital hand stamp that can print multiple images on a supporting surface. The digital hand stamp includes a frame member, an ink jet printing head, a non-volatile memory, an image selection button, a display area, and a printing control circuit. The frame member has a cavity. The ink jet printing head has one or more nozzles. The ink jet printing head can be activated to slide inside the cavity of the frame member when the digital hand stamp is pressed against the supporting surface. The non-volatile memory can store a plurality of images. The image selection button can select an image from the plurality of images stored in the non-volatile memory. The display area can display the image selected by the selection button. The printing control circuit controls the nozzles on the ink jet printing head to project an ink pattern on the supporting surface when the ink jet printing head slides inside the cavity of the frame member. The ink pattern on the supporting surface represents the image selected by the image selection button. 
   Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The display area can include a liquid crystal display or an organic light emitting display. The image displayed on the display area can have the same size as an image imprinted on the supporting surface. The image displayed on the display area can have a size different from the size of an image imprinted on the supporting surface. The non-volatile memory can be a flash memory, a ROM or other solid sate non-volatile memory. The digital hand stamp can have a socket operable to receive a removable memory storage media. The non-volatile memory can include a removable memory storage media. The removable memory storage media can be a flash memory card, a smart memory card, or a memory stick. 
   The digital hand stamp can include an activation button. Pressing the activation button can activate the ink jet printing head to slide inside the cavity of the frame member. The ink jet printing head can be activated automatically to slide inside the cavity of the frame member when the digital hand stamp is pressed against the supporting surface. The digital hand stamp can include an operating member and the ink jet printing can be activated automatically to slide inside the cavity of the frame member when the frame member moves relative to the operating member by a distance larger than a threshold. The digital hand stamp can include a leg and the ink jet printing head can be activated automatically to slide inside the cavity of the frame member when the leg moves relative to the frame member by a distance larger than a threshold. 
   The digital hand stamp can include a plurality of imaging editing buttons operable to edit an image that is to be imprinted on the supporting surface. The digital hand stamp can include a plurality of letter keys operable to select a letter, a number or a word that is to be imprinted on the supporting surface. The digital hand stamp can include an indicator operable to indicate that the ink jet printing head finishes printing the ink pattern on the supporting surface. The ink jet printing head can be a color ink jet printing head. The ink jet printing head can include a protection cover for protecting the ink jet printing head. The digital hand stamp can include one or more markers for specifying a position that the ink pattern is printed on the supporting surface. 
   In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of printing an image on a supporting surface using a digital hand stamp. The digital hand stamp has a non-volatile memory and a display area. The method includes storing a plurality of images in the non-volatile memory. The method includes selecting the image from the plurality of images stored in the non-volatile memory by pressing an image selection button on the digital hand stamp. The method includes displaying the image selected by the image selection button on the display area. The method includes holding the digital hand stamp against the supporting surface. The method includes activating an ink jet printing head to slide inside a cavity on a frame member of the digital hand stamp. The method includes controlling nozzles on the ink jet printing head to project an ink pattern on the supporting surface when the ink jet printing head slides inside the cavity of the frame member. The ink pattern on the supporting surface represents the image selected by the selection button. 
   Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The display area can include a liquid crystal display or an organic light emitting display. The method can include displaying on the display area an image that has the same size as an image imprinted on the supporting surface. The method can include displaying on the display area an image that has a size different from the size of an image imprinted on the supporting surface. The method can include storing the plurality of images in a flash memory, a ROM or other solid sate non-volatile memories. The method can include providing a socket to receive a removable memory storage media as the non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be selected from a group consisting of a flash memory card, a smart memory card, and a memory stick. 
   The method can include pressing an activation button to activate the ink jet printing head to slide inside the cavity of the frame member when the digital hand stamp is pressed against the supporting surface. The method can include pressing the digital hand stamp against the supporting surface to activate the ink jet printing head to slide inside the cavity of the frame member automatically. The method can include moving the frame member relative to an operating member by a distance larger than a threshold to activate the ink jet printing head to slide inside the cavity of the frame member automatically. The method can include moving a leg relative to the frame member by a distance larger than a threshold to activate the ink jet printing head to slide inside the cavity of the frame member automatically. 
   The method can include editing an image that is to be imprinted on the supporting surface with a plurality of imaging editing buttons. The method can include editing a letter, a number or a word that is to be imprinted on the supporting surface with a plurality of letter keys. The method can include lifting the digital hand stamp when an indicator on the digital hand stamp indicates that that the ink jet printing head finishes printing the ink pattern on the supporting surface. The ink jet printing head can be a color ink jet printing head. The method can include protecting the ink jet printing head with a protection cover. The method can include specifying a position that the ink pattern is printed on the supporting surface with one or more markers on the digital hand stamp. 
   In another aspect, the invention is directed to a digital hand stamp that can print an image of an object on a supporting surface. The digital hand stamp includes a frame member, an ink jet printing head, a non-volatile memory, an image selection button, a display area, and a printing control circuit. The frame member has a cavity. The ink jet printing head has one or more nozzles. The ink jet printing head can be activated to slide inside the cavity of the frame member when the digital hand stamp is pressed against the supporting surface. The non-volatile memory stores an image and a name for each of a plurality of objects. The image selection button can select an object from the plurality of objects. The display area displays the name of the object selected by the image selection button. The printing control circuit controls the nozzles on ink jet printing head to project an ink pattern on the supporting surface when the ink jet printing head slides inside the cavity of the frame member. The ink pattern on the supporting surface represents the image of the object selected by the image selection button. 
   In another aspect, the invention is directed to a digital hand stamp that can print a name of an object on a supporting surface. The digital hand stamp includes a frame member, an ink jet printing head, a non-volatile memory, an image selection button, a display area, and a printing control circuit. The frame member has a cavity. The ink jet printing head has one or more nozzles. The ink jet printing head can be activated to slide inside the cavity of the frame member when the digital hand stamp is pressed against the supporting surface. The non-volatile memory stores an image and a name for each of a plurality of objects. The image selection button can select an object from the plurality of objects. The display area displays the image of the object selected by the image selection button. The printing control circuit controls the nozzles on ink jet printing head to project an ink pattern on the supporting surface when the ink jet printing head slides inside the cavity of the frame member. The ink pattern on the supporting surface represents the name of the object selected by the image selection button. 
   In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for teaching a child to learn the name of an object using a digital hand stamp. The digital hand stamp has a non-volatile memory and a display area. The method includes storing a name and an image for each of a plurality of objects in the non-volatile memory. The method includes selecting the object from the plurality of objects. The method includes selecting a name of the object using an image selection button on the digital hand stamp. The method includes displaying the name of the object selected by the image selection button on the display area. The method includes holding the digital hand stamp against a supporting surface. The method includes activating an ink jet printing head to slide inside a cavity on a frame member of the digital hand stamp. The method includes controlling nozzles on the ink jet printing head to project an ink pattern on the supporting surface when the ink jet printing head slides inside the cavity of the frame member. The ink pattern on the supporting surface represents the image of the object selected by the image selection button. 
   In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for teaching a child to learn the name of an object using a digital hand stamp. The digital hand stamp has a non-volatile memory and a display area. The method includes storing a name and an image for each of a plurality of objects in the non-volatile memory. The method includes selecting the object from the plurality of objects. The method includes selecting an image of the object using an image selection button on the digital hand stamp. The method includes displaying the image of the object selected by the image selection button on the display area. The method includes holding the digital hand stamp against a supporting surface. The method includes activating an ink jet printing head to slide inside a cavity on a frame member of the digital hand stamp. The method includes controlling nozzles on the ink jet printing head to project an ink pattern on the supporting surface when the ink jet printing head slides inside the cavity of the frame member. The ink pattern on the supporting surface represents the name of the object selected by the image selection button. 
   Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following advantages. The digital hand stamp can print multiple images. The digital hand stamp can be operated as a stand-alone device without attaching to a personal computer or a digital camera. When the digital hand stamp is operated as a stand-alone device, it can be carried around more easily, and it can also be more useful in field applications. The digital hand stamp has the advantage of keeping images during power-off period; this advantage makes the digital hand stamp more useful and friendly to users. 
   Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description and accompanying drawings of the invention set forth herein. However, the drawings are not to be construed as limiting the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Like reference numbers are designated in the various drawings to indicate like elements. 
       FIG. 1  shows a conventional stamp for imprinting a word “PAID” on a supporting surface. 
       FIG. 2  shows a digital hand stamp for imprinting multiple images on a supporting surface. 
       FIG. 3   a  shows that a digital hand stamp is pressed against a supporting surface and an ink jet printing head is activated to slide in a cavity. 
       FIG. 3   b  shows that a digital hand stamp is lifted from a supporting surface and an image “PAID” is imprinted on the supporting surface. 
       FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show a first sample implementation to enable an ink jet printing bead be activated to slide in a cavity automatically. 
       FIG. 4   c  shows that a digital hand stamp includes a protection cover for protecting the ink jet printing head. 
       FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  show a second sample implementation to enable an ink jet printing head be activated to slide in a cavity automatically. 
       FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  show an implementation of a digital hand stamp that uses designs similar to a self-inking stamp to enable an ink jet printing head be activated to slide in a cavity automatically. 
       FIG. 7  shows that a digital hand stamp is used to fill up entries on a paper form. 
       FIG. 8   a  shows that an image of a fish is printed on a piece of paper. 
       FIG. 8   b  shows that a word “FISH” is displayed in a display area and an image of a fish is printed on a piece of paper. 
       FIG. 8   c  shows that an image of a fish is displayed in a display area and a word “FISH” is printed on a piece of paper. 
       FIG. 9   a  shows that a child can use a digital hand stamp to draw pictures. 
       FIG. 9   b  shows that a child can use a digital hand stamp to modify a picture book. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 2  shows a digital hand stamp  100  that can imprint multiple images on a supporting surface  50 . Digital hand stamp  100  includes a frame member  14  and an operating member  12 . Operating member  12  is operatively associated with frame member  14 . Frame member  14  includes a lower end  15  that is intended to bear against supporting surface  50 . Frame member  14  includes a cavity  180 . Cavity  180  can be rectangular in shape. 
   Digital hand stamp  100  also includes an ink jet printing head  10  having one or more nozzles  120 . These nozzles  120  can be aligned in an array pattern, a matrix pattern or other defined patterns. An ink jet can be projected from a nozzle under the control of an external variable, such as an electrical signal. Ink jet printing head  110  can include a printing cartridge. Ink jet printing head  110  is installed in cavity  180 . Cavity  180  includes a first end  181  and a second end  182 . Ink jet printing head  110  can slide in a direction  115  from first end  181  to second end  182 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3   a , when digital hand stamp  100  is pressed against supporting surface  50 , ink jet printing head  110  can be activated to slide in direction  115  from first end  181  to second end  182 . Ink jet printing head  110  can be activated to slide in direction  115  by pressing an activation button  160 . Ink jet printing head  110  can also be activated automatically when digital hand stamp  100  is pressed against supporting surface  50 . While ink jet printing head  110  is sliding in direction  115 , the nozzles  120  on ink jet printing head  110  project ink patterns on supporting surface  50  under the control of a printing control circuit  199 . After ink jet printing head  110  slide from first end  181  to second end  182 , an ink pattern determined by printing control circuit  199  is imprinted on supporting surface  50 . 
   Digital hand stamp  100  can include an indicator  165 , such as an LED, to indicate that ink jet printing head  110  has finished sliding from first end  181  to second end  182  and that an ink pattern has been imprinted on supporting surface  50 . The indicator  165  enable a user to lift digital hand stamp  100  from supporting surface  50  just after a complete ink pattern has been imprinted on supporting surface  50 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3   b , when digital hand stamp  100  is lifted from supporting surface  50  after the printing process in  FIG. 3   a , an ink pattern  55 , such as an image “PAID”, is imprinted on supporting surface  50 . 
   Because printing control circuit  199  controls the ink pattern to be imprinted, digital hand stamp  100  can easily imprint different ink patterns on supporting surface  50 . For example, after digital hand stamp  100  prints an image “PAID”, if digital hand stamp  100  is pressed again on supporting surface  50 , digital hand stamp  100  can be programmed to print an image “VOID” under the control of printing control circuit  199 . 
   Ink jet printing head  110  can be a color ink jet printing head. With a color ink jet printing head, digital hand stamp  100  can print either monochromic or color images. 
   Digital hand stamp  100  generally includes a memory  190  operable to store multiple images. Digital hand stamp  100  can also include an image selection button  170  to select one of the multiple images stored in memory  190 . The selected image can be displayed in a display area  150 . Display area  150  can display the image to be imprinted on supporting surface  50 . Display area  150  can also display general instructions. Implementations of display area  150  can include a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) or an organic light emitting display (“OLED”). 
   In one implementation, the image displayed on display area  150  has the same size as the image imprinted on supporting surface  50 . In another implementation, the image displayed on the display area  150  is proportional to the image imprinted on supporting surface  50  but has a size different from the size of the image imprinted on supporting surface  50 . 
     FIG. 3   a  shows that digital hand stamp  100  can include a digital interface  195  for connecting digital hand stamp  100  with another digital device such as a personal computer or a digital camera through an interface connector  90 . When digital hand stamp  100  is connected to a personal computer, the ink patterns to be imprinted on supporting surface  50  can be edited on the personal computer or down loaded from the personal computer. When digital hand stamp  100  is connected to a digital camera, the ink patterns to be imprinted on supporting surface  50  can be the same imaging patterns as captured by the digital camera. 
   Digital hand stamp  100  can also include one or more imaging editing buttons (not shown in the figure). Image editing buttons can be used to edit the image that is to be imprinted on supporting surface  50 . As a specific example, image editing buttons can be letter keys to select the letters, numbers or words to be imprinted on supporting surface  50 . As another specific example, image editing buttons can be used to enlarge or shrink proportionally an image to be imprinted on supporting surface  50 . 
   Memory  190  can be a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory or a ROM. Memory  190  can also be a removable memory storage media, such as a flash memory card, a smart memory card, or a memory stick. Digital hand stamp  100  can include a socket (not shown in the figure) for receiving a removable memory storage media. A variety of other kinds of solid state non-volatile memory can be also be used as memory  190 . 
   When memory  190  is a non-volatile memory, digital hand stamp  100  can be operated as a stand-alone device without attaching to a personal computer or a digital camera. When digital hand stamp  100  is operated as a stand-alone device, it can be carried around more easily, and it can also be more useful in field applications. When memory  190  is a non-volatile memory, the multiple images stored in digital hand stamp  100  can be still kept intact when the power on the digital hand stamp  100  is turned off. This advantage of keeping images during power-off period makes the digital hand stamp  100  more useful and friendly to users. 
   In  FIG. 3   a , ink jet printing head  110  can be activated to slide in direction  115  by pressing an activation button  160 . Ink jet printing head  110  can be also activated automatically when digital hand stamp  100  is pressed against supporting surface  50 . Many possible implementations are possible to enable ink jet printing head  110  be activated to slide in direction  115  automatically.  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show a first sample implementation.  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  show a second sample implementation. 
   In  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , frame member  14  can move relative to operating member  12 . Ink jet printing head  110  can slide along a sliding guide  112 . Sliding guide  112  is fixed relative to operating member  12 . Frame member  14  is biased against operating member  12  by a spring  144  such that a predetermined distance  141  exits between nozzles  120  and lower end  15 . As shown in  FIG. 4   b , when digital hand stamp  100  is pushed against supporting surface  50 , the length of spring  144  shrinks and frame member  14  moves relative to operating member  12  in a direction  145  as indicated in the figure. As frame member  14  moves relative to operating member  12 , distance  141  decreases at the same time. When distance  141  is smaller than a threshold value and nozzles  120  is at a suitable distance to project inks onto supporting surface  50 , ink jet printing head  110  is activated to slide in direction  115  and project ink patterns onto supporting surface  50  as controlled by printing control circuit  199 . 
     FIG. 4   c  shows that digital hand stamp  100  can include a protection cover  118  for protecting ink jet printing head  110 . Before digital hand stamp  100  is pressed against supporting surface  50 , ink jet printing head  110  generally is at a position that nozzles  120  are protected by protection cover  118 . Ink jet printing head  110  can slide along direction  115  to imprint an ink pattern on supporting surface  50 . After ink jet printing head  110  finishes printing the ink pattern on supporting surface, ink jet printing head  110  again returns to a position that nozzles  120  are protected by protection cover  118 . 
   In  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , frame member  14  is fixed relative to operating member  12 . Ink jet printing head  110  can slide along a sliding guide  112 . Sliding guide  112  is also fixed relative to operating member  12 . Digital hand stamp  100  includes a leg  146  that is intended to bear against supporting surface  50 . Leg  146  can move relative to frame member  14 . Leg  146  is biased against frame member  14  by a spring  148  such that a predetermined distance  141  exits between nozzles  120  and supporting surface  50 . As shown in  FIG. 5   b , when digital hand stamp  100  is pushed against supporting surface  50 , the length of spring  148  shrinks and leg  146  moves relative to frame member  14  in a direction  147  as indicated in the figure. As leg  146  moves relative to frame member  14 , distance  141  decreases at the same time. When distance  141  is smaller than a threshold value and nozzles  120  is at a suitable distance to project inks onto supporting surface  50 , ink jet printing head  110  is activated to slide in direction  115  and project ink patterns onto supporting surface  50  as controlled by printing control circuit  199 . 
     FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  show an implementation of a digital hand stamp  200  that uses designs similar to some of the self-inking stamps to enable ink jet printing head  110  be activated to slide in direction  115 . Digital hand stamp  200  includes a frame member  14  and an operating member  12 . Operating member  12  is operatively associated with frame member  14 . Frame member  14  includes a lower end  15  that is intended to bear against supporting surface  50 . Frame member  14  includes a cavity  180 . Cavity  180  can be rectangular in shape. Digital hand stamp  100  also includes an ink jet printing head  110  having one or more nozzles  120 . Ink jet printing head  110  can slide along a sliding guide  112 . 
   Before digital hand stamp  200  is pressed against supporting surface  50 , ink jet printing head  110  is orientated in a direction such that nozzles  120  faces towards operating member  12 . As digital hand stamp  200  is pressed against supporting surface  50 , ink jet printing head  110  is flipped, for example, by about 180 degrees, and changes the orientation to a direction such that nozzles  120  faces towards supporting surface  50 . 
   When nozzles  120  faces towards supporting surface  50 , ink jet printing head  110  can be activated to slide in direction  115  from first end  181  to second end  182  and project ink patterns onto supporting surface  50  as controlled by printing control circuit  199 . 
   The designs of how to flip ink jet printing head  110  when digital hand stamp  200  is pressed against supporting surface  50  can be similar to those designs used in some of the self-inking stamps, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,916 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,186. 
   A digital hand stamp with a memory for storing multiple images can have variety of applications.  FIG. 7  shows that a digital hand stamp  100  is used to fill up entries on a paper form  710 . The paper form  710  includes three entries: an entry  711  for “First Name”, an entry  712  for “Last Name”, an entry  713  for “Age”. If three images representing words “JOHN”, “SMITH”, and “32” are stored in the memory in digital hand stamp  100 , then, entries  711 ,  712 , and  713  can be filled up, respectively, with “JOHN”, “SMITH”, and “32”. More specifically,  FIG. 7  shows that an image representing word “JOHN” is imprinted in a corresponding area on paper form  710  for entry  711 , “First Name”. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , digital hand stamp  100  can include one or more alignment markers for positioning digital hand stamp  100  correctly on paper form  710 . For example, digital hand stamp  100  can include markers  101  and  102  for aligning digital hand stamp  100  horizontally with paper form  710 . Digital hand stamp  100  can also include a marker  103  to enable each word be imprinted in the correct position in each of the entry in paper form  710 . Markers  101 ,  102 , and  103  can be on the sidewalls of frame member  14 . Markers  101 ,  102 , and  103  generally can be used to specify the position and the orientation of the image that is to be imprinted on a supporting surface. 
   Digital hand stamp  100  can also be modified to become a toy for children. For example, digital hand stamp  100  can be loaded with multiple colorful images that children like to draw or print on a piece of paper. Examples of these colorful images include dogs, cats, mice, fishes, ducks, chicken, tigers, cats, flowers, sun, and moon. These colorful images can be stored in memory  190  on digital hand stamp  100 . An image selection button  170  on digital hand stamp  100  can be used to select which one of the colorful images in memory  190  is to be printed. 
   Digital hand stamp  100  can include a display area  150  to display the image that is to be printed.  FIG. 8   a  shows that an image of a fish  820  is printed on a piece of paper  810 . The image of fish is also displayed in display area  150 . Digital hand stamp  100  can also include a speaker  108 . When an image of an object is printed on the piece of paper  810 , the name of the object can be pronounced by speaker  108  at the same time. 
   In another implementation, instead of displaying in display are  150  the image of an object that is to be printed, the name of the object can be displayed in display area  150 . For example,  FIG. 8   b  shows that a word “FISH” is displayed in display area  150  and an image of fish is printed on a piece of paper  810 . Memory  190  in digital hand stamp  100  can store the images of a list of objects and the names of the list of objects. A user can use image selection button  170  to select the name of an object to, be printed while the name of the object is displayed in display area  150 . A user can also use letter keys (not shown in the figure) to enter the name of an object to be printed. After the selection, when digital hand stamp  100  is pushed against the piece of paper  810 , the corresponding image of the selected object can be printed. Speaker  108  can pronounce the name of the selected object at the same time. With this implementation, digital hand stamp  100  essentially can be used as a picture dictionary. In yet another implementation, an image of an object is displayed in display area  150  and the name of the object  830  is printed on a piece of paper  810 . For example,  FIG. 8   c  shows that an image of a fish is displayed in display area  150  and a word “FISH” is printed on a piece of paper  810 . A user can use image selection button  170  to select the image of an object to be printed while the image of the object is displayed in display area  150 . After the selection, when digital hand stamp  100  is pushed against the piece of paper  810 , the corresponding name of the selected object can be printed. Speaker  108  can pronounce the name of the selected object at the same time. 
     FIG. 9   a  shows that a child can use digital hand stamp  100  to draw pictures. As shown in  FIG. 9   a , when a child is asked to illustrate a sentence  920  that states “a cat is running after a mouse”, the child can print an image of cat  850  and an image of mouse  860 . The child also needs to position the two images at the correct positions. 
     FIG. 9   b  shows that a child can use digital hand stamp  100  to modify a picture book. In  FIG. 9   b , a page  910  on a picture book includes a table  930 . When a child is asked to modify the page  910  to illustrate a sentence  920  that states “a cat is under a table”, the child need to print an image of cat  850  at the correct position. 
   When a picture book tells a story that includes several characters, digital hand stamp  100  can be used by a child to finish the drawings on each page of the picture book. For this purpose, the images of the characters can be stored in digital hand stamp  100  and each page of the picture book can be provided with either complete drawings or partial drawings; a child is asked to complete those partial drawings. 
   Based on above teachings, other applications are also possible for the digital hand stamp with a memory. 
   The present invention has been described in terms of a number of implementations. The invention, however, is not limited to the implementations depicted and described. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.