Method for printing wallpaper

1. A method for printing wallpaper onto a web of media, comprising the steps of:

utilizing an on-demand printer comprising a cabinet, in which is located a media path which extends from a media loading area to a winding area, a printhead located in the media path, and a processor which accepts operator inputs from one or more input devices;

providing one or more collections of patterns;

using one or more input devices which communicate with the processor to capture data from an operator regarding a specification for an operator's requirements including a selection of a pattern from the one or more collections, said selection being communicated by input of a symbol of the selected pattern;

using the processor to operatively control the printer according to the data; and

printing a single roll of wallpaper, on demand, according to a selected pattern.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:

storing to a storage device accessible to the processor and internal to the cabinet a plurality of selectable files for describing patterns for printing onto the media.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:

providing the printer with a video display for depicting the selected pattern.

4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising the step of:

using die video display as a touch screen input device to capture operator preferences.

5. The method of claim 3 , further comprising the step of:

using the video display to display information that relates to a configuration of the printer.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:

providing die printer with a scanner for capturing data that specifics a selected pattern.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein:

printing a roil of wallpaper according to a selected pattern and configuration of the printer further comprises inserting a blank core into a winding area, in or on the printer and accessible to an operator;

winding the web onto the core after the web has been printed on; and

severing the wound core from the web.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein:

winding the web is performed by winding a length of a primed web onto the core;

to length being determined in advance;

the length being part of the configuration of the printer.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein:

the specification for an operator's requirements comprises a pattern and a configuration of the printer,

the configuration being one or more parameters selected from the group comprising: roll length, a roll slitting arrangement, one or more modifications to the pattern, or a selection of media to be printed on.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein utilizing an on-demand printer further comprises:

loading a media cartridge into the printer, the cartridge containing a unprinted web of media; and

using a motor in the printer to advance the unprinted web into the path;

automatically threading the media from the loading area, to the winding area.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein utilizing an on-demand printer further comprises:

loading a media tote into the winding area;

winding a printed roll of wallpaper onto a core inside the tote; and

severing the printed roll on to core from to web.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein utilizing an on-demand printer further comprises:

loading an empty core into the winding area;

winding a printed roll of wallpaper onto a core; and

severing to printed roll on to core from to web using an automated cutting mechanism inside the printer, the cutting mechanism receiving a signal for commencing cutting from the processor.

13. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

the printer is a self contained printer for producing rolls of wallpaper; the printhead is a full width digital color printhead;

the operator inputs accepted by the processor are used to configure the printer for producing a particular roll; and

the winding area is adapted to removably retain a core and wind onto it, wallpaper produced by the printer.

14. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein utilizing an on-demand printer further comprises:

loading a media cartridge into the printer, the media cartridge, comprising:

a case in which a roll of blank media may be deployed;

the case having two halves, hinged together, an area between the two halves, when closed, defining a media supply slot; and

the case having internally and adjacent to the slot, a pair of rollers; at least one of the rollers being a driven roller which is supported at each end, by the case, for rotation by an external motor.

15. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein

the operator inputs accepted by the processor are used to configure the printer for producing a particular roll; and

the winding area is adapted to removably retain a core and wind onto it, wallpaper produced by the printer wherein;

the length and design of the roll are determined by the operator inputs.

16. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the printer comprises:

a frame in which is located a media path which extends from a media loading area to a winding area;

a printhead located across the media path;

one or more input devices for capturing operator instructions;

a processor which accepts operator inputs which are used to configure the printer for producing a particular roll; and

the winding area adapted to removably retain a core and wind onto it, wallpaper produced by the printer.

17. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

the printer is a self threading printer for producing rolls of wallpaper;

the media loading area is adapted to support a media cartridge in a position so that a media supply slot of the cartridge is closely adjacent to a pilot guide;

the media path extends from the pilot; guide to a printed media dispensing slot;

the printhead is located across the media path;

the operator inputs accepted by the processor are used to configure the printer for producing a particular roll;

a motor is located within the cabinet for advancing a media web out of the media cartridge; and

one or more other motors are provided to urge the media along the path and out of the slot.