GB2428928A

GB2428928A - Multifunction mobile scanner having various attachments

Info

Publication number: GB2428928A
Application number: GB0606150A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vidhya Rajeswar Thillainayagam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-25
Filing date: 2006-03-28
Publication date: 2007-02-07
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-28
Also published as: GB0606150D0; GB2428928B

Abstract

A multi function mobile scanning device comprises a scanner unit or optical sensor 2, accurate document alignment means, motorised wheels 1 for self propulsion, microprocessor, built in or removable memory and/or computer transmission means, an electronic display LCD 6 (Figure 2), and fixings and electrical connectors to take attachments or modifications (4, 5: see Figure 7) such as cutting devices, paint or other dispensers, art tools, printers, dryers, remote control and so on; alternatively, the attachments may be built in or integral with the device. The scanner may also comprise a further, optional printer 3, but scanner and printer may be omitted. Device alignment may be automatic by computer means, or manually using visual guide windows (14, Figure 4) or mirrors. The wheels may propel the device automatically to the scan position; device wheels may be replaced by rollers, tractor belts, feet or suction pads. Horizontal, vertical and upside down movement of the scanner is disclosed. Scanned text etc may be displayed for editing.

Description

THE MULTIFIJNCTIONAL MOBILE SCANNING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a multifunctional, self-propelling, electronic scanning device with printing, cutting, art and other capabilities.

BACKGROUND

This is a multifunctional device of any size which can be used for inputting information from documents or material and via computer software, analyse and store the data on it and then alter that original document or material in some way; or the device can be used to produce new documents and fresh pieces of work. The device can deal with different types of document or material, regardless of size or type of material.

The device is basically a scanner with wheels, or other means of selfpropulsion. It may also contain a printer but does not have to, and can hold and control vari.ous other attachments which can perform various other tasks. However, the device can also be made without a scanner if necessary and just be built to take attachments.

Devices that contain both printers and scanners are already known in the art. This device is novel and different from mere scan/print or other devices because of its ability to: use a variety of tools other than a printer in combination with each other; propel itself unaided on any size of paper or material and move in any compass direction as well as horizontally, vertically and upside-down; operate on many different types of material and textures, for example, paper, sheet metal or carpet; analyse data and respond to it in combination with commercially produced popular software; alter the original document that it has scanned; target the positioning of print, or other functions, very accurately which makes it suitable for fine editing and other work that requires accuracy; and because it has the ability to operate other attached equipment which allows it to perform a potentially limitless range of unusual functions. Its physical characteristics make it different from other devices and confers on it many uses which may either be less easy or efficient, or impossible to do, by any other device.

The presence of the scanner makes it an intelligent device that can read and respond to the content of the surface it scans. It can also assess the surface material and its own position on it, and propel itself over it into the correct position for performance of whatever task that it is programmed to do, and can therefore work without the need for human intervention.

The size of the document is not a limiting factor. It will automatically scan and perform its other optional functions on any size of document without the need to touch, or manually manipulate either the device or the document. This is useful for example, for editing large plans and technical drawings where changing them would normally be expensive because of the need for reprinting and for specialist equipment.

One example of an attachment is that it can have a cutting device attached such as a laser cutter, blade or other cutting tools. In this form it can be used to automatically cut any type of material for example card, sheet metal or cloth and would be suitable for industrial use.

Other examples of attachments include one or more dispensers for glue or paint or any other substance which is useful for artwork and other things. Delivery of substance can be electronically controlled. It could also propel itself up walls and ceilings to do artwork or just to home decorate etc. Where the device has a printer and scanner unit in its housing, one of its office applications is to input data from documents and analyse this data via appropriate software to update computer records or to perform other computational operations etc., and print text back onto the original document. The device is useful wherever one requires the input analysis and! or sorting of any type of data.

In its hand-held form the device is truly portable. it can, for instance, be used in conjunction with a laptop or hand-held computer to scan or print letters even when travelling, say on an aeroplane or train. However, it can be made in any size and shape.

The purpose of this invention is to protect the basic device from modifications to its use. These are just an example of some of its uses and modifications, as many different kinds of attachment can be made which will be able to perform unusual and varied tasks.

This device operates in a different way form any other scan/print device and its uses and capabilities are very different to them. There is nothing on the market which has the capabilities and versatility of this device.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL FEATURES

The basic device consists of a scanner unit and optional printer unit, plus sites for installation of its optional attachments. One could either purchase the optional attachments separately and slot these into the attachment sites on the device or one could purchase a device with some attachments (or modifications) permanently built-in to it.

In devices containing a printer, any method of printing can be used e.g.: inkjet, dot matrix, laser, thermal etc. These can be positioned on any of the surfaces (bottom, top, or sides). There can be more than one of each, (printer unit or scanner unit), on the device.

The print and scan heads can be combined or separate. The normal arrangement of the printer and scanner units is separate, as shown on the illustration (Fig. 1), so that these tasks can be performed independently of each other. These will normally be positioned on the undercarriage as shown in Fig. 1.

Automatic scanning, printing or other functions are facilitated by motorised wheels, tractor belt, rollers, feet, suction pads or any other means of self-propulsion, which also allow scanning or printing, (or performance of other functions) at a constant speed which provides for a clean scan and print. (Fig.3) It has both an automatic and manual means of aligning the device on the document, so that it can accurately place print or perform any other of its optional operations. When done automatically the device can very accurately position itself on the target. The scanned information can be processed by the built-in microprocessor and/or transmitted to a computer, which may have additional software to process it further. There are attachments on the device to facilitate transmission of data by any means, whether by cable or wirelessly.

The device has facilities for switching off its automatic functions. There are connections for powering the device by mains, computer-link, batteries, solar power or by any other means. It can have things to indicate the operation of functions such as lights or beepers. It can have buttons, switches, dials or other things to operate its functions, or for other requirements such as entering text (Fig.2). It has a built- in microprocessor and/or it can be computer operated.

Scanned information can be stored on permanent andlor removable memory. The microprocessor can analyse the data and hold it in the unit itself or on removable memory until it can be downloaded to a computer. It can have LCD or any other electronic displays to facilitate its operation. The device can be of any shape or size.

The device's most novel feature is that the basic device above can be fitted with optional attachments such as cutting tools, art and craft equipment, dispensers which can be temperature controlled, dryers, and other tools and machines. These can be permanently built in or attachable. All of which have the ability to be under electronic and microprocessor/computer control. Many different attachments can be used together on the same device at the same time for combined operations. All attachments, i.e. modifications to the self-propelling scanning device whether disclosed or not are included in this invention.

Another novel feature is that it can propel itself and move along while performing its tasks. This includes, in certain embodiments of the device, the ability to propel itself up walls and ceilings; that is it can move vertically and upside-down while performing its tasks.

ILLUSTRATIONS

Fig. I shows a view of the underside of the device displaying one preferred arrangement of print and scan units.

Fig.2 is an overhead view of the device showing an attachment compartment and holders andlor electrical points for additional attachments. The device can be made so that these attachments are already permanently built-in or detachable.

Fig.3 Shows the side-ways view of the device to demonstrate how it may move itself on the surface of a document. The arrows show some directions of possible movement. It will propel itself while performing a task and it can be built so that it can move off in any direction of the compass.

Figures 4-7 show an example of a different design of the device with additional print and scan heads. Figs. 4 and 5 show an underside view. Figs. 6 and 7 show an overhead view.

(1) motorised wheels/tractor belt (2) scanner strip unit (3) printer strip unit (4) attachment in attachment compartment (5) attachment holder/electrical point for placing additional attachments (6) electronic display/LCD screen (7) buttons, switches, dials, balls, touch sensors, voice control or other things for entering text andlor to control functions (8) indicator lights (9) transmitter/receiver (10) chassis of the device (11) functional portion of the attachment interacting with the document'.

(12) the document' which can be paper, metal or any other material (13)black arrows showing possible directions of movement of the device on the surface of the document.

(14) optional viewing window Note: these are just examples of how the device can look but each of these features can be placed anywhere on the device or omitted completely. The whole shape and size of the device and its features can be designed differently.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATiON

With automatic functions switched on: 1)The operation of the basic device is as follows. The document is placed on a table or other flat surface. The device is placed on the document. It will scan the document while being propelled by its motorised wheels or other means of propulsion. The scanned information is transmitted to a microprocessor or computer for processing. This information that has been inputted to the computer can then be analysed into appropriate computer files. Then, either the operator inputs from the keypad on the device or via a computer terminal whatever is to be printed, or whatever other function is to be performed; or the software decides this automatically by processing the scanned data. (The device can then remain on the same document to receive the print, or the device can be moved to a different document or fresh paper or other material.) These instructions are transmitted to the device, which then moves itself to the position for performing the function. If the print function is being used, text is printed. For example, information from exam papers can be inputted and sorted into records in this way and text can be printed back onto the document.

Scanning and printing, or any other function, can also occur simultaneously depending on the particular task in hand. The device will align itself to the correct position to place the print (or perform its function) automatically, without the need for anyone to touch the device. This process of automatic alignment is facilitated by calculations by the on board microprocessor or a computer. Either the operator selects the target for placing the print (or performance of other function) or software decides this; the microprocessor/computer will then compute the best method for the device to reach that location and align itself; the device will then follow these instructions, propel itself to the target and move its print head (or functional part of its attachment) over the exact position for placing the print or other function and it will place the print or perform the other function. The accuracy is such that if a half complete ASCII character is already on the document the device will complete that character so that no join is visible, and completion of a line of text will be perfectly straight and parallel with all other lines of text previously on the document. This ability to locate the exact position on the document for placing print is particularly important for editing work and there is no other device that can do this. In addition it is achieved without any fuss or bother to the operator who will not have to align the device himself, since this is an automatic function and the device can do the job by itself to a greater degree of accuracy than a human operator can.

Where the print function is being used, the usual method of printing is for the device to print a line of text and then propel the whole device forward so that the next line of text can be printed. In this way it will print a page of text or continue to print a line at a time forever. However, this is the preferred (optimal) method of operation and other methods of operation may be necessary depending on the task to be performed.

2)The process for fonn filling is similar. In this case again the operator will see the image of the scanned document on the electronic display, and fill in the form using the built-in keypad; or he may use a computer to do this; whereupon the device will move to the correct position and fill in the boxes in the form.

3)Another example of use would be its ability to draw or edit plans and drawings which are made on very large paper. One places the device on the plan. It scans the section that you want to edit. The operator edits the plan on the scanned image or via a drawing program, and this is transmitted to the device which will move into position for printing. Since the device can very accurately find its target it will edit very complex drawings without one having to touch the device. Therefore once it is set up you can go away and leave it.

Another advantage is that it will move to areas that are hard to reach manually when the document is extremely large.

4)It can also be used merely to print or merely to scan: for instance, when sitting on a train one could place the handy form of the device on an open book or magazine, scan it, then place blank paper beneath it and print a copy using the device. Likewise, it could also be used merely for obtaining computer printouts, such as letters, onto blank paper.

With automatic functions switched off: For manual use one could switch off the wheels and for example, read in a batch of small till receipts by scanning the data in and then printing text onto the hack. One could achieve this by holding the receipt with one hand, the device in the other hand, and then manually scanning by dragging it over the receipt and printing on the back or front of the receipt by touching the print head to it. The information on the receipts will pass to the microprocessor/computer where it will be analysed and sorted into accounting records and text can be printed back onto the receipt. Another example of this mode of use is for date stamping goods or documents, or printing any other text.

Examples of its additional functions.

1)With its cutting attachment for instance, it could be used to cut out a design One could either cut out the design directly onto the paper, sheet metal or other types of material from a computer generated design using CAD or other software, or ask it to read a design from a publication and cut it out it in an enlarged or reduced form.

2)Another example is that it could be directed to draw or paint very large or small paintings or pieces of art, using the art attachments and computer controlled input; for instance, using popular art applications software or copies from publications. One example of this kind of use is that one could potentially reproduce paintings onto the walls and ceiling of a room by using the wall climbing version of the device. The paint function can be very sensitive and accurate so that paintings can be reproduced onto small or large canvasses, in oils, acrylics, watercolours or whatever else one desires. Graphic designs and posters can be printed or drawn with pencil, pen or crayon attachments etc. obviating the need for large printers.

These are just examples of two types of optional attachments, but there are many more optional attachments and uses, some of which are still to be invented in the future, but they are all included as part of this invention.

Claims

Claim 1 This is a multifunctional mobile scanning device of which its housing comprises: a) a scanner unit or units or optical sensor; b) an optional printer unit or units; c) means of accurately aligning the device on the document so that it can accurately target the location for the performance of its optional function.; d) motorised wheels or any other means of self-propulsion; e) a microprocessor, built-in and/or removable memory, andlor means of transmission to a computer to process scanned data and/or control the device; f) an electronic display; g) optional fixings and electrical connectors to take any other optional attachments or modifications and optional attachments such as cutting devices, paint or other dispensers, art tools, printers, dryers, tools, machines, remote control or anything else; the operation of which may have the ability to be microprocessor or computer controlled.

Claim 2 in addition to claim 1 There can be more than one scanner or printer unit positioned on any surface of the device; or no scanner or no printer unit, or a combined print/scan unit; the optimal arrangement being a scanner and printer strip placed parallel to each other on the under-carriage of the device; and it being possible to build the device in any shape or size.

Claim 3 in addition to claims I and 2 Alignment of the device on the document can be automatic via a combination of computational and mechanical means, or there is the option of doing this manually using visual guides which may include one or more windows and mirrors.

Claim 4 in addition to claims I to 3 One method of accurate automatic alignment is achieved by using the scanned image on which the operator indicates the target for reception of print or other function, or the software can decide this automatically; the microprocessor/computer performs calculations and will then instruct the device as to how to reach the target; the device will propel itself to the target and it will move its print-head or other functional head over the target and perform the function; or any other method of alignment can be used.

Claim 5 in addition to claims I to 4 The motorised wheels, or any other means of propulsion, of any quantity and placed in any position on the device, move the whole device while scanning and/or printing and/or performing other functions and can aid the accurate automatic alignment of the device on the document so that there is no need to touch the device during its operation; the means of propulsion can be made to allow the device to move off in any compass direction; or the means of propulsion can be switched off so that the device can be operated manually; some examples of other means of propulsion are rollers, tractor belts, balls, feet, suction pads or any other thing that will propel the device.

Claim 6 in addition to claims 1 to 5 The device can propel itself horizontally, vertically and upside-down; vertical or upside- down movement, for example for climbing walls and ceilings, can be achieved by the use of suction pads or other suitable means of propulsion.

Claim 7 in addition to claims 1 to 6 The device can be powered by battery, mains, solar cells or by any other means; transmission of data between the computer, microprocessor or any other equipment can be by any means, such as wirelessly or by cable; storage of data can be on built-in and/or removable memory.

Claim 8 in addition to claims 1 to 7 There can be optional buttons, switches, dials, balls, touch sensors or other means to control the functions of the device, or to enter text or other types of input; beepers, lights or other means of indicating the operation of functions; attachment holders; and electrical connections for power and for optional attachments.

Claim 9 in addition to claims 1 to 8 The device can be manufactured with or without any optional attachment or attachment holder or without a printer; optional attachments being either permanently built-in or detachable; it can also be manufactured without a scanner.

Claim 10 in addition to claims 1 to 9 Examples of optional attachments include one or more: lasers, blades or scissors or any other cutting device; dispensers which can be temperature controlled, heated or cooled, for dispensing any material for example, paint, glue, powder, glitterfbits or anything else; any art and craft tools such as pens, pencils, crayons, brushes, engravers or other things; dryers; tools, motor driven things or machines; or any other equipment or thing that can be attached to, or can modify the device; these additional attachments may be used in conjunction with the scan function and with any other of the optional attachments in combination.

Claim 11 in addition to claims 1 to 10 The device is controlled by operational software which can be held in the device or microprocessor unit, and/or transmitted to the device from a computer or other equipment; it can also be used in conjunction with any software including most commercially produced applications software.

Claim 12 in addition to claims 1 to 11 One or more LCD screens or other type of electronic display can display scanned text or other data, and editing of this data or text can be performed either by human input on the device itself, or through other control equipment such as a computer; the device will move itself to the correct position for printing, align itself and print; similarly, the device will move itself to the position required to perform whatever other optional function that it is instructed to, either by software or by human input and it will perform that function through its operation of the appropriate optional attachment.

Claim 13 in addition to claims 1 to 12 It is possible for the printing or any other function to be continuous without the need for human interference, the device will continue to move itself along its chosen route forever or until its ink or any other requirement for its operation expires.

Claim 14 in addition to claims I to 13 This device can be used for any other thing that combinations of its hardware and software will allow.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

CLAIN

Claim 1 This is a multifunctional mobile scanning device of which its housing comprises: a) a scanner unit or units or optical sensor; b) an optional printer unit or units, c) means of accurately aligning the device on the document so that it can accurately target the location for the performance of its optional function., d) motorised yvheels or any other means of self-propulsion; e) a microprocessor, built-in andlor removable memory, and/or means of transmission to a computer to process scanned data and/or control the device, f) an electronic display; g) optional fixings and electrical connectors to take any other optional attachments or modifications and optional attachments such as cutting devices, paint or other dispensers, art tools, printers, dryers, tools, machines, remote control or anything else; the operation of which may have the ability to be microprocessor or computer controlled Claim 2 in addition to claim 1 There can be more than one scanner or printer unit positioned on any surface of the device; or no scanner or no printer unit, or a combined print/scan unit; the optimal arrangement being a scanner and printer strip placed parallel to each other on the under-carriage of the device; and it being possible to build the device in any shape or size.

Claim 3 in addition to claims 1 and 2 Alignment of the device on the document can be automatic via a combination of computational and mechanical means, or there is the option of doing this manually using visual guides which may include one or more windows and mirrors Claim 4 in addition to claims 1 to 3 One method of accurate automatic alignment is achieved by using the scanned image on which the operator indicates the target for reception of print or other function, or the software can decide this automatically; the microprocessor/computer performs calculations and will then instruct the device as to how to reach the target; the device will propel itself to the target and it will move its print-head or other functional head over the target and perform the function; or any other method of alignment can be used Claim 5 in addition to claims I to 4 The motorised wheels, or any other means of propulsion, of any quantity and placed in any position on the device, move the whole device while scanning and/or printing and/or performing other functions and can aid the accurate automatic alignment of the device on the document so that there is no need to touch the device during its operation, the means of propulsion can be made to allow the device to move off in any compass direction; or the means of propulsion can be switched off so that the device can be operated manually; some examples of other means of propulsion are rollers, tractor belts, balls, feet, suction pads or any other thing that will propel the device.

Claim 6 in addition to claims I to 5 The device can propel itself horizontally, vertically and upside-down; vertical or upside- down movement, for example for climbing walls and ceilings, can be achieved by the use of suction pads or other suitable means of propulsion.

Claim 7 in addition to claims I to 6 The device can be powered by battery, mains, solar cells or by any other means, transmission of data between the computer, microprocessor or any other equipment can be by any means, such as wirelessly or by cable; storage of data can be on built-in andlor removable memory.

Claim 8 in addition to claims I to7 There can be optional buttons, switches, dials, balls, touch sensors or other means to control the functions of the device, or to enter text or other types of input; beepers, lights or other means of indicating the operation of functions; attachment holders, and electrical connections for power and for optional attachments Claim 9 in addition to claims I to 8 The device can be manufactured with or without any optional attachment or attachment holder or without a printer, optional attachments being either permanently builtin or detachable; it can also be manufactured without a scanner .1 Claim 10 in addition to claims 1 to 9 Examples of optional attachments include one or more: lasers, blades or scissors or any other cutting device; dispensers which can be temperature controlled, heated or cooled, for dispensing any material for example, paint, glue, powder, glUier/bits or anything else; any art and craft tools such as pens, pencils, crayons, brushes, engravers or other things, dryers; tools, motor driven things or machines; or any other equipment or thing that can be attached to, or can modify the device; these additional attachments may be used in conjunction with the scan function and with any other of the optional attachments in combination.

Claim 11 in addition to claims I to 10 The device is controlled by operational software which can be held in the device or microprocessor unit, and/or transmitted to the device from a computer or other equipment; it can also be used in conjunction with any software including most commercially produced applications software Claim 12 in addition to claims 1 to 11 One or more LCD screens or other type of electronic display can display scanned text or other data, and editing of this data or text can be performed either by human input on the device itself, or through other control equipment such as a computer; the device will move itself to the correct position for printing, align itself and print; similarly, the device will move itself to the position required to perfonn whatever other optional function that it is instructed to, either by software or by human input and it will perform that function through its operation of the appropriate optional attachment Claim 13 in addition to claims I to 12 It is possible for the printing or any other function to be continuous without the need for human interference, the device will continue to move itself along its chosen route forever or Ufltji its ink or any other requirement for its operation expires.

Claim 14 in addition to claims Ito 13 This device can be used for any other thing that combinations of its hardware and software will allow