EP1932333A1 - The multifunctional mobile scanning device - Google Patents
The multifunctional mobile scanning deviceInfo
- Publication number
- EP1932333A1 EP1932333A1 EP06755766A EP06755766A EP1932333A1 EP 1932333 A1 EP1932333 A1 EP 1932333A1 EP 06755766 A EP06755766 A EP 06755766A EP 06755766 A EP06755766 A EP 06755766A EP 1932333 A1 EP1932333 A1 EP 1932333A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- optional
- addition
- attachments
- computer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims description 33
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000009194 climbing Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000010422 painting Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920006397 acrylic thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- VJYFKVYYMZPMAB-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethoprophos Chemical compound CCCSP(=O)(OCC)SCCC VJYFKVYYMZPMAB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N tert-butyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(C)(C)OC(=O)C=C ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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
-
- 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
-
- 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
- H04N1/00681—Detecting the presence, position or size of a sheet or correcting its position before scanning
-
- 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
- H04N1/00681—Detecting the presence, position or size of a sheet or correcting its position before scanning
- H04N1/00684—Object of the detection
- H04N1/00702—Position
-
- 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
- H04N1/00681—Detecting the presence, position or size of a sheet or correcting its position before scanning
- H04N1/00684—Object of the detection
- H04N1/00721—Orientation
-
- 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
- H04N1/00681—Detecting the presence, position or size of a sheet or correcting its position before scanning
- H04N1/00729—Detection means
- H04N1/00734—Optical detectors
-
- 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
- H04N1/00681—Detecting the presence, position or size of a sheet or correcting its position before scanning
- H04N1/00742—Detection methods
- H04N1/0075—Detecting a change in reflectivity
-
- 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
-
- 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
- H04N1/10—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 flat picture-bearing surfaces
Definitions
- This invention relates to a multifunctional, self-propelling, electronic scanning device with printing, cutting, art and other capabilities.
- 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 self-propulsion. It may also contain a printer but does not have to, and can hold and control various 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- an attachment can have a cutting device attached such as a laser cutter, blade or other cutting tools, hi 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.
- a cutting device such as a laser cutter, blade or other cutting tools
- 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.
- 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.
- the device hi 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.
- the basic device consists of a scanner unit and optional printer unit, plus sites for installation of its optional attachments.
- 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.l.
- the device 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.
- 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.
- 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 and/or 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.
- 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.
- Fig.l 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 and/or 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.
- attachment holder/electrical point for placing additional attachments (6) electronic display/LCD screen
- the 'document' which can be paper, metal or any other material
- 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 mformation that has been inputted to the computer can then be analysed into appropriate computer files.
- 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.
- 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.
- this is the preferred (optimal) method of operation and other methods of operation may be necessary depending on the task to be performed.
- Another example of use would be its ability to draw or edit plans and drawings which are made on very large paper.
- Another advantage is that it will move to areas that are hard to reach manually when the document is extremely large.
- 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.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computing Systems (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Printers Characterized By Their Purpose (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0515128A GB0515128D0 (en) | 2005-07-25 | 2005-07-25 | The multifunctional self-propelling scanning device |
GB0515311A GB0515311D0 (en) | 2005-07-26 | 2005-07-26 | The multifunctional mobile scanning device |
GB0606150A GB2428928B (en) | 2005-07-25 | 2006-03-28 | The multifunctional mobile scanning device |
PCT/GB2006/002562 WO2007012802A1 (en) | 2005-07-25 | 2006-07-11 | The multifunctional mobile scanning device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1932333A1 true EP1932333A1 (en) | 2008-06-18 |
Family
ID=36933589
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP06755766A Withdrawn EP1932333A1 (en) | 2005-07-25 | 2006-07-11 | The multifunctional mobile scanning device |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1932333A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007012802A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8922817B2 (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2014-12-30 | pita4 mobile LLC | Mobile Printing device |
US9936089B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2018-04-03 | Kodak Alaris Inc. | Mobile autonomous scalable scanner system |
US9906664B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2018-02-27 | Kodak Alaris Inc. | Mobile autonomous scalable scanner system |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH0279555A (en) * | 1988-09-14 | 1990-03-20 | Sharp Corp | Self-running scanner |
US5293257A (en) * | 1990-12-11 | 1994-03-08 | Katsuya Masao | Mobile size independent image input/output apparatus and plate |
US5182450A (en) * | 1991-11-06 | 1993-01-26 | Primax Electronics Ltd. | Handheld image scanner with automatic movement control |
TW225020B (en) * | 1992-08-11 | 1994-06-11 | Nisca Corp | |
US5446559A (en) * | 1992-10-05 | 1995-08-29 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Method and apparatus for scanning and printing |
JPH08139858A (en) * | 1994-11-11 | 1996-05-31 | Nisca Corp | Image reader |
RU2220643C2 (en) * | 2001-04-18 | 2004-01-10 | Самсунг Гванджу Электроникс Ко., Лтд. | Automatic cleaning apparatus, automatic cleaning system and method for controlling of system (versions) |
-
2006
- 2006-07-11 EP EP06755766A patent/EP1932333A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2006-07-11 WO PCT/GB2006/002562 patent/WO2007012802A1/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO2007012802A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2007012802A1 (en) | 2007-02-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1911595B1 (en) | Handheld printer and method of operation | |
US7278223B1 (en) | Housing activated intelligent marking system for hand-held sensing and measuring devices | |
EP1830988B1 (en) | Automatic pattern making apparatus | |
AU729474B2 (en) | Robotic plotter system | |
US6261011B1 (en) | Printer system | |
US20080213018A1 (en) | Hand-propelled scrapbooking printer | |
US20080069620A1 (en) | Hand-operated Printer and Printer Dock Configured to Facilitate Auxiliary Printing | |
CN102131649A (en) | System and method for printing and cutting | |
EP1932333A1 (en) | The multifunctional mobile scanning device | |
GB2428928A (en) | Multifunction mobile scanner having various attachments | |
EP1195268A2 (en) | An apparatus for engraving images and its adaptor for holding the piece to be engraved | |
JP6056301B2 (en) | Printing apparatus and printing system | |
JPH11348355A (en) | Multi-purpose printing apparatus | |
JPS6318772B2 (en) | ||
JP6818427B2 (en) | Printing equipment and printing method | |
CN211276997U (en) | Movable laser marking machine | |
JP4801683B2 (en) | Electronic blackboard and electronic blackboard system | |
EP0935383A1 (en) | Notetaking and recording apparatus, system and process | |
JP2016013620A (en) | Stamp, stamp surface material, stamp base, and stamp manufacturing method | |
AU746703B2 (en) | Printer apparatus | |
JP2562556Y2 (en) | Auxiliary device for manual scanning device | |
JP3064295U (en) | Memo writer, system, and process | |
CN2924953Y (en) | Hand-held office machine | |
CN212353299U (en) | Frame type positioning device for handheld printer | |
ZA200406417B (en) | Pager with built-in printer |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20080225 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20190201 |
|
18RA | Request filed for re-establishment of rights before grant |
Effective date: 20190731 |
|
PUAJ | Public notification under rule 129 epc |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009425 |
|
32PN | Public notification |
Free format text: COMMUNICATION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 113 EPC (EPO FORM 2901 DATED 30/01/2020) |
|
APBK | Appeal reference recorded |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNE |
|
APBN | Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2E |
|
APBR | Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3E |
|
APAF | Appeal reference modified |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNE |
|
RAP3 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: THILLAINAYAGAM, VIDHYA RAJESWARI GOWRI |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: THILLAINAYAGAM, VIDHYA RAJESWARI GOWRI |
|
APBX | Invitation to file observations in appeal sent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBA2E |
|
APBZ | Receipt of observations in appeal recorded |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBA4E |
|
APBT | Appeal procedure closed |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9E |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
D18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn (deleted) | ||
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
R18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn (corrected) |
Effective date: 20230325 |