Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
  • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
  • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
  • H04N1/00236—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server using an image reading or reproducing device, e.g. a facsimile reader or printer, as a local input to or local output from a computer
  • H04N1/00238—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server using an image reading or reproducing device, e.g. a facsimile reader or printer, as a local input to or local output from a computer using an image reproducing device as a local output from a computer
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
  • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
  • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
  • H04N1/00236—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server using an image reading or reproducing device, e.g. a facsimile reader or printer, as a local input to or local output from a computer
  • H04N1/00241—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server using an image reading or reproducing device, e.g. a facsimile reader or printer, as a local input to or local output from a computer using an image reading device as a local input to a computer
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
  • H04N1/04—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa
  • H04N1/0461—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa part of the apparatus being used in common for reading and reproducing
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
  • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
  • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
  • H04N1/00236—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server using an image reading or reproducing device, e.g. a facsimile reader or printer, as a local input to or local output from a computer
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
  • H04N1/04—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa
  • H04N1/12—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using the sheet-feed movement or the medium-advance or the drum-rotation movement as the slow scanning component, e.g. arrangements for the main-scanning
  • H04N1/121—Feeding arrangements
  • H04N1/1215—Feeding using one or more cylindrical platens or rollers in the immediate vicinity of the main scanning line
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
  • H04N1/04—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa
  • H04N1/19—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using multi-element arrays
  • H04N1/191—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using multi-element arrays the array comprising a one-dimensional array, or a combination of one-dimensional arrays, or a substantially one-dimensional array, e.g. an array of staggered elements
  • H04N1/192—Simultaneously or substantially simultaneously scanning picture elements on one main scanning line
  • H04N1/193—Simultaneously or substantially simultaneously scanning picture elements on one main scanning line using electrically scanned linear arrays, e.g. linear CCD arrays
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
  • H04N2201/0096—Portable devices

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a portable scanner, printer, facsimile machine and copier, and more particularly, to such a device having only a single drive roller to move paper to be scanned, printed, faxed and/or copied through the machine.
• the device has a slender shape which is unstable in its upright operating mode without the aid of rotating arms that pivot at both ends, and act as legs to support the device during operation. These arms lock into an open position to provide necessary stability during operation and also lock into a closed position to minimize occupied space during transportation and storage. In the closed position, the arms follow the profile and contours of the ends of the device, forming an extension of the main body's shape without any noticeable projections.
• An object of the present invention is to provide a portable means of scanning originals into a host computer, and also a portable thermal means of recording outputs from a host computer, where the computer and the invented device both have the capacity to send and receive facsimile transmissions.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide portable means of faxing and copying documents with external media feed and storage.
• the external surface of the main body is fitted with contoured projections to correctly position and guide an external thermal sensitive paper roll, which by the nature of the design and direction of travel of the paper, rotate the paper roll snugly against the body of the device without the need for additional fixation means.
• SUBSTITUTE SHEST (RULE 26) printer, facsimile and copier is constructed which is lightweight, slim in design, and has low power consumption.
• the device has portable practical applications as a facsimile and copy machine, with the added feature of interfacing with a host computer to scan information to and print information from the host computer.
• the device has a cam mechanism which enables either the scanning or printing functions to be disengaged.
• the device also has rotating arm mechanisms to lend it stability in operation.
• Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the basic layout of main components found in the present invention
• Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 1 , showing the device capable of only scanning;
• Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 1 , showing the device in ''printing" mode and receiving a fax transmission:
• Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 1. illustrating the device scanning and transmitting a facsimile;
• Fig. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the interfacing of the device with a host computer system enabling scanning of originals and transferring to the host computer, in accordance with the present invention
• Fig. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the device as a facsimile machine scanning originals and transmitting through telephone lines via its own electronic circuitry, in accordance with the present invention:
• Fig. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the interfacing of the device with a host computer system enabling printing of files, in accordance with the present invention.
• Fig. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the device as a facsimile machine receiving
• SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) facsimiles via telephone lines and simultaneously printing, in accordance with the present invention
• Figs. 1 1. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A of Fig. 1, showing alternate embodiments of the cam mechanism and its interaction with the scan and printer heads;
• Fig. 14 is a top plan view illustrating the position of the arms locked in their closed position and also the print media guides as disclosed in the present invention
• Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the device of Fig. 14. with the arms locked in the open position and also a print media roll positioned between the guides, in accordance with the present invention:
• Fig. 16 is a right-side elevational view taken along line A-A of Fig. 14. showing the arms closed to facilitate storage and transportation, in accordance with the present invention
• Fig. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of Fig. 16, illustrating the arm locking device in its closed state, in accordance with the present invention
• Fig. 18 is a right-side elevational view taken along line C-C of Fig. 15, illustrating the device with the arms locked in the opened position to provide stability when placed on a flat surface, and also the feed path of print media and the scanned document with the locating of printing and scanning components shown, in accordance with the present invention;
• Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of Fig. 18. illustrating the arm locking device in its opened state, in accordance with the present invention:
• Fig. 20 is a right-side elevational view with the arm removed to illustrate the end plate of the device, in accordance with the present invention
• Fig. 21 is an illustration of the arm removed from the device, in accordance with the present invention.
• Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of Fig. 21. illustrating the projections of the arm's locking mechanism, in accordance with the present invention:
• Fig. 23 is a view along line F-F of Fig. 21. illustrating the arm's pivoting means, in accordance with the present invention.
• Fig. 2 illustrates scan head 3, and thermal print head 2, applying pressure on opposite sides of fixed drive roller 1 via pushing devices 7, with cam
• This simplified drive system greatly reduces the torque and power demands on the device and more importantly, reduces the space consumed.
• the device functions efficiently as a copier; scanning and printing simultaneously.
• the print head prints a single line of dots parallel to the roller at a time, and the scan head in a similar fashion senses a linear array of dots at a time parallel to the roller.
• cam 6 is illustrated in the first of its two rotated positions, such that scan head 3 is pushed away from fixed drive roller 1 allowing print head 2 to sandwich print media 8 against the roller.
• Scan head 3 sits along a first flat surface of the cam with no moment created about the cam ' s pivot 15, making it stable in this position.
• the scan head offers no friction resistance against the roller, reducing torque requirements considerably.
• This mode provides a release for the scanned original previously sandwiched between the scan head and the roller, as the scan head is retracted. Pushing devices
• cam 6 is illustrated in its second rotated position opposite to the first position, such that the print head 2 is pushed away from fixed drive roller 1 allowing scan head 3 to sandwich scanned original 9 against the roller.
• the print head sits along a second flat surface of the cam with no moment created about the cam ' s pivot 15, making it stable in this position.
• the print head offers no friction resistance against the roller, reducing torque requirements considerably.
• This mode allows paper previously sandwiched between the roller and print head to be easily removed as the print head is retracted from the roller.
• Pushing devices 7 are employed to push both the print head and scan head towards the roller on opposite sides of the roller.
• Fig. 5. which is the "'print only " mode
• cam 6 is engaged, thus applying a force against scan head 3 compressing its pushing device 7.
• This creates a small gap between scan head 3 and fixed drive roller 1.
• print media 8 sandwiched between the drive roller and print head 2. to be driven without any friction resistance imposed by scan head 3 against the roller.
• a pushing device 7 applies a uniform pressure on the print head against the drive roller for consistent density of printed characters, and to avoid wrinkling of the thermal sensitive print media.
• the print media moves in a set direction which is the same when printing in the copy or facsimile reception mode, and is opposite in direction to that of the scanned original. With the device in this mode it is possible to print a facsimile reception or print files directly from an interfaced host computer system 10. utilizing the device ' s electronic hardware and software.
• Fig. 6. which is the '"scan only " mode
• cam 6 is engaged, applying a force against print head 2 compressing its pushing device 7 and creating a small gap between the print head and fixed drive roller 1.
• Scanned original 9, sandwiched between scan head 3 and drive roller 1 can move without any friction resistance imposed by the print head against the roller.
• a pushing device 7 applies a uniform pressure on the scan head against the drive roller for consistent scanning, and to avoid wrinkling of the scanned original.
• the scanned original moves in a set direction, which is the same when scanning in the copy or facsimile transmission mode, and is opposite in direction to that of the print media. With the device in this mode, it is possible to scan and transmit a facsimile simultaneously or scan directly to a host computer system 10. utilizing the device ' s electronic hardware and software.
• Fig. 7. which is the "scan only " mode, cam 6 is engaged applying a force against print head 2. thereby compressing pushing device 7 and creating a small gap between the print head and fixed drive roller 1.
• Scanned original 9. sandwiched between scan head 3 and drive roller 1. can move without any friction resistance imposed by the print head against the roller, as a pushing device 7 applies a uniform pressure on the scan head against the drive roller.
• the scanned original ' s data is processed through the device ' s motherboard 11 and transferred directly to a host computer 12.
• Fig. 9 which is the '"print only " mode
• cam 6 is engaged, thus applying a force against scan head 3 compressing its pushing device 7.
• This creates a small gap between the scan head and fixed drive roller 1.
• print media 8 sandwiched between the drive roller and the print head 2. to be driven without any friction resistance imposed by the scan head against the roller.
• a pushing device 7 applies a uniform pressure on the print head against the drive roller for consistent density of printed characters and to avoid wrinkling of the thermal sensitive print media.
• the print media moves in a set direction, which is the same when printing in the copy or facsimile reception mode, and is opposite in direction to that of the scanned original. With the device in this mode it is possible to print a facsimile reception or print files directly from an interfaced host computer system 10, utilizing the device's electronic hardware and software 11.
• the device can be used as a facsimile device for receiving and printing transmitted documents simultaneously from a telephone line 13, processed through an onboard motherboard 11.
• Fig. 11 illustrates scan head 3, and thermal print head 2, applying pressure on opposite sides of fixed drive roller 1 via pushing devices 7 with cam 14 disengaged.
• the cam mechanism illustrated has a single flat surface which is used to push the scan head and print head away from the drive roller at separate times, and can be implemented in the various functions of the device as previously described in Figs. 2 to 10.
• cam 14 is illustrated in the first of its two rotated positions such that print head 2 is pushed away from fixed roller 1 allowing scan head 3 to sandwich scanned original 9 against the roller.
• the print head sits along the single flat surface of the cam with no moment created about the cam ' s pivot 16. making it stable in this position.
• the print head offers no friction resistance against the roller, thereby reducing torque requirements considerably.
• This mode allows paper previously sandwiched between the roller and print head to be easily removed as the print head is retracted from the roller.
• Pushing devices 7 are employed to push both the print head and scan head towards the roller on opposite sides of the roller.
• cam 14 is illustrated in its second rotated position opposite to the first position, such that scan head 3 is pushed away from fixed roller 1 allowing print head 2 to sandwich print media 8 against the roller.
• the scan head sits along the single flat surface of the cam with no moment created about the cam ' s pivot 16. making it stable in this position.
• the scan head offers no friction resistance against the roller, thereby reducing torque requirements considerably.
• This mode allows a document previously sandwiched between the roller and scan head to be easily removed as the scan head is retracted from the roller.
• Pushing devices 7 are employed to push both the print head and scan head towards the roller on opposite sides of the roller.
• Fig. 15 is the device of Fig. 14, illustrating arms 50 in their opened position.
• the arms When locked in their opened position, the arms provide the necessary stability for the device seated on a flat surface so that it does not topple over during operation.
• the device With the arms opened, the device is reclined at an angle and is no longer vertically upright, but facilitates feeding of the print media and the scanned document without obstruction.
• the print media guides 55 are shown to provide a positioning means for media roll 70. and also prevent the roll from sliding parallel to longitudinal axis X-X of the device, as the media travels perpendicular to this axis through the device.
• Fig. 17 represents an enlarged cross-section along line B-B and across the locking means for arm 50 to body 20.
• a small protrusion 100 fits into a mating cavity 110 to provide a locking means which can snap into and snap out of its locked position without excessive force.
• the angle at which the arm and body contact each other in the closed position is substantially identical, and forms a limit stop for the arm in closing.
• Fig. 18 is a right-side elevational view of the invention illustrating arm 50 in the opened and locked position of Fig. 15.
• Arm 50 rotates about hinge 60 to provide sufficient space under main body 20 and level surface 120 to store a thermal sensitive print media roll 70.
• Guides 55 correctly position the print media with print head 2 which prints a line of dots at a time, parallel to drive roller 1, which also functions as the print roller.
• Scanned document 9 traverses parallel to print media 8 on opposite sides of drive roller 1, in opposite directions, across scan head 3 which reads the document one linear array of dots at a time.
• the locking devices 90a/90b fix arms 50 in open positions and also stops the arms from opening further.
• the force of drive roller 1 pulls the roll of print media 70 from the top causing the roll to always rotate and move in a direction towards the main body 20, keeping it snugly against the body at all times during printing without the need for additional fixation devices, thus allowing the guides 55 to function in restraining the roll from sliding perpendicular to the direction of travel of the print media and correctly positioning the media with the print head.
• Fig. 19 represents an enlarged sectional view across the limit stop projection 80 located at the bottom corners of main body 20. Stops 80 prevent the arms from rotating past the closed position where they essentially conform to the shape of the end view of the main body.
• Mating cavity 110 exists in the main body at the stop location as part of the locking device into which a mating protrusion, located on each arm. fits.
• FIG. 20 which represents a right-side elevational view of main body 20 of the invention with the arms removed, pivot hole 170 for hinge 60 is illustrated into which hinge
• SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) 60. located on each arm as an integral part, is inserted and snaps into position by nature of the design of the hinge.
• the limit stop projection 80 and locking cavities 110 are both integral parts of the main body 20.
• Fig. 21 represents an arm 50 of the invention removed from the main body.
• Hinge 60 is comprised of curved segments separated by narrow gaps in a circular arrangement. These gaps are present to allow the hinge to bend inward when inserting into pivot hole 170.
• the protrusions 100 which form part of the locking device are an integral part of the arms and fit into the mating cavities of the limit stops on the main body.
• the angle of the surface 180 on the arm. mates exactly with the corresponding limit stop on the main body providing continuity between parts, yielding an aesthetic, close fit of the arms to the limit stops on the main body in both the opened and closed positions.
• Fig. 22 represents an enlarged view of the arm ' s protrusion 100 which forms part of the locking device as an integral part of the arm 50. These protrusions mate with locking cavities 110 in the main body to lock the arms into position without excessive force, and can just as easily unlock.
• a segmented shaft 190 which mates with pivot hole 170 in the main body, as shown in Fig. 20.
• a flat surface 200 projecting beyond the periphery of the segmented shaft is present to secure the arm into position yet allow rotation about the pivot hole after the arm's hinge is inserted into the hole.
• a tapered surface 210 is introduced which bends the hinge segments inward upon inserting into the hole. The hinge segments return to their straight rest position as surface 200 passes the inside wall of the main body, locking the arm onto the main body free to rotate about the hinge.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Computing Systems (AREA)
• Facsimiles In General (AREA)
• Printers Characterized By Their Purpose (AREA)
• Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
• Common Mechanisms (AREA)
• Facsimile Scanning Arrangements (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

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• 1999
  • 1999-11-16 AU AU15249/00A patent/AU1524900A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1999-11-16 WO PCT/US1999/027125 patent/WO2001037542A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1999-11-16 JP JP2001538388A patent/JP2003530734A/ja active Pending
  • 1999-11-16 EP EP99957568A patent/EP1236343A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 1999-11-16 CN CN99817077.1A patent/CN1413410A/zh active Pending

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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